As I write this address to District 2 ACBL members, I am thinking of Nick, our past president, who died suddenly last week and whose funeral services are no doubt underway today. The most genuine honour that I can pay to Nick’s memory is to carry on with his goal: “to move District 2 into the twenty first century”.
Like most of us in volunteer administrative roles, Nick had the president’s position thrust upon him. No one else wanted it. To all who selflessly donate their time and effort at the club, unit, district and even national level, in both ACBL and CBF capacities, I offer my sincere gratitude on Nick’s behalf. You certainly don’t do it for the glory or the money, but simply for your love of, and commitment to, the game.
This address looks to the future. My role as President assumes total commitment to the development of District 2 so as to best meet the needs of the players, clubs, and units under its jurisdiction. Tom Ramsay (Vice President) and I have agreed to work as partners, providing leadership and direction for the District Board of Directors to effect meaningful change.
The bridge world has diminished drastically over the last 40 years. Even Fred Gittleman foresees a dismal future for the game. How can we best face these challenges?
Tom and I have offered to rewrite our by-laws, which, although they have served the District well since 1979, need to be modernized.
David Cohen, District 2 Webmaster, has worked faithfully with me to make the website functional, inviting and informative.
One “recurring theme” that Robert Hartman (ACBL CEO) heard from stakeholders as he toured North American clubs was “the ACBL needs to capitalize on technology”.
At the District level, my primary goal is to make the website not only a forum for debate, but also a place to transact business. If we can dispense with minor items on-line, then we shall have more time to deal with major issues at our annual meeting.
A second theme that Hartman heard was “The ACBL needs to attract more young people to the game”. Our District Secretary, Flo Belford, has assumed a huge leadership role with the education and development of young players. Thank you, Flo.
Last year, our western neighbor, District 18, was given permission to hold their GNT’s final on-line. This year, Martin Hunter graciously agreed to be the District GNT/NAP coordinator. Thus, our District final was held on-line at three sites – Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Mississauga. For many of us old timers, on-line play diminishes the human aspect of the game. But for Districts so huge as ours and our neighbour’s, this move to technology may be the best solution. Thank you, Martin for accepting this challenge and running the experiment so smoothly.
Change is never easy. I am trying to gain some perspective by studying other districts’ (1,18,19) websites, by perusing their by-laws, by conferring with their presidents about mutual concerns. This is your district. You too have a voice. I am open to your opinions.
Thank you….Brian Thomas (brian_kathy@ontera.net)