Candidates for Unit 207 Board
2016-2019 Term

JO DEE BOWEN writes: Like most Texans who leave, we eventually come home. I grew up in Houston, went to SMU and graduated from U of H. We raised our family in Dallas where I was a Real Estate Broker for many years. When we became empty nesters, we packed up and moved to Colorado with our 2 Labs. It is there I discovered my two favorite things to do – hiking and playing bridge! My husband and I led hiking groups in Colorado and have trekked six continents. My love for bridge came as a bit of a surprise. Twelve of us in Vail decided to rediscover bridge. We bought a book, studied together, threw $2 in the pot every Tuesday and played 36 boards. Two Buck Tuesday evolved into the Vail Valley Bridge Club which is hosting its first Sectional in the fall. Finding the Bridge Center of Austin, with its supportive atmosphere and friendly faces, made it easy to continue playing the game I love. BCA provides so many excellent events, programs, and opportunities to learn. I have participated in the Mentor Program both as mentor and mentee and am looking forward to the new season. It would be a privilege to serve on the Board to help Unit 207 continue growth and success of our clubs.

RICK CLEMENTS writes: I came to Austin in 1965 as a student at UT where I studied Psychology and played bridge. I liked Austin so much that I just stayed in school until the Army got me. In 1987, my wife and I moved to Northern Virginia where I did Network Administration and we got introduced to competitive Bridge. Six years ago we moved back to Austin and now I work a little, fly airplanes, and play bridge!. Bridge has been very good to me, if only all those hours of playing instead of studying had made me a better player! It is great fun though and I wish that it would catch on with the younger set. I would like to do my part.

HARRY INGHAM writes: In my early years at Eastman Kodak the guys had a lunch hour bridge game that I watched, learned and joined the game. I pushed on, found two duplicate games in the Rochester area and was hooked. Turned out that my future wife also played bridge and we married even after being bridge partners! Bridge wained as our family grew to five - two boys and a daughter. Family now includes 4 granddaughters, 1 grandson plus a great-grandson. After early retirement we moved to San Marcos in '94, but did not find any bridge games. After my wife passed away in 2000 I kept busy with many volunteer activities. One friend kept inviting me to his favorite bridge game in Buda. Finally joined him in March 2008 and was totally hooked again! If you noticed the sticker on back window of my car- EAT, SLEEP, BRIDGE! I am a Ruby Life Master with goal of Gold late this year or early next. I manage and direct games in San Marcos and Kyle plus fill in as director at the BCA and Larry's games. I firmly believe that our unit is well positioned to grow with the BCA as our central large club and the many outlying clubs bringing in those not prepared to fight the I-35 traffic or intimidated by the "Big club". As many of these suburbia folks become more comfortable with the game they add playing in tournaments as well as the "big club". The Unit is what brings all the area bridge together. I previously served 3 years on the board and would be happy to serve you again. Continuing to expand bridge lessons and advertising are very important to bring more folks to our bridge world. Although 5 years away, the news of a NABC coming to Austin can be a big incentive!

COSTA TRIANTAPHILIDES writes: I was born in Paris, France of Greek parents. We resettled to New York City in 1963. I moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas in 1971. I received a BBA in 1975 and never left the state. It was in the dorms at UT that I learned to play contract bridge. Through the years, between professional demands and raising a family I only played bridge in rare occurrences. I started to play duplicate a couple of years ago and have become quite the fan. My professional career was in the financial area within state and local governments. My last position was the Mayor/Council appointed City Auditor of Fort Worth. I served in that capacity for 26 years. I'm a retired CPA, CIA, and CGFM and served on many professional associations' in a leadership capacity. I am willing to assist the Austin Bridge Club as a board member. As a Unit 207 board member in 2015, I created the new game in Lakeway, and was in charge of supplies for the Unit. In 2016, I will co-chair the May Sectional Tournament.

BOB TYLER writes: I've been playing cards since I was a kid. My parents, siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins all learned to play from an early age. I think the bridge community is important to me partly for that reason. It's what my family does when we get together. I want to see our bridge community thrive and grow. The BCA was here when I needed it and I want to pay that forward.

SANAE ZAVELOFF writes: I was born in Japan and moved to Austin from the Washington, DC area in 1995. I learned to play bridge while living in Taiwan. I joined the BCA in 2009. I am living with my husband, one dog, and two cats.