RVNA Spelling Bee 2016 contestants include, from left: the Boys & Girls Club’s Kristin Goncalves; Joe Arcieri, RHS teacher and football coach; Stacey Gross, RHS principal; The Gym’s Jenny Conciatore; Meredith Mulhearn of Cucumber & Chamomile; Rabbi David Reiner of Congregation Shir Shalom; Nancy O’Connell of Nancy O; Ridgefield Chamber Director Jennifer Zinzi; Grace Weber of Founders Hall; RHS senior Gabe Altopp; Officer Shawn Murray; and Danielle Verrilli of Audrey Road. Missing from photo: RVNA’s Aaron Crook, Carin Crook of The Natural Scoop, and Dr. Angelo Ciminiello of Danbury Orthopedics.
Will the rabbi lose to the police officer? Can the doctor survive without spell-check? Will the local celebrities “spell it out” in true spelling bee style in the fifth annual RVNA Spelling Bee on Wednesday, March 9, at the Ridgefield Playhouse? Will the honor student headed to Brown University beat his high school principal? Will the football coach out-spell the Zumba instructor?
“This is one spirited group of contestants — and competitive, too! They are so enthusiastic and have a great sense of community,” said Mary Jean Heller, RVNA director of philanthropy.
The RVNA Spelling Bee follows the format of the National Scripps Spelling Bee, with a panel of judges and moderator. This year’s moderator will be Daniela Sikora, director of the Ridgefield Chorale and former spelling bee contestant.
Judges will be Ridgefield Magazine’s Geoffrey Morris, Dan Berta of Fairfield County Bank, and RVNA’s Theresa Santoro.
Funds raised through the bee support RVNA nursing education.
The event will be sponsored by BMW of Ridgefield; Dr. Blaine Langberg; Cathie Bonner, professional skating instructor; Dr. Dana C. Jones; Fairfield County Bank; Fred Astaire Dance Studio; Maida Design; Pamby Motors; Planet Pizza; Reynolds & Rowella; Ridgefield Magazine; Ridgefield PBA; The Ridgefield Press; Steven P. Nitz of Fairfield County Financial Services; Study-Works’ Janie Larson; Tiger Sports; Tigers’ Den Sports Bar & Grill; Turner Mechanical; and We Do Lines.
The bee will be held on Wednesday, March 9, at 7 p.m. at the Ridgefield Playhouse. Tickets ($20 adult, $5 student) may be purchased at RVNA, 27 Governor Street, at ridgefieldvna.org/give-to-rvna/5th-annual-spelling-bee, or at the door the night of the event.
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