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When we consider the current economic climate, the number of folks at our Sectional says our Sectional and our Game is healthy. The tournament was well attended by section members and ABA'ers across the country. Even our ABA board members felt the call of the Western Sectional, including President Leola Rucker from Virginia Beach, Virginia - Vice President Mary Mason Young from Durham, North Carolina - Willette Phipps from Atlanta, Georgia and of course Treasurer - Harriet Motley...our own Harriet Motley from Phoenix Arizona. Let's not forget the attendance of Mary G. Duncan...ABA Staff Developer and Supervising Director from Burlington, North Carolina. It was truly an honor to have these Board and Staff members join us.
Some of us get goose bumps just thinking about The Western Sectional in Las Vegas...before, during and after, for we know what awaits us from day one. Not the things that go “bump in the night” kind of goose bumps, but the “all the Bridge you could ever want in a weekend and afraid to ask for” kind of goose bumps.Desert Wins sets out a masterful feast, then treats the gathering to an afternoon of tantalizing bridge and fellowship preSectional. How better to get the blood pumping to our brains and ready for the competition the following afternoon.
After Desert Wins... delightful afternoon, some had the energy to venture over to Bally's Hotel where the ACBL was in the final phase of their Glitter Gulch Tournament (Glitter Gulch as in Las Vegas). Stephanie Young and Linda H.Wilson never looked back as they ran thru their section of the evening competition to further prepare themselves for the Western Sectional's fast approaching contest. ABA'ers from Grand Masters to Rubies were spotted and from what I understand, no one that went to Ballys', was disappointed by the adventure at Ballys'.
Sectionals do bring out some Great Pairing and winning partnerships...just to name a few but not limited to, James Lee - Norman James, Edna Felicia Williams - Marion W Hubbard, Doris J Ayers - Ida E Sims, Kathleen Carter - Clara M Harris, Bill Johnson – Sherry Polk, Judith Glasco - Johnny Gills, Willie Jean Brown - Annie L Flow, Carnell Wingfield - Carlos Jones plus of course Stephanie Young and Julia Lee.
Tough games were had by all Knockout Teams but, the following players turned in stellar performances finishing 1st or a darn close 2nd in their fields.
Team: Leroy Wilson Jr - Robert J Friend - Patricia Banks - Verna Scott - Shirley Lee - Jimmy Pelham
Team: Mary R Bell - Velma N Davis - Doristine Barbee - James Green
They were truly impressive . Extra Applause to Velma Davis and her team. They really played their hearts out.
Now for the Election results:
Our ABA President Leola Rucker was on hand to give the oath of office to our newly elected 2012 Western Section Vice President James Lee, our new 2012 Secretary of the Western Section Linda H Wilson and our reelected Gloria Lee Ray, 2012 Financial Secretary/Treasurer, who some love to call the Western Section's CFO. Congratulations to each for taking on a major responsibility and we look forward to their contributions to the Western Section and the ABA.
Highlights of the Tournament:
Now to start a day off right the Las Vegas Hilton had a fabulous and reasonable Breakfast Buffet, plus it is located right across the parking lot from the Riviera. I am sure we are all aware the Hilton is also know to have some of the most giving slots in Las Vegas. (actually true.) Soooo, if you got up early enough before the morning game you had a very inexpensive and fabulous buffet breakfast with ...fringe benefits.
Now lets congratulate the people responsible for pulling the Sectional off without a hitch.
In closing I would like to leave you with this thought. It is the Western Section members pulling together that makes this tournament flourish. Not only did we show up in good numbers, but we gave an unforgettable taste of our competitive spirit to all comers. Sooo,as soon as you get a chance, reach over your shoulder and pat yourself on the back for a successful Fall 2011 tournament.
See you next aboard the CARNIVAL SPLENDOR, where You can play your favorite card game on a wonderful cruise. Leave the sailing to the Captain, the cooking to the Chef, and the cleaning to the cabin boy. Spend your time traveling, playing bridge, dinning and being pamper. Ship sails Sunday May 20th, returns Sunday May 27th
Agnes Snowden
Vice President Western Section
Reporter
Linda H. Wilson