Just to let you know that our dear friend Claudia Hendry had a mild stroke last Thursday.  The great news is, she came homefrom the hospital this afternoon (Sunday March 7th), and is doing fine.

Address for cards:  16271 Flavian Road, Brooksville, FL 34601

As Lee and I reflect on our Crystal Cruise, we had a great time.  The Symphony was lovely, the food and entertainment great, and the bridge players were abundant.

We both taught bridge on the two cruises.  Lee taught beginning bridge, doing a terrific job, averaging 24+ students.  At the end of his course I offered a supervised play for the beginners.  I averaged about 40+ students in my intermediate class; they loved the Doubles course material and the “hands on” approach.  We had a card room full of enthusiastic players on all seadays on both cruises, averaging 11+ tables of bridge.  It was very satisfying to us to have such great participation.

Bridge Basics III is the final bridge course being offered this semester; it is the natural progression to Bridge Basics II.  It will cover in depth Stayman and Jacoby transfers.  In addition it will cover all phases of strong two club bidding (suited and no-trump) and basic slam bidding, including basic Blackwood and Gerber auctions.  This is the final piece of the bidding puzzle that all our developing students need.  The course is a 4-week study course + a 2 week play course.  It will begin Monday, March 29th and will complete May 3rd.  This is one week later than originally planned, allowing our current students a “breather.”  Bridge Basics III will be taught by Carol Hargrave and Jim Somma.

Please give your checks to Carol or Jim, made out to NCBC.

The class was originally listed for $72.  We are offering a “thank you discount” to all of you for supporting our NCBC classes this fall and spring.  The price for all students is $60 for this course, including the book.   It’s a great bargain!  Please enroll before the March 15th book order.  If you have any questions, please call Carol 200-7578.