Southern Exposure - aba-ss.com · $5 Lunch available in house (45 min. then resume play) TBA Round Robin Teams nd 2 Session Playing fee is $9.00 per session. Round Robin Monday $18

The Southern Section is having a great year! We are still the largest

section in the ABA, but we need everyone to be a recruiter. Recruit

your part bridge players, bid whist players, and pinochle players.

The Metropolitan Atlanta Bridge Unit had a total of 58 graduates

from the beginners bridge class in August. Congratulations graduates!

A special thanks to all beginning bridge instructors: Evelyn Adkins,

Iliad Chanay Worth Christler, Barbara Douglas, Delores Gordon,

Bettie Harden, Evelyn Lewis, William Marshall, Jacqueline McLoyd,

Eric Shelton, Anderson Williams, and Shirley Williams. Thanks also to

our intermediate and advanced bridge instructors: Michelle Barnes, James Brown, Gloria

Christler and Benny Patton.

A special thanks to Andy and Shirley Williams for going to Birmingham, Alabama

every week for eight (8) weeks teaching a beginners class. They had a total of 26 students.

If we get ABA members from the above 58 graduates and 26 from Birmingham, we

should be close to more than 600 members in the Southern Section!

Please support the upcoming Southern Section tournaments starting with the Sectional

Tournament in Tunica, September 14-17; Birmingham, October 2-4; Columbus, November 6-

7 and the Metro Atlanta Bridge Unit, November 20-22.

The Southern Section will host the Spring National Tournament in Orlando, Florida

March 26 through April 1, 2016. Please see Vernice’s note in this publication and visit your

website ABA-SS.com for updates.

See you in Tunica!

If you are interested in assisting with the planning and execution of the Spring National,

please let me know as soon as possible. Some chairs have been appointed but others are

needed. Please see the current list and let me know where you wish to work.

General Chair – Vernice Whitfield Registration: Vernice Whitfield

Secretary – OPEN Transportation and Tours: OPEN

Treasurer – Tolliver McKinney, Memphis, TN Corporate Sponsors: OPEN

Budget and Finance – Shirley Williams Tee/Shirts, etc.: Gloria Simmons and Robbie Battle

Awards Activity – Faye Hines, Atlanta, GA Emergencies: OPEN

Hospitality – OPEN Raffle: Gloria Simmons

Souvenir Kits – Bernadine Rice and Chloteal Lewis Sunday Inspirational Services: OPEN

Partnerships – OPEN Souvenir Journal: Vernice Whitfield

Public Relations: Willetta Phipps

Call or text me at (904) 210-5356 or email me at: [email protected].

Message from the Vice-President—Birnell Hatcher

Southern Exposure September, 2015

CHAIRS NEEDED FOR 2016 ORLANDO

SPRING NATIONAL TOURNAMENT

Page 2 Southern Exposure

Minutes of Sectional Meeting

Atlanta Airport Holiday Inn

Sunday, January 19, 2015

The Southern Section of the American Bridge Association, Inc.

convened on the above date. The meeting was called to order by

SVP Birnell Hatcher. The agenda was presented. Dwight Bush

moved that the agenda be accepted. It was seconded and the

motion was carried by voice vote.

Richard Banks gave the invocation. Minutes of the Sectional

meeting held in Tunica, MS, September, 2014 were read by

secretary Edith Knowlton. A correction to the minutes was given. A

motion was made to accept the minutes with the correction and statement. Helen Ross of

Nashville, TN was promoted to Level 2 Director. SVP Hatcher stated that she had never

instructed the Election Chair not to rent a mail box to secure election ballot returns. The

correction and statement were duly noted.

SVP Hatcher presented her report, highlighting SS membership growth (now #1 in the

ABA), attendance at Sectional tournaments, and a highly successful Summer National held in

Atlanta, GA July 30-August 9, 2014. Hatcher also reported on having served as a Director for a

recently formed club.

Treasurer Richard Banks distributed his report, directing members to refer to line 58 for

the amount deposited in the account and to line 17 for the account balance after withdrawals.

Dwight Bush moved that the Treasurer’s report be accepted. The motion was seconded and

carried.

