Pauline Nevins

On the evening of the last Saturday in March, I had more fun in a church than I deserved. I attended the 11th annual Trivia Bee hosted by the American Association of University Women (AAUW).

Susan Rushton, an AAUW member and trivia team recruiter, emailed me and a few other Auburn Journal contributors, encouraging us to join a team. I declined, having already purchased my single ticket. Besides, the theme was sports. I can name a few Grand Slam tennis players, plus Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, but that’s it.

The Congregational Church hall overflowed with people chatting and wandering between the tables. Rick, a member of the team Two Girls and a Guy, and his sweetheart Charlene, my hiking friend, invited me to sit with them. Charlene introduced me to her friend, Carol. We went to school together, Charlene said, and they smiled sweetly as they side-hugged. I felt a pang. I miss my English school pals.

As people settled into the folding chairs around the tables, the exuberant AAUW president, Alexia Retallack, microphone in hand, stood facing the group, her back to the stage. She gave an overview of the organization’s activities that included a surprising change. I emailed her later, asking for more information.

“Anyone can now join AAUW, even if they do not have a degree or an associate’s degree,” said Alexia. “AAUW was originally founded to help expand access to higher education for women and girls. With more than 50 percent of college applicants today being women, we have helped accomplish that goal, though we continue to work on the areas where women are underrepresented like science, technology, engineering and math. We also recognize that there are many paths in life and some of the most incredible women who own businesses and lead our community do not have degrees. We felt it was time to open the doors.”

Following Alexia’s speech, she asked for volunteers to form another trivia team. I raised my hand – shoulder high – prompted by my lingering guilt for not joining the Auburn Journal team. Alexia, standing in the far corner of the room, didn’t see me. Someone pointed in my direction. I was on a team.

After the buffet dinner, I slowly followed Rick into an adjacent room where the teams gathered. I stood in the corner wondering what team I’d been assigned to. Someone behind me said my name. I turned. It was none other than our esteemed Journal editor Bill Poindexter. He didn’t need another team member.

A handsome dark-haired young man approached me. Caleb introduced himself, then we looked around for a third team member.

“We only have two people,” I called out to Susan Rushton. “We’ll find someone,” she said confidently. And she did. A short time later, a smiling John Bowman claimed the empty chair next to Caleb on the stage where the 20 teams assembled.

I met John and his wife Valerie some years ago at a Martin Luther King Day gathering at Auburn’s General Gomez Art Gallery. Valerie approached me during a break. She said I looked interesting. It was the nicest and most surprising introduction I’ve experienced.

Several years later, John, a retired newspaper editor and published poet, wrote a complimentary blurb on the back cover of my Bonkers for Conkers book. I rarely see John and Val, but when I do, I’m reminded of their kindness.

So, here I was on stage, ready to make a fool of myself. The gregarious and entertaining emcee, longtime KAHI Radio personality Dave Rosenthal, belted out the rules. Someone thrust a clipboard and marker into my hand. Great. I didn’t know sports, but I could write – and happily scribbled our team’s answers to Dave’s questions before the 20-second buzzer sounded.

John knows basketball affirmed Caleb after we scored points in that area. Then came a cricket question. Cricket! I perked up. I knew the answer! Bowler, I blurted loud enough for everyone to hear. It was the right answer. I almost took a bow.

We may not have come close to winning, but as John whispered gleefully to me and Caleb, “We scored more points than five of the teams.”

The competition winners were sisters Delana and Anne Ruud, and Bob Fehr – the 2½ Native team. They were awarded the revolving trophy – for one year. I learned later they’d won the first Trivia Bee in 2012.

As we stepped down from the stage, John put a friendly arm around my shoulder. Me, you and Caleb next year?

Why not, I thought, buoyed by my one right answer and the thought of another fun night at church.