District 23 is geographically the smallest district in ACBL-land. Essentially the immediate Los Angeles area, Sharon attended a listening session there. District officers, club owners and teachers participated.
Sharon also was able to join a District 23 board meeting. Both Sharon and the district's ACBL representative on the Board of Directors, Rand Pinsky, had an opportunity to report on recent board activties.
The District 8 people were most welcoming to Sharon. She attended a listening session with members, plus sat in on a District 8 board meeting. There, Sharon learned about more "best practice" ideas to share with others.
Held at the Seaside Convention Center, many hotels and restaurants are nearby. Players appreciate that it's fun to attend a good tournament in a picturesque spot. Seaside's steady growth proves that.
Although Sharon also enjoyed Seaside's bridge, she was involved in a great deal more. Sharon held another listening session and attended a District 20 board meeting. In addition, she joined bridge educators for an hour of conversation and participated in McKenzie Myers' panel show after an evening session.
The last was a huge success! Myers prepared a great show. Six tough hands were presented to 3 groups of panelists: John Ashton and Roger McNay from the Portland area, Sharon and ACBL CEO Robert Hartman, plus two "real" experts: Marc Jacobus and Geoff Hampson.
Sharon and Roger played in a couple of knockout teams, plus nabbed second place in an A/X 2-session pair game.
When not at the table, Sharon was hard at work. With a group of teachers, club owners and district officers, Sharon had a successful listening session. There, she asked for suggestions on ways to address the strategic areas approved by the ACBL Board. Also in attendance was ACBL CEO Robert Hartman, plus ACBL staff members likely to play key roles in the implementation of the actions plans approved by the Board.
Sharon also enjoyed a 7:30AM breakfast meeting with District 10 Board of Directors. Then, she introduced the ACBL Board's strategic areas to the attendees.
Labor Day holiday saw Sharon and Roger head to a tournament in Sharon's District 14: the Fargo Roughrider. Yes; it's that Fargo! And - although players try to rough up the opponents, fortunately nary a woodchipper was spotted :)
Sharon met with some members of Unit 104 and others at one of her listening sessions to discuss the strategic areas recently adopted by the ACBL board.
Later, Sharon attended a District 14 Board meeting. Sharon is the secretary-treasurer for District 14 and a key volunteer in her district. In addition to many hard working district members, current District 14 President Verda Gould and past president Gus Doty were in attendance.
The Fargo Roughrider was a great way to say goodbye to summer and await autumn in the upper Midwest!
From Boston, Sharon and Roger headed to Montreal. Following a marvelous dinner Sunday dinner prepared by Mari Retek, Director George Retek took Sharon and Roger on a fascinating tour of the Old City. In addition, they were able to view the Convention Center, site for the Summer 2020 NABC.
Tuesday through Friday, Sharon and Roger were able to indulge their favorite passion: bridge! They enjoyed team games with George, along with Heather Peckett and Phil Silverstein. Wednesday, George left the Montreal Regional for Lille, France, site of the 2012 World Championships.
During the regional, Sharon had the pleasure of meeting Jean La Traverse, President of the Montreal Bridge League (Unit 151). She also met a number of Unit 151 members over dinner, plus Pierre Delorme. Pierre is one of our newer players who proudly displays flags on his mobile cart from the many places he's played bridge!
And - a link to Jonathan Steinberg's photos from the regional, too.
Sharon's travels out east began with Boston. First, Sharon stopped by two clubs that had 10:30AM games. Number one was the Newton Bridge Club. There, Sharon had the opportunity to chat with David Metcalf, club manager and director, plus a number of players.
Next, Sharon visited The Bridge Spot in Woburn. When she arrived the game was in progress. Sharon spoke with Dean Panagopoulos, the club's owner, then briefly addressed the Open Game competitors. The 0-20 game has a different schedule. One of the largest clubs in the United States, Dean uses a variety of innovations to keep his club thriving.
Saturday, Sharon attended the Summer Sectional in Watertown, a suburb of Boston. Between sessions, she met with 10 players, managers and administrators. They discussed recommendations for the best ways to implement the five stragetic areas recently adopted by the ACBL Board of Directors in Philadelphia. After the game, it was Sharon's pleasure to award trophies to I/N event winners.
Of course, the ACBL president attends all NABC's and a number of regionals. But Sharon wants to see the action at sectionals, too!
