Letter to the Editor: Seniors are Teaching Bridge to Our Youth

Dear Cascade Patch:

My name is Jean Cooper and I participate in Bettie Harden’s bridge class at the Ethris Community Center in Union City. I live in Cascade and I am also a member of  the Continental Societies Inc., a civic organization whose primary purpose is to promote the economic, educational and social welfare of underserved and disadvantaged children and youth.

As a result of Bettie Harden training me to play bridge, I invited the Atlanta Chapter of Continental Societies to partner with the Junior Bridge League of which Bettie Harden, is a veteran bridge player and an ACBL Accredited Teacher,  to work with us and 12 fourth graders in an after school program. 

We have been actively involved in this training once a week on Thursday evening since Feb 2011. This class has not only benefited the children in their social and competition skills, their ability to think before speaking, their sportsmanship and teamwork, but they are thoroughly enjoying the game of bridge. 

The Continentals Societies purchased study books for each of the students entitled “Teach Me to Play”, a first bridge book so the youngster will have references when we are not with them.

We have certainly learned that the game of bridge has no boundaries. Children of any age, sex, intelligences, physical ability or economic resources can learn and enjoy bridge. 

 For further information concerning the Atlanta Junior Bridge League, Cascae Patch readers can contact them on their web site at http://www.atlantajuniorbridge.org.

— Jean Cooper, Cascade Heights

Editor's Note: Senior Centers with active bridge groups in southwest Atlanta include the , 677 Fairburn Rd., and , 4001 Danforth Rd.