Volume LXXI Number 2
FRESNO WINTER SECTIONAL
February 15-18
We’re having another four day sectional over the President’s weekend. Be sure to get your partners lined up.  The schedule includes pair games at 10 am and  2 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Monday, plus Fast Pairs at 6:30 pm on Friday. Sunday is two session Swiss Teams starting at 10 am. Each day will have open and 499er games in the morning and afternoon, except Saturday with a morning 199er game instead of a 499er game.
If you don’t have a partner for a session or two, call Partnership Chair Mary Lou Pease at 288-2340 or marylou121@comcast.net 

PLACES AND FACES
We had lots of winners at the recent Monterey regional. Olivia Stockton and Annie Chiljian were second in the side game, and first in flight B.  Richard Betcher and Kim Morris were fifth and fourth in two side games and fifth in flight B in another. Denny Tweed and Cathleen Burden were seventh in the Gold Rush pairs. Dick Powell and Pete Weber won flight B of the side game.  Howard Arquette and Avis Morse were sixth in flight B of the side game. Farid Assemi, Richard Meffley, and Gerard Laquerriere were second in the KO teams. Dick Powell, Avis Morse, Peter Weber, and Howard Arquette were third in bracket 2 of the KO teams. Richard Meffley was second in the evening Swiss teams. Jim Slinger, Farid Assemi, and Ed Wojewoda won the KO teams. Mary Lou Pease, Judy Jessick, Renee Laquerriere, and Rhonda Hampton took third in bracket 4 of the KO teams and third (first in flight B) in the Swiss teams. Anthony Toto was fourth in the Swiss teams and fifth in flight B of the Fast pairs. Renee Laquerriere and Rhonda Hampton were 14th in the Gold Rush pairs. Dana Brown and Wally Wallace were sixteenth in the Daylight pairs. Dana Brown was seventh in the open pairs. Wally Wallace was 17th in one open pairs and ninth in another.
Paul Boyd won the 999 Swiss pairs and was fifth in the Swiss teams at the Santa Clarita sectional. Steve Johnson and Debbie  Kemp were sixth in the Palm Springs NLM Regional Gold Rush pairs.
Congratulations to all our tournament winners!
     Curt Reeves is now a Gold Life Master. Former Fresnan Sandra Zovod is now a Silver Life Master. Ed Hampton is a new club master. Well done!
            Maggie Mahaffey appreciates all the cards and well wishes she has received. She especially likes visits from all her friends. She is at
Pro Hospice
474 W. Twain
Fresno, Ca 93711

CLUB NEWS
Steve Johnson was the top master point winner in Madera for January, followed by Barbara Diebert, Richard Meffley, and Carol Kaufman. Bob Durbrow was the top master point winner in Fresno in December, followed by Gerard Laquerriere, Bill Glass, and Ray April. Mark Stern was tops for 2018, followed by Bob Durbrow, Ray April, Laura Da Costa, and Lowell Gist. Clint Hudson was the top 99er for December, followed by Joan Fritz, Walt Kelso, Ann Keag, and Barbara Gaudin. Pam Pigg was the 99er leader for 2018, followed by Mary Claire Ewing, Ann Keag, and Fred Schellack.
Bill Glass was the top player in Fresno for January, followed by Richard Meffley, Belva Quattrin, and Bob Durbrow. Karen Matthews and Cheryl Johnson were the top 99ers, followed by Ann Keag and Pamela Pigg.

WALLY WALLACE
Our good friend, teacher and fellow bridge player Wilson “Wally” Wallace passed away in January. His family will join us for a memorial service on Saturday, March 2 at 1 PM followed by a fellowship time and bridge game. More information about the day’s events will be available soon. Wally was a frequent player in Fresno and Oakhurst. He was a fine bridge player – he and Dana Brown are listed in this month’s Bulletin for their 75% game in Sonora.

 

MUN TAKEDA’S LESSONS
Slam Bidding
Mun Takeda’s latest lesson will be Thursday, February 26 at 6:00 pm. The topic is How to Bid Good Slams and Avoid Bad Slams. You’ll learn that slam bidding is more than just counting your Aces.
The cost is $25 including a book. You can sign up at the Bridge Center or RSVP to: muntakeda@gmail.com
We thank Mun for the fine lessons and for donating her services to the Unit.
 
POKER NIGHT
Friday March 1
We’re having another Poker Night on Friday, March 1. We’ll have raffles, prizes, more poker chips, new poker tables, plus pizza dinner. Join the fun for $20. If you can’t go, you can still get raffle tickets for nice prizes. Talk to Jackie Finn or Deb Petersen for more information. 

Treasurer’s report 
Here is my end 2018 and start of 2019 financial year report. Our club isn’t out of the woods yet, but we enter 2019 in better financial shape than we did in 2018. In 2018, we lost $3,258.02 over the entire year. Two years ago, before the rent re-negotiation, the projections were that we would have been losing that much each month. I suppose you could say we are 12 times healthier. Still sick, but the fever has broken.
If you look at the balance sheet, posted at the bridge center, you might see some things that need explaining. At the beginning of 2018, we had our reserve money in Security First Bank because of a good rate of return. But when they merged with Suncrest Bank, it wasn’t as good. Being worried we might need to tap into those funds immediately; we moved it all into our Chase Bank checking account. The hope was that we could set up a separate account providing a similarly higher rate of return at one bank. After waiting in a Chase Bank lobby for over an hour, twice, and a one-hour phone call with their national customer service office, they didn’t seem to care about providing us with the kind of account we needed. I asked permission from the board to search out a new bank to use. I did a little research and then went into three different regional banks to find out what they could offer us and to find out if they wanted our business.
We started transitioning to a new bank in December. Two new lines on the balance sheet shows show Premier Valley Bank. Premier Valley has been rated by Forbes as one of the top banks in the nation, 5-star ranking. It looks like it will be a good move. We can earn a little higher interest rate on our reserves and avoid paying fees on our regular checking account. If you play bridge in the day game on Tuesday, you will see a courier from the bank come by and pick up our deposits. They come to us. And for the treasurer, when I go in to transact business, they greet me by name immediately instead of having me wait for up to an hour, often to be told the person who can help me has gone for the day. So far, the transition from a zombie bank is going smoothly and should be complete next month.
A new budget has been approved for next year. Considering this is only the second year we have been operating from a budget basis, I am pretty sure the big first-year kinks are fixed. As with any budget, it is an estimate of what we expect to do, so there will be a change or two over the year.
Want to improve the club’s financial health? Attend our fundraisers, like Mun’s intermediate lessons, Poker night party in March and others.  Share our club with your friends; show them our video on the internet at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1z_sZGma6k or view it late night on digital TV channels 13-1 to 13-8. Play an extra game each month. There is a 99er and open game on Saturday morning. Play a Sunday game.  Pro-Am’s are fun, not scary. Consider Richard’s Friday game. It’s a party: can you say ice cream? Lots of opportunities to have fun while playing bridge.
 

WINNERS
UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1A       Lowell Gist - Gerard Laquerriere
2A1B   William Glass - Alex C. Sherriffs
A2B1C            Laura Da Costa - Jason Mcalexander
3B        Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
2C        Debbie Kemp - James Bushman
 
UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1AB     Steve Johnson - David Whitesell
2AGerard Laquerriere - Mun Takeda
3A2B   Rosalie Jorgensen - Jim Mckoane
 
UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1A       Lowell Gist - Gerard Laquerriere
2A       Robert Durbrow - Mary Lou Pease
3A1B   Laura Da Costa - Ray April
 2/3B    Cynthia Tingey - Avis Morse
 2/3B    Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
 
UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1A       Richard Meffley - Steve Johnson
2A1B   William Glass - Rose Boot
2B        Al Crane - Laura Neville
 
UNIT 99ER CHAMPIONSHIP
1          Clint Hudson - Walt Kelso
2          Barbara Gaudin - Sandra White
 
MEMBERSHIP GAME
1A       Robert Durbrow - Laura Neville
2A1B   William Glass - Larry Miller
3A2B   Skip Miller - Cynthia Tingey
3B1C   Carol Miller - Laura Da Costa
2C        Debbie Kemp - Steve Johnson
 
MEMBERSHIP
1A                   Gerard Laquerriere - Lowell Gist
2A                   Robert Durbrow - Cynthia Tingey
 3/4A1/2B        Ray April - Gerry Jones
 3/4A1/2B1C   Donny Graham - Nancy Holley
3B2C               Judy Jessick - Rosalie Jorgensen
 
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1          Robert Durbrow - Olivia Stockton
2          Dick Powell - Peter Weber
3          Skip Miller - Byron Steinert
 
750 CHAMPIONSHIP
1ABC  Cheryl Johnson - Karen Matthews
2AB     JoAnn Huebner - Ann Keag
3AB2C            Joan De Yager - Marsha Infausto
3C        Don Myers - Doris Myers
 

99ER CHAMPIONSHIP
1          Clint Hudson - Barbara Gaudin
2          Tom Callahan - Julia Kendall
 
OAKHURST WINNERS
Karen McCartin and Paul Mertens
Clem Bingham and Jim Luther 2
Ken Doig and Claire Molnar 2
Ken Doig and T. Srinivasan 2
Diane McDonough and Nancy Hays
Paul Mertens and Clem Bingham
 
INDIVIDUAL
1A       William Glass
21B Laura Da Costa
3A2B Anthony Toto
1/3C Mary Lou Pease
1/3C Carol Kaufman
1/3C Marion Austin
 
SPECIAL
Robert Durbrow - Belva Quattrin
JoannE. Evans - Skip Miller
Barbara Diebert - Richard Meffley
Gerry Jones - Ray April
Ray April - Laura Da Costa
Gay Slates - Larry Slates [B]
David Whitesell - Jim Mckoane [C]
Mary Claire Ewing - Sandy OwYoung-Chu [C]
Marion Austin - Don Austin [C]
 
 
750 SPECIAL
Deb Petersen - Paul Boyd
Marge Field - Joan Fritz
Kathleen Coit - William Coit
Diane McDonough - Ken Summers
Robert Cherry - Tay Cherry[B]
Judy Geary - Doris Myers [C]
 
 
99er SPECIAL
Tom Callahan - Julia Kendall
Pat Heckathorn - Sandy Petrie
 
 
99
Margot Cegielski - Ed Keller
Julia Kendall - Tom Callahan
Alvin Fred Schellack - Walt Kelso
Sandy Petrie - Pat Heckathorn
Barbara Gaudin - Sandra White

Volume LXXI  Number 1

STARTING THE NEW YEAR WITH LESSONS
Once again we are starting bridge lessons with the new year. Free lessons for new players start on Saturday January 12 at 9 a.m. The second series for those who know bridge or have finished the first series also starts at 9 a.m. on January 12. Clovis Adult School also offers beginning lessons at the Bridge Center on Tuesday nights starting January 8, 2019. If you enjoy playing bridge, tell your friends and neighbors how much fun you have, and encourage them to try the  lessons. The best bridge clubs are those with fairly new members, enjoying the company of others and learning more and more as they go along.
It is not always easy to get new members. We must show them how much we enjoy the friendship and competition that we have. When I started playing bridge, it was easier because thousands of people already knew how to play. Now we must show them the way. Fifty years ago my teacher said, “All the other nuns are playing bridge, teach me.” Twenty-five years ago, people said, “Oh bridge, my grandparents used to play that.” Now they say, “Bridge, what’s that?” We want people to say “Bridge, I need to learn to play.”

PLACES AND FACES
We had lots of winners in Palm Springs. Steve Johnson and June Oeser were fifth in Flight B, then first in Flight B twice in the 299er pairs.  Deb Petersen, Cynthia Tingey, Renee Laquerriere, and Rhonda Hampton were fourth in Bracket 18 in theCompact KO teams. Cynthia Tingey and Deb Petersen were 26th in the Gold Rush pairs. Gerard
Laquerriere was second in Bracket 3 of the KO teams, third in Bracket 2, third in Bracket 4 of the Compact KO teams, third in the Swiss teams, and first in the side game. Former Fresnans Jim Tritt and Steve McConnell won the IMP pairs and were sixth in the Open Pairs. Congratulations!

Maggie Mahaffey is now at Hinds Hospice. You can write to her at:
Margaret Mahaffey
Hinds Hospice
474 W. Twain
Fresno, Ca 93711

OAKHURST NEWS
As we begin the new year we want to thank all the helpers and volunteers throughout the year for your generous support. Your gift of wonderful snacks, sweet bakery goods along with your dishwashing and cleanup help will allow us to maintain our low card fee in 2019!

OAKHURST NEWS
As we begin the new year we want to thank all the helpers and volunteers throughout the year for your generous support. Your gift of wonderful snacks, sweet bakery goods along with your dishwashing and cleanup help will allow us to maintain our low card fee in 2019!

FRESNO WINTER SECTIONAL
Don’t forget the winter sectional, February 15 -18, 2019. You can get a flyer online or at the Bridge Center. Ask your favorite partner to play.

