Welcome, readers, to the new shuffleboard season.

We note here the centennial celebration of shuffleboard in the United States. Having come ashore in Daytona Beach in 1913 from a steamship sailing from England, shuffleboard spread across Florida, the United States and by now 14 nations in the International Shuffleboard Association.

Here in Florida, the centennial celebration will last 15 months. A special calendar begins now, lasting through December 2013, with beautiful historic photographs and notations.

In the spirit in which Brian Williams regularly pronounces "'Nightly News' begins now," this column proclaims, "Shuffleboard centennial begins now."

The beautiful and practical Centennial Calendar is available at $10, obtainable at Bradenton Shuffle Club weekday mornings (747-6184), or from District Vice-President Ron Nurnberger (231-690-1517), who accepts orders. This column may offer regular commentary on the artwork of the month for your enjoyment. Prepared by National Shuffleboard Keeper of Records Colleen Austin of the Southern District, this calendar will be a treasured souvenir keepsake of the shuffleboard community. Five hundred copies have been developed, so clubs should obtain a supply for members. The state and district tournaments each month are noted on the dates to be played, so players and fans will be informed for planning attendance. Call now for your copy or copies (potential Christmas or birthday gifts for the next generation). Comments or questions are also welcomed by this columnist at 941-756-8548.

Also available are souvenir coffee mugs and hat pins at $5 and a Centennial Banner will grace District and State Tournaments these 15 months.

What a glorious opportunity to promote this sport which can be enjoyed by people of all ages, each gender, with varied abilities. It helps keep our body, mind and spirit active at any age, and a place to make new friends, travel and enjoy oneself.

New readers may be unaware that from October to mid-April, at 9 a.m. Mondays state tournament competitions are held around Florida, and Thursday brings a district tournament to Manatee or Sarasota counties.

There are also national and international competitions on a wider area. Leagues play each season, once or twice a week, and clubs regularly compete right at home with much gusto and good spirit without traveling at all.

Southwest Coast District will offer schools and clinics to learn or polish your skills.

The price is free and worth every bit of it. Dates will be announced here or at our club.

We welcome your interest and participation.

Tournament results

n FL P1A at Port Charlotte October 1. Ladies Main: 1. Pat Batdorff-Marlene Coburn, 3. Sue Minnich. Consolation: 1. Judy Taylor, 2. Nancy Sclafani, 3. Shirley McCullough-Linda Wallingford, 4. Pam Nurnberger-Letha DeVries. Men Main: 1. Jim Miller-Faren Van DeGrift, 2. Gerry Curwin-Mike Marquis, 3.Paul Miller-Dave Minnich. Consolation: 2. Dave Kudro-Mike Keeping.

Note: 17 of 32 places won by Southwest Coast District players!

n SWCD D-1 at Bradenton Shuffle Club, Oct. 4. Main: 1 Ben Coy-Dave Minnich, 2. Paul Lowe-Judy Taylor, 3. Dick Whitaker-Gary Lennon, 4. Bill Hollabaugh-Margaret Hartzler. Consolation: 1. Jim Miller-Robert Zielinski, 2. Dave Kudro-Marlene Coburn, 3. Joseph Kent-David Welsh, 4. Ira Snook-Ray Champlin.

Future tournaments

n Today is the second day of FL P2A at Avon Park and P2B at Zephyrhills Shuffle Club.

n Thursday, SWCD D-2 at Bradenton, Open Any Doubles.

n Monday, Oct. 15, FL P-3A at Clearwater, P-3B at Lee County.

Noteworthy

Dawn DeLauter of Tri-Par has passed this life since our last column in April as well as Don Hendrickson, past president at Palmetto Shuffle Club, and Rich Reynolds and Bill McMillan from neighbor West Coast District.

An encouraging fact is that 32 teams entered D-1, one more than last year.

Happy shuffling.