District 17 BRIDGE BUZZ
January 2019
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The Buzz is delivered to you the months the ScoreCard is not published. This online newsletter focuses on upcoming District 17 tournaments, events and breaking news and provides you with links to access the details.
with feedback and content suggestions.
The ScoreCard now has apps for both Apple and Android systems that streamline access from smartphones and tablets. Visit the Apple version or Play (Google) and load your free app today!
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Bon's Mots
by Bonnie Bagley
National Board Representative
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The ACBL Board of Directors (BOD) held its third meeting of 2018 before the Honolulu NABC. One of the most important items of business was to offer Acting Executive Director Joe Jones the position of Executive Director, which was accepted. Joe was the ACBL CFO and is very familiar with headquarter operations. In addition, Russ Jones (D10 -- Alabama, Eastern Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Western Tennessee) was elected 2019 ACBL President.
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I do not usually state my opinions on board actions, feeling that the majority rules and ‘dirty laundry’ should not be aired in public, but I will say a few things here.
The BOD was harshly criticized
for not moving its fall meeting from the Hawaii Fall NABC, the reason being cost savings. There are many things to be considered and certainly cost should be a factor. The decision to have the 2018 Fall NABC in Hawaii was made in 2011, my first year on the BOD. I remember being on the NABC Search Selection Committee and listening to the reasons why Hawaii should be selected … gives the West Coast players an NABC, foreign players from the West would have less distance to travel, and although cost was mentioned, it was stated to be all right to lose some money because the loss would be offset by the other NABCs that year. The downturn in tournament attendance, table count and sessions played was not foreseen … everything seemed copesetic. Unfortunately, there were rough waters ahead. I believe that had the BOD realized the tremendous loss the 2018 Hawaii Fall NABC will suffer (most likely in excess of $500,000), they would have tried to get out of the contract or restructure the tournament. It would have been difficult to cancel the Hawaii BOD meeting … the BOD accounts for a large number of room and most BOD members stay after the meetings, accounting for more room nights … the partner and teammates come to play, more room nights and table count … the many outside committee meetings held which ACBL staff and board members attend … not to mention what it would say to the local volunteers. The host District 20 Director made a plea for the Hawaii BOD meeting not to be moved citing the special effort the local volunteers were putting forth and how excited they were to be having the tournament and the BOD. A bad decision was made in 2011 and possibly a bad one not to move the BOD meeting, but the decisions were made and it is time to move on.
The BOD was also criticized
for its decision to readmit Massimo Lanzarotti who was expelled from the ACBL in November 2005 for cheating. This decision was made by the BOD Appeals and Charges Committee (A & C) who listened to evidence presented regarding Mr. Lanzarotti’s rehabilitation. The BOD only receives the decisions made by the A & C; they do not ratify them. It would be interesting what the vote would have been if the BOD was authorized to ratify the A & C decision? I know I would have voted no. There is a very good thread on
Bridge Winners
recently posted by Chris Willenken, a professional bridge teacher and player from New York City. Check it out!
http://bridgewinners.com/article/view/ban-collusive-cheaters-for-life/
I hope your holidays were happy, filled with family, friends, love and laughter and that 2019 brings us all more of the same. I appreciate hearing from you – please contact me by email at
[email protected]
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UPCOMING DISTRICT 17 REGIONALS
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Navajo Trail Regional
Albuquerque, New Mexico
January 21-27, 2019
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Get ready to attend the Navajo Trail Regional, January 21-27, 2019 in Albuquerque, New Mexico! From shopping in historic Old Town and savoring authentic New Mexico cuisine to visiting the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center or riding the tram, Albuquerque is a fun and an affordable destination.
The Navajo Trail Regional will again be held at the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid located just off of I-25 and featuring plenty of free parking, excellent service and free WiFi in every room.
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For your convenience, a lunch/snack bar will be available just outside of the playing area and complimentary desserts and discounted coffee will be provided daily.
The Navajo Trail Regional boasts a varied playing schedule that includes: six days of gold rush events, bracketed teams, Swiss teams, KOs, Board-A-Match, side games, open pairs, 199‘er pairs as well as A/X/Y strati-flighted Swiss and Bracketed 0-3000 Gold teams on Sunday.
As usual, must-have gifts and patches will be available at the hospitality desk and our famous partnership desk will find you a winning partner.
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Go for GOLD at the Tucson Winter Regional
February 25 - March 3, 2019
Tucson, Arizona
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Great weather, a dynamic playing schedule and signature hospitality make this now annual regional the place to play!
Conveniently located just off of I-10 and five miles from the Tucson International Airport, the Tucson Winter Regional will be held at the Tucson Expo Center, 3750 E. Irvington Road, Tucson, AZ. Free ample parking provided.
Players will receive discounted rates at several nearby hotels many of which are within walking distance of the Tucson Expo Center.
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Packed full of team games, this tournament schedule includes: Five days of gold rush, KOs, including a Compact KO on Saturday, bracketed team games, Swiss, open pair and side games.
In keeping with tradition, free coffee will be provided daily along with free lox, bagels and cream cheese and pastries each morning and free premium candy each afternoon. A free lunch will be provided on Sunday. A varied and affordable lunch option will be offered onsite daily.
Free lectures by top experts will be held Tuesday through Friday at 1 pm.
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UPCOMING DISTRICT 17 SECTIONALS
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JANUARY
FEBRUARY
04-10
M
esa AZ
(Progressive Qualifier)
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MARCH
CLICK ON THE HOST CITY TO VIEW TOURNAMENT FLYERS
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PLAY THE MEMPHIS NABC
MARCH 21-31, 2019
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Memphis Cook Convention Center
Several host hotels just minutes from the playing site.
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A MEMPHIS MUST!
VISIT THE ACBL BRIDGE MUSEUM
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While in Memphis, don't miss the ACBL Bridge Museum located in ACBL headquarters just minutes from the NABC.
It's FREE to all ACBL members!
Open Monday-Friday 9 am to 3 pm
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PARTICIPATE IN THE GRAND NATIONAL TEAMS
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Qualifications for the D17 2019 finals began September 1. Check your clubs for upcoming qualification games.
The District final for all flights will be held at the Denver Regional in May 2019. The nationals will be held at the NABC Las Vegas 2019.
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For more information on District 17 activities go to d17acbl.org
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