How Chess Can Reconnect a Community AARP
How Chess Can Reconnect a Community - AARP Livability in Action
A crew of neighborhood residents serve as volunteer game instructors. "We're noticing that as the teachers assist the children ages 5 through 16 with learning the games of chess and checkers, the students who have short attention spans are learning how to focus more," observes Lewis. "It's interesting to see how the very young children are showing interest."
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How Chess Can Reconnect a Community
Before air-conditioning the Internet and 24 7 TV sitting outside and playing chess or checkers was a popular pastime A community in Georgia is making outdoor board games a pastime again
Photo by Julio S. Gonzales for AARP “Chess allows people to open their minds,” says Antonio Lewis-Ross, president of South Macon Arts Revitalization Technology. Outdoor game tables “bring people together and gives them something to do other than just hanging around.” (See more photos, and a video link, below.) There’s not a lot for a young or much older person to do in the South Macon area of Macon, Georgia. There aren’t many places to go within the neighborhood. The closest park or recreational center is more than five miles away. was created in 2015 to “enhance the community by redefining the culture of an area that is marginalized and seemingly forgotten.” The all-volunteer, grant-funded effort uses an “asset based” community development approach to its work, meaning it builds on the talents, resources and interests that already exist within the community. Recognizing that years ago — before 24/7 television, air-conditioning and smartphones — sitting outside and talking over a game of chess or checkers was a popular pastime, SMART used funds from a grant to purchase outdoor checkerboard tables and two oversized Connect Four games. “Chess, checkers and Connect Four are games that require critical thinking, patience and skill,” explains Frankie Lewis, secretary of SMART, noting that many older people in the neighborhood are accomplished chess and checkers players. “We want to make sure their skills don’t get lost due to the lack of activity, and we want the elders in our community to share their knowledge with people here of all ages, but especially our youth.” At the November 2017 ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the game installations, people of all ages began to play. (See a and the slideshow, below, for scenes from opening day and spring 2018.)A crew of neighborhood residents serve as volunteer game instructors. "We're noticing that as the teachers assist the children ages 5 through 16 with learning the games of chess and checkers, the students who have short attention spans are learning how to focus more," observes Lewis. "It's interesting to see how the very young children are showing interest."
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This church-donated house and yard on Lymore Avenue in Macon, Georgia, is evolving into a community center and neighborhood park. In addition to the already-installed checkerboard game tables, there are plans for a fenced playground and basketball court with lighting so the space can be used at night.Opening Day
When the checkerboard game tables were unveiled on November 2, 2017, people of all ages showed up to play.Teachers and Students of All Ages
An all-volunteer team of adults serve as SMART's official chess instructors, and skilled young people chip in to help as well.Small Children Big Game
The park's oversized Connect Four game is a handy option for children who don't want to sit at a table and concentrate on playing checkers or chess. was a recipient of a grant. This article was adapted from the "Create Thriving, Productive Communities" chapter of . Download or order your free copy. Page published August 2018Learn More
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AARP Members: For questions about your benefits, AARP The Magazine or the AARP Bulletin, visit the page or call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277). Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures