My last column was in November, but I have not written since knowing we were getting this new web site up and running. I am so excited about this new format. I hope that more of you will check it out on a regular basis and also contribute to it as well.
This last weekend was the sectional in Mt. Pleasant. I was disappointed that few novice players turned out. There needs to be 3 tables for a novice section to go and we did not have that except for one session. When there aren’t enough then those that are there get thrown in with the sharks. Some people can deal with the added challenge but others cannot. One couple who had driven a long ways and also had left a visiting grandson at home just to come and play was not happy. The Mt. Pleasant facility is one of our best and the food on Sunday is always a treat but if newcomers don’t show up for these events they may be discontinued. Future events will have to cut expenses and that means cheaper facilities and less food. I can’t bear to think of no munchies!
Thank you to all who did attend.
I want to catch you up on my personal foray into the bridge world. Last month I went on an Audrey
Grant cruise. Yes, I went by myself. There were about 80 players. Most came with partners but there
were some who came alone and everyone changed around till they found compatible partners. I played
with several people and everyone was friendly and there was no need to enforce the zero tolerance
policy. Audrey Grant is one of the most personable people and she taught in a simple straightforward
manner. She told about one of her most embarrassing moments. She had a very prominent lisp growing
up and had speech therapy. But as an adult it still showed up when she was nervous. When she was in
London, England attending an illustrious bridge function she was asked to introduce a prestigious
member of parliament who was the guest speaker. His name was The Honorable Mr. Athole.
I scanned the awards in the April Bulletin. In the Ace of Clubs award there was only 1 Iowan in the 300
listed. There were 3 Iowans out of 300 for the Mini-McKenney awards. (Check my 1st column if you want
to know what these awards are.) AND our own Bob Otto was 21st in the Sectional Masterpoint race.
Congratulations Bob.
The snowbirds are returning home and this will fill the ranks of club and tournament games. Check your
club flyers for future events and especially note on your calendar the June Regional at the Marriott hotel
in Iowa City. We need YOU to participate. These events require a great deal of time and energy by some
of your team mates and your support is needed.