Minnesota Bridge

Gopher Regional 2017 - Results & More

 

Our second year at the lovely suburban site of Minnetonka has concluded. Everyone enjoyed another great Gopher Regional - and - so many people to thank for their year long efforts at producing such a fine tournament.  But first - results and accolades!

 

721 players earned 6354 masterpoints at the Gopher. Yet, at the very top of the list, only one person surpassed the 100 masterpoint mark:  Kerry Holloway.  Kerry's almost 114 masterpoints were his personal best - not to mention quite impressive for a tournament that is not huge. Kerry played with 7 different partners and 7 different systems (!!!!) - quite the feat in and of itself. At the end of the day - four wins, two 2nds and another overall.  Wow!

Usually we see a big smile on Kerry's face. Yet, his concentration surely paid off at the Gopher to achieve such a fine performance. Lots of applause for someone who is not only one of our top players - but - one of our most popular, too.  

Another team of players produced an impressive masterpoint total and showing. Kudos to the team of Sharon and Roger Anderson and Warren and Suzanne Cederborg. The Anderson-Cederborg contingent reached almost 95 masterpoints for the week!. And, Tony Ames was a point behind them, scoring 93.71.

The final list of masterpoints earned is here; overalls for each event can be viewed here

 

 

Of course, the production of a fine tournament like the Gopher is the result of loads of diligent efforts throughout the year. A huge "thank you" to tournament Co-Chairs Patti Stuhlman and Sue Jackson; we are so lucky to have them! Mike Cassel produced a week of extensive daily Bulletins (please note all are now posted); Carol Rynders was the matchmaker for partnerships. We are grateful, too, for the many other volunteers and helpers who contributed to the regional.

 

Another large "thank you" goes to Peter Wilke, DIC, and his capable directing staff.

Finally - our thanks to you, the competitors. Memorial Day week has many regionals available; we are so delighted that the Gopher was your regional of choice!

Please enjoy the photos below of some of our players as they fiercely battled at Gopher 2017!

Larry Oakey Memorial Pairs & Tribute

 

The day prior to the Gopher Regional, yet again a crowd of TGLO devotees descended upon the Twin City Bridge Center to remember our dear friend Larry Oakey.  We shared a pot luck lunch with yummy TGLO cakes artfully created by Jim Essex (Larry would have adored them and the rest of the spread).  And, once again, a number of people had to share remembrances and deliver accolades about TGLO - often accompanied by tears.

 

 

Larry's close friend, Nicky Bredeson, introduced the various individuals who wished to make statements - including Larry's brother, Steve. Steve was particularly happy and moved to know of all Larry's enormous achievements, how many friends Larry had had - and - how beloved he was by a huge number of people.

 

 

Then, everyone indulged in the gourmet cakes featured above - along with a wealth of items to share. If only TGLO could have joined us; he would have loved it all! 

Following glowing words and great food, the Larry Oakey Memorial Pairs were held. Winners of the event were long time friends of Larry's, Phil and Judy Schwarz, and Kerry Holloway and Liz Hughes. Barry Purrington and Harry Sapienza were just a hair behind the two tied pairs. Full results from the packed house are here.

And - then - it was time to leave, and to say goodbye.

Larry Oakey will not be walking in the front (OR rear) door of the Twin City Bridge Center again. He will not show up at one of his fine theaters to indulge in a viewing of a favored film for the 23rd time.... He will not attend a sporting event, nor help directors in need at a tournament.

Yet forever, Larry will be in the hearts and minds of all of us who knew him, loved him, benefited in a myriad of ways from him. And you can be certain of this:  Larry shall never, ever be forgotten.  

This one of a kind, brilliant, funny, generous, giving, talented man was the heart and soul of our bridge world.

Larry:  we love you.  Thanks for everything!

And now - what mattered most to Larry.... His friends, posted below the line.

2017-2018 North American Pairs

 

Yes, it really is time to think about the North American Pairs, aiming at being a District 14 representative in Philadelphia in spring 2018 - and enjoying great competition at local, District and national levels!

Diane Henson has all the details about this excellent event! 

 

2017-2018 NAP qualifying games start June 1st at your local clubs

Play in a local qualifying game during the months of June, July, and August to qualify to play in the District Finals in October.  All games are extra point games.

District Finals will be at the Edina Senior Center in Edina, MN Oct. 7-8, 2017

Your chances of winning money to help pay for your trip to the national NAP in March 2017 in Philadelphia have been improved, courtesy of District 14. 

There will 11 winning pairs representing District 14 at the spring NABC in Philadelphia.

•   1^st Place winners receive $700 each ($1400 for the pair) plus paid entry fees at the NABC
•   2^nd Place winners receive $500 each ($1000 for the pair) plus paid entry fees at the NABC
•   3^rd Place winners receive $350 each ($700 for the pair) plus paid entry fees at the NABC
•   4^th Place winners (Division B & C only) receive $350 each ($700 for the pair) plus paid entry fees at the NABC

You only compete against others in your division:  A, B, or C. 

Gold and red points will be awarded at the District Final tournament.

Division A:  Unlimited master points, 1^st-3^rd place winners

Division B:  Under 2500 master points, 1^st-4^th place winners

Division B:  Under 500 master points & non-life master, 1^st-4^th place winners

The flyer for the District Finals, the Conditions of Contest, and an NAP fact sheet are below.

Gopher Regional - Daily Bulletins

Our Daily Bulletins, produced by editor Mike Cassel, are listed each day below.

