Spelling Bee Wednesday at First United Methodist Church
By Susan Branham
Santa Paula News
Published: May 23, 2008
By Susan Branham
Santa Paula Times
The rapidly approaching 19th Annual Santa Paula Times Executive Spelling Bee on Wednesday, May 28, means lots of fun for the community, and some very special entertainment as well. Bee goers will be treated to the talent and expertise of jazz guitarist Barry Cooper and Santa Paula musician and artist Xavier Montes.
The Bee benefits Blanchard Community Library’s literacy program, FLAIR, Family Literacy: Aid in Reading, and will feature teams from several community organizations, all vying for the spelling championship. The pronouncer for this year’s event is Leslie Nichols, chair of the board of the Santa Paula Theater Center. “We’re so glad to have Leslie as our pronouncer again this year,” FLAIR Program Director Kathryn Bornhauser said.
“I was the spelling bee pronouncer for Portola School in Santa Barbara for twenty years,” Leslie Nichols recalled. “I love words. It was very fun to do it last year. It’s a worthwhile event for the library.”
Montes is a sought-after entertainer who performs in various venues on the harp. Wednesday’s session will feature harp, acoustic guitar and upright bass, and the electric guitar. Guitarist Barry Cooper has extensive playing and studio work to his credit. He performed professionally for many years in Los Angeles. The two will perform as people arrive for the event, until just before the spelling begins.
“We’ve never played together before,” Montes said. “I’ve seen him play. He’s very experienced and very knowledgeable, and I like what he plays.” Montes hopes everyone will come out and enjoy the Spelling Bee and the entertainment, a jam session – unplugged.
Doors open to the public at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, at Wesley Hall in First United Methodist Church on North Mill Street in Santa Paula. The evening will also feature door prizes, lucky eggs, and a silent auction. The competition begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at Blanchard Community Library for $7 per person. Children 12 and under get in for $3. The library invites everyone to buzz on down and join in the fun.
