Sisters bridge lessons a big success

When Susan Sandberg, co-organizer for the Sisters bridge group, contacted The Nugget about a story on free bridge lessons to be offered to the community, she had no idea that the response would be so overwhelming.

"I did this last year without any publicity," she said, "and we had four people sign up for lessons. I thought that was pretty good. But, after the article ran in The Nugget this year, we had 16 new people sign up. I guess that shows the power of the press!"

DeAnn Frazee was one of those who jumped at the chance for a new experience.

"I saw it in the paper," Frazee said, "and it intrigued me. I am newly retired, and many years ago I started to learn in college and didn't follow through with it. My mother loves playing bridge, and I would like to play with her."

"This group was so enthusiastic," said Sandberg. "The lessons were supposed to only go through August; but they just kept wanting more, so we continued them into September. One week I couldn't make it, but they got together and practiced without me. Now, some of them are already playing with the regular group on Thursdays."

Another newcomer bitten by the bridge bug is Carol Hodges.

"I love to play cards," she said. "I thought it would be great for my mind. I like to keep my mind active."

Sandberg echoed Hodges' remarks: "I think that the game is great because of the mental intensity involved in it," she said. "It keeps people's minds sharp and working. Bridge is constant learning. No matter what level you have attained, you are always learning. It always provides new challenges depending on how the cards fall. Not only that, it provides social interaction. It's very socially stimulating, and you meet new people and make new friends."

Nancy Macy couldn't say enough about Sandberg's classes.

"This is wonderful," she said. "Susan is a fantastic teacher. Some of these people didn't even know the suits; and, now, they are playing bridge! She is amazing. I just love the people who play at this bridge club."

Sandberg's co-organizer is Donna Hurd, who helped with the class over the entire month-and-a-half of lessons.

"It's nice to see such enthusiasm from these new players," she said. "We'll get them integrated into our group with a little practice."

"We play a very low-key version of social contact bridge," Sandberg said.

New participants are always welcome; however, everyone is asked to sign up ahead of time to make sure that players are properly paired and that enough tables are set up in advance. Each participant is also asked to contribute a (very) nominal fee to help defray facility costs and provide token cash prizes for the highest bridge scores.

The Sisters bridge group plays in The Pines Clubhouse every Thursday afternoon at 12:30 p.m., except holidays. Sessions usually last about three hours and feature a round-robin play of six hands at each table.

Persons who are interested in playing bridge with the group, or have questions, are invited to contact Susan Sandberg at 541-549-9419 or her co-organizer, Donna Hurd, at 541-548-8035. They will also be glad to help pair up new players with partners and assist newcomers in developing their bridge skills.