Director, director please!

Nancy Seamster

“Director, please” are words that will probably resonate in Roman Martin’s mind for years to come. In the quiet of a room with 40 tables of serious bridge players, the call of “director please” is the signal for Roman to make an “on the field” ruling. Martin hung up his directing spurs and rode off into the sunset. December 22, 2016, marked the last day Martin served as official lead interpreter and purveyor of American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) rules for Sun Lakes Contract Bridge Club, “the friendliest club in the Valley.” He ended a 20 year stay as Director with the club. Under his watch the club has more than doubled in size to over 400 members today. Additionally he oversaw big changes in rules and scoring. He shepherded the club safely into the computer age using his wide skill in the use of hardware and software.

Roman Martin was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. Following graduation from a Catholic high school, he enlisted in the Navy. After 30 years in the Navy, starting as an enlisted man, Roman retired with the rank of Captain, moved his family to Tempe, Arizona and began his life as an expert at Contract Bridge, “a thinking man’s game.”

He will be missed.

Free Beginning Bridge Lessons

Stephanie Hemberg

If interested, please email Stephanie Hemberg at [email protected] and leave a phone number so I am able to call and talk with you.

You must be available to play bridge on some Wednesdays through Fridays, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

I will be teaching easygoing social bridge!

Please, non–smokers only!

FUNdaMENTAL Bridge

Learn with Maria Davis, a certified ACBL Better Bridge Instructor, and Gordon Markham, veteran local bridge instructor and cruise bridge host.

Beginning Bridge on Friday mornings from 9:00-11:15 a.m., February 3-March 31 at Risen Savior Lutheran Church. Nine weeks; $90 plus texts. Starts with the basics and proceeds to Stayman and Jacoby Transfer Conventions, Strong Two Club Openings and a preview of preemptive bids, overcalls and takeout doubles. With these lessons and the support of the texts, you will be prepared to join a bridge group. Maria Davis, instructor.

Boot Camp Bridge, not for Beginners but for people who have played bridge. It starts with contemporary first and second round bidding and proceeds to modern conventions and an overview of preemptive bids, overcalls and takeout doubles. Friday mornings from 9:00-11:15 a.m., February 24-March 31 at Risen Savior Lutheran Church. Six weeks; $60 plus texts. Maria Davis, instructor.

Defense. When playing bridge half of the time you are on Defense. Learn what card you should play for an opening lead, what card to play in third position and how to (legally) communicate with your partner through effective card signals. Monday mornings from 9:00-11:30 a.m., February 20-March 27 at A7 in Cottonwood. No class March 13. Five weeks; $50 plus text. Gordon Markham, instructor.

Two-Over-One, Game Force. This is the latest addition to contemporary bridge bidding. While only a modification to Standard American bidding, it is a much more effective way to bid your games and, importantly, your slams. This course is only four weeks long but it will revolutionize your bridge bidding. Wednesday afternoons from 2:00-4:30 p. m., March 1-March 22 in the Friendship Room of Sun Lakes Country Club. Four weeks; $40, plus text. Gordon Markham, instructor.

For more information or to reserve a place in these classes, please contact Maria Davis at 480-883-2826 or [email protected].

Sun Lakes Duplicate Bridge

Alan Behr

The Sun Lakes Duplicate Bridge Club games are held at Risen Savior Lutheran Church, 23914 S Alma School Road.

Open games are held on Monday at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., Thursday at 1:30 p.m. and Saturday at 9:00 a.m. There also is a Novice game Thursday at 8:30 a.m. and Saturday at 9:00 a.m. subject to having enough entries. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to game time!

If you are in need of a partner for any Open Games please contact the Players’ Pairs Assistants, Eileen Utter at [email protected] or phone 802-8300, or Barbara Lubsen at 699-9649. Please try the email first if you have access to a computer. Fees for the game are $6 per person if you are a member of the club or $7 per person if not a club member. Yearly membership is $10 which is due before the end of 2016.

The top results for this month were: Steve Mansfield and Janet Daling with games of 74.74 percent AND 71.77 percent and also Chuck Quenneville and Janet Daling with a 71.46 percent game. Great playing!

11/01. N/S: (1st in A) Steve Mansfield and Sadu Marrott, (1st in B) Sudhakar Divakaruni and Patricia Sohler, (1st in C) Cynthia O’Neil and Kathy Ronquist

E/W: (1st in A, B and C) Donna Hofer and Kitty Larson

11/03. N/S: (1st in A) Anne Casey and Myrna Baker, (1st in B) Susan Shaver and Janis Holle, (1st in C) James Libby and Lindalee Jurgens

E/W: (1st in A) James Lenertz and Richard Catero, (1st in B) Eileen Utter and James Utter

11/05. N/S: (1st in A) Steve Mansfield and Janet Daling, (1st in B and C) William Stone and Bettie Brakebill

E/W: (1st in A) Steven Adelson and David Rankin, (1st in B and C) Stephanie DeWilkins and Michelle Steiner

11/07. N/S: (1st in A) Steve Mansfield and Janet Daling, (1st in B) Sydney Sides and William Stone, (1st in C) Christine Giza and William Harrison

E/W: (1st in A) Judith Euler and Charles Quenneville, (1st in B and C) Michael Hedreen and Terrance Kilbreath

11/08. N/S: 1st in A) Charles Quenneville and Janet Daling, (1st in B) Laine Byrnes and Diane Anderson, (1st in C) Linda Lord and Barry Noack

E/W: (1st in A) Robert Brower and Roger Edwards, (1st in B) Judith Edinger and Christine Giza

11/14. N/S: (1st in A) Karin Molleman and Myrna Baker, (1st in B and C) Fred Smith and Linda Smith

E/W: (1st in A) Larry Anfinson and Roger Edwards, (1st in B) Patricia Sohler and Michelle Steiner

