WESTFIELD-With its origins starting in 1960, the Westfield Bridge Club has created lasting friendships and memorable moments for its players throughout the years, and now as it marks 57 years of continuous play – one change is coming starting May 4.
“With many of the players preferring not to drive at night, we will begin meeting Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. at the American Inn in Southwick,” said Vi Martinell, who has helped coordinate logistics for the weekly Wednesday evening gathering along with longtime friend and bridge partner Cindy Fullerton.
Dorothy Kowaleski, foreground, makes a play during the Westfield Bridge Club gathering Wednesday night at the American Inn in Southwick. Left to right joining in the game are Vi Martinell, Judy Fiore and Cindy Fullerton.
On the evening of April 26, a festive reception at the American Inn started at 6 p.m. to mark the end of an era for the players – for some since the 1970’s.
Judy Fiore, a retired real estate broker with Fiore & Darling Real Estate now Century 21 Fiore & Darling, was one of the first to arrive and sat at the card table with her friend and bridge partner Dorothy Kowaleski. Fiore joined the club in the 1970’s.
“I have always enjoyed the camaraderie of others while playing bridge,” said Fiore, noting that she and her husband Richard made it a night out when they both started playing in the city. “It was a great way for husbands and wives to do something together after work.”
Over the years the Westfield Bridge Club has met at the Westfield YMCA, the Westfield Woman’s Club, and most recently, the American Inn. The cost is $3 for the game which traditionally is 18 to 21 hands.
“The American Inn has been very accommodating in welcoming our group,” said Martinell, adding that all bridge players are welcome to join the group. Gatherings are conducted in the auditorium of the main building at 1 Sawmill Park.
For Fiore, who has been a resident at the American Inn for more than 20 years, having the bridge club meet in her backyard is ideal.
“It is very convenient for those of us who live here,” said Fiore.
For Kowaleski, who has been playing bridge for more than 60 years, she enjoys the competitiveness of the game.
More than 20 area residents attended Wednesday night’s Westfield Bridge Club gathering at the American Inn in Southwick.
“I enjoy duplicate bridge because of the social aspect of meeting others, plus, it is more competitive,” said Kowaleski.
For most players – the main reason they enjoy playing bridge is to keep one’s mind active.
“Playing bridge can be addictive,” said Martinell, who has also been playing since the 1970’s, adding, “Many of us play bridge in other towns in addition to the American Inn.”
For area residents who once played bridge but need a refresher course, a “Back to Basics” bridge course is planned at the Westfield Woman’s Club starting May 10. Master teacher and international tournament player Helen Pawlowski will lead the eight-week series from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $50.
Sue Labucki is working with Pawlowski handling registration and noted that only four tables will be offered at the course. Labucki can be reached at (413) 562-6817 for more information and to register for the course.
“Once we have filled all of the tables the registration will be closed,” said Labucki, who started playing bridge after she retired in 1997 from the Westfield public school system.
“I taught math for 36 years so I have always enjoyed working with numbers,” said Labucki, adding that playing bridge forces “constant thinking” on one’s part.
“Playing bridge keeps your mind active,” she added.
While Labucki may spend up to five times a week playing bridge at a friend’s home or at other settings including the Westfield Senior Center, she notes that “it is a lovely way to spend the afternoon.”
For persons interested in learning how to play bridge, a series of Beginner Bridge classes will be offered in the coming months by master teacher and player Myrna Butler at the Westfield Woman’s Club. For more details, visit www.westfieldwomansclub.webs.com.
