The Southern Section is having a great year! We are still the largest
section in the ABA, but we need everyone to be a recruiter. Recruit
your part bridge players, bid whist players, and pinochle players.
The Metropolitan Atlanta Bridge Unit had a total of 58 graduates
from the beginners bridge class in August. Congratulations graduates!
A special thanks to all beginning bridge instructors: Evelyn Adkins,
Iliad Chanay Worth Christler, Barbara Douglas, Delores Gordon,
Bettie Harden, Evelyn Lewis, William Marshall, Jacqueline McLoyd,
Eric Shelton, Anderson Williams, and Shirley Williams. Thanks also to
our intermediate and advanced bridge instructors: Michelle Barnes, James Brown, Gloria
Christler and Benny Patton.
A special thanks to Andy and Shirley Williams for going to Birmingham, Alabama
every week for eight (8) weeks teaching a beginners class. They had a total of 26 students.
If we get ABA members from the above 58 graduates and 26 from Birmingham, we
should be close to more than 600 members in the Southern Section!
Please support the upcoming Southern Section tournaments starting with the Sectional
Tournament in Tunica, September 14-17; Birmingham, October 2-4; Columbus, November 6-
7 and the Metro Atlanta Bridge Unit, November 20-22.
The Southern Section will host the Spring National Tournament in Orlando, Florida
March 26 through April 1, 2016. Please see Vernice’s note in this publication and visit your
website ABA-SS.com for updates.
See you in Tunica!
If you are interested in assisting with the planning and execution of the Spring National,
please let me know as soon as possible. Some chairs have been appointed but others are
needed. Please see the current list and let me know where you wish to work.
General Chair – Vernice Whitfield Registration: Vernice Whitfield
Secretary – OPEN Transportation and Tours: OPEN
Treasurer – Tolliver McKinney, Memphis, TN Corporate Sponsors: OPEN
Budget and Finance – Shirley Williams Tee/Shirts, etc.: Gloria Simmons and Robbie Battle
Awards Activity – Faye Hines, Atlanta, GA Emergencies: OPEN
Hospitality – OPEN Raffle: Gloria Simmons
Souvenir Kits – Bernadine Rice and Chloteal Lewis Sunday Inspirational Services: OPEN
Partnerships – OPEN Souvenir Journal: Vernice Whitfield
Public Relations: Willetta Phipps
Call or text me at (904) 210-5356 or email me at: [email protected].
Message from the Vice-President—Birnell Hatcher
Southern Exposure September, 2015
CHAIRS NEEDED FOR 2016 ORLANDO
SPRING NATIONAL TOURNAMENT
Page 2 Southern Exposure
Minutes of Sectional Meeting
Atlanta Airport Holiday Inn
Sunday, January 19, 2015
The Southern Section of the American Bridge Association, Inc.
convened on the above date. The meeting was called to order by
SVP Birnell Hatcher. The agenda was presented. Dwight Bush
moved that the agenda be accepted. It was seconded and the
motion was carried by voice vote.
Richard Banks gave the invocation. Minutes of the Sectional
meeting held in Tunica, MS, September, 2014 were read by
secretary Edith Knowlton. A correction to the minutes was given. A
motion was made to accept the minutes with the correction and statement. Helen Ross of
Nashville, TN was promoted to Level 2 Director. SVP Hatcher stated that she had never
instructed the Election Chair not to rent a mail box to secure election ballot returns. The
correction and statement were duly noted.
SVP Hatcher presented her report, highlighting SS membership growth (now #1 in the
ABA), attendance at Sectional tournaments, and a highly successful Summer National held in
Atlanta, GA July 30-August 9, 2014. Hatcher also reported on having served as a Director for a
recently formed club.
Treasurer Richard Banks distributed his report, directing members to refer to line 58 for
the amount deposited in the account and to line 17 for the account balance after withdrawals.
Dwight Bush moved that the Treasurer’s report be accepted. The motion was seconded and
carried.
