Greater St. Louis Bridge News

At the 2015 winter sectional, Unit 143 honored two individuals who demonstrate this quote.

ACBL Tournament Director Chris Patrias

Chris Patrias (left, with Mike Carmen) directs ACBL tournaments all over the country. So why do we consider him one of our own? First, Chris lives here. Second, Chris has been lead director at sectional, regional and national tournaments held in the St. Louis area since before most of us began playing duplicate. When Chris announced his May 2015 retirement, the winter sectional seemed a fitting venue to celebrate his years of service.

Tournament chair Mike Carmen summarized Chris’ accomplishments. Here are some of the highlights. Chris has directed tournaments for more than 30 years and was the second youngest to be appointed National Tournament Director. He created a standards manual for directors, still in use today. Chris has been a mentor and resource for other directors. Chris has been director-in-charge of spring NABCs since the mid-90s as well as St. Louis regionals and sectionals.

Mike concluded with this tribute: “Even when difficult, Chris has approached all assignments with a pleasant manner and positive demeanor sincerely appreciated by directors and players alike. Therefore, on behalf of Unit 143, it is my great pleasure to present the Tournament Director Emeritus Award to an excellent ambassador of bridge and a very good person who many others and I are proud to call friend.”

Suzi Shymanski Moore Meritorious Service Award

At the winter sectional, Unit 143 also recognized Suzi Shymanski Moore for over 20 years of continuous service to the bridge community. Unit Board President Linda Siebert cited Suzi’s volunteer roles of Board President, Board Vice-president, Caddy Master and Hospitality Chairperson. At the 2007 ACBL Nationals, Suzi took on the job of Caddy Master. At the spring NABC in 2013, Suzi was in charge of Registration.

Suzi had a 20-year run as Hospitality chairperson. At Unit 143 sectionals and regionals, Suzi was the hospitality face of the tournament.

Linda noted that Unit 143 sectionals have grown since the 1990’s when Suzi took on her role of Hospitality chairperson. Suzi’s leadership, planning, and management skills, plus her Martha-Stewart -like gift for table decoration and food presentation, made the tournaments well-known for good hospitality.

Those who have worked with Suzi know her warmth, friendliness and enthusiasm. Those who have worked with Suzi know that she always gets the job done and always goes that extra mile.

Linda concluded with, “Suzi, please accept this award in recognition of your meritorious service to Unit 143 and to ACBL. We thank you. We’re lucky to have you. Congratulations!”

Congratulations to ...