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The last few hours of 2016 are ticking away .... 2017 will be here soon.
We wish all our Minnesota bridge players the best for the New Year. May your kings be onside and may your partners be alert and bright.
A wonderful year to everyone - and thanks to all for being part of our most special bridge community!
Every month, the Twin City Bridge Center in Minneapolis holds a festive buffet lunch and game, celebrating everyone whose birthday is in that month. This month, given the holidays, all was even more merry and cheery. And, a most special person in the bridge world had his birthday on December 14th, the day of the party: Larry Oakey.
If you have played in Minnesota at all the last 45+ years - then you would have to know TGLO (The Great Larry Oakey). Larry has played a critical role in so much of our bridge life - not the least of which has been being one of the finest and most naturally talented Minnesota players ever. But of course, despite those enormous abilities, Larry has given back to our game in so many respects, year after year.
Director, mentor, problem solver, at the TCBC from early morning to night, movie critic, analyst, friend to scores and partner of a huge variety of players over the years - all that and more is Larry. As many of you know, I, your blogmaster, was incredibly fortunate to have Larry as a regular partner for some years. Like he did with others, he put up with my gaffes. Yet on his end, when a fine play or insightful bid needed to be made - you can be sure Larry was there with it.
Wednesday, the December birthday turnout was super, as was the fine array of goodies on the buffet table. Gary Knippenberg and Erwin Heisler produced one enormous game, scoring over 70% for the day.
And, even some non-bridge playing friends stopped by to see TGLO. Fun to see Larry with his good buddies Stephanie and Rachel. We know how Larry likes the ladies - and - great to see them put a big smile on his face!
Thanks to Teri and Chip Blu for hosting this fun event every month at their club. Thanks to all who played and contributed to the yummy birthday buffet. And a most special thanks to Birthday Boy Larry, now a young 80 and a man who continues to be Minnesota's Bridge Treasure.
While some Minnesotans were competing at the Fall NABC in Orlando, others were battling away at the Holiday Sectional at the Bridge Center of St. Paul.
Kerry Holloway, playing with a variety of partners and teammates, headed the masterpoint list with a fine total of 26.03. In second spot, Jim Stepnes was the only other player to earn over 20 masterpoints with his total of 23.31. Results for all events can be viewed here.
Thanks to chairman Alexis Campbell and all the other volunteers, directors - and players - who made the tourney excellent!
Our Holiday Sectional starts today, December 2nd!
Play Friday - Saturday - Sunday at the Bridge Center of St. Paul. No better way to kick off the holiday season!