Willetta Phipps, National Secretary of the ABA installed officers for the SS. Before
installation, she thanked outgoing Officers for their untiring work on behalf of the Southern
Section. Officers for 2015-2016 are as follows: Birnell Hatcher, Vice-President; Lillian Holeman,
Secretary; Dwight Bush, Treasurer. Willetta defined the duties and obligations of each office,
charging each to perform the duties, responsibilities and obligations as defined and to
advance bridge in the Southern Section during their terms in office. Each officer pledged to do
so as they were sworn in.
COMMTTEE REPORTS:
Life Membership/Merit Award Chair Leatrice Bell began her report stating that she
was happy to see so many people in attendance. Her happiness stemmed from the fact that this
is where information is disseminated. She further revealed that the SS has not had a nominee
for Life Membership for the past two years and she implored members to get busy and submit
nominees for this prestigious award. Also, the nominee for the Merit Award is Margaret Pulley-
Johnson.
Scholarship Committee report given by Olivia Green, chairman. She informed
members that she was not aware of a vacancy for eligible scholarship candidate. It was
brought to her attention that one recipient had returned a check to the ABA thus causing this
vacancy. A discussion ensued, focusing on recipient requirements, eligibility, and the process
used in determining eligibility. Accordingly, she gave this overview:
A recipient must have a GPA of at least 2.5 A person is eligible to receive the Scholarship award a maximum of three times pending
verification of their GPA and having met other eligibility requirements. All current Section recipients have exceeded the 2.5 GPA requirement having at least a 3.4
GPA.
Edith Knowlton
Southern Exposure Page 3
Staff Development chair Shirley Williams informed members of this committee’s purpose
which is to train, supervise certify, and support directors. A critical component is training and
supporting Directors in the use of TSS. She explained how staff development is accomplished.
Chairman Williams reported that the Southern Section has 27 certified Directors.
Other Business: SVP Hatcher requested that all presidents of ABA clubs make sure that
their members receive Sectional news. Further, she would get with Emma Fountain to put a copy
of the Bylaws and Constitution online. Worth Christler stated this action should be deferred until
the Bylaws Committee meets and reports. Then a copy should be made available online for
review and necessary feedback to finalize these important documents. Gwen Middlebrooks
requested that her name be added to this committee.
New Business: Larry Chanay cited irregularities observed during the election and noted
that procedures were not followed. As a result, immediately after the election, he contacted
National Secretary Willetta Phipps requesting the number of eligible voters and requesting an
investigation into the irregularities. Secretary Phipps responded stating that she hand-delivered
the requested information to Chanay prior to this meeting. Furthermore, she said her
investigation revealed that procedures had been followed. In addition, she said she met with
Southern Section Secretary Knowlton providing her with a list of paid members, at-large
members and youth members. The National Office lists more that 500 members. Secretary
Knowlton’s original list shows less than 500 members. Emma Fountain suggested that the
irregularities and procedural allegations might be matters for an Ethics Committee to undertake.
SVP Hatcher stated that an Ethics Committee is in pace and is chaired by Charles Walker. Emma
also stated that there is a need for Club secretaries to receive training/instruction for proper
reporting of membership to Headquarters.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Sylvia Christian asked members to consider returning to Florida for a Sectional
Tournament. She also invited members to play Bridge online on BBO.
Johnnie Saunders announced that cabins are available for the cruise in February.
Awards were presented to players reaching new levels.
SVP Hatcher acknowledged the presence of the following ABA Members:
National President George Hudson
National Vice President Gloria Christler
National Secretary Willetta Phipps
Great Lakes SVP Barbara Adams
Northwestern SVP Travis Curry
Southwestern SVP Dorothy Nance
NTA Chair Worth Christler
ABA Bulletin Editor Margaret Pulley Johnson
Meeting adjourned.
