D16 Scorecard January/February 2025 Volume 57, No. 1

January/February 2025

Volume 57, No. 1

President’s Message

By Jack LaVigne

President District 16

On behalf of District 16 I would like to wish you a Happy New Year filled with joy, health, and success. Here's to a bright and wonderful 2025 with lots of bridge in your life!

North American Pairs

The District 16 North American Pairs (NAP) finals are scheduled to take place in Austin on January 11-12. For more details, please refer to the flyer on page 4 and the article by District 16’s NAP Coordinator, Larry Davis, on page 10.

Jump Start Bridge

Membership growth remains our top priority, and Patty Tucker has made significant strides with the Jump Start Bridge program. This initiative, which includes setting up bridge exhibits and booths at Gifted and Talented Teacher Conferences in states across the country, is achieving remarkable success (see December 2024, ACBL Bridge Bulletin, page 27. Most recently, the program traveled to San Antonio, Texas, for the conference held there on December 3-5. Sally Sassen of Austin graciously volunteered to host the event. After completing training in Atlanta, she ordered and prepared all necessary materials before heading to San Antonio to set up the booths. Sally was joined by Betty Starzec, known as the “teachers' teacher,” who delivered a compelling presentation to

a packed audience of educators. Additionally, Allison Freeland, the Educational Foundation’s treasurer, handled the bookkeeping with precision.

Jump Start Bridge

Allison Freeland, Treasurer of the ACBL Education Foundation, Sally Sussen, President of the Bridge Center of Austin, & Betty Starzec, Trustee of the ACBL Education Foundation

ACBL District 16

Upcoming D16 Tournaments

January 2-5 Austin Winter Sectional

January 11-12 D16 NAP Finals

January 16-18 Denton Winter Sectional

January 16-19 Unit 172 Ed Rawlinson Sectional

January 29 -February 1 Dallas Winter Sectional

February 1-2 Austin Winter NLM Sectional

February 3-9 Houston Lone Star Regional

February 6-9 Ajijic Valentine Sectional

February 12-14 Puerto Vallarta Valentine Sectional

February 15-16 San Antonio I/N Sectional

February 25-March 2 San Miguel de Allende Regional

March 1 San Antonio I/N Sectional

March 6-8 Denton Spring Sectional

March 6-8 Beaumont Spindletop Sectional

March 6-9 Austin BCA Spring Sectional

March 26-29 San Antonio Roxana Tom Sectional

April 4-6 Houston Election Sectional

April 5-6 Houston D16 GNT Finals

All of Mexico is District 16

Unit 173

Miguel Unit 254

Armistad Unit 205 (Mexico)

President

Jack LaVigne

District 16 Officers

First Vice President Second Vice President

Jerry Harrington

Kristen Onsgard

Executive Secretary Executive Treasurer

BJ Sanders

James Southerland

Immediate Past President

Betty Starzec

Committee Chairs

Awards Charity

Jerry Harrington Karen Nussbaum

Membership Teacher of the Year

Lauri Laufman Sam Khayatt

Tournament Publications

Tomi Storey

Ken Monzingo Coordinators

Education Grand National Teams

Patricia Herrera

Marketing/Publicity

Rachell Jackson

Scott Nason

Sam Khayatt

STaC North America Pairs

Daniel Jackson

Larry Davis

Financial Verifier Recorder

Jim Woodward

Larry Davis

NABC Correspondent Tournament / Sanction

Scott Nason Applications

Scott Humphrey Lecture Series

James Moody, Dolores Aquino (I/N) and

Patricia Herrera (Spanish)

Webmaster

Ken Monzingo

District 16 Home

Scorecard Editor

Evvie Gilbert

For Submissions, Omissions or Errors, send an email to: D16-ScorecardEditor@d16acbl.org

6700 Middle Fiskville Austin, Texas 78752 (near IH-35 & US290E)

Two-Session Qualifying Event on Saturday Two-Session Final Event on Sunday Game Times: 10:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

If eight or less tables are in a Flight, the two-session Final Event is on Saturday.

$14.00 / Person / Session Free Coffee & Refreshments Free Meal on Sunday for Those Qualifying

Please Note: This event is NOT held in conjunction with the previous week’s Austin sectional tournament.

Event Chair: Larry Davis (larrysdavis@att.net, 512-343-6942)

BCA will host extra masterpoint games Friday, January 10 at 11:00 a.m & Sunday, January 12 at 10:00 a.m.

Their efforts were nothing short of extraordinary: they signed up 93 teachers and more than 5,000 students! This incredible achievement is a testament to their dedication and hard work. On behalf of District 16, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to these outstanding women for their contributions

This success story brings a renewed sense of optimism for growing our membership, especially among the younger generation - a bright ray of sunshine for the future of bridge.

Introducing Bridge to Your Friends

If you're looking to spark a friend's interest in bridge, I highly recommend an application on BBO called, Just Declare.

TheThe app makes it easy to dive into the game. With a click of a button, the bidding process flashes on the screen, and your friend can jump straight into playing hands against robots. To get them started, you can provide a quick rundown of the basic rules and guide them through their first hand. After that, they'll be ready to explore and enjoy the game on their own. This format is especially appealing to younger players who are drawn to interactive computer games, making it a great way to introduce them to the world of bridge. From my experience, newcomers pick it up quickly and have a blast.

“I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.”

– Thomas Jefferson

Regional Director's Update

By Paul Cuneo Region 9 Director

Westgate Resort Las Vegas hosted the Fall NABC. Attendance was 10,301 tables and was our largest NABC since COVID-19. ACBL continues to have a great year financially with total net income from operations projected at $1.45 million. The board approved a balanced budget for 2025 which has significant upside potential if a new contract with Bridge Base Online (BBO) goes into effect prior to July 1, 2025. I am optimistic that will happen relatively early in the new year.

Membership continues to decline at a slower pace than in recent years. The main issue is that we are not recruiting enough new members. Although member retention has increased significantly in 2024, new member recruiting has dropped about 7% from 2023.

ACBL Clubhouse

The ACBL Clubhouse will operate with a full slate of games at all levels in 2025. ACBL’s portion of the income from these black point games will be distributed to recruiting clubs and teachers as well as to F2F

clubs where the online players have played in the last nine months. This should provide a significant incentive for both clubs and teachers to recruit new members. There is no cap on how much can be rebated. The ACBL Clubhouse will host all the online special games that award silver and gold points in 2025 other than the online tournaments which are run by ACBL.

ACBL Educational Foundation

The ACBL Educational Foundation has supported Patty Tucker’s Jump Start Bridge with about $100,000 in 2024. This program reaches gifted and talented school teachers by attending state and regional conferences and providing materials to teachers who introduce these students to bridge during their classes. Since November. 2023, 146 new programs have been started, and 5,470 students have started learning bridge in 20 states and two provinces.

The Foundation has committed $250,000 for this program in 2025 as it continues to grow rapidly. Not all states have gifted and talented

San Antonio Gifted and Talented Conference Attendees

The Most Beautiful Game in the World ♠

By Patricia Herrera D16 Education Coordinator

Happy New Year! In 2025 bridge is still the most beautiful game in the world.

Oneof the most complex parts of the game (at least for me) is the auction. There are so many bidding options, conventions, possibilities, misunderstandings and mistakes!

When I started learning to play bridge, it seemed like there was only one bidding option per hand and everyone seemed to know and own that only one truth. At least that’s how people talked about it. It didn’t take me long to discover that the auction was a whole world, and I was eager to find the right path to understand this crucial part of the sport.

First, bidding is not just a memory exercise that we do by ourselves based on agreements and established rules. It is a dialogue between partners to describe their holdings and should reflect their understanding of each other’s philosophies and strategies.

If we want to bid efficiently, we must recognize that it is a deep understanding between partners. It is not enough to understand what your bids mean or that you have a strategy for hand evaluation. You must put effort into understanding your partner. Yes, we don’t bid alone (or we shouldn't).

Let me share some ideas that can help you with your bidding and therefore, your results!

Partnership Agreements

The single most important thing is to agree and understand each other's bidding. This is the key that enables you to interpret your partner’s bids more accurately. You and your partner rarely have a bidding sequence without interference from the opponents, so understanding your partner's bids in competition is crucial to get to the best contract.

Personal Bidding Style

Each of us has a personal bidding style. What is yours?

• Are you more conservative?

• Are you aggressive?

• Do you evaluate every hand the same way?

• How does your strategy change depending on vulnerability?

Know yourself and the world will be your oyster. But also make sure that partner knows your style as well as you know partner’s.

Flexibility

In competitive situations players often need to adjust their strategies based on their partner’s tendencies. Adaptability is especially important in avoiding huge mistakes that occur when partners are not on the same wavelength.

Cohesive Bidding System

Make agreements about conventions and strategies that both players are comfortable with. Remember always that you are not playing by yourself. Bridge is a partnership game.

Study Past Hands

Make a habit of reviewing past auctions – good and bad. Discussing bidding decisions can help partnerships understand what worked well, what didn’t, and hot to avoid future mistakes.

Practice

As with any skill, experience plays a vital role in developing a successful partnership in bridge. Even if you hated the way partner bid remember, what does not kill you, makes you stronger☺

Remaining flexible, eager to learn and having an effective partner communication are some of the many things that make bridge one of the most beautiful games in the world. Hope you get to know your partner(s) more and hope to see you soon at the table.

The more, the merrier! We are always better together.

Patricia Herrera is a Mexican bridge teacher and player and the Education Coordinator for the ACBL's District 16. She is part of the Women's team representing Mexico in the World Championships held in Argentina. Pattricia is also the President of the Mexican Bridge Federation. When she is not playing bridge, she runs a nonprofit consulting firm based in Mexico City. You can reach her at: herrerapatricia@gmail.com

2025 Grand National Teams ♠

By Scott Nason D16 GNT Coordinator

TheGrand National Teams (GNT) 2025 is coming soon. No unit qualifying is required, so you can proceed straight to District Finals. Get your teams together and meet us in Houston or Dallas in the spring as four levels will compete in the GNT District Finals. The four winners of those events (and possibly more – see below) go on to compete at the GNT Finals in Philadelphia in July 2025.

The top flight – Championship Flight – is open to anyone who is an ACBL member in good standing and who resided in District 16 as of September 1, 2024. To play in Flight A, each member of the team must also have had fewer than 6000 masterpoints as of the August 6, 2024 posting. For Flight B the cutoff is 3000 points. Flight C is limited to Non-Life Masters with fewer than 750 points. Each team may consist of four, five or six players, but each player must be eligible for the flight in which the team is competing.

A team may play in more than one flight if all members are eligible. For example, a Flight B team may play in both Flights B and A. Just keep in mind that a team may only play in one flight at the NABC even if the team qualified in multiple flights.

The District Finals will be split into two venues. The A and C flights will be held in Houston at the Unit 174 Spring Election Sectional on April 5-6. The Championship and B Flights will be held in Dallas at Unit 176 Dallas Spring Sectional on May 2-3.

(If there are three or fewer teams in any flight, that event will conclude in one day.) The winners from each flight will advance to the National GNT Finals in Philadelphia at the Summer NABC in July and will be eligible for an expense stipend if they actually play in Philadelphia. Note also that if Flights B and/or C have eight or more teams, only the top two teams will qualify for National Finals.

GNT Stipends

The District 16 Board recently approved some changes to the expense stipends. The stipend to each winning team has been increased to $2400, to be shared equally by each member who actually plays in Philadelphia, while the 2nd place award was increased to $1800. In addition, because of changes in ACBL policies, the board agreed to reimburse card fees as follows: beginning in round three at the NABCs, each player will be reimbursed for their card fees at the rate charged to those who stay in the host hotel, regardless of where each player chooses to stay.

Note that card fees are waived by the ACBL in rounds one and two for Flights A, B, and C, but not for the Championship Flight.

Pre-registration is required, so please get your teams together and send your entry – player names, flight, ACBL numbers and email addresses – to Scott Nason at sdnason@sbcglobal.net at least five days prior to the event in which you will compete.

For more information, you may consult the Conditions of Contest, which are posted on the D16 website. Make sure to check the flyer on the next page.

District 16

2025 GNT District Finals

Formats for each GNT flight will be based on the number of teams entered. See the GNT Conditions of Contest for the planned formats.

Saturday, April 5

Flight A qualifying

April 5-6 in Houston

10:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Flight C qualifying 10:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 6

Flight A finals (if necessary) 10:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Flight C finals (if necessary) 10:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

May 2-3 in Dallas

Friday, May 2

Flight B Qualifying

10:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Championship Flight Qualifying 10:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 3

Flight B finals (if necessary)

10:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Championship Flight finals 10:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. (if necessary)

Masterpoint Limits

• Championship Flight – Open to Anyone

• Flight A Open to players with less than 6000 masterpoints as of August 6, 2024

• Flight B Open to players with less than 3000 masterpoints as of August 6, 2024

• Flight C Open to Non-Life Masters with less than 750 masterpoints as of August 6, 2024

•

Stratifications/Eligibility

Every player must be an ACBL member in good standing and have been a resident of D16, as of September 1, 2024. All teams must pre-register with Scott Nason at sdnason@sbcglobal.net no later than March 31 for the Flight A & Flight C, and by April 27 for Championship Flight & Flight B. Team captains must supply the names of the players with ACBL numbers and the flight in which you will compete. Card fees will be $60 ($15 x 4) per team, per session.

Venues

Flight A & C in Houston with the Unit 174 Election Sectional tournament at Westchase Marriott, 2900 Briarpark Drive, Houston.

Flight Championship & Flight B in Dallas with the Dallas Spring Sectional at the Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, 9200 Inwood Road, Dallas.

Tournament Chair: Scott Nason sdnason@sbcglobal.net

District 16 Awards Non-Bridge Charities ♠

By Karen Nussbaum D16 Charity Committee Chair

District 16 was awarded $10,000 from the ACBL Charity Foundation to be distributed to nonbridge charity organizations in the district. The D16 Charity Committee comprised of Karen Nussbaum, chair, and committee members Mary Ann White (Unit 205), Nancy Latner (Unit 176) and Rebecca Brown (Unit 207) evaluated all the charities proposed by the membership. They selected five organizations that each received $2000. The recipient organizations are:

Alpha Home

San Antonio Substance Abuse Treatment Centers Helping Men and Women overcome Addiction

Houston Non-profit Helping Families in Crisis with Foster Care and Support

The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center Dallas Helping Homeless with the donation for their Dog Kennel Program

Chapala Sunrise Rotary

Chapala, Mexico Working to Bring Clean Water to the Village of Ojo de Agua on Lake Chapala

Casa de Esperanza

Alpha Home

Jana Barnard (Unit 172) presenting check to Mary Jensen

Casa de Esperanza

Marsha & Sam Dobson (Unit 174) presenting check to Melissa Simon with Karen Nussbaum, D16 Charity chair

The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center

Nancy Latner (Unit 176), D16 Charity committee member presenting check to Dr. David Woody with his staff

Chapala Sunrise Rotary

Mary Ann White (Unit 205), D16 Charity committee member presenting check to Nicci Beninger

The Central Texas Food Bank

Austin Helping Feed those in Need to prevent Hunger

The Central Texas Food Bank

Rebecca Brown (Unit 207), D16 Charity committee member & president of the ACBL Charity Foundation presenting check to Phoebe Potiker

Each organization was presented their check by a member of the D16 Charity Committee or a D16 member where the organization is located.

