January 15, 2025
Dear Indianapolis Bridge Center (IBC) Members:
I think it is still okay to hope for and wish you a happy new year. This is my “swan song” letter as President of the IBC Board of Directors. Words are inadequate to express my gratitude for your help and support during the years. IBC has sustained and expanded its mission and vision and is in a good position because of you. THANK YOU!
The board met on Monday and elected the following slate of officers: President, Larry Cohen; Vice President, Beth Morton; Secretary, Susan May; and, Treasurer, Nick Curott. The officers and IBC Club Manager also serve as the Executive Committee of the board. I am excited and confident that IBC is going to benefit from their skills, talents, passion, and visionary leadership.
Time for congratulations and good news. Big congrats to Roger Jones and Susie Fucik for achieving Life Master and for having great parties. Richard Barnes is the Player of the Month (POM) and the Novice of the Month is Dennis Smith. Watch the calendar (posted at IBC and online) and read Joyce Pepple’s weekly email for notices about their celebrations! The weekly emails are also going to be posted on a bulletin board in the back hallway in case you don’t receive emails.
As always, we need your ongoing and active participation to keep us growing and thriving. BIG THANK YOU to the members that pay their dues even though they have moved away or are unable to play at IBC. Thank you also to our “over 90s” who do not have to pay game fees but do and often voluntarily donate a great deal more. These loyal members cite their lasting friendships, learning experiences, fond memories, and support of IBC’s mission as the reasons for ongoing commitment. We currently have 327 paid members – ten more than this time last year. If you have not paid your annual dues yet, please help us reach our goal of 400.
JOIN US FOR THE SOCIAL SOUPER SUPPER THIS SATURDAY. A variety of soups will be provided. You do need to sign up and please bring a side dish or dessert. The theme-based socials are going to be every other month on Saturdays, alternating with the Mixed Pairs games. Supper starts at 5:30 with the game following. It will be a warm, friendly, and delicious way to fight the chilly weather.
REMINDER: Mark your calendars now. THE REGIONAL IS COMING FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 2 AND IBC WILL BE CLOSED WITH NO GAMES OR CLASSES.
Many special games (opportunities for extra and red points) and activities are planned in
the coming months. There will be no Practice Play on Saturday, February 8, because we will be hosting the Unit 11 sponsorship of the Grand National Teams (GNT) warm-up. It’s a great opportunity for all strats of players and for financial benefits to IBC. If you are not familiar with the GNTs, there will be upcoming information and explanations; please play. Watch for reminders about the Saturday games on February 1 and 22 with light lunch provided before the afternoon’s 0-750 and Open games.
Once again, it has been an honor and rewarding, learning experience to serve as IBC’s Board President. I am looking forward to seeing you at IBC games and activities in the future.
Andie Marshall