District 16

Unit 172 San Antonio – Sam Williams

Unit 174 Houston – Al Fortier

Unit 176 Dallas – Scott Nason
Unit 183 Fort Western – Cynthia Benton

Unit 187 South Texas – Terry Spang
Unit 197 Llano Estacado – Bobby Ebeling

Unit 201 Sabine Neches – Robert Townley-Smith
Unit 205 Amistad – Donnie van Rooy

Unit 207 Texas Capital – Mary Cisneros
Unit 209 Greater Permian Basin – Paula Bayley

Unit 353 Wichita Falls – Suzanne Sosa

District 16 Star Award recipients by year

 

Samuel Williams, Jr.

Unit172 San Antonio

 

It is Unit 172’s pleasure to recognize Samuel Williams Jr. as our 2024 District 16 Star Award honoree. Sam was born in Florida, one of 13 children. He had a happy childhood but always longed for adventure. Sam grew up playing cards but did not start playing bridge until he was in the US Navy. In 1988, he began playing duplicate bridge and decided he never wanted to stop.

Sam joined the Navy in 1969 as an instrument technician serving on three ships: the Bainbridge, the Nimitz, and the Truxtun. What stories Sam could tell if he was allowed, but most are top secret. After service Sam continued working as an engineer for 22 years, a career that took him all over the United States. Luckily for us in 2004 he arrived in San Antonio, and Unit 172 is fortunate he did. He once said he chose to live in Texas because it is midway between the two coasts. 

Skills, Titles and Awards [semibold]

In addition to this 2024 Star Award, among all his many titles the one he is proudest is attaining Saphire Life Master. The skills Sam brings to our unit are:

• Extreme Attention to Detail, Great People Skills

• Inclusive Leadership, Great Teamwork

• Amazing Problem-solving Skills 

• Generous Nature, only Superseded by His Willingness to go the Extra Mile

• Most Importantly, a Contagious Enthusiasm and Attitude

Sam constantly gives without expecting anything in return and does so without complaint. He’s always the first person to arrive for setup at any unit event, even if not playing. Of course he’s still there when it’s time to tear it all down. Always available to play with anyone who needs a partner, Sam is one of the nicest men you would ever wish to meet. 

Family Man Sam

When Sam is not with his bridge family, he is with his partner of 20 years who is in an assisted living facility. Sam visits her each week, without fail. Also, he helps organize a bridge game for her since it’s impossible to get her to the club. Sam is an inspiration to all of us devoting his time to his life family and bridge family.

The board members of Unit 172 thank Sam for his contributions to our duplicate bridge community. We are all so grateful for his kindness, generosity and hospitality. Sam is an integral part of Unit 172 and we can think of no one more deserving of this District 16 Star Award than Samuel Williams Jr.

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Al Fortier

Unit 174 Houston

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Al Fortier, Katy, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana so naturally he liked Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Saints. Even so, he has lived in Texas since 1980 when he started graduate school at the University of Texas. After finishing with a degree in geophysics Al started working for Chevron in Houston, and lived there most of that time. It was at Chevron that Al met Lionel Barton, Missouri City, a fellow geophysicist and avid bridge player. Lionel gave Al some pamphlets on something called Five-Card Majors, and Al’s bridge career began. That was in 1986.
Al played briefly in the American Bridge Association, and found out Lionel was quite a celebrity as one of their best players.
Chevron transferred Al to Denver, and Lionel told him to look up something called the ACBL. He played in one of the local clubs and had the great luck of playing against and defeating Max Hardy in a teams game. At the time, Al says, "I didn't really know who Max Hardy was." The club director said, "You just beat someone with 5000 masterpoints!"
After returning to Houston in late 1988 Al played at some of the local bridge clubs. He remembers meeting John Zilic for the first time at one of his clubs. Al had arrived early, so he was able to chat briefly with John. John asked Al if he knew someone named Lionel Barton. There were some strange cards on the tables, and John told Al they were bidding boxes. So Al got his first lesson on how to use one from Zilic.
Like many bridge players, Al had to give up the game in the early 1990s to raise his three daughters. In 2002, there was an NABC in Houston, and it was the impetus to get Al to start playing bridge again.
In 2014 Al began to work as the unit photographer for all Unit 174 tournaments, and has done so ever since. documenting all tournament winners and tournament masterpoint milestones. This task requires him to attend all our tournaments, and he’s been doing this selflessly for more than 10 years.
Al retired from Chevron in 2020 and is looking forward to playing more bridge. He has achieved the rank of Gold Life Master thanks to good partners like Steve Tuggle and Susan Kaplan With this Star Award, Unit 174 thanks Al for his professionalism and dedication to the game.

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Cynthia Benton

Unit 183 Fort Western

 

The Unit 183 board voted unanimously that the 2024 Unit Star Award for exceptional service goes to Cynthia Benton of Fort Worth. As Unit 183 Board Chair, she was naturally involved in managing the day-to-day affairs of the unit, but this year her efforts went far beyond what would normally be expected as the unit faced the crisis of being unable to afford renewal of our Fort Worth Studio lease. 

The Search [semibold]

Cynthia and an appointed committee worked tirelessly to find and arrange for a viable alternative. In the process, she visited a dozen or more sites, also entering into discussions with a number of associated realtors or property managers. When a suitable (and affordable) site was identified for the club Cynthia actively involved herself in negotiating the lease details. Then when the property owner of the original deal backed out, Cynthia went through the process all over again, searching for and negotiating a suitable, temporary playing location. 

Relocation [semibold ]

The final home for the Fort Worth Bridge Studio is at 3417 Wellington Road, Unit 110, Fort Worth 76116. When the time for actually moving in finally arrived, there Cynthia was again, organizing the movers and the disposal or storage of unneeded materials. Unit 183's Bridge Studio relocation remains an active process. and the board has no doubt that Cynthia will stay involved to see it through.

