Seniors Spell Their Way To Victory at OL Center
Louis S. Viverito Senior Center at 7745 S. Leamington Ave., Burbank, was the host site last week for the area’s first senior spelling bee.
According to Social Services Program Supervisor for the Stickney Township Office on Aging, Kelly Dillon, the Viverito Senior Center was asked to be the host site by the Illinois Association of Senior Centers.
“The Center was honored to be asked,” Dillon said.
The small, but enthusiastic group of four participants were Marge Hall, Myrna Duggan, Mary Fitzgerald and Kathleen Foley. They were tested with a total of 50 words.
The winning word was “newton.” The first-place winner was Oak Lawn resident Kathleen Foley, 80, a retired school teacher.
“I love spelling bees,” Foley said. “I’ve entered other contests and won some. I’m hoping to go to the regional competition sometime this year.”
Foley also sharpens her spelling skills by watching TV game shows and doing crossword puzzles.
“Since I grew up in Ireland, some of the words are spelled differently here. I have to be careful with the spelling sometimes.”
Mary Fitzgerald, 69, of Burbank, finished second.
A recent widow, Fitzgerald is also a lay chaplain at area nursing homes and hospitals.
“I entered the contest just for fun,” Fitzgerald said.
She loves cooking, swimming and to read romance novels. She is also a frequent visitor at the Senior Center.
“It’s an excellent center,” Fitzgerald said, “They serve wonderful meals for seniors every day.”
When asked if she will enter the Spelling Bee again if held next year, she said “I would like to.”