Willetta Phipps, National Secretary of the ABA installed officers for the SS. Before

installation, she thanked outgoing Officers for their untiring work on behalf of the Southern

Section. Officers for 2015-2016 are as follows: Birnell Hatcher, Vice-President; Lillian Holeman,

Secretary; Dwight Bush, Treasurer. Willetta defined the duties and obligations of each office,

charging each to perform the duties, responsibilities and obligations as defined and to

advance bridge in the Southern Section during their terms in office. Each officer pledged to do

so as they were sworn in.

COMMTTEE REPORTS:

Life Membership/Merit Award Chair Leatrice Bell began her report stating that she

was happy to see so many people in attendance. Her happiness stemmed from the fact that this

is where information is disseminated. She further revealed that the SS has not had a nominee

for Life Membership for the past two years and she implored members to get busy and submit

nominees for this prestigious award. Also, the nominee for the Merit Award is Margaret Pulley-

Johnson.

Scholarship Committee report given by Olivia Green, chairman. She informed

members that she was not aware of a vacancy for eligible scholarship candidate. It was

brought to her attention that one recipient had returned a check to the ABA thus causing this

vacancy. A discussion ensued, focusing on recipient requirements, eligibility, and the process

used in determining eligibility. Accordingly, she gave this overview:

A recipient must have a GPA of at least 2.5 A person is eligible to receive the Scholarship award a maximum of three times pending

verification of their GPA and having met other eligibility requirements. All current Section recipients have exceeded the 2.5 GPA requirement having at least a 3.4

GPA.

Edith Knowlton

Southern Exposure Page 3

Staff Development chair Shirley Williams informed members of this committee’s purpose

which is to train, supervise certify, and support directors. A critical component is training and

supporting Directors in the use of TSS. She explained how staff development is accomplished.

Chairman Williams reported that the Southern Section has 27 certified Directors.

Other Business: SVP Hatcher requested that all presidents of ABA clubs make sure that

their members receive Sectional news. Further, she would get with Emma Fountain to put a copy

of the Bylaws and Constitution online. Worth Christler stated this action should be deferred until

the Bylaws Committee meets and reports. Then a copy should be made available online for

review and necessary feedback to finalize these important documents. Gwen Middlebrooks

requested that her name be added to this committee.

New Business: Larry Chanay cited irregularities observed during the election and noted

that procedures were not followed. As a result, immediately after the election, he contacted

National Secretary Willetta Phipps requesting the number of eligible voters and requesting an

investigation into the irregularities. Secretary Phipps responded stating that she hand-delivered

the requested information to Chanay prior to this meeting. Furthermore, she said her

investigation revealed that procedures had been followed. In addition, she said she met with

Southern Section Secretary Knowlton providing her with a list of paid members, at-large

members and youth members. The National Office lists more that 500 members. Secretary

Knowlton’s original list shows less than 500 members. Emma Fountain suggested that the

irregularities and procedural allegations might be matters for an Ethics Committee to undertake.

SVP Hatcher stated that an Ethics Committee is in pace and is chaired by Charles Walker. Emma

also stated that there is a need for Club secretaries to receive training/instruction for proper

reporting of membership to Headquarters.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Sylvia Christian asked members to consider returning to Florida for a Sectional

Tournament. She also invited members to play Bridge online on BBO.

Johnnie Saunders announced that cabins are available for the cruise in February.

Awards were presented to players reaching new levels.

SVP Hatcher acknowledged the presence of the following ABA Members:

National President George Hudson

National Vice President Gloria Christler

National Secretary Willetta Phipps

Great Lakes SVP Barbara Adams

Northwestern SVP Travis Curry

Southwestern SVP Dorothy Nance

NTA Chair Worth Christler

ABA Bulletin Editor Margaret Pulley Johnson

Meeting adjourned.