District 16 North American Pairs ♠

By Larry Davis D16 NAP Coordinator

TheDistrict 16 NAP will be held Saturday and Sunday, January 1112 at the Bridge Center of Austin (BCA), 6700 Middle Fiskville Road, Suite 408. Make sure to check out the flyer on page 4 of this issue if you missed it to see the details.

We want to make sure that everyone who plans to participate realizes that this event will not be held in conjunction with the earlier Austin Winter Sectional that is on January 2-5.

continued from 5Regional Director

programs, so Patty will begin attending mathematics teacher conferences in those areas in 2025. Total estimated cost for the program in 2025 is over $500,000, and Patty is working with ACBL and the ACBL Educational Foundation to raise the additional $250,000. Charity Foundation

In October I agreed to join the Board of Trustees for the ACBL Charity Foundation. I see this as a good opportunity to help the foundation as it works on its vision and strategy now that it is independent from the ACBL. The primary work of the Charity Foundation focuses on disaster relief and providing rotating

If you want to practice before the event, an extra masterpoint club game will be held at the BCA on Friday, January 10 at 11:00 a.m. An extra masterpoint club game will also be held on Sunday, January 12 at 10:00 a.m. at the BCA. Pairs that did not qualify to advance in the NAP are welcome to play in that game as well.

We look forward to seeing everyone in Austin.

grants to ACBL districts to be distributed to charities in their areas.

Passing the Gavel

My term on the ACBL board ended December 31, and I have been replaced by Rebecca Brown as Region 9 Director. Make sure to read the article that introduces you to Rebecca in this issue. I enjoyed my time on the board and am convinced that ACBL is in a better position today than it was when I began serving in 2017. Thanks for all the support I received during my time as your representative!

What Happened in Vegas... ♠

The Fall NABC

By Scott Nason D16 NABC Correspondent

TheNational American Bridge Championships (NABC) returned to Las Vegas after five years. The last time was in July 2019, the last summer NABC pre-COVID-19, and temperatures this time around were 30-40 degrees cooler. The venue was the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino, but it sold out early, and players were scattered to the Hilton Grand Vacation Club, Springhill Suites, and other accommodations around the city.

District 16 players turned in many impressive performances over the course of the 10-day tournament but failed to bring home any national championships. Without an NAP or GNT final to get things started, it was off to a slow start on Thanksgiving Day, and things barely heated up on Black Friday. D16 had several qualifiers make it to the second day of the Nail Life Masters and several in position to qualify for the Soloway KO rounds, but no one was near the top of the leader boards.

Nancy Passell (Plano) and Ellen Hessel (San Antonio) placed 2nd in both Side Pairs games. James La Fountain (Temple) and Pat McMillin (Houston) were 3rd in the afternoon. Harry Elliott (Houston) was 2nd in Bracket 1 of the Open Swiss Teams. Arvind and Lynnie Sharma (Southlake) won the first Friday Gold Rush Pairs. Sue and Frank Mazzucco (Frisco) won their section in the second session of the Open Pairs –in all three stratifications – beating some world champions in the process.

On Saturday, the Nail LM Pairs with no D16

players high in the overalls. Jeff McKee (Livingston) and Greg Resz (Weatherford) were 2nd in the TopFlight Pairs, and Phillip Grothus (Bucerias) and Chris Kollenberg (Houston) were 10th. Rebecca Brown (Lakeway, our new Region 9 Director-Elect) won the Mid-Flight Pairs. Benjamin Klauder (Austin) and Finn Kolesnik (Austin) were 2nd in Bracket 1 of the Open Swiss. Mohnish Pabrai (Austin) was 3rd in B2. David Worrall (Quitman) was 3rd in B10. Arvind and Linnie Sharma won B11.

Two national events concluded their qualifying rounds. In the 0-10,000 Swiss Teams, the first day leaders were the mostly D16 team of Kalyan Venkat (Round Rock), Eddie Bass (Brookeland) and Jin Chu (Plano). In the Soloway KOs, which had a two-day Swiss qualifier, Venkatrao Konero (San Antonio), Sam Dinkin (Austin), Timucin Erkoc (Katy), and Wanfeng Mou (Sugarland) – all playing on different teams –qualified 15th, 19th, 24th, and 29th respectively.

On Sunday, D16 broke through with a win in the Top-Flight Swiss, as the Chens of Austin (Steve, Sarah, Andrew and Charlie) finished 1st. The Venkat/ Bass/Chu team that led the 0-10,000 Swiss Teams on day one finished 5th in the finals. Benjamin Klauder was 4th in the Open Pairs.

In the Soloway Knock Out Teams three of the four D16 contenders made it through to the round of 16: Dinkin, Erkoc and Mou.

In the first day of the Mitchell Board-A-Match Teams, the top D16 qualifier was the team including Finn Kolesnik. In the Super Senior Pairs, the top district qualifiers were Petra Hamman (Carrollton) and Nancy Passell, who were in the 15th spot going into Monday’s finals.

On Monday, the Mitchell B-A-M Teams concluded. Finn Kolesnik finished 11th, Mike Passell (Plano) 13th, and Bob Hamman (Dallas) 14th. Jo Smith (Abilene) was 3rd in the Super Senior Pairs.

Also on Monday, the Soloway continued with only Dinkin making the round of eight.

In Bracketed Teams Charlene Coor (Austin) was 3rd in B3. Fred Seipp (Dallas) won B8. Sarah Springer (Katy) won B12, while Miriam Cooper and B Haznedar (Houston) were 2nd. D16 took seven spots in B14, with David Worrall (Quitman), Beryl Cobb (Tyler) and Karen Bell and Sanjay Santhanam (Gilmer) in 2nd, while Robert and Susan Domballa (Tomball), and Janice Rush (Houston) 3rd.

Monday night featured the first of two social game nights. Beyond Bridge offered an opportunity to mingle and play other games – like backgammon and cribbage – with bridge experts who excel in other games, too. And maybe sing a little karaoke.

On Tuesday, the Dinkin team lost a close heartbreaker in the quarterfinals of the Soloway to finish in 5th/8th. In the NABC 0-10,000 IMP Pairs, Charlene Sands (Driftwood) finished 10th. On day 1 of the Whitehead Women’s Pairs NABC+ championship, Patricia Herrera (Mexico City) led the D16 qualifiers in the 4th position. In the B Stratification, Burton Shepherd and Norman Beck (Dallas) were 5th. Nancy Small (Conroe) and Linda Monroe Wall (Montgomery) were 4th in the Gold Rush Pairs.

En route to their 5th place finish, Burton Shepherd pulled off quite a coup. After his partner, Norman, confessed to walking Burton into a hopeless 3NT, a cagey play brought it home. As reported in the Daily Bulletin, Burton held ♠AKQTxx opposite ♠9x. When LHO pitched a small spade on a diamond trick, Burton decided that he had started with ♠Jxxxx. He led a small spade from his hand, away from the ♠AKQT and LHO played small. When the ♠9 held the trick, Burton returned to hand and cashed his tricks, making 3NT and almost all the matchpoints.

In Bracket 2 of the Bracketed Swiss, Mary Chaffin, Erica Walker and Rosalind Smith (Dallas) and Mary Lynn Genovesi (Fairview) finished 1st. Martin and Donna Hrachovy (Sugar Land), Sarah Springer (Katy), and Marilyn Frazier (Port O’Conner) were 3rd in B6. In B10, William Keys and Deborah Armstrong (Dallas), Jean Scott and Lorri Brockman (Plano) were 3rd. Phillip Loeb (Bastrop) won B11. William Churchman (Pasadena), Susan and Michael Hanna,

and Barbara Sweeney (Houston) were tied for 2nd in B17.

On Wednesday, the Whitehead Pairs concluded with Nancy Passell and Shawn Quinn (Sugar Land) taking 5th place, while Patricia Herrera finished 14th. On day two of the 0-6000 Mini-Blue Ribbons, Bill and Donna Garrard (Irving) qualified in the 9th spot for Thursday’s finals.

In the Mid-Flight Pairs, Sue Gerard (Mexico City) came in 2nd, while Rebecca Brown was 8th, Raymond Borrego and Brian McNamara (Austin) were 9th, and P. Martel (Guadalajara) and Mary Ann White (Laredo) were 11th. Marty Simpson (San Angelo) and Terri Tedford (Miles) were 7th in the Gold Rush Pairs. Cole Musselman (Pflugerville) and Bradley Etnyre (Houston) were 2nd in the C strat. John Schwartz (Plano) was 4th in the morning side game.

In the Top-Flight Swiss X strat, Scott Nason (Dallas), Tomi Storey (Frisco), Marie Smerjac (Chireno) and Kim Brinkman (Austin) were tied for 4th, while Paddy Fiorino (Missouri City), Brigitte Sandifer (Sugar Land), and Linda McReynolds (Houston) were 6th in Y. In the 0-4000 Bracketed Swiss, Martin and Donna Hrachovy, Sarah Springer and Marilyn Frazier were tied for 2nd in B8. Ann Kuehler (New Braunfels), Cindy Cummins (Seguin), Sharon Evans (Boerne) and Nancy Tom (San Antonio) were 3rd in B9. Lauri Laufman, James Woodward, Janice Rush and Susan Banks-Johnson (all from Houston) were 2nd in B14. Finally, in Bracket 20, Nancy Small and Linda Monroe Wall were 2nd, while Kim Satterfield and Beth DiTommaso (Denton) and Maitland Dade (Princeton) were 3rd.

That evening, the tournament hosted Bridge Mania, with Jeopardy Super Champion James Holzhauer hosting a version of Jeopardy and Zack Grossack hosting a version of Family Feud.

On Thursday, the NABC+ Mixed Pairs got underway, with Ellen and Ira Hessel (San Antonio) leading D16 qualifiers, sitting in the 8th spot after the first two sessions. The prestigious Kaplan Blue Ribbons concluded, sadly, with no D16 players finishing in the top 50, although Bart Bramley, who recently moved to Connecticut, was 20th. In the finals of the 0-6000 Mini-Blue Ribbons, Bill and Donna Garrard took 3rd place. In the Gold Rush Pairs, Cole Musselman and Bradley Etnyre were 6th overall, but 3rd in B and 2nd in C. In the Morning 299er Pairs, Jenny McCall and Michael Mansfield (Plano) were 1st in C. In the

Afternoon Side Pairs, Linda Gaston (Pflugerville) and Terrie Kolvoord (Austin) were 2nd in C.

In the Top-Flight Swiss, Hua Yang and Yan Song (Plano) were 2nd in X. While there had been several events in which D16 was mostly shut out, we were very successful in Bracketed Swiss. This day, in 0-4000 Bracketed Swiss, D16 dominated. Christopher Steele (Pflugerville) took 1st place in Bracket 1. Mary Lynn Genovesi and Rosalind Smith were 2nd in B2. Ann Kuehler (New Braunfels) and Cindy Cummins (Seguin) were 1st in B3. Charlene Coor won B5. Lauri Laufman, James Woodward, Linda Drake (Fulshear) and Kathleen McDougall (Richmond) were 2nd in B6. Phillip Loeb won B10. Mariah Stopper (Houston), Miriam Cooper, B Haznedar and Kathleen Pflueger (Missouri City) were 3rd in B11. Darrel VanDyke (Lewisville) and Jan and Chuck Mogged Jr (Colleyville) won B14. John Burgess, Brenda Darby, Frankie and David Lemasters (all from Granbury) were 2nd in B16. That is a haul.

On Friday, Mike Passell’s team was the 2nd qualifier on the first day of the Keohane North American Swiss Teams. In the finals of the NABC+ Mixed Pairs, Jessie Lee and James Zhan (Sugar Land) came in 14th and Ira and Ellen Hessel were 20th. Jessie Lee came into the event with a mere 200 masterpoints, half of which came from winning the Flight B GNT at District and Nationals this year. Now she has 21 platinum points.

In the Top-Flight Pairs, Donna and Dave Swarthout (San Antonio) were 10th. In the Mid-Flight Pairs, Christopher Steele was 2nd in C. while David Worrall and Karen Bell were 6th. In the afternoon Side Game, Robert Williamson (Austin) was 2nd in B.

In the Bracketed Teams, what a difference a day makes. After a very strong performance on Thursday, we didn’t do quite as well today, but far from a bust. Carol Cortez (Laredo) was 2nd in B5. Mary Lynn Genovesi and Rosalind Smith were 3rd in B6. In B7 Tom and Dorothy Moore (Keller) were 1st, while Sam Dodson (Houston) was 3rd. Martin and Donna Hrachovy, Marilyn Frazier and Sarah Springer were 2nd in B12. Robert and Susan Domsalla and Debbie and Bill Nash (Cypress) won B14. Barbara Sweeney and Susan and Michael Hanna were 3rd in B17.

On Saturday, the Reisinger Teams semi-finals were dominated by foreign players, although the Fleischer team that won the Soloway were in 1st and our Eric Greco (Frisco) was in 9th place. In the second day of the Keohane North American Swiss Team, Pawel Ha-

nus (Carrollton) and Ari Sippola (Richardson) moved up into 3rd place, while Mike Passell was 5th.

In Bracketed Swiss Teams, Robert and Susan Domsalla and Debbie and Bill Nash won B3, while Martin and Donna Hrachovy, Sarah Springer and Marilyn Frazier tied with Nancy Tom and Sharon Evans for 3rd. Darrel VanDyke and Jan and Chuck Mogged Jr. were 4th in B4. In the Open Pairs, James Lutz (Fort Worth) was 5th in B. In the Fast Pairs, Linda Drake and B. Haznedar won strat C.

On the final day of competition, there were three NABC+ events decided. In the NABC+ Mixed Swiss Teams, Kristen Onsgard (Dallas) was 10th. In the Reisinger BAM Teams, Eric Greco was 5th. And in the Keohane Swiss Teams, Mike Passell was 7th, Pawel Hanus and Ari Sippola were 12th, and Lynn Baker (Austin) was 14th.