11/15. N/S: (1st in A, B and C) William Stone and Bettie Brakebill

E/W: (1st in A) Bea Cannon and Larry Anfinson, (1st in B and C) Rachelle Wilson and Darlene Griffith

11/17. N/S: (1st in A) Steve Mansfield and Janet Daling, (1st in B) Judith Edinger and Chuck Irwin, (1st in C) Susan Welker and Barry Noack

E/W: (1st in A) Larry Anfinson and Charles Quenneville, (1st in B) Eric Larson and Kitty Larson

11/19. N/S: (1st in A and B) Michelle Steiner and William Stone

E/W: (1st in A) Gordon Markham and Richard Catero, (1st in B) Linda Nelson and Kathy Markham

11/21. N/S:(1st in A) Pennie Vales and Carol Warner, (1st in B and C) Judy Lamers and Barbara Hewitt

E/W: (1st in A) Larry Anfinson and Charles Quenneville, (1st in B) Marlene Sumi and Chuck Irwin

11/22. N/S: (1st in A and B) Don Pratt and Donna Pratt

E/W: (1st in A and B) Jim Callison and Dennis Hoffelt, (1st in C) Anne Newman and Maria Davis

11/26. N/S: (1st in A) Steve Mansfield and Janet Daling, (1st in B) Bea Cannon and Roger Edwards, (1st in C) Susan Stewart and Sandra Labute

E/W: (1st in A and B) Judith Euler and Charles Quenneville, (1st in C) Pauline Boyd and Rick Boyd

11/28. N/S: (1st in A) Steve Mansfield and Janet Daling, (1st in B and C) Bonnie Butler and Donna Hofer

E/W: (1st in A) Eugene Condon and Charles Quenneville, (1st in B) Alberta Hutchings and Ken Hutchings

11/29. N/S: (1st in A) Charles Quenneville and Janet Daling, (1st in B) Roman Martin and Nancy Espy, (1st in C) Linda Lord and Barry Noack

E/W: (1st in A) Anne Casey and Karin Molleman, (1st in B and C) Larry Huhn and Bonnie Butler

Monday Afternoon Social Partnership Bridge

11/14. 1st Joan Tener and Ruth Friedman, 2nd Bernie Ross and Dee Guthrie, 3rd Kay Morrison and Marian Carlisle; Slam: Newell Orr and Paul Budrick

11/21. 1st Ruth Hiner and Lee Probert, 2nd David McCann and Bernie Ross, 3rd Doris and Ed Krenek; Slam: Newell Orr and Paul Budrick

11/28. 1st Ken and Rosemary Shutts, 2nd Jeanette Newman and Cynthia Cantor, 3rd Midge Meisner and Joan Silver; Slam: ken and Rosemary Shutts

12/05. 1st Newell Orr and Paul Budrick, 2nd Kay Morrison and Marian Carlisle, 3rd Joe Sanchez and Char Gangel; Slam: Newell Orr and Paul Budrick

12/12. 1st Nancy Smith and Dan Rosler, 2nd Lori Scharbach and Karen Harnish, 3rd Barbara Kaplan and Nancee Jacobsen; Slam: Nancy Smith and Dan Rosler

Cottonwood Ladies Partners Bridge

11/16. 1st Kathryn Berreth and Marilyn Steen, 2nd Kathy Taylor and Judy Ligas, 3rd Terry Major and Karen Sanchez; Hostesses: Lynne Wegener and Rhona Jean Crocker

12/01. 1st Karen Harnish, 2nd Joan Koch, 3rd Ruth Pederson; Hostesses: Karen Sanchez and Phyllis Conrey

12/08. 1st Marsha Moen, 2nd Jeannie Kitzman, 3rd Brenda Costa; Hostesses: Nan Hair and Fran Carissimo

Iron/Oak Ladies Friday Bridge

11/11. 1st Peggy Kuntz, 2nd Elly Walstad; Hostesses: Lois Hauge and Gloria Zinke

11/18. 1st Dee Guthrie, 2nd Fran Carissimo; Hostesses: Dee Guthrie and Dottie McKinney

11/25. 1st Susanne Swanson, 2nd Faith Johnson; Hostesses: Beverly Anastasia and Marilynn Hartkopf

12/02. 1st Nancy Smith, 2nd Jan Feldenaur; Hostess: Linda True

12/09. 1st Jean Womack, 2nd Beverly Anastasia; Hostess: Betty Smith

Fourth Friday Bridge

The Fourth Friday Bridge group met on Friday November 25 at Palo Verde Country Club. First place was Kathryn Berreth, second place was Adrienne Widrikis and third place was Mary Tomlan. The door prize went to first time winner Marsha Moen.

The next meeting will be on December 23. For reservations call Nadine Cordts at 895-0504. Cancellations should be made by Wednesday week of play.

Sun Lakes Country Club Saturday Morning Partnership Bridge

11/12. 1st Dick and Donna Briner, 2nd Edna Cunningham and Lee Probert, 3rd Fred Schneider and Shelley Spirlong; Slam: Bernie Ross and Dee Guthrie

11/19. 1st Jim and Kathryn Berreth, 2nd Newell Orr and Jeannie Kitzman, 3rd Donna and Jerry Smith; Slam::Jim and Kathryn Berreth

11/26. No bridge

12/03. 1st Jeannie Kitzman and Bernie Ross,2nd Doris and Ed Krenek, 3rd Lori Scharbach and Karen Harnish; Slam: Lori Scharbach and Karen Harnish

12/10. 1st Jim Hawkins and Rachelle Wilson, 2nd Maurine Howell and Joyce Rasmussen, 3rd Brenda Costa and Jeannie Kitzman; Slam: Lori Scharbach and Karen Harnish