Hello Josee ,

Ouf!! I have no idea where and how to start this newsletter. October has been a full month on all levels. On a personal level, Canadian Thanksgiving, the twins’ 3^rd birthday and Halloween have all come and gone. Halloween was a huge success for the grandkids. My granddaughter Maddie (will be 4 in January) stayed with us for a sleepover the weekend before. One of our activities was to ride on JoJo(yours truly) The Witch’s broomstick in the condo’s hallways. I am NOT about to share pictures of that and super glad we didn’t run into any of our neighbours!

Now let’s move on to the professional side of things. Classes started early October, and I am seeing attendance like never before. It is overwhelming in such a positive way! I know that every term, I think I have hit the jackpot in terms of quality of students enrolled but yet again Classes of Fall 2024 have risen to the occasion with an energy and appreciation that every teacher would envy. I have so much gratitude for my choice of career which came late in life.



Another important part of why the large classes are going so well is that several of my previous students have shown up to offer extra help. Thank you, Barb, Rita, Shelley and Saville for being there for me and the students! I mean it when I say the classes could not be running as smoothly without your help.

Then another special gift landed on my lap this Fall. In late August, Barb Black reached out to me saying she was interested in starting to teach bridge and would I spend a few minutes with her to discuss her options and give her some guidance. I quickly replied: “I will do you one better! Come and shadow some of my classes, and see if this happens to be calling you.” I had a bit of a sneaky hidden agenda behind this. The main one is there is only one of me, and there is more and more demand for good quality instructions. Some day I may even want to retire; how then do I ensure that these lessons can continue. Much like Barbara Seagram gave me a chance almost 20 years ago, this is my chance to ensure the future in person bridge lessons in Toronto! Barb has been diligently attending and participating in the Beginners and Intermediate I courses this Fall. She asks great questions, makes notes, is prompt but more importantly is so kind and understanding of the novice players. She exudes a feeling of patience and calm that is so precious these students. Read more about Barb below as I am excited to announce that she will be teaching one of the winter courses.

On October 17^th, we held our first Gentle Bridge game. Douglas has gathered a strong team of volunteers and our early attendance numbers have been very good! I wish I had remembered to take a picture on Halloween night as we had several players show up in costumes. However here's one of the group on the first week we held the game. The players are having a good time and are appreciative of the “Hand of the Week” analysis. Douglas has also started a few minutes early with a play of the hand problem helping the players count their tricks before playing to trick one. Again another venture that is so rewarding. Thank you for your support.

Finally, another gratitude moment I want to share. Last Wednesday morning I arrived in good time to be ready for the 48 students attending the Advanced Bid and Play session. All my presentations are done on PowerPoint and projected on a large screen. Ten minutes before the start of the class, I opened my laptop to pull up the PPT couldn't seem to find the file! While breathing deeply and trying to calm the panic rising, I searched deleted folder; clicked on “Search Everything “– nowhere in site!!!

Opened What’s App and texted Luis in Brazil asking for urgent help. Sent Luis a message through Messenger titled Urgent. Emailed Luis with the same note. All the while it is now 10 am, time to start the class. I explained the situation saying “Luis is usually so prompt responding maybe he is taking his elderly parents to a medical appointment.” Everyone was saying that’s ok, we can work without PPT. So we started. Then I received a message from Luis.” Josée, I am at the hospital with my mother who has pneumonia. I don’t have my computer, but I can go home to get this out to you.” I read the message to the class and all these voices rose to say “Luis, take care of your mom. We will be ok “.  I am glad to report that Luis’ mom is doing much better and all seem to be slowly returning to normal. I want to thank the class of October 30^th for their compassion and understanding. You are so appreciated.

Well time to sign off – We have 3 courses offered this early winter. You will note a price increase for all my courses, as I have not raised them in over 5 years. Between inflation, rent increase and cost of books included with the courses, I just had to do this. This Winter take advantage of the early bird discount offered. Please read below and enjoy the Fun Facts and other articles included in this newsletter.

I will be back in December. In the meantime Happy Thanksgiving to my American Followers! 

Josée Hammill Bridge

2025 Winter Schedule

ALL IN PERSON LESSONS!

Location: Armour Heights Presbyterian Church

 105 Wilson Ave, Toronto

Tricks And Trumps

100% FREE!

Do you have friends who are curious about learning to play bridge? Let them find out with this upcoming FREE 90 minute lesson!  It’s all hands-on. Just PLAY time!