In the Top Flight Swiss Teams, Sam Dinkin was 5th, Jessie Lee and James Zhan were 10th in A and 3rd in B, and Bill St. Clair (Houston) was 4th in C. And in Bracketed Swiss, where D16 players had shined all week, we were shut out, many apparently having gone home already.

In the NABC 0-6000 Pairs, Nancy Joe (Austin) was 9th. In the Friday-Sunday Side Game Series, Norman Beck and Burton Shepherd were 7th, thanks to a 3rd place finish Sunday morning and 4th Sunday afternoon. Darrick Chee (Forest Hill) was 5th in B in the morning game.

The top masterpoint winner in D16 was Wanfeng Mou with 107 points won. For the year, the D16 player who collected the most points in the “Player of the Year” contest was Eric Greco with 542 platinum points.

Finally, Tomi Storey and I, who will co-chair the Nationals in Dallas in March 2027, were actively recruiting attendees for our event in just over two years. We hope to see you there, but … in the meantime … we are looking for volunteers to help us put together the best NACB ever! If you would like to help, we would love to hear from you and find a suitable role on our team. You can email either of us at SDNason@sbcglobal.net or skeeter303@yahoo.com

D A L L A S

New Members

October-November 2024

172 Gisell Campos

172 Cindy Parker

172 Gabriel Pastrana-O Conn

172 Alice Wake

172 Sandra Yerger

173 Antonio Gonzalez

173 Cecilia Gonzalez

173 Emilio Gonzalez

173 Patricio Gonzalez

173 Alberto Sangiorgio

174 Ada Alston,

174 Leslie Alston

174 Mary Bange

174 Marilyn Burns

174 Guy Curry

174 Joe Cusack

174 Nina Dodd

174 Susan Herman

174 Lawrence Lachman

174 Xueqian Lin

Junior Master (5 MPs)

172 Joseph E Baka

172 Linda Elkins

172 Frank R Hedges

172 Stanley Morris

172 Alice Wake

174 Beverly A Braden

174 Ryo Chen

174 Patricia R Cowan

174 David Fritz

174 Jennifer Gottschalk

174 Xueqian Lin

174 Kai Liu, Tom Lyda

174 Kai Liu

174 Donna Nebel

174 Walter Oakes

174 Harper Paddock

174 Piyush Shah

174 Ellen Sheedy

176 Frederick Baptista

176 Barbara Beyer

176 Davis Cable

176 Eleanor L Carroll

176 Joanne Delorenzo

176 Carolyn Dickey

176 Theodore L Dickey

176 Charmaine Edson

176 Debbie Gilmore

176 Mitch Hennegan

176 Mary Lessmann

176 Gail McDonald

176 Stacy Mihalsky

176 Marilyn Williams

176 Loyd Zisk

183 Sharon Berg

183 Madonna Ferris

183 Kenton Hefley

183 Krislyn Massey

183 David Reid

183 Frederick Shea

183 Jeffrey Spencer

183 Telena Wright

183 Tommy Wright

183 Phoebe Eckstein

197 Cassie Barron

197 Bailey Carter

204 Mary Pajestka

207 Mr. S Peckham

207 Ronald Roesler

207 Ann Symmonds

233 Caden Towlson

Masterpoint Milestones

October-November 2024

174 Sandra McNeir

174 Amy Schuh

174 Aline D Wilson

176 Alan Chamison

176 Lynn Gross

176 Dana H Harkey

176 Terry Rowling

176 176 Meeta Sawla

176 Kaijian Shi

176 Susan E Silver

176 Mary M Smith

183 Linda Fogle

183 Deborah Pennett

187 Colleen M McTernan

205 Graziella Peralta

207 Christiane Alexander

207 Gregory Andersen

207 Andrew Black

207 Donald M Bowen

207 Thomas L Browne

207 Darrel J Delong

207 Charles E Greenwell

207 James Michalski

207 Carlos Salazar

207 Gina Williams

Club Master (20 MPs)

172 Donnelle Blahuta

172 Sharon M Doerr

172 Stanley Morris

172 Alice Wake

172 Jennifer Zimmerle

174 Neil R Anderson

174 Dmitry Braverman

174 Giorgio A Drugovich

174 Junhui Du

174 Mrs. Nancy L McWilliams

174 Stephen O Schrader

174 Frances C Tarbett

174 Shuangxing Yu

174 Xiaoxing Yu

174 Deborah Zissman

176 Marcia Myers

176 Joseph T Williams

183 Ermine L Morris

183 Trish Welsh

204 Sandra Love

207 Charlotte E Brigham

207 William Elliott

207 Susan P Hauser

207 Shanker Reddy

207 Ellen B Schaeffer

207 Marilyn L Scheidt

207 Judy K Scheuerell

207 Carol L Swartz

207 Pat P Wyman

209 Linda Leps

224 Charla L Cain

225 Sassy Crookshanks

254 Lindy L Marchuk

353 Mrs. Georgeann Blankenbecler

353 Anne M Hoover

Sectional Master (50 MPs)

174 Rodney M Armstrong

174 Loretta N Cross

174 174 Penny M Gregg

174 Niels H Kastrup

174 Joan Land

174 Debra Oakes

174 Weijun Zhu

176 Duncan L Clore

176 Matthew J Ripp

183 David W Hammer

183 Kimberly S Lee

201 Mrs. M Grant

204 Janis M Dismukes

207 Ann Conrad

207 Tammany T Lafosse

207 Rebecca Lamar

207 Jim Rhodes

209 Cliff Hair

209 Joan E Rice

Regional Master (100 MPs)

172 Gordon Hardin

172 Karen S Henderson

174 Kelly Harp

174 W A Hecht

174 Mrs. Traci McCaskill

174 Edward P McKee

174 Wei Xu

174 Shuangxing Yu

174 Xiaoxing Yu

176 Carol Dixon

176 Mrs. Meaders M Ozarow

183 Tim Baris

183 Nelda S Coonrod

187 Anne Carleton

197 Peggy L Frick

204 Julie J Moorman

207 Mr. Colin Everitt

207 MacDonald Kempf

207 Michael S Peirce

225 Marcia Collins

NABC Master (200 MPs)

172 Belo N Kellam

174 Ludmila Bellazoug

174 Mr. Thomas Brown

174 Gary Kerr, Jessie Y Lee

174 Mr. James W Moore

174 Mr. Thomas M O'Donnell

174 Dennis D Sucec

176 Mr. George Conant

176 David R Proctor

176 Mrs. Belinda J Stuart

183 Michael M Tully

207 Andrew R Brice

Advanced NABC Master (300 MPs)

174 Phyllis A Dillard

183 Ms. Connie J Chamberlain

207 Jamie Southerland

Life Master (500 MPs*)

172 Dr. Steven J Kassarjian

174 Teresa A Bolen

174 Mr. David L Bradt

174 Mrs. Ann C Coates

174 Mrs. Susanne Dittmann

174 Cindy Hempel

174 Don J Hempel

174 Mr. Robert D Lane

174 Ms. Lois A McCallister

183 Peter D Clive

183 Mrs. Lillian A Ethridge

205 Mrs. Joy E Wilson

207 Jim Ferguson

207 Mr. Gary Koenig

207 Teresa J Mack

224 Rebecca Y Barton

225 Mr. Gary L Britt

225 Mrs. Jo A Britt

225 Mrs. Molly Chambers

225 Mr. Sanjay Santhanam

233 George E Holmes

237 Mr. Donald D Lang

Bronze Life Master (750 MPs**)

174 Helen B Hollis

174 Mrs. Sandra A Maalouf

174 Ms. Lois A McCallister

174 Mrs. Sara M Rowe

176 Cheryl Bradford

183 Mrs. Constance M Javor

197 Mrs. Francis L Thornberry

204 Joy Foster

225 225 Mrs. Molly Chambers

Silver Life Master (1000 MPs)

172 Homer A Stevens

174 Mr. David L Bradt

174 Jerry N Hoffman

174 Hasin F Jinna

174 Ms. Evita J Rduch

174 Mr. Corbin N Shouse

176 Mr. Frank A Mazzucco

176 Sharon Welsh

183 Mrs. Jan M Mogged

183 Mr. John C Robbins

205 Mrs. Janet E Mitchell

207 Sue Alt

225 Mrs. Sarah B Meredith

225 Mr. Charles T Spradlin

Ruby Life Master (1500 MPs)

172 Ms. Jeanne M Dawley

174 Mrs. Joy E Cogburn

174 Steven Gordon

174 Donna J Mann

174 Sarah P Springer

176 Fred Seipp

176 Mrs. Ruthie L Shor

183 Ms. Stefanie Scott

Gold Life Master (2500 MPs)

173 Miss Bronia Nosnik

176 Mr. Dale Remmers

Sapphire Life Master (3500 MPs)

172 Mrs. Maria I Marshall

174 Ms. Lori Jacobs

176 Mrs. Natalie P Rollier

207 Melody B Euler

Diamond Life Master (5000 MPs)

174 Mr. Wolf D Schroeter

Emerald Life Master (7500 MPs)

207 Finn Kolesnik

Platinum Life Master (10,000 MPs)

174 Mrs. Betty K Starzec

*Prior to January 1, 2010 - 300 MPs

**Prior to January 1, 2010- 500 MPs

D16 + Club

Wayne Outlaw & Ed Rasmussen

Beaumont – Beaumont Bridge Studio

Wayne Outlaw & Ed Rasmussen

Beaumont – Beaumont Bridge Studio

Kris Cherry & Paulette Schiwart

Beaumont – Beaumont Bridge Studio

Sanjay Santhanam & Peggy Singer

Pittsburg – Pittsburg DBC

Susan Pennington & Carol McGill

Beaumont – Beaumont Bridge Studio Gary

& Greg Loran

Lubbock – LLano Estacado Bridge Club

Loretta Gary & Margaret Jackson

Beaumont – Beaumont Bridge Studio

Gary Blaiss & Greg Loran

Lubbock – LLano Estacado Bridge Club

Gary Blaiss & Greg Loran

Lubbock – LLano Estacado Bridge Club

Wayne Outlaw & Martha Oliver

Beaumont –

Beaumont – Beaumont Bridge Studio

Reporting D16 70% + Games

TheD16 70% + Club recognizes members who have scored 70% or higher scores in one of the district’s club masterpoint games that is open or non-restricted club game. 70% + Games must be reported to Scorecard. These results are not automatically picked up from club files. The club director, manager or any player may send an email to: D16-ScorecardEditor@d16acbl.org with the subject: D16 70% + Club. Be sure to include the club’s name and location. Games will be reported on a first come, first served basis as space is available.

Member Profiles

Meet José M. Portela, Brigadier General USAF Ret. Unit

176 Dallas

By Nancy Connors

The McKinney Duplicate Bridge Club is a diverse group of individuals from many states and several countries. No one would have guessed, however, that the group would include two Air Force Generals! (Long-time member Major General Al Joersz was featured in an earlier article.) Brigadier General José M. Portela, on the other hand, recently started playing bridge after his retirement. He says that his wife has been playing bridge for several decades, but he only learned the game two years ago under the tutelage of Lou Minter who presided as the bridge instructor on a two-week Regent Ocean Cruise. Despite this brief experience with the game, Portela’s analytical mind and broad life experience in tactical thinking have enabled him to quickly excel at the bridge table.

José Portela was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico where he received his primary and secondary education before enrolling in the University of Puerto Rico earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration at the age of 19. He then joined the United States Air Force as a second lieutenant where he underwent pilot training at Webb Air Force Base in Texas. After receiving his pilot wings in 1970 he was promoted to first lieutenant and was assigned to a Military Airlift Squadron in Charleston, South Carolina. He became the youngest C-141A aircraft commander and a captain at the age of 22. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s he served in a variety of flying, command, and staff positions in South Carolina, California, Delaware, and Texas during which he was promoted to major.

José served in Viet Nam, the Persian Gulf War,

and Desert Storm racking up more than 22,000 flight hours and earning 21 honorary badges, including the coveted Air Force Distinguished Service Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross. From 1992-1995 Portela served at the Pentagon and was promoted to colonel. He received training in a wide array of strategies including Joint Warfare Operations and decision making. Training at the National War College and the Naval War College were also part of his career path.

From 1995-2004 José served in numerous positions ranging from vice commander and inspector general at Dover Air Force Base to mobilization assistant to the undersecretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs at the Pentagon. It was during that period that he was promoted to Brigadier General. In 2004 Portela returned home to his birthplace to serve as Commander of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard in San Juan.

After more than 43 years of service and leadership Brig. General Portela retired from the Air Force in 2012. He was not ready to give up flying entirely though. He became a captain for U.S. Airways and left the cockpit in 2014 with more than 25,000 hours of airtime. He continued to work in aeronautics, however, and retired as an FAA inspector in 2020. He then served as a safety and glass cockpit expert for the Airline Pilots Association as well as serving on the Defense Advisory Council on Hispanic Issues.

José is also a family man. He married his wife, Margie, in 1970 and will soon celebrate their 54th anniversary – no mean feat for a military family who must endure long separations and many transfers. They have one son, José Jr., who has his own law practice in Dallas. A daughter-in-law and two grandsons complete the Portela family: José III is a law student at Baylor and Jacob is a junior in high school. The Portelas live in Dallas and José enjoys playing bridge 3-5 times a week. It may be a challenge for him to catch up with his wife, however. Margie is a Life Master!

Nancy Connors is the McKinney Duplicate Bridge Club reporter.

José M. Portela

Contributors

Introducing Rebecca Brown ACBL Board of Directors, Region 9 (Districts 15 & 16)

“Paul Cuneo is an impossible act to follow, but I am prepared to work very hard!” says Rebecca Brown of Lakeway, Texas (Unit 207).

Rebecca Brown ACBL Board of Directors, Region 9 (Districts 15 & 16)

RebeccaBrown is replacing Cuneo on the ACBL Board of Directors, representing Districts 15 and 16. Cuneo announced in January 2024 that he would not seek another term. Brown reached out to friends in the bridge world, offering her support. At some point one of her potential candidates asked her why she didn’t consider running for the position. She thought, “Why not?”