WINNERS
UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1          Rosalie Jorgensen - Jim Mckoane
2          Don Austin - Marion Austin
 
 1         Laura Neville - Al Crane
2          Patrick Carroll - Richard Meffley
 
1A       Belva Quattrin - Bob Cross
2          Howard Arquette - Ray April
3A1B   Laura Neville - Rosalie Jorgensen
2B        Paul Messner - Jane Bragg
 
UNIT THANKSGIVING CHAMPIONSHIP
1A       Ray April - Laura Da Costa
2A1B   Dick Powell - Anthony Toto
3A       Robert Durbrow - Richard Meffley


2B        William Glass - Jeff Nevins
3B1C   Steve Johnson - Gary Nelson
2C        Robert Cherry - Tay Cherry
 
UNIT CHRISTMAS CHAMPIONSHIP
1A       Ray April - Laura Da Costa
2A       Robert Durbrow - Rose Boot
3A1B   Patrick Carroll - William Glass
2B        Judy Zimmerer - Irene Whelchel
3B        Skip Miller - Cynthia Tingey
1C        Don Austin - Marion Austin
2C        Jason Mcalexander - Debbie Kemp
3C        Barbara Wiedel - Kathryn Miller
 
UNIT 99ER CHAMPIONSHIP
1          Fred Schellack - Margot Cegielski
2/3       Clint Hudson - Walt Kelso
2/3       Ann Keag - Cheryl Ryder

UNIT 99ER THANKSGIVING CHAMPIONSHIP
1          Walt Kelso - Alvin Fred Schellack
2          Tom Callahan - Julia Kendall

UNIT 99ER CHAMPIONSHIP
1              Alvin Fred Schellack - Margot Cegielski
2              Barbara Gaudin - Sandra White
 
STAC GAMES
Numbers in brackets are Overall places
Donny Graham - Nancy Holley {79A,42B }
Gerard Laquerriere - Mun Takeda {1A Aux}
William Glass - Rose Boot {2A Aux}
Anthony Toto - Mark Stern {3A}
Jim Mckoane - Judy Dodd {10A 5B}
Laura Neville - Delia Green
Richard Meffley - Bob Cross {1 Aux}
Belva Quattrin - Dick Powell {3A Aux}
Mary Lou Pease - Jane Bragg [B] {3C Aux }
Ray April - Jason Mcalexander [B]
Al Crane - Laura Neville [B] {4A 2B}
James Bushman - Debbie Kemp [B]
Wilson Wallace - Rev. Jim H. Luther [B](2){ 6B 3C }
Jackie Finn - George Efthemon [C]
Steve Johnson - Debbie Kemp [C] {2A 1BC)

750 STAC
Mark Smith - M. Steve Johnson {2A 1BC}
Denny Tweed - Cathleen Burden {19A 14B} 
Kathleen Coit - Dick Powell {12]
Marilyn J. Kendall - JoAnn Huebner {9B}
Lois High - Doris Myers {8A 7B}
Pamela Pigg - Ann Keag {2C}
Mary Ann Clark - Beverly Little[B]
Marge Field - Joan Fritz [C]
Nalini Jeyapalan - Jei Jeyapalan [C]
 
99 STAC
Walt Kelso - Clint Hudson [2] {2A 2B 1C} & {1}
Fred Schellack - Margot Cegielski {2}
John Cadwalader - Carol Fiorentino [C]

UNIT NEWS  -  Our 75th ANNIVERSARY
We’re celebrating the Fresno Unit’s 75th Anniversary this year. We’ll have some activities for the anniversary. We’ve been around a long time, and hope to stay for many more years.
We had great attendance for our annual meeting and Christmas party – easily enough for a quorum. Thanks go to retiring board members Gay Berry and Sally Stern. Gay was our Sunshine chairman and also took minutes for all board meetings. Sally was Membership chairman. Other incumbents were re-elected. Our new board member is Steve Johnson, an enthusiastic newcomer who quickly went over 100 master points and is now playing regularly in Open and 750 games. Welcome,Steve.
            Don Austin was our distinguished Service Award winner for his work as Treasurer in securing a new lease for the bridge center.
            We had a great time on Poker Night last year. Look for another Poker Night in March.

CLUB NEWS
Madera December winners are Steve Johnson, followed by Barbara Diebert, Jackie Reichard,  and Jan Armbruster. Gay and Larry Slates were the top winners for 2018, followed by Barbara Diebert and Carol Kaufman.
Ray April topped the Fresno Bridge Center for November, followed by Skip Miller, Bill Glass, and Laura Da Costa. Mark Stern leads for 2018, followed by Bob Durbrow, Ray April, and Lowell Gist. Clint Hudson was the top 99er for November, followed by Fred Schellack, Margot Cegielski, and Walt Kelso. Pam Pigg leads for 2018, followed by Mary Claire Ewing and Jonel Mueller.

TREASURER’S REPORT 
As I announced at the full club meeting in early December, we are still losing money, but not as much as in previous years. Year end books won’t be published until after the next board meeting in January. There is a path to solvency, but it depends on members. Play an extra game each month and attend the fund raisers. Poker nights are just a fun party, even if you don’t play poker. And Mun’s lessons are outstanding. Do these not just to help  cover our losses, but to up your game and to make the bridge club a bigger part of our social lives.
There are things happening that could impact the financial stability of the club. If you have joined the majority of people and cut your cable TV cord to use the modern digital over the air broadcasting, you will see 30 second Public Service Announcements (PSA) running for our bridge
center on some Ventura-TV channels. Those are channels 13-1 to 13-8. If you watch MeTV, watch it on one of those channels. We will try to get on other channels. If you are reading this on-line, here is a link to the spot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1z_sZGma6k If not, search Fresno Bridge on YouTube and you will find it.
I will leave it to the education committee to report, but I have heard there has been an increase in inquiries about lessons. If we get more beginning players thereby growing our membership, and current members get more involved, we might find a path to solvency.  

 
 
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1AB        Skip Miller – Joann E. EvanS
2A           Robert Durbrow - Belva Quattrin
3A2B1C  Sheila Smith - Gerry Jones
3B2C       Dave Haberstich - Gloria Fitzgerald
  
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           Ray April - Howard Arquette
2A           Jim Mckoane - William Glass
3A1BC    Debbie Kemp - Steve Johnson
2BC         Mary Lou Pease - Judy Zimmerer
  
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
2A1BC    Don Austin - Marion Austin
3A2BC    Mary Lou Pease - Angelina Heisdorf
 
750 CHAMPIONSHIP
1AB        Lois High - Barbara Wiedel
2AS         Mary Ann Clark - Gay Berry
3AB1C    Kathryn Miller - M. Steve Johnson
2C           Joan De Yager - Marsha Infausto
3C           John Hempel - Jerry F. Noga
  
INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIP
1                 Bob Cross
 2/3          Marion Austin
 2/3          William Glass
 
INDIVIDUAL
 1/3A1/2B               George Dalition
 1/3A                       William Glass
 1/3A1/2B1C           Don Austin
3B2C                       Marion Austin
 
OAKHURST WINNERS
Pearl McGinnis and Al Ellis 2
T. Srinivasan and Ken Doig
Wally Wallace and Dana Brown 2
Karen McCartin and Claire Molnar
Burke Zane and T. Srinivasan
Bill Carroll and Jimmy Moore
Clem Bingham and Jim Luther
 
SPECIAL
William Glass - Robert Durbrow
Barbara Diebert - Virginia Hailey
Steve Johnson - Richard Meffley
Cynthia Tingey - Skip Miller
Dave Haberstich - William Glass
Mark Stern - William Glass
Rose Boot - Robert Durbrow
Peter Weber - Dick Powell [B]
Skip Miller - Cynthia Tingey [B]
Mary Lou Pease - James Sweet [B]
Avis Morse - Dick Powell [B]
Paul Messner - Delia Green [C]
Robert Cherry - Tay Cherry [C]
Bob Cross - Larry Miller [C]
Laura Da Costa - Paul Messner [C]
  
750 SPECIAL
Joan De Yager - Marsha Infausto
Kathryn Miller - Barbara Wiedel
Marge Field - Ann Keag [B]
Mary Claire Ewing - Marva White [C]
 
 99 SPECIAL
Tom Callahan - Julia Kendall
Barbara Gaudin - Clint Hudson
 
99
Clint Hudson - Barbara Gaudin
Fred Schellack - Walt Kelso
Fred Schellack - Margot Cegielski
Julia Kendall - Tom Callahan (B)
 

Volume LXX No.  12 Final edition

ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday December 2
Our annual Christmas Party is Sunday, December 2, at noon. The Unit and the Unit Board members will provide the dinner, so come and make merry. Well have a short annual meeting followed by a Unit championship game. We plan on a second section for those with fewer master points.
Come and celebrate the beginning of the holiday season.
 
ELECTION
We’ll also complete the election of Unit board members for the next two years at the annual meeting. The ballot is enclosed. Please vote for up to four candidates. The candidates are:
 
Laura Da Costa, currently our vice-president
Steve Johnson, one of our new members, who led the 99er race all year until he went over 100 master points recently.
Mary Lou Pease, who recently received the ACBL Goodwill award and teaches bridge to beginners on Saturday morning, among other activities.
Deb Petersen, who also recently received the ACBL Goodwill award. She makes all the signs advertising our events, as well as helping on the hospitality committee.
 
To vote, place your ballot in the ballot box at the Fresno Bridge Center on or before December 2, 2018, before the annual meeting starts. You may also mail your ballot to:
Fresno Unit ACBL elections
1320 E Shaw Ave Ste 100
Fresno CA 93710
It must be received before the annual meeting.
 
The ballot also contains a proposed amendment to the Bylaws which adds a section that names the committees the ACBL requires of units.
 
PLACES and FACES
 We’re glad to see Mark and Sally Stern back from their trip to Thailand, just in time for the holidays.
 
Congratulations to new Gold Life Master Dana Brown, new Bronze Life Master Peggy Oakshott, new sectional masters Jim Luther and Diane McDonough, and new junior master Clint Hudson.

Welcome to new member Robert McIlhatton.

Virginia Hailey celebrated her 100th birthday by winning the next club game in Madera. Virginia is a delightful player at the Madera Bridge Club. Congratulations, Virginia.

LESSONS
Beginning lessons start again on Saturday, January 12, 2019. Give a flyer to a friend that may want to learn bridge. If you belong to a group, take several flyers to distribute.

CLUB NEWS
            We had one of the best turnouts in years for a team game. Nine teams played in the Club Appreciation Gold Point Pro-Am team game, and all players won some fractions of gold points. We won’t have another gold point team event until next October, so keep it in mind for next year.
            The top players in October at the Fresno Bridge Club were Bob Durbrow, Mary Lou Pease, Steve Johnson, and Ray April. Mark Stern leads for 2018, followed by Bob Durbrow, Lowell Gist, Maggie Mahaffey, and Ray April. June Oeser was the top 99er for October, followed by Mary Claire Ewing, Barbara Gaudin, and Ann Keag, Pam Pigg leads for 2018, followed by Mary Claire Ewing, Jonel Mueller, and Ann Keag.
    The master point winners in Madera for November were Jackie Reichard and Jan Armbruster, followed by June Oeser and Gary Nelson.  Gay and Larry Slates still lead for the year, followed by Carol Kaufman, Gary Nelson, and Barbara Diebert.

            Check the calendar for special events. Every club in Fresno and Madera will have a silver point STAC game the week of December 3 through 9. The calendar will be printed later and is available on line now.  It will be available at the bridge center.

TREASURER’S REPORT
After three months in the black, we lost money in October.  The financials won’t be officially posted due to procedural issues, but we lost about $1400. This is not as bad as it sounds. We got hit with one of our annual expenses, the burglar alarm service fee. And I prepaid to have some bridge pads repaired to save writing small checks every couple of weeks. We predicted how many more will need repairing paid for it up front. It saves us money in the long term, but it cost a bit in the short term. And we did have a small increase in building rent. We knew that was coming and our current rent is still manageable. So, about half of our loss can be attributed to these expenditures.
There are two other reasons we lost money in October. One is that we didn’t have a fund raiser last month. The other is the table count was smaller. Want to help us stay afloat? Participate in the fund raisers and play an extra game once in a while.  In other words, have some fun on us and help us stay solvent.

