January, 2000 Newsletter

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It's A New Millennium Paul Nickerson

The NJBA got a jump start on the new millennium at the Annual Dinner on December 19 at the Park Ridge Marriott Hotel. The event served to recognize achievements of 1999 and start off the new years events, including a bridge game that counts toward the 2000 player of the year.

Dolores Hodesblatt won the Grand Prize--a session of bridge with bridge champion, Irina Levitina, at an upcoming NJBA Sectional tournament.

Glenda Calkins was elected President by the unit's Board of Directors for the first year of the new century. Ruth Bernstein relinquished her scepter after serving as President of the board for two years.

Retiring Executive Secretary Rachel Prior announced results of the election of ten members of the unit's Board of Directors. The full board for 2000 is listed in this newsletter's directory.

Ruth presented the Alex Gruder Service Award to Rachel Prior. The Mark Skinner Award for promoting bridge in the clubs went to Jean Mazouat, and the Charlie Karp Award for good sportsmanship was given to Paul Nickerson.

The William Joseph Trophy for Player of-the-Year went to Ros Elk. The Master, Intermediate and Novice Player-of-the-Year winners were Andy, Muenz, Sheldon Schneider, and Paul Rau.

The years new Life Masters were recognized and presented with gold pens by the unit for their achievements.

Peck Klose and Sheldon Berger won the Jan Page Trophies for winning the Pro-Am tournament held in the clubs in October.

Retiring newsletter editor, Wayne Roelke announced Al Pagon recipient of the 1999 Richard Lighton Literary Award. The award was named this year in memory of the recently departed former editor.

The team of Charlie Friedman, Tod Thorgersen, Carole Wardell, Frank Mirchin, Dasve Kuenzler and Julian Schulman was announced as winners of the 1999 Nelson Reitman Double Knock-out.

The Bob Johnke Team of Four plaque went to the team of Norma Gartner, Janis Rush, Fred Paul and Jaime Roitman for coming in first overall in the springtime handicapped event.

Following dinner, the bridge game for the Nat Seiden Bowl was won by Caryll and Harris Schenker.

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Top 100 of Unit 106 for 1999
Betty Price and Arnie Bergen

