District 4 Regional Tournaments

When you are reading this message, we will have just completed the Philadelphia Regional at Valley Forge. As you probably noticed an enormous amount of work and plannng goes into events like our regional tournaments.

Valley Forge Tournament Chair, Meyer Kotkin, commonly known as "Dr. Chick Magnet" puts hundreds of hours in preparation before and during the tournament. Our Intermediate/Newcomer Chairs, Joan and Bill Goldstein, not only oversee everything for new players at Valley Forge, but also run several sectional tournaments for new players during the year. Elaine Weintraub, Partnership Chair, does a difficult job making sure that everyone who wants to play, gets to play and matchmaking is not an easy task. Pat Civale, with a little help from me, provides a welcoming atmosphere and lots of desserts in the evening hospitality suite. Bob Glasson does all the advance negotiation with the hotel, including making sure that our players are properly fed at both breakfast and lunch. My small contribution is the daily bulletins that you receive on your mobile devices and online.

In addition to these volunteers, you saw Tom Purl, our Tournament Assistant, everywhere, setting up tables, putting out bidding boxes and managing all aspects of the tournament venue. Rob Maier, our Director in Charge, worked not only the days of the tournament but well in advance planning space requirements and directing staff. He was capably assisted by a team of terrific ACBL directors.

The next time that you see any of these people - take a minute to say thank you - without them there would be no bridge tournament.