1995 was an eventful year for the GNYBA. Our tournament was once again in search of a new home, the Unit welcomed a new club into the fold, and membership was once again on the upswing. These are just a few of the noteworthy events of the past 12 months. For the Full Year in Review, please read on. But, be warned--I've got to call `em like I see `em.
CHEERS
To those responsible for keeping the wonderful old game of bridge alive and well in a new cyberspace era by obtaining and maintaining a GNYBA page on the Worldwide Web.
JEERS
To those at the Board of Education who graciously agreed to rent us tournament space with the proviso that we hire their security staff to the tune of $1000 for a four-day tournament. One major problem: the only thing that they secured was our prepaid che
ck.
CHEERS
To Units 155 and 242 who have of late produced terrific regionals with good schedules and great hospitality. I for one am looking forward to seeing you merge your efforts (and tremendous talents) in July of 1996 at the District 24 Summer Regional. Here's
hoping that 60 heads are better than 30.
JEERS
To the Worldwide Powers-That-Be who have made the term "Instant Matchpoints" synonymous with "Instant Poverty" by charging the clubs a $16 per table sanction fee which they in turn have passed on to their customers. Granted, they do provide the players wi
th a nice souvenir booklet with complete analysis of all of the hands, but $16????
CHEERS
To Ira Zippert who is stepping down as District 24 representative to the ACBL Board of Directors at the end of 1995 after 12 years of invaluable service. His record speaks for itself... How many candidates do you know in our day and age who are elected t
o four consecutive terms?
JEERS
To all Directors who view age as an acceptable excuse for bad behavior at the bridge table. Rudeness is not tolerated from the young. Unfortunately, the older generation is not always held to the same standard. Courtesy and respect should be given to ALL
at the bridge table, not just those who have "earned it" by obtaining a Social Security Card. There is no place for discrimination at the bridge table... based on race, creed, gender or AGE!!!
CHEERS
To those members of our Unit who sent bridge books and other supplies to Oklahoma City. No, I am not na•ve enough to think that a card game can solve the problems of the world, but isnŐt it nice that the people of Oklahoma City know that people care.
JEERS
To the nine teams (out of 37) who requested deadline extensions for their Von Zedtwitz matches (even though they were capable of fielding the required four). Not only did you inconvenience your opponents, but in some cases delayed future rounds as well. W
hat's the purpose of playing six-handed in the first place?
In retrospect maybe I deserve some of the "Jeers". After all, I appointed a mere mortal to coordinate the Double Knockouts. Perhaps we would have been better served had I appointed a social planner to coordinate the matches, or better yet... a drill s
ergeant to enforce the must-play dates.
As I write my last President's Message, I am reminded of the first one I wrote seemingly 100 years ago. In it I made an analogy comparing the New York Yankees and the Greater New York Bridge Association. I remember stating that both organizations were at once mighty powers, admired by their peers, fighting to regain their glory from yesteryear and again rise to the top. It's ironic that as I sit feverishly typing and watching the Yankees, they have made it to the playoffs, once again at the top. I would like to think that the analogy has come full circle. We too have worked our way back to the top. And like the Yankees, it was a real team effort. We had no Rookie Of The Year, no MVP. We had a full roster, a great team, and a few excellent pinch hitters. I just want to say for the record that like the Yankees, win, lose, or draw we are here to stay.
As I step down as the manager of this fantastic squad, I just want you all to know how much I have enjoyed being a part of New York Bridge. To my successor, one piece of advice: see what you can do about lifting our salary caps.
Robin Kay