March 2025 - 31

of five- or six-player teams in two-session Swiss team
events to receive full credit for the overall masterpoint
awards when playing in at least half of the matches, rather
than a portion of the award in proportion to boards played.
The Masterpoint Committee believes that this change
would attract more teams to regional tournaments, bolster
regional attendance, and in the case of client-led
teams, contribute significantly toward meeting contracted
hotel room blocks.
This was rejected to preserve equity for the four-person
teams who comprise the majority of the field.
Management solicited Board input on whether to
charge entry fees by team instead of by member. After
discussing the pros and cons, a majority of the Board
did not support changing the current fee structure, as
NABC/NABC+ events are more expensive to run and the
proposed change would cost the ACBL $100,000 per year.
This would result in entry fee increases for all members.
Elections
Rebecca Brown, Region 9; Barbara Heller,
Region 6; Darlene Scott, Region 1; and Tim
White, Region 13 were certified as having
been elected to the ACBL Board of Directors
for three-year terms, through Dec. 31, 2027.
Margot Hennings, Region 4, was re-elected as ACBL
President for a one-year term through Dec. 31, 2025.
Cindy Shoemaker, Region 10, was re-elected as ACBL
Vice President for one year.
David Lodge, Region 11, was re-elected as ACBL
Treasurer for one year.
Lodge was also elected as 401K Trustee for a four-year
term through 2028.
Mark Aquino, Region 2, and Richard Beye, retired
ACBL employee and Tournament Director, were elected
to the NABF Board for three-year terms.
From Queen to Empress * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
continued from page 13
dedicated students of bridge I have ever seen, constantly
working to improve her already very strong game. "
There is no doubt that the efforts by Lin and others are
paying off. " I am optimistic, especially after the last Ed
Foundation board meeting, " said Lin. " Amazing numbers
from Patty Tucker's Jump Start program and Mitch
Dunitz's collegiate programs. The huge growth in Under16
players in the last couple of years is very promising; by
starting earlier, I hope that these kids can become leaders
earlier and start bridge clubs in middle school, high
school and college. "
Lin believes keeping bridge fun and encouraging community
engagement is vital for the success of bridge. " I think
if games were 99% pleasant at all levels, then many more
people would play, " said Lin. " I think poor behavior (especially
by top experienced players) is way too prevalent and
accepted, and it makes the game so much less enjoyable
for everyone at the table. Another issue is finding partners
and teammates. What really helped me get into bridge was
developing a close friend group online during COVID and in
the Bay Area, who are now some of my closest friends and
fellow youth bridge volunteers - Cynthia Huang, Stella Wan,
Bruce Zhu, Brent Xiao, Cornelius Duffie, Chris Chen, Will
Zhu, Anant Rathi, and more. It's the best part of the day to
grab dinner after a sectional and talk about the hands.
" We need more people to pursue ideas to grow the game
for all demographics and all mediums. Every organization
needs to have the goal of increasing membership. " 2
March 2025 | Bridge Bulletin |
31
Appointments
Amber Lin was appointed by ACBL management,
and approved by the Board of Directors,
as the 2025 ACBL Honorary Member of the
Year. Lin was selected for her outstanding work as an
ambassador and administrator for U.S. Junior bridge.
Sue Manning was appointed by the ACBL President,
and approved by the ACBL Board of Directors, as the
2025 Nadine Wood Volunteer Member of the Year. As a
volunteer, Manning is an integral member of multiple
bridge technology teams, contributing to EDGAR (online
cheating detection program), Shark Bridge and The
Common Game.
Lamya Agelidis, District 22, was nominated by
ACBL President Hennings as the Aileen Osofsky ACBL
Goodwill Committee Chair for a three-year term.
Joan Murdoch was recommended by the Aileen
Osofsky ACBL Goodwill Committee, and approved by the
Board of Directors, as the 2025 Aileen Osofsky Goodwill
Member of the Year. Her unwavering support and care for
aging and newer players made her an ideal candidate.
Joann Glasson, Region 3, was appointed as the Eastern
Zone Executive Committee Member for a three-year term.
Jeff Overby, Region 8, was appointed as the Eastern
Zone Executive Committee Alternate Member for a threeyear
term.
Larry Sealy, Region 7, was appointed as the Central
Zone Executive Committee Member, filling the vacancy
for the remainder of the current three-year term that
runs through 2026.
Dennis Carman, Region 5, was appointed as the
Central Zone Executive Committee Alternate, filling the
vacancy for the remainder of the current three-year term.
For more information, see acbl.org/administration/#bod. 2

http://www.acbl.org/administration/#bod

March 2025

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of March 2025