Bob's Emails

Personnel Change at FFBC: Full text of unedited message from Michael Williams, who is moving to Florida...

Hi Bob & Everyone,

As you probably know by now, I will be moving to Florida in November. My last day working at Family Friendly Bridge (for the foreseeable future) will be on Monday 11/6.

I have enjoyed every minute of working with Bob, Ann Marie, Gary, and recently Mine, as well as interacting with all the players.

As you all know or should know, Bob is one of the best and most gentlemanly bosses.

He loves to make sure that everyone is having a good time as well as enjoying playing bridge.

We are all very lucky to be in his company and play at his club.

He's so honest, fair, reasonable, respectful and a bunch of other superlative adjectives that I'm not sure where to start/finish.

Suffice it to say, that I will miss all of you very much. It's been a pleasure working for all of you.

Wishing you the Grand and Baby slams of your life.

Michael

PS: Love deeply, sing like nobody's listening. Dance like nobody's watching. Live like there's no tomorrow. Leave the rest to God !!!

Notice of Bridge Schedule Changes at St Camillus –

For Veterans Day (11/11/23):

Friday, November 10, 12:30 PM: The afternoon bridge game at St Camillus, Arlington is NOT CANCELLED.

Veterans Day is a U.S. Federal Holiday, that is always celebrated on November 11th.

If the Holiday falls on a Saturday, it is observed on the previous Friday.

If the Holiday falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday.

Thanksgiving Day:

Thursday, November 23, 12:30 PM: The game at St Camillus, Arlington is Cancelled.

For Christmas Day Observed (12/25/23)

Monday, December 25, 12:30 PM: The game at St Camillus, Arlington is CANCELLED.

For New Year’s Day Observed (1/1/24):

Monday, January 1, 12:30 PM: The game at St Camillus, Arlington is CANCELLED.

For Martin Luther King Day Observed (1/15/24):

Monday, January 15, 12:30 PM: The game at St Camillus, Arlington is NOT CANCELLED.

Congratulations to our latest Lifemasters – Well Done! (2 Pictures attached)

Anne Farrington, Sue Geer and Debbie McAdams

The New Bridge Game that was Added to FFBC Schedule: Every Tuesday afternoon, 12:30 to 3:00 PM.

You will play 18-21 boards; Cost is $12.00. This game is restricted to players with less than 500 masterpoints (or Mentors with their student).

At the end of the game, “Personal Results Printouts” are available as well as an opportunity to ask questions about any of the hands that you played.

Important: For the Wednesday morning Belmont bridge game, the move to Arlington is still ON HOLD.

The game will stay in Belmont for now, and any decisions about the status of the game will be announced via this monthly Email.

Slow Play Policy: If you are the E/W pair following a pair that’s always late for the next table, you have felt the frustration of slow play. What’s going on at these tables? They are chatting away about the boards as if nothing is wrong. If you are “on time”, go ahead and chat. If you are late, please save the chatting for later and certainly consider “claiming” when you have all the remaining tricks. If everyone keeps an eye on the time clocks, then the games can run smoothly – something that we all want.

Snow Policy: When the weather forecast is predicting snow on “bridge days”, you can check the website, www.familyfriendlybridge.com . In addition, I will send an Email to notify everyone as soon as any bridge game is canceled. If Belmont Schools are closed, then The Beech St Center will be closed. Even if the game is not canceled, please use your own judgment re: whether it is safe to be on the roads during/after the storm. Your personal safety is the most important factor – you can play bridge some other day. Note: The parking situation in Belmont remains very difficult because of snow banks.

If you have a cold or the flu, please do not come to bridge - You will be jeopardizing the health of everyone. Flu is very dangerous and even possibly fatal to some individuals.

Please be respectful to everyone and stay home when you are ill. Thank you.

Upcoming Bridge Events/Tournaments:

Bridge Game and Refreshments (Attention Non-Lifemasters and Their Mentors): Saturday, November 4: 1:00 to 4:00 PM, cost = $ 15 -- The Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road, Winchester.

Newcomers are especially welcome and usually play in a separate section; special prizes, refreshments and lots of bridge with your friends... Come and give it a try...

This popular event usually has 10+ tables 'in play' – See attached for details. You can make your reservation by sending me an Email or calling me (339) 223-6484.

Harvest Regional (+ Gala) Tournament: October 31 – November 5, 2023

Best Western Royal Plaza, 181 Boston Post Road WEST, Marlboro, MA

For Details: https://nebridge.org/

EMBA Winter Sectional Tournament: December 8 -10, Watertown, MA

A detailed event schedule will be posted when it becomes available.

Note: Silver masterpoints are awarded to winners for these events.

FFBC Bridge Lessons will be offered in the Spring of 2024.

Thanks to all of you for your continued support of our efforts to have a fun place to play bridge.

