Robert (Bob) Giles -- 12-25-1920 to 2-11-2008

Diamond Life Master Bob Giles of Marion IL died on February 11, 2008 at Shawnee Christian Nursing home, Herrin IL. The first and only Diamond Life Master Southern Illinois / Paducah Unit 223 has produced, Bob was arguably for many years the finest bridge player in the Unit. At the time of his death, Bob had acquired approximately 6000 masterpoints (5000 masterpoints and at least one regional championship are required to attain the rank of Diamond Life Master).

In addition to accomplishments at the bridge table too numerous to list, Bob was a mainstay of the local bridge community. A past member for of Unit 223 Board of Directors, Bob was currently serving as a club director at Carbondale (IL) DBC, and had directed at Herrin (IL) DBC when that club was in operation. He was a fine and knowledgeable club director.

Bob was notable also for his support of newcomers to the bridge world and, for many years, served as a bridge teacher in his hometown of Marion IL, introducing many newcomers and experienced players to the finer points of bridge. In recognition of his many contributions, Bob was awarded the Unit Goodwill Award in 2000, and he was the recipient of the Jo Echols Award in 2005, honoring his efforts in furthering bridge-education in our Unit.

Bob will be missed by his many friends and admirers as will his brother, Life Master Jack Giles, who also recently passed away.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Here we are in gloomy February. Don’t forget to be a sweetheart to your favorite partner! Winners of the 2007 Masterpoint races will be announced just about in time for Feb. 14th. Go to www.acbl.org and click on Masterpoint Races to see who won at the Unit, District and national levels.

Welcome to Unit 223

Patricia Sexton of Benton IL and Mrs. P. P. Butler of Carlinville IL have transferred their memberships into our Unit. Be sure to greet them and invite them to local club play.

Players Advancing in Rank

The following Unit 223 Players have advanced in rank.

New Junior Masters
    Margie Evans, Fulton KY
    Pat Larimer, Salem IL
    Dianna Nerren, Hickman KY
    Barbara Walker, Metropolis IL
    Marianna Weber, Edwardsville IL

New Club Masters
    Susan Pensoneau, Collinsville IL
    Terry Sharp, Mt. Vernon IL

New Silver Life Master
    Larry Thompson, W Paducah, KY

2nd Time Winners

Repeating their 2007 win, the Flight C team of Craig Hillyer, Eric Bizzell and Duane & Sammye Ann Broline, an all-Illinois team, took the overall honors in their flight for their two-day performance at the Saluki Swiss Sectional Tournament in Mt Vernon IL on Jan 26th and 27th. They have been the first-place Flight C Swiss Team two years in a row. Congratulations on your fine performances!

Kentucky Dam Village Sectional Bridge Tournament

Unit 223’s next Sectional Tournament will be at Kentucky Dam Village State Park Resort Hotel, Gilbertsville KY. If you have not attended this tournament before, I strongly urge you to consider going this year. The resort hotel and surroundings are lovely, and this tournament is renowned for incomparable Southern hospitality and ambience.

Play commences at 1:30 on Friday afternoon, March 7th, and concludes on Sunday, March 9th with Swiss Teams starting at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 8th, offers KO's starting at 9:30, and Stratified Pairs at 1:30 and 7:00.

Tournament Chairs are Doug Edwards (270-759-9335) and Sandra Lemon (270-247-7828).
Partnership Chair is Gayle Edwards (270-753-4821) or (270-759-9335).
Lodging is available at Kentucky Dam Park Resort Hotel (800-325-0146) or Inn By The Lake (877-360-4278).

See you at this fine Sectional! Come enjoy spring and bridge at Kentucky Dam Village State Park Hotel.