Happy New Year!

It’s hard to believe that I’ve completed my two years as Vice President and the start of my term as President has arrived.

I am more than just proud to be your President, I am humbled by it. I follow in the impressive footsteps of Bob Erwin, Ausra Geaski, Mark Aquino, and Bob Bertoni. Each of these past presidents has had an impact on me. We all need mentors, and I have had the best. I will work hard for you and continue to reach out to them for guidance.

I am also proud to be part of the Rhode Island Bridge Association. I hope to bring some of our enthusiasm to the District. We love to entertain! Have you been to one of our Sectionals? District 25 was awarded the Summer NABC for 2021, and Providence will again be the host – we couldn’t be more excited about it.

2018 and Beyond…
In recent years we experienced a decline in the attendance of our largest population of bridge players – those under 2500 masterpoints. Bringing them back has been an important goal of the last two Presidents and their boards. Having succeeded in that effort, we can now focus on keeping those players while encouraging our newest players to attend our regionals and keep them coming back. These players represent our future. We welcome your ideas as we develop a plan.

Our District is also fortunate to have a first-class website and website guru, Mike Wavada. I urge you all to explore the various links, use the calendar, and read the various front-page news that he provides. If you need to know what’s going on in the District, I guarantee you will find it at NEBridge.org.

I welcome the opportunity to begin working with Jack Mahoney, our new Vice President. As President, it is my desire to keep bridge alive and well in New England. I encourage you to reach out to me at any time. I am a responsive communicator, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Lois DeBlois
President, New England Bridge Conference