Bob Gaudet

Cell: (339) 223-6484

www.familyfriendlybridge.com

Schedule of Bridge Games – Family Friendly Bridge Club

“Live” Bridge at St Camillus Church, Arlington”

Monday, 12:30 PM, 24 boards, “OPEN”

Tuesday, 12:30 PM, 18-20 boards, 499er Game (“Restricted”, unless you are mentoring)

Tuesday, 6:30 PM, 18-20 boards, 499er Game (“Restricted”, unless you are mentoring)

Wednesday 10:00 AM -- for Belmont Bridge Club, 20-21 boards, “OPEN”

(location=Beech St Center, Belmont)

Wednesday 7:00 PM -- for Winchester DBC, 24 boards, “OPEN”

Thursday, 9:30 AM, 9 boards, 20 minute lesson at beginning of session, “Restricted”,

must be Skill Level = Non-Lifemaster, unless you are mentoring

Thursday, 12:30 PM, 24 boards, “OPEN”

Friday, 12:30 PM, 24 boards, “OPEN”

Hi Everyone,

Restricted Access to Lower Church: From Monday, September 11, a crew will be working on restoring the Church Bell Tower.

The doors we currently use to access the lower church will be blocked for safety reasons. To get to the playing area, go to the driveway at the rear of the church (to your right)

and go down the stairs to the kitchen entrance – and then the playing area. The driveway is used by both cars and buses. Please be very careful as you walk down the driveway.

For Labor Day (9/4/23):

Monday, September 4, 12:30 PM: The afternoon bridge game at St Camillus, Arlington is CANCELLED.

On Columbus Day:

Monday, October 9, 12:30 PM: The game at St Camillus, Arlington is NOT Cancelled.

The New Bridge Game that was Added to FFBC Schedule: Every Tuesday afternoon, 12:30 to 3:00 PM.

You will play 18-21 boards; Cost is $12.00. This game is restricted to players with less than 500 masterpoints (or Mentors with their student).

At the end of the game, “Personal Results Printouts” are available as well as an opportunity to ask questions about any of the hands that you played.

Schedule of FFBC Bridge Games on BBO:

Due to lack of participation, FFBC will not be offering any weekly games on BBO in the future.

Important: For the Wednesday morning Belmont bridge game, the move to Arlington is still ON HOLD.

The game will stay in Belmont for now, and any decisions about the status of the game will be announced via this monthly Email.

Upcoming Bridge Events/Tournaments:

Eastern Mass Bridge Association (EMBA):

EMBA has scheduled a Fall Sectional in Boston Area, October 14-15 (Saturday-Sunday), Watertown, MA

https://www.bridgewebs.com/cgi-bin/bwoq/bw.cgi?pid=display_rank&event=20231014_1&wd=1&club=emba

Bridge Game and Refreshments (Attention Non-Lifemasters and Their Mentors): Saturday, September 16: 1:00 to 4:00 PM, cost = $ 15 -- The Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road, Winchester.

Newcomers are especially welcome and usually play in a separate section; special prizes, refreshments and lots of bridge with your friends... Come and give it a try...

This popular event usually has 10+ tables 'in play' – See attached for details. You can make your reservation by sending me an Email or calling me (339) 223-6484.

North American Pairs (NAP) Qualifying games: Step 1 has been completed...

The 2nd step occurs at the ACBL district level. We are/were District 25 within the ACBL.

This next level is a bridge event that happens on BBO on October 7 & 8.

If you win/place there, District 25 will give you money to compete in the ACBL National event.

The list of qualifiers for level 2 will be provided as an attachment to the next FFBC monthly email.

Gala Regional Tournament: October 31 – November 5,

Best Western Royal Plaza, 181 Boston Post Road WEST, Marlboro, MA

For Details: https://nebridge.org/

Bridge Lessons:

Beginner Bridge Lessons (See attachment for details); Teacher is Bob Gaudet, Wednesday Afternoons, 1:00 to 3:00 PM

Designed for players with little or no experience, and for people who once played and would like to re-enter the bridge world
Classes start on Sept 6 – at St Camillus Church. 1075 Concord Turnpike (Rte 2, Exit 132), Arlington, MA
8 week session costs $ 120.00 (optional text book is an additional $15)
Course emphasizes Bridge fundamentals, including modern bidding style, “play of the hand” and defensive tactics

Thanks to all of you for your continued support of our efforts to have a fun place to play bridge.

Bob Gaudet

Cell: (339) 223-6484

www.familyfriendlybridge.com

Schedule of Bridge Games – Family Friendly Bridge Club

“Live” Bridge at St Camillus Church, Arlington”

Monday, 12:30 PM, 24 boards, “OPEN”

Tuesday, 12:30 PM, 18-20 boards, 499er Game (“Restricted”, unless you are mentoring)

Tuesday, 6:30 PM, 18-20 boards, 499er Game (“Restricted”, unless you are mentoring)

Wednesday 10:00 AM -- for Belmont Bridge Club, 20-21 boards, “OPEN”

(location=Beech St Center, Belmont)

Wednesday 7:00 PM -- for Winchester DBC, 24 boards, “OPEN”

Thursday, 9:30 AM, 9 boards, 20 minute lesson at beginning of session, “Restricted”,

must be Skill Level = Non-Lifemaster, unless you are mentoring

Thursday, 12:30 PM, 24 boards, “OPEN”

Friday, 12:30 PM, 24 boards, “OPEN”

==========================================

Hi Everyone,

Restricted Access to Lower Church: From Friday, August 11, until Friday, August 18, a crew will be working on restoring the Church Bell Tower.

