For the Spell of It

What better way to raise funds and have fun than spending time with others who love spelling, words, books, and wine. Madison Reading Project hosted its first adult spelling bee on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at the Fisher King Winery in Verona. The spelling bee was a collaboration between Jane Burns, a local journalist and word lover, and Rowan Childs, executive director of Madison Reading Project. The vocabulary included a round of Dr. Seuss words and several rounds of wine vocabulary. Gretchen Treu of Room of One’s Own, Gurdip Brar, Middleton mayor, and John Smalley, editor of the Wisconsin State Journal, helped judge the contest. Prizes were donated by William Thomas Jewelers, Trader Joe’s, Paoli School House Restaurant, and Fisher King Winery. (For information on getting your event featured in the IB Gallery, email jason@ibmadison.com.)