Southern Exposure Page 4
DATE GAME TABLES # of Players TOTAL
01/16/15 3:00pm Open Pairs 34 1/2 138 $1,242.00
01/16/15 8:00pm Knockout 1 27 117 1,053.00
01/16/15 8:00pm Open Pairs SG 5 20 $180.00
01/17/15 9:30am Knockout 2 15 65 $585.00
01/17/15 2:30pm Open Pairs 8 32 $288.00
01/17/15 2:30pm Double Session 26 1/2 106 $1,908.00
01/17/15 8:00pm Open Pairs SG 3 1/2 14 $126.00
01/18/15 9:00am Open Pairs 11 44 $396.00
01/18/15 9:00am Open Pairs 6 24 $216.00
01/18/15 9:00am Knockout3 8 32 $288.00
01/18/15 3:00pm Swiss Session (2) 22 95 $1,710.00
01/18/15 3:00pm Open Pairs SS 9 36 $324.00
01/18/15 8:00pm Open Pairs SS 4 1/2 18 $162.00
01/19/15 9:00am Round Robin 26 109 $1,962.00
Meals $372.00
TOTALS 206 $10,812.00
AMERICAN BRIDGE ASSOCIATION, INC.
SOUTHERN SECTION
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. SECTIONAL TOURNAMENT
JANUARY 16-19, 2015
INCOME
Table Fees MLK $10,812.00
Raffle $58.00
Vendors $45.00
Offertory $147.00
Total Income $11,062.00
TOTALS EXPENSES $8,734.81
NET PROFIT $2,327.19
PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT
MLK, JR. TOURNAMENT
Southern Exposure Page 5
Director & Caddy Expenses
Director Andrew Echols (4 day sectional rate + travel) $860.00
Asst. Director Gloria Simmons (4 day sectional rate) $505.00
Pre-made boards (19 @ $10.00) $190.00
Caddies $260.00
$1,815.00
Tournament Logistics
Table rental from ABA National $2 a table x 50 tables $100.00
Supplies: cards/score sheets/team entries/team scoring $125.00
Table & supply transportation/room set-up and break-down $230.00
$455.00
ABA Sanction & Awards Expenses
ABA Sanction amount $2,351.60
Scrip Awards Paid $1,008.00
$3,359.60
Tournament Hospitality
Snack bags x 2 nights (300 x .83) $250.00
Monday Hotel Buffet Lunch (109 People) $1,294.00
$1,544.00
Southern Section Expenses (Officer Expenses)
Hotel rooms for SS Officers + National ABA President $1,086.59
Travel allowance - outgoing treasurer $219.30
Travel allowance - incoming treasurer $97.60
$1,403.49
MLK Memorial Program
Certificates and Decoration $57.72
Minister Samuel Townsend (Speaker) $100.00
$157.72
TOTAL EXPENSES $8,734.81
AMERICAN BRIDGE ASSOCIATION, INC.
DETAILS OF MLK TOURNAMENT EXPENSES
Southern Exposure Page 6
Scenes from ABU Graduation in Atlanta
Southern Exposure Page 7
Pictures from the Summer National Tournament in New Orleans
Page 8
Friday, January 15
3:00PM Open Pairs Single Session
8:00PM Knock-out Teams 1st of 3 Sessions
8:00PM Open Pairs Single Session
Saturday, January 16
9:30AM Knock-out Teams Second Round
9:30AM Open Pairs Single session
2:30PM 2 Session Open Pairs 1st of 2 Sessions
2:30PM Side-game Open Pairs Single session
$5 Dinner available in house (45 min. then resume
play)
TBA 2 Session Open Pairs 2nd of 2 Sessions
TBA Side-game Open Pairs Single session
Sunday, January 17
9:00AM Knock-out Teams Finals
9:00AM Open Pairs Single Session
12:00PM MLK Memorial Worship Service
12:45PM – 2:15PM Sectional Open Meeting
3:00PM Swiss Teams 1st Session
3:00PM Open Pairs Single session
8:00PM Swiss Teams 2nd Session
8:00PM Open Pairs Single session
Monday, January 18
9:00AM Round Robin Teams 1st Session
$5 Lunch available in house (45 min. then resume play)
TBA Round Robin Teams 2nd Session
Playing fee is $9.00 per session. Round Robin Monday $18 for 2 sessions
+ (optional) $5 lunch in house to facilitate leaving
on time to catch flights and hit the road
Birnell Hatcher Sectional Vice President (404)768-4066 [email protected] Noah Newman Tournament Chairperson (678)665-8594 [email protected] Andrew Echols Tournament Director (478)746-5013 [email protected] Thelma Palmer Partnership Chairperson (770)322-7654 Loretta McCroskey Co-Partnership Chairperson (404)284-6857 [email protected]
