District 8 President's Report
District 8 President's ReportFriends:
Well, I'm in Illinois and have no plans for spending any of the next several months in Florida, Texas or Arizona. This isn't my favorite time of year -- it's cold, rainy, windy and the future only holds snow. Ugh! If it weren't for three wonderful grandchildren (15, 13 and 11 years), Raj and I would be someplace where the sun shines.
But, there is a good side to all of this. It's a great time for being inside and playing our favorite game -- bridge! This is also the season for plenty of tournaments we'll be able to attend and hopefully pick up those valued silver and gold points.
Ft Wayne had a good regional in October. Sharon Stone, President of ACBL Board of Directors, and her husband Roger joined us for several days. She asked Dick Ellis to pull together a group of 10-12 active members of District 8 to have a small, town-hall style discussion. Sharon led the group, which concentrated on the many ways ACBL can improve, initiate, create and in general make the game more desirable for all bridge players. It was a good meeting and all were active participants. I might also add, in passing, that Sharon and Roger are excellent bridge players.
At other District 8 regionals, we might be able to set aside a little time for interested parties to get together for a couple of hours and discuss ideas, plans, needs and promotions. One of the things I left the above meeting with was the need for more communication among tournament organizers and club directors. This would improve tournaments and club games, making it better overall for bridge and its players.
You are all aware that outside of Horn Lake, Mississippi and our valued directors, ACBL is one of the most successful "volunteer" organizations in the country -- perhaps the world. All the work "in the field" is done by devoted volunteers. District 8 is made up of those kind of dedicated people. I'd like to point out a few who truly devote a mountain of time (and, in many cases, personal money) for the betterment of bridge:
Georgia Heth (Morton IL) is our representative to the Board of Directors. She also serves in many other bridge capacities and chairs our District 8 Grand National Teams.
Debbie Romero (Clarkson Valley MO) will be serving as District 8 President starting in 2013. What a lady to not only head up the District, but a hard worker in Unit 143.
Martha Leary (Urbana IL) is our next Vice President and past District 8 President. This is another lady who never turns her back on a volunteer opportunity and also heads up our North American Pairs event.
Scott Davis (St. Louis) chairs our Sectional at Club weeks in February and November.
Mike Carmen (St. Louis) is full of knowledge and handles perhaps the biggest job of all: chairing the upcoming St. Louis NABC.
Chris and Mary Lattan Shaw (Carlinville IL) have been tireless promoters of youth bridge. They have made our annual Youth Bridge Camp a rousing success.
The tournament chairmen in our five Units who do all the behind-the-scenes jobs that give us opportunities to play. They're listed on the front page of this issue.
This names just a few. When you see these and other folks who are volunteering somewhere in District 8, give them a big "thank you". They are freely giving of their time -- all for the betterment of bridge and you!
At the end of this year I'll be leaving the post of District 8 President. It's truly been an honor to serve you -- I thank you. I've learned a lot and appreciate all the help and assistance that was given. I look forward to continue serving on the board. Just in case you didn't know, the person who really runs District 8 is Debbie Avery (Champaign IL), our cherished Secretary and Treasurer. We are truly blessed.
Have a good winter, and Raj and I look forward to seeing you at the bridge table.