42
8-Ball News & Views
·
August 2009
VNEA President's Reception.
Charter Holders and special dignitaries were invited to the
annual President's Reception earlier in the week in honor of
VNEA President Bruce Bauldridge from Aspen Amusements
in Carbondale, Colorado.
The hilarious comedy of Jackson Purdue kicked off the
evening's events. Jackson has been seen on HBO,
Showtime, the Tonight Show and other popular programs.
His half hour act filled the "Top of the Riv." with laughter
and set the tone for the rest of the evening's activities.
With the best view in Las Vegas greeting the attendees as
they entered, the evening was off and running. The VNEA
also made available four tables stocked full of VNEA "Silent
Auction" items. The guests love purchasing these unique
treasures and the VNEA Junior Program loves the generous
donation. Thanks to everyone who participated.
Lifetime Sanction Cards were presented to four VNEA long
time contributors. The cards exemplify a lifetime of commit-
ment to the VNEA and were issued to Tony Evans (Warner
Coin - PA), Dave Warner (Warner Coin - PA), Jennifer
Butcher (A. Van Brackel - OH) and Marshall Kohtz (V.V.S. -
NE). Congratulations to all of these deserving individuals.
Also highlighted at the reception was the presentation of the
2009 Warren Kelley Meritorious Service Award. In memory
of Warren Kelley, a great believer in the VNEA, this is the
highest award given by the VNEA. Presenting the award
was VNEA Executive Director Gregg Elliott. Accepting the
award at this years ceremony was Brian Elliott from VNEA
Headquarters in Bay City, Michigan. Congratulations, Brian.
The
President's Choice Award, presented by current
VNEA President Bruce Bauldridge, was awarded to long-
time VNEA figurehead Ed Borgia from Warner Coin in
Erie, Pennsylvania, for his dedication to the VNEA and his
continuous efforts to make our association the strongest
of its kind all over the world. Congratulations Ed for your
many contributions.
Another unique feature of the VNEA Championships was
the Team Uniform Award. This award was named the
"Red Jones" Team Uniform Award in 1997 after Mr. Pool,
Red Jones, passed away. Red was always known for his
classy wardrobe around the tournament room and it was
an honor to keep his name alive by permanently affixing
it to this award.
Many teams, from all over the world, concentrated hard
on having a unique tournament look. Several interesting
and one of a kind fashions were unveiled. The women's
competition was won by CBH Vixens of Wal-Mac
Amusements in Edmonton, Alberta whose members
included Dana Walker, Kim Schneider, Christy Urusky,
Heather Beam and Brandi Kuchka. On the men's side,
Psycho Destroyers of Tri Valley Vending in Wasilla,
Alaska captured first prize. Team members included
Milton Brabb, Mohammed Hereimi, Josh Kitzman, Mike
Benzie and Billy Stephan. Free "Team Photos" were
given to every entry and the winners were given "Free
Show Tickets" to any show at the Riviera.
Professional Pool Instructor Mr. Jerry Briesath was on
hand throughout the week to give instruction and answer
questions. Briesath, taking his Pool School on the road, is
always a crowd favorite as he teaches his techniques in a
very intimate setting which makes him very understand-
able and in tune with the players. Jerry's room was filled
to capacity throughout the tournament week.
Tom "Dr. Cue" Rossman brought his Artistic Pool show
to the big VNEA show.
The Doctors fast-paced, energy
filled shows always draws a crowd as he grips you with
his highly skilled pool artistry and witty lingo.
The 15th
Anniversary VNEA International Artistic Pool
Championship created quite a stir as 145 entries from
around the world embraced the idea of the Dr. Cue
Classic Artistic Pool Tour with its low entry fees, guaran-
teed prize fund, and an opportunity to become part of a
much bigger picture for this growing sport.
Players have
long expressed a desire to take their passion for "Artistic
Pool" to the next level and beyond.
In this regard, a