Winter Greetings

2009 has started rather badly for members of Unit 223’s southernmost areas. Bridge players in far southern Illinois and Kentucky are dealing with lots of ice, downed trees and power outages. In my neighborhood, some roofs are collapsing under the weight of two inches of sleet and five inches of snow. Here’s hoping that things will soon return to normal for all of us, that everyone will be back in their homes and playing bridge, and all this nasty stuff will melt off soon!

Congratulations  to the following Unit 223 players who have advanced in rank:

New Junior Masters: Martha Culley, Harrisburg IL & William Herman, Effingham IL

New Club Master: Carol Cookson, Belleville IL

New Regional Master: Phillip Fultz, Benton KY

And Welcome to new member: Kathy Bold, Edwardsville IL

We have also received notice that Charles Clark of Edwardsville IL has passed away.

Mark Your Calendars

Unit 223 has three upcoming sectionals:

The Saluki Swiss is being held in Fairview Heights IL on February 7 & 8 this year. Take Exit 12 (St .Clair Mall Exit) and go north approximately a mile to the Pipefitters Hall (on the right or east side of the street). The December sectional was held in this same location.  Ray Sigler – (618) 224–9606 – is serving as Tournament Chair. 

The Kentucky Dam Village Sectional will be held March 6, 7 & 8 in Gilbertsville KY at Kentucky Dam Village Resort. This tournament is renowned for hospitality and beautiful scenery. Kentucky Lake in the spring is always a delight to visit. Tournament Chairs are Doug Edwards and Sandra Lemon. Gayle Edwards is Partnership Chair: (270) 759-9335 or (270) 753-4821.

The Pioneer Sectional is coming up on April 24, 25 & 26 at Hendelmeyer Park in Effingham. New this year is a Friday-night Stratified Pairs (7:00 pm) and a three-session Knockout Teams on Saturday (9:00, 1:00 & 7:00). Tournament Chair is Kate Dickens (cowper4@yahoo.com).

Ads for all these tournaments can be viewed in this issue of the Advocate and on the ACBL Tournament Calendar (www.acbl.org).