SharonRoeAnderson

Bridge in Bermuda

From the great Southwest, Sharon and Roger headed east - and then east some more - to lovely Bermuda.  Once there, they enjoyed the beauty of the island and the hospitality at the regional.

Sir Richard Gozney, Governor of Bermuda and his wife, Lady Gozney, met with Sharon and Roger.  Appointed by the Queen, their meeting was a true treat!

Hospitality was magnificent.  In addition to the fabulous setting, players enjoyed high tea each day.  In addition, Sharon met with unit board members in a focus group.

The last Friday of the tournament, people donned formal finery, attended a gala dinner and then received awards. David Ezekiel, a former international player from the UK, was the emcee.  David handled his role with aplomb and wit.  Sheena Rayner and Katrina Van Pelt assisted Sharon in handing out trophies.

Sharon offered some thoughts on what contributes to the Bermuda tournament being such a success.  First - the talents and professionalism of the directing staff, headed by Sol Weinstein.  Second, the friendliness of all the local players who attended the tournament.  Finally, gifted contributions of the volunteers who ran the tournament, headed up by co-chairs Judy Bussell and Donna Leitch.

Top masterpoint winner and just turned 16 Adam Kaplan reported that the Bermuda Regional is "awesome."  Sounds like Bermuda is a tournament to which we can all aspire!

(Again - my thanks to Roger Anderson for reports and photos from his travels with ACBL President Sharon!)

 

Frequent Flier

 

Sharon has continued her travels to all points of ACBL-land.  Last week, Sharon competed with #1 partner Roger at the Albuquerque Regional. In addition to having success at the table, Sharon had success with District 17 Board members.  Carolyn Newcomb of Denver, President of District 17 was in attendance, as was Bonnie Bagley from Colorado Springs, a member of the ACBL Board of Directors representing District 17.  Much "cross-fertilization" of ideas and concepts occurred throughout the hour plus meeting.

 

When not at the table, Sharon and Roger did

some sighting with teammates Ron DeHarpporte and Peg Waller.  They truly enjoyed the gorgeous terrain; these shots of the two pairs were taken on the Low Road from Taos to Santa Fe.

 

From New Mexico, the Andersons headed east - and then some!  Right now, they are enjoying the fabulous Bermuda Regional.  As soon as Roger sends more photos and reports - I shall

share them with you!

 

(Submitted by Peg Kaplan, ACBL Roaming Reporter, with assistance from Roger Anderson "on the road"!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North by Northwest

 

Metropolitan areas like Minneapolis-St. Paul have a diversity of bridge clubs.  A few are of the daily, multiple-sessions sort.  Others are "boutique" type clubs.  These clubs meet either once or occasionally through the week.  No matter the type of club, however, bridge players enjoy and appreciate the games available in a large city.

Last Thursday, President Sharon Anderson and partner Roger traveled to Minnetonka, a suburb on the northwest edge of Mineapolis.  The

evening game there is run by director (and national champion) Tony Ames.  With yummy treats, duplicated boards, hand records and a pleasant playing site, Tony's game is a popular one.

 

Thirty minutes prior to the game, players were able to participate in a Q & A with our new president.  Again, Sharon sounded some of the themes that will surely mark her presidency.  What are changes and improvements people would like to see for the ACBL?  How do we recruit and retain our vital volunteers?  While enjoying another celebratory cake and other delicacies, people offered opinions.

Then – on to the bridge! 

Our game can be enjoyed in so many ways.  This week, Sharon celebrated at another of the games that enhances our bridge experience.

                                                                                                                     

 (Submitted by Peg Kaplan, ACBL Roaming Reporter)

Roots and Shoots

When District 14 director Sharon Anderson plays at the Twin City Bridge Center, she returns to her roots.  The TCBC is where Sharon honed her excellent duplicate game, where she met dozens of her bridge buddies, and where she continues to play today when she's looking for good competition and a friendly atmosphere.

Thus it was fitting that the TCBC honored Sharon yesterday for her election as ACBL president.  In the middle of the daytime dupe, everyone took a break.  While competitors enjoyed cake, Sharon gave a short talk.  She outlined some of her goals, and followed with three questions for the crowd.  What would they do to improve bridge?  How can we develop more people in our volunteer network - and retain those we have?  Then, the truly Big Question:  for #1 bridge partner and partner-in-life, husband Roger, what should his new moniker be?  Feel free to submit your opinions to Sharon!

What a special session Wednesday's game was!  A great turnout for the duplicate, Q & A, photos of our new president with District 14's president, Verda Gould and volunteers like Anne Schaeffer - and so many of the wonderful people who play in our games and who are the backbone of the ACBL.

The shoots of Sharon's term are growing!

 

 

 

 

(Submitted by Peg Kaplan, ACBL Roaming Reporter)

Touring ACBL-Land

For many years, Roger and I, along with Dave and Nancy Glenn, have traveled to Mexico in the winter.  This year, our trip was quite special.  I was delighted to be able to enjoy the beautiful weather and surroundings of Puerto Vallarta, plus visit local clubs as the ACBL President.

When I went to visit this club, which sits by the mouth of a river that flows into the Pacific, folks were super about giving their opinions and thoughts to questions I had prepared. 

Having the opportunity to meet with the local volunteers who keep everything humming was also super!

I look forward to more special opportunities to meet the wonderful players and volunteers who make up our fine organization!

 

 

 

Top Ten Club Strategies for Success

Outgoing ACBL President Craig Robinson shared these Top Ten Strategies for Club Success with 2012 ACBL President Sharon Anderson.

Youthful Competition

If bridge players live for one thing - it's competition.  And, competition in the youth department surely is heating up!

During the recent International Mind Sports Association competition in China, Jose Damiani and Gianarrigo Rona of the WBF visited the RDFZ, a high school where bridge is being taught.  Of course, in the U.S.  Warren Buffett and Bill Gates have been strong proponents of bridge being taught in schools.  Kids at the most recent Nebraska Regional delighted in talking to Warren & Bill and hearing about why they so love our game.

Bridge education throughout the world should attract more attention for our great game - and excite future generations.  Please enjoy this article on a tour of bridge in Chinese schools.

Seattle Board of Directors Meeting

The Seattle Report - and comments about the future!

District 14 Membership

 

 

Seattle was a great NABC!  A number of our players competed there and did well. 

For an update on membership in District 14 as of the end of November - here are the current statistics.

 

District 14 Membership by Unit as of 11/30/2011

Unit#    Unit Name                       Members

 103     Minnesota Gopher                    874

 104     North Dakota                        212

 162     South Dakota                        165

 163     Iowa State                          451

 178     Viking Bridge Unit #178             821

 184     Nebraska                            253

 216     Hawkeye                             442

 235     Northwest Iowa                      151

 241     Cornhusker                          572

Total Members                              3,941

MASTERPOINTS!

Everything masterpoints, for District 14.  Please see below for current standings for our district.