Be sure to check out the Bulletins for news about the Gopher and related articles about bridge in District 14!

Enjoy!

Gopher Begins Today!

We look forward to the kick-off of Gopher Regional 2017! To those coming from near and far - welcome - and have a great time competing at this year's tournament!

 

 

With the loss of Larry Oakey, a new event has been added to honor him.  Co-Chairman Patti Stuhlman displayed the beautiful trophy that will bear the name of the first winning pair in the Larry Oakey Memorial Pairs. Thank you, Patti, for finding such a fitting trophy for TGLO, proudly shown at the Twin City Bridge Center remembrance and fundraising game for Larry Sunday.

Your blogmaster of course will be at the Gopher and has a very busy schedule! We look forward to reporting about Sunday's memorial, the end of the Minneapolis Grand Slam Club's 2016-2017 season - and, of course, the Gopher!  Just might take a bit of extra time to get everything posted....

Enjoy, everyone!  See you soon!

Tribute to Larry Oakey

 

In our mind's eye, Larry Oakey will always be part of our bridge community. No, we won't find him scoring faster than a speeding bullet, winning with anyone and everyone, making wise rulings, riding over hill and dale to get to bridge or softball or the movies.... Yet his spirit, his kindness, his humor - it will never leave us.

And on Sunday, May 21st, the Twin City Bridge Center will host a lunch and unit wide tribute to our friend.

Please join us at noon for lunch and a tribute to The Great Larry Oakey.

Following, what better way to honor Larry than with an Open and 499'er Pairs Games.

See you there!  Larry will be with us in spirit!

 

It's Coming....

 

The Gopher Regional 2017 is only 6 days away! 

And - our first Gopher Bulletin is here!  Please see below.

ONE Week from Today - GOPHER 2017!

 

One of the highlights of Minnesota bridge starts a week from today! The Gopher Regional, held again at the Sheraton West in Minnetonka, begins on Monday, May 22nd at 2:30PM. We have a great venue, an excellent schedule of events and many options for dining when you are not battling away at the table.

The schedule is below. Be sure to line up your favorite partners and teammates and mark your calendar! 

We so look forward to seeing you at Gopher 2017 next week!

Hot Summer Nights

 

Is it too early to contemplate summer and a host of hot Friday night events? Noooooo it is not!

Steve Gaynor has all the details!

A brochure with all the details is below. Head over to the Twin City Bridge Center at 6:30PM for lots of fun and competitive bridge!

GNT District 14 GNT Finals

Both a webmaster report and a report from District 14 GNT coordinator, Mike Cassel, are now posted at our District 14 website.

Good luck to all in Toronto this July!

Minnesota IMP Sectional Results

 

A competitor who is often seen at the top of the masterpoint list yet again is there. Paul Meerschaert, with 22.71 earned, edged out second place earner, John Koch, by a couple of points. The list of masterpoints earned is here; the various events and placings can be seen here.

Having a format different than any other was intriguing. Scoring for some of the events was a challenge!

Lots of treats and lots of fun to celebrate the end of April and the arrival of spring! 

One most special treat was having Jill Flader play bridge with her mom - as she celebrated her 95th birthday! Lots of smiles and hugs for that!

 

Our thanks to tournament chair Scott Smith, partnership chair Maureen Weiman, ever able director in charge, Tony Ames, treat providers and all our players!

More shots below....

Celebrating Larry Oakey

 

On April 23rd, family, bridge players, film buffs, softball coaches and many, many friends, from near and far, gathered at the Twin City Bridge Center to celebrate the life of Larry Oakey. 

 

And what a celebration it was! Despite grief and shock at losing Larry so suddenly, those emotions were overwhelmed by love and laughter as we remembered him. With standing room only, many shared TGLO stories - bridge experiences of triumph or disaster, Larry's devotion to girls' softball coaching and other sports, his vast knowledge and love of film -  and his omnipresent sense of humor.

 

 

A common theme throughout was Larry's constant giving. TCBC owner Teri Blu recounted the countless hours that Larry spent there, managing, helping, playing, teaching, mentoring ... anything and everything, and always doing it so very well. Ron DeHarpporte, friend of over 50 years, told tales from years gone by, regaling us with so many of the Oakster's accomplishments and the crazy stories that young bridge players perpetrated.

 

His film fans - and there were many - described Larry's passion for movies. And they added how, just as he did in the bridge world, Larry was constantly giving - even going through theaters to clean up and help out!

 

Larry's family, brothers Bill, Steve and sister-in-law Donna, told of the young Larry - and their pride and happiness in hearing of how beloved he was by so many.

 

In typical Bridge Center fashion, a fine buffet was enjoyed. The only flaw was that TGLO, who always relished them, was not there to partake.

As you look through the photos below, you will see loads of big smiles. This was indeed a day of joy - a celebration of a true "one of a kind" and incredible man.

Larry, thank you for being such a treasure to so many for so long. We are forever grateful for all you were. You are in our hearts forever.

Mike Lawrence Comes to St. Louis Park!

 

 

Mike Lawrence Seminar in St. Louis Park. 

Special Event

June 10 & 11, 2017

 

Here is your opportunity to hear from a Hall of Fame level player, author of 20+ books and top teacher!  

Mike will be giving a weekend seminar geared towards Novice to Intermediate bridge players.

Only $150 for both days

Includes lectures, notes, play and hand analysis and lunch. 

To register, complete the attached flyer  or email diane.henson@gmail.com for more information.

Sign up soon!  Limited to only 100 players; Flyer posted below