New Life Master

Karen Golden has worked on earning the last few gold points needed to become a Life Master for the past couple of years. Playing in the spring regional game at The Great Sizzlin' Summer Illinois Regional with her knockout partner Rachel Campbell, Karen earned the needed gold to become a Life Master. It wasn’t easy; one member of the team had a death in the family and was unable to play a half hour before the semifinals. Karen and Rachel, therefore, had very little time to find a replacement player who had approximately the same number of points as the absent partner, and was willing to fill in. Luckily, Bob Quintin stepped forward and Karen accomplished her goal.

Karen grew up in southern Indiana, and had some college experience. For the past 34 years Karen and her husband Jim have live in Lake Summerset, Illinois. Their family includes two daughters, a son, 6.5 grandchildren (one is on the way), and three great grandchildren.

Like many other bridge players, Karen began playing party bridge in the 1960s. After retiring, Karen took up duplicate bridge in the 1990s. She said she took classes from Kathy Owens and Mary Belle Moss, which helped develop her game. With the help of Craig Bontjes and Renee Shambeau, she earned many of her silver and gold points. Karen now plays at the Rockford Club three times a week. When she is not playing bridge, her other recreational activity is reading.

Karen’s advice to other bridge player is that “persistence pays off”. Congratulations, Karen, on earning your Life Master ranking.

The Changing Scene

New Junior Master: Robert Boyd, Rockford;  Lori Palmquist, Elgin;  Sarah Skoulund, Cary;  Mararet Thienemann, Rockford.

New Club Master: Orin Keplinger, Garden Pairie;  Nancy Riley, Huntley;  Cornelia Skoulund, Cary;  Barbara Ellingson, Rockford;  Jim Gentz, Belvidere;  Elaine Hagmann, Rockford.

New Sectional Master:  Jay Riskind, Geneva.

NABC Masters:  Earl Anderson, Poplar Grove;  Ron Anderson, Aurora.

New Life Masters: Ron Carey, Rockford; Karen Golden, Davis.

New Gold Life Master:  Richard Whitsitt, Rockford.

Turkey Bowl Silver Sectional

November 25-27, 2011

Prisco Community Center, 150 Illinois Avenue
(southeast corner of Route 31 & Illinois Avenue)
Aurora IL 

Full schedule is here.