Hello,

      I hope everyone is well.   

      With next weekend quiet (my wife's 50th is on 12/20), we have a jam-packed weekend. On Friday night, we will have anyone who wants to come to discuss the various projects we are working on, from the book site to the American Chess Archive site, which is live at  americanchessarchives.com.  This discussion will cover ChessBase. Additionally, if you are interested in other projects, such as video work, this is a good time to pursue them.  

        Several children have mentioned that it is easier to work at the club than at home. Especially for kids working on club projects, I am happy to come in and let them work there.   Cherry has done this on numerous occasions, particularly in artistic work, where inspiration is essential. Pranav came in over the summer, some of the time. Samika has talked about the value of it and being able to focus more at the club: Shriya, the same. If you want to come in to work on chess projects, I am happy to schedule a time to work with you.  

       On Saturday, we host the final 1 pm to 5 pm tournament of the year. This has been a staple for us for years and works well for many children.  ECE #112 - Saturday Afternoon Tournament - Tri Bridges

      On Sunday, we will hold our final G60 d5 tournament of the year. The lower section of this event, Under 800, runs from 10 to 2. The two upper sections are G/60 and d5 and run from 10 to 6. You sign up at - ECE #113 – $250 Sunday Game Hour - Tri Bridges

       Next Wednesday, we will have what might be our first Wednesday tournament! Samika needs one more three-round event to request her local TD exam. She hopes to order it and work on it over winter break. However, due to a robotics tournament, she cannot run the Saturday or Sunday events. Therefore, we are having G/15, d3 (quick rated ONLY), 3-round event from 7 to 8:30 on Wednesday - a special FREE 3-round event!!! We need at least 4, but would prefer 8 to 10. It is quick-rated, so we can finish fairly early and not keep anyone out too late on a school night.  

         We have also begun discussing non-chess classes more frequently in the summer.  I have taught college-level courses in US history, World history, etc., and certainly can for POD, civics, etc.  The idea isn't to replace a high school class; it's to make it so easy that it's minimal work, level the workload over the year, and make it easier to take other subjects.  It would also be more hands-on, both in terms of research and field trips. Not everything is set yet, and we will revisit this.