This is a fantastic no stress opportunity for anyone who is curious about learning this wonderful game. As you know, bridge brings so much to your life! Let your friends and family in on the secret!  

• DATE: Wednesday, December 4^th - 1 to 2:30 pm
• PRICE: 100% FREE!!!! 

Let’s make their first experience with bridge unforgettable! To register, please contact Josée at mjhammill@rogers.com

Basics Beginners Bridge Series with Josée Hammill

Enroll in this 8-Week Beginners Course taught in person this Winter

This course is designed for absolute beginners, ensuring a comfortable and supportive learning environment. Each session will be interactive, hands on, and fun By the end of the series, you will not only have a solid understanding of basic bidding and playing bridge concepts, but also, hopefully if I do my job right, a newfound interest in the game.

Enroll now to secure your spot, and let the bridge adventure begin. 

Here are more in-depth details:

DATES: Starts Wednesday, January 8^th (for 8 weeks), 1 to 3 pm.

PRICE: $260 (check early bird discount below). Includes taxes, Barbara Seagram Basic Bridge textbook, PDF of PowerPoint presentations and online recordings.

Intermediate I (Advanced Beginners) Bridge Series with Barb Black

Are you feeling rusty or looking to really get the basic bidding and playing concepts? Then, join us for the Intermediate I (Advanced Beginners) Bridge Series. This course is perfect for those looking for a refresher or transitioning from basic lessons. It will help you solidify what you first learned during the Basic Bridge course or if you are returning after a long hiatus will help you modernize your knowledge of the basic bidding and playing techniques.

DATES: Starts Tuesday, January 7^th (for 7 weeks) – 6:30 to 8:30 pm

PRICE: $230 (check early bird discount below). Includes taxes, Barbara Seagram Intermediate I textbook, PDF of PowerPoint presentations and online recordings.

Introduction To Defence

with Josée Hammill

Learn Defensive Strategies in Just 4 Weeks!

Did you know that during a game, you spend 50% of your time defending? Many players overlook how vital defence is to their success, but the truth is that mastering defence is where the real fun begins! Even with a seemingly weak hand, you can outsmart opponents and prove your prowess at the table. This lesson will teach you and your partner how you can enjoy the game just the same with very few points in your hand and ultimately impress the opponents.

DATES: Starts Wednesday, January 8^th (for 4 weeks) – 10 to 12 pm.

PRICE: $175 (check early bird discount below) Includes Eddie Kantar’s Book Introduction to Defense – new edition revised by Barbara Seagram.

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT!

Sign up and pay by December 8th to receive a 10% early bird discount on any of the winter courses, as follows:

• Bridge Basics – $234
• Intermediate I – $207
• Intro to Defence – $158

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR ALL CLASSES IS REQUIRED

To register, please contact Josée at mjhammill@rogers.com. For any questions, feel free to reach out via email or call 416-300-9140.

Payment: Send by etransfer after I have confirmed your registration, to mjhammill@rogers.com or by cheque mailed to 1717 Avenue Road, Suite 418, Toronto, Ontario, M5M0A2.

Website: www.bridgewebs.com/josees

ABOUT BARB BLACK

Following a career in management at TD Bank and volunteering in the community, Barb began her bridge journey in 2012 when a friend invited her to take an 8-week Beginners's course taught by Josée. She was immediately hooked and went on to pursue intermediate courses and ongoing lessons while playing regularly. Encouraged by a friend who played bridge at an advanced level, she soon became an avid Duplicate Bridge player.

Barb particularly enjoys inspiring her friends to take up this wonderful game and has coached many on their bridge journey. She has developed a passion for teaching bridge and is excited to take the next step! .

Believing that playing with a variety of partners is key to enjoyment and improvement, Barb plays regularly at Monday Club and Toronto Bridge, and she enjoys attending the many tournaments in and around Toronto. She and her husband reside in North Toronto, while their three grown sons live in Toronto and New York.

DID YOU KNOW THAT? BRIDGE FUN FACTS

Hollywood’s Bridge Craze in the 1930s: Stars Take to the Tables

Bridge wasn’t just popular in living rooms and clubs in the 1930s - it was also a hit among Hollywood's biggest stars! During this golden age of cinema, actors on and off the set would gather around the card table to test their wit and luck. For some, it was a game of skill and strategy; for others, a chance to blow off steam between takes. And when you have a table with comedy legends like Laurel and Hardy, Buster Keaton, and Jimmy Durante, you know there’s bound to be as much laughter as there is competition.

