Teams are sharpening their vocabulary skills for Literacy Volunteers’ SCRABBLE tournament in March.
Team registration opened last week, and six have signed up already. Lisa Cardilli, executive director Literacy New York––Fulton, Montgomery and Schoharie Counties, expects more than 20.
To register, email Ms. Cardilli at lnyfms1@gmail.com or call 518-234-2576.
Set for 9am Saturday March 18 at Radez School in Richmondville, the tournament is the 12th annual contest, though COVID cancelled it the past three years.
“It’s been a while, but we’re back,” said Ms. Cardilli. “We’re re-establishing ourselves after a three-year hiatus.
“Having those six teams come back after a three-year break is a testament to the good times they had.”
The tournament is a fundraiser for Literacy Volunteers, but the emphasis for players is on fun––and winning money.
There will be three SCRABBLE games, all with different rules, and total points for the games determines the winning teams.
First place earns $200, the next three get $100 each, and one team is drawn randomly and gets $100.
Normal SCRABBLE rules don’t apply. Teams try to fill the board with as many high-scoring words as possible.
Teams can also buy letters at a tile table or pay for a peek at a dictionary to spell difficult words.
“You don’t have to be a SCRABBLE wizard,” said Literacy board President Jim Poole. “Just work together, work quickly and fill up your board.”
The cost is $15 per person, and teams can be two, three or four players.
“Three hours of fun and a continental breakfast,” said Ms. Cardilli. “It’s a pretty good deal.”
Brian Dineen will again be emcee and will deliver trivia questions for prizes between games.
“Brian’s just a great emcee,” said Mr. Poole. “He’s edgy, funny, and keeps the mood light.”
Also back are Steve and Joanne Salerno, who’ll provide the breakfast.
“Brian returning and having Steve and Joanne here again is wonderful,” Ms. Cardilli said. All three have been regulars at the tournament for years.
The deadline for team registration is Thursday, March 16.

• • •
The tournament is a major fundraiser for Literacy Volunteers, which teaches reading, writing and math skills to adults.
Literacy NY has trained volunteer tutors who work one-on-one with students, and the service is free.
Many students are aiming to get a job, land a better job or earn their high school equivalency diploma.
Although the services are free to students, Literacy Volunteers has expenses, including offices in Cobleskill and Gloversville, a small staff and materials for students.