District 8 President's Report

 by Martha Leary, Urbana IL

    President, District 8 Board of Directors
 

As the holiday season approaches I think of the very special gift of friendship. All of us are blessed with friends we have met through the game of bridge. A nice thought to reflect upon in the coming days.

Congratulations to all the qualifiers for the North American Pairs National finals to be held in Kansas City in March. The District 8 finals were held November 13 in Champaign IL. We had 9 tables in Flight A, 10.5 tables in
Flight B and 7.5 tables in Flight C. Suggestions for increasing attendance are always welcome. Email me at martha@marthaleary.com with your thoughts.

Our Fall Sectional-at-Clubs was held October 31 through November 6 at clubs throughout District 8. A total of 962 tables were in play during the week. A big thanks to Bo and Linda Goersch for taking over the job as District 8 coordinators for this event. A job well done!! The Winter StaC will be held from February 6-12, 2017.

Thanks also to Marilyn Croft, who organizes the District-wide charity event in October every year. This year $1,442 was raised for the Youth Bridge Education Organization, which is a District 8 501c3 charitable organization for youth bridge activities. Funds help sponsor the Youth Bridge Camp. 2017 Youth Bridge Camp will be held June 25 through July 1 at Lake Williamson, near Carlinville IL. For more information regarding the camp, contact Steve and Amy at stress@earthlink.net or 314-481-1838.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!! And get your teams together. Coming up on May 6 and 7, 2017 will be the annual District 8 finals of the Grand National Teams. Rochester IL, outside of Springfield, will be the location. More information will follow in the coming months. A flyer will be posted at www.tournaments.acbl.org . The top team in each of four flights -- Open (unlimited), A (0-6000), B (0-2500) and C (0-500 Non Life Master) -- will earn the right to represent District 8 in the national finals in Toronto in July. Team members will also receive cash travel awards.

My two-year term as President of District 8 will end on December 31. I have enjoyed serving as your President and wish the new leadership well in the years to come. Mike Carmen of St. Louis (Unit 143) will be your new District President. Jay Coleman of Hutsonville IL (Unit 223) will become the Vice-President. They both represent vast experience and knowledge in District 8 matters. Best wishes to them.

Wishing you a festive holiday season and prosperous New Year.
 

If you have questions or suggestions about District 8 Board activities or other bridge matters, please contact me at martha@marthaleary.com .