Edmond Town Hall was filled with quiet competition from morning ‘til night for members and visitors of Newtown Bridge Club’s latest “Longest Day” event June 20.

The long-running local fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association prompted per game donations for the cause with a few unique Newtown-only features, in the end, raising over $15,000 for the cause.

“It’s a busy day for us. We have morning, afternoon, and evening bridge, a potluck, and live jazz,” said Club Manager Susan Fronapfel. One of the bridge club's members, Stan Kishner, is a jazz musician, "and he brings his cohort to play," she added.

Fronapfel was overseeing games in the gymnasium, alongside another Newtown addition to the event: Scrabble sessions hosted by Cornelia Guest. Guest was enveloped in her own game during The Newtown Bee’s visit.

The gym was decked in purple streamers, colors of the Alzheimer’s Association, with event signage signaling dedication to its cause. Club members created a potluck of inter-game snacks, and local restaurants donated food later in the day.

“It’s optional, but we always do it,” Fronapfel said of the event, adding many bridge club members have spouses affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Competition was steepest at the top floor. In attendance was Assistant Club Manager Linda Dale Mulholland, who said players in the Alexandria Room represented the more advanced group, with 12 tables and 48 people total playing.

“Pre-COVID, we had so many people come to play bridge,” Mulholland said about the event. “In 2020 and 2021, we were online because of COVID.”

Mulholland continued, explaining there were so few players last year, the gym wasn’t in use. This year, it seemed the Longest Day was back to its former glory.

According to Mulholland, the club will now pass on over $15,000 to the Alzheimer’s Association from game entry fees and other related donations.

Every week, the club holds three ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 12:30 pm and offers regular lessons. Those interested should contact Fronapfel at 203-233-8525 or visit newtownbridge.org.

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Reporter Noelle Veillette can be reached at noelle@thebee.com.