Hotel Amenities
Complimentary Airport Shuttle Service
10% off meals in restaurant - Open 24/7 Complimentary PARKING for all players
Free Wi-Fi
37” Flat Panel HDTV’s
King $84, Doubles $84 or Suites $97
24 Hour Fitness Center
Suites have microwaves and
refrigerators
The American Bridge Association - Southern Section
MLK Memorial Sectional Tournament
January 15th – 18th 2016
Atlanta, Georgia
Knock-out Registration Deadline – 2:15PM Friday
Register in advance – email: [email protected]
Cell phone and start-time rules will be enforced
“Under 600” sections if attendance permits,
otherwise standard stratification applies
Hotel will offer delicious buffets at reasonable prices
Southern Exposure
TENTATIVE SCHEDULLE
Page 9 Southern Exposure
Tournament Schedule and Location
Doubletree ® Columbus GA - 5351 Sidney Simons Blvd Columbus, Georgia 31904 (Exit 6) Reservations: 866-460-7454 $99.00 (includes a full breakfast)
Additional Hotels
Holiday Inn- Airport Thruway
2800 Manchester Expressway (Exit 7) 706- 324-0231
Fairfield Inn 4510 Armour Road (Exit 7) 706-317-3600
Towneplace Suites 4534 Armour Road (Exit 7) 706-322-3001
Friday, November 6 2:00 P.M. Open Pair Game
(Single Session)
Dinner Break (On Your own)
7:30 P.M. Headquarters Benefit
Saturday, November 7
Session I 10: 00 A.M. Round Robin
Open Pair, General & Under 600 Points
Lunch Break (On your own) Time: TBA Session II Round Robin Teams (cont)
Open Pair, General & Under 600 Points
Registration
1 Hour Before Game Time Closes 15 Minutes Prior to Game Time Round Robin Deadline: 11/6 @ 9:00 A.M. Playing Fee: $8.00 per Session Script Awards Only
Complimentary Snacks
More Information Contact: James Tanksley 706- 561-6061
June Ingram 706-341-0173
Tournament Personnel
Tournament Chair – James Tanksley Phone # 706-561-6061 Email: [email protected]
Tournament Director – Andrew Echols Phone # 478-746-5013 Email: [email protected]
Partnership Chair- Agnes Shelton
Phone # 706- 563-9474 Email: [email protected]
Sectional VP- Birnell Hatcher
Phone # 404-768-4066 Email: [email protected]
Page 10 Southern Exposure
Page 11
Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club Grade “A” Weekend
October 2 - 4, 2015
Hyatt Place Hotel
4686 Highway 280 East Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 995-9242
Room Rate (All rooms are suites) is $84 per night before September 22, single or
double occupancy.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Open Pairs 3:00 P.M.
Benefit Game 8:00 P.M.
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Open Pairs 9:30 A.M.
Round Robin Team Game – 1st session 2:00 P.M.
Round Robin Team Game – 2nd session 8:00 P.M.
(cost is $20 which includes dinner)
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Benefit game 9:30 A.M.
Cheryl Ransom, President (205) 916-0093
Olivia Green, Tournament Chairperson (205) 798-8107
Wanda Rucker, Partnership Coordinator (205) 238-5187
Dwight Bush, Partnership Coordinator (256) 390-7210
Directions: From Memphis: Take I 22 to B’ham, exit #93 – right on Coalburg Road – left on
Daniel Payne Drive – I65 ramp on right.) Take I 65 S to I459N; exit #19 (Hwy
280E). Take Hwy 280 E 2 miles (Wendy’s will be on the left corner). Turn right
onto Inverness Parkway, Hyatt Place sign is on your left. From Nashville: Highway I 65 South thru B’ham; then see above
From Atlanta: Highway I 20 W to I459 then see above
From Chattanooga: Highway I 59 S to I20 W, EXIT 129, see above
Southern Exposure
Southern Exposure Page 12