MORE
           If you don’t get an e-mail reminder that the newsletter is on line, and you would like one, send your e-mail address to
 bridgefresno@hotmail.com

WINNERS
CLUB APPRECIATION TEAMS
1ABC  Barbara Thacker - Gary Nelson - Robert Cherry - Steve Johnson
2AB    Al Crane - Avis Morse - Rosalie Jorgensen - Barbara Gaudin
3A       Richard Meffley - Paul Boyd - Barbara Diebert - Marge Field
3B       Robert Durbrow - Mary Lou Pease - Judy Shuster - Clint Hudson
2C       Laura Neville - Anthony Toto - Carol Kaufman - June Oeser
 
UNIT NAP
1                      Richard Meffley - Farid Assemi
2/3                   Belva Quattrin - Robert Durbrow
2/3                   Laura Da Costa - Ray April
 
UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1A       Lowell Gist - Robert Durbrow
2A1B  William Glass - John McGregor
3A2B  Kim Morris - Anthony Toto
 
MEMBERSHIP
1A       Skip Miller - Byron Steinert
2A1B  Paul Messner - Rosalie Jorgensen
3A       Bob Cross - Robert Durbrow
2B       William Glass - Mary Lou Pease
 
99ER MEMBERSHIP
1          Clint Hudson - Barbara Gaudin
2          Carol Fiorentino - John Cadwalader
 
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1A       Anthony Toto - Byron Steinert
2A       Belva Quattrin - Bob Cross
 3/4A1/2B       Rosalie Jorgensen - Laura Neville
 3/4A1/2B       1Laura Da Costa - Howard Arquette
3B       Jackie Finn - Skip Miller
2C       Steve Johnson - Gary Nelson
 
99ER CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1          Clint Hudson - Walt Kelso
2          Fred Schellack - Margot Cegielski
 

 
CLUB APPRECIATION
1A       Robert Durbrow - Dick Powell
2A1B  Peter Weber - Susan Vildosola
3A2B  Skip Miller - Cynthia Tingey
 3/4B   Sheila Smith - Gerry Jones
 3/4B   Judy Jessick - Rosalie Jorgensen
 
1ABC  Patrick Carroll - John McGregor
2AB    Ray April - Laura Da Costa
3A       Dave Haberstich - Mark Stern
3B2C   Don Austin - Marion Austin
 
1          Bob Cross - Mary Lou Pease
2          Steve Johnson - Cynthia Tingey
 
1A       Belva Quattrin - Patricia Delamontanya
2A       Howard Arquette - Ray April
3A1B  Gloria Fitzgerald - Jeff Nevins
2B1C   June Oeser - Alan Sakamoto
3B       Laura Neville - Rosalie Jorgensen
2C       Julia Kendall - Tom Callahan
 
1          Judy Zimmerer - Rhonda Hampton
2          Peter Weber - Dick Powell
3          Byron Steinert - Skip Miller
 
 
750 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1ABC  Marilyn J. Kendall - JoAnn Huebner
2ABCAnn Keag - Cheryl Johnson
3A       Patricia Creede - Dick Powell
3BC     Kathleen Coit - William Coit

UPGRADED CHAMPIONSHIP
1AB    Laura Da Costa - Mary Lou Pease
2A       Skip Miller - Victor Greener
3A       Gerry Jones - Ray April
2B1C   Pamela Pigg - Brenda Ward
2/3C    Julia Kendall - Tom Callahan
2/3       Barbara Gaudin - Sandra White
 
 
99ER UPGRADED CHAMPIONSHIP
1          Clint Hudson - Walt Kelso
2          Fred Schellack - Margot Cegielski
 
INDIVIDUAL
1          Gary Nelson
2          Carol Kaufman
3          Robert Durbrow
4          Bob Cross
5          Rhonda Hampton
6          June Oeser

OAKHURST WINNERS
Wally Wallace and Dana Brown 2
Jimmy Moore and Bill Carroll
T. Srinivasan and Ken Doig 2
Ken Doig and Claire Molnar 2
Martha Robrahn and Paul Mertens

 
SPECIAL
Mark Stern - Dave Haberstich
Belva Quattrin - Dick Powell
Belva Quattrin - Bob Cross
Robert Durbrow - William Glass
Anthony Toto - Kim Morris
Mark Stern - Dave Haberstich
Anthony Toto - Kim Morris
Sally Anne Stern - Laura Da Costa [B]
Don Austin - Marion Austin [B]
Laura Da Costa - Judy Shuster [B]
Edward Hampton - Clint Hudson [B]
Peter Weber - Susan Vildosola [B]
Margot Cegielski - Alvin Fred Schellack [B]
Sally Anne Stern - Laura Da Costa [C]
 
 
 
750 SPECIAL
John Hempel - Jerry F. Noga{2}
Patricia Creede - Dick Powell
Jeremy Newel - Angelina Heisdorf
Robert Cherry - Tay Cherry
Edward Grootendorst - Karin Blanchard
Mary Ann Clark - Beverly Little
Jonel Mueller - Rita Gladding
Pearl McGinnis - Barbara Brock [B]
Larry Miller - Andrew Graves [B]
Ruby Buttereck - Steve Johnson [B]
Lois High - Judy Pardun [C]
Patricia Biddy - Mona Omar [C]
Nadine Nemechek - Donna Berman [C]
Marlene Robinson - Barbara Kelley [C]
 
 
99er SPECIAL
Walt Kelso - Alvin Fred Schellack
Clint Hudson - John Cadwalader [B]
 
99er
Alvin Fred Schellack - Walt Kelso
Clint Hudson - Barbara Gaudin
Alvin Fred Schellack - Walt Kelso
Tom Callahan - Julia Kendall [C]
 
 
 
 
 
 

NORTH AMERICAN PAIRS
UNIT FINALS November 11
 
For all those who qualified for North American Pairs this summer, the Unit Finals are this month.
Qualifiers are posted at the Fresno Bridge Center. The game is stratified: A is Open,  B is for players with under 2,500 master points, and C is for players with under 500 mp who are not Life Masters. If you are in the top half of your flight, you qualify for the District 21 Finals in December. Flight A is on December 8 and 9; Flight B is December 15, and Flight C is on December 9. All D21 finals are in the Bay Area. You can play in only one Unit final, but you can play in all D21 Finals if you’re qualified. The top three go to NA Finals in Memphis in March.

CLUB NEWS
Top players in Oakhurst for October were Ken Doig, Claire Molnar, T. Srinivasan. Karen McCartin. Diane McDonough and Burke Zane.  The top player in Madera for October is Steve Johnson followed by Richard Meffley and Gay and Larry Slates. Gay and Larry lead for the year, followed by Carol Kaufman and Gary Nelson.
 Bob Durbrow was the top player at the Fresno Bridge Center in October, followed by Laura Da Costa, Mary Lou Pease, Steve Johnson, Ray April, and Skip Miller. Mark Stern leads for the year, followed by Bob Durbrow, Lowell Gist, and Maggie Mahaffey. Steve Johnson went over 100 master points, so the top 99er for October was June Oeser, followed by Mary Claire Ewing, Barbara Gaudin, and Ann Keag. Pam Pigg is the leading 99er for 2018, followed by Mary Claire Ewing, Jonel Mueller, and Ann Keag.

We’ve been saving up our Membership games for the end of the year. There will be several in November and December. They pay extra points to the winners, but you should be a member to be eligible for points. You can pay your dues at the game.
Thanksgiving is coming this month. There are no games on Thanksgiving or the day before. The Wednesday night game will move to the Tuesday before, so a 99er game and an open game will be held that night. Both will be Unit Championship games.

ELECTIONS
We’ll soon be having elections for a two year term on the Unit Board of Directors. Please let Nominaions Chair Mary Lou Pease know if you would like to serve on the board.

WINNERS
 
UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1A       Robert Durbrow - Richard Meffley
2A1B  Laura Neville - Al Crane
2B       Avis Morse - Dick Powell
  
1A       Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
2ARobert Durbrow - George Dalition
3A1BC            Robert Cherry - Tay Cherry
2BC     Don Austin - Marion Austin
3B                   Mary Lou Pease - Jane Bragg
 
 
99er UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
 1/3      Sandy Petrie - Pat Heckathorn
 1/3      Cheryl Ryder - Ann Keag
 1/3      Jung Kim - Joan Clark
 
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1A       Gerard Laquerriere - Dana Brown
2A       Laura Da Costa - Margaret Mahaffey
3A1B  Jim Mckoane - Barbara Thacker
2B1C   Irene Whelchel - Carol Rodder
3B       James Sweet - William Glass
2C       Renee Laquerriere - Judy Nibler
 
INIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIP
1AB    Gary Nelson
2AB    Marion Austin
3A       Richard Meffley
4A3B  Steve Johnson
4B       Carol Kaufman
 
 
CLUB APPRECIATION
1A       Margaret Mahaffey - Carol Rodder
2A1BC            Laura Da Costa - Gwen Davey
3A2B  Jim Mckoane - Rosalie Jorgensen
2C       Debbie Kemp - Steve Johnson
 
 
1AB    Laura Da Costa - Ray April
2AB1C            Anthony Toto - Mary Lou Pease
3A       Richard Meffley - Robert Durbrow
3/4A2/3B        Deb Petersen - Cynthia Tingey
3/4A2/3B        Gloria Fitzgerald - Rosalie Jorgensen

750 CLUB APPRECIATION
1ABC  Mary Claire Ewing - Sandy OwYoung-Chu
2AB    Linda Town - Barbara Wiedel
3A       Edward Hampton - Rhonda Hampton
3BJohn Hempel - Jerry F. Noga
2C       Joan De Yager - Marsha Infausto
3C       Cheryl Johnson - Ann Keag

99ER CLUB APPRECIATION
1          Alvin Fred Schellack - Walt Kelso
2          Carol Fiorentino - John Cadwalader

MUN TAKEDA LESSON
November 13     6 pm
 
Mun Takeda has given us several helpful lessons. This month’s lesson is on weak two bids – a subject that all know how to misuse. Beginning lessons may tell us to open a weak two bid with six  to ten point hands with a six card suit, but there’s more to it, and plenty to learn about responses. Are they forcing? That’s one to make sure you and your partner are on the same wavelength. Find out how to get the most from your weak twos at 6 o’clock Tuesday November 13. Thanks to Mun for donating her efforts, which helps to keep the Unit solvent.
 
TREASURER’S REPORT
If you look at the latest statement of financial position posted at the bridge club, you will see that we have actually been in the black for the last three months. That’s a little more in September than the previous two months because of the sectional tournament and Mun Takeda’s lesson. Once again, thank you Mun.
But don’t get over excited. Without the fund raisers and tournaments of the past few months, we are losing, on average, $1000 a month. October may be one of those months. So overall, we are down for the year, but not as much as expected. In other words, the bleeding has slowed for now, but we need to keep up the efforts to keep the center alive.
Mun’s next lesson on weak 2 bids will be valuable to beginners and intermediate players alike. So not only help the club out by taking the lessons, help yourself with improved play by signing up for her lesson.
PLACES and FACES
Farid Assemi was tenth in Santa Cruz sectional open pairs.
 
At the Reno regional, William Glass, James Sweet, Edward and Rhonda Hampton, and Wally Wallace were third in Bracket 2 of the Knockout teams. Gerard Laquerriere won the open pairs. Bill Glass took third in the side game. Wally Wallace and Rhonda Hampton were fourth in Flight B of the side game. Congratulations!
 Get well wishes go to Maggie Mahaffey. We hope to see her back at her afternoon games in a few weeks.
 Our condolences go to Sandy Richardson whose husband John recently passed away.

 
 

 
OAKHURST WINNERS
Judy Bingham and Judy Van Winkle
Ken Doig and Claire Molnar (2)
Ken Doig and T. Srinivasan (2)
Paul Mertens and Karen McCartin
Wally Wallace and Dana Brown (2)
Claire Molnar and Karen McCartin
Karen McCartin and Marth Robrahn
Diane McDonough and Jim Luther
 
 
SPECIAL
Lowell Gist - Gerard Laquerrie
Don Austin - Marion Austin
Gerard Laquerriere - Lowell Gist
Mark Stern - Dave Haberstich
Belva Quattrin - Dick Powell
Wilson Wallace - Rev. Jim H. Luther
Skip Miller - Byron Steinert
Robert Durbrow - Belva Quattrin
Lowell Gist - Gerard Laquerriere
Peter Weber - Susan Vildosola [B]
Laura Da Costa - Judy Shuster [B]
Virginia Johnson - Gloria Fitzgerald [B]
Judy Zimmerer - Irene Whelchel [B]
Don Austin - Marion Austin [B]
Anthony Toto - Byron Steinert [B]
Sheila Smith - Gerry Jones [C]
 
 
 
750 SPECIAL
Yvonne Jeffrey - Estee Strombotne
Kathryn Miller - Barbara Wiedel
John Oakshott - Peggy Oakshott
Judy Shuster - M. Steve Johnson
Mary Ann Clark - Gay Berry [B]
Kathryn Miller - Mary Claire Ewing [C]
Bill Rogers - Chris Rogers [C]
Joan De Yager - Marsha Infausto [C]
Lois High - Ann Sadler [C]
 
99 SPECIAL
Cheryl Ryder - Ann Keag
June Oeser - Alan Sakamoto
Jung Kim - Joan Clark [C]
 
99
Joan Clark - Ruth Ann Townsend
Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski
Julia Kendall - Tom Callahan
Sandy Petrie - Sandra White
Steve Johnson - June Oeser
Alvin Fred Schellack - Walt Kelso
Clint Hudson - Barbara Gaudin
Julia Kendall - Tom Callahan
 

 FRESNO FALL SECTIONAL
Gerard Laquerriere wins President’s Award
Ann Keag takes 99er Award
     Attendance at the Fall Sectional was a bit better than last year, bolstered by a big turnout on Saturday. Swiss teams are a lot of fun, but it seems that our members haven’t learned that yet. It’s hard to believe that we once had a sectional at the downtown Hilton with over forty teams entered.
     Thanks to all members who contributed to the refreshments. Hospitality chair Jackie Finn did a great job organizing food and the sub sandwiches and salads for Sunday lunch. She especially thanks Belva Quattrin and Deb Petersen for their outstanding efforts.
     Congratulation to Gerard Laquerriere, who won the most master points and the President’s Award. Ann Keag will have her name engraved on the 99er Award plaque.

