DISTRICT DIRECTOR’S REPORT - June 2007

THE SCHOOL BRIDGE LEAGUE AND JUNIOR BRIDGE PROGRAM

As I had previously reported, I was elected to the ACBL Educational Foundation. After attending my first meeting, I have now been appointed to the Audit Committee of this body. One benefit of sitting on this board is that I receive information about School Bridge and Junior Bridge. There are some interesting developments with these programs. As our District have School Bridge and Junior Bridge programs, I would like to assist in expanding our involvement in these areas.

At the NABC in Nashville this July, there is going to be a Junior Bridge Teachers seminar (it is free) for existing teachers and for all others who want to form a Junior Bridge Program. I plan on attending this event, but I would like to hear from our existing teachers and all those who are interested in forming a program with their local unit. There will be a display from the School Bridge League at the seminar. At this time I would like to hear from all of our junior teachers who have programs in place to write up a brief summary of how their program works. I especially want to hear from anyone who wants to start a school or junior program Please contact me at pinsky4bridge@earthlink.net. I would also like to develop a master mailing (email) list of all of our teachers so that we can improve communications between ourselves and others on a national level. Thanks in advance for your interest.

It’s a Different View From Dummy

A few points for your information. First, at our July Bridge Week Regional, Sharon Fairchild, 2007 ACBL President will be visiting our District. Plan on meeting her Thursday through Sunday.

Next, June starts the local qualifying for the 2008 North American Pairs. Ask you local club for the dates of their events. Our District Coordinator is Michael Marcucci. If you cannot reach him, please call me with your questions.

Last month, I announced a Graphic Design Contest. I have not heard from anyone yet, but as a refresher, this is what it is about. Each year ACBL has the Ace of Clubs contest and the Mini-McKenney contest. ACBL issues certificates for the Unit winners. There are no certificates available for District winners. I would like to present certificates for District accomplishment. Therefore, I an sponsoring a contest for someone to design a certificate that we can present to our District leaders. I am also working on a prize for the winner. Let me know if you have any ideas.

Finally, is our ALACBU Elections. Please reference the Election Announcement in this paper. But to summarize, if you are interest in running for an office or sitting on a committee, please let me know. The other committee members are John Killian and Barbara Nusbaum. Next month I will report on the slate of candidates for office and committees.