Volume 48, Number 4 48th Spring North American Bridge Championships DAILY BULLETIN Monday, March 14, 2005 Editors: Brent Manley and Paul Linxwiler NABC update: Aileen Osofsky stands tall as Hugh Ross Goodwill Committee chair Before last year, When she takes the Goodwill Committee are inextricably linked. In Hugh Ross was a podium at today’s fact, although she has offered to step aside for a regular at NABCs. A Goodwill Committee “fresh face” at any time, it’s difficult to imagine three-time Bermuda reception, Aileen anyone else in the role of hostess of the thrice- Bowl champion and Osofsky will be yearly meeting of ACBL’s goodwill ambassadors. winner of numerous marking her 20th Curiously, Osofsky was not even a member of North American titles, anniversary as chair of the Goodwill Committee when she was appointed Ross is still recovering the committee, now chair in 1985. She was voted in by the ACBL from a stroke. The observing its 50th year Board of Directors in 1984, to take over the following is a letter of existence. following year. Ross sent to Mike A fixture at She received a phone call with the news from Becker, who was given NABCs for two decades, Osofsky and the Frank Stewart, who was then on the ACBL Bridge permission by Ross to share it with you. Bulletin staff. After Stewart informed Osofsky that she had been appointed chair of the committee, he Dear Mike: Thank you for thinking of me. Vandy, Day 1 asked her, “What do you have to say?” First of all, to bring you up to date on my Said Osofsky: “I need to sit down.” There were few upsets in opening-round progress. I had the stroke on June 23 last year. I The Goodwill Committee was created in 1955 action of the Vanderbilt KOs, as the top seeds was in the hospital for over six weeks. to promote goodwill and good manners among the marched into day two. At the beginning I was unconscious, by the players. Since Osofsky took over 20 years ago, the The #2 seed led by Nick Nickell survived a time I was released from the hospital I was scope of the committee’s efforts has expanded scare as they lost their first match (in a four-way) walking and talking. My doctors were not considerably. to the #55 seed captained by Bill Arlinghaus. In optimistic about my chances of recovery. I was Since she took over, the committee has begun the match with the other four-way loser – the #42 fortunate enough to avoid any pain or limits to my to promote active ethics, awareness of the hearing seed led by Dick Benson – Nickell trailed at the mobility, and avoid any permanent physical impaired, support of Junior, Youth and charity halfway point before turning on the juice to win disabilities. programs and the naming of the Goodwill Member comfortably. I hike several miles most days, and you of the Year. The all-French #24 seed captained by Pierre cannot tell from looking at me that I ever had a Seven former Goodwill Members of the Year Zimmerman was defeated by the #64 squad of stroke. I saw a lot of stroke victims at the hospital are expected at today’s reception. Joshua Dunn. and I am extremely grateful that I came out of it When Osofsky was informed of her 48 teams survived to today’s round. as well as I did. (My wife) Min looked after me appointment as chair, she was perplexed because “I well and held everything together during the dark had no clue what my job was supposed to be.” early days of uncertainty about my condition. I Not to worry. Since she graduated from high owe her more than I can ever repay. Locals take lead school in Brooklyn at the age of 15, Osofsky has Better times have arrived. I spent a week in been meeting challenges in a variety of areas. Vancouver with my family in December and a in Silver Ribbon A native of Brooklyn, the former Aileen Bryant week in Paris with Min celebrating my birthday in and her family moved around a lot. Her father was February. We plan two more trips this year. One is Richard Finberg of Pittsburgh and Constance a contractor and had a lot of work during World Italy in May to celebrate our 35th anniversary, the Hoechstetter of suburban Coraopolis took a War II building barracks for women in the U.S. other is Seattle in August to see Wagner’s Ring narrow lead after two qualifying sessions of the Army. for my annual Wagner opera fix. To me, Wagner Silver Ribbon Pairs, restricted to players 55 and Right after graduating high school, she lied is even more addictive than bridge. older. about her age and went to work for a five and dime In spite of all the good things that have The leaders’ score of 1231.96 (top of 38) was store