RAYMOND BORREGO writes: As a supporter of this Unit for more than 30 years, I have continually volunteered with hospitality, mentoring, and partnerships, supporting classes and special events, as well as supporting the welfare of the Unit’s clubs. I am a Certified Bridge Teacher. With 20 years of experience in restaurant management and 20 years in quality improvement for high-tech firms, I bring organizational and leadership skills to the Unit Board. As Director of Education of a medium-sized church for several years and a board officer for a couple of non-profit organizations for more than 20 years, I have extensive experience in volunteerism. As your Unit Board Member, you may rest assured that I shall serve you well.

EARNESTINE BROYLES writes: I would love to tell you how long I have enjoyed bridge, but who wants to give away their age? Started playing because Mom played with the girls, had a fantastic time and they often need a substitute, so there I sat. I started when Goren Bridge was popular and continued that through college. Raised a family and returned to bridge. Oh my! It was not the bridge I knew. What a change! New game, challenging, stimulating!!! But all in all the most rewarding part is all the new friends, camaraderie, and socialization. So what’s not to like about Bridge? Thanks for your consideration to be on the board. YOU GOTTA LOVE THIS GAME!

SAM DINKIN writes: I want bridge to thrive in Austin and everywhere. I had some success playing this year. In March, my team made Elite 8 of the Vanderbilt. In May, my team was runner up and my pair crowd the crowd favorite in the USBF mixed trials; in July, semis of the GNT; in September the sweet 16 of the Marrakech Transnational teams, and placing 2nd in the Marrakech BAM B final; and in November 17th place qualifier in the Soloway in Atlanta. I also volunteered as coach for two US teams in world competition including the USA2 junior women's team, which I co-sponsored and mentored, who brought back a gold medal for the open transnational in August. I was a director, club manager, fund raiser and bridge columnist in college. I designed the system I play. I gave the November unit lecture. Work: I design, implement and advise in auctions. Other hobbies: hiking, reading science fiction. Personal: Lynn Baker and I have been married for 30 years. Our 25 year old daughter Mahria lives and works in Austin.

STUART LITWIN writes: I learned to play bridge in elementary school, played my 1st Duplicate in High School and continued playing into my mid-20s, but once we had our 1st child, I took a long hiatus of over 30 years, spent working and with family, before returning to Duplicate 1st playing robots on BBO, then getting involved at the Bridge Club here in Austin in 2019. I enjoy the bridge community and have made numerous friends. I volunteered at the Nationals in Austin, and last year volunteered to be a mentor after having been mentored in 2019 and 2020. After receiving such encouragement, I feel it is time to give back. I have been on boards of multiple non-profit organizations and served on my HOA board for 8 years. I currently serve on the City of Round Rock Ethics Commission. Now I want to take that experience and help out our local bridge community.

KEN LUSKEY writes: I am a native Texan, born and raised in Fort Worth, TX. I started playing bridge a long time ago when I was a student at UT, my girlfriend taught me how to play. Now, over 50 years later, I am married to that girl and I still play bridge (although my wife does not play regularly). As a student I played a lot of bridge, often until the wee hours of the morning. I also started playing duplicate at the student union; however, shortly after leaving UT I got married, had kids, started working hard, etc. and bridge took a back seat to these other activities. We ultimately moved to California for my work and focused on raising our 3 kids (they are all married now and we have 8 wonderful grandkids). I was then able to revert to some of my old habits and started playing duplicate bridge with several friends that had also played bridge in college. We also decided it was time to move back “home” to Texas. I look forward to the opportunity to work with the Board and to help to strengthen the bridge community in the Austin area.

GERALD URBACH writes: I moved to Austin from Dallas 2 1/2 years ago. I played at BAND in Dallas and play often at the Bridge Center of Austin. I learned to play the summer before I started college and got immediate immersion in the game because classes were postponed for a week and I played every day. I played social bridge for many years before I started duplicate. I love the game and believe it is great for brain health. I hope to use my experience as a member of several boards and service as treasurer of the Maravilla Residents Council and president of the Rice University Alumni Club in Dallas to be a productive member of this board. I would like to get more young people involved. I would be happy to have the opportunity to serve.