Brown grew up in Brooklyn, New York then moved to the Midwest, finally settling in Texas almost 30 years ago. She contends she doesn’t still have a NY accent, but the jury’s out on that one. When asked how she managed to get to Texas she said, “I married a Texas Aggie and it was only a question of where in Texas we would live.” They lived for in San Antonio for many years, where Brown was very involved in community nonprofits activities. During the COVID pandemic the couple relocated to the Austin area to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

Rebecca completed her Bachelor’s of Arts in comparative literature, a Master’s of Arts in clinical psychology and a law degree. She practiced law in Illinois,

Buenos Aires and San Antonio – beginning in civil litigation and ending in international transactions. She also became a mediator. After retirement, she served as a pro bono attorney involved in child abuse and mental health matters.

Rebecca's career and community involvement left little time to learn bridge, but once she got “the bug” in 2008, she hasn’t looked back. Brown was active on local unit boards (172 and 207) and as District 16 President and Disciplinary Chair. As luck would have it, she met Jeffrey Edelstein, the ACBL National Recorder, at the Phoenix NABC in 2022, with whom she had dealt by phone. She offered to help, he took her up on her offer, and for the past two years Brown has volunteered as adjunct national recorder, handling conduct matters. In the course of her work with the Recorder’s office, she has had contact with dozens of players plus unit and club personnel. During this time, she was appointed to the Aileen Osofsky ACBL Goodwill Committee, and served as co-chair. Rebecca also serves as president of the ACBL Charity Foundation. In 2024, Brown was certified as a director and bridge teacher directing monthly at the Bridge Center of Austin and directing and teaching on bridge cruises.

Despite having been involved in various aspects of the ACBL, Rebecca says she needs to listen and learn. With the downsizing of the national board from 25 to 13 members, there will be a lot of work to do. Region 9 is the largest geographical region in ACBL, consisting of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, western Missouri, northwestern Arkansas and Mexico. When asked how she will manage such a big geographic area, she said, “I’ll be keeping my suitcases close to the front door.”

Rebecca takes her role as representative seriously and welcomes feedback. Please contact her by email at Region9Director@acbl.org

Unit 172 - San Antonio

By Ellen Hessel

New Braunfels Sectional

Elisabeth Kay, who headed up hospitality at our fantastically successful October New Braunfels Sectional tournament wished that her sentiments be published. Wish granted!

Walt Disney is quoted as saying, “Whatever we accomplish is due to combined effort.” and, while providing hospitality at a bridge tournament may not be the same thing as a trip to Disney World, I can absolutely agree that whatever we accomplished took a group of special individuals each bringing their own talent and contributions to pull off a fantastic event. Thank you, everyone for volunteering – you did more than just show up, you carried the coffee, decorated the dishes, donated the great food and cleaned the kitchen each of the night of the tournament's four days.

Here are only some of the names of those generous volunteers: Buddy, Becky, Mary, MaryRita, the Charlottes, Joan, Harry, Sam, Dorothy, Karen, Hazel, Grant, Oren, Barbara, Linda, Scott, Evelyn, Debbie, JoAnn, Paula, David, Ann, Cindy and let's not forget the Unit 172. Your pleasing smiles and laughter, much help and efforts made the event memorable and meaningful with our successful kitchen. I am convinced there’s no one else I’d rather do it with. Thank you!

Elisabeth Kay

Besides heading up hospitality, Elisabeth also organized Wear Animal Print Day where attendees were encouraged to dress in animal prints. It made for a fun day so make sure to see those who participated in the tournament winners section of this issue.

Holiday Season Parties

The Holiday Season started off with a big bang at our annual Pro-Am unit game held on November 16. There were 18 tables with Diana Drenner and James Cuccia leading the pack with nearly 63% followed by Lynn Pierson and Ed Rawlinson coming 2nd, and Mary Massey and David Mitchell in 3rd.

The New Braunfels Holiday Party on December 10 had 13 ½ tables – a great turnout! Tamales and the fixin’s were served.

Roxie Tom & Brian Bankler won Flight A while Don Marcott & Joe Hsiau won Flights B & C!

The Mentor-Mentee program headed by Susan Hernandez continues to be a very popular event. Our Unit Holiday Party was held on December 14 in San Antonio with 23 ½ tables.

Delicious turkeys were provided by the unit and lots of sides and desserts were brought by unit mem-

bers. Many thanks to Karen Fillis, Ed Rawlinson and Rebecca Evans for hosting and organizing the event. Outstepping them all were Sheryleen Grothus & David Mitchell in Flight A. Flight B & C winners were Joe Hsiau and Gloria Harkey. Onward & Forward 2025

As we slide into 2025, we’re busy planning lots of fun bridge events including our January Ed Rawlinson Sectional, our February Non-Life Master Sectional, our March Roxana Tom Sectional and the 4th of July Regional in the capable hands of Rosemary Kelley & Beth Gale. There is always work to be done and room for more volunteers. Talk to one of these ladies if you want to help. Looking forward to a great 2025!

OnUnit 174 - Houston

By Jack LaVigne

From the Unit 174 President

behalf of the Unit 174 Board of Directors, Happy New Year! Best wishes to you all for health and happiness in the new year, good trump splits, working finesses and a few slams, including a grand.

Year 2025 brings the annual regional in Houston – the Max Levit Lone Star Regional. We are starting Monday morning, February 3 and continuing through Sunday, February 9. We have some great things planned for the tournament including speakers, daily breakfast with coffee, and lots of red and gold masterpoints. We will have Newcomer, Gold Rush Pairs, Bracketed Swiss Teams, Open Pairs, Mid-Flight and Top-Flight Pairs games. In other words, something for everyone.

If you have never been to the Lone Star Regional before, plan on coming. Others who have attended will tell you what a great tournament it is with a fabulous venue in the middle of an area full of restaurants of every kind of cuisine. We want to see a huge turnout – COVID-19 is long-gone, and it is time to get away from that computer and enjoy the fun and friendship that comes with F2F bridge.

We will get an early start on Sunday to accommodate the Super Bowl, and lunch will be provided.

Happy New Year and see you at the clubs and the tournaments!

Sarah Springer Unit 174 President

Future Life Masters

The Future Life Masters (FLM) of Unit 174 is a board sponsored program with the mission to support and develop the newest players (0-99 masterpoints) in Greater Houston Bridge. FLM is a resource center featuring information about classes, games and tournaments with a freestanding website. We are happy to announce a new opportunity starting January 19: Weekly 49er Game

Singletons Welcomed! Everyone plays!

Sunday Afternoons

Game time: 1:30 p.m.

Address: Arabia Bridge Club of Houston 4876 Louetta, Houston

We want to encourage all beginning bridge players in Greater Houston to participate in this Supervised Play game. Developing a routinely scheduled game contributes to player enjoyment and community development. This event features table coaches for game assistance, partners for singletons, and masterpoint awards. It is a great place for true newcomers! The game fee is only $5.00.

FLM & the Max Levit Lone Star Regional Free Play Coupons

Alert 0-99 players! Tuesday, February 4 is FLM Day at the regional. Come by the FLM table to pick up a Free Play Coupon. that can be used to pay your table fee to play in the 0-99 game. Also on Saturday, February 8 we want to again welcome all 0-99 players with another Free Play Coupon! You are not required to be a member of Unit 174 to participate.

Mentor/Mentee Programs

We want to encourage our 0-99 members to establish Mentor/Mentee relationships around the Greater Houston Area. Mentor/Mentee Programs are an outstanding opportunity to learn-while-playing and meet a broader group of players. The clubs that offer Mentor/Mentee Programs are listed below. Contact the club’s program director to learn how to find "The Perfect Mentor." Check the club websites to confirm game dates,* Mentee qualifications, and game fees.

Bridge Academy of West Houston (BAWH) Mentor Game: First Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m.

Program Director: Bert Onstott

Contact: bertonstott@comcast.net

BAWH website

Bridge Club of Houston (BCOH) Mentor Games:

F2F - Second & fourth Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.

BBO Online - First & third Mondays at 7:00 p.m.

BCOH website

Clear Lake Bridge Club (CLBC)

Mentor Game: Third Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m.

Program Director: Marcia Chambliss Contact: mjjchambliss@gmail.com

CLBC website

Lone Star Bridge Club (LSBC)

Mentor Game: Third Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m.

Program Directors: Larry and Anita Rothfuss

Contact: larryandanita@gmail.com

LSBC website

* Game dates can be subject to change based on holiday, local tournaments, etc. Please confirm dates before planning your game.

News from Unit 174 Clubs

Apple Duplicate Bridge Clubs

Weekly Game Schedule

Open games are held on Monday and Friday at 11:30 a.m. at the Tracy Gee Community Center, 3598 Westcenter.

Closures

Apple DBC (Monday) will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King holiday.

Both Apple DBC and Apple II (Friday) will also be closed during the Max Levit Lone Star Regional, February 3-9.

Bridge Academy of West Houston

The Bridge Academy of West Houston was party city during the months of October and November. Enjoy reading about all of our celebrations.

Joyce Rayan's Emerald Life Master Party

On Wednesday, October 16, an Emerald Life Master party was held to celebrate Joyce Ryan achieving the rank of Emerald Life Master.

Joyce, a very fine player, is known as a bridge teacher. Her students hosted the party. There were 33 tables which is a record number for the academy. Joyce was thrilled when she was presented with emerald earrings!

Linda Rensi, Harry Selldin and Shirley McKee

Birthday Party

On Wednesday, October 23 a birthday party was held for Harry Selldin, Shirley McKee and Linda Rensi. Sherry Withers hosted the party. Everyone had a great time.

Sandy Clark Birthday Party

On Thursday, October 24

Sandy Clark celebrated her 90th birthday with a party hosted by Rick Barret. Joe Quinn told a story about Sandy taking two new players, Buddy Hanby and Sally Wheeler (The Woodlands), not yet multi-national champions under her wing. The party was a blast, and everyone had an amazing time! What a milestone for Sandy!

Pope Paul Nimmons wins Best Costume

On Thursday, October 31 (Trick or Treat) Paul Nimmons won the Best Costume award for his impressive portrayal of Pope Paul.

We wonder if this will now enable him to be infallible when speaking about and playing bridge!

Linda Drake Gold Life Master Party

Everyone had a wonderful time celebrating Linda Drake’s Gold Life Master achievement at her party on Wednesday, November 6. Linda, known for her boundless enthusiasm, attracts a wide range of partners, which played a key role in helping her achieve the Gold Life Master milestone in record time.

Betty Starzec Platinum Life Master Party

Betty Starzec is well known for her impressive track record as a dedicated ACBL volunteer. After learning to play bridge, she advanced to teaching the game and later became an instructor for bridge teachers. She served on the Unit 174 board, held the position of District 16 president, and received prestigious honors such as the Oswald Jacoby Service Award and the ACBL Goodwill Member of the Year.

On Wednesday, November 13 a special celebration was held in honor of Betty Starzec's remarkable playing accomplishment. The occasion marked her attaining the prestigious Platinum Life Master rank, a milestone representing 10,000 masterpoints. Friends and bridge partners came together to congratulate Betty and join in celebrating this outstanding achievement.

Mentor/Mentee

Robert Morris, Betty Starzec & Eddie Wold

Mentor/Mentee games are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. The next games are scheduled for Tuesday, January 7. Please note that the because the club will be closed for the Max Levit Lone Star Regional, the game has been moved to the second Tuesday, February 11. If you have not yet signed up, you can register online by clicking here. Mentees must have fewer than 300 masterpoints.

Eight is Enough Swiss Teams

The Eight is Enough Swiss Teams are held once a month on Sundays at 1:30 p.m. The upcoming games are January 26 and February 23.

Weekly Game Schedule

The Bridge Academy of West Houston has a combined Open and 0-299er Pairs every Wednesday and an Invitational Pairs every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. The games are held at the Arabia Shriners.

Bridge Club of Houston

Tuesday Tidbits

Build a solid foundation with Julie Halperin, Diamond Life Master and ACBL Teacher, and enjoy a free lesson from 9:30-10:10 a.m. The game to follow begins at 10:30 a.m. We will set up partnerships for those who need it. Text Julie at 713 857-8004 with questions or concerns. Lessons are open to all.

Mentor/Mentee F2F

Mentor/Mentee games are held the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 10:30 a.m. Sign up at the club or contact Judy Cupps by email at judy_n_al@yahoo.com or by phone 713 320-5592 or Bob Zeigler 713 829-6928 with any questions.

BBO Mentor/Mentee Games

BBO Mentor/Mentee games are held the first and third Mondays at 7:00 p.m. (The Mentee should invite and pay for the mentor). Contact Mike Linkins at mlinkins@swbell.net if you have any questions.

Eight is Enough Swiss Teams Games

Swiss Teams games are held the first and third Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Register at the club, check the website calendar for more information.

Saturday F2F 299er and Open Games

Saturday F2F 299er and open games are held every weekend with potlucks and points each week. Check the website for more information.

Kas Rangan has volunteered to champion the Saturday games! Please let him know if you are playing or need a partner, email: kas.rangan@gmail.com or call: 539-210-1333.

General Meeting

The General Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 26.

Clear Lake Bridge Club

U p c o m i n g. . .

January and February Games

January is Junior Fund Month and February is Education Foundation month so all of the Clear Lake games for the two months will be awarding extra points.

February Club Closure

The club will be closed February 3-9 to support the Max Levit Lone Star Regional Tournament.

Annual Meeting and Masterpoint Milestone Recognition

The club’s annual meeting is in February. Members who advanced in rank in 2024 will be recognized and the 2025 slate of club officers will be elected. If you want to vote, please make sure your dues are current.

Partnership/Team Building

Chuck Ensor will assist anyone to get a team organized for any of the Sunday Swiss Teams games. You can either call Chuck at 713-502-0282 or email him at cwensor@sbcglobal.net

CLBC is located at 16614 Sea Lark, Houston 77062. We hold games every day of the week. We close for Unit 174 tournaments, Christmas and Easter. You can reach us at 281-480-1911.

Weekly Game Schedule

Open games are held Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10:00 a.m., and Thursday and Saturday afternoons at 1:00 p.m.

I/N games are offered four days per week as follows:

749er games are on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. and Thursday at 1:00 p.m.

299er games are on Monday and Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.

Swiss Teams games are on Sunday afternoons at 1:00 p.m. On the second Sunday of the month the game is an Eight is Enough Swiss Teams.

Mentor/Mentee (M/M) Open games are on the third Wednesday each month. Many thanks to the volunteers who create such a great event! In particular, we want to thank Marcia Chambliss, our Mentor/Mentee Program Manager and our fabulous Mentors! We love you!

Of course, a special thanks to Paula Wissman who has directed our M/M game for years now!

Game Fees

Our game fees are $6.00 for members ($7.00 for guests). If you are a frequent guest, it is probably a good idea to become a member because our annual dues are only $25.00/year.

Bridge Labs (Supervised Play)

Bridge Labs are Sundays and Tuesdays from 2:005:00 p.m. The table fee is $8.00.

