Today's Features

The kids in “Spellbound,” next up in Mesa Public Library’s Free Film Series, study for hours every day, ever driven to reach their goal of memorizing the spelling of every word in the English language — or if not every word, at least whichever ones they are asked to spell at the Scripps Howard national spelling bee in Washington D.C.
Spelling isn’t all that interesting to most people and yet, watching these eight teens and pre-teens with their flashcards, dictionaries and indefatigable parents is completely absorbing.
The 2002 Oscar-nominated documentary follows the eight through regional spelling bees right up through the national championship.
Viewers see them not only with their massive word lists, but interacting with their families and friends in their homes and between rounds at the big bee.
Part of the movie’s charm is that you end up rooting for everyone and biting your fingernails every time any kid, even one you don’t “know,” steps up to the microphone. It’s easy to get caught up in the action.
Spelling might not initially sound riveting and yet, the final rounds feel just as tense and cutthroat as any other serious competition.
What’s the final word?
Can you spell it?

The Los Alamos Middle School Hawks had spirits soaring as they participated in, A Minute to Win It, with Assets In Action, just prior to spring break.
    The LAMS Student Council, under the direction of teacher, Linda Bennett, sold tickets, staffed activities and motivated the troops.
“Thanks to the efforts of the Student Council and Assets In Action, all I had to do was say that Minute to Win It was going to happen and secure a date and time,” Principal Rex Kilburn said, “Student Council did a fabulous job coordinating, Ms. Bennett should be very pleased with the work she has done with her Student Council students.”
    The idea, based on the NBC television summer hit, with host Guy Fieri was used to support the staff recognition event known as the Hawk Hubba Bubba Award.
    “The fact that the funds raised go back into an account to celebrate staff underscores and emphasizes the great kids that attend the middle school,” Kilburn said, “All of the adults that work at the middle school are lucky to work with such individuals.”
    The Kilburn crew rose to the challenge when students purchased tickets for 25 cents, for self or staff, to earn a chance to play.

During the Aspen Elementary annual Spring Fling Festival April 19, students were able to enter a drawing to “shave Mr. Lloyd’s head.” Jeff Lloyd is the school’s librarian. Second grader, Lilly New was the winner. The proceeds from the drawing support the Los Alamos Parent-Teacher Organization

Today
• At 5:30 p.m., Steve Roller will lead a Ruby K’s Community Hour discussion about specific strategies Los Alamos businesses can use to sell more, and how Los Alamos can sell itself as a community. Roller is a web copywriter, travel writer and an expert on what motivates people to buy. Ruby K’s Bagel Café is located at 1789 Central Avenue, Suite 2.
• Los Alamos Tuff Riders Mountain Bike Club, 5:30 p.m. at the Sullivan Field parking lot. For more information, go to tuffriders.losalamos.com.
• Expedition Caving Basics talk sponsored by the Pajarito Environmental Education Center. Learn what it’s like to spend a week living and working underground. Local caver Beth Cortright will provide details, pictures and video of a typical caving expedition. 6 p.m. at Mesa Public Library. Free. Contact PEEC or MPL for more information.
Thursday
• National Day of Prayer. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 715 Diamond Drive. 662-6277 or 662-6979. For more information visit NationalDayOfPrayer.org.