 PLACES and FACESwww.d21acbl.com/tournaments/nap/2019/nap2019.htm
Bill Glass was tenth at the open pairs at the  Costa Mesa regional. John and Della Schnell were fourth in the open pairs. Congratulations!
Congratulations to Nancy Swanson, new Club Master.
Belated sympathy is extended to the family of Terri Grootendorst. Terri and Edward played regularly on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Terri was what we all aspire to – a gracious lady. She is missed.
Sympathy to Rita and Gary Gladding in the tragic loss of their son Gavin.

Treasurer’s Report  
While there was no board meeting last month, finances kept going. Once the next set of financial reports are approved and posted, you will see that we were over $800 in the black for the month. That is to say, we have gone several months in a row without losing money. We had the Non-Life Master tournament and Mun did another lesson for intermediate players. In previous years, the small tournaments like the NLM helped us almost break even on those months they were held; but combined with the lesson fund raiser, we did much better. Once again, thank you, thank you, thank you Mun. Not only are the lessons helping the club financially, they are helping players up their game.
We will be officially recognizing the financial impact of the Fall Sectional (September 28-30) next month, so I hope we will have yet another month of a little bit of profitability.
If you want to help keep the bridge center alive, consider running for a board seat in the upcoming elections or at least ask a board member how you can help. If you want to improve your game a little, attend the lessons and play in an open game to see how the pros play. Don’t be afraid to play in a new game every now and then. You might earn some more points and make new friends. 

 MUN TAKEDA LESSON
Save Tuesday, November 4, 2018. Mun is planning another of her popular lessons.

NORTH AMEICAN PAIRS
If you qualified in any flight in June, July, or August, you can play in the Unit finals on Sunday November 11. District 21 finals are in December.

WINNERS

FRESNO SECTIONAL
FRIDAY MORNING
½A       David Haberstich - Mark Stern
½A1B  William Glass - Patrick Carroll
3a        Lowell Gist - Gerard Laquerriere
2B1C      Jim Luther - Diane McDonough
3B           Deb Petersen - Al Crane
2C       Renee Laquerriere - Rhonda Hampton
 
FRIDAY MORNING 499ER

1. Deborah Kemp - Myles Johnson
2. Kathryn Miller - Diane Simpson
    
   FRIDAY AFTERNON

1A                    Robert Durbrow - Gloria Fitzgerald
2A1B               Susan Vildosola - Peter Weber
3/4A2/3B         Cynthia Tingey - Skip Miller
3/4A2/3B         Scott McClure - Carol Miller
1C                    Jim Luther - Diane McDonough
2C                    Angelina Heisdorf - Judy Nibler
 
FRIDAY AFTERNOON 499ER
1             Deborah Kemp - Myles Johnson
2/3          Charles Rauch - Donna Jett
2/3          Kathryn Miller - Diane Simpson
 
FAST PAIRS
1          Gerard Laquerriere - Scott McClure
2          David Haberstich - Mark Stern
3A1B   Gayle Larson - Doris Dunn
2B        Laura Da Costa - Gloria Fitzgerald
 
SATURDAY MORNING
1A           Vincent Cheng - Robert Rouch Jr
2A1B      Scott McClure - Gwen Davey
3A         Patricia Delamontanya - Belva Quattrin
4A2B1C  Judy Zimmerer - Rhonda Hampton
5A3B2C  Judy Jessick - Sally Perring
6A          Howard Arquette - Ray April
7A4B      Susan Spears - Villa Vejvoda
5B          Wilson Wallace - Dana Brown
6B3C      Kathryn Miller - Diane Simpson
4C           Jim Luther - Kenneth Doig
5C           Jackie Finn - George Efthemon
6C           Michiko Taylor - Joan Dinwiddie
 
SATURDAY MORNING 199ER
1ABC  Ann Keag - Cheryl Johnson
2A           Marion Austin - Darnell Austin
3A2B      Marge Field - Joan Fritz
4/5A    Jean Moritz - Barbara Fulmer
4/5A2B            Myles Johnson - Margot Cegielski
2C           Clint Hudson - Edward Hampton
 
SATURDAY AFTERNOON
1A           Vincent Cheng - Robert Rouch Jr
2/3A1/2B               Wilson Wallace - Dana Brown
2/3A1/2B               Avis Morse - Joe Tang
4A3B1C  Lisa D'Arcy - Elaine Smith
5A4B      Susan Spears - Villa Vejvoda
6A           Skip Miller - Barbara Thacker
5B2C      Kenneth Doig - Jim Luther
3C           Cynthia Tingey - Renee Laquerriere
4C           Michiko Taylor - Joan Dinwiddie
 
SATURDAY AFTERNOON 499ER
1A       Jason McAlexander - Deborah Kemp
2A       Kathryn Miller - Diane Simpson
3A1B   Ann Keag - Cheryl Johnson
4A2B   Marge Field - Joan Fritz
3B       Gloria Fitzgerald - Jeffrey Nevins
 
SWISS TEAMS

1. William Glass - Barbara Thacker - Belva Quattrin - Wilson Wallace
2. Gerard Laquerriere - Dana Brown  Mark Stern - David Haberstich
3. Laura Da Costa - Margaret Mahaffey - Avis Morse - Ray April

1B     Robert Durbrow - Dick Powell - Gary Nelson - Bob Cross
      1C     Al Crane - Laura Neville - Deb Petersen - Angelina Heisdorf
 
499ER TEAMS
1             Barbara Wiedel - Kathryn Miller - Ann Keag - Marge Field

CLUB NEWS
Club Appreciation Month
Gold Point Swiss October 28
     October is Club Appreciation month – every club has a championship club appreciation game. Clubs are also allowed to have a Swiss team club appreciation game that awards 5% gold points. We will have a Swiss team Pro-Am game and pot luck on Sunday, October 28. Come and play. We’ll pick a team for you and give you a chance at a bit of gold. Check out all the club appreciation games on the calendar.
     There are several changes to our club schedule. Bob Durbrow is taking over from Kay Chrisman on Saturday afternoon. You can call him about the game at 779-7460.
    The Tuesday evening 99er game will start at 6:30 pm.
     The Thursday morning game is canceled.
   The top players in the Oakhurst game for September were Ken Doig, followed by Wally Wallace, Burke Zane, Jim Luther, Claire Molnar, and Ken Sommers. The top player at the Fresno Center for September was Maggie Mahaffey, followed by Gerard Laquerriere, Bob Durbrow, and Ray April. Mark Stern leads for 2018, followed by Maggie Mahaffey, Lowell Gist, and Bob Durbrow. Steve Johnson led the 99ers for September, followed by Pam Pigg, Rita Gladding, and Mary Claire Ewing.  Steve leads for 2018, followed by Pam, Jonel Mueller, and Mary Claire Ewing.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Playing in the World Championships in Orlando is an awesome experience. In the World Championship Series, held every four years, anyone can play. We played in senior (over 60 years old) teams and pairs. We played in two large ballrooms. Every table had a screen so you could see one opponent but not your partner or the other opponent. The tables were more than ten feet apart. Every table had its own stack of boards. Convention cards took hours to fill out, but no one ever looked at them. We were issued badges with our name, picture, country flag, player number and bar code. When we finished a session, we showed the bar code to the staff and our results printed out instantly. The Chinese youths were the best dressed. They all wore green jackets with black window-pane plaid pants (skirts for the girls) and matching ties. After a few days, they switched to blue blazers and white pants.
     In the teams, we just needed to tie the last match to go into knockouts. We lost, so we played senior pairs the next day.
On the last session, we’d qualify for semifinals A if we were a little below 50%. We were a lot below 50%, so we moved to semi-finals B.
     We needed to be 4th to make the finals, and we finally did it – 4th.  The finals were fun but we finished a little below average – 19 out of 34 in the finals.
            Congratulations to Michael and Debbie Rosenberg of District 21, who won the Mixed Teams.

UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1AB     Laura Neville - Judy Shuster
2A       Richard Meffley - Robert Durbrow
3/4 A 2/3B 1/2C          Carol Miller - Carol Rodder
3/4 A 2/3B 1/2C          Marion Austin - Don Austin
 NAP
1          Dave Haberstich - Lowell Gist
2          Avis Morse - Richard Meffley
3          Don Austin - Marion Austin
 
1A                   Lowell Gist - Gerard Laquerriere
2/3A                Mark Stern - Dave Haberstich
2/3A 1B           Don Austin - Marion Austin
2B                    Mary Lou Pease - Judy Zimmerer
3B                    John McGregor - Patrick Carroll
 
1          Robert Durbrow - Laura Neville
2          Rosalie Jorgensen - Irene Whelchel
3          Howard Arquette - Margaret Mahaffey
 
1A       Richard Meffley - Robert Durbrow
2A       Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
3A       William Glass - Wilson Wallace
 
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1A       Margaret Mahaffey - Mark Stern
2A       Robert Durbrow - Belva Quattrin
3A1B   Olivia Stockton - Susan Vildosola
2B        John Simpson - Pat Simpson
3B1C   John Oakshott - Peggy Oakshott
2C        Judy Nibler - Angelina Heisdorf
3C        Don Austin - Marion Austin
 
1A       Laura Da Costa - Ray April
2A1B   Anthony Toto - Wilson Wallace
3/4A                Mark Stern - Dave Haberstich
3/4A 2B           William Glass - John McGregor
3B        Sally Anne Stern - Jane Bragg
 
750 CHAMPIONSHIP
1ABC  Deb Petersen - M. Steve Johnson
2ABC  Pamela Pigg - Rita Gladding
3A       Patricia Creede - Angelina Heisdorf
3BC     Larry Miller - Sydney Bluestone
 
OAKHURST WINNERS
Diane McDonough and Jim Luther
Wally Wallace and Burke Zane
Burke Zane and Ken Sommers
Al Ellis and Joni Roberts
Ken Doig and Wally Wallace (2)
Nancy Kyle and Annette Calhoun
Ken Doig and Claire Molnar
 
SPECIAL
Ray April - Irene Whelchel
Victor Greener - Mark Stern
Lowell Gist - Gerard Laquerriere
Jim Mckoane - Judy Jessick
Gerard Laquerriere - Lowell Gist
Patrick Carroll - John McGregor
Gay and Larry Slates
Howard Arquette - Renee Laquerriere
Gary Nelson – June Oeser
Laura Neville - Rosalie Jorgensen [B]
Judy Jessick - Judy Nibler [B]
Judy Zimmerer - Irene Whelchel[B]
Mary Lou Pease - Jane Bragg [C]
Peter Weber - Dick Powell [C]
Judy Zimmerer - Irene Whelchel [C]
Judy Shuster - Carol Miller [C]
 INDIVIDUAL
1/3       Joycelyn Kauder
1/3       M. Steve Johnson
1/3       Gary Nelson
4          Mary Lou Pease
 
750 SPECIAL
Kathleen Coit - William Coit
Jerry F. Noga - John Hempel
Sandra Beebe - Judy Pardun [C]
 
99er SPECIAL
Madeline Lynes - Jocelyn Neville
Margot Cegielski - M. Steve Johnson [2]
Clint Hudson - Julia Kendall
Clint Hudson - Jackie Sterios
Brenda Ward - Walt Kelso
Alvin Fred Schellack - Barbara Gaudin [B]
Lynda Moller - Nicki Gram [C]
 
99
Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski [2]
M. Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski
Alvin Fred Schellack - Walt Kelso [B]
 
 
 
 
 

FRESNO FALL SECTIONAL
September 28-30
Our fall sectional is coming up at the end of the month. It’s time to get your partners lined up for the games. We’ll have the usual open and 499er games on Friday and Saturday at 10 am and 2 pm, except that Saturday morning has a 199er game at 10 am instead of a 499er game. For Saturday morning only, members with fewer than 10 master points play free. If you need a partner, call Mary Lou Pease, at 288-2340 or e-mail marylou121@comcast.net You can help with hospitality by bringing a snack for one of the sessions. There’s a sign-up sheet at the bridge center. Popular tournament director Scott Campbell from southern California will be in charge.

NLM SECTIONAL
Attendance was down at our annual NonLM sectional, except for the 99er game on Saturday morning. We had lunch between sections each day organized by Hospitality chair Jackie Finn, with a lesson by tournament chair Laura Da Costa. The top master point winners were Sam Earnhardt and Jackie Thomas of the Bay Area. The top Fresno winners were Don and Marion Austin. I learned at the recent D21 meeting that each unit is allowed six one day NLM sectionals each year. We might have a few of those in the future.
 
PLACES and FACES
Anthony Toto was sixth in the open pairs, third in the side game, and second in the BC pairs at the Atlanta NABC. At the Santa Clara regional, Jacqui McGreal and Allison Farrell were 17th in the open pairs.
Congratulations!
 
Welcome to new members Ruth Fruehauf, Patricia Heckathorn, Lynda May Moller, Sandra Petrie, and Ruth Ann Townsend.
 
We’ve missed George Dalition. It was great to see him drop by the bridge club.
 
Our condolences to Paul Boyd, whose wife Susan recently passed away.

