Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Contact your District 4 board members.
PRESIDENT
Jeanne Gehret
jeannegehret@comcast.net
VICE PRESIDENT
Betsy Cutler
betsy2955@gmail.com
SECRETARY
Bill Bauer
william.baueriii@verizon.net
TREASURER
Pat Civale
pat@csa-accounting.com
DISTRICT DIRECTOR
Joann Glasson
joannglasson@msn.com
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Coming up soon is the FLX Regional (formerly the Burt Garrell Regional). Like all of District 4’s Regionals, it will feature a complimentary lunch between sessions.
The Finger Lakes area is well-known as a top tourist destination in Upstate New York, and with no evening games scheduled, you might want to take in one or several of the following activities:
- Visit some of the numerous local wineries
- Take in a ball game: The minor league baseball team, the Red Wings, has evening games during tournament week
- Cruise the Erie Canal: The Colonial Belle has evening cruises every night (and Tuesday 8/8 is a Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise)
- Try your Luck: Several casinos are within a thirty-minute drive
I’ll be there, and hope you will be too!
CLICK HERE for the schedule, hotel information, and local dining options.
Note that this Regional does not require proof of Covid vaccination to participate.
NOT ABLE TO ATTEND BUT STILL WANT TO COMPETE FOR GOLD?
The Finger Lakes Regional features a 2-session online pairs event on Saturday, August 12 (10 & 2), exclusively for District 4 members. There are 3 games – Gold Rush, Mid-Flight, and Top Flight. Look for details on how to register for this BBO game on the tournament website HERE.
DISTRICT 4 REGIONALS
Are you aware that District 4 has a terrific reputation for hosting great Regionals? To brag a bit – this year’s Rehoboth Beach Regional had a post event satisfaction rating of 96%, which was the highest rate ever achieved by any Regional across the ACBL. Not to be outdone, the Philadelphia Regional at King of Prussia turned in a 98% satisfaction rating. I couldn’t be prouder of our reputation, and of the Tournament Chairs and their teams of volunteers that made it possible. Very well done!
BEST PRACTICES TEACHER COURSE
And the good news keeps on coming… the Philadelphia Regional at King of Prussia hosted a Best Practices course, attracting roughly 20 attendees. I’m delighted to share that as a result of this course, District 4 now has 15 newly certified Best Practices teachers! I’d like to thank the Philadelphia Regional tournament chairs for making this course part of their week and am looking forward to a flurry of teaching activity and increasing membership.
GRAND NATIONAL TEAMS IN CHICAGO
A huge shout out to all the GNT teams that represented District 4 at the Nationals. The level of play in these events is tough, and it’s both an honor and a ton of fun to compete in this event. Two of our teams did very well, but I especially want to highlight our Flight C GNT team who made it all the way to the semis: Jack Willgruber, Jeffrey Rohrbeck, Dave Willgruber, and Lou Primavera. With a 3rd/4th finish, they won 22.50 masterpoints (15 of those points were gold).
Also, our Championship Flight team had a 5th thru 8th finish, which awarded 27.00 platinum points. Nicely done team: Jay Apfelbaum, Lou Glasthal, Zachary Madden, Richard Popper, Meyer Kotkin, and Dan Boye.
AUGUST IS THE LAST MONTH TO QUALIFY FOR NORTH AMERICAN PAIRS (NAP)
In order to participate in the District NAP Finals, players must earn a “Q” (qualification) during a face to face club or online game. August is the final month to get qualified. Don’t miss out! Ask your local club when they are hosting NAP qualifying games and get your “Q”!
For more information about NAPs - USE THIS LINK – for details, locations and timing of District Finals Flights.
NAP/GNT COORDINATOR
I am sad to report that Bharat Rao has requested to step down from his role as NAP/GNT coordinator due to increased work responsibilities. I have appreciated Bharat’s enthusiasm, focus on the players, working to grow the events, and his ability to think outside the box. He was a terrific partner and friend.
Stepping forward to take on this role is Lou Glasthal (U141). Lou brings many skills to the role, and will partner with Bharat for a smooth transition. Thank you Lou, for taking on this important District 4 position. I look forward to working with you.