In this vintage article, we get a behind-the-scenes look at one of these unforgettable bridge sessions. With director Charles Reisner calling the shots and Jimmy Durante kibitzing (and heckling!) from the sidelines, this lively group shows us that Bridge is serious business - well, as serious as things ever got with these comedians!

KIBITZING THE COMEDIANS

Cinema Comedians Take Their Bridge Seriously

IT ISN’T often that a visitor to Hollywood has a chance to see the leading comedians of the screen in action. Imagine, if you can, what possibilities when you get Laurel and Hardy, Buster Keaton and Jimmy Durante together, and they are not taking directions from Charles Reisner.

Fortunately the camera caught the funny boys before they started playing, and I can assure you it was better so. This proved to be no quiet session, as you probably guessed after seeing who made up the table.



Oliver Hardy (East) was the dealer, and he bid one diamond, after which Mr. Laurel (South) bid a spade, and Poker Face—pardon me, Mr. Keaton (West) bid two hearts.

Director Reisner (North) passed, at which Jimmy (Schnozzle) Durante, in the role of a kibitzer, declared he “was mortified.” Maybe Oliver mistook this for a signal, for he bid three clubs. Stan gave him a look (you know the one) and passed. Buster, still looking like a sphinx, promptly bid three no trump. The rest passed, and Mr. Reisner with his inimitable flourish led out the queen of spades.

Cashing this, he lead spades again which put his partner in the lead. Buster took the next trick in spades. It will be noted from the distribution of cards, that this was a tough spot for the director. He did not know the lay of the diamonds or clubs, and finally decided on a heart as his discard on the third trick.

With this discard, Buster saw a chance of achieving a possible top on the board, altho he never flickered an eyelid, when Jimmy told the world he was “fermenting.” As a bridge expert he's even funnier than he was in “The Phantom President.”

With a simple end-play, it was apparent to Buster that he could make four odd, as poor Mr. Laurel could be stripped of his hearts and clubs and thrown in with a spade to lead up to the diamond ten-ace, if as seemed assured in the bidding, he held the diamond king. He knew that this was one time Mr. Hardy wouldn’t slap his fingers for playing dumb.

The sad-faced Mr. Keaton, therefore, led four rounds of clubs and four of hearts, and Stan was forced to find three discards. Considering it imperative to hold on to his diamond king, he threw away his last spade on the final round of hearts.

So, Buster cashed his remaining spade, and took the last trick with the diamond ace in the dummy. Director Reisner heaved a sigh of relief as the contest ended and the necessity for gun play on the part of “Schnozzle” Durante faded. The Hollywood wags have it that the director would rather face the comedians on the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer lots any day than spend an evening at hectic bridge with them. Who can tell? All in all, a good time was had by everyone.

NEW GAME IN TOWN!

Thrilled to announce the new weekly supervised game for 0-20 MP players

WHEN: Thursday evening

6:30 pm prompt start.

WHERE: Armour Heights Presbyterian Church, 105 Wilson Avenue

WHAT: A gentle bridge game for players with 0-20 MP. Volunteers will be on hand to answer your bidding questions. Hand of the week analysis with tips on bidding and playing the hand.

A partner will always be guaranteed if you do not have one already.

HOW MUCH: $12 – includes playing 12 boards, hand of the week analysis, volunteers', coffee, tea and cookies. Playing experience in a gentle environment is priceless !

Pre Registration encouraged. Email Josée at mjhammill@rogers.com to be added to mailing list and receive the LIVE registration link.

We ask that you are on site by no later than 6:10 pm.

If you have taken some lessons but are worried about playing bridge in a club, this opportunity will ease all your hesitations! You will be hooked after just one week! 

Your director Douglas Jordan, our wonderful volunteers and myself are looking forward to having you join.

See you there!  

