Your Board of Directors investigated alternatives for filtered water without adding to the over-abundance of plastic bottles which get thrown out. Two firms deliver water in Santa Cruz; however, several groups we contacted reported the dispenser and the spigot get dirty. After using water dispensers for years, the Monterey Bridge Center discontinued them for hygiene reasons.

Following two months of research and discussion, the Board decided to continue providing plastic water bottles for our bridge community. To encourage members to "think green" the Unit suggests bringing personal, reusable containers and is making available reusable, dishwasher safe containers with carrying strap for $2. Personal containers can be refilled at the hallway fountain, the kitchen sink, or with hot water from the coffee maker.

The charge for plastic water bottles from the soda refrigerator will be raised to $1 beginning October 15.

Additional suggestions or comments are welcome.

Each year five Board members are elected to the Unit 550 Board of Directors for two-year terms. The Nomination Committee has now identified two candidates, in addition to three Board members who agreed to serve another term. The deadline for accepting nominations for the official ballot is Monday, October 14th; write-in candidates are also accepted.

If there are no other candidates, these five will be elected by acclaimation, as specified in Section 7.5(a) of Unit 550 Bylaws, unless 5 other members of Unit 550 request in writing (or email) a formal election.

Please consider joining the Board or a committee. You do not need to be an expert player or a long-time member of Unit 550. Your ideas and enthusiasm are all that is required. The Board deals with all aspects of running the Santa Cruz Bridge Center to create an overall bridge experience for our members that is entertaining and educational while maintaining a friendly, competitive environment. We work with Club Owners to operate and manage the SCBC facility.

Contact any member of the Board to have your name included as a candidate for election to the 2020-2021 Board of Directors or to learn more. The election results will be announced during the Annual Meeting and Holiday Party on Saturday, December 14th.

A new, secure application, "Average" is now available to SCBC members who have created their account on the website. Here's some questions Average answers:

Any many more. Just click "Average" in the authorized app box and follow the directions. If you have questions, email Ken L; he'll answer them as quickly as possible.