Gathered for an award presentation and celebration last week, from left, Abe Lederman, Cliff Rudy, Gina Doorn, Martin Cooper and award recipient Jerry Fleming. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen/LARSO

Jerry Fleming and his wife Marilyn last week at the award celebration. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen/LARSO

By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
LARSO

Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO) Board member and bridge aficionado Jerry Fleming received a surprise award last week from the American Contract Bridge League and Los Alamos Duplicate Bridge Club for his service.

Fleming was one of 10 bridge members recognized across the district with the Goodwill Award for their selfless work to further the love of bridge. Fleming represents Unit 381, and was nominated by Neil Hunter from the American Contract Bridge League, Unit 17 in Santa Fe.

Hunter said that Jerry has devoted many hours to duplicate bridge as an essential promoter and teacher starting in 1985, and continues to play and direct in Unit 381.

“I have known Jerry for over two decades as a coin collector, a friend and devotee to duplicate bridge,” Hunter said. “He has been a great help locally to his own bridge unit in Los Alamos and others in Taos and Santa Fe.”

Fleming’s work began in the early 1980’s, when he was actively involved with District 18. He is described as a fine player who has organized events, taught duplicate bridge locally and during more than 50 cruises. He has devoted at least a decade to the district and served ACBL at the national level as treasurer, vice president and president.

Fleming also has been a great help to the unit in Santa Fe, when over a decade ago he arranged for the Los Alamos Unit to donate $3,000 to their new bridge center in Santa Fe. He even volunteers there so their leadership can play, too.

Gina Doorn, a member of the Los Alamos Duplicate Bridge Club, along with Fleming’s wife Marilyn, conspired to plan festivities for last week’s award presentation honoring Fleming.

“Congratulations, Jerry! You’ll never know how happy you made me when I laid down my cards as dummy while saying “sorry partner,” Doorn said. “It was music to my ears!”

Those needing a bridge translation to English or wanting to play a hand or two may contact the senior center at 505.662.8920 or visit the organization’s website.