See MEMBER RECOGNITION - HALL OF FAME HONOREES TO READ ABOUT CLAUDIA FEAGIN!
Jane Melby is the 2018 Sportsperson of the Year for the DBAA/Unit 253. Her successful nomination was echoed by many as she was described as the essence of graciousness at the table and in the clubs. It has been suggested that her most sportsman-like trait is the lack of drama in competition and that her poise and warm smile go a long way to dispel any possible awkwardness that might arise at the table. Jane has consistently played with partners at all levels, playing 'up' to better her game and mentoring many new and advancing players. Jane is best known as a popular teacher, but her most recent significant bridge accomplishment was graciously running the I/N desk at the 2018 ATL NABC.
Jane will receive a certificate and a year of free plays at all of the DBAA Sectional Touraments in 2019. Her name will be included on the DBAA-maintained plaque with all of the previous winners. Congratulations Mrs. Melby.
The ACBL Hall of Fame Committee awarded Patty Tucker the prestigious Blackwood Award for 2019. The Blackwood Award recognizes long and outstanding contributions to bridge outside of playing ability.
Patty is best known as one of the most prominent teachers in the bridge world and as the creator of Learn Bridge in a Day, which has introduced more than 5000 people to bridge in the past five years. A Grand Life Master, Patty is a co-founder of Atlanta Junior Bridge, a coach for the Georgia Tech collegiate team and a past president for the American Bridge Teachers' Association She originated the Youth NABC in 2008.
Patty won the North American Pairs in 2000. She has previously been recognized as Honorary Member of the Year in 2016, and Goodwill Member of the Year in 2011. CONGRATULATIONS PATTY!!!!
When playing at Atlanta Duplicate Bridge Club, you may have noticed the beautiful orchids. They are brought in by Tom Drinkard, who maintains, feeds, and rehabilitates them just to bring a beautiful touch to our bridge experience.
Tom grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and attended Virginia Tech majoring in Computer Science. His career was like a bridge sandwich; he was a Software Developer and Systems Analyst followed by an eight year stint as a Bridge Tournament Director based in the Southeast, and then he went back to the computing field from which he retired. He met his wife, Laura, an accomplished bridge player at a tournament.
He lives with his three dogs. Sentry is a Black Lab and Stacy and Snickers are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Tom became interested in bridge when a friend of his girlfriend's famiy got him involved with bridge during high school. During college, he and his partner won a Regional Student tournament and won a trip to the Nationals in that event. After college, he moved to Boston before settling in Atlanta in 1977. Tom attained the rank of Life Master shortly after moving to Atlanta by earning a section award in the Reisinger Board-a-Match team game during the fall Nationals held in Atlanta.
Tom left the bridge world after he retired from tournament directing in 1991 returning over 25 years later. Even when you lose to Tom, you are happy to have played with him as he is polite and helpful to all. He likes bridge because of the social aspects and because it challenges his mind. He is always lookig to improve his game and hopes to become a better partner.
The orchid hobby was one he got involved with through Laura, who was raised in Hawaii and had a natural affinity for tropical plants Tom seems to be able to cure even the saddest looking orchid.
In addition to all of lthe above, Tom has been a philatelist, interested in US stamps since he was in high school He still has his original collection and became involved again in the hobby about 10 years ago, but he still enjoys the game of bridge more.
Login to Pianola for membership directory, personal results history, analysis of your performance, and a partner-finder