  99   98   Player            MP 99   MP 98   WON 99    % Inc
 Ranking
   1   1   Kerri Sanborn     18234   18190      44      0.2
   2   2   Mark Cohen         7123    7100.     23      0.3
   3   4   Rosalind Elk       6636    6331     305      4.8
   4   3   Leonard Karp       6614    6546      68      1.0
   5   5   Stasha Cohen       5999    5882     117      2.0
   6   6   Lenore Server      4515    4479      37      0.8
   7   7   Paul Silver        4366    4241     126      3.0
   8   8   Sam Aldenderfer    4333    4196     137      3.3
   9   9   Jean Elkin         4278    4120     157      3.8
  10  10   Florence Silver    4199    4114      84      2.1
  11  12   Tod Thorgersen     3968    3745     223      5.9
  12  11   Eva Scatassa       3852    3786      66      1.7
  13  13   Robert Garofalo    3849    3726     124      3.3
  14  14   Joseph Adamo       3671    3493     178      5.1
  15  15   Rena Harris        3261    3142     119      3.8
  16  16   Julian Katz        3106    2936     170      5.8
  17  17   Irene Poonarian    2979    2897      83      2.9
  18  19   Jules Shapiro      2941    2770.    171      6.2
  19  18   Rosemarie Whitmore 2940    2804     135      4.8
  20  20   Sandy Burns        2873    2741     132      4.8
  21  22   Sheldon Berge      2741    2616     125      4.8
  22  26   Irina Levitina     2738    2388     350     14.6
  23  21   Charles Friedman   2715    2669      46      1.7
  24  23   Joyce Landau       2620    2604      16      0.6
  25  24   Kurt Zendig        2619    2560      59      2.3
  26  29   Cheryl Angel       2568    2316     253     10.9
  27  27   Sarah Wiener       2554    2343     212      9.0
  28  31   Burrell Humphreys  2487    2284     202.     8.9
  29  25   Edward Landau      2425    2425       0        0
  30  28   Art Sternberg      2384    2340      44      1.9
  31   33  Fred Paul          2378    2213     165      7.5
  32   34  Andrew Lohan       2372    2209     163      7.4
  33   36  Jesse Reisman      2359    2158     201      9.3
  34   32  Carol Cohen        2338    2276      61      2.7
  35   35  Sandra Weil        2330    2189     141      6.4
  36   30  Neil Nathanson     2305    2294      11      0.5
  37   38  Fred Weidmann      2244    2115     129      6.1
  38   37  Robert Heitzman Jr 2205    2121      84      3.9
  39   39  Enid Steinmark     2147    2110      37      1.8
  40   40  Harvey Mandel      2075    2073       1.6    0.1
  41   41  M Berger           2049    2049       0      0.0
  42   47  Elizabeth King     2002    1826     177      9.7
  43   43  Bruce Rogoff       1999    1963      37      1.9
  44   42  Robert Heitner     1988    1988       0      0.0
  45   50  Franklin Grunebaum 1930    1772.    158      8.9
  46   49  Elaine Berger      1929    1813     115      6.4
  47   44  Wayne Carr         1904    1904       0      0.0
  48   46  Robert Schaefer    1886    1849      37      2.0
  49   51  Frances Cohen      1855    1757.     98      5.6
  50   45  Thomas Abbott      1855    1855       0      0.0
  51   48  Arleene Roth       1844    1816      28      1.5
  52   52  David Daly         1824    1725      99      5.8
  53   57  Kurt Lang          1773    1657     116      7.0
  54   54  Charlotte Davidson 1767    1672      95      5.7
  55   53  William Alexander  1756    1680      75      4.5
  56   63  Richard Rosner     1738    1603      13      8.4
  57   60  James Wolff        1707    1653      54      3.3
  58   56  Rena Pigula        1706    1658      47      2.9
  59   61  Anita Andrews      1686    1648      38      2.3
  60   55  Margaret Leise     1683    1670      13      0.8
  61   67  Arnold Federman    1682    1557     124      8.0
  62   59  Alice Miller       1678    1656      22      1.3
  63   58  David Kuenzler     1669    1657      12      0.7
  64   78  John Kuharetz      1655    1495     160     10.7
  65   71  Shirley Ladin      1655    1541     114      7.4
  66   66  Linda Conroy       1634    1574      60      3.8
  67   64  Werner Hausmann    1624    1581      43      2.7
  68   62  Jim Bogdanowicz    1617    1617       0      0.0
  69   76  Gerald Goodman     1598    1502      97      6.4
  70   79  Joy Humphreys      1598    1493     105      7.1
  71   84  Tina Gordon        1596    1445     151     10.4
  72   70  Harold Bernstein   1594    1542      52      3.3
  73   77  David Herold       1586    1501      85      5.7
  74   68  Steven Ehrenworth  1582    1550      32      2.0
  75   65  Litzi Wolf         1580    1580       0      0.0
  76   72  Barbara Deutsch    1572    1535      37      2.4
  77   69  Carole Wardell     1570    1546      24      1.6
  78   74  Rhoda Paul         1567    1510      57      3.8
  79   73  Faye Bloch         1563    1523      39      2.5
  80   75  Ruth Bernstein     1551    1509      42      2.8
  81   80  Gloria Swanson     1520    1482      38      2.6
  82   81  Norman Swanson     1518    1479      38      2.6
  83   85  Irene Schwartz     1515    1444      71      4.9
  84   82  Kathy Benjamin     1514    1469      46      3.1
  85   88  Faith Eckberg      1510    1401     109      7.8
  86   83  Gruna Selby        1500    1446      54      3.7
  87   89  Lillian Estevez    1465    1399      65      4.7
  88   91  Blair Seidler      1457    1388      68      4.9
  89  101  Barbara Rahuba     1451    1307     145     11.1
  90   87  Julian Schulman    1443    1439      12      0.8
  91   99  Roger Nortman      1438    1330     108      8.1
  92   86  Alan Messer        1434.3  1434       0      0.0
  93   92  Stephen Cooper     1434.2  1364      70      5.2
  94   90  Arthur Hochheiser  1434    1396      37      2.7
  95   95  Geoffrey Manis     1431    1352      79      5.9
  96  100  Micki Lassiter     1428    1318     110      8.3
  97   97  Steven Wheeler     1403    1346      57      4.2
  98   96  Leon Cohen         1401    1347      54      4.0
  99   93  George Kramer      1387    1361      26      1.9
 100   94  Vivian Hanratty    1382    1357      25      1.8
Irina Levitina earned the greatest number of masterpoints for the third year in a row for Unit 106. Roz Elk was 2nd, and Cheryl Angel was third.
    The ten leading point gathers were:
        Irina Levitina      350
        Roz Elk             305
        Cheryl Angel        253
        Alan Osofskky       235
        Tod Thorgersen      223
        Sara Weiner         212
        Burrell Humpreys    202
        Jesse Reisman       201
        Joseph Adamo        178
        Elizabeth King      176
Those of the top 100 having the largest % of increase from last year to this were:
        Alan Osofskky       21.0%
        Irina Levitina      14.6
        Harris Schenker     13.3
        Basrbara Rahuba     11.1
        Cheryl Angel        10.9
        Robert King         10.9
        John Kubaretz       10.7
        Tina Gordon         10.4
        Elizabeth King       9.7
        Jesse Reismman       9.3
Last year you needed 1316 to make the list. This year you needed 1382. Overall the top 100 brought home 8584 poiints. Not counting the eight memhers who gained no points makes an average of 93 points for those remaining. Back to newsletter index