The doors we currently use to access the lower church will be blocked for safety reasons. To get to the playing area, go to the driveway at the rear of the church (to your right)

and go down the stairs to the kitchen entrance – and then the playing area. The driveway is used by both cars and buses. Please be very careful as you walk down the driveway.

The construction that is currently underway is the installation of a surveillance system – to monitor and video record all areas of the church property.

For Labor Day (9/4/23):

Monday, September 4, 12:30 PM: The afternoon bridge game at St Camillus, Arlington is CANCELLED.

New Bridge Game Added to FFBC Schedule: Every Tuesday afternoon, 12:30 to 3:00 PM. Starting on Tuesday, August 8.

You will play 20-21 boards; Cost is $12.00. This game is restricted to players with less than 300 masterpoints (or Mentors with their student).

At the end of the game, “Personal Results Printouts” are available as well as an opportunity to ask questions about any of the hands that you played.

As of July 1, 2023, the cost to purchase a group of 5 plastic “Game/Lesson Entry cards” has been increased to $ 60.00 (the standard price of $ 12.00 each – and the $ 10.00 savings is no longer being offered).

Any “Game/Lesson Entry cards” you have purchased or will purchase, can be redeemed for all future games. After July 1, 2023, any cards that you purchase are “refundable” at $ 12.00 each and they never expire.

History of FFBC Bridge Fees: 6/30/15 thru 8/31/17 = $ 8.00; 9/1/17 thru 10/31/22 = $ 10.00; 11/1/22 thru ... = $ 12.00

Thank you for understanding the situation. For the future, I believe we will grow as a club and we will provide all the benefits that we were able to provide in the past.

Schedule of FFBC Bridge Games on BBO:

Due to lack of participation, FFBC will not be offering any weekly games on BBO in the future.

Important: For the Wednesday morning Belmont bridge game, the move to Arlington is still ON HOLD.

The game will stay in Belmont for now, and any decisions about the status of the game will be announced via this monthly Email.

Upcoming Bridge Events/Tournaments:

Eastern Mass Bridge Association (EMBA):

EMBA has scheduled one remaining sectional tournament for the summer of 2023:

Sectional in Boston Area, August 5-6 (Saturday-Sunday), Watertown, MA

https://www.bridgewebs.com/cgi-bin/bwoq/bw.cgi?pid=display_rank&event=20230805_1&wd=1&club=emba

Bridge Game and Refreshments (Attention Non-Lifemasters and Their Mentors): Saturday, August 12: 1:00 to 4:00 PM, cost = $ 15 -- The Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road, Winchester.

Newcomers are especially welcome and usually play in a separate section; special prizes, refreshments and lots of bridge with your friends... Come and give it a try...

This popular event usually has 10+ tables 'in play' – See attached for details. You can make your reservation by sending me an Email or calling me (339) 223-6484.

North American Pairs (NAP) Qualifying games offer Red/Black masterpoints at double the Regular Club masterpoints.

North American Pairs Championship – is played at the ACBL National Spring Event and requires 2 steps to qualify.

The 1st step occurs at the club level – a process that will continue thru Aug 31.

The 2nd step occurs at the ACBL district level. We are/were District 25 within the ACBL.

This next level is a bridge event that happens in the Fall.

If you win/place there, District 25 will give you money to compete in the ACBL National event.

All FFBC Games 8/14 thru 8/18 will be NAP games – This is the end of the NAP Qualifying games at club level.

District 25 Royal STaC – a special event just for face-to-face clubs, will be held August 21 – 27, 2023

Royal STaC Masterpoint Awards: 25% gold, 25% red, 25% silver, 25% black
STaC = Sectional Tournament at the Clubs... Results from all participating clubs will be combined for higher overall awards.
For Details: https://nebridge.org/

Ocean State Regional - District 25: August 29 – September 2, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick, RI;

See https://nebridge.org/pages/488/ for current schedule – NOTE: No Games on Sunday, Sept 3.

Bridge Lessons:

Beginner Bridge Lessons (See attachment for details); Teacher is Bob Gaudet, Wednesday Afternoons, 1:00 to 3:00 PM

Designed for players with little or no experience, and for people who once played and would like to re-enter the bridge world
Classes start on Sept 6 – at St Camillus Church. 1075 Concord Turnpike (Rte 2, Exit 132), Arlington, MA
8 week session costs $ 120.00 (optional text book is an additional $15)
Course emphasizes Bridge fundamentals, including modern bidding style, “play of the hand” and defensive tactics

Thanks to all of you for your continued support of our efforts to have a fun place to play bridge.

Bob Gaudet

Cell: (339) 223-6484

www.familyfriendlybridge.com

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