In addition to those families it was already serving, the program took on over 30 Hmong refugee families who began moving into subsidized housing in Madison back in July of 2004. Despite less money coming in and being told to cut back, MFL actually added services for these and other ethnic groups in the area.
The idea to hold a Scrabble tournament seemed like a natural fit with the goals of the organization, and would serve as a fun, community-wide way to raise funds.
"It was fun teaching our participants how to play the game," says La Cross, "literally how to play with words, which is one of the mantras of early childhood language in our culture, but so new to them."
Competitors are encouraged to hone their Scrabble skills at one of ten locations around Madison and Fitchburg where games boards are available for practicing through Saturday, Feb. 16. These sites include:
- Harmony Bar, 2201 Atwood Ave
. - Escape Java Joint & Gallery, 916 Williamson St.
- Mother Fool's Coffeehouse, 1101 Williamson St.
- Lazy Jane's Cafe, 1358 Williamson St.
- Fair Trade Coffee House, 418 State St.
- Steep 'n Brew, 544 State St.
- The Froth House, 11 N. Allen St.
- Ancora Coffee, 1859 Monroe St.
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- Ancora Coffee Fitchburg, 2690 Research Park Dr.
- Borders Books, 3750 University and 2173 Zeier Rd.
These practice opportunities are all free, and competitors are encouraged to record their scores in accompanying ledgers for a shot in the tournament. Starting on Saturday, Feb. 23, individuals will face off over Scrabble boards in a bid to be the best wordsmiths in town. On Sunday, Feb. 24, sponsored teams will take their turns to fight for wordy dominance. And one lucky person, whoever puts in the highest bid, will get to challenge Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz at high noon on the first day.
Wisconsin First Lady Jessica Doyle is even offering her assistance to the cause, hosting preliminary games for middle school representatives from across the city on February 13.
La Cross and others have been working with a number of people and groups in the area to drum up interest in and support for the tournament. Players from all age groups and skill levels are encouraged to participate, as are businesses willing to sponsor teams. If you have a personal score to settle with someone, consider taking it to the game board by making a "direct challenge."
The Madison Family Literacy All-City Scrabble Tournament starts Saturday, Feb. 23 with registration at 11:30 a.m. at the Hilldale Shopping Center. Play that day will center on individuals and the match with Mayor Dave, with an awards ceremony at 4:15 p.m. Games for sponsored teams will be held on Sunday starting at 1 p.m. Both English and Spanish boards will be available for play. Teams and direct challenges must pre-register by emailing maryannjackson@charter.net. All donations are tax deductible and receipt will be provided, with all bids for a match against Mayor Dave due by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 8. For more information about the tournament, registering, fees and donations, please contact Patti La Cross at placross@madison.k12.wi.us or 608-220-8650.
"I am so grateful to be able to share information about what we are privileged to do with such amazing staff and such precious families trying to do their best for their children," says La Cross. "The efforts some parents go to and their delight in learning how to help their children is a very humbling gift. Those efforts pay off not only for these families and their children, but for our children sitting next to them in school, and for our economy as they very readily step into the work force."
