Moorpark senior wins big on 'Price is Right'
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers SPIN THE WHEEL- Mary Bentley of Moorpark waves from the the new car she won on the television game show "The Price is Right." Bentley also won a refrigerator, freezer, and an exercise machine.

Life is a little easier for Moorpark resident Marie Bentley, now that she's driving a brand new 2008 Chevrolet Equinox to visit friends and pick up her groceries. With the new set of wheels she won a TV game show, Bentley has no more worries of her car breaking down.

The 79yearold retired special education aide, who worked for the Moorpark Unified School District for almost 30 years, won the auto on "The Price is Right- Showcase Showdown" early last month. The show aired Oct. 25 on CBS.

Bentley went to Hollywood with a group of 14 local residents to see host Drew Carey, of her favorite TV personalities.

"I had no idea I was going to win a spot on the show," she said.

Audience members waited for hours before they were called in five at a time to be interviewed, she said. About 135 people attended the taping but only six were selected to participate in the games.

When it was her turn to answer questions, Bentley said, she immediately began to tell the interviewer how much she loves kids and that she'd been working with autistic and special needs children for many years. She said she retired when she was 73.

Bentley also told the interviewer she'd renewed her driver's license just a day earlier.

The sharp-minded senior's vivacious and positive personality won over the producers.

"Marie is always peppy and enthusiastic, with a cheery 'hello' for everyone she meets," said Peggy Rothschild, director of the Moorpark Active Adult Center.

Bentley said she really enjoyed seeing Drew Carey in person. "I always liked him because he's got a personality," she said.

"Drew helped me to spin the wheel because it was heavy," said Bentley.

During the commercials, Carey visited with the audience, asking questions and making them laugh.

Bentley, who said she was thrilled to have an OnStar navigation and communication system on her new Chevrolet, also won silverware, a new refrigerator and an exercise machine.