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Until next month,
I welcome your comments or suggestions (jeannegehret@comcast.net)
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From the District Director |
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Chicago is a beautiful city and the location of the NABC in the Sheraton was a wonderful spot for an NABC. The weather was mild and the restaurant choices were plentiful.
Andrew Jin of Newtown, PA won the Masterpoint Press Sportsmanship Award at the Youth NABC. Andrew is the young man (age 16) who recently held a class for youth players at the King of Prussia regional tournament which attracted more than 30 young students.
District 4 was well represented by our Championship Flight team of Jay Apfelbaum, Lou Glasthal, Zach Madden, Richard Popper, Meyer Kotkin and Dan Boye, who made it to the round of eight.
Miriam Harris-Botzum won the 0-6,000 Mini-Spingold Teams and Estelle and Al Ronderos just missed, coming in second in the 0-10,000 Mixed Swiss Teams.
Overall finishes of District 4 players are listed below.
DISTRICT 4 PLAYERS RESULTS IN NABC EVENTS
Morehead GNT Championship Flight: 5/8 – Jay Apfelbaum, Louis Glasthal, Zachary Madden, Richard Popper, Meyer Kotkin, Dan Boye
GNT Flight C 3/4 - Jack Willgruber, Jeffrey Rohrbeck, Dave Willgruber, and Lou Primavera
Bruce Life Master 0-6,000 Pairs: 7 – Lisa Mita; 10 – David Venetianer; 22 – Todd Thorsen
Young 0-2,500 Pairs: 14 – David Dodgson, David Dresher
Truscott Senior Swiss Teams: 4 – Louis Glasthal, Richard Popper
Werner Open Pairs: 22 – Richard Popper; 50 – Daniel Boye, Larry Sunser
0-6,000 Mini Spingold Teams: 1 – Miriam Harris-Botzum; 5/8 Todd Thorsen
0-10,000 Mixed Swiss Teams: 2 – Estelle Ronderos, Alvaro Ronderos; 7 – Gwen Chen
Roth Open Swiss Teams: 9 – Connie Goldberg; 29 – Louis Glasthal, Ilan Wolff
Spingold Teams: 9/16 – Connie Goldberg
DISTRICT 4 PLAYERS WHO CAME IN THE TOP 10 IN REGIONAL EVENTS
Educational Foundation Side Pairs: 3B – Betsy Cutler, Mike Kohler
Educational Foundation Round Robin Teams – Bracket 3: 4 – David Dodgson, David Dresher, Susan Morse, Todd Thorsen
Educational Foundation Round Robin Teams – Bracket 6: 3 – Ann Lawson, Kathy Heist, William Tannery
Friday Bracketed Round Robin Teams – Bracket 4: 2 - Mike Kohler
Baumgart Bracketed Round Robin Teams – Bracket 3: 2 – Mike Freedman
Baumgart Bracketed Round Robin Teams – Bracket 6: 2 – Brendon O’Malley, Linda O’Malley, Steven Binnick, Marc Topaz
Friday Evening Side Pairs: 4 – Zachary Madden
Saturday Top Flight Pairs: 1 – Jay Apfelbaum, Louis Glasthal
Monday Bracketed Round Robin Teams – Bracket 10: 3/4 Gwen Chen
Monday Bracketed Round Robin Teams – Bracket 11: 3 – Marc Topaz, Steven Binnick
Tuesday Bracketed Round Robin Teams – Bracket 4: 1 - Jane Havighurst, John Schwartz, Gary Hillenbrand; 2 – John Dickenson, Lisa Mita, Susan Morse
Wednesday Afternoon Side Game: 1B – Anthony McBeth, Robert Felix; 1C – Linda O’Malley, Brendan O’Malley
Thursday Gold Rush Pairs: 10 – Linda O’Malley, Brendan O’Malley
Thursday Afternoon Side Game: 6B – Bridget Whitley
Saturday Afternoon Youth Pairs: 2 – Andrew Jin
Saturday Mid-Flight Pairs: 3 - Robert Shenkin, Susan Shenkin
Sunday Afternoon Side Game: 1 – Bob Cole
Sunday Top-Flight Swiss Teams: 1 – Michael Shuster
Sunday 0-3000 Round Robin Teams – Bracket 2: 2 – Robert Shenkin, Susan Shenkin; 3 – Bridget Whitley
More to come about the board meetings in next month’s 4Spot. As always, please contact me with any questions – joannglasson@msn.com.
