By Kevin Greer
Lakeside Communications Manager
Marcia Asdal has been visiting Lakeside every summer since the late 1990s, making it a cherished family tradition. This summer, she’s bringing another tradition to the Orchestra Hall stage: the Lakeside Spelling Bee.
Asdal pitched the idea to John Mann, Lakeside’s Director of Education, and Karyn Torigoe, V.P. of Programming, and they both agreed enthusiastically. The first Lakeside Spelling Bee will take place at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 21.
“I’ve been thinking about a spelling bee in Lakeside for years,” Asdal said. “It’s fun, family-oriented, and you can run it all sorts of ways.”
Mann sees the event as a perfect fit for Lakeside, comparing it to the popular Talent Show.
“It’s a community event where people can be on stage and showcase their talent. In this case, spelling,” Mann said.
Asdal has plenty of experience running spelling bees. She hosts a family competition each summer in Lakeside with about 30 participants. She ran adult spelling bees in the 1980s in her hometown of Chester, New Jersey, where she also served as mayor for eight years. Asdal also led school contests as PTO president and was an avid competitor herself as a student.
The Lakeside Spelling Bee will follow a traditional format: a practice round, with words increasing in difficulty as the contest progresses. At least two judges will be present to resolve any tricky words, which will be displayed on a screen for the audience. Sentences and definitions will be provided upon request. Rhein Center Manager Jennifer Wertz will serve as the bee’s emcee.
“It’s a low-key event, but a good emcee can make it more fun,” Asdal said. “The host helps the event flow while making the contestants feel comfortable on stage.”
The competition is open to Lakesiders age 18+, with a maximum of 20 contestants. There’s no registration, so participants should arrive early to add their name to the list. Medals will be awarded to the top three: gold, silver and bronze, and organizers plan to create a plaque to honor first-place winners each year.
“I hope people sign up, have a good time and that it continues for many seasons,” Asdal said. “I’m so happy that Lakeside has embraced the Spelling Bee. Where else can you demonstrate this unique skill?”
