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The April ABA Spring National Tournament in Tampa, Florida was very successful in terms of great bridge, a well-planned tournament,
lots of amenities, wonderful camaraderie, and many informative committee meetings. Even though attendance was down, those of us in Tampa did experience our new administration’s commitment to efficient operations. The tournament used bridge mates, provided hand records, and employed a dealing machine which eliminated the need for the players to make boards, allowing the pair games to start on time. The administration addressed neglected areas with the attention and resources required to solve complex problems with plans for a bigger and stronger ABA. Many new and exciting developments are in store for the ABA under the guidance of George Hudson and his administration, including the construction of a new website, upgrading The Official ABA Handbook, on-line ABA bridge with Bridge Base, upgraded teacher certification working closely with membership and recruitment, new revised mentor-mentee training program, comprehensive staff development training, and a progressive youth program identifies some of the many ideas that circulated in Tampa.
The San Diego Aztec Bridge Club under the leadership of President Jewel McDowell and her Tournament Chair Thelma Lee again presented the Western Section with another successful and enjoyable Grade A Weekend. The LABU, Desert Wins, and Sacramento participated in this weekend of bridge. All of the areas in the WS must strive to sponsor a Grade A tournament each year for the benefit of our section. Desert Wins has pledged to host a Grade A Weekend in 2013 and will need the support of all areas in the WS. Sacramento, the Oakland Bay Area, and Phoenix should also host a Grade A and expect the section to support their effort. We must remember the west coast is WS territory. Currently we have just three games a year! Two Grade A’s and one Sectional, this is compared to 10 to 20 games in the East, Midwest, South and other Sections. We can have well attended Grade A’s if we put forth the effort. Thanks to Agnes Snowden and Clara Harris a Western Section fund raising Mexican Cruise will set sail May 20, 2012. There may still be space available, check with Agnes or Clara. In the future this cruise will be advertised much earlier to enhance better participation. The LABU again will host their Grade A Weekend beginning July 13, 2012. Last year was a great weekend with lots of food, fun and bridge. If you have not seen the LABU Club House it is worth the trip just to see it!
The Club Presidents and The Section Vice President must work together to provide direction and impose on the membership an enthusiasm for our section to be bigger and stronger. The Club Presidents will drive the section while the SVP should act as the mortar to insure we are all united and with the same direction and goals. Club Presidents are the key. Our ABA President is committed to and focused on key areas, Membership and Education, Mentor- Mentee, Teacher Certification. Each club will select a committee chair representing Membership and Education, a chair for Mentor-Mentee, and also a chair for Club Publicity. Shirley Lee, Gloria Parker, and James Lee will represent the WS for these committees. Club Presidents should expect correspondence on this topic in the near future.
Finally, it saddens me to announce the passing of long time Desert Wins member William (Bill) Rhoden. Our prayers are with Bill’s family his wife and bridge partner Janet Rhoden. The western Section will miss Bill who was still a presence at the table at the age of 94!
Sincerely,
James Lee
The Western Section invites you to bring your favorite bridge partner, family members, and friends aboard the CARNIVAL SPLENDOR. Enjoy sailing, playing bridge, dining, being pampered and entertained by a wonderful cruise ship staff. Click here to find out more...
Western Section Webmaster
stephpat@att.net