For those 299ers who are gone for the summer, just want you to know we hope you are having an enjoyable time, and we miss you. As for those who are still in town, June has been a very active month. We have had two very informative learning sessions on Attitude Signals by Mary Ann Dufresne and Leads vs. Suit Contracts by Pat Foster. Thanks to both of you for your presentations.

There was a STaC week where many were able to pick up some extra silver points and a NAP week where red and black points could be earned. Also included were Wednesday games which combined the 299ers with the Open players. Those games enabled both the Open and 299ers to get to know each other and feel more comfortable playing together.

In fact, a couple of you expressed concern that the combined games will not continue on Wednesdays, (except for one Wednesday a month). Please do not be concerned as you all know that 299ers are encouraged to move up to the Open games when they feel comfortable. One is not obligated to play in the 299er games just because they have less than 300 points. Open games are just that---OPEN to everyone. You have a “CHOICE,” and you know you will be welcomed by the Open players.

Our Nature Coast Bridge Club has Open games on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. 299er games are offered on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Last month your Board made the decision to go back to separate 299er and Open games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If there are not enough tables for the Open players to have a game on Wednesday, then 299ers will be asked to volunteer to move to the open game.

Patti VanMatre thanks all who signed up and brought food to the Tuesday games. Finding volunteers is not easy but is necessary if you still want snacks during the games. Remember, this also helps our Directors as they are responsible for the food if we do not help out. Please sign up with Patti on Tuesdays or e-mail her at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it She is looking for people (men or women) to bring sandwiches, sweets or fruit on any Tuesday after July 19th. A small monetary compensation will be awarded to those who bring food and sign up.

TUESDAY July 5, Gerry Panos will present Leads vs. NT Contracts. 

Christie Bendickson
299er Coordinator
Board Liaison