A big thank you to our Boards, Directors, Coordinators, Liaisons, Instructors, and Open Players for working so hard with the 299ers over the past 1 1/2 years. You have taken many from rank beginners who were just learning how to play duplicate bridge to now feeling comfortable and ready to advance to the next level -- that of playing and feeling comfortable with the Open players. We have learned how to use bidding boxes, convention cards, bridge pads, bridge etiquette; how to play and score in Pro-Am, Swiss games, and regular games; as well as how to get involved in Regional and Sectional Tournaments, and so on.

Starting July 5th, there will be separate 299er and Open games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Some of our 299er players will be advancing to the Open games. That is progress!

In the meantime, the 299ers will continue to build with more lessons and classes and encouragement from all. More on future lessons to come.

JULY 4TH--4th of July picnic hosted by Lois Fortunato and Gerry Panos. Free games for all.

JULY 5TH--TUESDAY--Gerry Panos will present LEADS VS. NT CONTRACTS. 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Besides leading 4th best, are you familiar with “Coded 9’s and 10’s? This is another good defensive play. Please come early. Fee is $8.00 and includes your afternoon game fees.

JULY 19TH--Annabelle Hills will present RULE OF 11. What can you infer from partner leading 4th best? This will tell you exactly how many cards declarer has that are higher than partner’s led card. Sounds interesting doesn’t it?

CONGRATULATIONS to our own 299er, PEG DONOVAN for being named volunteer of the year in the Hernando County Guardian Ad Litem program. Peg has been in the program for five years and is trained to develop a relationship with children who are in Dependency Court. She attends court hearings to present recommendations in the best interest of children. These volunteers spend countless hours helping these children. We are proud of you Peg. Thanks for helping these kids! Such a worthy cause!

See you at the Club.

Christie Bendickson
299er Coordinator and Board Liaison