Our Members Score

DISTRICT 3 REGIONAL (October)
Elenville, NY Overall Scores
3-A   Tues. Aft. Cont.Pairs  Walter & Helen Hausmann
3-B   Tues  Open Pairs       Norma Gartner, Janet Rush
1-A   Tues Senior Pairs      Arnold Fisher, Fred Paul
6-A                          Wm. Alexander, Arnold Bergen
1-A   Wed. Open Pairs        Fred Paul, Arnold Fisher
2-A                          Phyllis Profita, Adel Eryan
4-B                          Al Pagan, Jean Mazouat
4-A   Wed. Sr. Pairs         Wm. Alexander, Arnold Bergen
5/6 A                        Marvin Brown, Richard Horkitz
5-B                          Norma Gartner, Janet Rush
4/6 A Wed. Eve. Cont. Prs    Ari Eisenberg, Allan Rosenberg
6-A Thurs. Sr. Pairs         Joyce Landau, Arnold Bergen
5-B                          Ruth Bodden, Stefano Coppolo
4-C                          Sally Sonne, Lan Go.
4/6 C Fri. Aft. Cont. Prs.   Phyllis Hall, Shirley Horowitz
7-A   Fri. Open Pairs        Barton Bloom, Andrew Lohan
4-B                          Edward Wilson, Paul Fagan
5-B                          Henry Stadelmann, Paul Rau
5-A   Fri. Sr. Pairs         R Whitmore, Gerald Goodman
3-C                          Rebecca Schwartz, Ann Shor
4-C                          Seng Tjoa
5-B   Fri. Eve. Cont. Pairs  Kenneth Milles, Barbara Bergen
1-A  Sat. Aft. Cont. Pairs   Phyllis Hall, Shirley Horowitz
5/6 A                        Stuart Tarkin, Carol Tarkin
5/6 A                        Barbara Bergen, Kenneth Jeffrey
4-B   Sat. Open Pairs        Sonja Spieker, Isaac Eskenazi
1-A   Sat. Sr. Pairs         Elaine and Sheldon Berger
2-A                          Lotte and Kurt Elias
6-A                          Arnold Federman, Sarah Wiener
5-B                          Marie Speziale, Betty Price
1 A   Sun. Open Swiss        Burrell and Joy Humphreys
                             Eli and Cynthia Schneider
7-A                          Edward Wilson, Paul Fagan
                             Paul Rau, Henry Stadelmann
3-B                          T. Seng Tjoa, Noriko Kobe
                             Miyoko Boswell, Saeko Hisayama
4-B                          Sheldon Schneider, Richard Feuer
                             Myron Rimer, Lan Go
5-B                          Micharl Smalline, Barbara Smalline
                             Rebecca Schwartz, Ann Shor
Sun. Sr. Swiss  3/4-A        Doris Andrews, Vivian Goldstein
Lancaster Regional  November Lancaster, PA
Mon.Tues.Knockout Bracket 2 (16 teams)
3/4                         John Kuharetz
Mon.Tues.Knockout Bracket 4 (16 teams)
2                           T.Seng Tjoa
Tues. Women's Pairs (32 pairs)
6/B                         Lila March
Mon. Tues. Knockout  Bracket 4  (16 teams)
2                           Seng Tjoa
Wed. Morning Cont. Pairs(18 pairs)
3 A                         Dominick Colasuonno
                            Phyllis Profita
Wednesday Open Pairs (72 pairs)
5/B                         Sally Sonne, Lan Go,
6/B                         Ron Nelken, Annabella Nelken

