District 21
American Contract Bridge League
January 6 to January 12, 2025
Monterey, CA
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A Game for All Ages: Charity, Clambakes, and Community
Welcome to this month’s District 21 newsletter! Our community continues to thrive, not just through the game itself, but through the connections and generosity that bridge fosters. From the efforts of our dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure we have countless tournaments and playing opportunities, to inspiring personal journeys and charitable contributions, there’s much to celebrate.
Brenda Hatton and Anne Wilson, our D21 Tournament Co-Chairs, reflect on the resounding success of our recent Regionals held in Santa Clara and Sparks/Reno. With attendance soaring by an astonishing 150% in Sparks/Reno, it’s clear that our community is more vibrant than ever! Looking ahead, we’re excited for the upcoming Monterey Clambake Regional in January. Rest assured, Anne and Brenda have planned another fantastic tournament and all the details are in their report.
The NAP District Finals will once again be held at the Monterey Clambake Regional. Be sure to check Jim’s report for detailed information on dates, times, and to check whether you’ve qualified to compete for the chance to represent D21 in the NAP Finals at the Spring NABC in Memphis.
This month also highlights our community’s generosity. District 21’s Charity Committee allocated $10,000 from the ACBL Charity Foundation to five deserving charities in the D21 region. See Jeff’s report for more information on the charities.
We all come to bridge in different ways, and this month, two District members share their journeys as they celebrate their rank advancements. Though their paths differ, both stories illustrate that at the heart of our game is the sense of community that unites us—and a reminder that you are never too old – or too young – to fall in love with bridge! Be sure to read Joanne’s and Houpei’s inspiring stories below.
Anne Hollingsworth, President, D21 Board of Directors, reports on the recent D21 Regionals in Santa Clara and Reno and looks forward to Monterey. She reminds us that that D21 is hosting the Winter NABC in 2025. Start planning now!
Anne Wilson and Brenda Hatton, Co-Chairs, Tournament Planning Committee, report on the District’s recent regionals in Santa Clara and Sparks/Reno and the upcoming Monterey Clambake Regional in January 2025. See Anne and Brenda’s report for all the information, including links to book your rooms. Book now so you don’t miss the bridge rate!
Jim Coke,D21 NAP Coordinator, updates us on the schedule of games at the NAP qualifiers at the Monterey Clambake Regional. Check Jim’s report to see if you’ve qualified, and make your plans to play in Monterey now!
Jeff Hack,Chair, D21 Charity Committee, reports that in 2024, D21 received a $10,000 allotment from the ACBL Charity Foundation. After reviewing seven nominations, the D21 charity committee selected five organizations to receive grants of $2,000 each. See Jeff’s report for the details.
Ray Yuenger,D21 Secretary, reports on the D21 Board of Directors meeting on September 11, 2024.
When the pandemic forced life into disarrayHoupei Wei, Unit 500, found solace in online bridge through BBO, improving his skills and teaching his grandsons to play. Now, with one grandson competing nationally and the other actively learning, bridge has become a family activity, boosting academics and strengthening bonds across generations.
Joanne Cornbleet,Unit 507, started her bridge journey in She reminds us how fun it is learning bridge and discovering how professional skills translate into bridge skills. Most importantly, she reminds us that you are never too old to start playing bridge!