President’s Message
Allison Evans
Welcome to 2025! I hope everyone is settling into the new year after the holidays. I’m thrilled to be taking over the reins as the District 20 president, following three years of eminently capable leadership by Don Marsh, the Board of Directors, and a cadre of volunteers without which the district could not function. Don’s leadership ushered in a renewed culture of service, put the District back on track financially, saw us through a pandemic, and grappled with the advantages and challenges of more prevalent online play. If you see Don, members of the board and district committees, or our faithful tournament managers Amy Casanova and Jim Wheeler, who are handing over management of the Oregon Trail and Seaside Regional to Sheryl Williams, please thank them for their tireless work!
I am excited to continue the work Don, the Board, and committees began. This includes searching for innovative ways to hold financially stable regionals serving players across the district, continuing to grow participation in the District’s North American Events, and modernizing some elements related to District record-keeping and organizational management. If you are interested in participating in any of these efforts, please let me know!
Now that winter is upon us, what better way to spend our days than at the table? Need a dose of that elusive sunshine? Join our Hawaiian contingent in Honolulu for the Hawaii regional, beginning on Jan 27. Looking for great in-person competition and fun closer to home? The Oregon Trail Regional starts on February 17th at the Vancouver (WA, just north of Portland) Hilton. Special events for newer players, as well as free lessons, are scheduled throughout the tournament. Newer players, if you’ve never had the chance to come to a tournament, watch for details from Susie Leo, our fantastic Intermediate/Newcomer coordinator! Do not despair if you aren’t able to come to the Oregon Trail Regional in person. Grab a partner and play in the Sunday, February 23rd online regional (limited to District 20 members) to earn red and gold points from home! Sessions are at noon and 5 pm Pacific.
Other chances to earn red and gold points in face-to-face play include the High Desert Regional May 12-18 in Redmond, OR (Bend area). Early April features the Grand National Teams district finals. This is another online opportunity to earn red and gold points from the comfort of your home in your pjs (we won’t tell)! Looking for those extra few colored points to make your next rank? Then grab three friends and compete against players at your level against District 20 opponents on April 5th (Championship Flight and Flight B) and 6th (Flights A and C). Registration is required a week prior. Don’t let winter get you down – opportunities abound to meet new bridge friends, visit a new location, learn new bridge skills, and earn some masterpoints towards your next rank!
Whether we see you at the physical table or the virtual table, we invite you to take advantage of regionally rated tournaments this winter!
Warmly,
Allison Evans
allison.m.n.evans [at] gmail.com