in Harrisburg PA, later becoming a long happened, my quality of life has changed 14.44 ahead of the second-place pair, Marla distance telephone operator. dramatically. Chaikin of Monmouth Beach NJ and William She and Meyer “Mike” Osofsky, who was to The stroke damaged my eyesight in an Esberg of Long Branch NJ. become her husband, attended the same high insidious way. Part of my field of vision in the Not far behind them were Chris Larsen of school in Brooklyn. They were married during right eye is gone. I now have a blind spot which Costa Mesa CA and James Gordon of South World War II, and when he was discharged from causes me to bump into things now and then. It Burlington VT, about one matchpoint ahead of the military – he was a tail gunner on a B-24 – he also makes driving unsafe for me. Gerald Gitles of Chicago and Michael Edwards of started a women’s clothing business, calling it The damage is unlikely to get better, but we Rock Island IL. Aileen Inc. Osofsky worked with her husband in Continued on page 5 the business for a time, but he ultimately Continued on page 5 Today’s Goodwill Gesture: The squad of Matt Lahut, say, “Thank You, Partner” Jenny Lin, Kevin Shiue When the dummy hits the table, always and Michael Ashley- thank your partner with a smile – you can use Rollman entered the one of the smiley face bid box cards distributed Vanderbilt KO despite at the tables today. Please don’t remove the having collectively fewer smiley faces from the bid boxes. We want you to than 600 masterpoints. To enjoy them later in Atlanta and see how they did, see the Denver. story on page 5. Extra sets are available at the ACBL Product Store for $2 each. Page 2 Daily Bulletin SPECIAL EVENTS MEETINGS / SEMINARS / RECEPTIONS Monday, March 14 increase their skills. Certificate given for successful 9 a.m. - Noon Bridge Teachers and Bridge Cruises. Duane and Doris completion of all three days. Tuesday: Ruling the Game, a Beisner, seasoned travelers and hosts of many bridge Review of Frequent Rulings. Lawrence Room, Westin cruises, will educate you on the ins and outs of becoming a Hotel. successful teacher/game director on a cruise ship. 9:30 a.m. - Docent Tour of the Carnegie International Art Exhibit. Lawrence Room, Westin Hotel. noon. Cost: $10. (For details, see story on page 10.) 9:30 - Guided Trolley Tour of Pittsburgh including the 10 - 11:30 a.m. History and Landmarks Foundation Guided 11:30 a.m. Duquesne Incline Ride. Cost: $20. (For details, see story Architectural Walking Tour. Cost: $5. (For details, see story on page 10.) on page 10.) 10 a.m. - Noon Free Lesson Program. Barbara Seagram, noted bridge teacher, author, club owner and Bridge Bulletin columnist, Wednesday, March 16 presents an interesting and entertainment bridge lesson for 9 a.m. - Club Directors Update Course with Guillermo new and advancing players. Game for players with 0 - 50 12:30 p.m. Poplawsky. Continuing education for bridge directors to masterpoints will follow the lesson. Rooms 319 - 321, increase their skills. Certificate given for successful Convention Center. completion of all three days. Wednesday: The Proprieties, 5 - 7 p.m. Goodwill Reception. Rooms 403 - 405, Convention Running a Successful Game, Dealing with Problem People. Center. Lawrence Room, Westin Hotel. 9:15 a.m. - Guided Tour of the Frick Mansion “Clayton.” Cost: $20. Tuesday, March 15 noon. (For details, see story on page 10.) 9 a.m. - Club Directors Update Course with Guillermo 12:30 p.m. Poplawsky. Continuing education for bridge directors to BRIDGE TALKS Monday, March 14 6:45 p.m. Intermediate-Newcomer Speakers Program: Liberty 12:15 p.m. Intermediate-Newcomer Speakers Program: Mike Pyros, Preemptive Bidding. Rooms 319 - 321, Convention Flader, Ruling the Game. Rooms 319 - 321, Convention Center. Center. 6:45 p.m. Intermediate-Newcomer Speakers Program: Alan Wednesday, March 16 Mazer, Tell your Partner Where to Go! Rooms 319 - 321, 12:15 p.m. Intermediate-Newcomer Speakers Program: Haig Convention Center. Tchamitch, Splinter Bids. Rooms 319 - 321, Convention Center. Tuesday, March 15 6:45 p.m. Intermediate-Newcomer Speakers Program: Michael 12:15 p.m. Intermediate-Newcomer Speakers Program: Will Huston, Overcalls. Rooms 319 - 321, Convention Center. Bedard, Cue Bids – Limit Raises. Rooms 319 - 321, Convention Center. LATE NIGHT / ENTERTAINMENT Monday, March 14 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. Jazz ensemble, the Karen Dryer Trio. Piano, bass, 5 - 7:30 p.m. Cabaret featuring Karen Dryer. Vocals and piano. Fourth drums. Rooms 403 - 405.