Southern Exposure Page 4

DATE GAME TABLES # of Players TOTAL

01/16/15 3:00pm Open Pairs 34 1/2 138 $1,242.00

01/16/15 8:00pm Knockout 1 27 117 1,053.00

01/16/15 8:00pm Open Pairs SG 5 20 $180.00

01/17/15 9:30am Knockout 2 15 65 $585.00

01/17/15 2:30pm Open Pairs 8 32 $288.00

01/17/15 2:30pm Double Session 26 1/2 106 $1,908.00

01/17/15 8:00pm Open Pairs SG 3 1/2 14 $126.00

01/18/15 9:00am Open Pairs 11 44 $396.00

01/18/15 9:00am Open Pairs 6 24 $216.00

01/18/15 9:00am Knockout3 8 32 $288.00

01/18/15 3:00pm Swiss Session (2) 22 95 $1,710.00

01/18/15 3:00pm Open Pairs SS 9 36 $324.00

01/18/15 8:00pm Open Pairs SS 4 1/2 18 $162.00

01/19/15 9:00am Round Robin 26 109 $1,962.00

Meals $372.00

TOTALS 206 $10,812.00

AMERICAN BRIDGE ASSOCIATION, INC.

SOUTHERN SECTION

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. SECTIONAL TOURNAMENT

JANUARY 16-19, 2015

INCOME

Table Fees MLK $10,812.00

Raffle $58.00

Vendors $45.00

Offertory $147.00

Total Income $11,062.00

TOTALS EXPENSES $8,734.81

NET PROFIT $2,327.19

PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT

MLK, JR. TOURNAMENT

Southern Exposure Page 5

Director & Caddy Expenses

Director Andrew Echols (4 day sectional rate + travel) $860.00

Asst. Director Gloria Simmons (4 day sectional rate) $505.00

Pre-made boards (19 @ $10.00) $190.00

Caddies $260.00

$1,815.00

Tournament Logistics

Table rental from ABA National $2 a table x 50 tables $100.00

Supplies: cards/score sheets/team entries/team scoring $125.00

Table & supply transportation/room set-up and break-down $230.00

$455.00

ABA Sanction & Awards Expenses

ABA Sanction amount $2,351.60

Scrip Awards Paid $1,008.00

$3,359.60

Tournament Hospitality

Snack bags x 2 nights (300 x .83) $250.00

Monday Hotel Buffet Lunch (109 People) $1,294.00

$1,544.00

Southern Section Expenses (Officer Expenses)

Hotel rooms for SS Officers + National ABA President $1,086.59

Travel allowance - outgoing treasurer $219.30

Travel allowance - incoming treasurer $97.60

$1,403.49

MLK Memorial Program

Certificates and Decoration $57.72

Minister Samuel Townsend (Speaker) $100.00

$157.72

TOTAL EXPENSES $8,734.81

AMERICAN BRIDGE ASSOCIATION, INC.

DETAILS OF MLK TOURNAMENT EXPENSES

Southern Exposure Page 6

Scenes from ABU Graduation in Atlanta

Southern Exposure Page 7

Pictures from the Summer National Tournament in New Orleans

Page 8

Friday, January 15

3:00PM Open Pairs Single Session

8:00PM Knock-out Teams 1st of 3 Sessions

8:00PM Open Pairs Single Session

Saturday, January 16

9:30AM Knock-out Teams Second Round

9:30AM Open Pairs Single session

2:30PM 2 Session Open Pairs 1st of 2 Sessions

2:30PM Side-game Open Pairs Single session

$5 Dinner available in house (45 min. then resume

play)

TBA 2 Session Open Pairs 2nd of 2 Sessions

TBA Side-game Open Pairs Single session

Sunday, January 17

9:00AM Knock-out Teams Finals

9:00AM Open Pairs Single Session

12:00PM MLK Memorial Worship Service

12:45PM – 2:15PM Sectional Open Meeting

3:00PM Swiss Teams 1st Session

3:00PM Open Pairs Single session

8:00PM Swiss Teams 2nd Session

8:00PM Open Pairs Single session

Monday, January 18

9:00AM Round Robin Teams 1st Session

$5 Lunch available in house (45 min. then resume play)

TBA Round Robin Teams 2nd Session

Playing fee is $9.00 per session. Round Robin Monday $18 for 2 sessions

+ (optional) $5 lunch in house to facilitate leaving

on time to catch flights and hit the road

Birnell Hatcher Sectional Vice President (404)768-4066 [email protected] Noah Newman Tournament Chairperson (678)665-8594 [email protected] Andrew Echols Tournament Director (478)746-5013 [email protected] Thelma Palmer Partnership Chairperson (770)322-7654 Loretta McCroskey Co-Partnership Chairperson (404)284-6857 [email protected]

