Salute to Ronen--

 

Thank you all for coming to give a fitting farewell to Grandmaster Ronen Har-Zvi, Heather and Aaron. We are grateful to Brother John who anchored the time together and played host by running the Blitz celebration event after the time with Ronen.
 
Our special thanks go to the following:
 
 
  • Ronen, Heather and Aaron - They came over inspite of the fact that they are moving on Tuesday. Ronen's passion for teaching chess is evident that he took some time to arrive as he was completing one of his last chess lessons for one of his best students. His words to improve chess is always encouraging as it challenges us to more and more and build a healthy community. Thank you Ronen, Heather and Aaron for all you did and sacrificed for the chess community and the Capital District at large. We are honored to have associated with you in your passion to play, teach and promote the game you loved! 
  • Mr. Philip Morris of Proctors, shared his kind words to Ronen and hopes to see chess at Proctors bloom to the next level. We are extremely grateful to him for letting us use the Education Center and providing us all with plenty of Pizza! He also gave us free tickets to events at Proctors which was given away after the Blitz tournament to the lucky winners on a drawing. We are grateful to Mr. Morris and Proctors for all the support for this event!
  • Mr. Mike Saccocio of City Mission, shared his excitement of how a positive Schenectady had a shot in its arm with Ronen not only playing chess well, but also as to how good he is and remembered Ronen's input and support to the downtown Schenectady activities. We are grateful to Mr. Saccocio and the City Mission for providing all the plates, cups, etc along with soda for the evening.
  • Michele Calderon - A true chess mom with photography skills was able to take pictures to remember the event. Thank you!
  • Debbie Richman - Another true Chess mom with a great love for the Har-Zvi family did the last minute help of getting a great cake. Thank you!
  • All the Chess Organizers, Chess Players and parents who brought food and shared during the open time for those who participated are gratefully remembered as it gave us a great time of interaction with Ronen over food!
  • We appreciate all Chess Players and well wishers who participated in the Blitz tournament and donated to a parting gift for the Har-Zvi's. Thank you!
 
Thank you all again. Let's hope and pray that the Har-Zvi's have a safe transition as they pack and move on Tuesday, March 23, 2010.
 
We will miss them, but sure hope to continue our connection with them in different ways. It is the chess connection!
 
In Chess,
 
Ashok Aaron.   
 
PS: The regular casual chess play, puzzle competitions/lessons will be Every Friday at Proctors at Robb Alley(Muddy Cup area) from 4:30pm to 6:00pm.
 

 

Secret Farewell Party: Honoring GM Ronen Har-Zvi

Ronen- You may not read anything here.  Otherwise it will not be a secret...

Friday, March 19, 2010

Proctor's, 244 State St., Schenectady, 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Short speeches followed by FOOD (Pizza + Bring a dish to share)

8:00- 9:50 Blitz (5 Minute/Game) tournament.  EF / Donation ($10.00 for Ronen)

Thank you for posting the information about Ronen's farewell in your website. The time is from 6:30 to 8:00pm and not from 4:30 to 6:30pm as mentioned in your website. Check some of these and let me know your thoughts and ideas as well...
 
This is what I have in mind: Time - 6:30 to 8:00pm. Start with opening remarks which I would do as I am getting the word out and let some dignitaries like Philip Morris and Mike Saccocio share a few words and Ronen respond or share a few words about his chess promotion efforts in the region(6:30 to 6:45pm). After that we can indulge in FOOD and interact with Ronen and family(6:45 to 7:15pm). Get back and open the floor to whoever would like to share a few words - various chess organizers, chess club office bearers, chess parents, students of Ronen(7:15 to 8:00pm). Chess blitz tournament from 8:00pm to 9:50pm. Maybe registration between 8:00 and 8:15pm and start the blitz at 8:20pm.
  
Cash for the Har-Zvi family will be raised through a suggested donation of a minimum of $10 or more through the blitz tournament entry fee/donation! Maybe individually, people can give whatever they would like to give to them. I would like to get a chess board that can be signed by all who come on March 19th as a memento. 
  
Any more ideas more than welcome!