Come see us and play some bridge!

Fort Bend Bridge Club

Fort Bend Duplicate Bridge has a game on Tuesdays at:

Arabia Shriners Center - Houston 10510 Harwin Drive

Please arrive by 10:15 a.m. as the game starts at 10:30 a.m. We offer:

• Bridge Mate II Scoring

• At Least 36 Upgraded Games a Year

• Hand Records after Every Game

• A Nice Balance of Friendly A, B, & C Players

• Coffee and Substantive Snacks

• Fully Sanctioned ACBL Game

• Results Available Immediately

• Fully Qualified and Experienced Directors

All games include upgraded games are $7.00.

Please call 832-287-9170) or email (ewat2004@aol. com) John Eric Watson in advance so we can start on time.

Unit 176 - Dallas

By Bill Driscoll

Our upcoming Dallas Winter Sectional is January 29 – February 1 at the Lovers Lane United Methodist Church. We look forward to seeing you there. Check out the flyer on page 48 of this issue. Please see below for more information.

News from Recent Events

Unit Board Online Election

Unit 176 Board is proud to present five outstanding candidates for the unit board in 2025. The candidates are:

• Jackie Brown

• Bill Higgins

• John Redfern

• Cheryl Rider

• David Sterner

You may vote for up to three candidates. To vote, go to the Unit 176 web page to view candidate photos and bios.

Fall Sectional and I/N Regional Recap

The Fall Sectional, November 6-9, had a total of 272 ½ tables, 172 (63%) in Swiss Teams and 100 ½ in Open Pairs (37%). In addition, the concurrent I/N Regional totaled 91 tables. Overall, this was an encouraging turnout and many thanks to all of you who came out to play. Special thanks to tournament chair

Cheryl Rider, hospitality chairs Mary Lynn Genovesi and Rosalind Smith, and photographer Randy Eads.

You can see tournament winners on page 49 of this issue. Fall Sectional results can be seen here. For I/N Regional results, click here.

Unit Game Recaps

Both November and December unit games were held at King of Glory Lutheran Church. Thanks to Friendly Bridge Club for hosting these games and to all who came out to play.

The November 17 unit game had 20 ½ tables in the Open Pairs. Congratulations to winners: Gerry McKim & Michael Hout (N/S, Section A), Robert Scrimale & Paul Taylor (E/W, Section A), Janet Borg & Maria Gregorat (N/S, Section B), and Scott Nason & Tomi Storey (E/W, Section B). You can see all of the Open Pairs results here

The December 8 Holiday unit game had 22 tables in the Open Pairs and 4 tables in the 749er Pairs. Thanks to all who came out to enjoy the festivities. The snacks and desserts were great thanks to many who contributed. Congratulations to Open Pairs winners Rosalind Smith & Mary Lynn Genovesi (Section A and overall) and Stephen Birnbaum & Bob Butterfield (Section B) and also to 749er winners Tony Arthur & Carol Arthur. Click here for the Open Pairs results. 749er Pairs results can be found here.

Upcoming Events

Dallas Winter Sectional

The Dallas Winter Sectional will be held January 29-February 1 held at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, 9200 Inwood Road, Dallas.

What's New?

1. Game Times: 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Shifting the schedule an hour later is intended to make the commute easier for everybody, but especially our friends in Unit 183.

2. Swiss Teams Changes: the top bracket of the Bracketed Swiss Teams in our sectionals frequently includes teams that previously enjoyed playing in brackets 2 or 3. So, we are going to try a mixture of fully Bracketed Swiss Teams (Wednesday & Friday) and fully Stratified Swiss Teams (Thursday & Saturday). Please give both a try and let us know your preference.

3. There will be no lunch options at the venue, as the coffee shop at the church is no longer open, so plan accordingly.

Events: 11:00 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. sessions

Open Pairs and 749er Pairs, Wednesday – Saturday Open Bracketed Swiss Teams, Wednesday & Friday

Open Stratified Swiss Teams, Thursday & Saturday Partnership Desk

If you need a partner for any day, send an email to: PartnershipU176@gmail.com

Join us on Saturday between sessions for the annual

unit membership meeting.

You can see the flyer on page 48 of this issue.

2025 Tournament Schedule

Winter Sectional January 29-February 1

Spring Sectional April 30-May 3

Labor Day Regional August 26-31

Fall Sectional October 29-November 1

The 2025 Labor Day Regional will be held at the Marriot Courtyard and Conference Center in Allen. The address is 210 East Stacy Road, Allen.

We look forward to seeing you at all our events in 2025! Please join us at any of the Dallas area bridge clubs games

AfterUnit 183 - Fort Western

By John Robbins

Unit 183 Fort Worth Site Negotiations

months of unusual issues surrounding the recent move of Unit 183’s Fort Worth Bridge Studio to a temporary location, we now have a verbal agreement with property management to knock out most of the wall between our current suite on Wellington Road and the entire suite to our north, which was until recently occupied by a dance school.

This would more than double our current space, providing a total of three bathrooms and two small kitchen areas at a monthly rate similar to that of the space we originally planned to occupy. Our relocation committee believes the combined space would hold enough tables for sectionals as well as providing a more comfortable area for regular games.

Those who have followed the ongoing communication problems with the building’s overseas owner will appreciate that the unit has learned the value of Yogi Berra’s observation that, “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.” So it’s important to note the contract is still being drafted and has not been signed as of this writing. By the time this column is published, more information may be available in the unit newsletter, which is emailed and posted on the Unit 183 website on or about the first of each month.

Christmas Party

The Arlington Duplicate Bridge Club made good use of it’s ample suite in December with a Christmas Party that drew 40 players for an afternoon of good food and good fun presided over by director Stephen

Kornegay. The club will be closed December 31 and January 1.

Unit 201 - Sabine Neches

By Linda Briggs

Val Townley-Smith, Beaumont, was intent on “growing our club” even before she was elected Unit 201 president in June. She initiated Thursday night and Sunday afternoon games which attracted players, like her husband, Bob, who still works.

Val’s outreach campaign included Bob’s free lessons on Sunday afternoons and mailing free play coupons to inactive members. The recruiting effort has paid off in new players and new enthusiasm. The Townley-Smiths’ efforts were in addition to the free lessons offered by Kris Cherry in Orange and Nancy Smalley in Beaumont

Val Townley-Smith, Unit 201 president, in the Christmas Spirit

New directors Val and Bob have faced more challenges than just directing. Unit 201 in Beaumont has had to replace the main computer, an internet service provider, Bridge Mates for Bridge Pads and two air conditioning units. All this and inflation necessitated the board to raise game fees from $5.00 to $6.00. Still a bargain.

The unit is grateful to Martha West for donating the computer in memory of beloved member Joan Hataway.

Check out the D16 70%+ Club to see all our members who scored 70%+ games since our last report.

A farewell luncheon was held December 6 for Larry and Harlene Michaels who are moving to Arkansas.

We will miss them both.

A party celebrating Tipton Golias’s accumulating 25,000 points is scheduled for January 4. Plan to attend and congratulate Tipton.

Plans are underway for the Spindletop Sectional March 6-8, chaired by Val Townley-Smith and Theresa Cooper. Information can be found on the unit's website.

Unit 204 - Fort Concho

By Troy Harvey

Theholidays have come and gone, Unit 204 held its annual Christmas Party complete with smoked ham and all the traditional side dishes and desserts. We had a total of 11 tables which is a full house for our club. Thank you everyone for making the party a success.

Marifrances Watson received the Truby Bunch

Award for her above and beyond contributions to our clubs Also, Terri Tedford was given the Unit Goodwill Award for all that she does for the clubs including keeping the refrigerators stocked and more.

Our clubs’ attendance continues to be very impressive. Let’s dig into some details.

Terri Tedford Unit Goodwill Award Winner

Marifrances Watson Trudy Bunch Award Winner

Tournament Bound

Joy Foster, Unit 204 president and Julie Moorman, director-at-large, decided to go on a 7-day treasure hunt and brought home some gold, gold points, yes! These ladies originated in New York, ended in the Bahamas, logged 2268 minutes of bridge equaling 324 hands of bridge! Impressive for sure, but due to their commitment to playing bridge they missed several ports of call. They also placed 1st in B and 1st in C for a Swiss Teams game. Joy and July collected 14.0015 gold/red masterpoints.

On this trip Joy upped her status to Bronze Life Master! Congratulations Joy! In addition to playing bridge, they also attended training classes with

Michael Berkowitz who is a regular contributor to the ACBL Bridge Bulletin, and also works for Larry Cohen. Thank you both for representing the Fort Concho clubs.

Gillian Spooner, Joy Foster, Julie Moorman and Connie Chamberlain

Another group attended the recent Las Vegas NABC. Terri Tedford and Marty Simpson brought home 6.5 gold points, while the rest of crew won some red points. Wonderful experience for everyone and the takeaway was some tough competition and all plan to attend next year’s Fall NABC.

Club member Barry Jackson traveled to Puerto Vallarta. This was Barry’s first regional tournament and partnered with a gentleman he met online as an associate/mentor. This duo placed 4th overall and 1st in B in pairs event for 7.88 gold points. He is beaming with excitement! Barry, like other up and coming members of our club seeking Life Master status, has the tournament bug. He believes regional and sectional

tournaments are the best path to get colored points. I officially nominate Julie Moorman and Barry Jackson to keep our club informed for upcoming tournaments. Stay tuned for 2025!

Halloween Party

On Halloween, Julie Moorman directed the ACBL Wide Instant Match Point Game, and Tootie and Dottie Whitworth walked away some some black, gold and red points. Good Job!

Julie Moorman, Michael Berkowitz & Joy Foster

Swiss Team

Marty Simpson & Terri Tedford

Riki Rich, Hope Garza, Sandra Love and Julie Moorman

Barry Jackson (L) & Señor Iguana (Barry's New Mexican Friend)

Julie & Daisy Morman

Tottie & Dottie Whitworth

70% or Higher Games

Time to give a shout out to the pairs that placed 70% or higher in a club sanctioned game.

November 18, Carl McGill and Marifrances Watson (71.53%, 5 tables).

December 11, Joy Foster and Carl McGill (75.56%, 6 tables).

December 13, Louetta Green and Peggy Jackson (70.83%, 5 tables),

Based on the Common Game Redz Top 50 Ranking, club team Virginia Noelke and Judy Farmer placed 4th N/S with 60.84% (10 clubs and 93 pairs). Way to go, ladies.

Birthday Celebrations

Birthday celebrations continue at the club and amazely, we aren't getting older. Enjoy the photos.

Lessons

Marifrances is gearing up for a new training class starting in January. Watch for her email with details and please share with your friends so we can continue to grow our clubs’ membership.

Leader Board

I have started following the Common Game leader board results and must brag about many of our club members who consistently place in the top 10%. More details about these champions in the next reporting cycle.

Final Note

On a final note, not related to bridge except for the fact that Sue Henry routinely brings her yummy cheese ball as a snack for her and Julie Moorman’s bi-weekly games. It is simple to make and always a

crowd pleaser. Thank you, Sue! Here is recipe:

8 oz sharp Cracker Barrel cheese

1 cup of real mayonnaise

1 cup chopped nuts

6 chopped green onions

Serve with Raspberry Chipotle sauce on top and crackers of your choice.

Unit 207 - Texas Capital Bridge

By Barbara Clements

We’re continuing to see more participation in our games. We hope to have a really good turnout at our January Austin Winter Sectional.

Mentor Program

Unit 207 is sponsoring a Mentor/Mentee Program starting in February. The deadline for submission of a registration form is January 10. The program is designed for players with under 150 masterpoints. Details and sign-up forms are on the website (make link).

Local Milestones

Emerald Master – Finn Kolesnik

Sapphire Master – Melody Euler

Silver Master – Sue Alt

New Life Master – Jim Ferguson, Gary Koenig

Advanced NBC Master – Jamie Southerland

NABC Master – Andrew Brice

Regional Master – Colin Everitt, Macdonald Kempf, Michael Pierce

Sectional Master – Ann Conrad, Rebecca Lamar, Tammy LaFosse, Jim Rhodes

Club Master – Charlotte Brigham, William Elliott, Susan Hauser, Shanker Reddy, Ellen Schaeffer, Marilyn Scheidt, Judy Scheuerell, Carol Swartz, Pat Wyman

Junior Master – Christiane Alexander, Gregory Andersen, Andrew Black, Donald Bowen, Thomas Browne, Darrel Delong, Charles Greenwell, James Michalski, Carlos Salazar, Gina Williams

Riki & Sandra (Revealed)

Riki Rich & Sandra Love

Terri Tedford & Judy Farmer

Cheese Ball with Sue Henry & Her Sauce

Congratulations to all of these folks. There will be a New Life Masters Party on January 18 at the Bridge Center of Austin (BCA). Please come join our celebration at 1:00 p.m. More information is available on the BCA website.

Upcoming Events

Austin's Winter Sectional will be January 2-5 at the BCA, 6700 Middle Fiskville Drive. To request a partner, go to sectional partnership request. You can see the flyer for more details.

North American Pairs District 16 Finals will be at the BCA on Saturday and Sunday, January 11-12. If you’re not sure if you qualified, look at Unit 207 NAP Qualifiers.

Austin Non-Life-Master 0-750 Sectional will be at the BCA on February 1-2. The details can be seen on the flyer.

Lastly, we are sorry to note the passing of Rebecca Parmentier.

HappyUnit 209 - Great Permian Basin

By Ann Parish

Non-Life Master (NLM) Players of the Month

New Year! We are pleased to honor two new Non-Life Master Players of the month.

George Kieke

January NLM Player of the Month

Family: I moved to Odessa in June of 2020. In May 2024, my grandson graduated from Permian, my granddaughter graduated from UTPB, and my daughter received her BSN/RN from Capella University and is now working towards her MSN in education. My two older sons live on Whidbey Island, Washington. Non-bridge activities: I enjoy watching sports and politics.

Career/job: I worked for 45 years as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) at Mercy Southwest Hospital

in Bakersfield, California. I spent approximately 30 of the 45 years working on night shift so I could officiate football (50 years), basketball (10 years), baseball (10 years), softball (25 years), soccer (20 years), and volleyball (10 years). I also coached high school softball for 25 years. I coached my kids and grandkids in basketball, soccer, and softball throughout recreation and travel ball leagues.

How I learned bridge: I started a bridge class through Bakersfield College when I retired from the hospital. About a year ago after moving to Odessa full time, I contacted Shirley Davenport at the Odessa Bridge Club, and I was also Introduced to directors Marlene Blumentritt and Belle Harris in Midland.

