As usual, lots of things are happening at the Naples Bridge Center. I hope you have all completed your members' survey, either online or on paper. We want the NBC to be the best bridge club ever, so your feedback about what is important matters to the Board and to me.

Classes are starting next week and next week is also Club Championship Week (extra points at all games). The Spring Party, celebrating our 40th anniversary, is fast approaching on March 21 so don't delay making your reservations. Larry Cohen will be here on Saturday, March 27, speaking on defense (is there anyone who doesn't need help on defense?) as the last speaker in our Expert series so don't miss him.

There will be an "8 is Enough" Swiss teams on Sunday, March 28. For those of you unfamiliar with this event, each A player is worth 3 points, a B player (500-1500 mp) 2 points and a C (under 500 mp) player 1 point. Each team can have no more than 8 points so two A's would have to pair themselves with 2 C's as teammates. Four B's could play as a team or two B's, an A and a C. This is a fun event and a wonderful way to introduce the C players to Swiss teams (and many A players) in a congenial atmosphere. Mary Sauer (649-7320) will be happy to help arrange your "8 is enough" team.

I was gratified this week to receive the following note: "As a non-member, and newcomer, I would like you to know how much I appreciate the cordial attitude, friendliness, and support of your staff and members." - LH. What a wonderful note and a tribute to all the players this lady encountered! Keep up the good work!

No one likes a sit-out, but we seem to have had many lately. In an effort to fill out the movements, I would like to build a list of those (particularly pairs) who might be willing to come make a full table at the last minute when called. Of course, your entry would be "on the house". If you would like to help out in this area and are willing to be called, please let me know.

When entering the parking lot, please do not make a left turn around the back of the building. That path should be considered a one-way roadway leading out from behind the building.

Joyce Krout has elected to serve on the Board of Governors instead of directing on Tuesday mornings. We all appreciate her good service as a director. Welcome back to Bob Beckwith, a long-time NBC teacher and director, who has assumed the Tuesday morning duties. Let's finish the "season" with lots of bridge and good times at the Naples Bridge Center!

I would like to thank the Board of Governors for electing me President for the 2010 year. I would also like to recognize our past president, Tony Cipolla, for the outstanding job he did in leading us through a challenging year. I don't know how many of you are aware of the time Tony spent managing the club between Wilson Day's departure and Jackie Altschuler's arrival. He handled this and a myriad of other challenges with grace and good humor. The club greatly benefited from his service. Thank you, Tony.

About one third of you have already sent in a reply to our on-line member survey. If you haven't sent in yours as yet, I would urge you to do so. If you didn't get one, ask any director to give you a paper ballot. As you know, we are the only member-owned club with its own facility in Southwest Florida. Our sole purpose is to provide our members with the highest quality lessons and games possible. We are dedicated to continual improvement. We will share the results of the survey, as well as any actions we are going to take after analyzing the results.

Please join us at our spring party on March 21 at Royal Palm Country Club. The game starts at 1:30 PM, followed by cocktails and dinner. It is our 40th anniversary, and we plan to celebrate. Joyce Krout is chairing the event. I wish everyone good playing and a lot of fun with this best of all card games.

The change to the bylaws regarding directors or teachers serving on the Board passed. The newly elected Governors are: John Adams, Cathy Bradbury, Joyce Krout, and Roger Zucker. Nan Burford was elected, but chose not to serve inasmuch as she prefers to continue directing. Thanks to everyone for your participation in the election!

PLAYER OF THE MONTH - Syd Blum

Syd came to Naples in April of 1990 from Long Island, New York. He retired in 2004 from his air conditioning business. Syd is single with four children, aged 32 - 45, who live in Las Vegas, Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Naples. He has a 90 year-old mother who also lives in Naples.

Syd plays bridge almost every day, sometimes twice a day. He started to play only two years ago and is quite passionate about the game. He knows he probably plays more than he should, but coming to the game late in life, he has a desire to get as good as he can as soon as he can! He has 60 masterpoints, not much by bridge club standards, but they give him a sense of satisfaction about his efforts.

Syd told me, "The Naples Bridge Center has, I think, the best group of great players to be found anywhere in the country. I feel truly lucky to have met so many wonderful people who have welcomed me, mentored me, and made me feel comfortable. I play all over when I visit my children. The quality of play and the people here are unsurpassed anywhere else I have been. When you find nice people and a friendly, encouraging atmosphere, you feel compelled to give back where you can."

NEW MEMBERS IN FEBRUARY

The 2010 member directory is now available for pick up at the club

DIRECTOR'S CORNER

Just a few reminders:

Every pair should have two identically filled out convention cards on the table and available to the opponents. All items should be filled it. Too often players ask for a convention card and are told "oh, we don't have one -- that means such and such". It is easy enough to complete a card with each regular partner and store it in your convention card holder so you can display the appropriate one for each partner. You can find sample convention cards and several convention card editors for completing a convention card at http://www.acbl.org/play/toolsSupplies.html. If you need additional help, please consult the director.

Many players prefer North-South due to a physical handicap or simply a desire to stay put. Whatever the reason, please remember that it is North-South's responsibility to move the boards to the next lower table. The next table should not have to ask for boards or get up to "fetch" them from the previous table or side table. North-South should hand them to the next table or put them within reach of the next table. If North-South is your preference, remember that moving the boards is YOUR responsibility.

TOP MASTERPOINTS FOR FEBRUARY

TOP 299 MASTERPOINT WINNERS FOR FEBRUARY

CHANGES IN RANK SINCE NOVEMBER

Here is an explanation of the categories achieved by some of our members who are listed below. A Junior Master has 5 masterpoints. A Club Master has 20 masterpoints. A Sectional Master has 50 masterpoints of which 5 must be silver. A Regional Master has 100 masterpoints of which 15 must be silver and 5 red or gold. An NABC master has 200 masterpoints of which at least 5 are gold, 15 red or gold, and 25 silver. A Life Master has 300 masterpoints of which 30 are silver, 25 gold, and 25 red or gold. There are other categories above these which our members have yet to achieve. Congratulations to all of you!

03/07/10