December 2003 Column

San Mateo–Redwood City, Calif. Unit

Two dates to remember: Sunday, December 14^th, our holiday unit game and Wednesday, December 31st , our New Year’s Party. On December 14^th, we’ll socialize at 5:15; dine on prime ribs at 5:30; play at 6:15 PM. Prime ribs are also planned for New Year’s eve. There will be cocktails and hors d’oeuvres; the setting gala, the club wondrously decorated. Plans were made too late for last month’s “Forum;” President Ellie Stauffer’s going away party on Friday evening, November 7^th is too late to describe in this issue. Ellie, our club’s greatest asset, and Jerry are moving to Salt Lake City to be nearer to family. It won’t be easy but we will fill her shoes. Ellie promises to return often. All the best, Ellie.

Per ACBL, new members are Diane Piedemonte and Deborah Romani. Returning is Kirk Wheeler. Transferring in are Salma Saeed from W. Los Angeles, Getsi Sheahan from Maxwell, CA and Joyce and William Stern from New York Welcome all. Transferring out to Mesa, AZ is Carol Gerlach, who plays mostly in tournaments. We look forward to bumping into Carol at the Nationals or at a Regional. Happy trails, Carol.

Also, Ruth Schrag made Club Master. Don Doolittle and Dan Stowell made NABC Master. Last month, Arlie Lamb was erroneously awarded Club Master instead of NABC Master status. (Some month I’ll be error free.) Congratulations all on your achievements.

Ramona Mercer, a most engaging and accomplished player, has an even more compelling real life as Dr. Mercer, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor emeritus of family health care nursing at UCSF. After many other awards, Ramona was honored as a Living Legend of Nursing by the American Academy of Nursing at its annual meeting on November 13^th in San Diego. She is best known professionally for her research on transitions to mothering.

Patty Frederick conducted the Birthday Bash honoring October babies on Thursday evening, October 23^rd. Winners were Zakir Mohammed & Kate Talbot; Gisela & Herb Block; Martie Moore & Dimitri Sgolombis; Mark & Danna Sorenson.

Well run evening games are held at 7:15 on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays with complimentary coffee, tea and light snacks. Some of the highest percentage games have been recorded at evening games. Kate Talbot and Jane Lane hit a grand slam Monday evening, October 13^th with an unprecedented 80% game.

Speaking of unbelievable performances, Frank Jackson reported six straight first place finishes in October, all with different partners. His highest percentage in the streak, 66.22%, was recorded with Miwako Litwin. He had at least five other top three finishes in October. But take heart when your scores dip. Even the mighty Frank has bad games- occasionally when partnering with some of the unit’s top players. Room and time ran out for more. The other material will be posted on the club bulletin board.

Running late? Need a partner? Want to reserve a table? Call the club at (650) 344–4919. For other club information, see Andrew Binstock’s web site (www.meckwell.com/unit498). Drop off material for this column in the club suggestion box, Alternatively, you may e–mail or fax it as below. Please include your name and phone number in case I have any questions.

—Paul Levine pblevine@juno.com, Fax: (650) 593–2572