I wanted to tell you a little bit about myself and why I started this site. And yes if you got here by typing
WannaPlayBridge.com you are at the right place. All of the services and products I offer are done through my company, Rolfe Bridge Services, LLC.
I learned how to play bridge at the age of 9, while watching my mother teach bridge to adults and filling in when someone didn't come to the bridge class. I've grown to love the game, playing it frequently. I played mostly party bridge, until I started playing duplicate bridge in 2002. I love it all!
I felt like it was time to pass on the love of this
game to the next generation. In November 2001 I became an ACBL (American Contract Bridge League) Accredited
Teacher. In January 2002 I started teaching bridge to 4th through 6th graders in the
Lee's Summit School District Gifted and Talented Program (ASPIRE). Several of my students have placed in the ACBL Instant Matchpoint Competition held in the spring through 2006. Since that competition was discontinued, we have started having our own student sectional tournament in conjunction with the Kansas City Unit 131 Spring Sectional. Trophies and scholarship money are available to the winners. Check out the News link. Interested in getting bridge
classes into your school -during classes or after-school programs? If
you are in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, I'd be glad to help if we can
work out a convenient schedule, call 816-237-0519 or e-mail me. ACBL provides the
textbooks and a t-shirt to each child as well as paying me a small stipend,
so the class is free
to the school. If you are outside my area contact ACBL to see if they can find someone close to you to provide the service.
As of September, 2005 I am also an ACBL Club Director! I currently direct my own game on Friday mornings in Lee's Summit . I also direct games on cruise ships when I can.
As of August, 2008 I am a Bronze Life Master!
As of July, 2009 I am an American Bridge Teachers Association (ABTA) Master Teacher. I have served as the Recording Secretary for the ABTA. As of August 1, 2010 I am the Business Secretary-Treasurer-Convention Manager for the ABTA. Come to our next convention in Memphis prior to the spring NABC in 2012!
What I've found is not only young people who want
to play this game of Bridge but also adults who either want to learn how to
play or want to get better. I have begun offering classes to meet those
needs as well. For my group classes, outside of the school system, I teach from the Audrey Grant Better Bridge Series.
Check out upcoming
classes offered and details as to cost and how to
sign up.
I also love competing in this game. I have helped represent District 15 of the ACBL in the Grand National Team event for 3 consecutive years. 2007 and 2008 as Flight C, and in 2009 as a Flight B player. I have also been the top representative for District 15 Flight C along with my partner in the North American Pair event in the spring of 2008.
I also think it is important to give back to the organization that has contributed to my life over the past few years. I have been a member of the Unit 131 Board of Directors since 2006, working in the following positions, many of them concurrently, as the Education Chair, "The Declarer" editor, the 1st Vice-President, and GNT/NAP/Bragging Rights Coordinator, President, and am now the Immediate Past President of the Unit. I'm also a member of ACBL's National Charity Committee.
