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| Clarice D Reid |
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OUR NEWEST GRAND LIFE MASTER
(A Grand Life Master is one who has acquired 20,000 National Master Points)
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GRAND LIFE MASTER #15
Clarice Reid is the surviving member of one of the most popular bridge couples. She is the widow of Arthur J. Reid, Jr, who was a top player thoroughly involved in the administration of the ABA at the top levels. Art was a former National President as well as a Site Negotiator for the ABA. You could find him at all business meetings making a major contribution. Clarice has served as the National Vice President, and before that was the chair of the National Recommendations Committee ( before it became part of the duties of the National VP).
I first met the Reids during a time when the "beginners" were delegated to the "basement". Our playing area was not like those of the top players. I remember wandering into the area where they were having the finals of the Knockout. At that time, the finals of the KO was a major social event. The players were encircled by players who wanted to see how the "big boys" did it. Art & Clarice were playing on a team with Bessie & Milton Haley. It looked as those Clarice as 8.5 months pregnant but that didn't stop her from jumping up and down. Who is this woman? The word was out: The Reid were "giant killers" and took pleasure in beating top players at the table.
Clarice lived in Cincinnati before moving to the DC area ( Bethesda, MD). When the Spring Nationals were held in the District, she and Art were chair and treasurer respectively. When the Nationals were in the District, Clarice was the chair.( She was not too high and mighty that she couldn't stay up all night long frying chicken fto serve the players who would be going to hospitality.)
(Mind you, this is a pediatrican, turned reserch scientist of Sickle Cell disease. )
Presently, as a member of the Washington Bridge Unit, she tutors, teaches and has put into play, the Arthur J. Reid, Jr. trophy for the New Player who amasses the most National Master Points.....i don't know for when....could be for the year. On the day that they award this trophy, they hold a dinner party+ bridge game at the hut, with breakfast and lunch for all players. It's really a great occasion.
Clarice is the only top player I know who works diligently for the Association and will play with a friend, rather than one with whom she can garner more master points. At the Nationals, traditionally, she has played with friends willing to accept "whatever" results came their way . (She had a very strong partnership with the late Dorothy Sides of Chicago.) When I was chair of the National Recommendations Committee she helped me with reports to the Board. The ABA Foundation was her "baby". She did all of the research to set up the Foundation, to get a tax exempt status and to get a Board of Directors who believed in the Foundation..
Clarice the bridge-player has excellent bridge habits that others need.....even "top" players. She counts all hands, even if she has not one point. (When you can do this, it makes your defense so much easier.) She is well-read and knows the percentages, et al. Presently, her partner is Jerrie Thomas of the WBU and she plays Mixed Pairs and Scholarships with Reggie Chapman. Need I say more? Her teammates are Jerrie, her brother, Arthur Wills, and Berrye Thompson. Often she plays on the team with Chester Johnson and Herb Taylor. Here, in Cleveland, they lost in the Finals of the CGFredd. Knockout Teams.
Clarice is a fierce competitor and plays both ABA and ACBL where she's also a Life Master. Back in the day when Blacks were not welcomed to play in ACBL games, Art & Clarice integrated and became highly respected competitors. They tell me this was not true for "other" colored players. When I planned Panel Shows for the New York tournaments, Art & Clarice were always on my panels. Often, Clarice was the moderator. For this I'm grateful!
Clarice is not one to sit back. She's active with the Links, the Taledega Alumni, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Meharry Alumni and she's getting ready to be the speaker at her 60th High School Reunion in Birmingham. She is the mother of four and the grandma of Lauren. (Ask her about Lauren, and her eyes will light up.)
"Friends are the most important ingredient in this recipe of life."
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