As the month of June unfurls, the mirth and excitement in Greenwich continue to surge with the launch of our version of the legendary New York Magazine Competition. Now in its fourth week, this competitive homage to the genius of Mary Ann Madden has proved to be both intellectually stimulating and creatively rewarding.
Sponsored by Superior Dairy Products, the contest, originally conceived by Madden, involves a skillful play of words and linguistic artistry, a testament to the intellectual acumen and creative ingenuity of Greenwich residents. Over the past three weeks, we’ve seen an inspiring outpouring of entries, affirming the town’s thriving literary culture and the brilliance of its citizens.
The New York Magazine Competition, initially a solution to Stephen Sondheim’s taxing weekly crossword schedule, had its inception in 1969 and ran for an impressive 973 installments over 32 years. Mary Ann Madden, who was appointed by Sondheim himself, not only filled the gap but created an enduring cultural phenomenon.
In the spirit of Madden’s innovative brilliance, our fourth competition, “Awkward Introductions,” promises to be an amusing linguistic playground that will challenge your wits and tickle your funny bone. With the earlier themes nding both seasoned wordsmiths and budding linguists in Greenwich participating with equal enthusiasm, this contest has already become beloved here at the paper.
Literary mirth holds a profound significance in people’s lives, offering a delightful escape from the mundane. It nourishes the soul, fostering a sense of joy, wonder, and connection that transcends the constraints of everyday existence.
“Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic.” – J.K. Rowling
The competition has always been synonymous with clever wit and humor, often attracting famous participants including David Mamet, Herb Sargent, Peter Stone, and Paul Desmond. Indeed, the spirit of the contest even brought Madden’s cat, Grace Katz, into the literary limelight, credited for occasional witty entries. The challenge has always been a vibrant, delightful mix of intelligence, creativity, and charm – values we see in abundance in our Greenwich community.
Greenwich residents, your brilliant entries have been a testament to your creative prowess, validating the decision to bring this competition to our town. Now, as we launch our fifth challenge, we’re calling on your humor, wit, and creativity once again.
Madden’s contest was a beacon for creative expression, a forum that brought together intellects from every corner. In reviving this tradition, we are not just sparking a love for words and a passion for creativity, but we are also building a unique platform where we can come together as a community.
To our readers, we invite you to pick up your pencils, tap away at your keyboards, and let your creativity flow. Embrace the playful spirit of Mary Ann Madden and the legacy she has left behind, shaping it into a new tradition that celebrates the intelligence and creativity of Greenwich.
Please note that the outcomes of these playful word duels will only be published in the print and digital editions of the paper, reinforcing the allure of traditional journalism and making it a cherished, exclusive experience for our readers. We value the exclusivity that comes with holding the printed edition in your hands or viewing it on your preferred device, an experience we will not replicate on our website or social media.
Your spirited participation is the lifeblood of this competition. Let us continue to light up the pages of The Greenwich Sentinel with your wit, creativity, and literary brilliance. Remember, the best “greeting cards for a dubious occasions” await your imaginative entries for next week’s issue.
Good luck!
