Tioga United Way’s very own bumblebee, Zachary Zielinski.
By now, you’ve heard about Tioga United Way’s first annual Adult Spelling Bee. On April 9, from 7 to 9 p.m., 12 teams will be competing for first and second place, as well as Best Costume. The event will take place at the Owego Elks Lodge located at 223 Main St. in Owego.
The teams will be given a word by Master of Ceremonies, Orville Wright. The teams will then write the word on an answer sheet and submit to the judges, Paula Smith, Jon McNamara, and OPD Chief Karen Vinti.
Also in attendance will be three local beekeepers, Tammy and Tracy Babcock, Lory Weisz and Carmel Buneo, as well as Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardeners, who will be emphasizing the importance of bees to our ecological system and food supply.
Online bidding for the Celebrity Lunches silent auction will continue through April 8. The highest bidder can have lunch at a local hot spot, in a county jail cell, at the Watkins Glen International Racetrack, or in New York City (via a private jet). Bidding will then continue at the Spelling Bee where winners will be announced.
In addition to the celebrity lunches, you can bid on other silent auction items such as Buzz Hard Cider, a B-Mets Fan pack, a Wine Bee Basket, a Farmhouse Brewery growler, or a Honey Bee Hive Cake.
If spelling just isn’t your thing, but you would like to join in the festivities and support a worthy cause, pay a $5 admission and a get free slice of Bee Cake (compliments of Rose Donnelly). There will also be a cash bar and snacks available for purchase.
For more information, contact the Tioga United Way by calling (607) 687-4028 or visit www.tiogaunitedway.com.
