February 2025 President’s Letter

February 12, 2025
Dear Members of the Indianapolis Bridge Center (IBC):
 
Continuing the tradition of our immediate Past President of the Board, Andie Marshall, I am committed to providing you with a monthly update of all the news of our club.  Following Andie in leading is a difficult task but trying to communicate as thoroughly and clearly as she did is probably impossible. Just know I will try to be just as transparent and diligent as she was. 
 
With that being said, the Board met on Monday, February 3rd, and began the task of forming Committees to assist the IBC Management team in making our club an efficient and welcoming place for everyone. Below is a list of our committees. I hope you will reach out to the committee chair(s) listed if you are interested in joining. 
  • Communications and Marketing Committee – Co-chaired by Joyce Pepple and Linda Cronkleton, is tasked with keeping us all abreast of all the news that is generated by our activities.
  • Financial Committee – Chaired by Nick Curott, has the massive responsibility to not only see that we “live” within our means but plot our financial future so that we can continue to thrive and grow.
  • Membership Committee – Co-chaired by Andie Marshall and Susan May, leads the effort to not only retain membership but to actively encourage new players to swell our membership ranks.
    • Communications sub-committee led by Joyce Pepple
    • Marketing sub-committee led by Linda Cronkleton
    • Social sub-committee – Led by Joe Shierling and Beth Morton, is invested in giving our game sessions a festive atmosphere through parties and theme events that make coming to IBC feel like family gatherings.
  • Technology Committee – Chaired by Brenda Smith, is constantly assessing and evaluating the Club’s current technological assets while keeping an eye on the ever-changing advances and needs of our systems.
Why do I tell you all this?
The IBC Board is committed to increasing Committee involvement with the General Membership. To that end we are actively seeking your participation in whatever area interests you to whatever level of activity you are comfortable with. Our Committee chairs are currently recruiting Committee members and we hope that you will join us. If you have an area of expertise, please let us know so that we can learn and grow from your talents. If you just want to help where needed, there are plenty of opportunities. If you have yet not been recruited but want to join our efforts please let a Board Member know.
 
New News!
Saturday the 8th we had 13 teams of 4 participate in our GNT warm-up Swiss Teams Event, this was a great turnout. Hopefully everyone will be inspired to participate in the District Qualifier in Cincinnati, April 12 and 13. Even if you did not play in the warmup, there is still time to join/put together a team for that event.
 
In the month of January, we had 405 tables of F2F bridge and 12 online.
 
Monthly Recognition:
Our Player of the Month (POM) is Mike Hellmer and our Novice of the Month (NOM) is Doug Kessler. Congratulations to both of them.
 
Watch the Club Calendar for their parties. You can find the Club Calendar on our website. It will also be posted in Joyce’s weekly updates. Remember that those updates and calendars are also posted on our bulletin boards in our hallway.
 
Reminder: The Regionals are coming February 24 through March 2. Click here for the tournament flyer. There will be no games or classes at IBC, except for the beginner classes which will still be held Wednesday (February 26, Thursday (February 27) and Sunday (March 2).
 
Volunteers needed during the regional.
 
1 – At the Regional
  • 6 people for set-up Sunday, February 24 at 1:00 pm
  • Welcome/Newcomer Table – 4-6 people daily
  • Sign-Up Sheets posted at the club
  • Contact Judy Sosin for information at judysosin@gmail.com
2 – At the Indianapolis Bridge Center
  • starting Monday, February 24 (and every day until all  work is completed)
  • daily from 10:30 am. to 12:30 p.m.
  • replace seat cushions and seat backs
  • clean tables, bidding boxes, etc.
Mark your Calendar for Saturday, March 15 when we will have an evening Tip-Off Party–An NCAA Basketball Celebration theme. Details to follow, but in Indiana where basketball is “more than just a game,” everyone will want to show off their colors. Included will be a Club fundraiser with chances to win free game tickets from a blind draw pool.
 
In closing, let me say it is an honor to serve as Board President of IBC. I, along with all Board Members, are here to enhance your membership experience. Please do not hesitate to contact me (or any Board Member) if you wish to share your thoughts.
 
Larry N. Cohen