Friday AM 299  (24 pairs)
3/4  A                      Dave McInnis, Vickie Costa
Friday PM 299ers (46 pairs)
1/B Dave                    McInnis, Kenneth Jeffery
6B                          Vickie Costa, Kenneth Miles
Compact KO Bracket 3  (9 teams)
3                           Robert Broadfoot - Elizabeth Broadfoot
Friday Open Pairs (108 pairs)
5A                          Fred Paul
Friday Senior Pairs (108 pairs)
3A                          Barbara Rahuba Joan Haussmann
Weekend Open KO Arms
3/4                         Stephen Cooper
Thursday Open Pairs (97 pairs)
4A                          Sally Sonne,Lan Go
Evening Contunuous Pairs (67 pairs)
1A                          Elizabeth King - Robert King
Thursday Seniors Swiss (60 Teams)
3A                          Rosemarie Faccone, Betty Lou Barnes,
                            Joan Haussmann, Barbara Rahuba
Friday Night Late Zip KO
1A                          Stephen Cooper
Sunday Afternoon 299er Swiss
3C                          Kenneth Miles, Vickie Costa,
                            Dave McInnis, Kenneth Jeffery
Sunday Evening 299er Swiss (14 teams)
2A                          Kenneth Miles,Vickie Costa,
                            Dave McInnis, Kenneth Jeffery
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President's Letter Glenda Calkins

Happy 2000. As we start a new millennium, I want to thank not only the full Board of Directors for its vote of confidence in electing me President, but also the many individual Board members who have so enthusiastically offered their support. In particular, I want to thank Ruth Bernstein for agreeing to remain on the Board as Vice President for the next year; I know I will benefit greatly from her support and expertise.

Even at this early date in my term as President, it is clear to me that at least two key priorities will warrant the full support of my office:

     1. Encouraging new players. All of us who love competitive bridge are concerned by the number of new players entering the game. Easy Bridge, Pro-Am events, Newplicate events at our tournaments, in-school programs, all have potential for developing interest in the game longer term.

    2. Gaining the maximum benefit from all that goes with this age of technology. For example, in recent years attendance at our events has benefited substantially from the availability of information on our web page. While I am personally technology-phobic, I am grateful that a number of our Board members are technologically sophisticated, and am confident that together we will continue to be creative in finding ways to benefit from technology.

As a board we would like to devote ourselves to the areas that members feel are important, and so invite you to contact any one of us with your ideas. We promise to take all suggestions seriously.

We have in the past taken very seriously the commitment to our policy of good behavior and will continue to do so. It is important that all of us feel assured that no behavior that interferes with our enjoyment of the game will be tolerated.

Already new members of the board are hard at work, partly evidenced by this newsletter which is entirely in new hands - Betty Price and Cornel Ferat. Thanks to their diligence we were ready to go to press in a timely fashion.

There is lots going on the Unit 106 and District 3 -- Don't forget the tournament at Rye January 11-17, and our sectional which will be February 4-6, in Allendale. The team game on Sunday, Feb. 6, will have a new schedule, so please check the ad in the newsletter. I look forward to seeing all of you at the tournaments and at the local clubs.
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Lo and Behold Frank Grunebaum

Recently at a local club I realized that I had no material for my next article. Then Lo and Behold:

N/S non vul & E/W Vul.
                N
           S    H    D    C
           X    Q    X    A
           x    9         7
           x    6         6
                          5
                          4
                          3
        W                                 E
 S    H    D    C                  S    H    D    C
 Q    J    Q    J                  X    A    A    Q
10    5    X    X                  X   10    K    9
 9    4    X                            X    J
           X                                 X
           X                            X   10
                                             X
                       S
           S    H    D    C
           A    K    X    K
           K    8    X   10
           J    3         8
           X
           X


Bidding
E     S       W      N
1D   1S      2D     3D (1)
P    4S (2)   P      P
P
    -1- Limit Raise
    -2- I didn't realize how limited.
Opening Lead: Diamond 3
East cashed the diamond 10 and returned a spade. I played my ace and then ruffed a diamond. A spade finesse followed, which failed and west led his final spade. This resulted in the following position:



                           N
                         H   C
                         Q   A
                         9   7
                         6   6
                             5
                             4

        W                      E
H       D     C          H     D     C
J       X     J          A     J     Q
5       X     X         10    10     9
4       X                X    
                         X

                     S
               S     H     C
               X     K     K
               X     X    10
                     X     8
I already had lost 2 tricks. Note the frustration in clubs. There is no way to establish clubs unless I have a heart entry. Next, I led my heart king and hoped for the best. East cashed his Ace and returned a diamond which I ruffed. If clubs break 2-2, I have my next article. Success, 3 club plays to my 8 and then back to the heart queen. The dummies club eliminated my heart loser, lucky yes! But when you overbid you need help.


