Some interesting history on the Declaration of Independence. Although adopted by the Continental Congress on July 04, 1776, the document itself was not signed until August 02, 1776.  You think your copier is slow; that was how long it took to make an "engrossed" copy on parchment that was legible and could be signed.  Fifty-six members of the Continental Congress signed the document, which was in itself an act of bravery.  During the Revolutionary War, five were captured and executed as traitors, nine more died from wounds or hardships during the War and twelve had their homes ransacked and burned, losing everything they owned.  Fifty-six brave men, fifty-four of whom were married and no doubt backed by equally brave women.

Congratulations to the following for progressing up the ACBL ladder:

New Junior Masters
Timothy M Anstine                                
Franklin D Clarke                                 
Joseph Demuro                                  
Stephanie Demuro                                   
Edward J Ledwith                                     
John M Schober 

New Club Masters
Mary Ann Bradley                                    
Peter P Garms                                       
Signe B Garms 

New Sectional Masters
Gail M Burke
David Witwer

New NABC Master
Andrea L Gaines

New Advanced NABC Masters
Jinan O Bahia 
Cathy Brown 
Judith A Reynolds 

New Ruby Life Master
Daniel H Putnam

South Central PA continues to host virtual games; see the website bridgeboardroom.com for a complete virtual schedule. Special NAP games will be scheduled in July.

Points to ponder:
  • Playing new minor forcing, against silent opponents you have the following auction; 1D - 1S - 1NT - 2C (alerted).  How does opener answer with three spades and four hearts?  Do you show your spade support first or bid your four-card heart suit first?  Make sure you and your partner are in agreement.

  • My wife sent me a text the other day that said "Your great." I texted back "No, you're great." She has been walking around all happy and smiling. Should I tell her I was just correcting her grammar or leave it?