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The District 17 Bridge Buzz focuses on district and national news and provides you with the links to access the details. Catch the next Buzz July 2024.
Contact Cindy Shoemaker, editor, cndyshoemaker@yahoo.com with feedback and content suggestions.
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By Elizabeth Hamilton
415-994-3527
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“It was a bright cold day in April and the clocks were striking thirteen,” 1984 by George Orwell.
Many of you are familiar with the novel 1984 by George Orwell. Perhaps you remember reading it in high school. The quote above is the opening sentence. Reading this suggests that you are entering an alternative world. Perhaps out of your comfort zone. It made me think of how much bridge has changed as we try to build back after the pandemic. Nothing is quite the same. This is not a good or a bad thing - it is change and it needs to be embraced and evaluated so that we can make progress. Has it impacted how and where you play?
As usual, there is a lot happening in D17. The BUZZ will keep you informed about all of our activities.
The first two open regionals of 2024 were very successful. One in Albuquerque and one in Tucson.
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Both regionals have experienced tournament chairs who lead and inspire their tournament committees. Thank you Ben Franz in Albuquerque and Jack Shoemaker in Tucson.
Go to d17acbl.org and check out the 2024 Tournament Calendar to see when the open regionals and I/N regionals are scheduled. At these tournaments, newer players will have an opportunity to enter a drawing for free plays at the 2024 Fall LVNABC where they can experience a fun, safe and educational playing environment.
The Denver Rocky Mountain Regional, home to the D17 GNT Finals, will be held May 21 - 27. Please try to join us. The D17 Board will hold its next face-to-face Board meeting during the tournament on Thursday, May 23. While in Denver, you will have the opportunity to meet D17 Board members and committee members for the 2024 Fall LVNABC. Come say hello.
This issue of the BUZZ includes the D17 Goodwill Ambassador awards. It is an inspirational list to read. A big thank you is due to all of these amazing volunteers. They truly make a difference!
Click here to read more about the 2024 Fall LVNABC.
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Don’t miss the Denver Rocky Mountain Regional at the new location of Doubletree Hotel by Hilton, 7801 E. Orchard Road, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. There are convenient transportation links to this location just south of Denver off I-25.
A great schedule includes, Soloway KOs, KOs, bracketed teams, Swiss teams, Board-A-Match teams, pair games and 0-750 Gold Rush events with prizes. Click here to view the tournament flyer.
D17 GNT Finals for Flights A, B and C will be held on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26.
Play in the largest PRO/AM pairs event in the country on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 1 pm. The final date for registration is May 10, 2024. If you are interested in participating either as a Pro or an AM and are not yet signed up, contact Jennifer O’Neill at jjo4501@gmail.com.
Click here to find a partner.
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Some Like it HOT!
Whether you’re chasing sizzling scores at the bridge table, looking for hot slots or aiming for fiery streaks at the craps tables, you’ll find them all in the cool, air-conditioned venue of the incomparable Talking Stick Resort.
Enjoy amazing amenities with special tournament rates and a variety of specialty restaurants for a great getaway experience.
Call 480-270-5555 and book your room before July 19 to secure the nightly rate of only $129 +tax with no resort fee! Use booking code #24260 or mention Desert Empire Regional.
The Phoenix Desert Empire Regional offers Bracketed Teams, Gold Rush events, Stratified Pairs and side games catering to bridge players of all levels.
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There will be gifts, prizes, chocolates and snacks plus, ACBL members with less than 10 masterpoints play for free!
Click here to view the tournament flyer.
After the games, unwind with nightly entertainment in one of Talking Stick’s lounges, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of your stay. Looking for a challenging round of golf or a luxurious spa day? Tournament attendees have the option to extend their stay three days pre- or post-tournament.
Click here to email your Partnership requests. Include your name, phone number, masterpoints, events and dates you need a partner along with your preferred systems.
For questions contact Tournament Chair, Julie Bosserman, JulieUnit354@gmail.com
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Mark your calendar to play in the Taos Regional, September 23 - 29, at the iconic Sagebrush Inn and Suites. Click here to view flyer. | |
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Call the host hotel at 575-758-2254 to book your room(s) beginning at $119 +tax per night. Ask for the ACBL Regional Rate.
Great hospitality, many opportunities to earn Gold, and special programs and prizes for new and intermediate players, make this a tournament you won't want to miss.
Also, the D17 NAP Finals will be held for all Flights!
For questions contact Tournament Co-Chair Jennifer O'Neill, jjo4501@gmail.com.
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Congratulations to the winners of the D17 GNT Championship Finals held Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7 on BBO. The winners are pictured below and will be strong contenders in the National GNT Finals held at the 2024 Summer NABC in Toronto Wednesday, July 17 - Sunday, July 21. | | |
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Bobby Levin, Henderson, NV | | |
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Alain Schreiber, Las Vegas | |
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The Flights A, B and C D17 GNT Finals will be held at the Denver Rocky Mountain Regional Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26.
PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! All teams must preregister no later than May 17, 2024. Teams may be composed of any eligible player (must have qualified in a D17 club GNT qualifying game) who is an ACBL member in good standing and a D17 member. Late registrations may be sent to the GNT Coordinator and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The team captain shall email the roster of the team (names and ACBL number) to Bonnie Bagley at bon1bon@comcast.net and remit a check for the first two sessions of play, which is $120, payable to District 17 and sent to Jennifer O’Neill, D17 Treasurer, 30 Sommerset Circle, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 or use Zelle through your bank – ACBLD17@gmail.com. NOTE – D17 waives the entry fee for Flight C players.
For more information contact Bonnie Bagley, D17 GNT Coordinator, at
bon1bon@comcast.net or 719-593-0205.
