Greater St. Louis Bridge News

News from Greater St. Louis Unit 143

Editor:  Sheryl Finkenstadt, St. Louis MO    sheryl@finkenstadt.com
 

“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain.”

When dummy tables a really poor hand -- to your distress -- look pleasantly surprised and cheerfully play the hand.  This confuses the opponents,  Perhaps. If they think you’re pleased, they may visualize a really weird distribution that would justify your optimism & play for it, thus giving you a better score.   Besides, “zero tolerance” pretty much bars you from verbal or non-verbal complaint.

Board of Directors Elections

Elections held during the October sectional resulted in three new members (above, left to right): Lee Hastings, Linda Siebert and Helene Siegfried. Incumbent Debbie Romero was re-elected to the Board.

The Board of Directors is responsible for the operation of Unit 143, including the winter, spring, and fall sectionals, as well as the summer regional tournament.

Congratulations to the newly elected Executive Board. At the first Board meeting in November, new officers were elected for the Unit, and will serve until November 2011. The new officers are (above, left to right) : Steve Zenk, President; Debra Romero, Vice President; Carl Clyne, Secretary; and Bob Janis, Treasurer

October sectional

The October Sectional had 362 tables in the 3-day event. More than 1300 masterpoints were won by more than 400 players. Flight C players take note: it CAN be done!   Linda McHoney & Barbara Stewart (Flt C) placed second in the Friday afternoon Open Pairs with a 62.01% game – just behind the first-place finishers, Suzi Moore & Donna Pedrotti (62.25%).  And Matthew Robb & Aaron Krieser (Flt C) placed first in the two-session Open Pairs on Saturday with a 60.19% game.

Sectional at Clubs winners

The District 8 STAC Week found many Unit 143 players winning overall awards. The following pairs placed first in District 8 in a session of this week-long event:

1A -- Jack Bryant – Denny O’Connor (71.06%)

1B -- George & Marilyn Bogacki

1C -- Helene Siegfried - Judy Pass

1C -- Jo & Ronald Kohn

1C -- Beverly Dixson - Navin Shah

1A -- Mark Boswell – Debbie Romero  (71.59%)

1C -- Mike Schneider - Dan Waeltermann

1A -- Roger Lord - Jack Bryant  (73.11%)

1B -- John Antognoli - Jerome Shen

1-2A -- Jeannine Owen - James Hammond

1-2A -- Susan Perez - Judith Eaton

1C --  Gretchen Smith - Maureen Swihart

1A -- Mark Ehret - Carol Hamilton

1B -- Eugene & Katherine Hartenberger

A Huge Success! 

The North American Pairs (NAP)  District 8 Finals gave area players  a chance to shine! Flight A was a clean sweep for St Louis. ee Hastings & Mark Ehret  tied with Milt Zlatic & Tom Oppenheimer for first & second place. Mike Giacaman & Arhba Vongsvivut were third. 

Flight B was won by George & Marilyn Bogacki, and tying for second/third place were Jonathan Goldberg & Debbie Romero. 

Flight C showed Elizabeth Meteer & Martha Hanley in third  place. All six pairs have won the privilege of competing in their respective flights in the Louisville NABC Finals this spring. Well-deserved congratulations!

Rank Advancements

Unit 143 currently has 1116 members, as of 12-01-10.Fewer than 600 (597) have under 100 masterpoints. Just over five hundred (519) members have over 100 masterpoints.  The national average for 50% is 175 masterpoints.  Our members continue to advance in rank. Congratulations to the following players who have gained new stature since October 1, 2010.

Upcoming Tournaments

January 14-16, 2011.  Winter Sectional, Blanchette Park, St. Charles, MO.

March 26, 2011.  Spring 199er Championship, Maryland Heights, MO.

May 13-15, 2011.  Spring Sectional, Blanchette Park, St. Charles, MO.

August 8-14, 2011.  August Summer Regional, St Louis, MO.