LESSONS
Mary Lou Pease taught some beginners through a Fresno State program. Now some of them are coming Saturday morning to continue lessons. If you want to take a few beginning lessons, call Mary Lou at 288-2340. Lessons continue through October.
Regular beginning lessons will start again in January. Call Mary Lou or Laura Da Costa, 999-2825 for more information.
Mun Takeda has given some outstanding lessons on various topics. She’s volunteered her time and therefore greatly helped the Unit. The August lesson raised $570 and the 2 over 1 series did even better.   Her next lesson is scheduled for the first Tuesday evening in November.

BOOK REVIEW
A friend of ours, Joel Martineau, wrote a bridge book for intermediate players, Hand of the Week, which received a very favorable review on page 30 of the August Bulletin. It discusses the bidding and play of 52 hands. I’d like to read it just to find out the definition of ‘Blunderwood’ in the glossary. I’ve had enough Blackwood bids go wrong that I think I can guess.


WINNERS
FRESNO NML SECTIONAL
SATURDAY MORNING
1              Jackie Thomas - Sam Earnhardt
2              Don Austin - Marion Austin
3              Gloria Fitzgerald - Jeff Nevins
4              Robert Cherry - Tay Cherry
99er
1A           Joyce Aiken - Madeline Lynes
2A1B     Cheryl Johnson - Ann Keag
3/4A 2/3B 1/2C   Alvin Fred Schellack - Barbara Gaudin
3/4A 2/3B 1/2C   Edward Hampton - Clint Hudson

SATURDAY AFTERNOON
1AB        Jackie Thomas - Sam Earnhardt
2AB        Don Austin - Marion Austin
 3/4A      Rosalie Jorgensen - Jane Bragg
 3/4A      Deb Petersen - Jackie Finn
3B1C     Cheryl Johnson - Ann Keag
2C           Alex C. Sherriffs - Donnier Priest
 
SUNDAY MORNING
1AB        Steve Johnson - Deb Petersen
2AB1C  James Bushman - Andrew Graves
3AB        Don Austin - Marion Austin
4A           Larry Miller - Judy Shuster
2C           Alex C. Sherriffs - Donnie Priest
 
NLM SWISS TEAMS
1A           Jane Bragg - Rosalie Jorgensen - Robert & Tay Cherry
2A1B     Jackie Thomas - Sam Earnhardt - Donnie Priest - Jason Mcalexander
 
NORTH AMERICAN PAIRS
1A           Lowell Gist - Mark Stern
2A           Barbara Thacker - Howard Arquette
3A           Donny Graham - Robert Rouch Jr
1B           Judy Zimmerer - Irene Whelchel
2B           Carol Miller - Judy Shuster
3B           Virginia Johnson - Delia Green
 
UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           Richard Meffley - Robert Durbrow
2A1B      Sally Anne Stern - Mark Stern
3/4A 2/3B 1C         Gloria Fitzgerald - Jeff Nevins
3/4A 2/3B               Rosalie Jorgensen - Laura Neville
2C                                 Judy Shuster - Barbara Wiedel
 
1ABC     Laura Da Costa - Ray April
2AB        Sally Anne Stern - Mark Stern
3A           Richard Meffley - Gary Nelson
2C           Judy Shuster - Carol Miller

MEMBERSHIP
1AB        Ray April - Laura Da Costa
2A           Mark Stern - Dave Haberstich
3A2B     Jason Mcalexander - Debbie Kemp
3B           Avis Morse - Lowell Gist
 
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP 
1AB        Barbara Thacker - Jim Mckoane
2AB        Laura Neville - Irene Whelchel
3AB1C  Judy Zimmerer - Rhonda Hampton
 2/3C      Laura Da Costa - Carol Miller
 2/3C      Joann E. Evans - Carol Rodder

 




 

MARY LOU PEACE and DEB PETERSEN
ACBL Goodwill Members
Mary Lou Pease and Deb Petersen were recently chosen as members of the Ailene Osofsky Goodwill Committee. Usually two members from each district are selected to join the committee. The Goodwill Committee was named for Ailene Osofsky who was chairman for twenty-five years. Members are chosen for the work they do in promoting bridge in their club, unit, or district, and showing by their presence at the bridge table that our game is pleasant and fun. This is a lifetime honor. We are proud to have two of our members recognized for their good will. Congratulations!

Treasurer’s report for September 2018
Good news to report. We were in the black in July by over $400. Thanks to Mun’s lesson and the Poker night fund raiser. Thank you to Mun, Mary Lou Pease, Anthony Toto, Mark Sterns and Don Meyers, Jackie and everyone else who have helped make these fund raisers a success. Poker night was fun, so come to the next one just to have fun at a party with other adults.
If you look at the financial statements posted at the center, you will see that we have consolidated the reserve funds. The intention is to move those reserves into places where we can earn the best interest rates possible. It may take a month or two for it to show progress, but in the long term we hope to make the most of our reserves.
Without the fund-raising efforts, we would be losing about $1000 a month on those months we don’t have tournaments. In August, we had a Non-Life Master tourney, which helps our bottom line. The August books will look OK, but keep in mind that a few good months don’t mean we are financially healthy.
If you want to help keep the bridge center alive, ask a board member how you can help. If you want to up your game a little, attend the lessons and play in an open game to see how the pros play. Don’t be afraid to play in another game once a month.

CLUB NEWS
     The Thursday morning game at the Fresno Bridge Center is closed as of now. Bob Durbrow will direct the Saturday noon game starting in October. You can call him at 779-7460.
Carol Kaufman was the top master point winner for August in Madera, followed by Gary Nelson and June Oeser, and Gay and Larry Slates. Gay and Larry are the top master pint winners for 2018, followed by Carol Kaufman, Gary Nelson, and June Oeser. The top winners for August in Oakhurst were T. Srinivasan, Al Ellis, Paul Mertens, Wally Wallace, Ken Doig, and Bette Mertens.
            The top players at the Fresno Bridge Center for July were Mark Stern, Ray April, Lowell Gist and Laura Da Costa. The leaders for August were Lowell, Mark, Irene Whelchel, Laura Neville, and Bob Durbrow. Mark Stern still leads for 2018, followed by Lowell Gist, Maggie Mahaffey, and Bob Durbrow.
            The top 99ers in July were Steve Johnson, Jeff  Nevins, Pam Pigg, Ann Keag, and Rita Gladding. Top 99ers for August were Steve, Rita, Pam, Ann, and Sandy Ow Young-Chu. Steve Johnson leads for 2018, followed by Pam Pigg, Jonel Mueller, and Mary Claire Ewing.

750 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           Mary Ann Clark - Beverly Little
2A1BC  Marge Field - Joan Fritz
3A2B     Deb Petersen - Cynthia Tingey
3B           Mary Gullo - Debbie Kemp
2C           Sandra Beebe - Judy Pardun
3C           Lois High - Ann Sadler
 
99ER CHAMPIONSHIP
1              Lynda Moller - Nicki Gram
2              Julia Kendall - June Oeser
 
OAKHURST WINNER
Bette and Paul Mertens (2)
T. Srinivasan and Al Ellis
Wally Wallace and Burke Zane
T. Srinivasan and Burke Zane
Karen Mc Cartin and Claire Molnar
Wally Wallace and Al Ellis
Paul Mertens and Karen Mc Cartin
 
SPECIAL
Margaret Mahaffey - Lowell Gist
Ray April - Irene Whelchel
Howard Arquette - Margaret Mahaffey
Kay Chrisman - Margaret Mahaffey
Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
Gary Nelson - June Oeser
Lowell Gist - Rose Boot
William Glass - John McGregor [B]
Laura Neville - Rosalie Jorgensen [B]
Jim Mckoane - Rosalie Jorgensen [B]
Olivia Stockton - Annie Chiljian [B]
Gay Slates - Larry Slates[B]
Jackie Reichard - Barbara Diebert [B}
Al Crane - Deb Petersen [B]
Debbie Kemp - Jason Mcalexander [C]
Carol Miller - Judy Shuster [C]
Laura Da Costa - Larry Miller [C]
Jim Mckoane - Rosalie Jorgensen [C]
Jackie Finn - George Efthemon [C]
 
750 SPECIAL
Patricia Creede - Angelina Heisdorf
Rita Gladding - Dick Powell
Mary Ann Clark - Gay Berry
Barbara Wiedel - Linda Town
Sandra Beebe - Judy Pardun [B]
Larry Miller - Jeremy Newel [B]
Don Myers - Doris Myers [C](2)
Mark Smith - Helen Smades [C]
 
99 SPECIAL
Lynda Moller - Nicki Gram
Barbara Gaudin - Fred Schellack
 
99
Alvin Fred Schellack - Walt Kelso
Nicki Gram - Lynda Moller [C]
Ruth Townsend - Joan Clark [C]
Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski
Fred Schellack - Walt Kelso [B]
John Cadwalader - Carol Fiorentino [C]
Juan Sobenes - Suzanne Sobenes
Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski
Joan Clark - Jung Kim

NON LIFE MASTER SECTIONAL
August 11-12, 2018
     If you’re not a Life Master and have fewer than 500 master points, you’re invited to our seventeenth annual NonLM Sectional. All points you win are silver points. You can choose to play any or all of four sessions – at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Sunday afternoon game is Swiss teams. Swiss teams is a lot of fun – you play one match at a time against another team. It’s just like the Pro-Am teams we have once in a while except you get to pick your own partner and teammates. If you don’t have teammates, Mary Lou Pease can help you.
               Jackie Finn will organize lunch in between sessions – we’ll have a lesson during lunch each day. There is a sign-up sheet at the Bridge Center for hospitality – you can bring something tasty for the hospitality table.
            Be sure to get your partner for the tournament. If you don’t have a partner, check in with Partnership Chair Mary Lou Peace at 559-288-2340 or Marylou121@comcast.net.

POKER NIGHT
     Mary Lou Pease reports that it: was Fun and Successful.  We raised over $1,000 and had three full tables of folks playing poker.
     Our raffle winner of the TV was Don Meyers. Bill Glass won first place.  Angie Heisdorf came in second; Lowell Gist was third; and Don Austin was fourth, Big Thank-yous to Don Meyers, Mark Stern and Anthony Toto who were our poker dealers.        They did a great job! Thank-yous also to Jackie Finn and Deb Peterson for the great food and decorations and for getting the poker tables to the bridge club. Thanks to Laura DaCosta for helping to tear it all down and put the club back in order.  Everyone enjoyed the event and folks were asking to have another poker night.

PLACES AND FACES
     At the Long Beach Regional, Tay and Robert Cherry were second twice in the 299er pairs. Bill Glass and Rose Boot were third in the side game and fourth in the afternoon Swiss teams. Anthony Toto was third in Bracket 2 of the KO teams. At the Atlanta NABC, Anthony Toto was first in Flight C and second in Flight B in the Flighted Pairs.   
           Gerard Laquerriere was in Paris to help celebrate France’s victory in the World Cup. He says it’s a day and a night to remember on the Champs Elysées. If he had to trade for a win in the Blue Ribbon Pairs he wouldn’t know which to choose.
     Congratulations to new sectional masters James Bushman and MaryClaire Ewing, club master Barbara Gaudin, and junior master Juan Sobenes.
Welcome to new members Nikki Gram and Jackie Sterios.

     Get well wishes go to Monique Irion.
Our condolences go to the families of Carol Willoughby and Bev Daniels, who recently passed away.

   

MUN TAKEDA’S LESSONS
Mun Takeda’s lesson on August 7 at 6:30 pm is on hand evaluation. There will be no 99er game that night.
On Tuesday, September 4, Mun will teach on two subjects:

1. The Law of Total Tricks
   This is a great way to help you decide how high to bid in a competitive auction. It’s amazing how well it works.
2. Is this bid forcing or not?
   If you’ve ever been passed in a bid you thought was forcing, this will help. (It was July 2018 last time for me.)
   
   The lessons are $25 each, which includes a booklet. We thank Mun for donating the fee to the unit.

CLUB NEWS
Last NAP Month
            There are several NAP qualifying games this month. They are sectionally rated and pay half red points. If you place in the top half of your flight, you  qualify for the unit final on Sunday, November 11. If you qualify in the top half of your flight in November, you may play in the District 21 finals next year. The district finals have a separate event for each flight. The top three in each flight can play in the NAP finals in Memphis in March. If you go there, be sure to take a short drive to ACBL headquarters and see the bridge museum. The flights are Open, under 2,500 masterpoints, and non-LM under 500 masterpoints.
     Ken Doig was the top winner at the Oakhurst Bridge Club in July, followed by Claire Molnar, Wally Wallace, Burke Zane, and Jim Luther. Gay and Larry Slates were the top winners in Madera, followed by June Oeser and Gary Nelson. 
     Sally Stern was the top master point winner at the Fresno Bridge Center in June, followed by Mark Stern, Anthony Toto, and Mark Stern. Mark leads for 2018, followed by Maggie Mahaffey, Bob Durbrow, Lowell Gist and Bob Cross. Steve Johnson is the top 99er for June, followed by Rita Gladding, Pam Pigg, and Mary Claire Ewing. Steve leads for 2018, followed by Pam Pigg, Jonel Mueller, Judy Pardun, and Mary Claire Ewing. July winners are posted on the website.

