Chess Folks:
The "Chess in the City" in downtown Schenectady(Electric City)that happens on
Mondays will be a site for an exciting blitz event! It will be the
"Grand Finale," scheduled on Monday, August 31, 2008 - 11:00am
to 1:30pm(Onsite registration from 11:00am to 11:15am. Pre registered
players need to be there by 11:15am to be paired for the first round). It will
be under the marquee in front of Proctors in 432 State Street,
Schenectady, NY 12305. It is 5 rounds of 5 minutes for each player blitz chess!
We have confirmed entries of Grand Master Ronen Har-Zvi(Former
World Under 16 Champion)and National Master Deepak Aaron(Current
New York State High School Champion)for this exciting event! Come and test your
playing skill with these strong players and with a host of players with various
playing levels. Anybody who beats Ronen and those who defeat Deepak(Below 2200
USCF rating) will receive suitable prizes. Definitely, there are exciting prizes
for winners and deserving players! Tie breaks will be in force for the top three
if there are any ties. Entry is absolutely free, so do ensure
you sign up before the first round begins. Registration on site is between 11:00
and 11:15am. You can also preregister by writing back or calling (518)346-2275
Ext 318.
So, you are invited to come, watch and participate. Also, you have the great
privilege of spreading the word about this exciting event! We are grateful
to "Bill Townsend of the Schenectady Chess Club" who will run the tournament. A
special thanks goes to Third Way, City Mission of Schenectady, Proctors,
Brother John of Make the Right Move and Schenectady Chess Club for the
sponsorship and support to this event!
This will happen "Rain or Shine" courtesy of Proctors for alternate location at
Robb Alley!!! If you need more details do not hesitate to contact me through
email or by calling (518)346-2275 Ext 318.===================================
After the event----
Chess Enthusiasts, Chess Family and Supporters!
Thank you for your enthusiastic response during the Grand Finale
of the Chess in the City - summer event on Monday(August 31st)!
The representation from across the Capital District and downtown enthusiasts was
excellent!!! GM Ronen Har-Zvi returned to take the Gold! He
gave away a friendly draw to National Master Deepak Aaron in
the last round for the two to tie for first place. So, it is three in a row for
GM Har-Zvi...winning the previous events at ease and finishing a hattrick!
Phil Thomas, a pretty strong blitz player from Albany finished
third with better tie breaks after tying with others. The Grand Finale was a
culmination of the Chess in the City - Monday lunch time chess in downtown
Schenectady in front of Proctors under the marquee(June to August 2009). We had
several people from all walks - local business, vendors, Scholastic players and
seasoned players come on Mondays to play chess for a positive activity in
Schenectady, NY.
The summer Chess in the City and the Grand Finale was made
possible with the enthusiastic support from a great team! Proctors -
Philip Morris(CEO)and team with the guidance of Jeff
made it possible for us to use the space under the marquee in front of Proctors.
They had the tables and chairs ready for us throughout the summer. The Gift
Certificates donated by them was an icing on the cake for the Grand Finale! City
Mission - Mike Saccocio(Executive Director)was the
brain behind the positive activity for Schenectady - always looking for a good
thing for Schenectady, he ensured the operation was in motion, made the first
move and provided exciting prizes. Mike inspired the dedicated staff and
volunteers of the City Mission to support the event - Dave Lederer
and Dan Meguin were ever supportive amidst their many
responsibilities. Gerry Ostrander, Board Member and volunteer
was present every Monday for moral support and ensuring the smooth run of the
events. Third Way - Art Hudak was there to give us the extra
push to move it along and gain momentum. Schenectady Chess Club -
Richard Chu was instrumental in giving us the chess clocks and
providing with a Free membership to a deserving participant who has never been a
member of the Club. Bill Townsend was our high profile
Tournament Director, incidentally is the Chess columnist for the Schenectady
Gazzette. He ran the tournament with grace and elegance eventhough the
entries had doubled since the first event two years back! His report on the
Grand Finale will be featured in his column in the Schenectady Gazzette
on September 13(Sunday). It is a hattrick for Bill in being the TD...Thank you
Bill! Make the Right Move - Brother John was gracious to let us
use the chess sets and clocks for the Grand Finale! He is a source of help and
ready to go the extra mile for chess! Studio of Bridge and Games - Norma
Shelley donated a free entry to a deserving player to the Chess
Quads(Tournament)that she runs on a monthly basis...she made it a point to reach
out and offer when she heard about the event! Participants -
While thanking all those who participated(Chess Club members in the region,
Downtown players and Scholastic giants)in the downtown positive activity, I
would like to thank the regulars for Chess in the City - Sing - downtown
business - took his lunch break ane made it a point to be there on Mondays!
Calderon family(Herman/Michelle, Zachary, Sophie and Mari)and the Aaron
family(Deepak, Dilip and Deepti)for their faithful support right from the start
to finish though they had to miss some Mondays because of road trips.
Thank you for making it a great summer for chess! If you have any
suggestions for more of chess in the Fall and beyond, do not hesitate to write
back or call me at (518)346-2275 Ext 318,
In chess and for a positive community,
Ashok Aaron
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