Joann
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Regionals
August 7-11
October 30-November 5
December 14-16
Sectionals
September 8-10
September 22-23
October 6-8
October 20-22
November 11-12
December 14-16
STaCs
July 31-August 6
November 13-19
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The 4Spot features fantastic contributors, on a regular rotation: |
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January, April, July, October:
Larry's Learning Center by Larry Cohen
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February, May, August, November:
For Novices Only by Marti Ronemus
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March, June, September, December:
Schwaidelson's Fractured Four-Hand Tales
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For Novices Only
Marti's off this month. Click here for a useful article originally published on BBO: tips for playing successfully on line, written by another or our bridge luminaries, the one and only Robert Todd. Robert, D4 thanks you for permitting us to share your wisdom! |
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Moderator: Nick Straguzzi
This is more than just finely-crafted analysis of a problem auction. It's encouraging proof that a significant number of our unit's strong players have imaginary partners who identify as she/her. Hats off to the Nick and his contributors for this one.
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Then visit the MSC website to read next month's problem and submit your answers online here. |
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News from Around the Units |
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Unit 112: Central New York
Betty Youmans
readsausten@yahoo.com
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The Rochester Summer Sectional, held on July 8-9, was well attended. Thank you to Denise Slattery, Tournament Chair, Lori VanDerlinde, Partnership Chair, and Jim Patton, Rochester Area Bridge Association President, for an enjoyable event. Congratulations to Roger Woodin who has achieved 10,000 masterpoints including the 20.49 points earned at this sectional.
The Finger Lakes Regional is almost here! It will be held on August 7-11 plus an online event (for District 4 members only) on August 12. It is not too late to make plans to travel to Rochester. Those who don’t plan to travel still have the opportunity to earn gold playing in the August 12 online event. Regionals are wonderful opportunities to make new friends, have fun and earn gold!
Unit 112 Congratulates its Advancing Players:
Club Master
Sandy Harmer, Horseheads
Gail Schmidt, Chadwicks
Sectional Master
Cecil Baker, Oneonta
Barbara Dewall, Trumansburg
Regional Master
William Barry, Geneva
Richard Portland, Victor
Sue Portland, Victor
Anne Schofield, Syracuse
Paul Tick, Corning
NABC Master
Mark Wheeler, Ithaca
Advanced NABC Master
Michael Breen, Dansville
Life Master
Barbara McIver, Rochester
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Unit 120: Northeastern Pennsylvania
Doreese Torrey
doreeset@gmail.com
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Hello Unit 120!! I trust you are all enjoying your summer?! Did you know that this year, 2023, could break global heat records according to USA Today? It's true! According to Global Meteorological Experts, the extreme changes are due to El Nino warming the Pacific Ocean and the steady influence of global warming.
Want to beat the heat?? There are many Club, Sectional, Regional, National and Virtual Bridge games going on all the time. Check out the ACBL website or the monthly ACBL Bridge Bulletin for dates and times.
Unit New Rankings for July include:
New Ruby Life Master W F (Bill) Burns III E Stroudsburg, P A
New Regional Master Elizabeth A Vucic Poyntelle, PA
New Sectional Master Edel Hofstetter Equinunk, PA
New Junior Master Joe Cardone S Abington Twp, PA
New Club Master Ro Olofsson
Congratulations!! Hoot Hoot!!
Whatever games you play in, stay cool, hydrated and healthy!
See you at the face to face and/or virtual bridge tables!
