New Life Master: Roger Dieringer

This is my self-interview.  I tied to get a volunteer interviewer, but with no avail.  So here it goes. I grew up in the Milwaukee area, becoming an avid Packers and Brewers fans, which irritates most of my Illinois friends. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with both BS and MAT degrees. From there I began a teaching career in the U-46 Elgin School District where I taught 7-9 graders in the social sciences. I also have one daughter Kirsten, her husband Kristian, and a 4-month-old granddaughter, Kaitlyn. 

Growing up, I began to enjoy many cards games and chess at an early age. By age ten, I was playing cribbage and sheepshead with regularity. Sheepshead  is a Wisconsin game brought over from Germany that has similar strategies used in bridge. I was introduced to bridge by my former in-laws and really enjoyed the game. The bridge I learned was strictly Goren. I then left the game for 30 years. 

One evening, I was enjoying fellowship with a group of poker players, which included Rockford Bridge Club member Les Morrison. Les asked me if I played bridge, and if so, would I like to join him for a game at the Rockford Bridge Club. Being adventurous, I said, why not! The next day I was in the back seat of a car driven by Rachel Campbell and the other front seat being occupied by Laurie Hamachek, both of them explaining, and me taking notes on Stayman and transfers. I really don’t know how Les and I did that first time, but I did again delight in the challenges in the game of bridge. Since then, I have learned many more conventions, having finally earned the rank of Life Master at the Elgin Sectional in March.      

I would like to thank my regular partners in helping me earn the required points, including Rachel Campbell, Donna Cart, Tara Mulfich, Kathy Freemen, Karen Pickelsimer, Les Morrison and Bish Duda. My advice to other bridge players is to enjoy the game and the people you meet at the gaming table, which basically is the best part of the game.

Alice Nelson Memorial Game The Bridge Club of Rockford held its annual Alice Nelson Memorial Game on Wednesday, May 27. The game, held in honor of the club's late founder, hosted special guests Bev and Brian Nelson (Alice's son) from Fort Myers, Florida. Bev and Brian are standing on the right with Mike Halvorsen in the two photos at right. Game winners were Jan and Gene Condon of Rockford, who scored over 69 percent in the 12-table game. A recap sheet with all results is here. Thanks to Jan Howard for the photos.

2008 Mini McKenney and Ace of Clubs Points Races

Mini McKenney -- 1^st Place Unit Winners

0-5 pts -- David Shari, Rockford

5-20 pts -- Joanie Aranyos, Elburn

20-50 pts -- Marilyn Croft, Batavia

50-100 pts -- Sybil Brown, Rockford

100-200 pts -- Don Malone, Sharon WI

200-300 pts -- Roger Dieringer, Elgin

300-500 pts -- Linda Shaw, Geneva

500-1,000 pts -- Lu Jenkins, Rockford

1,000-2,500 pts -- Audrey Danocup, Beloit WI

2,500-5,000 pts -- Will Engel, Freeport

5,000-7,500 pts -- Jack Synder, Rockford

7,500-10,000 -- Joshua Stark, Grayslake

Ace of Clubs Winners -- 1^st Place Unit Winners

0-5 pts -- Diane Jacobsen, Montgomery

5-20 pts S-- usan Hillberry, Cherry Valley

20-50 pts -- Marilyn Croft, St. Charles

50-100 pts -- Bob Hero, Rockford

100-200 pts -- Donna Cart, Rockford

200-300 pts -- Julia Kelley, Batavia

300-500 pts -- Richard Gierat

500-1,000 pts Lu Jenkins, Rockford

1,000-2,500 pts -- Harold Legel, Crystal Lake

2,500-5,000 pts -- John Kinst, Batavia

5,000-7,500 pts -- Jack Snyder

7,500-10,000 pts -- Suzanne Dunn, Crystal Lake

The Changing Scene

New Junior Masters:  David Germaine, Huntley; Bobbie King, St. Charles;  Odie Thomas, Winnebago.

New Club Masters:  Curt Worden, Rockford;  Sharon Pepping, McHenry;  Martha Rust, Oregon.

New Sectional Masters: Joanie Aranyos, Elburn;  Dale Conde, Rockford;  B J Jungmann, Crystal Lake;  Carol Vojta, Rockford;  Barbara Bremer, Rockford.

New Regional Masters:  Barbara Burda, Huntley;  Renee McNitt, Roscoe. 

New Life Masters: Roger Dieringer, Elgin.

New Bronze Life Master:  Bob Erwin, Rochelle. 

June Tournaments

05-06 --WBF Worldwide Pairs, (Friday evening & Saturday day), Local clubs

05-07 -- Indianapolis Sectional, Emergency Services Center

10-14 -- Minocqua-Lakeland Sectional, Woodruff WI

13 --  299er Sectional, Hazelwood MO

22-28 -- DISTRICT 8 SPLIT REGIONAL,  Harrah's Casino, Metropolis IL &  Clock Tower Resort, Rockford IL

29-July 5-- DES MOINES REGIONAL, West Des Moines IA