New Life Masters

DAVE BALD

Dave Bald, a southern boy, grew up in the state of Florida. From there, Dave went on to the University of North Carolina, where he majored in English, earning both an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree. Dave taught English at Lyons Township High School for 29 years and then retired.

Dave’s family includes his wife Marilyn, three children and two grandchildren. Marilyn was also an educator, taught French and Spanish in the Elgin U-46 school system. The Bald family all live in the immediate area, with one exception, a married offspring residing in Washington D.C.

Playing of bridge started at a very early age for Dave. His grandfather loved to play bridge, had excellent card sense, but had absolutely no system of bidding. With this humble beginning, Dave learned and developed a love of the game.

Dave’s introduction to duplicate bridge started in 1975 when he moved to Geneva, Illinois. Playing in the St. Charles game, Dave said over the years he had many great partners, including Helen Neumark, who helped him develop his skills as a bridge player.

Dave earned the needed 25 gold points before he had the required silver to become a life master. At the fall section tournament in Rockford, Dave teamed up with Diane Clark to earn the four-needed silver points to become a Life Master. Dave had earned over 500 total points at this time, so he became a Bronze Life Master at the same time.

Dave said that bridge could be a very humbling game. Playing in a Swiss team match with John Diehl, Dave held a 19-point hand. After much concentration and thought, Dave diligently reached into the bidding box and pulled a pass card. Dave related he couldn’t believe his “brain freeze” but it even happens to the best players. Dave advice to other bridge players is to “enjoy the game and be tolerant of your partner and respect your opponents.”

When Dave is not playing bridge, you may fine him taking a play writing class in Chicago or playing with his two-and-a-half year old golden-doodle dog that is ironically black in color. I have sat across the table from Dave and found him to be a courteous and very competent opponent.

SUE HILLBERRY

When you hear a hearty laugh and a person enjoying the game, you know that Sue is present some where in the room. Sue’s youth was spent in Galena, Illinois where she graduated from St. Clara Academy. From there, Sue spent most of her employed life living on the south side of Chicago, raising her daughter Angela, and working as office manager for the Illinois Central Railroad when she retired. Sue now resides in Cherry Valley to be close to her, daughter and husband Troy, and her two grandsons Kyle who is 21 and Blake who is 18.

After 39 years of employment with the Illinois Central Railroad, for her retirement, the company provided a private train that took her and her family from Chicago to Galena, and then put that up for night at the Eagle Ridge Resort. Both she and her family were wined and dined; Sue said that occasion was a very memorable event.

Sue’s bridge life began in 2006 after her retirement. Her sister and brother-in-law were both bridge players and encouraged her to learn the game. From there Sue began taking lessons from Kathy Owens and was mentored by her bridge partner Pat Schimer. Evidently, Sue was a fast learner; with the help of Lu and Dave Jenkins, Audrey Danocup, Laurie Hamachek, and Kathy Wright she was able to earn the gold and silver points to become a Life master. The last needed silver points to achieve this honor were earned at the Aurora Sectional in November of 2011 with her partner Pam Schimer.

Sue brings a lot of energy and fun to the table. One occasion, a male opponent was about to take a seat when Sue notices a larger bulge protruding from the man’s pocket. Sue in a very nonchalant manor, asked him “did he have a gun in his pocket or was he happy to see her?” The whole room of bridge players upon hearing the comment simultaneously broke in a loud roar of laughter. Along Sue’s desire to have fun, she advises other newer players to try to “play up” by that, she means don’t avoid the open games. Also, ask more experienced bridge players to be your partner, most of these players are friendly and willing to help you develop your game.

Other than bridge, Sue once tried skydiving, but only once. She said she landed with tears in her eyes. Sue also has done scuba diving, and now swims for exercise. Congratulations, Sue, on becoming a Life Master

The Changing Scene:

New Junior Master: Judith Conwell, Rockford; Debra Allen, Rockford; Richard Gammon, Elgin.

New Club Master: Emily Davis, Lake in the Hills; Donald DeVale, Batavia; Jackie Shair, Rockford; Harry Stoudt, Sterling.

New Sectional Master: Arvind Shah, Huntley; Martin Harlieb, Rockford; Candy Hogan, St. Charles; David Johnson, Rockford; Brenda Moore, Rockford; Diane O’Connor, Cary; Larry Sleeth, Kenneth City, Florida.

New Regional Master: Barbara Bremer, Rockford; Joyce Nimocks, Rockford; Shirley Rehberg, Rockford; Odis Thomas, Winnebago.

New NABC Masters: Patricia Tangorra, Rockford; Barbara Worden, Rockford.

Life Masters: George Wallace, Dixon; Susan Hillberry, Cherry Valley

New Emerald Life Master: Will Engel, Freeport.

Unit 239 TOURNAMENTS

Early Spring Silver Sectional

March 9-11, 2012

Holiday Inn, 495 Airport Rd, Elgin, IL

From Route 90, exit 31 North. Go 1/2 mile. The hotel is on the right.                                                                                

Host Hotel: Holiday Inn, Elgin. $79 rate – double or king. Phone 847-488-9000 for reservations.

Chairpersons:
Karen Anderson – 630-879-0775
Julie Kelley – 630-406-1572

Partnerships: Bob Quintin  630-770-8499   rq4mulae@hotmail.com

The Great Sizzlin’ Summer Regional (split with Paducah)

June 18 –24, 2012

Holiday Inn, Route 31 and Three Oaks Road, Crystal Lake IL

Entry fees: $12/session ($2.00 extra if non or unpaid ABCL members)

Host Hotel:  Phone 815-477-7000.
   Reserve by June 4th for special rate ($73 standard double; $73 king when available)