SUSANNA BUSICO writes: I grew up in Carlsbad, New Mexico and learned to play rudimentary bridge on the floor of my dorm room at Texas Tech University in the late 60’s. It was such a fun way to unwind after a day of classes and hours of doing homework. I played party bridge (very casually) off and on while moving around with the Air Force, stopped for 30 years because of teaching school and raising kids, then took lessons at BCA seven years ago. I was hooked immediately and grateful to have such great instructors at the club. I so appreciate the bridge community here and all the work put into making it a vibrant, fun group. I would like to pay back as a board member and to help carry the work forward.

MARK CRAIG writes: I started to learn to play bridge over 50 years ago, and that journey continues. Most of my best friends play and the others wonder why. What can I say, more than it's a great game and my passion? In trying to give something back to the game, I am currently serving on the Unit board. In that role, I feel that we have done good things to make the game an enjoyable event and encouraged new players to join. Unit 207 has provided support for all the clubs in central Texas, conducted the regional and other tournaments, and supported learning opportunities for new players. I hope to continue to make the game as enjoyable for others as I have found it to be.

LINDA GASTON writes: Bridge has become a real passion for me. I’m happy and grateful to have made so many wonderful friends and acquaintances while playing at the BCA. If there is anything I can do to help promote the game I’m all in!

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.

ANN ROE writes: I have enjoyed duplicate Bridge for almost 10 years in Austin. I value the intellectual challenges of the game and appreciate the many new friendships I’ve enjoyed since playing at the Bridge Center. After 25 years in marketing and business development in corporate America, I am eager to apply that experience to grow the game of game of Duplicate Bridge in Austin. I see lots of opportunities to attract new players through targeted outreach campaigns and to promote existing games in the community and drive more participation. I appreciate all of the hard work that the current and former board members have done to make the Duplicate Bridge Community in Austin so successful and welcoming. I would like to continue that effort and build on it. Thank you for considering me the board!

GEORGE WATKINS writes: I was the Unit Board President for several years thru 2015 and took a break after 6 years on the Board. Later I came back in 2017 for 3 more years. I am a retired school teacher and enjoy walking my dogs, playing bridge and following politics. While on the Unit Board I co-chaired several of the Sectionals held at the BCA. I have helped organize parties and free events for all Unit members paid for by the Board. If reelected I will continue to promote cooperation between the Unit and the various clubs in our area. I will also encourage the Board to provide more parties and special events for our membership.