Treasurer’s report for August 2018
 
You won’t see financial statements posted this month for the same reason you won’t see board meeting minutes. Things have been running so smoothly that the board decided to skip the July meeting, which is not an unusual thing for non-profit boards to do. So, no meeting; no approval of minutes or financial statements.
 
Nothing has changed in the finances of our regular operation, which is to say we are losing some money each month without a sectional tournament. But the fundraisers have helped. The latest one, the first annual Poker night, was a success. It was a fun night for many of us. I’ll leave it those tireless workers who put it on to brag about it. Keep up on the next series of lessons. Mun is donating the proceeds to the club. There will be more fund raising activities in the future.

WINNERS
ACBL-WIDE INSTANT MP GAME (N-S) 
1A       Robert Rouch Jr - Donny Graham
2A       Robert Durbrow - Belva Quattrin
3A1B   Avis Morse - Lisa D'Arcy
2B        Olivia Stockton - Annie Chiljian
 
ACBL-WIDE INSTANT MP GAME (E-W) 
1A       Mark Stern - Lowell Gist
2A1B   Jackie Finn - George Efthemon
3A2B   Cynthia Tingey - Skip Miller
 
GRADUATION CHAMPIONSHIP
1A       Richard Meffley - Ray April
2A1BC            Anthony Toto - Cynthia Tingey
3A2B   Belva Quattrin - Kathryn Miller
3B2C   Dick Powell - Deb Petersen
 
LONGEST DAY INDIVIDUAL
 1/3      Mary Lou Pease
 1/3      Laura Da Costa
 1/3      Anthony Toto

LONGEST DAY AFTERNOON
1A           Suzanne Cederborg - Warren Cederborg
 2/3A      Belva Quattrin - Patricia Delamontanya
 2/3A      Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
1BC        Lisa D'Arcy - Elaine Smith
2B           William Glass - Debbie Kemp
3B           Mary Ann Florio - Mike Florio
2/3C       Mary Lou Pease - Judy Nibler
2/3C       Jackie Finn - George Efthemon
 
LONGEST DAY 299ER PAIRS
1AB        JoAnn Huebner - Marilyn J. Kendall
2AB1C  Robert Cherry - Tay Cherry
 3/4A      Larry Miller - Andrew Graves
 3/4A3B Michiko Taylor - Joan Dinwiddie
2C           Jean Moritz - Barbara Fulmer
 
LONGEST DAY FAST PAIRS 
 1/2A                 Jason Mcalexander - Richard Meffley
 1/2A                      Suzanne &  Warren Cederborg
3A                           Belva Quattrin - William Glass
1BC                        Anthony Toto - Jackie Finn
2B                           Wilson Wallace - Barbara Thacker
 3/4B                      Mary Ann Florio - Mike Florio
 3/4B2C               Deb Petersen - Angelina Heisdorf
 
LONGEST DAY BAROMETER
1              Anthony Toto - Jackie Finn
2              Kay Chrisman - Mary Lou Pease

INDIVIDUAL
 1/3         James Sweet
 1/3         Andrew Graves
 1/3         Carol Kaufman
 4/6         Steve Johnson
 4/6         Mary Lou Pease
 4/6         Avis Morse 

INDIVIDUAL
1              Joseph Tang
2              Avis Morse
3              James Sweet
4              Gary Nelson
5              Nancy Jones
 

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
 1/2         CynthiaTingey - Skip Miller
 1/2         Robert Durbrow - Laura Da Costa
3              Sally Anne Stern - Carol Miller
 
1ABC     Mary Lou Pease - Laura Da Costa
2C     Jeff Nevins - Gloria Fitzgerald
3A           Margaret Mahaffey - Howard Arquette
3B           Andrew Graves - Jason Mcalexander
 
1AB        Gay Slates - Larry Slates
2A           Carol Kaufman - Richard Meffley
2B           Gary Nelson - June Oeser
 
99ER CHAMPIONSHIP
1AB        Pamela Pigg - Ann Keag
2A           Margot Cegielski - M. Steve Johnson
2B           Clint Hudson - Jung Kim
 
OAKHURST WINNERS
Bill Carroll and Jimmy Moore
Burke Zane and Ken Sommers 2
Claire Molnar and Ken Doig 2
Dana Brown and Wally Wallace 2
Karen McCartin and Claire Molnar
Judy Bingham and Judy Van Winkle
Burke Zane and Clem Bingham
Roger Harmon and Jim Luther
Ken Doig and T. Srinivasen 2
Clem Bingham and Jim Luther
 
SPECIAL
Lisa D'Arcy - Villa Vejvoda
Steve Holmes - Ann Derwin
Mark Stern - Dave Haberstich
Mary Lou Pease - Jane Bragg
Gary Nelson - June Oeser
Gay Slates - Larry Slates
JoAnn Huebner - Ruby Buttereck
Howard Arquette - Ray April
Lowell Gist - Robert Durbrow
Gwen Davey - Laura Da Costa
Mary Lou Pease - Sally Anne Stern[B]
George Efthemon - Jackie Finn[B]
Mary Ann Florio - Mike Florio[C]
Judy Zimmerer - Irene Whelchel[C]
 
750 SPECIAL
Jeremy Newel - Larry Miller
Jei Jeyapalan - Nalini Jeyapalan
Pat Huston - Nancy Holley
Mary Claire Ewing - Kathryn Miller
Patricia Creede - Renee Laquerriere[B]
Joan De Yager - Marsha Infausto[C]
Sandra Beebe - Judy Pardun[C]
 
99ER SPECIAL
Ann Keag - Cheryl Ryder
Margot Cegielski - M. Steve Johnson
Clint Hudson - John Cadwalader
Alvin Fred Schellack - Walt Kelso
 
99
Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski
Alvin Fred Schellack - Barbara Gaudin
Alvin Fred Schellack - Walt Kelso
Clint Hudson - Barbara Gaudin[B]
Lynda Moller - Nicki Gram[C]

GRADUATION PARTY
PRO-AM PAIRS
JULY 1, 2018
On Sunday we’re honoring Renee Laquerriere, our newest Life Master. Each year we have a party at noon to honor the new Life Masters who made it the last year. Renee just made LM at the recent Sacramento Regional.  We may have some awards to give out, with plenty of hot dogs and ice cream, traditional food around Independence Day. Last month we said we’re having a pot luck, but we’re not. Just bring yourself!
The Graduation Party is always followed by a Pro-Am game – we’ve been doing it for over fifty years. Those who aren’t Life Masters yet get to play with Life Masters – we always expect that everyone has a friendly time with their partner for the day. It’s a game for fun, but not really a game for lessons.
  
POKER NIGHT
July 20, 2018
Invite your friends, neighbors and family to come play poker at the bridge club.  If they don't play bridge they might play poker. There will be pre-sale tickets for $20.00 which includes a buy in of 100 in poker chips and pizza with salad.  The tickets will be $25.00 each the night of the event at the door.
The fir2018st place winner will receive a $100 gift card and 2nd, 3rd and 4th place will receive free bridge club games.  RIchard will also have an individual game going for those bridge players who don't play poker.
Come join the fun. Don't forget our drawing for the flat screen TV will be that night.  We still have some tickets left for $10.00 each or 3 for $20.00.

CLUB NEWS
ACBL INSTANT MATCHPOINT
 GAME                (gold point)
July 9, 2018
One of the most exciting contests is ACBL’s Instant Matchpoint Game, held Monday afternoon July 9... Players all over the country compete, playing the same hands. The matchpoints for any score are determined based on the results of dozens of tables played at tournaments a few years ago. You’ll know your score instantly after each hand. There are overall awards in the ACBL and in each district, hand analyses, and best of all; first place in each direction gets one gold point plus some black points.
Carol Kaufman and Richard Meffley were the top master point winners in Madera in June, followed closely behind by Larry and Gay Slates. Larry and Gay lead for2018, followed by Carol Kaufman and Barbara Diebert.
Our top master point winner at the Fresno Bridge Center for May was Bob Durbrow, followed by Lowell Gist, Gerard Laquerriere, and Bob Cross. Maggie Mahaffey still leads for 2018, with Mark Stern less than a point behind. Bob Durbrow, Bob Cross, and Lowell Gist are within striking distance.  Steve Johnson is the top 99er for May, followed by Jonel Mueller and James Bushman.  Steve leads for 2018, followed by Pam Pigg, Jonel Mueller, and Judy Pardun.

PLACES AND FACES
           Fresno Unit players did well at the recent  Sacramento  regional. Mary Lou Pease, Judy Jessick, Renee Laquerriere, and Rhonda Hampton were third in Flight C of the evening Swiss teams and first in Flight B of the morning Swiss teams. Mary Lou and Judy were also second inFlight C of another evening Swiss teams. Anthony Toto, Donald Baze, Mary Lou Pease, and Judy Jessick won the Bracket 3 teams and made Donald a Life Master. Gerard Laquerriere and Richard Meffley were second in the Open pairs and third in the Fast pairs. Anthony Toto was fifth in Flight B of the Fast pairs. Rhonda Hampton and Renee Laquerriere were second in Bracket 3 of the Knockout teams. Wally Wallace was first in Flight B of the side series, third in Flight B of the side game, and fifth in the Open pairs.
            Farid Assemi was second in the Open pairs at the Oakland sectional, and with Richard Meffley, second in the Open pairs at the Palo Alto Firecracker sectional.
            Congratulations to new sectional masters James Bushman and MaryClaire Ewing,
club master Barbara Gaudin, and junior master Juan Sobenes.

MUN’S LESSONS
Mun Takeda will give lessons on various topics the first Tuesday evening of each month starting in August. If you enjoyed her lessons on 2 over 1, you’ll enjoy learning some more.

WINNERS

UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
2A1BC  Irene Whelchel - Ray April
3A2B     Jim Mckoane - Rosalie Jorgensen
3B           Bob Cross - Joseph Tang
1C           Gloria Fitzgerald - Jeff Nevins
2C           Carol Kaufman - Barbara Diebert
 
 
1A           Lowell Gist - Gerard Laquerriere
2A           Dave Haberstich - Mark Stern
3A1B     Anthony Toto - Joseph Tang
2B1C     Sally Anne Stern - Jane Bragg
3B2C     Marilyn J. Kendall - JoAnn Huebner
 


99ER UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1              Margot Cegielski - M. Steve Johnson
2              Madeline Lynes - Pamela Pigg
 
NAP
1              Richard Meffley - Farid Assemi
2              Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
3              James Sweet - Mary Lou Pease
 
750 MEMBERSHIP CHAMPIONSHIP
1ABC     Marilyn J. Kendall - Jeremy Newel
2AB        Denny Tweed - Cathleen Burden
3AMary Ann Clark - Beverly Little
3B2C     Jo Ann Hollenbeck - Suzanne Sobenes
3C           Marlene Robinson - Barbara Kelley

750 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1AB        Larry Miller - Jeremy Newel
2A           Mary Ann Clark - Beverly Little
3A2B1C                Rita Gladding - Jonel Mueller
3B2C     Sandra Beebe - Judy Pardun
3C           Joan De Yager - Marsha Infausto
 
 
 
99ER CHAMPIONSHIP
1              Barbara Gaudin - Juan Sobenes
2              Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski

99 SPECIAL
Alvin Fred Schellack - June Oeser
Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski
Steve Johnson - Julia Kendall
Clint Hudson - Barbara Gaudin
 
99
Walt Kelso - Fred Schellack
Juan Sobenes - Scarlett Richman
John Cadwalader - Barbara Diebert
June Oeser - Alan Sakamoto[C]
Alvin Fred Schellack - June Oeser
Barbara Gaudin - Fred Schellack
Ruth Townsend - Joan Clark[B]
John Cadwalader - Carol Fiorentino[B]
Juan Sobenes - Scarlett Richman[C]
June Oeser - Alan Sakamoto[C]
John Cadwalader - Carol Fiorentino[C]
Barbara Gaudin - Julia Kendall[C]

​ NLM SECTIONAL
AUGUST 11-12
Next month is our Sixteenth annual Non-Life Master  Sectional.  We’ll have pair games at 10 am and 2:30 pm on Saturday, and on Sunday at 10 am. We’ll also have Swiss Teams on Sunday afternoon. Newcomers with fewer than ten master points play free on Saturday morning.  If there’s enough interest, we’ll have a 99er game on Saturday morning, too. We’ll also have Lunch and Learn between sessions both days. Players must be non-LMs with less than 500 master points in order to play and try to win silver points.  Come enjoy the tournament!

RENEE LAQUERRIERE NEW LM
Congratulations to Renee Laquerriere who made Life Master at the Sacramento regional, coming in the overalls in several events with partners and teammates Mary Lou Pease, Judy Jessick, and Rhonda Hampton.