Hotel Amenities

Complimentary Airport Shuttle Service

10% off meals in restaurant - Open 24/7 Complimentary PARKING for all players

Free Wi-Fi

37” Flat Panel HDTV’s

King $84, Doubles $84 or Suites $97

24 Hour Fitness Center

Suites have microwaves and

refrigerators

The American Bridge Association - Southern Section

MLK Memorial Sectional Tournament

January 15th – 18th 2016

Atlanta, Georgia

Knock-out Registration Deadline – 2:15PM Friday

Register in advance – email: [email protected]

Cell phone and start-time rules will be enforced

“Under 600” sections if attendance permits,

otherwise standard stratification applies

Hotel will offer delicious buffets at reasonable prices

Southern Exposure

TENTATIVE SCHEDULLE

Page 9 Southern Exposure

Tournament Schedule and Location

Doubletree ® Columbus GA - 5351 Sidney Simons Blvd Columbus, Georgia 31904 (Exit 6) Reservations: 866-460-7454 $99.00 (includes a full breakfast)

Additional Hotels

Holiday Inn- Airport Thruway

2800 Manchester Expressway (Exit 7) 706- 324-0231

Fairfield Inn 4510 Armour Road (Exit 7) 706-317-3600

Towneplace Suites 4534 Armour Road (Exit 7) 706-322-3001

Friday, November 6 2:00 P.M. Open Pair Game

(Single Session)

Dinner Break (On Your own)

7:30 P.M. Headquarters Benefit

Saturday, November 7

Session I 10: 00 A.M. Round Robin

Open Pair, General & Under 600 Points

Lunch Break (On your own) Time: TBA Session II Round Robin Teams (cont)

Open Pair, General & Under 600 Points

Registration

1 Hour Before Game Time Closes 15 Minutes Prior to Game Time Round Robin Deadline: 11/6 @ 9:00 A.M. Playing Fee: $8.00 per Session Script Awards Only

Complimentary Snacks

More Information Contact: James Tanksley 706- 561-6061

June Ingram 706-341-0173

Tournament Personnel

Tournament Chair – James Tanksley Phone # 706-561-6061 Email: [email protected]

Tournament Director – Andrew Echols Phone # 478-746-5013 Email: [email protected]

Partnership Chair- Agnes Shelton

Phone # 706- 563-9474 Email: [email protected]

Sectional VP- Birnell Hatcher

Phone # 404-768-4066 Email: [email protected]

Page 10 Southern Exposure

Page 11

Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club Grade “A” Weekend

October 2 - 4, 2015

Hyatt Place Hotel

4686 Highway 280 East Birmingham, AL 35242

(205) 995-9242

Room Rate (All rooms are suites) is $84 per night before September 22, single or

double occupancy.

Friday, October 2, 2015

Open Pairs 3:00 P.M.

Benefit Game 8:00 P.M.

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Open Pairs 9:30 A.M.

Round Robin Team Game – 1st session 2:00 P.M.

Round Robin Team Game – 2nd session 8:00 P.M.

(cost is $20 which includes dinner)

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Benefit game 9:30 A.M.

Cheryl Ransom, President (205) 916-0093

Olivia Green, Tournament Chairperson (205) 798-8107

Wanda Rucker, Partnership Coordinator (205) 238-5187

Dwight Bush, Partnership Coordinator (256) 390-7210

Directions: From Memphis: Take I 22 to B’ham, exit #93 – right on Coalburg Road – left on

Daniel Payne Drive – I65 ramp on right.) Take I 65 S to I459N; exit #19 (Hwy

280E). Take Hwy 280 E 2 miles (Wendy’s will be on the left corner). Turn right

onto Inverness Parkway, Hyatt Place sign is on your left. From Nashville: Highway I 65 South thru B’ham; then see above

From Atlanta: Highway I 20 W to I459 then see above

From Chattanooga: Highway I 59 S to I20 W, EXIT 129, see above

Southern Exposure

Southern Exposure Page 12