Bravo!

Awards.  Recognition.  Fabulous turnout.  Bountiful & beautiful buffet.  Duplicate game.  Smiles.  Applause.  Laughs.  Tough bridge hands!

All this and more were on stage at the Twin City Bridge Club Saturday night as Unit 178 celebrated and feted those honored with Mini-McKenney and Ace-of-Clubs awards.  Marv Riedesel, President of Unit 178, began the evening with an introduction of Roger Anderson, Master of Ceremonies.  Roger has done a magnificent job for many years now, introducing award winners and recognizing those with fine accomplishments for the past year. 

Along with dapper Roger, Sharon Anderson has also been instrumental in the special evening at the TCBC.  This year was no different; festivities included a wonderful buffet that never ended, all organized and prepared by the amazing and elegant Sharon.  Of course, now Sharon is also the director representing our District 14 - for which we are quite grateful.

As award winners received a handshake from Marv and congratulations from Roger, they were a blur of motion.  Then, it was on to the two section local duplicate game, where all those who had accomplished so much in 2008 were able to dazzle their partners.

Many thanks to the many who contributed to the fine evening, including TCBC owners Chip and Teri Blu, the amazing TGLO (THE great Larry Oakey), Unit 178 board members - and, of course, all of you who showed up to participate!

One person was not at the party last night.  Nevertheless, he was remembered fondly and warmly.  Jim Hall, the Minnesotan who earned more masterpoints than any other in our history, died just about a year ago in March.  As Jim had bravely played some in the last few months of his life, he was on the list of those who achieved in 2008.  Actually - Jim had been achieving for decades at our game, setting the standard for both technique and accomplishment.  Not having Jim in our events any longer is an enormous loss.  Still - we remember him both as our friend and as "the guy to catch" in so many ways.

Please enjoy more photos from Unit 178's fun awards celebration!