Pair
Fare
News from Northwestern Illinois Unit 239
Editor: Roger Dieringer, 5 Lockman Circle, Elgin IL 60123 mrdier@wideopenwest.com
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News from Northwestern Illinois Unit 239 Editor: Roger Dieringer, 5 Lockman Circle, Elgin IL 60123 mrdier@wideopenwest.com
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I would like to take this opportunity to thank Karl Dencker for volunteering me for this job. Karl used the old Army technique for enlisting someone to do an assignment. He asked his company for a volunteer "to step forward". The next thing I knew, the rest of the company took one step back and I was the volunteer. With that in mind, please give me a little latitude if I misspell a name or forget a comma. It will be a hard act to follow, since Dennis Ryan did an outstanding job being our past editor.
I would also like to thank Dennis for twisting my arm so I would assume his assignment. Then, after disjointing my socket, taking some time to inform me as to what my duties would entail. Anyway, I hope I can continue to follow in the big foot steps as set down by Mr. Ryan.
Edward has been playing bridge since 1946, but took a 25-year hiatus starting in 1971 to work and support a family, and didn't start playing for masterpoints until 1996. Since then, Edward has earned the necessary, gold, silver, red and black points to qualify as a Life Master.
The evening I called Edward, his wife Venette answered the phone. She asked who was calling and I proceeded to explain that I was a fellow bridge player. At that point, she interjected a question: "Do I like bridge as much as her husband does?" Before I could response, she answered her own question: "Maybe not". At this juncture, I knew I was talking to a very supportive wife and I was going to interview an avid bridge player.
The Cohen family includes Edward, Venette, two sons, one daughter, and five grandchildren. The eldest son met his wife by playing bridge, but, like his father before, he's now too busy making a living to enjoy the game.
Edward is a 1950 graduate of the University of Illinois, and has raised his family in Geneva IL. Being retired from real-estate investments since 1996, Edward now has more time to play with his partners John Diehl of Elgin and Dick Greenberg of Hinsdale. You can often see Edward playing at the St. Charles, Aurora or Hinsdale bridge clubs.
Edward related that he added 4,000 miles to his car this past year by traveling to many regional and sectional tournaments. Being in the "sage" period of his life, Edward observed that the popularity of bridge is growing, and that the quality of play has greatly improved. His advice to us is "be kind to your partner".
Words well spoken and advice we should all adhere to. Only having talked to Edward on the phone to get the information for this article, I hope our paths one day cross at the gaming table. I found Edward to be a pleasant soul, who truly enjoys the game.
New Junior Masters: Patricia Olafson, Rockford; Cynthia M Guttridge, Rockford; Robert Larson, Roscoe
New Club Masters: Marilyn J. Clark, Batavia; Barbara J Bremer, Rockford; Betty Ralston, Rockford
New Sectional Master: Sylvia Conde, Rockford; George G. Wallace, Dixon; Stephan D. Cart, Rockford
New NABC Masters: Farlin Caufield, Woodstock; Ann Witt, Aurora
New Life Master: Edward Cohen, Geneva
New Bronze Life Master: Susan P. Mackinney, Lake in the Hills
August 3-5 -- Elgin IL 299er Sectional
August 13-19 -- St Louis MO Regional
August 31 - September 3 -- Skokie IL Sectional
September 7-9 -- Rockford IL Sectional
September 14-16 -- Peoria IL Sectional
September 24-30 -- Fort Wayne IN Regional
October 12-14 -- Springfield IL Sectional
October 22-28 -- Lake Geneva WI Regional
October 26-28 -- Robinson IL Sectional