District 8 President's Report
District 8 President's Report
Friends:
The annual excitement of watching the big ball fall in New York City’s Times Square is now a memory. Perhaps you brought in the new year by having family or friends in for a festive dinner, or maybe going to an expensive restaurant for an exotic meal. Or you might have just relaxed quietly at home. Regardless, we celebrated in our own way as we welcomed in 2012. On behalf of the District 8 Board of Directors, we wish you and your family a healthy and happy New Year!
When welcoming in a new year, my thoughts wander to people who are no longer with us. Many of these folks I met at the bridge table and frequently saw at various tournaments. As we play in weekly club games, we see new faces, we learn first names – and sometimes never know their last names. Last names aren’t important. After a few weeks, we are welcoming them as old friends and concerned about their wellbeing.
Why don’t you take a minute and think back over 2011? Lean back in your favorite chair, close your eyes and allow yourself to remember the friends who are no longer with us. Before long, you’ll have a smile on your face as you remember a funny incident or the joke you shared together. It is all in our memories and something we’ll keep with us and recall from time to time.
Well, the five Units within the District have made a lot of people happy – people who aren’t necessarily bridge players. As most of you know, in December the District received $30,000 from the ACBL Charity Foundation. This resulted in each unit being able to give $6000 to the charity of their choice. Each unit president was charged with selecting a charity within their unit – a joyous task at Christmas/Hanukah time.
The selection process resulted with the following:
Unit 143 President Steve Zenk – American Red Cross, Spring Storm 2011 Missouri
Unit 154 President Chuck Briggs (with the help of Dick Ellis) – Community Harvest Food Bank in Ft Wayne
Unit 208 President Chuck Zalar – Salvation Army, Heartland Division in Peoria.
Unit 223 President Marcia Darnell – St Louis Shriners’ Hospital
Unit 239 President Karl Dencker – Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva
This money is a result of some of the local clubs' charity games. It came from you!
During the next few weeks we’re going to be faced with snow and ice. Be certain to drive carefully. We need you.