Defensive cards are indeed the  rifle
Pointed at declarers play
If declarers careful and keeps an eyeful
He might survive for another day 
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The Novice Corner Al Pagan

At a recent sectional, the following hand was dealt by the diabolical computer:

Dealer South - Both Vulnerable
         S   H   D   C
         9   K   J   4
             Q   8   2
             9   6
             4   5
             3   2

S   H   D   C       S   H   D    C
A   8   A   8       J   A   10   A
K   2   K   6      10  10    7   K
7       Q           8   6    4   9
5       9           3
4
        S    H   D    C
        Q    J   3    Q
        6    7        J
        2    5       10
                      7
                      5
                      3
After south passed, west bid one spade, and north overcalled 2 spades, which was announced, by south, as a Michael’s cue bid. After a spirited auction, E/W ended up in 6 spades. The 9 of spades was led by north. It was all over after that, and east/west wrapped up the slam. We got a zero on the board which capped a bad day at the bridge table.

I was south and commented that the spade lead iced the slam. The opponents refuted that and opined that the play was easy after north’s cue bid. I had to concur. The proper play would have been to finesse for my queen, since north had announced length in two other suits.

I contend that the Michael’s bid was counterproductive, and probably led have been appropriate.

When you consider trotting out any convention, always be aware of the possible consequences, both as they relate to the bidding by the opponents, and to the play of the hand. Don’t bid if you think it likely that you will help their cause, rather than your own.

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Bob Johnke Andy Muenz

The annual Bob Johnke Swiss Team event was won by the team of Norma Gartner, Janis Rush, Fred Paul and Jaime Roitman. They defeated the team captained by Julian Lighton in a playoff while the defending champions captained by Mel Baranoff finished third. (Full results below.) Although we had a smaller than hoped for turnout, the catered dinner and two sessions of bridge were enjoyed by all. The 2000 Bob Johnke will be held on June 10, so mark your calendars now.


1     9.67 - Norma Gartner, Janis Rush, Fred Paul, Jaime Roitman
2     7.25 - Julian Lighton, Richard Lighton, Carol Schenker,
             Harris Schenker
3     5.44 - Mel Baranoff, Geoff Manis, Sandy Burns, Joe Adamo, 
             Tod Thorgersen
4     4.14 - Harold Bernstein, Ruth Bernstein, Andrew Lohan, Ed Katten
5     3.10 - Norman Swanson, Gloria Swanson, Jeanne Portale, Joseph Portale
5     3.10 - Gerald Goodman, Rosemarie Whitmore, Jules Shapiro, 
             Ike Goodfriend
5     3.10 - Tina Gordon, David Daly, Bill Rosenbaum, George Kramer,
             Jeff Schneider
5     3.10 - Bob Zehm, Nicholas France, Andy Muenz, Laura Brown
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District Grand National Finals Joe Adamo

District 3 NAOP Finals which were held on October 16th in our own back yard. Nicholas France and his partner Elaine Pittius placed 2nd in Flight A. Flight B saw Barbara Rahuba and Joan Haussmann in 4th place and Norma Gartner and Janis Rush in 5th. Flight C had Vickie Costa and Kenneth Jeffery in 1st, Lotte and Kurt Elias 6th and Lee Ohilger and Miyoko Boswell tied for 7/8.

The masterpoint restrictions are based on the May ACBL mailings. Flight A is open, B from 0-1500 and C is restricted to Non-Life Masters with fewer than 500 points.

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Final Player of the Year Standings Arnie Bergen

Roz Elk, on the strength of some hugh successes during the Fall Sectional, recaptured the LM Division from Tod Thorgersen. Last year Tod set a record, but this year could not withstand Elk's charge. Thorgersen held a slim lead going into the last day, but his Swiss Team could not come close to Elk's winning team (Ehrenworth, Grunebaum, Lohan). Roz must also share some of the credit with Len Helfgott, who had some big wins with her, including a Unit Wide and a Sectional.

Sheldon Schneider won the last of the four Unit Wide events in this year's race to overtake Ari Eisenberg's lead in the Intermediate Group. Andy Muenz repeated in the Non Life Master Category, but the Life Master he received will make him compete with the big boys next year. Considering that Andy actually led all competitors for a good part of the year, he just might give them a run. Paul Rau came on strong to beat Mark Vogel in the Novice race.