Mary Truex

February NLM Player of the Month

Family: I am the oldest of five sisters. I am a mother to seven children. I have 22 grandchildren and a running tally of great-grandchildren.

Career/job: Before retirement, I spent my days working as a registered nurse. I was assistant director of nursing at Midland Memorial Hospital, where I was awarded Nurse of the Year. From there I began working in Oncology. In the late 1980’s I went on to becoming an entrepreneur, pioneering as one of the first Home Healthcare organizers. In my practice (We Care) I employed and taught many nurses. We served 13 counties and over 100 patients.

Non-bridge activities: I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family. I have a “date” with Perry Mason every Saturday! I also love watching Wheel of Fortune.

How I learned bridge: My grandpa taught me how to play bridge when I was five years old. My father was famous for always making a “three no trump” bid even if he didn’t have the cards. I still play bridge six days a week!

We love our parties in Unit 209. Enjoy!

George Kieke

Mary Truex

Halloween Party

Our Halloween Goblin winners were Kay Sewell and Charlie Grimes (N/S) and John Seymour and Paul Newbury (E/W).

Christmas Parties

Thursday evening, December 12

Winners were KC Evans and Juanice Welch (N/S) and Travis Woodward and Cliff Hair (E/W).

Friday afternoon, December 13

Winners were Ann Smith and Marlene Blumentritt (N/S) and KC Evans and Debbie Conly (E/W).

As we attempt to get new players in the Permian Bridge Club, we are trying several new marketing techniques, from free pens and decks of cards to demo games in various locations to new pamphlets. As Belle Harris, one of our directors says, “Some have panned out, and some have not.”

We are looking forward to our first party of 2025 on Thursday, January 2 and lots of cool bridge as we play through the new season.

Unit 225 - East Texas

By Deb Pascoe

Rose City DBC

The Rose City DBC celebrated their 50th Anniversary October 18, 2024. Almost 50 players from around the unit helped them celebrate. The Tyler Morning Telegraph featured the story in their October 30 publication. We are thrilled to have such an enduring club in our unit.

Nacodoches Duplicate Bridge Club

The Nacodoches Duplicate Bridge Club (NDBC) honored Melba Lee at a surprise party on Monday, November 18, for earning the prestigious Bronze Life Master rank. This remarkable achievement in her bridge playing career highlights her dedication and skill in the game.

Melba reflected on her years of hard work and perseverance and told an amusing story of her venture into the world of duplicate bridge. It seems her partners kept dying on her and warnings were given to her current partners about what fate might have in store for them! Needless to say, the party was filled with laughter, heartfelt congratulations, and well-wishes (especially for her partners!).

We all know that she will continue her success in the world of competitive bridge.

The NDBC had a wonderful time at their Pot Luck Christmas Party on December 2! With a spread of delicious food and a lively four table bridge game, it made for a festive and enjoyable event for all involved.

Van Zandt Club Closure

Unfortunately, we are sad to announce that our Van Zandt club has permanently closed its door. Except for Texarkana, which is gaining members, our clubs con-

Melba Lee

New Bronze Life Master

tinue to age and players drop out due to health issues... or worse.

70% + Games

Factoid: In Unit 225 scores exceeded 70% 39 times in 2024. More than 25% of these games scored or exceeded 75%. Please make sure to check out the D16 70% + Club column to see those of us who have joined it this time.

Unit 233 - Central Texas

By George & Pam Holmes

As2024 wound down, the unit and its clubs celebrated the season with food, festivities and bridge. Unit 233 held its board meeting and Holiday Unit Championship on December 11 at the Bridge Studio of Temple. Amy Wilson (Salado) was elected president, Jean Lara and Rowland Bartoo (Bartlett) were elected as board members. The unit would like to thank Sue Blackwell for her service as president the past two years.

Rowland Bartoo and Michelle Weller won E/W and took home the overall. Pam and George Holmes won the N/S side and 2nd overall

Monday Slammers had a Holiday Game in Waco on the December 9 and a good time was had by all. Margie Kintz and Minta McCauley took home the top prize.

The Waco 0 to 500 Club (upper limit now 750) had a wonderful meal and game on December12 with Toni Riley and Annette Burns winning the top of a six table Howell movement.

The unit is sad to announce the recent Novemberpassing of Lennie Wilkens. Lennie was a long time player in the Temple clubs, and a great unit supporter throughout many, many years. She will be missed.

Wishing everyone a great 2025 at the bridge table.

Unit 353 - Wichita Falls

By Marsha May

Unit 353 had its Christmas Party on December 7 at the Wichita Falls home of Lois Roberson with six tables of bridge and a wonderful feast. Lois decorated at least five rooms in her home with Christmas houses, Christmas trees and gorgeous tableware. A long table in the dining room was waiting for all the food that we brought for our Potluck Lunch.

Bennie Young, Anne Halsell, Nancy Purcell & Margaret Kirkland 2nd Place Winners

Pat Robinson, Anne Hoover, Jody Elgin & Carol Shelby

Tomie Johnson, Nell Lister, Dave Hertzog & Suzanne Sosa Tomie & Dave 1st Place Winners N/S

Marie Donnell, Margie Brown, Shirley Donnell & Helen Cash

Margie & Helen 1st Place Winners E/W

Jan

Lois has always been a faithful member of Unit 353. She is the first to jump in and save the day - a true Wonder Woman. Thank you, Lois!

Pat Robinson’s daughter, Jody, retired at the end of 2024, and hopefully will be our newest weekly player in 2025. She is wearing a T-shirt that says “Merry Every Thing.” Unit 353 wishes everyone in District 16 a Merry Every Thing and a Blessed New Year.

SAN ANTONIO TEXAS

Nearby Hotel

1 block away: Fairfield Inn & Suites-North/Stone Oak On exit ramp of N Loop 1604 E 80 Trailcrest St *** (210) 491-9595

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 – Cost $14 per person per session

10:00 am Stratified Pairs

3:00 pm Stratified Swiss Teams 10:00 am & 3:00 pm 499er Stratified Pairs

Thursday, March 27, 2025 – Cost $14 per person per session 10:00 am & 3:00 pm Stratified Pairs

$4

Playing Site

St. Thomas Episcopal Church 1416 North Loop 1604 East San Antonio, TX

Friday, March 28, 2025 – Cost $14 per person per session 10:00 am & 3:00 pm Stratified Pairs 10:00 am & 3:00 pm 499er Stratified Pairs

Saturday, March 29, 2025 – Cost $144 per team

10:00 am & TBA Stratified Swiss Teams Meal served between Saturday’s session

499’er Game (3 Table Minimum) Wednesday – Friday

Stratifications: A: 2500+ B: 0-2500 C: 0-750 All Events Average MP’s Changes of Strats at the discretion of the DIC Wednesday, Thursday & Friday are Single Sessions

$7 Discount for Students

Tournament Chair: Ellen Hessel (210) 325-5538 & Roxana Tom (210) 508-4697

Partnership Chair: Jo Neesvig (210) 508-1448; Rebecca Evans (507) 358-9044

Director in Charge: Melody Euler; medody.euler@acbl.org

Guest Speaker Friday 2:30 pm

Lois Roberson, David Dodson, Faye Morrison & Dana Clay

Papesh, Cathy Zinn, Tuck

Harvey & Marsha May (np) 3rd Place Winners

Beautiful Table set with Christmas China Glassware

What a spread and that doesn't even show all the desserts

Marsha May & Helen Cash Good Friends

Lois Roberson, Pat Robinson & Jody Elgin

Games & Classes for Newer Players - Come Join us!

0-99 Masterpoint Game: Every day at 6:00 p.m. (CT)

The 99er Nite Club East games are offered seven days a week at 6:00 p.m. If you are a 99er, ask your club if they are participating. Your club must "opt in."

0-199 Masterpoint Game: Every day at 6:00 p.m. (CT)

The 199er Nite Club! games are offered seven days a week at 6:00 p.m. If you are a 199er, ask your club if they are participating. Your club must "opt in."

For more information email Janice_Hardcastle@hotmail.com

Click here to see the flyers for the Nite Club Games

Lecture Series

Zoom® Spanish Lecture Series - Third Saturday of every month at 12:00 p.m. (México CT), 12:00 p.m. (CT)

January 21 – TBD

February 18 – TBD

Zoom® Intermediate/Newcomer Lecture Series - Fourth Saturday of every month at 12:00 p.m. (CT) 12:00 p.m. (Mexico CT)

January 25 – Valarie Remmers on “Reading the Auction”

February 22 – TBD

Click Zoom® Link for either lecture. Remember that if you are unable to attend the live lecture, all are recorded so you can watch when you have the time. Here is the link where they are located on the D16 website.

Some Eddie Kantar Bridge Humor...

"If you have the slightest touch of masochism, you'll love this game."

"Years ago there were only two acceptable reasons for not leading partner's suit: (1) having no cards in the suit; (2) a death wish."

"Before I teach a class at Leisure World, a retirement community in Southern California, I am told not to use the term "drop dead bid"."

San Antonio TEXAS

Single-Session Stratified Pairs 10:00 am and 2:30 pm All Events are Single Session Play in one or both each day

Stratifications

A – 299 – 750 MP

B – 100 – 299 MP

C – 0 – 99 MP

TABLE FEES

$ 14.00 Per Person Per Session

$ 7.00 Discount per session for students

LOCATION: Northside Activity Center 7001 Culebra Rd San Antonio, TX

$ 4.00 Additional per session for unpaid/lapsed ACBL members

Non-members: must sign up for a FREE 120-Day Guest Membership-go to acbl.org/membership

This tournament follows all ACBL protocols

Tournament Coordinator and Partnership Chair

Rebecca Evans - (507) 358-9044

SanAntonio_750_Bridge@outlook.com

Players cannot be Life Masters and must have 750 points or less

Strats may be adjusted by the DIC

Director: Everette Lewis

The Aces: Formally Dallas Aces or US Aces – Part I

By Ken Monzingo

Contributing heavily to this two part article are first-hand observations from autobiographies of former Dallas Aces: Bob Hamman from his autobiography, At the Table: My Life. Mike Lawrence and his new book, My Life with Bridge Times, and Bobby Wolff from his novel, The Lone Wolff.

Ab initio (In the Beginning)

TheDallas Aces, initially the US Aces, later simply the Aces, was the world’s first full time professional bridge team, a sponsored team of hired pros who devoted their lives to nothing but learning and enhancing their playing skills to the highest possible level. This team concept was conceived in 1964 and organized in 1968 by Dallas businessman Ira Corn whose mission was to return world bridge supremacy to America after decades of domination by the formidable Italian Blue Team (16 world titles from 1957-1975). Bobby Wolff, a bridge club owner in San Antonio at the time, and Ira Corn’s friend Dorothy Moore were the first recruits, and both invaluable in assembling (hiring) a professional tealom dedicated to this winning concept.

During the fledgling years the original Aces featured bridge stars Billy Eisenberg, New York City, Bobby Goldman, Philadelphia, James Jacoby, Dallas, Mike Lawrence, San Francisco, Wolff, and Canadians Sami Kehela and Eric Murray. Soon afterward came Paul Soloway, Mill Creek, Washington, and California’s Bob Hamman. They were all hired full time at salaries of $800/month for singles and $950/month for

the married players – a livable wage in the 1960s. Corn also paid the team’s expenses at major tournaments. Alas, this grouping of individuals and pairs changed in composition from year to year making it difficult for continuity and maintaining a team spirit. More important, the early players didn’t work on their partnerships to a degree necessary to defeat the vaunted Italian Blue Team.

Solution: Wolff/Corn brought in a team coach, Joe Musumeci (Moose), a military vet to quell the egos of this exceptionally gifted group of proud bridge professionals and instill camaraderie. Moose was to create a working job description and environment to keep the guys in line and on the same page. Which he achieved. Now they had a team, not a group.

In their biographies Hamman, Lawrence and Wolff include fascinating chapters on the formation and beginnings of the famed Aces, the early regimented training, the dedication, personal feelings and Dallas living conditions. One thing remains consistent from all three authors: the Aces was specifically formed by Corn to compete with Italian teams in world championship play, and return the Bermuda Bowl Trophy to America.

The 1968 original Dallas Aces

Mike Lawrence - Bob Hamman - Bobby Wolff

Jim Jacoby - Billy Eisenberg - Bobby Goldman

Bermuda Bowl Trophy

Excerpts & Observations from autobiographies by original

Aces

The Lone Wolff

By Bobby Wolff

It’s hard to pinpoint where the original idea for the Aces came from, but it is safe for history to recognize three people: Dallas businessman Ira Corn, Dorothy Moore, a Texas native, and Bobby Wolff of San Antonio. Corn was to finance the team, Moore, an underrated player, ably assisted in its formation which Ira could not do. The original idea came in 1964 after Ira went to New York to view the latter stages of the World Team Olympiad in which the Italian Blue Team bested a group of six US players. But the first Aces formation serious discussions came in 1966. Ira noted how the Marconi-inspired Italians had their way with our American teams and began dreaming of a well-oiled squad to reclaim world championships. He was not considering the prevailing method of team selection, his focus was just to get the Aces off the ground, and he didn’t have a clue where to start. That’s where Dorothy and I came in. The Aces experiment seemed to represent an unparalleled opportunity.

At the Spring 1968 NABC in New York the Aces won the Men’s Board-A-Match Teams, national championship playing together for the very first time. The legend had its start.

My Life with Bridge

By Mike Lawrence

Bobby Wolff had asked if I was available to play on a professional team. It meant I would have to leave my regular partner, Harold Guiver, and relocate to Dallas by March 1968 for a new role yet to be defined. The adventure began. We started with five players: pairs Wolff & Jim Jacoby, and Bobby Goldman & Billy Eisenberg. And now

Lawrence (Corn had hoped to be the sixth himself but was talked out of it). Invited to join were Chuck Berger, Bob Hamman, Eddie Kantar, Sammy Kehela, Eric Murray and Sidney Lazard. All declined but later Hamman changed his mind and accepted just about the time the team is given its name: Dallas Aces.

Hamman and I played four card majors; both of us had backgrounds in them and they worked for us. Bob was not tolerant of bullshit – if someone messed up they would hear about it. A new cop on the block.

Our imported coach, Joe Musumeci (Moose) invited top notch teams to Dallas for practice matches. These were four session matches over three weekend days followed by 2-3 day bull sessions going over the hands. Moose took over for Bob as another new cop on the block.

One day Ira was in negotiations for a daily newspaper column, Aces on Bridge. He asked if any of us could write columns of 300 words. Mine were more than 800 words so I did not get the job, but Ira suggested I write books.

