Who would have thought that a Saturday morning spelling bee at the McGregor Home assisted living facility could grasp the attention of kids and residents so entirely.   That look in each of the kids eyes -  they - and Miss Bessy - have left the world of the old and infirm and are focused entirely on thinking of which letter of the alphabet comes next.   This intense, captivated, other-worldly facial expression is the El Dorado  every parent and every teacher strives to reach.  

Volunteer Jeremy Gutow  found the public address system didn’t work right at the start – but he took it in stride with aplomb.  After teaming up volunteering kids from the Heights Youth Club (Lee Road at Washington Blvd in Cleveland Heights – 216-321-CLUB)   with each of the residents at the 15 or 20 tables under the tent,  Jeremy went table to table, spelling round, after spelling round.   Jeremy knew the 75 or more residents by name and built up the energy of the crowd with his humor and caring. 

Miss Bessy – at the left in the photo – took first place and received a check for $25.00.     The kids loved it!  Click on the attached Miss Bessy file below for a close up of the kids.

Hat’s off to Mr. Gutow, the McGregor Home, and the Heights Youth Club kids for making a real difference in our lives.