ALL THIS AND HEAVEN, TOO!

THE SEDONA ELKS CLUB

It all began about six weeks ago with an email from our good friend Robb Gordon (formerly from Chicago, NY and now Arizona) asking if we’d consider driving up (no commercial air transportation other than the private Sedona airport) for their little Sectional in early March to play with Linda and him and Brian Schoenfeld.   Being brain-dead and non-anticipatory of my fear of heights, I happily accepted as I had heard so much about Sedona.  Little did I know that the AAA directions took us through the unforgettable scenic route (every imaginable winding road through the canyons, gorges and mountain tops till we finally arrived at our destination – the charming Sky Ranch Lodge traversing a narrow winding guardrailed road – which seemed halfway to heaven.   It was about a mile or two above the lovely Sedona Elks Club Lodge so the convenience was perfect.   However, Robb immediately gave this scaredy cat an alternate return route which was on straight, flat terrain which took half an hour longer – but much more relaxing minus the cavernous highs and lows.   (However, Bobby and I  both agreed if we return to this Nirvana of a bridge setting, we’d stay at Best Western off the main flat highway on 89A and take the low road)!

Once my motor trauma was behind us, we had a ball, winning the opening day K/O followed by another K/O (3/4) and a 3rd in the Swiss.  Though we thought there would not be any world beaters in the crowd, we were in for a surprise.   We played against half a dozen tough, experienced players who knew exactly what they were doing and could hold their own at higher level events, including Nationals.   Not such duck soup as we expected.

Let me tell you about our delightful three days – but I don’t know where to begin the plaudits.   The nearby restaurants (a super N.Y. style deli we frequented for breakfast every day and dinners at a sensational Italian Restaurant called Dahl & DiLuca and an unusual Szechuan/Sushi dining spot were our choices) – could not have been improved upon.   One night we dined together with the Gordons, and our fifth (Brian) and his non-playing bridge wife – the lovely Renee Schoenfeld (who happens to be a psychiatrist) and well equipped to contribute a lot to our bridge conversation though we were careful not to ‘talk bridge” – just about the unusual groups that bridge attracts.   Renee added a lot to the discussion because maybe she understands our participants better than we we do.   We also had a treat seeing the Gordon’s magnificent Southwest decor home with the highlight getting to meet the famous “Lola” their priceless, adorable puppy (a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) whom they treasure (and we loved too).

The site, The Sedona Elks Club on some godforsaken off-the-road site like a trailer park, was elegant.  Between a beautiful bar room, there were good sized playing rooms on either side.   The lighting was good, the floor director was on top of everything and the people were paragons of good manners and ethics.  It really left nothing to be desired.

As we walked in the door (before we reached where the entries were being sold), we were greeted by Elks volunteers (Jim Hutchins, Manager) who offered us a sheet to select our lunch (prepared by the members) for $8.00 when we took a short lunch break.   It consisted of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chili dogs, salads, etc. plus a variety of chips, an apple, veggies and unlimited beverages, including iced tea.   Avoiding the hustle bustle of leaving the premises was a godsend and you could eat on the terrace or at your table.  Could not have been more convenient – and the cuisine was excellent beside the price being right!

Also they have a table with coffee, water, tea (hot or cold), nosh on the sidelines if you couldn’t wait till the lunch break.   A sight to behold and a marvelous, considerate addition to the tiring three sessions (unless you got knocked out earlier).   They had bracketed pair games, two K/Os and a two session Swiss so we finished early on the last night as many from out of town (Phoenix, Sun City, Scottsdale, many California cities and other locales, etc.) had ventured a long way to this beautiful event.   I can sincerely say I have never been to a tournament in over fifty-five years where the amenities were superb, the people were warm, gracious, friendly, outgoing and so overwhelmed to welcome a celebrity like Bobby.

Incidentally, On Friday Bobby participated in the recognition and presentation of awards to the Mini-McKinney Winners (by points categories) plus the Aces of Clubs winners.   The presentation and the real stars of the show were the Emcee Marsha Helton (named ACBL Goodwill Winner of the year) and her handsome. charming husband Darryl who is President, Unit Tournament Coordinator and Membership Chair.  By the way, Marsha not only organized beginners and novices a couple years ago but had worked with them to bring more players  into the fold.   She is also Committee Member, Clubs News Reporter, Electronic Chair and handles tournament publicity.   The Heltons are the pillars of the bridge community (plus help from dozens and dozens of other enthusiastic volunteers).   It is truly an inspirational unit and district.  They are all a credit to the game.