BARBADOS 2025 - BARBARA SEAGRAM

BARBADOS 2025

BARBADOS SUN SEA & SLAMS

SUN. FEBRUARY 9 – SUN. FEB 16, 2025

or SAT. FEB 8-FEB 16, 2025 with

BRIDGE WORKSHOPS ON SUN FEB 9, 2025

ACBL SECTIONAL BRIDGE TOURNAMENT with SILVER MASTER POINTS

NEW SPECIAL FOR SUNBAY GUESTS

ARRIVE ON FRIDAY 7^th FEB

Get Friday night for $125.00 USD instead of $170.00 (per person dbl occ) including meals and drinks

SINGLE: $220.00 vs $270.00 USD incl meals & drinks

Have exclusive seminar with Barbara on Sat. 8 Feb

STAY at SUNBAY HOTEL in BARBADOS 

SEVEN NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION INCLUDING ALL MEALS & DRINKS

USD $1,190.00 PER PERSON (DBL. OCC.) $1,890.00 SINGLE OCCUPANCY

OR EIGHT NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION INCLUDING ALL MEALS & DRINKS

USD $1,360.00 PER PERSON (DBL. OCC.) $2,160.00 SINGLE OCCUPANCY

EXTRA NIGHTS: $170.00 USD per person DBL OCC.

or $270.00 per person SGL OCC.

Come early or stayover to tour this lovely island.

HOST HOTEL: BARBADOS BEACH CLUB  MAXWELL COAST ROAD

This hotel is now sold out.

SUNBAY HOTEL is almost across the street from BARBADOS BEACH CLUB: 240 steps

You will have access to beach at Barbados Beach Club (as these are sister properties) & 5 drink tickets

INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER & LOCAL DRINKS ARE ALL INCLUDED AT SUNBAY. HOUSE WINE WITH LUNCH & DINNER. MANAGER’S COCKTAIL PARTY. CLOSING BANQUET SAT EVE @ BARBADOS BEACH CLUB. TAXES & HOTEL GOVERNMENT LEVY INCLUDED. WIFI IS FREE. BRIDGE WORKSHOPS ARE FREE.

GRATUITIES ARE NOT INCLUDED. WE RECOMMEND $30.00 USD PER PERSON.

TRANSFERS TO & FROM AIRPORT INCLUDED ONLY ON SAT FEB 8 & SUN FEB 9 AND ON SUN FEB 16. FRIDAY ALSO FOR SUNBAY GUESTS

BRIDGE COMMITTEE TAKES YOU TO & FROM AIRPORT ON THOSE DATES ONLY

BOOK YOUR OWN AIRFARE (NOT INCLUDED). NOTIFY ROGLYN HINDS OF YOUR FLIGHT PLANS.

Contact Roglyn Hinds roglynhinds@gmail.com so she can arrange transportation to and from airport

BRIDGE EVENTS ARE NOT INCLUDED. Cost: $15.00 USD per session. All bridge is optional.

This is a smaller tournament. Very friendly and fabulous.

Highly recommended by Barbara Seagram & Alex Kornel.

Barbados is Barbara’s homeland for MANY generations (almost 4 centuries!)

Barbara Seagram & Alex Kornel will be attending the tournament in 2025. There will be TWO free seminars given by Barbara while there (Sun am & Sun aft: 9 FEB) FLY IN ON SAT 8 FEB to attend

TO BOOK: Contact Reservations Department at Barbados Beach Club

1-246-428-9900

or email  reservations@barbadosbeachclub.com  

BOOKING CODE: BRIDGE 2025

DEPOSIT @ SUNBAY: $510.00 USD per person (dbl occ)

or $810.00 USD (sgl occ)

Deposit is fully refundable if you cancel prior to November 30, 2024

Think of this as a packaged vacation and not just a hotel room. Hence this cancellation policy.

Contact Roglyn Hinds: Tournament chair roglynhinds@gmail.com

or 246-231-0149

See all details in Barbara's website: Barbara Seagram - Cruises & Trips

Join the SHOEBOX PROJECT for Women in Need

SHOE BOX - MUSKOKA

For the past three years, Verity and Brenda have been dedicated to purchasing, packing, and delivering Christmas gift boxes for women in shelters throughout the Muskoka, Parry Sound, and North Bay areas. This initiative is part of the SHOEBOX PROJECT — simply type it in and select MUSKOKA to learn more.

As many of you know, the number of women experiencing abuse has risen dramatically, with over 500 shelters now operating across Canada. Many women in our community are facing difficult circumstances and need to seek refuge in shelters.

Each gift box is filled with essential items valued at $50, including hats, mittens, shampoo, toothbrushes, and more.

Brenda and Verity hope these boxes will bring a little joy to those spending Christmas morning in a shelter.

If you would like to make a financial donation, please send it to Verity.sylvester@cmcandco.com. The deadline for contributions is November 30.

If you have any questions, we would be more than happy to chat and provide any information you need.

Thank you for your support!

Verity Sylvester and Brenda Webber

Verity: 647-401-7549 & Brenda: 416-897-8504