Spreading the Word

The new ACBL president, Russ Jones of Arkansas, is a professor at Arkansas State University and his field is Information Systems, Accounting and Computer Science. He brings his talent and experience to his new position in 2019.

Russ is concentrating his year as president on the goals of streamlining costs at the ACBL and growing membership.

In order to grow membership, we have to grow teachers. The ACBL developed a new teacher program last year (ACBL Best Practices Teacher Certification) to replace the old TAP (Teacher Accreditation Program). The new program focuses on training teachers how to teach using simulations to practice their techniques. The new workshop was held at the Syracuse Regional last year with great success and positive feedback. District 4 is considering running it in June in conjunction with the Valley Forge Regional. The cost of the certification is usually $125, but District 4 will subsidize our members to reduce the cost to $50.

Best Practices Teacher Certification requires taking a test in advance on general bridge knowledge, attendance at all three sessions of the workshop in June and a demonstration of proficiency at the end of the program.

Please let me know if you are interested in attending. If enough participants respond, we will arrange for the workshop to be held. joannglasson@msn.com

The game of bridge is full of incredibly talented people and I'd like to mention two of District 4's finest this month.

Barbara Patterson, who owns Ami Bridge Club in Newtown, PA, has successfully built her bridge club into the most successful club in District 4 in 2018. Barbara's club was followed closely by Dave Legrow's Valley Forge Bridge Club. The key to the success of these clubs is the effort to provide a delightful atmosphere in which to play the game. Both clubs provide a welcome and friendly environment where players can enjoy the amazing game of bridge.

Susan Morse, the editor of the Unit 141 newsletter, is an accomplished author and actor. I just finished reading her book "The Habit" and recommend it to any reader who has dealt with the issues of caring for an aging parent. As a daughter with some similar shared experiences, it made me laugh out loud. The book is both funny and touching.