Treasurer’s report for July 2018
Nothing much new to report regarding the latest financial reports. The balance sheet and P&L are posted at the center. We are still losing a little money each month from the games but making up some of it with fundraising efforts, like the Bid-a-Pro and Mun Takeda’s 2over1 lessons. And wonderful Mun is offering more lessons coming up.
Our next club fundraiser is POKER NIGHT, Friday July 20. It will be a night of fun. If you don’t know how Texas Hold’em poker is played, this is a chance to learn. “Buy in” means you donate some money and you get a stack of poker chips to be used in the poker games. (If you lose it quickly, you can “re-buy” one more stack with an additional donation.) There will be dealers ready to explain the game and help you place your bets. Of course, if you are an old hand at poker, you can help the novices, too. Prizes will be awarded to the players who win the most chips. A meal is included with the initial buy in, there will be a raffle and who knows, maybe a little dancing. It should be a fun night, with the proceeds going to our bridge center to help make up the recurring deficits.
We raised $2801 on the Longest Day fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association, in conjunction with ACBL. Thank you to all who made additional donations. If you wrote a check, you should receive a thank you note from the Alzheimer’s Association in the next 30 days, which will include tax deduction information. If you don’t get such a notification, let me know. We had a great turn out. Thank you to all who came out and played. There were 37.75 tables on that one day! If we had that kind of turn out every day, the club would thrive on table fees.
And a personal thank you to the directors who put it on. Richard Meffley worked hard to bring in a couple of more people so that the last game was full. Kay Chrisman directed the noon and afternoon fast-pairs games, which included the biggest game of the day while helping man the kitchen. And mostly to Laura Da Costa, who directed the first two games and coordinated the food for the whole day. Next time you see her, thank her for all the great work she did that day. She went above and beyond. They all did.
And for the tee shirt winners. Karen Simpson was the biggest donor, so a shirt is awaiting her at the center. There were eight people who made the same second largest donation. While we could cut up the other two shirts into pieces or do a drawing, lets reward a couple of players. Two in particular played in all five games. 15 hours straight, playing bridge. When you combine their donations with their table fees, they actually were the next biggest donors. So, Mary Lou Pease and Anthony Toto, pick up your shirts at the center. 

LONGEST DAY
The Longest Day games were the best ever, with the Bridge Center filled for two of the sessions, and smaller attendance the other three sessions, totaling 38 tables. We may have raised about $3,500 for the Alzheimer’s Foundation. Anthony Toto played in all the games and won the most master points. Thanks to many folks from Visalia who canceled their Friday game to play in the Longest Day. Also thanks to Laura Da Costa for organizing much of the activities, and the directors, who donated their time.

 CLUB CHAMPIONSHP
1A           Robert Durbrow - Bob Cross
2A1BC  Laura Da Costa - Carol Miller
3A2B     Laura Neville - Irene Whelchel
3B2C     Carol Rodder - JoannE. Evans
 
1A           Mark Stern - David Haberstich
2A1B     Laura Da Costa - Ray April
3A           Lowell Gist - Gerard Laquerriere
2B           James Bushman - Debbie Kemp
 
1A           Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
2A1B     Rosalie Jorgensen - Jim Mckoane
3A2B1C                Rhonda Hampton - Renee Laquerriere
3B2C     Carol Kaufman - Barbara Diebert
 
1AB        Margaret Mahaffey - Sally Anne Stern
2AB        Laura Da Costa - Ray April
3A           Richard Meffley - Robert Durbrow
3B1C     Bob Cross - Joseph Tang
2C           Susan Spears - Alex C. Sherriffs
 
 INDIVIDUAL
1              Robert Durbrow
2A1B     Rhonda Hampton
3A2B     Joycelyn Kauder
3B1C     Carol Kaufman
2C           Don Austin
3C           Andrew Graves
 
OAKHURST WINNERS
Ken Doig - T Srinivasan[3]
Ken Sommers - Burke Zane
Burke Zane - T Srinivasan
Wally Wallace - Dana Brown
Hal Mendoza - Ira Estin[2]
Ken Doig - Claire Molnar[2]
Wally Wallace - Dana Brown
Clem Bingham - Jim Luther
Claire Molnar - Wally Wallace
Karen McCartin - Alfred Ellis
 
SPECIAL
Bob Cross - M. Steve Johnson[2]
Judy Zimmerer - Rhonda Hampton
Lowell Gist - Gerard Laquerriere
Linda Coppersmith - George Efthemon
Robert Durbrow - Bob Cross
Laura Neville - Ruth Christensen
Barbara Thacker - Laura Da Costa
Margaret Mahaffey - Irene Whelchel
Robert Durbrow - Jim Mckoane
Howard Arquette - Ray April
Carol Kaufman – Richard Meffley
Jim Mckoane - James Sweet
John Oakshott - Peggy Oakshott
Howard Arquette - Renee Laquerriere
Sheila Smith - Cynthia Tingey
Jason Mcalexander - Robert Cherry[B]
Judy Nibler - Mary Lou Pease [B]
Gay & Larry Slates [B]
  
750 SPECIAL
Mary Ann Clark - Gay Berry
Virginia Johnson - Estee Strombotne
Don Myers - Doris Myers[B]
Patricia Creede - Angelina Heisdorf
Rita Gladding - Pamela Pigg
John Oakshott - Peggy Oakshott [B]
Larry Miller - Sydney Bluestone[C]
Mary Claire Ewing - Sandy OwYoung-Chu[C]
 
 

99er
LONGEST DAY
June 22, 2018
The Longest Day is a fund raiser for the Alzheimer’s Foundation. We’ll have five games from dawn to night, all day Friday June 22.You can play as many as you wish. There is an individual game at 6 am, and pair games at 9:00, 12:30, 4:30, and 6:45. The 4:30 game will be Fast Pairs – a fun game that requires players to play each hand a couple of minutes faster than usual. A 299er game and an open game are scheduled for 12:30. You can donate for the Fresno Unit by looking up
Alzheimer’s longest day on line, clicking on FIND, and typing 522.  Or you can go to our webpage or Facebook page and click on the link. You can also donate a check or cash at the bridge club. The price for the game is the same as usual club games, so please make a donation. Last year we raised $2,501. Let’s see if we can beat our record.

PLACE and FACES
At the Visalia sectional, Wally Wallace and Dana Brown won the Friday morning open pairs, with Gerard Laquerriere and Lowell Gist third. Judy Nibler and Angie Heisdorf were fourth (winning Flight C), and Mun Takeda and Allyson Farrell were seventh. Cynthia Tingey and Skip Miller were fifth in Flight B. Jim Luther and Diane McDonough were fourth in Flight C. In the afternoon, Mun and Allyson were second and Gerard and Lowell were third. Wally and Dana were fourth (winning Flight B), Maggie Mahaffey and Laura Da Costa were fifth, with Judy Zimmer and Irene Whelchel sixth. Pat Huston was seventh, also winning Flight C. Cynthia Tingey and Skip Miller took fifth in Flight B again.
            Mun and Allyson won the Saturday morning pairs and were second in the afternoon pairs, with Bill Glass and Patrick Carroll second in the morning and fourth in the afternoon, Gerard Laquerriere and Richard Meffley were fourth in the morning    Gerry Jones and Pat Huston were sixth, with Howard Arquette seventh. Robert and Tay Cherry were fifth in Fight C.Bob Durbrow was fifth on Saturday afternoon with Kim Morris seventh, Dick Powell and Avis Morse were third in Flight B.
Lowell Gist, Mun Takeda, Gerard Laquerriere and Allyson Farrell won the Swiss Teams, with Paul Schommer, Richard Meffley, Barbara Thacker, and Wally Wallace second. Kim Morris won Flight X. Pat Huston and Gerry Jones were second in Flight B and won the Swiss Teams Flight C. Al Crane was third. Jonel Mueller, Debbie Kemp, Ann Keag, and Marge Field were second in Flight D. Congratulations to all Visalia winners.
Congratulations to new Bronze Life Master Wally Wallace and new Junior master Sue Brown.
Get well wishes go to Marlene Frazier, Carol Miller, and Diana Papazian.

CLUB NEWS
            North American Pairs games are held at clubs in June, July and August. Qualifiers can play in the unit finals, which we usually hold in November. Qualifiers from the unit may play in the District 21 finals in the Bay Area in December. The top three or four go to the NABC finals in March in Memphis. Check your calendar for NAP events. Winners at all levels receive red points, and gold points at the district level.
Carol Kaufman was the leading player in Madera in May, followed by Richard Meffley, Barbara Diebert, Gary Nelson, and June Oeser. Gay and Larry Slates lead for 2018, followed by Barbara Diebert and Carol Kaufman. At the Fresno Bridge Center, Lowell Gist leads for   April                                               followed by Maggie Mahaffey. Bob Durbrow and Victor Greener. Maggie leads for 2018, followed by Mark Stern, Bob Cross, and Lowell Gist. Steve Johnson leads the 99ers in April, followed by Mary Claire Ewing and Sandy OwYoung-Chu.  Pamela Pigg leads the 99ers for 2018, followed by Steve Johnson and Walt Kelso.



 

WINNERS
PEGGY OCHS MEMORIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           Robert Durbrow - Richard Meffley
2A1BC     Mary Lou Pease - Kay Chrisman
3A2B       Laura Da Costa - Ray April
2C            Jane Bragg - Rosalie Jorgensen
 
PRO-AM TEAMS
1AB         Barbara Thacker - Mary Lou Pease - Rhonda Hampton - Kathryn Miller
2              Richard Meffley - Carol Miller - Deb Petersen - Ruby Buttereck
3A2B       Margaret Mahaffey - Barbara Wiedel - JoAnn Huebner - Marilyn J. Kendall
1C            Dick Powell - Patrick Carroll - Judy Shuster - Edward Hampton
 
UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           Lowell Gist - Gerard Laquerriere
2A1BC     Rhonda Hampton - Judy Zimmerer
3A           Victor Greener - Margaret Mahaffey
2BC         James Bushman - Debbie Kemp
3B            Kim Morris - Anthony Toto
 
UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1              Victor Greener - Skip Miller
2              Laura Da Costa - Margaret Mahaffey
3              Don Austin - Marion Austin
 
UNIT 99ER CHAMPIONSHIP             
1              Ann Keag - Cheryl Ryder
2              Walt Kelso - Steve Johnson
 
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           Mark Stern - Victor Greener
2A           Robert Durbrow - Lowell Gist
3A           Bob Cross - William Glass
1B            Byron Steinert - Anthony Toto
2/3B1/2C Donny Graham - Nancy Holley
2/3B1/2C Annie Chiljian - Olivia Stockton
 
750 CHAMPIONSHIP
1ABC       Mary Ann Clark - Gay Berry
2A           Angelina Heisdorf - Lois High
3A2B       Larry Miller - Sydney Bluestone
3B2C       Mary Claire Ewing - Sandy OwYoung-Chu
3C            Rhonda Hampton - Renee Laquerriere
 
STAC
Irene Whelchel - Monique Irion
Lowell Gist - Gerard Laquerriere {11}
Gerard Laquerriere - Lowell Gist{22}
John Schnell –Della Schnell{27}
Margaret Mahaffey - Howard Arquette {27}
Robert Durbrow - Bob Cross {43}
Skip Miller – Byron Steinert {90}
Robert Durbrow - Belva Quattrin
Lowell Gist - Robert Durbrow {5AUX}
Gerry Jones - Ray April [B]
Judy Zimmerer - Judy Nibler [B]
Judy Zimmerer - Mary Lou Pease [B]{2AUX}
Barbara Thacker - Wilson Wallace [B]
William Glass - Jane Bragg [B]
George Efthemon - Jackie Finn [B]
Debbie Kemp - Marge Field [B]
Jason Mcalexander - Pamela Pigg [C]
Olivia Stockton - Annie Chiljian [C]
James Sweet - Jason Mcalexander [C]
Debbie Kemp - James Bushman [C]
 
750 STAC
Linda Town - Barbara Wiedel{2A; 1C}
Mary Ann Clark - Beverly Little {3/4A; 1/2B}
Rita Gladding - Jonel Mueller {6}
Lois High – Ann Sadler {7}
Mary Ann Clark - Gay Berry
Denny Tweed – Cathleen Burden {5B}

GRADUATION PARTY
July 1, 2018
            Our annual Graduation Party will be held on Sunday, July 1, to honor our new Life Masters and others who have advanced in rank. This is the first time in many years that we have no new LMs so far. We’ll still have a pot luck party to honor those who have advanced in the last year. We’ll have a pro-am pair game at 1 pm after the pot luck lunch.

BEGINNING LESSONS.
Free Beginning lessons start Saturday June 2 at 9 am, and continue through August. This includes lessons for beginners and Easybridge 2 for those who previously took the first series. Call Mary Lou Pease at 288-2340 or Laura Da Costa at 999-2825 for more information,
 INTERMEDIATE LESSONS
            By popular demand, Mun Takeda is going to continue additional lessons.  Starting in August, on the first Tuesday evening of every month, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, there will be special topic lessons.  The lessons will cost $25, which will include a Marty Bergen pamphlet ($10 value) and a 2 hour lesson.  The first four topics Mun has selected are: 
Hand Evaluation,
Law of Total Tricks,
Mastering weak two bids, and
How to bid good slams and avoid bad slams. 
         Mun will continue to offer more topics and will take suggestions for different topics. Mun will continue to donate her lesson fees to the Bridge Club.

