New Life Master: Doug Cart

Congratulations to Doug Cart, the Rockford club's “Mr. Ice Cream Man”. Because of his father’s occupation, Doug’s youthful years involved living in many southern states. According to Doug's wife, Donna, the Keystone State was the “best move” because that is where they met.

Doug graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor's degree in environmental health, which led to his present career as a representative for the Dean’s Food Corporation. For the past several years, Doug has arranged for a donation of what amounts to a week’s supply of quality Dean’s ice cream for one of the club’s summer birthday bashes. The club members appreciate and look forward to a week of rocky road, moose tracks, fudge ripple, etc.

The Cart family includes Donna -- who is also afflicted with the bridge gene -- three daughters (Carey, Courtney and Casey) and eight grandchildren. The daughters and their husbands and children live in Arizona, Tennessee and Minnesota, which mean a lot of travel for Doug and Donna.

Doug’s bridge experience developed from his parents, who were both “bridge fanatics”. Doug told the story that because of back problems, he was lying in bed and was on Vicodin medication. His parents and Donna came into his room, propped him up with a pillow, and proceeded to deal a hand. When it was Doug’s turn to bid, there was no response because Doug was fast asleep.

Doug mentioned many Rockford Club members who mentored him including Dan and Kathy Chamberlain. Doug partnered with Karen Dale Kent, and teamed with R.J. Kruger and Gerry Johnson in the Sunday Swiss Team event at the Spring Crystal Lake Sectional to earn .53 gold points to become a life master.

 I found Doug to be a very amiable partner at the table; he exemplifies his philosophy that “bridge should be fun”. Other than bridge, Doug also likes to bowl and play golf. His work and travel schedule limits his bridge time, so many of his games are played on weekends and evenings, making it even more difficult to become a Life Master. Again, congratulations, Doug, on earning the rank of Life Master.

Advancements

New Junior Master:  Cecilia Anderson Algonquin; Michael Anderson, Algonquin; Marianne McWilliams, Aurora; Joan Stonecipher, Rockford; Ann Martin, Oregon; Richard Novak, Rockford; John Wallbaum, Harrisonburg VA; Richard Westrich, Huntley

New Club Masters:  Mary Murphy, Rockford; Robert Size, Elgin

New Sectional Master:  Pasquales Danna, Huntley; Richard Pleniewicz, Bryon; Fred Rogers, Winnebago; June Mutchler; Marie Solvie, Elgin

New Regional Master:  Martin Hartlieb, Rockford; Brenda Moore, Rockford; Arvind Shah, Huntley; Stephen Chesek, Algonquin; Deloris Gammon, Elgin

New NABC Masters:  Judy Freeman, Arlinton Hts; Richard Frier, Crystal Lake; James Williard, Arlington Hts

New Life Masters:  Doug Cart, Rockford; Lynn VanPouche, Elgin

New Bronze Life Masters:  Lynn VanPouche, Elgin; Robert Kruger, Elgin; Kathy Preziosi, Prospect Hts

Turkey Bowl Silver Sectional

   November 29 - December 1

    Prisco Center, 150 Illinois Avenue, Aurora IL

       Phone:  (630) 859-8606

    Tournament Chair:  John Pree   camptonjohn@gmail.com