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The Fall NABC has begun! Hosted in Phoenix, the mountains and clear skies present a perfect backdrop for competitors from around the world.
Already, in Thursday night's Educational Foundation Stratified Pairs, we glimpsed friends from Minnesota. Here are a few of our friends, warming up for the rest of the tournament!
As most of our bridge family is aware, this coming Saturday, November 30th, visitation and a memorial service will be held for Julie Tigges. We are certain that this will be a meaningful celebration and remembrance of Julie.
Joe Bornong, Julie's husband, has updated us about the timing on Saturday at the Cremation Society in Edina. Visitation will be from 3PM to 4PM, followed immediately by the memorial service.
Joe will offer reflections during the memorial service. An opportunity for Julie's bridge friends to share remembrances, too, is welcomed and appreciated.
With the Fall NABC games in Phoenix this weekend, unfortunately some who would wish to be at the service will not be able to do so. Thus, we invite those among us who can participate to do so, and show our deep appreciation and caring for Julie.
Julie Tigges was an integral part of Minnesota's bridge community. Player, volunteer, board member, friend - Julie was passionate about our game and most involved in all ways.
Julie's close friend, Peg Mitchell, mirrors the devotion that Julie gave to bridge. Below, she remembers our friend: her contributions, her love of bridge - and how hard she fought to stay longer with us all. Thank you, Peg.
Nine years ago, two Minnesotans won the Senior KO Teams at the Fall NABC. If you think the word "senior" means that this isn't a tough event; guess again. Tony Ames and John Koch, along with Rod Beery and Mary Egan, vanquished several top notch teams to enter the winners' circle. Today, you can read about their and other victories at ACBL.com.
Thursday, the 2013 Fall NABC begins in Phoenix. To those of our competitors who are heading southwest, we wish you bon chance! Even if you can't make it to the nationals, though, please enjoy following the exploits of our players either in Daily Bulletins or online at Bridgebase!
The temps are diving and winter assuredly is underway. Yet, opportunities for winter fun in Minnesota abound!
Monday, November 25th, you can warm up with an ACBL wide Charity Game. Hand analysis is included and sectionally rated black points can be earned. In Minneapolis, the game begins at 7PM at the Twin City Bridge Center. The Rochester Bridge Club event starts at 6:30PM
Later this coming week, those wishing to escape the cold can fly southwest to Phoenix. The 2013 Fall NABC starts November 28th and runs through December 8th. Whether you are an elite expert or a newcomer - events for you are on the schedule.
Much closer to home, the Bridge Center of St. Paul is hosting the Holiday Sectional December 6-8. Pair/Team games and an IN (0-300mp) on Friday at 2:30PM and 7PM; Saturday at 10AM and 2:30PM. Sunday, enjoy a 2 session Swiss at 10AM and TBD, with lunch provided between sessions. If there are enough tables, a separate 299er section will be held.
After a long and most hard fought battle with cancer, Julie Tigges' journey has ended. Due to Julie's enormous courage and strength, along with the support of many friends and family, she endured longer than most ever could.
Julie had a deep love of our game and shared that passion with many. Gone way too soon, her death leaves a void in Minnesota's bridge world.
Julie's obituary and memorial information can be found here. We will be posting remembrances as we receive them.
As much as we all love our game, one thing is clear. We always need new players on the scene. Otherwise, one day no one will be left to compete! Thus, bridge teachers are critical to the existence of bridge.
The American Bridge Teachers' Association has an award every year for the Teacher of the Year. If you have a favorite teacher, someone who you think is most special at teaching and advancing our game, then do your teacher and all the rest of us a favor. Nominate them and let the world know what they do for us!
Calling all bridge students! Is your bridge teacher the best? Do you wish you could thank them in some way? How about an award? Those are always nice!
Go to the American Bridge Teachers' Association website for more information about the ABTA Teacher of the Year award, which is sponsored by Master Point Press, the Bridge Publisher.
This award is given to teachers who make a difference in their bridge community and in the lives of their students. Make sure that your teacher is eligible and show them how much you appreciate the work they put in to teaching you!
All instructors up for the award are nominated by students just like you.
The deadline to nominate is set in early 2014 and the ceremony to present the award will be at the ABTA's annual convention, held in Las Vegas this year.
‘Like’ the ABTA Teacher of the Year on Facebook and check the ABTAhome website to keep up to date on the latest in bridge teacher news.
In less than a month, Cindy Balderson and Carole Miner will be headed to China to compete! You can read about all the details in the excerpt below from the United States Bridge Federation's website.
Needless to say, all of Minnesota will be cheering on the team and our top level womens' pair as they represent the United States in Beijing!
| SportAccord Team Change |
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Carole Miner and Cindy Balderson have replaced Mildred Breed and Disa Eythorsdottir on the USBF Women's team for the 2013 SportAccord tournament to be held in December in Beijing. Breed is unable to travel to Beijing in December, so in accordance with USBF procedure, the pair was replaced by the fourth highest pair in the voting for the SportAccord team. USBF teams for the SportAccord event (listed alphabetically by pair) are: Women's Team
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The Minnesota State Sectional had such a fine turnout, we had to scramble to find room for everyone! Our thanks to tournament chairs Barb Zipoy and Linda Brammer, directors Mike Flader, Brian Weikle and Tony Ames II - plus all our volunteers and caddies.
Paolo Ranaldi was our overall masterpoint leader. Paolo racked up a most impressive 44.4 masterpoints for the weekend!
Our top 10 earners were:
Paolo Ranaldi 44.40
Mike Cassel 36.39
Terry Lijewski 35.61
Kory Solarz 35.61
Brian Crossley 33.30
Joe Rice 27.46
Kerry Holloway 27.46
Harry Sapienza 26.33
Barry Purrington 26.03
Jean Boettcher 23.73
Results for all events can be found here. Total overall masterpoint results are below - along with more photos from the weekend!
