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Valley Forge Regional
 District 4, which includes Unit 141 and a number of other units from south of Delaware to upstate New York, will be hosting a regional in June that runs an entire week and awards gold points for top finishes.
The dates are June 16-22 and the location is the Doubletree hotel in King of Prussia. Aside from the usual run of pairs events, there will also be daily knockouts, golden opportunity pairs, and much more. Also offered will be daily hospitality, pre-duplicated boards for all pairs events, and two daily speakers. The online partnership desk, which can be accessed through both the District 4 and Unit 141 websites, is available to coordinate for partners and teammates.
For additional information, check out the event flyer here.
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Report on the Annual Brunch
On May 18, over 70 Unit 141 members enjoyed beautiful weather, lovely spring views, and a great brunch spread at Bala Golf Club as part of the Annual Meeting. Kudos to coordinator Joan Warren, who organized a seamless and enjoyable event for everyone.
After brunch, Unit President Mike Giesler ran the Annual Meeting. He offered the Treasurer's report and provided information from several key committees. I/N chair Bruce Lang talk about activities from the past and previewed future plans. The importance of Zero Tolerance throughout the unit's clubs and at its tournaments was emphasized and both the Unit Recorder, Doug Dye, and the Chair of the Conduct and Ethics committee, Bob Glasson were introduced.
The 2013 new Life Masters, Ace of Clubs, and Mini-McKenney award winners were presented and given their awards and certificates.
 | | 2013 New Life Masters (in attendance): Bruce Lang, Susan Bailey, Janet Johnson, Ed Kung |
 | | 2013 Mini-McKenney (in attendance): Bruce Lang, Kathy Fisher, John Dickenson |
 | | 2013 Ace of Clubs (in attendance): Bruce Lang and Arnold Selig |
A free raffle drawing garnered fun and useful prizes for the attendees, such as free plays at local clubs. The Sonny Jaspan Memorial Game then followed. Seventeen tables battled it out for the trophy, which was won by Margie and Bob Smink. They will hold it for a year and defend their title at the 2015 game.
The Annual Meeting enables all Unit members to learn about and ask questions regarding Unit business, but it is also good, social fun. Thanks to those who attended this year and we look forward to seeing all of you next year.
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Participate in "The Longest Day"
 During last year's Valley Forge Regional, District 4 participated in "The Longest Day," a fundraiser to support Alzheimer's research and other programs. After a terrific success under the enthusiastic work of coordinator Lewis Klein, the district will participate again in this year's effort.
The events will take place on June 21st and there are at least three ways to get involved. You can play during the regional on that date and proceeds from those games will go towards the fundraising effort. Alternatively, you can visit the Alzheimer's website and make a donation. There is also a raffle for which you can buy tickets to play with a local pro; proceeds from the raffle are contributed to the fundraising effort as well.
For additional information or to make a donation, visit the website:
For questions or to purchase raffle tickets, contact coordinator Lewis Klein at
Lewis@gershelbros.com. Raffles tickets will also be available on June 21st at the regional.
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Get Eligible for the NAPs
 A highly prestigious "grassroots" event, the North American Pairs (NAPs) starts at the club level in June and continues into August. Club-level qualifications may be earned at any club in any unit running a qualifying game from June 1 to August 31. Check with your local club for its schedule. District 4 follows with a district qualifier in the fall and the event culminates with the national event at the 2015 Spring Nationals in New Orleans.
A player may qualify as often as desired and with as many different partners as desired. At the district final, both players must have qualified at the club level and must be members of District 4. The NAPs are played in flights as follows: A (Open), B (0-2500), C (0-500 Non-Life Masters). Players can play in any and all flights for which they are eligible and qualified.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact NAP coordinator Jay Apfelbaum (japfel@verizon.net). |
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Table Tips: Be Kind to Your Bidding Box
 It wouldn't seem like you need to know much to use a bidding box correctly, but there are a few things to remember.
1. Don't fuss with the cards in box until you are ready to bid. Think about how all of that unnecessary fondling conveys unauthorized information to your partner. According to the Laws (actually the Appendix), a bid is made when a card is pulled "with intent" so although it is not strictly forbidden to fiddle, it is a lot better to settle on your bid before you reach into the box.
2. Use the STOP card properly and consistently. If you use the stop card, be sure that you know how to use it correctly. It must be used for all skip bids and should be set on the table for 5-10 seconds. You can read more about the stop card at the ACBL website.
3. Use the Alert card. The proper Alert procedure is to announce the word "Alert" and tap the table with the Alert card whenever your partner makes an alertable bid. When the Alert card is missing from your bidding box, you can tap the table instead.
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Club News
Raffles for Bridge has moved to a bright, new location in the same area. Their address is: 3901 Conshohocken Ave. Greenbriar Club Apartments Defensive Arts Center Philadelphia PA 19131 For additional information such as about game times or how to contact the club, check out the Raffles website.
The Ami Bridge evening game will be moving from Tuesday to Thursday evenings at 6:30 PM and the location is moving to Middletown Country Club. This is an open game. Their website is www.bridgewebs.com/newtown.
Local clubs are encouraged to send announcements, schedules, updates, and special games for placement in upcoming newsletters.
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