Best Wishes for a Happy Holiday & Prosperous New Year to all members of So IL/Paducah Unit 223 !

Dear Santa . . .

I've been fairly good this year (won't say "perfect"!) and I was wondering if you could consider the following gifts:

This year may the finesses I choose be the correct ones.

Let me always remember my manners, and remember also that bridge is – after all – only a game.

Help me find the proper defense and always notice my partner's signals to get me there.

Please help me also to notice my partner's first discard!!!  (It's always so embarrassing to have to admit I didn't see that big diamond discard!)

And please, please, Santa, help me to not miss my partner's artificial bids this year.

If you could possibly stuff all this bounty into my stocking, I'd really appreciate it.

Oh, and P.S. -- Please also deliver these goodies to my fellow Unit 223 players.

Thanks, Santa!

  -- Karen Coe

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Congratulations to the following players who have advanced in rank:

New Junior Masters: George Lynch, Edwardsville IL & Donna Swick, Newton IL

New Sectional Master:  Steven Wheeler, Highland IL

New NABC Master:  Pat Sexton, Benton IL

New Life Masters:  Marry Parker, Eddyville KY & Bill Petrie, Mayfield KY

New Bronze Life Masters:  Bill Petrie, Mayfield KY & Elaine Triebes, Glen Carbon IL

New Silver Life Master:  Evelyn Pruitt, Paducah KY

McCord Trophy Leaders

As of Nov 4, 2009, the McCord Trophy Race was really close and was being led by:

1.  Dalton Darnell, Murray KY -- 38.9 points

2.  Bruce Gardner, Paducah KY -- 38.16 points

3.  Judy Eaton, Carbondale IL -- 37.96 points

Unit Census

The Unit ended 2009 with a total of 411 members, 163 of whom are Life Masters.  Highest ranked members of Unit 223 are Gold Life Masters, players who have 2500 or more points. We currently have 10 players who have achieved that rank.

Upcoming Sectionals

Dec 4-6, Caseyville (Fairview Heights IL) Sectional – Ray Sigler's tournament willl be held at the Steamfitters Hall.  Ray can be contacted for info at (618) 224-9606.

February 20-21, Saluki Swiss Sectional -- This year'sd Saluki Swiss will be held in Carlinville IL at the Lake Williamson Christian Center. For more information, call Col. Chris Shaw or Mary Lattan at (217) 825-7248.