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The ACBL Board of Directors continually works diligently to make bridge in North America the best it can be!
Below are the minutes from our meeting at the spring NABC in Memphis. Please feel free to review the minutes to see what has been going on with recent Board actions.
Gatlinburg is just too BIG to fit all of Sharon's experiences into one post!
To learn about the Mid-Atlantic Bridge Conference (MABC), Sharon was invited to a meeting to update the MABC's members on new ACBL Board initiatives. Charlie McCracken, Director in Charge, reported at this District 7 Board Meeting.
Marlene Wass, who for many years chaired the Gatlinburg Regional, finally retired from this major job. Marlene is now able to relax at the tournament, as Pete and Julia Misslin ably take over as new co-chairs.
Richard Brown, chair of District 7's Goodwill Committee, presented Sharon with a goodwill pin from his district.
And, with over 800 tables on the convention floor (!!!), making certain they are in proper working order is a big job. Pete and Julie Misslin ordered a few dozen of a new style to see how they would work. The tables have wood tops and slots in the sides for bidding boxes.
Gatlinburg. It's unlike any other regional.
An enormous convention center is surrounded by what seems like a million hotels, restaurants and scores of touristy shops. All this is centered along just a few streets in a magnificent Smokey Mountain location. Roger reports that Gatlinburg is second only to Las Vegas for the most popular place in the nation to get married! "Maybe that's why our bedroom had a gigantic Jacuzzi and hot tub?" Roger mused.
Sharon attended the 2012 Gatlinburg Youth Bridge Workshop, coordinated by Bill Fristch Jr. from Kingsport, TN. Also particpating were Fred Ferguson (Hilton Head), Patty Tucker (Atlanta), Chris Shaw (Carlinville, IL), Phyllis Harlan (District Director and Chair of the ACBL's Junior Task Force), Bob Heller (District Director and member of the Junior Task Force) and Carla Burke, District 9 Education Chair.
Another listening session included club owners, managers and teachers. Tina Radding of Charleston and former ABTA Teacher of the Year Sam Marks, President of District 7, were among those participating.
Finally, at the Volunteer Dinner, Sharon and ACBL CEO Robert Hartman took questions.
Sharon has been on a whirlwind of listening tours and tournaments! She and Roger have barely had a moment to communicate photos and stories. But, Roger has stepped up to the plate with a healthy serving of both.
This post details Sharon's visit to Ft. Lauderdale. There, Sharon and others listened while District Director Shirley Seals delivers a report at the Unit 128 meeting.
Bill Rauld, the President of District 9, and Carol Hamilton, President of Unit 102, introduce Sharon as she awards Goodwill pins for this year. Worthy recipients are Russ Delaney and Sandi Murray, the co-chairs of February's Sarasota Regional. Other recipients are: Doreen MacMillan, Amy Reznik, Garlan Sisco, Susan Rowley, Janice Ward, Keith Gellman, Mary Short and T.J. Singer.
And - Sharon and Shirley pose with Unit 129 members Jeri Edge, President of the Unit, Sue Smith, Unit 129 representative to District 9, and Carla Burke, District 9 Educational Chair.
Next, Sharon posed with Bruce Greenspan of Unit 128 and Doreen Macmillan, just appointed to the District 9 Goodwill Committee.
As always, Sharon had a blast at the meetings!
San Diego has fabulous folks, sharing with Sharon their thoughts on all things bridge!
Sharon and Roger won a side game in San Diego!
They also had a great time playing with their mentees. San Diego clubs do a wonderful job encouraging and teaching their newer students!
After a brief respite following all the excitement at the Memphis NABC, Sharon and Roger headed for San Diego. Not only does the area have some of the most idyllic weather in the nation - they also have wonderful bridge and bridge players!
Sharon had the pleasure of competing in a 16 table mentor/mentee game with Cookie Ostrow. In addition, Sharon met with local club owners and bridge teachers, as Roger and District Director Ken Monzingo grabbed pics.
