It's a new year, make the most of it!

Cindi bows out

Dearest fellow Darters,
I just wanted to write a public “thank you” to everyone.
I got into darts a couple years ago, unexpectedly. My first dart shoot ever was in Ferndale, WA, just past Bellingham, where my dad lived. I played in a meat shoot, not knowing really what the heck I was doing. They gave me some house darts to use and told me it was a Singles Shoot, to which I replied, “I’m not single”. After laughing at me, they explained that it just meant I play alone instead of with a partner. I played, taking second place and received two chickens. Kinda crazy, but I had fun.
Time went by and I started playing around with darts at Kodiak Ron’s and then Club Broadway, both in Everett. Then I began working at Jimmy Jacks, where I really got into it and soon became their Dart Coordinator. I met so many great people there (most of you). You were all so patient with me in getting it all going, and for that I thank you!
We started with two dartboards, followed by many more, and had it going strong at least five nights a week. It was a wild ride, so many of you taught me so much and not just about the game. I have made many friends over the past couple of years and have had a great time!
As most of you know, there’s been a new addition to my family and I’ve decided to take a little time off. The plan was to be away for a while, but after talking with Tod at the Madison Ave Pub, I got right back into it and teamed up for the Madison. We had a great season – 32 teams, consistent dart tourneys and great special events! None of which could have happened without dedicated darters and friends to help it along, and let’s not forget the wonderful bar owners and the work they did and the help they gave!
Jimmy Jack’s, Mike and Deb, are superior people with hearts of gold, whom I will love forever! Thank you both for everything you have done and continue to do!
Madison’s, Tod and Ron, are incredible people – a father and son tag team! Thank you for everything and good luck with your new adventure, opening soon!
I am through coordinating, as great as it was. My home life and kiddos are growing more every day and my little chickadees need their mama. We are also striving to buy our home, so changes in life need to be made. I’ll still be around at occasional shoots and even a league night here and there, so I will still see your smiling faces around. I just wanted to extend my sincere thanks to all of you who have made the past couple years so great!
Those of you whom I have gotten personal with, who’ve been to my home, my baby shower, our BBQ’s, who’ve followed me to my next venue and have backed me on special events, who have shot where and when I really needed you and most important, who’ve become my friends... Thank you! Ed and Jackie, you have always been there, whether I have asked you to or not. Margaret, you have become a great friend! Dean and Laura, Jerry Fader you’re one of a kind! Buster, your heart never stops!
Jerry Martin, you pushed me ‘til I got it and I will never forget you! Bob and Pam Rasner, you and your family are indeed special in my heart! You will forever be there! Robert and Tami, I couldn’t have gotten so far with out the buttrubs (even though Robert poops a lot... hehehe)!
Kevin and Sheri, you are truly wonderful friends to me! Tracy Thrasher, do I even need to say it? Of course I do. You met me at Kodiak’s, called me a bitch before you even said Hi to me, and now I don’t know what I would do without you! You are my friend and I love you! Chris (2dogs), I cant thank you enough for all you have done and do! Mr. Mike Williams, what can I say, you taught me so much I love and thank you!
Ty Hughes, we have had some great heart-to-hearts and I have totally enjoyed working with you and being your friend! Rob, you amaze me in every way, I love you. Jimmi, Charrisa and Rachel, thank you and I would love to continue kickin’ butt with you for the Women’s Cup!
There are so many more of you I would love to embrace with thanks and I do, but I have to bring this book to an end so there is room for all the upcoming shoots that I am sure I will see at least some of you at!
Just never lose life’s zest ‘cause the road’s next turn could be the best! Thanks to all and shoot well!
Sincerely,
Cindi Zinkand

Honesty among substitutes

We recently had a situation in league the other night that really ticked me off. I’d like to share it with you so you don’t experience the same sickening results.
Last month, we were playing for first place in our division on the last night of regular leagues. The opposite team suggested a substitute to one of their regularly rostered players, even though he was sitting right at the bar during the match anyway! But that’s not the problem.
When asked, the sub quickly responded with his rating and we wrote it down on the score sheet. I mean, there ought to be some level of trust and acceptance, right? The opposing team’s bar owner was also in attendance and said nothing upon hearing the response from his substitute player.
We played the match. While it was close, the other team, with the stellar performance from their sub, beat us and squashed our hopes for first place in our division. It wasn’t until afterwards that we found out that the sub lied when giving us his rating, so as to fit under the cap for that division.
Now, granted, we should’ve checked him with Medalist before even starting the match and maybe this wouldn’t have, couldn’t have happened. But, when you’re starting a match and faced with this situation, aren’t you more inclined to trust the person when they give you their rating? I mean, otherwise you’ve got to begin the uncomfortable process of proving your distrust, often for a complete stranger, upon having just met them. Plus, this doesn’t inspire camaraderie and good will between opposing teams at all.
It just seems that a sub, or any player for that matter, ought to be truthful when participating in the game. What is this propensity for cheating these days? Why can’t people just have the human decency to be truthful and honest? It’s just a game, for God’s sake! Is it really worth your reputation?
To those of you who have the moral fortitude to conduct yourself in an upright and honest fashion, I urge you to protect yourselves from the vermin. Don’t hesitate to check out the rating, eligibility and confirmation of each and every substitute player BEFORE you begin your matches or pay the consequences.