[Editor: to date, including his new book, My Life with Bridge, Mike has published more than 30 titles and is heralded as one of our truly great bridge authors.]

Both Mike and Bobby pay homage to Aces founder/financier, Ira Corn for their career defining decisions: Lawrence for Corn getting him into successful bridge writing and teaching, and Wolff for Ira’s persuading him to join bridge politics. Result: ACBL and World Bridge Federation presidencies.

[Editor 2: Aces on Bridge is a syndicated column, and following Corn’s demise Bobby Wolff bought it, changed the byline to his name, and it has run for the last 30 years.]

At the Table

My Life and Times

By Bob Hamman

Bob’s book goes more into detail of Aces life following the addition of Joe Musumeci (Moose) as the coach. He expands on the regimentation Moose brought to the group including personal behavior in addition to very strict scrutiny of every bid and play an Ace

My Life with Bridge Walmart: $25.85 Amazon: $29.95

At the Table

My Life and Times Amazon: $36.95 ($6.50 used)

The Lone Wolff Amazon: $20.50

made in competition. Moose also brought in rules (Seven Deadly Sins) for maintaining partnership discipline, confidence and harmony. He even added a three color graded set of charges for each error an Ace made – who, when and why.

Bob’s searing autobiography also goes deep into the victories, losses and cheating scandals of world bridge championship play that I will feature in Part II.

Next: Scandals at the Highest Level

Ken Monzingo, Unit 183, is D16 Publications Committee chair, past D16 first vice president and past president of ACBL.

* Mrs. Lanelle Boone, Waco

* Fred R. Borum, Texarkana

Patricia C G. Bozeman, Carrollton

* Mildred B. Breed, Houston

* Mrs. Betty L. Dickerson, Midland

Carol L. Eichhorn, Spring

* Mrs. Mary Anne Laier, Austin

* Max S. Levit, Houston

In Memoriam

* Royce W. McCray, Caddo Mills

Jon W. Pack, Boerne

* Hans Strohmer, Houston

* Everett W. Sweeney, Port Neches

* Mrs. La Quitta J. Talbot, Keller

*Life Master

Mildred Boyce Breed 1947 | 2024

Mildred

Boyce Breed passed away on November 14 in Spring at the age of 77. She was born on May 19, 1947 in Austin to James (“Bud”) Boyce and LaVerne Stromquist Boyce. She had three brothers, Curtis, Jim, and Dennis, and was thus affectionately known by all as “Sister.” She is survived by her daughter Monica Snideman, son-in-law, Warren Snideman and granddaughters Cara (Nick), Madison, Maya, Macy and Molly, and daughter Rhiannon Breed, and grandsons Nathen, Luke, Dunk, and Avery.

Mildred lived in Austin for most of her life, graduating from Stephen F. Austin High School and attending the University of Texas in Austin for a time before focusing on raising her daughters and honing her skills at the card table, in preparation for her illustrious career as a world class professional bridge player. In her early years, she worked as a purchasing agent for her family’s steel business Boyce Iron Works and as a bartender at The Depot. She loved motorcycle riding and water skiing in the lakes of Austin with her family. She had an incredibly extensive Christmas collection of Santas and snow houses, which she would proudly display every year, bringing Christmas magic to life on every available surface throughout her house.

Mildred’s passion for bridge began as a teenager as a means of getting out of babysitting her younger brother, Dennis, and progressed into her becoming a Grand Life Master and bridge royalty. Her bridge career took her around the world for national and international competitions. Nationally, Mildred amassed 17 NABC titles, and on the international stage, she was a two-time world champion who was ranked as high as 3rd in the World Bridge Federation. One of her most impressive feats was winning the Smith Life Master Women's Pairs four years in a row with her long-time partner, Shawn Quinn.

Mildred was the life of the party, with razor sharp wit and intellect. She adored her grandchildren, helping drive them to and from school for several years and cherishing the time she could spend with them. She attended all of their performances and sporting events, and loved taking them out to eat, always saying, “You pick, I pay!” She was known by all for her quips and retorts. When asked how she was doing, she would always

respond, “If I was any better, I’d have to be twins! And those who know me say ‘Please don’t get any better! One’s enough!’”

A Celebration of Life and reception will be held for Mildred on Saturday, January 4 at 4:00 at the Stone Chapel and the Lamb & Scroll in the English Village at the Lanier Theological Library property, located at 14130 Hargrave Road, Houston, Texas 77070.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Association.

Max Levit 1934 | 2024

Work

Hard, Be Nice, Have Fun. These were words that Max Levit often repeated and always lived by.

Max Stanley Levit was born to Joe and Dora Levit on December 22, 1934. The youngest of three brothers, he lived on South McGregor and graduated from San Jacinto High School. Moving on to the University of Texas, Max was president of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity and was honored to be a member of the prestigious Texas Cowboy service organization. He also served as head of the committee to select the Cowboy Sweethearts, a role for which he was uniquely qualified.

Upon graduation from UT Max went into the Navy, serving as a supply officer on the aircraft carrier USS Hornet. After a 2-year tour in the South Pacific, a time that Max remembered fondly, he returned to Houston to work for the family business: The Grocers Supply Company. Started by his parents, Joe and Dora, in 1923, Max and his brothers, Milton and George, built Grocers Supply into the largest independently owned wholesaler of grocery products in the Southeastern US, and the largest supplier of Hispanic grocery products in the country. Max was extremely proud of Grocers Supply and loved being a part of operations, negotiations and management. He truly embodied the company's philosophy of honesty, integrity and doing business on a handshake.

In 1961 Max met and married Rochelle Lynn Hoffman and soon after started a family. They had three children, Tracy, Clay, and Cindy. Max was an extremely loving and involved father, taking the kids out for special Sunday breakfasts, coaching little league, and going on family vacations. He was rarely in a bad mood, perhaps because of his devotion to exercise, which was a daily part of his life. After work each day when the kids were little, he would go visit his mother then come home and go for a run.

In later years he frequented The Houstonian in his famous James Coney Island hot dog shirt, where friends joked that he was "the mayor" because of the amount of time he spent chatting with the other members compared to the time he spent exercising.

Philanthropy was a priority to Max, as is evident by the number of Houston institutions, including Stages Theater, MD Anderson, Memorial Park Conservancy, and Beth Israel Synagogue, that have a wing, feature, or building bearing his name. He was also generous with his time and talent, serving on many boards including the Houston Food Bank, Texas Heart Institute, MD Anderson and UT Health Houston, where he served as president. In 1996, along with his best friend, Morrie Abramson, Max received the Torch of Liberty Award, bestowed by the Southwest Region of the Anti-Defamation League.

When the Levit family sold Grocers Supply in 2014, Max became president of 2ML Real Estate Interests, an offshoot of Grocers Supply. The 2ML project that Max was most proud of was Levit Green, a 52-acre mixed-use project adjacent to the Texas Medical Center that sits at the epicenter of Houston's biotech, corporate life sciences and medical research hub.

Max loved his work and loved his family, but he really loved to have fun. Bridge was a huge part of Max's life. He learned to play from Papa Joe, his father, who said it was the most fun you could have with your

clothes on. Max played in Houston for decades and became a Saphire Life Master. It was through the love of bridge that Max met his wife Lynne, who was his beloved partner in the last years of his life. They brought each other so much joy and spent the too-short time they had together enjoying cruises, world travel, meals out with friends, and a whole lot of laughing. Lynne's large family embraced Max, and he was honored to consider himself a part of their tribe.

Max died peacefully at home with Lynne at his side holding his hand. He will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife Lynne, his children and grandchildren: Tracy and Glen Larner and Maddox; Clay and Katy Levit, Rose, Nate Aune, and Saoirse; and Cindy Levit, Ryan and Ian; as well as Lynne's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Lisa and Charles Williams, Bailey, Emma Horwitz, Megan, Charlie, Ryan, Peter and Patrick; Patrick and Charlotte Beathard, Julianna and Lee Siratt, Bear and Rosie, Drew, Beau, Zachary and Tess; Trey and Angela Beathard, Bob, Bennett and Beck; and Tiffany and Charles Masterson, Chloe, Lili, Mia and William. He was predeceased by his wife Rochelle and his brothers Milton and George.

All of us will remember to work hard, be nice and have fun – and don't be a horse's ass, as Max was fond of adding. And all of us will remember Max with love in our hearts. May his memory be a blessing.

A memorial service was held at Congregation Beth Israel in October. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to The Houston Holocaust Museum or Congregation Beth Israel.

Lynne is hoping all Unit 174 and District 16 duplicate bridge players will further celebrate Max and have fun at the 2025 Max Levit Lone Star Regional in Houston on February 3-9.

Hans Franz Strohmer 1942 | 2024

HansFranz Strohmer, a consummate gentleman, devoted husband, and distinguished hotelier, passed away on Thursday, the 17th of October in Houston. He was 82 years of age. Born on the 30th of July 1942, in Vienna, Austria, to Johann and Maria (Harrer) Strohmer. Hans' early life was shaped by the profound challenges of World War II. His father, a resistance leader in Vienna, was tragically killed en route to Mauthausen Concentration Camp, where his aunt also perished.

Despite the hardships of his early years, Hans grew into a man of quiet strength, resilience, and deep resolve. Following Austria’s declaration of neutrality in 1955, he served in the Austrian military’s tank division. At just sixteen, Hans left for Switzerland to pursue higher education. He attended the prestigious Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, where he earned a degree in Hotel Administration, furthering his studies at the Culinary Institute of Vienna. Remarkably, Hans entered this French-speaking university fluent only in German, but within three months, his determination led him to master French. In time, he also became fluent in English, which he saw as his “passport to success” in the global hospitality industry. He earned the designation of Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA), solidifying his expertise in the field.

Hans' illustrious career took him around the world, beginning in Winnipeg, Canada, and, together with his former wife Wendy, to Bermuda, Boston (where their son Peter was born), Philadelphia, Houston (where their son Michael was born), and eventually to Arlington, Texas.

After returning to Houston in 1994, Hans met the love of his life, Nancy, in 1995, and they were married in 1997. He often said that meeting Nancy was the greatest blessing of his life. Shortly after, he became Regional Vice President for Marriott, based in San Antonio. In 1999, Hans joined Nancy in her manufacturing business, working alongside her until its sale in 2001. Together, they shared a deep love for travel, exploring all seven continents, as well as a mutual passion for classical music, hiking, duplicate bridge and cherishing their time together.

Hans held prominent leadership roles with renowned hotel chains including Marriott, Omni, Hyatt, Sheraton, Sonesta, and Dunfey Hotels. A pinnacle of his distinguished career was being named Omni’s Manager

of the Year, a testament to his dedication and expertise in the hospitality industry.

In 1983 Hans proudly became a U.S. citizen, frequently saying with pride that, “He came to Texas as soon as he could." Hans was also an active community leader, serving as president of the Greater San Antonio Hotel and Motel Association, as well as contributing to the Executive Club of Houston, Rotary Club, San Antonio Library Foundation Board, Houston Symphony Board, and Skal Club International.

Hans is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Strohmer; children, Michael Strohmer and his wife Lachelle, Shelley Cooper and her husband Roger, Ray M. Stopper, daughter-in-law, Marji Strohmer; sister, Sissy Wanek; his precious grandchildren, Raymond J. Stopper, Mariah Stopper and her fiancé Ryan, Jayce Strohmer, Gracyn Strohmer, Kendyll Strohmer, Max Strohmer, Brody Cooper, Bryce Cooper, Brett Cooper and his wife Wisty, Becky Foland and her husband Craig; niece, Muna Saied-Reuning; great-niece, Samira Saied; and great-nephew, Laurin Saied.

Hans is preceded in death by his parents, Maria (Strohmer) Schall, and Johann Strohmer; son, Peter Strohmer; sister, Helga Saied; brother-in-law, Hamid Saied; and nephew, Farid Saied.

Hans will be deeply missed by his loving family, close friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. A celebration of life was held in Houston on November 4. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in his memory may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.

ED RAWLINSON WINTER SECTIONAL

Stratifications:

Flight A 2500+

Flight B 750 - 2500

Flight C 0 - 750

SAN ANTONIO, TX

JANUARY 16 - 19, 2025

Playing Site

SA Jewish Community Center 12500 NW Military Hwy; San Antonio, TX

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Changes of Strats at the discretion of the DIC

All events will be stratified based on Average Master Points

Card Fees:

$14 per person per session Sunday Swiss $144 per team

*** No outside food is allowed into the Building ***

SA Jewish Community Center

12500 NW Military Hwy

Playing Site

10:00 am Stratified Pairs

3:00 pm Stratified Swiss Teams

Friday, January 17, 2025

10:00 am Stratified Pairs 3:00 pm Stratified Pairs

Saturday, January 18, 2025

10:00 am Stratified Pairs 3:00 pm Stratified Pairs

Sunday, January 19, 2025 10:00 & TBA Stratified Swiss Teams

All ACBL protocols will be followed.

Guest Speaker Friday 2:30 pm

$7 Discount for Students with ID

$4 additional per session for unpaid/lapsed ACBL members

San Antonio, TX

Tournament Chairs: Roxana Tom, 210-508-4697, rtom85@yahoo.com

Partnership Chair: Sharon Evans, 832-421-4034, sbolen2002@yahoo.com Nancy Tom, 210-912-6383, ntom@att.net Director in Charge: Melody Euler 499er Games: Thursday – Saturday 10 am & 3 pm (3 table minimum)

Non-members: must sign up for a FREE 120-Day Guest Membership go to acbl.org/membership

♥ New Braunfels Sectional Winners ♦ Unit 172

Thursday, September 5 - Saturday, September 7 - Open Pairs

Thursday AM - A

Joe Black, Jerry Barrett

Friday AM - B

Thursday AM - B

Richard Curtin, Kay Laird

Friday PM - A

Saturday AM - C Anni

Thursday AM - C Anni

Friday PM - C

Saturday PM - A Ed

Friday AM - A Pat

Saturday AM - B

Saturday PM - B Ann

Thursday, September 5 - Saturday, September 7 - 0-499 Pairs

Thursday AM - D

David Sechrest, Joyce Francis

Friday AM - D & E

Thursday AM - E

Friday PM - D & E

Thursday PM - D

David Sechrest, Joyce Francis

Friday PM - F

Pack, Jon Pack

McMullin, Jimmy La Fountain

Matt Giffin, Phyllis Giffin

Gloria Harkey, Mary Harrington

Albert Fulton, Martin Hester

Ann Brinker Schwall, Ralda St Pierre

Pack, Jon Pack

Kuehler, Cindy Cummins

Rawlinson, Gary Anziani

Gaye Campbell-Baker, Paula Landeck

Mary Graf, Sue Ellen McAnally

Julia Farmer, Sandra Love

Mary Graf, Sue Ellen McAnally

Saturday AM - D & E

Gaye Campbell-Baker, Paula Landeck

Saturday AM - F

Paula Landeck, Janis Dismukes

Saturday PM - D & E

Anita Ramirez, Donnelle Blahuta

Thursday Afternoon, September 5 & Sunday, September 8 - Stratified Swiss Teams

Thursday - B

Bob Otis, Beth Gale, Stephanie Stevens, Homer Stevens

Thursday - C

R Doerr, Sharon Doerr, Rebecca Evans, Jana Barnard

Saturday - A

Kenneth Schutze, Ellen Hessel, Ira Hessel, Patty Hinze

Saturday - B

Brett Leach, Linda, Griffith (np), Anita Albert (np), Frank Floca (np)

Scenes from the Tournament

Saturday - C David Sechrest, Dorothy Foster (np), Jamie Southerland (np), Mark Miller (np)

The Unit 204 - Fort Concho Gang They made the tournament fun!

