Illinois Senior Olympics -- Tuesday, September 1, Springfield IL

A 66.12% game earned Gary and Bette Rotert the gold medal in the 2015 Illinois Senior Olympics Bridge Tournament. Silver medalists were Ralph Britton and Michael Schneider and the bronze medal went to Ron Diehl and Rich Brummer.

This 12th annual contest drew 22 tables of players ages 50 and over. Congratulations to the winners and runners-up: 

A full recap sheet is here: http://clubresults.acbl.org/Results/238477/2015/09/150901A.HTM

In Memory

Bob Gieselman, 83, of Urbana passed away on September 12. Bob grew up in southern Indiana and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. After serving in the Army in France, he began a distinguished, 35-year career as an English professor at Illinois, where he won many awards for excellence in teaching. 

A Life Master, Bob was an accomplished and very active player in clubs and tournaments in the 1960s through early 1980s. He served on the local club board, edited club newsletters and wrote the "Junior Master Solvers" column for our old Unit newsletter. He frequently partnered newcomers and drove carloads of college students to club games and tournaments throughout Central Illinois. 

Those who played with and against Bob back then probably haven't forgotten him. He always stood out in a crowd, not just because he was tall and had a strong voice, but because he was so witty and personable. People were drawn to his intelligence and sense of humor, which were rivaled only by his incredible generosity. He and his wife Lea, who passed away a year ago, were devoted to and beloved by their many friends.

Although Bob hadn't played tournament bridge in recent years, he still enjoyed social games and kept in close touch with many of his old bridge friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Club News

 ♣  Club Appreciation Month -- October 1-31

ACBL designates October as Club Appreciation Month and offers all clubs the opportunity to host extra club championships, with no added fees. Each sanctioned session can can host one pairs championship and one Swiss Team championship anytime during October, in addition to its regular quarterly club championship. The games offer extra masterpoints (black points, 85 percent of sectional rating). Team games also pay 5-percent gold points. Ask your club manager for the dates of the games in your area.

October is also District 8 Charity Month. Clubs throughout the District will be running charity championships to support the annual Youth Bridge Camp in Carlinville IL.

 ♣  Silver Point Sectional-Tournament-at-Clubs (STAC) -- October 26-November 1

Loads of silver points will be available for a full week beginning October 26, when all clubs in District 8 can award sectional-rated silver points at all sessions. The event also offers District-wide overall awards, giving you the chance to win as many as 15 silver points in one session. See the ACBL website for updated results during and after STAC week.

Movin' Up:  Congratulations to these Unit members who recently advanced in rank: