Tom Spradlin’s Life Master achievement was celebrated at the Longview DBC on Sat., Sept 28.

Tom attained the rank of Life Master and Bronze Life Master on May 15, playing Swiss at the DFW regional with Carol Kinsey and Jo and Gary Britt.

Decorated in a Caribbean theme, the bridge studio was filled with laughter as friends received “leis” upon entry and then enjoyed pizza for lunch.

Palm tree balloons flew over tables decorated with island cozie centerpieces.  Petit fours with tiny umbrellas topped off the Caribbean theme.

Giving a nod to all his lady partners, Tom was presented a sheik’s hat to wear as the head of his harem.

Partner Carol Kinsey presented him with a pound of “gold” (Hershey’s chocolates) and remarked that she never wanted to worry about gold points again!

Mike Graham, club director, presented Tom with a plaque noting his Life Master accomplishment and read an original poem marking his bridge journey in East Texas.

Our thanks to Janie Wolaver, party planner extraordinaire, who spear-headed the event. The lunch and festivities were followed by 8 tables of bridge.

Gary Britt and Jo Britt recently passed the ACBL Club Director’s test. They are welcomed to the Pittsburg DBC by Linda Harrison, Director and the entire Pittsburg Club players!

Congratulations to the Britts on becoming ACBL Club Directors!

The Sheila Bell DBC is now on the map!! Our club participated in the ACBL-wide International Game on Wednesday, September 11. A pair from our club, Michelle Shores and Cliff Smith, scored a 76.85%. They placed first overall and earned 20 MPs. They have never played together before.

Michelle is a native of Shreveport. She has been playing for seventeen (17) years. Her mother, Betty Hastings who lives and plays in Shreveport, is also an excellent player. Michelle’s original teacher was Sheila Bell. In addition, she took lessons from Stewart Angel and Lisa Looney. 

Cliff, who lives in Marietta, TX, has played bridge since high school. He joined ACBL in 2015 and earned his Life Master in 2019. Cliff’s wife, Kathy, also plays. Cliff drives to play in Texarkana, Pittsburg, and Longview.

Upon hearing about their win, both Michelle and Cliff affirmed their love of bridge and the opportunity it offers for playing with many people.

Tyler Tournament of Roses 2024 concluded Saturday August 24. It was great to see familiar faces and meet new ones!   Holiday Inn posted a "Thanks!" to their Facebook page - we are grateful for them hosting us.

Here are the final overall results. 

Regional  - Goldrush Pairs

Thursday – Pam and George Holmes (pic)

Friday – Loralee Berg and Fran Shelton (no pic)

Saturday Teams – Stacy Spohn, Beth Harrington, Victoria Franks, Susan Broyles - (no pic)

Sectional - Open Pairs

Thursday AM – Verna and Wilbur Dahlquist (pic)

Thursday PM –  James La Fountain and Pat McMullin (pic)

Friday AM – Jonathan Ernest and Steward Angel (no pic)

Friday PM – Coleen Grisham and Doug Letsch (pic)

Saturday Bracketed Teams 1

Verna and Wilbur Dahlquist, Leah Miciotto, Joyce Clark

Saturday Bracketed Teams 2

Travis and Janice Atterberry, Charlotte Davis, Kay Nichols

Congratulations to Suzanne Smith, Sanjay Santhanam, Gay Roach, and Melba Lee for their 2^nd place finish in Bracket I Swiss at the Shreveport Regional! Celebrating at Crawdaddy’s was a delightful way to commemorate their achievement.