This years choices were not hard to make because both of these fine gentlemen stood out in making many contributions to our game--each in his own right. Our first choice was Dr. Richard Beckwith whose professionalism as our ACF Player Representative helped guide, direct and strengthen the ACF in many areas. Richards play across the board also brought him into the national and international spotlight as being one of best players to be found anywhere. Our second choice goes to a gentlemen who has put in a lot of long hours and hard work in developing one of the finest checker websites to be found anywhere on the internet today--I give you Bob Newell--and "The Checker Mavern". Congratulations to you both for your outstanding acheivements and for the work that you have done to benefit all of us that love the game of checkers.
Last edited by Mr. Checkers on Mon Oct 02, 2006 1:35 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Ms. Becky, thank you for the fine compliment about The Checker Maven, which today celebrates a full year of publication!
While I am pleased with where The Checker Maven has gone (2,500 regular readers week after week), and delighted to contribute to checkers in my own small way, I have to say I can't possibly belong in the company of Richard Beckwith, Alan Millhone, and many others who have contributed so much for so long. Hats off --- without these people checkers would indeed be just a kid's game!
Bob, Checker Maven gives us another reason to look forward to the weekend, I've been an avid reader from it's beginning. I want to join in celebrating it's one year anniversary and I thank you for the (if i can borrow one of Ms. Becky's words) OUTSTANDING effort you put into it's publication. Wishing you another successful year. "Pal" Bucker
I was flattered to see my name mentioned along with Dr Beckwith and others. I really enjoy the Maven and look forward to each time it changes and addresses a new subject. Advancing our game is everyone's responsibility and we all serve that need in different ways. I do my best to serve our ACF Members as does the entire ACF Executive Committee. Each ACF Member is very important , as without members there would be no ACF for us to serve. There are many out there that have extra time that they might donate to the ACF and Checkers/Draughts . Volunteers are always needed and welcome. Any current member can always be on the look out for a potential new member or a young player that needs a mentor to keep them interested. The main thing to remember is for all of us to work as a team in our effort to spread our wonderful game to the general public. I see the ACF Forum now growing with new registered members and I enjoy reading all the topics contained on the forum. We are also lucky to have many contributions from our current 3-Move World Champion and many other top Master Class players from around the World. I may not have too much to say on the forum, but you can learn a lot from those who post about games,etc. on the forum.
Sincerely: Alan Millhone, President American Checker Federation " AN AVERAGE CHECKER PLAYER "
Congratulations Bob, it is richly deserved,it is such a great site, i particularly enjoyed lindus edwards article.New Zealand is creating a website, and its nearly completed, which is exciting.
Meow!!, Meow!! What will your 2006 choices be? The winner to be announced in mid-December. "Inky":lol: (Cont.)
Last edited by Mr. Checkers on Mon Oct 02, 2006 4:49 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Take care and God Bless. "Mr. Checkers"---Visit with "Inky" at: http://www.broenink-art.nl/maukie2.swf----"No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted". --Aesop--
I appreciate the many kind words from Ms. Becky. Naturally, there are always many significant personalities in a given year.... Graham Young for Stonehaven bid, Ingo and Igor for spearheading WCDF ratings, Kim Willis for her promotional efforts with the youth, Wilma and Mr. Loy for their American publications, Bob Newell for Maven, Mac Banks (ACF Sec and mail play record), Don Brattin (ACF Exec and National Ty. referee), Mustafa for British Open win, John Reade for many contributions, Mr. Niederhoffer for financial support of youth tourney, Steve Holliday for personal assistance to me and ACF, Louis Cowie as perennial problemist, Gerry Lopez for promotion and upcoming 8th IM book, Roger Blaine (ACF Equipment sales and tournament promotion), numerous tournament directors (Gene Ellison, Frank Davis, Tim Laverty and more), JR Smith (nccheckers.org), Ed Bruch (National tournament honoree and showed no signs of slowing down with his play this year), Ryan Pronk (American youth champ), Mr. Checkers, and probably many more I am forgetting. Thanks to all!
Of course, three players really come to mind for me ....
Alan Millhone for his never-ending work as ACF president
Ron King, who won WQT and second straight US National, and successfully defended GAYP title against Jack Francis.
Alex Moiseyev, who continued his usual dominating play and contributed so much to the checkers literature this year with Sixth and upcoming National Ty. Select Games book.
This years choices were not hard to make because both of these fine gentlemen stood out in making many contributions to our game--each in his own right. Our first choice was Dr. Richard Beckwith whose professionalism as our ACF Player Representative helped guide, direct and strengthen the ACF in many areas. Richards play across the board also brought him into the national and international spotlight as being one of best players to be found anywhere. Our second choice goes to a gentlemen who has put in a lot of long hours and hard work in developing one of the finest checker websites to be found anywhere on the internet today--I give you Bob Newell--and "The Checker Mavern". Congratulations to you both for your outstanding acheivements and for the work that you have done to benefit all of us that love the game of checkers. 
