SharonRoeAnderson

Mad City

Madison is home to Wisconsin's capital, and also to the crown jewel of its university system.  It's also where the Madison Bridge Club can be found.  Within the Madison Bridge Club are a number of games, one of which is Jack's Bridge. 

Sharon and Roger had a busy schedule in Madison.  Friday morning, they visited a 9AM game that includes a lesson and chat bridge, with a 299er game every other Friday.  At noon, Diane Vaughn runs a game at the Fitchburg Community Center.  Sharon and Roger missed Diane; Bob Esser subbed for her.  The 10AM game is directed by Duane Steinhauer.

At each game, Sharon gave a few introductory remarks, then held brief listening sessions.  At the 299er discussion, Sharon sat next to Nancy Young.  Nancy was about to play her first game of duplicate, and was quite excited!  Afterwards - even moreso.  Nancy came in third in her flight and won .24 masterpoints!

Sharon posed with Duane, Glenna Shannahan and Vic Johnson.  Duane is a key administrator and director at the club.  Glenna also directs, and Vic has helped Glenna in building the 299er game from nothing to 9 tables in the last 2 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrating in Sacramento

Many of us know that ACBL bridge could not be what it is if not for its exceptional people!  One of the special events at the Sacramento tournament was a reception for such people.  Headed by Jackie Matthews, these contributors have given over 20 years of service setting up and running District 21 tournaments.

Jackie herself had over 4,000 masterpoints when she began this ongoing project.  But Jackie sacrificed playing regularly in order to help the district negotiate hotel contracts, coordinate volunteers and organize all the activities that are required of a tournament manager.

Jackie is now stepping down from her role (and, of course, planning on playing more bridge!)  The good news, however, is that Jackie's daughter, Pam Hughes, will be assuming the role of tournament manager.

 

 

 

 

 

Sharon poses with Jackie and daughter Pam; Jo Geisler, Jackie Mathews, Bill Corliss, Pam Hughes, Barbara Mormon and Bob Geisler are feted.

 

Sacramento

 

Last week, Sharon and Roger headed west.  There, they enjoyed the big Sacramento Regional, with over 2500 players competing in a wide variety of events.  The last day of competition included the 2 final sessions of a 4-session Swiss, a regular Swiss, a senior Swiss, a Fast Pairs and some 299er events!

Of course, Sharon conducted a listening session.  Here, she met with club owners and teachers from District 21.  Familiar themes were echoed:  directors are key to enforcing Zero Tolerance, many tournaments are fun, but tough for the club owners - and - reaching out to "party bridge" players requires creativity. 

Friday, Sharon played in the Open Pairs with Bruce Blakely, on the ACBL Board from District 21.  Bruce and Sharon started against Bill Grant, San Diego regional chair, and Maritha Pottenger, I/N coordinator who organized their mentor/mentee game.

 

 

Listening in Minnesota

As a child, Sharon's family moved frequently.  Sharon lived in many states.  Yet, ultimately Sharon settled in the Twin City area with husband Roger, where she has enjoyed all of her long bridge career.

At the most recent Gopher Regional in May, Sharon continued her listening tours.  At this suburban Minneapolis tourney, Sharon held two sessions.  One was with I/N players; the other included a mix of intermediate and experienced competitors.

The stories and preferences being told to Sharon will be gathered, then presented to her director colleagues at the upcoming July NABC in Philadelphia.