 March 9, 2019 Unit 202 has nominated Margaret Altman for the prestigious honor of Goodwill Member. Small in physical stature, but extra-large in good-heartedness is an apt description for Margaret. The reasons for Margaret's worthiness are countless, but an enumeration will be attempted.
Margaret's benevolent reach extends beyond the boundaries of the Golden Isles Duplicate Bridge Club on St. Simons Island, Georgia that she calls home. Margaret has fostered the growth of duplicate bridge through countless years (40+) of mentoring bridge players who have traveled far from the shores of St. Simons to compete and enjoy the challenge of duplicate bridge. Through her “Thinking Bridge” classes, to her directorship of games, Margaret has used patience and kindness to instruct and encourage without intimidation. Her Wednesday morning 0-50 game has been so popular in the past, the players campaigned for the game to be raised to 300 points so the players could remain under Margaret's tutelage.
Margaret's influence is international in scope as well. For the past two years Margaret has taught duplicate bridge for the Road Scholar program which reaches seniors throughout the United States and Canada. Margaret has stayed in touch with these seniors after the program has been completed, encouraging her students from afar. As many as 200 plus Road Scholars have benefited from Margaret's teaching expertise and guidance.
Leading by example, Margaret has promoted bridge through her own good sportsmanship, humor and self-deprecation. Although Margaret has 50 years of bridge playing experience, she willingly plays with any level of player. Margaret is a cheerleader for all players and her “pep talks” to newbies are legendary. According to one new player, after Margaret welcomed her with open arms to the club, the new player said: “I actually believed I could learn the game.” (On a side note—that new player won the Golden Isles Duplicate Bridge Club Championship game in 2018).
Making other players feel good about themselves and their play comes naturally to Margaret. When one player was incapacitated with terminal cancer, Margaret organized and played in a bridge game at the patient's home. Despite Margaret's own health issues of asthma and osteoporosis, Margaret continues to push herself to accommodate others. Perhaps most telling is her unselfish and pleasant attitude toward her spouse who suffers from macular degeneration. Keeping her spouse (a diamond life master) involved in bridge is paramount to Margaret. She plays with her spouse regularly and organizes other partnerships for him.
She has served as the club's president, head director, and has shared her expertise on numerous committees. These volunteer positions have endeared Margaret to others by her graciousness, ethical behavior, and cooperation. Margaret's efforts throughout the years with her mentor-ship, teaching and directing, have helped to blossom a club of few members to one that boasts over 250 members today. For such a tiny lady, Margaret Altman has made a huge impact on the future of duplicate bridge, and the lives of many players. Words from her fellow bridge mates best summarizes why Margaret Altman should be bestowed the honor of Goodwill:
“Margaret encouraged me to take beginning bridge lessons. I can't thank her enough for opening this door for me. If not for her, I would never have played.”
Joann Moore
“Margaret's love for the game and her encouragement inspires me as well as many others. She is always accessible and happy to help anyone with bidding and play. Her warm, friendly personality and great sense of humor make her fun to be around whether you are a student, partner or opponent.”
Diane Altenbach
“Margaret personally represents the bridge club in a positive upbeat fashion to the community. Margaret is the face of duplicate bridge to many people who would never otherwise darken the door of the bridge center. She is relentless at describing the fun and social benefits it offers.”
Jane Beadles
“Margaret enjoys directing a weekly novice game and nurturing the less experienced players. As one of three teachers in our club, she is always cooperative with the other teachers, avoiding scheduling conflicts. As a player, she is consistently friendly, avoids unsolicited teaching at the table, but is happy to offer helpful suggestions if asked.”
Ken Trobaugh
“Margaret becomes an encourager for bridge and for life....if anyone wants to see goodwill in action, please come to the Golden Isles Bridge Club....Margaret Altman is shining all over the island!”
Polly Cloud
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