Here’s a chance to learn about bridge. Rockford Bridge Club has engaged Robert Todd to speak at their club for a one-day seminar on Friday, May 15, 2020. They invite Unit 239 members to take advantage of this wonderful educational opportunity.  For more information, contact Kyle Larson or the Rockford Bridge Club.

Remember there is a regional in Crystal Lake, June 14th to 19th. The first day is Swiss teams, so get your team organized! See you there!

The rescheduled date for the Unit 239 annual meeting is August 29th. Your earlier reservation covers you for the new date. If you are not able to attend, please let Linda Jacobson (630-372-6453) know asap so we have a correct count for the bridge game and luncheon.  Thanks!

2019 Mini McKenney and Ace of Clubs

These awards are usually announced at the annual meeting, but here they are:
 

Unit 239 welcomes four new members: Colleen Bender (Huntley), Jim Gramm (Cary), Patricia Zonsius (Huntley) and Larry Karch (Algonquin)

Congratulations to the many members who have achieved new ACBL levels:

Junior Master: Linda Bilsbarrow (Algonquin), Roy Bilsbarrow (Algonquin), Julie Grenn (Leaf River), Michael Haller (Huntley), Bruce Mackenzie (Huntley), Beverly McKinsay (Crystal Lake) and Roger Perry (Rockford)

Club Master: Larry Lewis (Rockford) and Leeanne Wolanyk (Rockford)

Sectional Master: David Black (Rockford)  

Regional Master: Beverly Giloy (Rockford), Bonnie Caswell (Sugar Grove,, Lela Lowe (Geneva) and Kathleen Ordway (Rockford)

NABC Master: Kyle Larson (Belvidere)

Life Master: Fran Fey (Rockford)

Ruby Life Master: Doug St John (Rockford) and John Otto (Winfield)

Sapphire Life Master: Karl Anderson (Elgin)

Fran Fey shares her thoughts on becoming a Life Master

I moved to Rockford, Illinois to be closer to family.  Not knowing anyone, I looked online and saw “Learn to play Bridge.” With a minor knowledge of playing bridge, I thought I would give it a try. So, my journey began. Little did I know at the time that I would travel the United States and play with people from all over the world.

Achieving Life Master cannot happen without great partners. I met Becky Chance who took me under her wing and became my mentor. She taught me the importance of defense. When I took the game and myself way too seriously, she told me bridge is a hard game but it should always be fun. Cindy Musser traveled to Regionals and Sectionals with me and taught me never to give up. Also, I learned from Ann Martin, who always chooses to be kind at the bridge table. With me as a bridge partner, I’m sure she has done a lot of tongue biting. I would also like to thank Karen Girardy, Wanda Burchard and Linda Murphy; not only are they my bridge partners, they have become my friends.

Cathy Wright achieves Silver Life Master

In 2007, I was diagnosed with cancer and forced to retire from my teaching job that I loved dearly. Not one to sit around, I had to figure out what I was going to do with however much of my life was left. I decided to try duplicate bridge!

Kathy Owens, manager of our Rockford Bridge Center, paired me up with Audrey Williams, a retired nurse who became my guardian angel!  When the cancer returned and I was given six months to a year to live, we kept playing bridge. The game helped me keep a good attitude and think about something besides myself. Thirteen years later, I’m still playing.

I’ve had many wonderful partners since then, including Susan Hillberry, Tara Mufich, Bob Larson, Bill Carpenter, and others who have taught me so much. Will Engel has been a special mentor, and his patience with me is always amazing.

I am also lucky to have taken some great bridge classes and read some helpful books. My newest favorite is Eric Rodwell’s Bidding Topics, Book Two.  I must have 25 bridge books here at home that I can read over and over again and still learn something new each time.

I would recommend duplicate bridge to anyone who loves to play the game and enjoys making good friends. New players should find a mentor to answer questions and encourage them when it gets confusing. I am so grateful for all the good friends I’ve made and fun trips I’ve taken to tournaments around the country.

 Congratulations to John Otto, new Ruby Life Master