♠ Welcome to new members of Unit 239:  

   Nancy Schmidt (Crystal Lake) and John Schoen (East Dubuque) We are happy to welcome you to Unit 239 and hope to see you at local clubs and tournaments!

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

Junior Master: John Carbaugh (Polo,) Dr. Richard Gilmore (Loves Park,) and Sandra Gilmore (Loves Park)

Club Master: Joseph Capone (Rockford) and Dean Wolanyk (Rockford)

Sectional Master: Mark Degner (Lake in the Hills,) Dr. Diane Hinderliter (Rochelle,) and Arlyn Van Dyke (Rochelle)

Regional Master: Kyle Larson (Belvidere)

Life Master: Richard Pleniewicz (Byron) and Van Stone (Geneva)

Bronze Life Master: Dr. Ray Parnell (Wonder Lake)

Ruby Life Master: Donald Cisek (Saint Charles)

Van Stone is a Life Master! 

When I was 8 years old, my father began to teach me how to play bridge. He played occasionally with Culbertson as his partner, and he started me young. At 12 years of age, I played my first tournament with my partner Bob Ward who was also 12. We won our first tournament points. 

I played from 1958 to 1968 when life overtook me. I graduated from college and became a 2nd lieutenant in the army. After serving 3 years in the service including a year as a combat officer in Vietnam, I went to law school graduating in 1973 with my Juris Doctorate Degree.

I spent the next forty plus years earning a living and raising a family. When I retired as the Executive Director of the Lions of Illinois Foundation, my wife, Lisa, suggested that I return to the bridge world to fulfill my days. She knew I had enjoyed bridge when I was young and was determined that I would fill my days doing something I enjoyed. Little did she guess that I would "devote" as much time as I have.

So, I started over because I did not keep any records from my earlier bridge playing and records in those days were not computerized. In any event, since I play bridge for enjoyment only, I didn't mind starting the journey again. I started by calling Marilyn Croft and seeing if she could pair me up with someone who was serious about playing well. Initially, she paired me Sharon Roberson who had the patience to play with someone whose knowledge of conventions included, K/S, Schencken Club, Roman Club (Bob Ward and my favorite) and other 1950s/1960s conventions. She was the perfect person to start my journey anew. 

Since then, I have had a number of great partners without whom I could not have achieved the status of Life Master. I truly believe that great partners are the essential ingredients to playing successful bridge. Parenthetically, I define a great partner as a person who has technical ability and a pleasant demeanor. Bridge is truly a partnership game requiring true felicity, including the ability to be honest with each other without rancor or being overly critical.

I have been blessed with great partners during this journey. Lastly, I hope that we can find a solution for the decline in the number of people who enjoy playing this wonderful game.

Don Cisek is a Ruby Life Master

When one has achieved a new bridge level, it’s no surprise that the people who helped you along the way spring to mind. I’m particularly thinking of John and John.

First, John Pree, who taught me so much and put up with many mistakes. Thanks, John. Not to mention that when playing with John Pree, I never feel rushed.

And then there was John Kinst, my bridge teacher, sometimes playing partner, and travel companion to several national tournaments where I was always amazed at how many people he knew. John knew how to have a good time and did. Good memories!