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It’s North American Pairs (NAP) qualifying time again. This is a great opportunity to represent D17 at the NABC in March 2025 and to take a trip to Memphis.
Qualifying games will take place June 1 – August 31 at your local clubs. Please encourage your club owners to hold qualifying events, so you can compete in the D17 Finals. The
top four qualifying pairs in each stratification may receive stipends to attend the NABC NAP Finals. Click here to view the 2024-2025 D17 Conditions of Contest.
Congratulations to the D17 participants placing in the overalls in Louisville:
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Sheri Winestock and Joshua Donn, 2nd in Flight A | |
Lakin Hines and Shari Smart, 22nd in Flight B | |
Allen Ettenger and John Farbarik, 7th in Flight C | |
THE 2024 NABC IS COMING TO LAS VEGAS | |
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The Fall LVNABC will be held November 28 through December 8, 2024 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino. The upgraded Westgate offers an accessible playing area and more than 13 onsite eating options.
Weekday rates are $65+ tax per night and weekend rates (Friday and Saturday) are $99+ tax per night. Reservations will open May 28!
Click here to learn more about the NABC Las Vegas.
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HELP US RAISE FUNDS FOR HOSPITALITY
Play in the LVNABC fundraiser games held in all ACBL virtual clubs May 13-19. Earn 200% MPs - all black- and be part of the team that makes hospitality in Vegas absolutely fantastic!
NAME A GAME
Create a memory by Naming A Day or a Game. This sponsorship gives you the opportunity to honor clubs, units, bridge partners and teachers.
The sponsorship opportunities range from $100 per event to $1,000+ for the whole day with additional privileges. All the funds collected will be used to enhance our player hospitality.
Please contact Liz Hamilton for more details: grtscot@gmail.com or 415-994-3527.
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2024 D17 GOODWILL
AMBASSADORS
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In 2011, D17 established a Goodwill Committee and Charter to recognize D17 members in good standing who exemplify congeniality and ethical behavior.
Committee members subscribe to the ACBL Goodwill slogan, "It is nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice."
Congratulations to this year's recipients. We appreciate your kindness, enthusiasm and dedication to bridge!
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Barbara Rees
Unit 351 - Mesa, AZ
Nominated by Kitty Larson
Barbara began her bridge career in Canada about 35 years ago. She has been a player and director for about the same amount of time. Read more.
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Bill Carstens
Unit 354 - Phoenix, AZ
Nominated by JoAnne Lowe
Bill was a long time Unit 354 Board member. He was our dedicated partnership chair working tirelessly before and during our tournaments. Read more.
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Miranda Chatham
Unit 355 - Northern AZ
Nominated by Bill Phillips
Miranda was born in 1927. In the mid-sixties, her husband accepted a position in Saudi Arabia. With her life radically changed and nothing to do she decided to teach herself bridge. Read more.
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Bonnie Hertzog
Unit 356 - Tucson, AZ
Nominated by Steve Reynolds
Bonnie is the Swiss Army Knife of the bridge world. Read more.
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Ann Parker
Unit 360 - Colorado Springs, CO
Nominated by Bill Curtis
Ann is a former high school music director. She and her Navy husband retired and moved to Colorado Springs and joined Unit 360. Read more.
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Marion Brum de Barros
Unit 361 - Denver, CO
Nominated by Jennifer O’Neill
Marion comes from a bridge playing family – her father, late husband and step kids all play. Read more.
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Marcia McCalden
Unit 364 - Colorado West
Nominated by Sharon Smith
Marcia’s bridge odyssey kick started when she retired after 30 years as a software manager with IBM and moved from Connecticut to Vail. Read more.
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Jacqueline Brickey
Unit 373 - Las Vegas, NV
Nominated by Elizabeth Hamilton
Jacque has been involved in bridge in Las Vegas since 1999. During that time she has served on committees for sectional and regional tournaments. Read more.
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Carolyn Anderson
Unit 383 Santa Fe, NM
Nominated by Neil Hunter
Carolyn was a Goodwill Nominee over a decade ago, and has deserved to be nominated every year since then! Read more.
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Dianne Simon
Unit 421 - Cheyenne, WY
Nominated by Cindy Shoemaker
All I have spoken to enjoy Dianne’s company on and off the bridge table as she is friendly and respectful. She practices active ethics. Read more.
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ACBL members receive masterpoints for winning and placing in club games and tournaments as they strive to advance through the ranks. There are 16 ranks, from Junior Master (5 masterpoints) to Grand Life Master (10,000 masterpoints plus a victory in an eligible North American Bridge Championship). Learn rank qualifications. | |
NEWLY MINTED LIFE MASTERS | |
Alice and Michael Olson, Unit 354, Sun City West, AZ | |
Kerry Redinger, Unit 354, Scottsdale, AZ. Also became a Bronze Life Master | |
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Billie Hayes, left, Unit 356,
Sierra Vista, AZ pictured with Margaret Glenn.
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Kathy Parker, Unit 356, Tucson, AZ. Also became a Bronze Life Master | |
Connie Putz, Unit 356, Tucson, AZ. Also became a Silver Life Master | |
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Sam Sagi, Unit 356,
Tucson, AZ
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Barbara Starrett, Unit 356, Tucson, AZ | |
Wally Erbes, Unit 361, Denver, CO | |
Ruth McBride, Unit 422, Steamboat Springs, CO | |
Not pictured: Gayle Stenstrom, Unit 356, Tucson, AZ, also became a Bronze Life Master; Jim Wyss, Unit 360, Monument, CO; Linda Odette, Unit 364, Palisade, CO. | | | | |