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Unit 121: Berks Montgomery
Carl Ziegler
crzig@hometownu.com
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Check back next month for Unit 121 news. |
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Unit 133: Lehigh Valley
Lois Fuini
lafuini@yahoo.com
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Hopefully you are all enjoying family picnics, barbecues with friends, vacations and outdoor activities during these lazy, hazy days of summer. But if the heat gets to be too much, please don’t forget our indoor air-conditioned bridge games. And most importantly, please remember to check on your friends to make sure they are safe and healthy.
In Memoriam
We are saddened to report the passing of one of our members, Marion Oxley. From an early age, Marion had a strong curiosity for learning. She graduated from Ambridge H.S. as valedictorian, and later from Penn State University with honors majoring in Biology. She planned to attend medical school until her father told her medicine was not a career for women in the 1950s. She instead worked for Ortho Pharmaceuticals and Gulf Oil until she moved to Allentown where she became the Director of Adult Education at the Allentown YMCA &YWCA.
In 1952, Marion met the love of her life, Larry Oxley. There was an immediate spark which glowed through seventy years of marriage as of this August. They traveled and played many sports together. Marion excelled at golf, tennis and was a master-level bridge player. She will be greatly missed.
New Rank Advancements Congratulations!
New Regional Master
Carol Turoczi
The Longest Day
Unit 133 is still accepting donations toward our goal of $1500 for the Alzheimer’s Association. If you would like to make a contribution to this very worthwhile cause, please mail a check, payable to the Alzheimer’s Association, to Betsy Cutler, 1383 Deerfield Drive, Allentown PA 18104. We are very close to reaching our goal and we are counting on YOU to make this fundraiser a success!
STaC Games
The week of July 31 -August 6th is your next chance to earn double silver points in a club game. The District 4 STaC (Sectional Tournament at Club) is scheduled for the Lehigh Valley Active Life games in Allentown. Their July 31 Monday game (0-750), and the August 4 Friday game (Open) are both STaC games at 12:30 pm. If the games have at least 5 tables, they will be included in the district-wide results. The fee for these games will be $8.
Over/ Under Swiss Teams Game
Thursday, August 3 at Lehigh Valley Active Life at 12:30 is our annual Over/Under 300 Swiss Teams Game. This is also a STaC game, so all points will be upgraded silver points. Teams are made up of 2 players under 300 points and no more than 2 players over 300 points. Each pair may have no more than one player over 300 points. The entry fee is $8 per person. For help finding teammates contact Lois Fuini at lafuini@yahoo.com. Please try to join us. It’s a fun game that gives our newer players an enjoyable opportunity to play Swiss Teams with more experienced players to help them with the strategies, scoring, etc.
Fundraiser for Philadelphia NABC
August 14-20 is designated as a fundraiser for the 2025 Philadelphia NABC. Games at Lehigh Valley Active Life. Bethlehem Bridge Club will be included in this event. The entry fee will be $8. The extra $1 per person will be used to fund special events in 2025.
Save the Date-October 20
Please save the date for this year’s Allentown Fall Sectional beginning October 20. We are looking forward to seeing everyone and providing an enjoyable tournament with lots of opportunities for points Details to follow next month.
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Unit 141: Philadelphia
John Dickenson
dickenjb@gmail.com
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Well, our second full month of North American Pairs qualifying games at the clubs has concluded. I am delighted to report that as of July 26, 678 PCBA members have qualified for play in the District finals. If you want to check your status, click here – and remember to scroll down to Unit 141! If you have not yet “Q’d”, you still have August – visit our U141 website for an up-to-date list of clubs running special qualifying games here.
During the recent District 4 regional at the Alloy hotel, the King of Prussia Bridge Club sponsored a youth bridge camp. Andrew Jin, a student at Council Rock High School, was the instructor and helpers were yours truly and Natalie Weinstein from KOPBC, and Bernadette Hennessy May and Kathy Emery from the South Jersey Bridge Club at Game Friendzy in Cherry Hill. We had 30 students show up to learn the game of bridge and a great time was had by all. Pictures follow!
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A warm welcome to our newest PCBA members!
Sue Bell
Frank Caporusso
Beverly Carroll
Judi Dellabadia
Marilyn Goldman
James Jarvis
Kristin Laws
Theodore Laws
Jacqueline Swartz
Arlene Yocum
Congratulations to our members who achieved a new rank!
