April Action ... and Inaction

On the positive side, I'd like to say that the Freeport Open brought in by Alex Relyea was a success and a welcome addition to the Maine chess scene. The number of 65 participants was the largest turnout for a non-scholastic event in quite some time. Let's hope that this is a harbinger of things to come.

Usually April is a slow month that includes the State Closed Championship, but this year we are moving it to the month of August. We continue to iron out the details, and I hope to have them to you soon. The difficulty in coordinating schedules of MECA Board Members has been an obstacle that is problematic in setting and accomplishing goals. I realize that I, as president, need to bring about results to satisfy the MECA membership. I will continue to do my best to facilitate action.

April has seen representatives from the state travel to both the K-9 National Championships in Minneapolis and the K-12 National Championships in Columbus, Ohio. Hardware was brought back from both venues courtesy of some familiar names and newcomers. The two talented Matthews (Fishbein and Reale-Hatem) brought back a team trophy, rookies on the national scene, Jesse Amar and Jason Chubbock of Orono, also secured a team trophy, while MECA's own Vice-President, Maggie Bryan, came home with a trophy as she was tied for 18th in her section. Coming up the Deer Isle-Stonington elementary juggernaut will attend the K-6 Championships in Atlanta along with our fearless webmaster and his son Max from the Airline School. These scholastic events are terrific opportunities for scholastic players, and I strongly encourage attendance whenever one gets the opportunity.

In May the Grand Prix event in Bangor offers plenty of opportunities and sections for players. Then in June, the Chessmaine.net Championship is another chance to play some wonderful chess. I hope that we can continue to have a big event a month to draw some high quality chess in our state.