Fun Day at the Zoo

Texas Capital Bridge Unit 207

Bridge Center of Austin p 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd.

JANUARY 2-5, 2025 JANUARY 2-5, 2025

Free Coffee & Snacks

STRATIFICATIONS

(Pair & team games based on average MPs)

Open Pairs & Stratified Swiss Teams: (Thursday – Saturday)

A: 3000+, B: 750-3000, C: 0-750

299er Pairs:

A: 200-300, B: 100-200, C: 0-100

No player may have over 300 MPs

Sunday Stratiflighted Swiss Teams:

A: 3000+, X: 0-3000, B: 1500-2500, C: 500-1500, D: 0-500

No player with over 2500 MPs can play in the BCD Swiss

All stratifications are at the director’s discretion

Basic Chart for 299ers

Basic+ Chart for BCD Swiss

Open Chart for all other events

This is a Fragrance-Free Tourney

Thurs, Jan 2nd - Sat, Jan 4th

Stratified Swiss Teams, single session 10am, 2:30pm

Open Pairs, single session 10am, 2:30pm

299er Pairs, single session 10am, 2:30pm

Sun, Jan 5th

Stratiflighted A/X & BCD Swiss Teams 10am & TBD

$140 per 4 per son team, includes lunch

Additional player s, $6 each Entry Fees: $14/session

Students and players with 0-5 Masterpoints pay

$7 per session Thursday-Saturday

($4 additional per session for unpaid & non-ACBL members)

This is a CASHLESS ONLY Tourney

Chair: Sharon Hoger, skhoger@att.net, 512-284-4600

Partnerships: Brett Leach, brettlea@mac.com, 512-294-0901

Director in Charge: Scott Humphrey

Online Partnership Requests For This Tourney Opens December 2nd.

Use this link: http://tinyurl.com/atxbridge

Wednesday AM - A

Sheryleen Grothus, Donna Swarthout

Thursday PM - B

Paul Fafoutakis, Olivia Brown

♥ Diane Olson Election Sectional Winners ♦ Unit 172

Wednesday, October 16 - Friday, October 18 - Pairts

Wednesday AM - B

Brett Leach, Mark Craig

Thursday PM-499 -DE

Jennifer Zimmerle, Gwynne Mayer

Thursday AM - B

Martin Hester, Albert Fulton

Friday AM - A

Dave Swarthout, Donna Swarthout

Friday PM- A

Ed Rawlinson, Gary

Thursday AM - C

Kay Dabney, Peter Doyle

Friday AM - B

Friday PM - B

Thursday PM - A

Friday AM - C

Wednesday Afternoon, October 16 & Saturday, October 19- Stratified Swiss Teams

Wednesday - A

Ira Hessel, Ellen Hessel, Patty Hinze, Greg Hinze

Wednesday - C

Jennifer Zimmerle, Gwynne Mayer, MacDonald Kempf (np), Paul Alford (np)

Wednesday - B (Tie)

John Hilbig, Jo Neesvig (np), David Proctor, Dick Powell (np)

Saturday - A

Daniel Jackson, Rosemary Kelley, Roxana Tom, Bill McCarty

Wednesday - B (Tie)

Sharon Evans, Nancy Tom, Roxana Tom, Brian Bankler

Saturday - B

Matt Griffin, Phyllis Griffin, Rebecca Evans, Peter Doyle

George Fillis, Karen Fillis

Elisabeth Kay, Catherine McGaffic

Anziani

Lew Spurlock, Hank Eng

Jim Roff, Don Marcott

January 16-18, 2025

Denton Bridge Studio

Thursday January 16, 2025

9:30 AM Stratified Open Pairs

1:30 PM Stratified Open Pairs

Friday January 17, 2025

9:30 AM Stratified Open Pairs 1:30 PM Stratified Open Pairs

Saturday January 18, 2025

9:30 AM Stratified Open Pairs

1:30 PM Stratified Open Pairs

1500 Dallas Dr. Now Texas Inn and Suites Denton, TX 76205 dentonbridgestudio@gmail.com 940-205-7300 Open Stratifications

Tournament Chair Ken Javor kdjavor@yahoo.com

Partnership Chair Mary Jane DeBusk dentonbridgestudio@gmai l.com

Pre-register by sending an email to dentonbridgestudio@gmail.com with your partner’s name.

The director reserves the right to change the stratifications, if needed for equity.

January/February 2025

Saturday AM - A

Charles Brown, Bruce Brown

♥ Denton Fall Sectional Winners ♦ Unit 183

Thursday, October 31 - Saturday, November 2 - Open Pairs

Thursday AM - A

Steve Kornegay, Nancy Kornegay

Thursday PM - A

Steve Kornegay, Nancy Kornegay

Friday AM - A

Steve Kornegay, Nancy Kornegay

Thursday AM - B

Charles Wobbeking, John Stephani

Thursday PM - B

Charles Wobbeking, John Stephani

Friday AM - B Robert Dixon, Liz Furman

Friday PM - A

Steve Kornegay, Nancy Kornegay

Saturday AM - B & C

Thursday AM - C

Loralee Berg, Fran Shelton

Thursday PM - C

Loralee Berg, Fran Shelton

Friday AM - C

Michael Blanchard, Michael Frederick

Friday PM - B & C

Michael Blanchard, Michael Frederick

Saturday PM - A

Steve

Saturday PM - B

Charles Wobbeking, John Stephani

Saturday PM - C

Lucinda McShane, Dolores McCuistian

Kornegay, Nancy Kornegay

Lucinda McShane, Dolores McCuistian

Dallas Winter Sectional January

29-February 1, 2025

Lovers Lane United Methodist Church 9200 Inwood Rd. Dallas, TX 75229

Wednesday, January 29 NOTE: New Start Times

Stratified Open and 749er Pairs (Single Sessions) 11:00 am & 3:30 pm

Open Bracketed Swiss Teams (2 Sessions) 11:00 am & 3:30 pm

Thursday, January 30 NOTE: New Start Times

Stratified Open and 749er Pairs (Single Sessions) 11:00 am & 3:30 pm

Open Stratified Swiss Teams (2 Sessions) 11:00 am & 3:30 pm

Friday, January 31 NOTE: New Start Times

Stratified Open and 749er Pairs (Single Sessions) 11:00 am & 3:30 pm

Open Bracketed Swiss Teams (2 Sessions) 11:00 am & 3:30 pm

Saturday, February 1 NOTE: New Start Times

Stratified Open and 749er Pairs (Single Sessions) 11:00 am & 3:30 pm

Open Stratified Swiss Teams (2 Sessions) 11:00 am & 3:30 pm

Stratifications:

Open Pairs and Open Swiss : A: 4000+, B: 1500-4000, C: 0-1500 (By average masterpoints) 749er Events: A:500-749, B:300-499, C: 0-299 (By average masterpoints)

NOTE: Stratifications may be adjusted by director based on attendance.

Entry Fees : ACBL members $15 per session; Non-members $19

Tournament Chairperson: Connie Scott connievanpatter@yahoo.com

Partnerships: TBD (email: PartnershipU176@gmail.com)

Tournament Director in Charge: Carolyn Pinto

Hotel Info : Embassy Suites, Love Field , 3880 W. Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75220; Phone: 214-357-4500 Rate: $169. Reserve by April 1 to get bridge rate. .

Snacks and Drinks Every Day!

Cashless Payments Only!

LUNCH WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AT THE VENUE

♥ Dallas Fall Sectional and I/N Regional Winners ♦ Unit 176

Wednesday, November 6 - Saturday, November 9 - Bracketed Swiss Teams

Wednesday - Bracket 1

Barry Schaffer, Gary Bush, Kristen Onsgard, Petra Hamman

Thursday - Bracket 1

Barry Schaffer, Gary Bush, Kristen Onsgard, Petra Hamman

Friday - Bracket 1

Nancy Kornegay, Sheri Bumgardner, Steve Kornegay, Mark Bumgardner

Saturday - Bracket 1

Jim McCommons, Ed Yetter, Eileen Davidoff, Bob Wilkin

Wednesday - Bracket 2

Linda Walton, Gail Wingfield, Glenda Cooper (np), Kenneth Dingler (np)

Thursday - Bracket 2

Brian Gelles, Robert Neal, Janet Gelles, Walter Netsch

Friday - Bracket 2

Alan Josephson, Leonard Epstein, Stuart Litwin, Susan Moss

Saturday - Bracket 2

Myra Hammond, Andi Gordon, Cassie Stern, Marie-Anne Johnson

Thursday - Bracket 3

Lucy Buchanan, Randy Patterson, Stuart Litwin, Leonard Epstein

Friday - Bracket 3

Carol Kinsey, Jo Britt, Tom Spradlin, Gary Britt

Saturday - Bracket 3

Gretchen Cash, Phil Brown, Barbara Taylor, David Salem

I/N Regional

Saturday - Bracket 1

Fran Shelton, John Redfern, Caye Cook, Loralee Berg

Wednesday, November 6 - Saturday, November 9 - Open Pairs

Wednesday AM - A

Wednesday PM - A

Milt Neher, Jim Thurtell

Thursday PM - A

Norm Beck, Fred Seipp

Friday PM - A

Thursday PM - C

Karim Abuhamad, Kurt Smith

Friday PM - C

Wednesday PM - B

Friday AM - A

Wednesday PM - C

Friday AM - B

Saturday AM - A

Saturday AM - C

Thursday AM - A

Friday AM - C

Sunday PM - A

Thursday, November 7 - Friday, November 8 - Gold Rush Pairs

Thursday - A

Joni Antweil, Charles Golenternek

Thursday - B

D Lane Mueller, Margaret Cooley

Friday - A

Loralee Berg, Mark

Gerry McKim, Michael Hout

Michael Chockley, Bob Scallan

Heather Norville, Scott Norville

Michael Chockley, Bob Scallan

Jerry Derby, Marilyn Florin

Heather Norville, Scott Norville

Elaine Wood, Nancy Felman

Margaret Downey, Paulette Armstrong

Margaret Downey, Barbara Aide

Bob Butterfield, Kay Hampton

Margaret Downey, Barbara Aide

Roz Smith, Frank Durante

Meiches

Puerto Vallarta Regional Winners ♦ Unit 205

Monday, November 4 - Sunday, November 10 - Knock Out & A/Y/X Swiss Teams

Monday & Tuesday

Vallarta KO

John Ramos, Mitch Towner, Joshua Donn, Craig Henderson

Wednesday & Thursday

Acapulco KO

John Ramos, Mitch Towner, Joshua Donn, Craig Henderson

Friday & Saturday

Cancun KO

Garry Karst, Cydney Hayes, Curley Anderson, Andy Anderson

Sunday Swiss Teams - A

John Ramos, Mitch Towner, Joshua Donn, Craig Henderson

Monday, November 4 - Sunday, November 10 - Miguel Reygadas Side & Fast Pairs

Monday - Saturday

Miguel Reygadas Side

Stefan Reich, Gloria Kreimerman

Sunday Fast - 1st A & B

Jim Johnsen, Davis Benentt

Tuesday, November 5 - Friday, November 8 - Choice Pairs

Tuesday 4th - A

Jeff McKee, Rosemary Kelly

Wednesday 6th A - 1st B

Nicci Beninger, Mary Ann White

Tuesday 1st - B

Norm Webb, Kathy George

Thursday 1st - A

Ron Smith, Nicole DuPuis

Wednesday 1st - A

Jim Johnsen, Davis Benentt

Friday 1st - A

David Baker, Robert Griffiths

SAN MIGUEL REGIONAL FEBRUARY 25 MARCH 2, 2025

Hotel Real de Minas

Hotel and playing site

Reservation code: Torneo de Bridge 2025

Camino Viejo al Panteón 1, San Antonio, 37754 San Miguel de Allende, Gto.

+52 1 415 152 2626

MONDAY, FEB 24

REGISTRATION

TUESDAY, FEB 25

Hotel rate: $2,263 MXP weekday $2,970 MXP weekend

Reservations by E-mail

5:00 to 7:00 pm reservaciones1@grupomexicoreal.com

SATURDAY, MAR 1

OPEN MIGUEL REYGADAS SPECIAL AWARDS 1 ST PLACE A- B- C

Open Pairs 1st sess i on 1st Bracketed KO teams 10:00 am

Open Pairs 2nd session 2nd Bracketed KO teams 3:00pm

(May play One Session)

WEDNESDAY, FEB 26

Open Pairs 1st session 3rd Bracketed KO teams 10:00 am

Open Pairs 2nd session 4th Bracketed KO teams 3: 00 pm (May play One Session)

THURSDAY, FEB 27

Open Pairs 1st session 1st Bracketed KO teams 10:00 am

SUNDAY, MAR 2

SWISSTEAMS 1st session

SWISS TEAMS 2nd session 10:00 am (TBA)

Open Pairs 2nd session 2nd Bracketed KO teams 3:00 pm Jorge Rosen (May play One Session)

FRIDAY, FEB 28 rosenjor@hotmail.com +52 1 5550436215

Open Pairs 1st session 3rd Bracketed KO teams 10:00 am

Open Pairs 2nd session 4th Bracketed KO teams 3:00 pm (May play One Session)

Entries per session: USD $20 ( CASH ONLY)

NOTES:

events are stratified: A(2000+) / B(750-2000) / C(0-750)

Pairs: A(3000+) / B(1500-3000) / C(0-1500)

Rush Paírs: A(400-750) / B(200-400) / C(0 -200)

DESK

173unidad@gmail.com

DISTRICT 16