You might be surprised at all the varieties of the game of Bridge that can be found on our campus! This article began with a phone call from Gardenview resident Ava Jensen about her experience organizing a Bridge group at a large apartment complex in Van Nuys many years ago. New players learned Bridge in her apartment, and then joined other players. They met together for some twelve years, becoming the family that most of them did not have. Ava, wanting to keep her mind alert, still plays once or twice a week, here in our Clubhouse.
But Ava is not alone! Two men have organized different opportunities open to all UV residents.
Leo Levy started Social Bridge, which meets in the Laguna Room, on Sundays at 2:00. It is helpful, but not necessary, if players come with a partner. About sixteen players have been participating, playing four hands before rotating to play with different couples.
Jerry Serling, a Creekview resident, organizes Duplicate Bridge, a group which has numbered as many as seven tables and which plays on Wednesdays. Jerry gives a lesson each week just before play begins at 12:30 in the Laguna Room.
Several residents who played in the past now invite friends to play here. When it is Lois Mallory’s turn to be hostess, her two groups play here from 10:30 to 12:30, enjoy lunch and then play some more. Lois, a Lakeview resident, also comments that the Wednesday Duplicate Bridge is particularly friendly, not -- cut-throat, as some of those groups can be.‖
Over brunch, Mary Jane Michel mentioned that she plays Straight Bridge, which she described as just bidding the cards, without following traditional conventions, or signals between partners while bidding. Want to know more? Talk to Mary Jane!
Some individuals and couples are making new friends by inviting others into their homes to get better acquainted over a game of Bridge. And look around the Clubhouse, where you will spot foursomes at most any hour. Among the many regulars are Alice Sage and Alyce Gietter, both of Gardenview, who have graciously offered to help find a game for anyone interested in playing. Just give either one a call.
For some time, there has been a list in the Activities Office for residents willing to be substitutes. No one seems to be using the list, but with some show of renewed interest, it’s a good bet that Kim Holeman will respond. Bridge is a traditionally good way to socialize, there are so many ways to go about it – and UV is the perfect place to become involved.