Novice - under 20                        Intermediate under 100
Mr. Paul Rau               18.48         Sheldon Schneider   12.11
Mark  F. X Vogel           14.68         Ari Eisenberg       11.26
Mr. Dave McInnis            7.96         Kenneth X Miles      7.73
Marilyn W Marion            5.92         Keiko Yamada         7.23

Non Life Master                          Life Master
Mr. Andy C Muenz           32.34         Mrs. Ros Elk        63.48
Bob Zehm                   22.16         Mr. Tod Thorgersen  53.04
Dr. T. Seng Tjoa           21.98         Mr. Andrew J Lohan  45.34
Henry Stadelmann           18.65         Julian Lighton      37.07
All points awarded at the Annual Dinner, Unit 106 sectionals at Allendale, John Macchi Unit-Wides, Bob Johnke Swiss Teams and the Nelson Reitman Double Knockouts are used. No other events qualify.

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This 'N That from Your District Director Joan Gerard

By the time you read this article, the Boston NABC will be over and there will be news from the Board meetings. There has been exciting news from Mr. Jose Damiani, President of the World Bridge Federation. Mr. Damiani announced that the Executive Committee of the International Olympic Committee has accepted the World Bridge Federation as a recognized Federation. What this means is that bridge has been accepted as a Sport. We are now considered to be on the same level as golf, rugby, squash, karate, and polo. Our next step is to work to get bridge admitted to the Winter Games. This will involve changing the Olympic Charter, which now says "those sports which are practiced on snow and ice are considered winter sports." Of course, there is always the possibility that we can wear mittens and earmuffs and play on the snow! At the same time, there is the real possibility that we will be a Demonstration Sport in Salt Lake City in 2002. This is a tremendous breakthrough for bridge and the promotion and publicity we hope to achieve.

Speaking of the Olympics, I had the pleasure and privilege to be a member of a special Laws committee that met at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland in September. The meetings were held while 6 Open Teams and 2 Women's Teams competed for cash prizes. This event was sponsored by the Angeleni Group from Italy primarily to show our wonderful sport to the officials from the Olympic Committee. It was an exciting competition with the Angeleni Group from Italy taking the $25,000 1st place prize money and Brazil capturing the $15,000 2nd place money. Rozanne Pollack and Lisa Berkowitz were two members of our Ladies’ Team. Unfortunately, although they played well, they did not win. However, everyone who was there was a winner because the Olympic Museum is spectacular, a magnificent building, manicured lawns, the olympic flame burning, Olympic statues, trophies and memorabilia from the first Olympic Games. How exciting it will be for bridge to become part of the Olympic family!

There is also exciting news about District 3 Regional in 2000. The New York City unit and District 3 will be joining together to run the Eastern States Regional over the Memorial Day weekend at the Sheraton Parsippany. New York has found it absolutely prohibitive to run a Regional over those dates in NYC and has asked us to co-host a tournament in our District. This is a bit far for New Yorkers, but they will surely support the tournament and we are very excited to share this weekend with them. We were at this hotel many years ago when it was the Tara and are pleased to be back.

In August there will be a Regional right in our own backyard. We will be at the Crown Plaza in Secaucus yes, you're right that's the old Meadowland’s Hilton. Great playing conditions, easy to get to, plenty of wonderful restaurants and shopping nearby. We expect this tournament to have record breaking attendance.

Ron and I wish you a happy, healthy New Year. Be sure to start the millennium off with Gold Points at the Hilton Rye Town and then follow our schedule of events listed on our web site, www.bridge-district3.org, or in the ACBL Bulletin. We expect to see you often. Don't disappoint us.

Joan Gerard, District Director

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Thanks Florence and Paul Barkley Calkins

If there is a bridge game anywhere in our area that qualifies as an "institution," the Friday night game run by Florence and Paul Silver at the Rockland Bridge Center must certainly be it. For the last 25 years they have run it with considerable TLC that has given the game a singular stature. Their parties, Player of the Year, Good Sport Night, Life Master to name a few, are famous, and have made our Friday nights so much more than just a time to play bridge.

Glenda and I were among the people who were drawn to the Silvers' game. Now that they have decided to retire from the running of the Friday night game, we are pleased and honored to be taking it over beginning January 28, 2000.

On January 21, we along with Jackie will host the Silvers' annual player of the year party. The party will provide an opportunity for many of us to say thanks to the Silvers for all the wonderful memories.

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Past President's Letter Ruth Bernstein

I am happy to pass on the baton of leadership of Unit 106 to the dynamic leadership of Glenda Calkins. My thanks go out to those board and non-board members who have worked so diligently through out my two year term. My thrust during my term of office was to strongly implement our Good Behavior Policy. It is with regret that I say “we still have a long way to go."