Junior Masters
Jane Hileman
Tykie Knight
Bob Marsden
Linda McGrath
Douglas Olsen
Jay Rose
Marilynne Rose
Rebecca Wagner
William Warren
Club Master
Kathleen Clarke
Sectional Masters
Ric Anderson
Martin Greitzer
Glenn Haas
Joanne Heller
Edward Hino
Constance Opfell
Sue Paul
NABC Master
Diana Kramer
Advanced NABC Master
Anne-Marie Corner
Silver Life Masters
Satya Kunapuli
Ingrid Yonker
Ruby Life Master
Michael Minoff
Sapphire Life Master
Karen Hoffner
Emerald Life Master
Elaine Clair
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Unit 168: Central Pennsylvania
Russell Poppleton
rpoppleton@comcast.net
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What did we do before 2/1 came along, you ask?
- The Beatles split 49 years ago. Beatles trivia: Who was the youngest of the Fab Four? George Harrison joined the Beatles at the age of 15.
- The movie ‘Wizard of Oz’ is 84 years old.
- Elvis died 46 years ago. He’d be 88 today.
- Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ video is 41 years old.
- Mickey Mantle retired 54 years ago.
- The movie ‘Saturday Night Fever’ is 48 years old.
- The Ed Sullivan show ended 52 years ago.
- The Corvette turned 70 years old this year.
- The Mustang is 59.
Congratulations to the following for progressing up the ACBL ladder:
JUNIOR MASTERS
Maureen Beltrandi
Dale Heird
CLUB MASTERS
Bruce Carriker
William Even
Coleen Marshall
SECTIONAL MASTERS
Kamrul Khan
Diane Raab
Beth Snell
REGIONAL MASTERS
Joan Picker
William Schantzenbach
SILVER LIFE MASTERS
Joseph Patterson
Jean Pryzbylkowski
PLATINUM LIFE MASTER
Unit 168 would like to recognize its latest Platinum Life Master, Buddy Hano for earning 10,000 master points. In addition to being a Platinum Life Master, Mr Hano is a certified director. Mr Hano says, “At 80, I never thought I would live long enough to reach this goal. Thanks to all my many partners who helped me make this milestone”.
All F-2-F Clubs in Unit 168 will be participating in the Sectional at Clubs (STAC) the week of July 31-August 06. Silver points will be awarded.
Central PA continues to host virtual games, see the website bridgeboardroom.com for a complete virtual schedule. Games are held on a daily basis. August 7-13 is silver points week. Look for some special NAP games in August as well.
HBC will be hosting its monthly Swiss Teams games on Wednesday, August 16. Both a 0-750 and an open game are scheduled. Game time is at 6:30 P.M. with food available at 5:45. Advance registration is requested to plan for sufficient food. See the HBC website, www.bridgewebs.com/harrisburg/ for full details and COVID protocols.
Point to ponder: RHO opens 1NT (15-17), you pass, LHO passes and partner doubles. Is the double primarily penalty or primarily takeout? Make sure you and your partner are in agreement.
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Unit 190: Delaware
Tammy Holm and Paula Varrassi
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Delaware Clubs
The Bridge Studio of Delaware, Wilmington
Harold Jordan
302-479-5431
MOT, Middletown
Cheryl Shields
302-602-1638
Monday Morning Bridge Club
Friday Nooners
Dover
Clare O’Brien
410-310-0549
Shore Bridge
Lewes
Monday @ 12:30
Wednesday @ 9:30
Anna DeLapo
302-236-0346
Shuffles 2
Ocean View Presbyterian church
Thursday @12:30
Donna Heckscher
215-817-2465
shuffles2023@gmail.com
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Check back next month for U190 news |
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Unit 217: Susquehanna
Jim McKeown
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Congratulations to Donald Dasher, Joy Proctor, and Joyce Wilson our new Regional Masters.
It’s a while off, but please plan to join us for our next sectional tournament May 31 – June 2, 2024.
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