Treasurer’s report for June 2018
THREE T-SHIRTS for contributions to Alzheimer’s research. More about that below.
The last treasurer’s report was not approved by the board because of a quirk related to the budget process we are re-establishing. The actual financial reporting is accurate and was not an issue when reviewed by the board. However, when we set up a budget for this current year, it involved using last year games and directors. Two directors who had games last year are not directing games this year. One moved away and one passed away. Those games were taken over by other directors, but I failed to make the necessary corrections in the software, so the budget, not the actual, had issues. Look for that to be fixed. To summarize, we are in the same financial shape as before, not great, but not bad.
Let me take this opportunity to mention you can make a tax-deductible contribution to support research for Alzheimer’s Disease at the club. I am involved because it touched me. My mother suffered from this affliction.
I learned how to play bridge by playing at the dining room table with her and my father. She taught me about opening 1NT. She and my father were members of a rubber bridge club that met once a month. Although heavily involved in the community, their time playing bridge the apex of their social life.
My brothers and I saw her issues with short term memory as she got older. She got to the point she could not play bridge, which devastated my father. It was more than fifteen years from the time she began to show memory issues until she died. It was a long and dragged out goodbye. 
Alzheimer’s Disease touched me. I will be playing from dawn until dusk on June 22, along with my son, my mother’s grandson. If you can’t play an extra game, donate in the box at the center. The top three contributions will be given a T-Shirt.

POKER NIGHT
Save Friday July 20 for our first Poker night. We’ll have more news next month.

 
 
 
 
 

Judy Geary - Marsha Infausto [B]
Robert Cherry – Tay Cherry {3C}
Betty Pash – Joanne Cohen {5C}
June Oeser - Alan Sakamoto [C]
 
99 STAC
1              Margot Cegielski - M. Steve Johnson
2A1B       Eiko Corbin - Vera Bryan
3A2B       Fred Schellack – Barbara Gaudin
 
OAKHURST WINNERS
Dana Brown - Wally Wallace [2]
Clem Bingham - Jim Luther [2]
Nancy Hays - Ruth Ann Fruehauf
Ken Doig - T Srinivasan
Diane Mcdonough - Jim Luther
Wally Wallace - Dana Brown
Claire Molnar - Karen McCartin
Ken Doig - Ira Estin
Greg Ennis - Jim Luther
Bill Carroll - Jimmy Moore
Burke Zane - Alfred Ellis
 
INDIVIDUAL
1              James Sweet
2/3           Steve Johnson
2/3           Bob Cross
4              Robert Durbrow
5              Rhonda Hampton
 
SPECIAL
Robert Durbrow - Belva Quattrin
Laura Neville - Jim Mckoane
Sheila Smith - Gerry Jones
Barbara Diebert - Virginia Hailey
Jackie Reichard - Jan Armbruster
Carol Rodder - Bob Cross
Robert Durbrow - Richard Meffley
Avis Morse - Dick Powell
Laura Da Costa - Margaret Mahaffey
Irene Whelchel - Judy Zimmerer
William Glass - Belva Quattrin
Joseph Tang - Bob Cross [B]
Barbara Thacker - Wilson Wallace [B]
Carol Miller - Linda Coppersmith [B]
Jim Mckoane - Rosalie Jorgensen [B]
Bob Cross - Judy Dodd [B]
Peter Weber - Susan Vildosola [C]
Mary Lou Pease - Rosalie Jorgensen [C]
Judy Shuster - Carol Miller [C]
 
 
750 SPECIAL
Judy Geary - Judy Pardun
Kathryn Miller - Karin Blanchard
Kathleen Coit - William Coit
Jonel Mueller - Cheryl Johnson
Bill Rogers - Chris Rogers [C]
Nadine Nemechek - Donna Berman [C]
Sandra Beebe - Judy Pardun [C]
 
99 SPECIAL
Betty Wilson - Rita Putirka
Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski [2]
Juan Sobenes - Suzanne Sobenes [B]
Fred Schellack - Barbara Gaudin [B]
 
99
Fred Schellack - Walt Kelso [2]
Tom Callahan - Julia Kendall
Barbara Gaudin - Clint Hudson
Joan Clark - Ruth Townsend (2[C])
Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski
Julia Kendall - Robert Heisdorf [C]
Clint Hudson - Barbara Gaudin [c]

PEGGY OCHS MEMORIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
May 6, 2018
On this day, we remember Peggy Ochs and our players who have passed away since our memorial game last May. Peggy devoted a lifetime to our bridge club, hosting and directing games every afternoon and twice a month on Sunday. Bring something nice for the pot luck at noon and a nice partner for the game at 1 pm.
 
LONGEST DAY
June 22, 2018
The Longest Day is a fund raiser for the Alzheimer’s Foundation. We’ll have games all day Friday June 22.You can play as many as you wish. There is an individual game about dawn, and pair games at 9:00, 12:30, 4:30, and 6:45. The 4:30 game will be Fast Pairs. A 299er game and an open game are scheduled for 12:30. You can donate for the Fresno Unit by looking up Alzheimer’s Longest Day on line, clicking on FIND, and typing 522.
 
THE FORUM
Perhaps you’ve noticed that the Contract Bridge Forum is no longer mailed to us. It’s a sad day that the newspaper which has been mailed to western bridge players since before most of us were born is no longer printed. District 21 newsletter is now the Diamond in the Ruff. You can find it at http://www.contractbridgeforum.com/ and click on District 21. You should get an e-mail whenever it is published.
 PLACE and FACES
We had many winners at the recent Modesto regional. Wally Wallace and Jim Luther were fourth in flight C of the Choice pairs, second in one side game, and first in flight C of another side game. Pete Weber and Avis Morse were fifth in fight B of the side game. Gerard Laquerriere and Richard Meffley were tenth in the Choice pairs and second in the Swiss teams. Kim Morris won flight B of the evening Swiss teams and took second in the side game. Rhonda Hampton and Renee Laquerriere took a first and a third in flight C of the side game. Farid Assemi and Richard Meffley were second in the KO teams and first in the bracketed Swiss teams Farid was also second in another KO teams.  
 
At the Bakersfield sectional, Jacqui McGreal and
Gerard Laquerriere were fifth and seventh in two open pairs. Richard Meffley was second in the Swiss teams.
Congratulation to new Silver Life Master Laura Da Costa, new Bronze LM John Oakshott, and new junior master John Cadwalader.
 
We’re glad to see Mary Lou Pease back after successful surgery. Here’s a note from Mary Lou:

A big thank you to all my bridge friends for your support, prayers, and rides.
Your Bridge Friend,
Mary Lou
 
We are very late in sending our condolences to the family of Ruth Reynolds, and to her partner John Donaldson. Ruth passed away last December.
 
 
 

WINNERS
UNIT CHARITY CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           Richard Meffley - Margaret Mahaffey
2A1B     Belva Quattrin - Robert Durbrow
3A           Mun Takeda - Gerard Laquerriere
2B1C     Laura Da Costa - Ray April
3B           Laura Neville - Jim Mckoane
2C           Marion Austin - Don Austin
 
UNIT CHARITY PAIRS
1AB        Al Crane - Laura Neville
2A           Robert Durbrow - Belva Quattrin
3A2B     Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
3B1C     Marion Austin - Don Austin
2C           John McGregor - Patrick Carroll
3C           Mary Claire Ewing - Sandy OwYoung-Chu
 
UNIT 299ER CHARITY PAIRS
1              Cheryl Johnson - Karen Matthews
2              Joan De Yager - Marsha Infausto
 
 CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           Anthony Toto - Byron Steinert
2A1B     Mary Lou Pease - Jane Bragg
3A           Laura Da Costa - Margaret Mahaffey
2B1C     Jason Mcalexander - Andrew Graves
3B           John Oakshott - Peggy Oakshott
2C           Don Austin - Marion Austin
 
 CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           William Wood - Barbara Moore
2A1BC  Laura Da Costa - Gwen Davey
3A2BC  Mary Lou Pease - Sheila Smith
3/4BC    Carol Miller - Judy Shuster
3/4BC    Robert Cherry - Stephen Blumberg
 
 
99ER CHAMPIONSHIP
1              Walt Kelso - Brenda Ward
2              Julia Kendall - Tom Callahan
 
INDIVIDUAL
1              Gary Nelson
2              Bob Cross
3              Joycelyn Kauder
4              Robert Durbrow
5              M. Steve Johnson

OAKHURST WINNERS
Paul Mertens - Wally Wallace (3)
Annette Calhoun - Martha Robrahn
Wally Wallace - Dana Brown
Grant Sturm - Tom Upton (2)
Burke Zane - Bill Carroll
Paul Mertens - Karen McCartin
Jimmy Moore - Bill Carroll (2)
Burke Zane - Ira Estin
Nancy Hays - Ruth Ann Fruehauf
Kirk Moulin - James Cosby
Nancy Hays - Judy Bingham
 

CLUB NEWS
            Most clubs will be holding Sectional Tournament at Club (STAC) games the week of May 7 – 12. They pay silver points. If you get a high percentage game, you could win lots of silver points, since the games are held throughout all western states.
            Barbara Diebert and Virginia Hailey were the top master point winners in Madera for April, followed by Jackie Reichard and Jan Armbruster. Larry and Gay Slates lead for 2018, followed by Barbara Diebert and Nick and Mary Gullo. At the Fresno Bridge Center, Maggie Mahaffey was tops in March, followed by Laura Da Costa, Ray April, and Byron Steinert. You can now check April winners. Mark Stern leads for 2018, followed by Maggie Mahaffey, Bob Cross, and Ray April. In the 99ers,   Jonel Mueller was tops in March, followed by Barbara Brock and Walt Kelso. Pamela Pigg leads the 99ers for 2018, followed by Jonel Mueller and Ann Keag.
            The Fresno Bridge Center has improved security with added lighting and a camera at the front door, plus the ability to remotely lock and unlock the front entrance.
            The bidding ends after everyone has had a chance to bid, and three players in a row pass. The bidding is NOT over when someone bids three no trump or four spades. It’s still correct to use the pass card after someone bids 3NT. We recommend that players not thump the table or withdraw their bid cards until the third pass has ended the auction. We don’t strenuously object if that third person ends the auction with a thump.

Treasurer’s report for May 2018  
As expected, March was not a great month for the Bridge Center. Flu season hit, so games were not well attended. The official financial reports for March were tabled (put on hold) by the board because of a quirk with the budget system we are establishing. So the March financial reports won’t show with the board minutes. But not to worry. The income and outgo are accounted for. When they are officially reported, you will see that on a quarterly basis, we didn’t do so badly, thanks to the February sectional and the Bid-a-Pro fund raiser.
Looking forward on the income side, Mun’s 2 over 1 lessons looks to be a good fund raiser as well as a great way for the beginning and intermediate players to improve. There is still time to sign up.
As far as expenses go, you might have noticed we improved security at the Center. Lights, cameras and new locks. Not only should this make day time players feel safer, we won’t be relying just on the Starpoint security guard for security at the night games. The guard will be around to walk you to your car, but we now have our own way of making those bathroom trips safer, not that it was really a problem. (Spoken as one who plays in night games.)
How did we pay for the new locks? We have a memorial fund. This is money collected from special donations made in honor of our players who are now challenging the likes of Charles Goren and Omar Sheriff in heaven. The board decided that improved security was a good use for money in that fund. So feel safe and come play more.
ACBL expects clubs such as ours pay back to the community by supporting a charity of our choosing and the charity chosen by our regional district. We held two events for this in April, one in conjunction with our anniversary celebration. In June, we will be participating in the nationwide ACBL charity effort: the Longest Day for Alzheimer’s Association on Friday, June 22. This is a special effort for me, as my mother fell to the long goodbye of this disease. I will do my best to play bridge all five games from sun up to sun down that day. I challenge everyone to play as many games as they can that day. 
 
We have some fun summer activities to look forward to. Try a new game or two. You won’t be disappointed. 
 

MORE WINNERS
 
 
SPECIAL
Mark Stern - Jason Mcalexander
Mark Stern - Belva Quattrin
Laura Neville - Robert Durbrow
Rose Boot - William Glass
Gerard Laquerriere - Lowell Gist
Skip Miller - Byron Steinert
Barbara Thacker - Jim Mckoane [B]
Debbie Kemp - James Bushman [B]
Judy Zimmerer - Irene Whelchel[B](2)
Carol Miller - Larry Miller [C]
 
 
 
750 SPECIAL
Pearl McGinnis - Barbara Brock
Jerry F. Noga - John Hempel
Patricia Creede - Angelina Heisdorf
Larry Miller - Andrew Graves
Patricia Creede - Mary Claire Ewing
Judy Nibler - Angelina Heisdorf
George Efthemon - Jackie Finn [B]
Helen Smades - Anna Harguindeguy [B]
Jeremy Newel - Lois High [B]
Nadine Nemechek - Donna Berman [B]
Mary Claire Ewing - Kathryn Miller [C]
Jonel Mueller - Rita Gladding [C]
Robert Cherry - Tay Cherry [C]
Don Myers - Doris Myers [C]
 
 
99 SPECIAL
Barbara Gaudin - Fred Schellack
Madeline Lynes - Pamela Pigg
Brenda Ward - Walt Kelso
Fred Schellack – Walt Kelso
Barbara Gaudin - Clint Hudson
Clint Hudson - Robert Heisdorf [C]
 
 
99
Walt Kelso - Fred Schellack
Margot Cegielski - M. Steve Johnson
Clint Hudson - Robert Heisdorf [B]
Tom Callahan - Julia Kendall [C]