I wish everyone a happy and healthy entrance into the next century.

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Success at the Boston Nationals Betty Price

Roads to Boston were filled with many of Unit 106’s members as they headed to the Boston Nationals. Several of the participants were happy to bring home the gold. Saeko Hisayama and Noriko Kobe did particularly well in the Ladies Non Life Masters pairs . They ended 3rd in a very tight match with the top two contenders for 13.9 gold. Bob and Betty King played in the Okbridge KO and placed 1st. They also placed 2nd with John Kuhavitz in a second KO. The King's won 37+ gold., John won 14+. Other big winners were Irina Levitina and Ilya Levitin placing 2nd in the Sat. stratified pairs for 25.44 gold. Winning 13 points were Pat Kent in a Swiss Team event and Nicholas France in open pairs 13.92. Others who brought home gold were Beverly Tuck-Sherman, Andy Muenz, Bob Zehm, Jo Ann and Neale Van Delft, Kay and Wayne Roelke, Marvin Brown, Richard Horkitz, Gregory Rosoff, Ari Eisenberg, Rolf Paul. Kuniko Kusumoto and Keiko Yamada

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Pro-Am Tournament Andy Lohan

The Pro-Am tournament was very successful due to Elaine Meyers, Glenda Calkins (Rockland), Irma Cohen (Bergen) and Cheryl Porter (Maywood) who ran each of the games. It is a lot of hard work to get pros and amateurs matched. All the pros are to be commended for making the game enjoyable for the ams.I would like to thank all the Life Masters who offered their services and those that worked on the event. The winners were:

    1. Peck Close and Sheldon Berger
    2. Arthur Nusbaum and Faith Eckberg
    3. Marcia Katz and Tod Thorgersen
    4. Marie Gough and Jules Shapiro
    5. Ed Wiley and Stan Politowski
    6. Gerhard Hass and Al Pagen
    7. Lillian Laster and Paul Silver
    8. Audrey Uphill and Veronica Chili
    9. Marie Freedman and Leona Scholar

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The Y2K - Double Knockout Team Event Tod Thorgersen

Last Year's Double Knockout was won by the Friedman team consisting of Charlie Friedman, Frank Mirchin, Julian Schulman, Dave Kuenzler, Carole Wardell, and Tod Thorgersen. Knockout events are gaining in popularity as evidenced by the variety of them in all the National and Regional tournaments throughout the year. Therefore, the local and unit knockouts provide a wonderful opportunity for players to play more frequently in this type of event.

Entries for the Y2K Double Knockout event are available online at our web page - www.bridge-njba.org - and will be available at the local clubs very shortly. Teams may consist of 4, 5, or 6 players. Each team will select a Captain who is responsible for scheduling and reporting the results of the match. The deadline for submitting entries for this event is January 15th

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EasyBridge! Comes to Unit 106 Jean Mazouat

EasyBridge a program developed by Edith McMullin, the noted Novice/Intermediate Director, author and teacher from Maryland has been offered this fall to beginners. I found it to be a very interesting and enjoyable experienced proved to be a whopping success. It offered beginners six Free lessons, a free book and has proven to be a non-threatening easy way to learn the game while actually playing duplicate. EasyBridge is underwritten by the ACBL and Unit 106.

EasyBridge I! lasts 15 weeks and will be followed by EasyBridge! 2 and 3. At the end of the first six weeks we had a regular Novice game awarding master points! New people will be welcomed any time, so feel free to tell your friends. Teachers, this game offers a great way for your students to practice and meet new partners. No Experts Allowed!

It has been gratifying to have a well conceived program that works after the time and effort that has been spent planning and teaching the EasyBridge Lessons. Thanks goes to many for the help and interest in its success. These include ACBL, Edith McMullin, Marti Ronemus, MaryAnn Klopfenstein, to Enid Steinmark and Lyla March for the use of their facilities, and to Robin Tuck-Sherman and Al Pagan for their assistance.

Stay tuned! There will be more in 2000. EasyBridge!2 is schedule to begin on March 3, 2000.

