As you know, when we moved into the new facility, it didn't take long to realize that providing coffee to the players was going to be a major undertaking.  Pots had to be filled in the kitchen and carried to the playing area, then taken back to the kitchen to be cleaned.  Most of our directors should not, because of physical limitations, undertake this task.

When we offered to lend the landlord money to buy chairs so that our members would be more comfortable, he took us up on the offer.  He later announced that since we were being so cooperative, he would provide a pot of coffee for each game at no cost to the club other than providing the coffee and the pot.  His staff would make the coffee, bring it to the playing area, and clean the pot afterward.  A tip cup would be provided; tips were not required but there might be some who would like to tip for the service they were receiving.  Most directors have taken it upon themselves to check the cup at the end of each game and, at their own expense, supplement any tips already there to insure a proper amount.

Yesterday, Beverly was directing.  She noticed a penny and a dime in the tip jar.  We all know that leaving that kind of tip is meant to be an insult to the server, so Beverly did the proper thing.  She brought it to the attention of the players.  Before the game was over, a player told Beverly that she was so sorry, she had found the coins on the floor and thinking the cup was for trash, etc., had put the coins in the cup.  She was mortified to think what the waitress would have thought had she found them there.

All our players were aghast that one of us would do such a thing.  I was certainly happy to find out that was not the case and know you will appreciate knowing also.  Thank you to the player who stepped up and acknowledged her unwitting action.  That saved us all a great deal of embarrassment.   

Now, I'm off to Sarasota.  Enjoy your Bridge!