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Bobby Ebeling

Unit 197 Llano Estacado

 

I observed Bobby Ebling, Lubbock, playing cards at a game night on New Year’s Eve at our church several years ago. Years passed and when I went to get my photo taken for the church directory, there he was. I asked if he was retired and, after the answer was yes, I asked if he would play duplicate bridge with me on Thursday nights. He agreed and we had so much fun ... and then came COVID-19. We now get to play only on the first Monday of the month, but Bobby plays twice a week. Bobby retired from a State of Texas Human Services career. He is married to an attorney and they are parents of two lively daughters and grandparents to triplets. Bobby is the chief cook, gardener, bottle washer at their home – he’s a great cook and food is shared with family, bridge friends, and church friends. We just celebrated All Saints Day, and when his day comes the line will be long in celebrating a wonderful caring and giving life. He is currently studying to take the director’s test and helps with making boards and setting up the game

Bobby is current 2nd vice president of our club responsible for the maintenance of the building. He is always helping with food, and stays near the door to help anyone in need.

He is very friendly to all members, new and old alike. Bobby picks up the torch and carries it to the finish line when there is a need.

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Bob Townley-Smith

Unit 201 Sabine Neches

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Unit 201 is proud and honored to name Bob Townley-Smith, Beaumont, for the District 16 Star Award. Bob, currently a Silver Life Master, has been playing bridge for 12 years. He teaches bridge prior to the game on Thursday nights, and has been doing this for a couple of years. This past fall Bob offered a series of free lessons (two hours each lesson) for a six week period. He is also a director at the Beaumont Bridge Studio.

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Donnie van Rooy

Unit 205 Amistad

 

Donnie van Rooy, Ajijic, Mexico, was born and raised in Washington state, but spent most of his adult life in Oregon. He started playing bridge in high school in 1964 and first joined the ACBL in 1966. As he describes it, “After almost flunking out of college because I played too much bridge, I promised my parents I would quit and I did, not playing even one hand of bridge until 2014.”

Following retirement, Donnie and his wife, Isabel, moved to Brazil in 2007 and then to Mexico in 2014. After not playing bridge since 1967, he joined the Lake Chapala Duplicate Bridge Club soon after arriving in Ajijic and rejoined the ACBL in mid 2014.  Not only did he get back into bridge, but he took on the (sometimes thankless) position of treasurer for Unit 205 and has served in that capacity for eight years with always a smile and a positive attitude. 

Donnie enjoys the challenge of learning the new bidding concepts and the social aspects of being in a club with like minded people. He and Isabel also enjoy vacationing in different parts of Mexico – from the nearby beaches and small towns to pretty much all western Mexico.  

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Mary Cisneros

Unit 207 Texas Capital Bridge

 

Mary Cisneros, San Marcos, started the bridge classes as the weekly “Senior Game Time” at the San Marcos Activity Center which got very small following COVID-19. She took it upon herself to build this game. Mary is very enthusiastic about spreading the word about bridge and sharing her interest with others. She initiated several free classes for beginner bridge, and continues to present them at the San Marcos Library and Activity Center.   

Between 75-90 different students have attended her classes, and a number have attended multiple classes. 

Although most of her students are seniors, several college students have also joined. Two college students are making documentaries, one about the library including the bridge classes and games, and the other about learning bridge. 

In addition to the Senior Game Time, Mary started two additional bridge games: one at the library has 4-7 tables Friday afternoons and she recently added a duplicate game. Many students have graduated to sanctioned ACBL games.  

Mary is a teacher at heart and loves the challenge and satisfaction of bringing people to the game.

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Paula Bayley

Unit 209 Greater Permian Basin

 

The Unit 209 winner of this year's District 16 Star Award is Paula Bayley, Midland. Paula contributes so much to the bridge clubs of both Midland and Odessa. She beautifies both venues with colorful, seasonal decorations, and is especially festive for any party or celebration. Paula also serves as Midland's hospitality chair, purchasing snacks and drinks that make playing cards a treat. Paula even serves as treasurer of the Odessa club. 

Unit 209 is happy to recognize Paula Bayley as our District 16 Star Award recipient in recognition of all the time and effort she contributes to our unit. Congratulations.

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Suzanne Sosa

Unit 353 Wichita Falls

 

Suzanne Sosa was born and raised in Wichita Falls. She attended Midwestern State University and was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority. She began her 35 ½ year Civil Service Career at Sheppard Air Force Base as a Measurements Clerk in the School of Health Care Sciences. Suzanne worked her way up to be the secretary to the Commander of the 80th Flying Training Wing, and subsequently to be the secretary to the Commander of the 82nd Training Wing. She worked for five generals during her career, and was awarded three Outstanding Civilian Service Awards. Suzanne was also awarded the Civilian of the Year at Sheppard Air Force Base.

After retirement Suzanne had an aunt who loved to play duplicate bridge, and urged her to take lessons. Her aunt told her that she would meet so many wonderful people – which she has. Suzanne met one of her current weekly partners the first day that she started taking bridge lessons and she has taken every bridge lesson available since that day. She now plays three times a week. She has been married to her supportive husband, Fred Sosa, for 42 years. He has always been a source of encouragement for her on her bridge journey. 

Suzanne has served on the board of directors for Unit 353 as vice president, friendship and treasurer. She also served as I/N coordinator where she organized continuing education for the participants and conducted weekly review sessions. Suzanne enjoyed being in charge of decorations for many of our unit’s Christmas Parties and Going Away Parties.

She has won Helen Shanbrom Ace of Clubs, Mini-McKenney and the Unit Goodwill Awards. It is an honor for Unit 353 to select Suzanne Sosa for the District 16 Star Award.