Spring has finally arrived 

Soon we will be on the way to Gatlinburg. One of the things I most enjoy about going to that regional is the drive there and watching for dogwood in bloom along the way.

Players in my neighborhood missed some bridge this last winter because of snow and ice. It was difficult last Sunday afternoon not to long to be outside (instead of playing bridge at the local club) because of fabulous weather, for a change. Sunday was the first day of spring and Mother Nature was cooperating beautifully. The tulip trees were dancing in the wind just outside the club's door, but some thoughtful soul had picked and brought a dozen huge daffodils. Our club manager put them in water, and they were on display in the center of the room while we played. 

The daffodils and lots of weird hands soon took my mind off being outdoors. One monster hand had 7-6 in the minors! Partner, of course, was loaded with spades and hearts. That made for a lively auction! The hand belonged to our opponents and it was an interesting bidding sequence to observe as they roared past 3NT finally settled in 5C.

All in all, at the end of the day, I was happy I skipped mowing the lawn for the first time, and played cards instead. Happy Spring to you and your favorite partner.

Winners of Unit 223 Masterpoint Races

2010 Mini-McKenney:

0-5 -- Charlotte Sikes, Bethalto IL (38.12 points)

5-20 -- Linda Badgley, Edwardsville IL (31.90)

20-50 -- Mary File, Edwardsville IL (127.94)

50-100 -- Ron Deluca, Destin FL  (56.20)

100-200 -- Mitchell Fish, Belleville IL (50.95)

200-300 -- Donald Klingsick, Edwardsville IL (144.25)

300-500 -- Dennis Rose, Boaz KY (179.48)

500-1000 -- Robert Cundall, Collinsville IL  (153.07)

1000-2500 -- Richard Brummer, Effingham IL  (283.18)

2500-5000 -- Dalton Darnell, Murray KY  (231.85)

2011 Ace of Clubs:

0-5 -- Dawn Wood, Glen Carbon IL (32.44 points)

5-20 -- Candy Butz, Belleville IL (21.52)

20-50 -- Mary File, Edwardsville IL (82.48)

50-100 -- William Allendoerfer, Edwardsville IL (36.05)

100-200 -- Mitchell Fish, Belleville IL (42.17)

200-300 -- Susan Pensoneau, Collinsville IL (79.82)

500-1000 -- Gail Baughman, O'Fallon IL  (73.08)

1000-2500 -- David Drennan,  Granite City IL (163.83)

2500-5000 -- Julia Rambo, Mayfield KY (91.83)

The top ten players in each of the above categories for both the Unit and District 8 can be viewed by visiting ACBL's homepage (www.acbl.org) and clicking on "Masterpoint Races". You can also view the leaders for 2011 to date for each race.

2010 Good Will Member

Maxine Wynn of Paducah KY was presented with the Good Will member pin at the recent sectional tournament at Kentucky Dam Village Resort Park. Maxine has handled the Hospitality Desk at the Unit's regional each June for several years. She has also filled the difficult position of Partnership Chairman at the regional with grace and charm.  Thank you, Maxine, for your service to our Unit.

Advances in Rank

New Junior Masters:

Kadie Davis, Edwardsville IL

Glenda Klingsick, Edwardsville IL

Richard Messinger,  Alton IL

New Club Masters:

Kathy Bold, Edwardsville IL

Jayne Costanzo, Glen Carbon IL

Michael McNamee Sr., Alton IL

Carol Phillips, Godfrey IL

Linda Spencer, Fairview Hts IL

Jay Winter, Highland IL

New Regional Master -- Harold Gebhardt, Edwardsville IL

New Silver Life Masters –Robert Cundall, Collinsville IL & David Whitlock, Bardwell KY