SharonRoeAnderson

Goodwill in Bethesda

While Sharon was in Bethesda,she had the pleasure of viewing District 6 Representative Margot Hennings present Goodwill pins to the 2012 recipients.

 

 

 

 

During the Goodwill Reception, Sharon also had the opportunity to spend time with long time MABC directors Millard Nachtwey and Doug Grove.  Millard and Doug are also long time Goodwill Committee members; they epitomize good will in their area and throughout the ACBL.  Through sharing their directing expertise, mentoring upcoming directors and spending countless hours helping volunteers, they make bridge the best experience it can be for all.

Finally, everyone enjoyed the music provided by a dear friend of Margot Hennings, Joan Lewis, along with bridge players David and Avril Rodney.  Singing America the Beautiful and God Bless America on the 4th of July is a tournament tradition!

 

 

More Bethesda Happenings

Many people involved in DC bridge were on hand to meet Sharon.  Hakan Berk and David Soukup played on the District 6 Flight C GNT team that won in Philadelphia.  Currently, the boys are competing in China!  Along with the boys are Bill Cole, District 6 President, Bob White, upcoming Mid-Atlantic Bridge Association President, and Rick Deyerle, who has been active in getting the Friendly Bridge Program up and running.

In the photo to the right is Shawn Stringer, tournament chair.  On Sharon's right is Harry Gellis, current VP for the Richmond Bridge Association.  Next to Harry is Suzanne Abrams, who has been most active in the Bridge in Schools Program.

 

National Capital Regional

I/N focus group

July saw an extensive bridge odyssey for the Andersons.  Of course, Sharon had the Board of Directors and then the Summer NABC in Philadelphia.  Prior, though, Sharon and Roger visited the National Capital Regional in Bethesda. 

 

Sharon, instructors & I/N players

As many may recall, a major storm in the DC area had left hundreds of thousands without power.  Fortunately for the bridge world, the Marriott hosting the regional had a huge generator.  Let the games begin!  More than a few local businesses, however, were not as well equipped.

During the week, Sharon had the pleasure of meeting with three focus groups.  The first was a group of I/N players, along with those who teach them.

 

Sharon's second listening session was with teachers.  Included were Washington Bridge League (WBL) President Richard Ferrin, and Northern Virginia Bridge Association (NVBA) Bridge in the schools mentor Carl Noller.  Also participating were Leslie Shafer, bridge teacher and columnist, plus Mark Levine, club owner/manager.

 

The teachers' session

Claymont

 

Tom Grabowski, Tournament Chair, Sharon and Craig Robinson, District 5 Director

From Saratoga Springs, Sharon and Roger headed to Claymont.  Located only about 10 miles from Philadelphia, their regional was a nice respite from the heat that has been gripping the nation.

 

Craig Robinson and Elaine Landow, plus Bob and Joann Glasson were their teammates for most of the tournament. After the evening sessions, the tournament provided a lovely hospitality suite for players.  Experts or novice; much enjoyed by all!

 

Sunday, Sharon and Roger were escorted by Craig to

Hospitality Suite

take in a ball game with his favorite team, the Philadelphia Phillies.  Craig and Sharon posted with a larger-than-life likeness of the Phillies' star pitcher, Robin Roberts.

 

 

 

Claymont listening session

Go Team!

 

 

Sharon makes more friends at Claymont!

 

Saratoga Springs

 

Jerry Goodman, Tournament Manager, Sharon and Robin Brown

From Minnesota, Sharon and Roger flew into Albany.  A short drive later, they arrived in Saratoga.  Never having been in the city previously, the Andersons enjoyed being able to walk to a wide variety of of restaurants in the heart of the city, just minutes from the host hotel, the Saratoga Hilton.  They also were able to visit the historic Saratoga Race Track and view preparations for racing later this summer.

 

Sharon's listening session included players, teachers and club owners.  With Joan Gerard and one of Joan's regular partners, Sharon and Roger competed in a Swiss.  Saturday night included a retirement party for Joan.  Most richly deserved, as Joan is someone who has given tremendously to our game!