Congratulations to our new Life Masters!

Marie-José Babouder-Matta

Judith Cavagnaro

Paul Johnson

James Metzger

Jack Miller

Ola Rech

Allison Rudary

Greg Rich

From Marie-José Babouder-Matta:

"Je voudrais remercier tous mes amis/partenaires qui m’ont aidée à accomplir cette performance. Je suis reconnaissante envers tous les organisateurs de tournois et surtout envers mon club de bridge à Branford. C’est grâce à la gentillesse et patience de Bob Kistner que j’ai acquis mes connaissances du jeu… merci Bob!"

"I am grateful to all the friends who helped me become a bridge life master, and to all the tournament organizers and, mostly, my Branford Bridge club. They make this possible, while also having fun. Special thanks to Bob Kistner (pictured with Marie-José) who taught me everything I know."

Félicitations, Marie-José!

Paul Johnson in the St. Patrick's Weekend Sectional spirit

Allison Rudary

From Greg Rich:

"I have played bridge casually for a number of years. In 2017, I moved to Newtown, CT and took up bridge as a more serious hobby. I played regularly at the Newtown Bridge Club. I took a number of lessons from the club manager (Susan Fronapfel) and played with many different partners. I met up with my most long-term partner as a couple of singles early in 2018. As a couple of "advanced beginners", we learned the game together. Somehow, I managed to win both the Mini-McKenney and Ace of Clubs awards in 2018. Ken and I played in many sectional and regional tournaments over the years, garnering our share of success. I was proud to be playing with Ken in the NABC Championships in Providence when he qualified Life Master. Ken and I recently won a regional tournament where I earned enough points to qualify Life Master myself.

"I met Mike Hess in 2018 and started taking regular lessons. Mike is a well known bridge player and teacher who has mentored me over the years. It took a long time for me to learn the difference between 'winners to protect, or work to do' when declaring. Mike and I have played together in several tournaments, winning one in 2023. I've also assisted Mike teach beginner and intermediate players and am mentoring a few newer players myself trying to do my part to build the bridge community. I find mentoring an enriching experience and take pride when students achieve their own success.

"Once we emerged from the pandemic, I found myself playing in the Westport and New Canaan games. In addition to Ken and Mike, I'd like to extend special thanks to Tom Hunter for running the great club games and helping me on my way as a partner and teammate. I've been helped out by too many people to thank individually, so I also like to thank everyone that I've played with over the years. As my teacher repeatedly tells me 'bridge is a partnership game', advice that I take with me as I move forward."

If you would like to share your story, please email us!