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Club Winners

Bergen Club championships: Richard Rosner - Elaine Schwartz, Irene Poonarian - Frank Condon , (Swiss Team) Irene Poonarian - Anna Sheldon - Sidney Schenfeld - Sarah Wiener

Bergen-Rockland Club Open pairs: Ros Elk and Leonard Helfgott, Tod Thorgersen and Florence Silver, Miyoko Boswell and Lee Ohliger, Charity game: Kristen Swenson and Sue Streckler, Ruth Kaplan and Maralyn Klein., Thelma Sachs and Barbara Dorfman, Ely Gold and Ellen, Stein International Fund Game Sonia Spieker and Ike Eskenazi, Open Pairs: Eva Scatassa Nick France

Rockland Bridge Center Open Pairs: (Club Appreciation) Lou Murphy-Bob Sterling; Rebecca Schwartz- Ann Shor; Keith Thornton- Dick Avazion, Kathy Benjamin-Pat Kent. Open Pairs: Stan Hirshman-Mel Grill; Irene Schwartz Renee Blank. Arlene Roth-Harriet Horowitz; Jules Shapiro-Florence Silver, Arnie Bergen-Bill Alexander Charity: Mike Smalline-Shelly Schneider; Allan Rosenblum-Stan Fink. Paul Fagan-Ted Wilson, Membership: Joy and Burrell Humphries. Open Pairs: Louise Murphy - Rosemary Olsavsky, Rosemarie Whitmore, Bertha Berman, Rosalie Kukland, Stuart Tarkan. Open Pairs: Florence Silver - David Herold, Ann Shor - Rebecca Schwartz

Maywood Club Championships: C. Burnett-E. Poulos, E. King-F. Grunwald, J. Chafi-J McGowan, B. Victor-M. Schloss, N. Gartner,-M. Curman, E. Steinmark-. Roitman, C. Porter-R. Garofalo, A. Federman-W. Hertzberg, J. Ball-M. Goetz, M. Butler-A. Chester. Charity Gasmes: M. Atlas-K. Lang, R. Meyer-B. Victor, M. Hersh-R. Conroy, R. Chester-J., Fine, S. Keller-C. Goldfarb. PRO-AM: E. Wiley- S. Politowski, B,. Klose-S Berger. ACBL-Wide Instant MPs: W. Stephan-J. Michaelis, R.Falcone-C. Field

Non-Smokers: Club Club Appreciation Prs. Fl A Ruth Van Dam - John Kuharetz, Fl. B Miyoko Boswell - Doree Sobel, Fl. C Winners Anita Lind - Lucille Silverman, Open Pairs Ari Klein - Si Elk

Ridgewood CC Open Pairs: Helen Sweeney - Ruth Dunnington

Wyckoff Open Pairs: (Club Appreciation) Sue Handley-Sandy Zellner; Myrna DeMyer-Nicky Prell; Rose and Kaare Larsen. Open Pairs: Andy Muenz- Bob Zehm; Charlotte Piuck-Barbara Dahl, Barbara Dahl-Sandy Zellner; Betty Zirpoi-Mary Caldwell, Charity: Jo Paine- Margie Daniels

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Note from the Editor Betty Price

This last month has been a very interesting month. Cornel and I have discovered new ways to import data and the much detail in putting the Bulletin together. The newsletter is out on time due to the support of many of the members including: Wayne Roelke, Arnie Bergen, Ursala Pardo, Glenda Calkins and the board members who have sent in their information for the newsletter.

I would like to ask those of you who have or would like to contribute bridge articles to send them to me so that I can make a file to select from related to topic and space for publication for the future bulletins. These articles can be sent at any time. This will eliminate some last minute preparation. Best wishes for the New Year.

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In Memorial

Steve Fellner of Mahwah, who played at the Rockland Bridge Club, drowned recently during tropical Storm Floyd. He had abandoned his stalled car and tried to walk home, concerned that his wife Christine and children would need his help during the storm.

Steve brought intelligence, intensity and humor to the bridge world, where he played most often with Bob Orne and Pat Kent. He was also a master chess player, having won a tournament several years ago. Steven enjoyed simple pleasures, being with his family, cats, walking, games and computers. He was a technical writer with, a computer software company. by Helen Wallach

Alexander Chester of Fort Lee, who played at the Maywood Bridge Club, was better known to his friends as Al. Al was a true gentleman, always had a pleasant greeting, and enjoyed the game of bridge. Marie Butler was Al's partner in business as well as at the bridge table, just last month they had won the club championship in their section. Those who knew him at the Maywood club will miss Al and his friendly manner. by Betty Price


                    New Life Members in 1999

 Saundra Arons     Monique Copeland  Lan Go      
 Vivian Goldstein  Bettie Hendry     James Michaelis
 Andy Muenz        Betty Price       Myron Rimer
 T.Seng Tjoa       Martha Troxell    Beverly-Tuck-Sherman
 Bob Zehm

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