Last week, Sharon had the pleasure of attending the EMBA Summer Sectional in Watertown outside of Boston. She had a great time meeting people from the area, and had the opportunity to pose with many of the folks who did well in the sectional. Here are the results from the EMBA Summer Sectional.
Robert and Jeff Shapiro, a father & son pair, won their first ever sectional event. And Judy Goranson with her performance in the Swiss became a Life Master!
Congratulations to all!
Just a couple of shots to highlight the hours of effort that the entire board puts forth to create the best ACBL for its members!
Of course, even board members get to have fun!
Just about any ACBL event requires the dedication of our volunteers. The Philadelphia NABC was no exception!
Joann Glasson and John Marks, co-chairs of the tournament, acknowledge the work of their many committee chairs during the Volunteer Dinner.
In addition to these meetings, each director also serves as a member of the dozens of committees that meet from Sunday night through Wednesday. Finally, the directors attend additional special meetings, including the Board of Governors meeting.
Sharon played every day of the Summer NABC, starting with the Charity Pairs Thursday evening. That's a lot of meetings and bridge - but - all worthwhile and wonderful!
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Honors is the third "big New York" club that Sharon toured. Proprietor Gail Greenberg, after many years, decided to sell her ownership of Honors. A number of people purchased the Club, with Scott Levine as its president.
Life is good at Honors. Many classes are offered and new students are arriving. Games are large - especially during the day. The teaching and directing staff is strong and capable.
Their main facility is located on the 14th floor of 58th Street. With a kitchen for preparing excellent meals, multiple nooks and crannies for games of various sizes - and a floor below for teaching - Honors is a winner.
Sharon enjoyed seeing Al Levy, Director of District 24, and meeting Scott Levine, a most enthusiastic and talented president of Honors.
Alene Friedman met with her class of earnest beginners. And Sharon also had the opportunity to meet two of the Wednesday night players, Charles Harmon and Sohail Hasan.
If you're in New York and a bridge player, then you must visit the Mahattan Club. Although the Club has three owners, Jesus Arias ("Zeus"), Jeff and Barbara Bayone, only the first was in town when Sharon and Roger stopped to visit.
The Andersons report back that "Zeus was wearing his many hats." Prior to the game, he engaged in a one-on-one with a player and gave a lesson to about 20 299ers. Following the competition, Zeus conducted a post mortem with roughly six players who lingered. Oh - and, by the way, during the game, Zeus played, too!
One player commented, "If we could unleash Zeus in the public school system, our young player programs would be flush."
Charlie Nurse collects the entries; Christopher Rivera and Bonnie Gellas are two more of the directing and teaching staff.
During a break, it was Sharon's pleasure to meet and greet the players.
Ron Haack and Sharon strike a pose, both flashing big smiles!
In so many respects, New York is unique. It's bridge life is no different.
Sharon first visited the Cavendish Bridge Club. It's on the Upper East Side, and like the Honors and Manhattan Clubs, you take an elevator to arrive.
Club owners Bjorn and Kathy Fallenius have a new twist on starting the game. Hands are shuffled, dealt and played; then hand records are made.
Mother's Day weekend, Sharon and Roger traveled to the south side of Dayton to visit the Miami Valley Bridge Association. Despite the regional tournament, the Club hosted a small Saturday game because some players would not compete in the Saturday Swiss. Upon Sharon's arrival, "Hail to the Chief" rang out!
One of the locals who is in real estate built their spacious quarters, and rents out half to the MVBA. With a full kitchen, high ceilings, comfortable chairs and excellent parking, it's a fine place to enjoy bridge.
Sharon had a wonderful time meeting players and visiting with Stefanie Ginger, the director that Saturday.
Sharon and Roger had the pleasure of visiting the Cincinnati Bridge Association, otherwise known as the CBA. The CBA runs bridge in Unit 124; cincybridge.com is the website for both the unit and their Reading Road bridge center.
Their most recent tournament was held at the Sharonville Convention Center, a nicely upgraded site near a historical community named Glendale.
Sharon held a listening session at dinner with some of the unit officials and teachers, including A.J. Stephani, Unit 124 President, Nancy Sachs and Steve Moese, teachers, and Barb Levinson, on the CBA Board.
Potter Orr, Chairman of the Regional, reported to the district board. Sharon and Janet Lee of Dayton struck a pose!
