Fitness and Fun in Town Hall
Chess Club
Announcing… the Grove Chess Club!
Chess’s popularity has soared: online games and lessons through Chess.com, YouTube tutorials, Twitch streamers, and even Queen’s Gambit on Netflix, all have contributed to chess becoming a cultural phenomenon. Pro athletes, actors, politicians, social media stars – many of our icons have become passionately addicted to the game!
A trio of Grovers — closet chess nerds — have started the Grove Chess Club. Young and old, men and women, beginners and titled players alike: all are invited and encouraged to join!
Details:
- When and where: Sundays from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm at McCathran Hall.
- What: lessons, games, and fun:
- Lessons: 30 – 45 minutes. We’ll start off with an introduction to the game at the first meeting, unless everyone already knows the basics, in which case we will begin with some introductory opening principles and two solid opening ideas for white and black.
- Games: 45 -60 minutes. After the lessons, we’ll pair people together based on rough skill level. We’ll aim for 10 or 15 minute games, although we can go with shorter or longer depending on people’s preferences.
- In the future, we’ll explore inviting local chess teachers, chess club students and teachers from schools in the area, and any interesting chess afficionados we can connect with. Of course, we welcome your creative ideas on things to do with the club.
In addition, one thing we hope to emphasize is to make the club inclusive and diverse. To that end, we strongly encourage EVERYONE to come – contrary to its recent past, chess today is incredibly diverse, played with enthusiasm by men and women, children and aged, of all races and ethnicities, all over the world. We intend to reach out to surrounding neighborhoods to encourage attendance and schedule joint events.
If you have a chess set and/or a chess clock, please bring them.
Questions? Or if you’re not able to attend, but are willing to loan or donate a chess set? Contact Rob Gilmore.
Tai Chi Sessions
Tai chi sessions led by Claire Rosser are held every Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. in, or just outside, the Town Hall. We try to meet outside whenever it’s nice out.
The sessions are free. Note that the sessions involve a minimum of instruction; participants follow along with Claire. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not constrict your movement, and stable shoes that promote balance (can you stand on one foot in your shoes?). Layers are good, as the temperature outside or in the hall can fluctuate.
Tai chi practice helps increase balance, reduce stress, and focus, and can improve strength, flexibility and aerobic conditioning. Read the June 2023 New York Times article “Tai Chi Is a Workout for the Brain and Body.”
We practice the Yang style of tai chi. Yang is often considered the most popular form of tai chi and is the most widely practiced across the globe today. Founded by Yang Lu-Ch’an in the mid-1800s, Yang tai chi focuses on improving flexibility via grand, sweeping movements that are executed in a slow and graceful motion, as opposed to the quick fast movements associated with other tai chi styles. Yang tai chi is considered accessible and ideal for all ages and fitness levels, which is likely why it’s so popular. In each class, we run through the 88-step-long Yang tai chi form sequence three times. Learn about the sequence of movements, and watch a video of the 88-step long form sequence here.
Contact Christine Dibble for further information.
Yoga Classes
Yoga in the Grove Continues!
Certified yoga and fitness instructor Ingeborg McCright offers an all-levels yoga class on Tuesdays from 6 – 7 pm in McCathran Hall. Ingeborg has been teaching yoga and exercise classes for many years and is able to give modifications for those just starting out and those looking for extra challenge.
Please bring your own mat and feel free to bring blocks if you use them. The class ends on our backs with a cooling relaxation, so consider dressing in layers. If this is your first Grove yoga class, be sure to print out and complete this waiver form (PDF) and bring it to class.
Yoga is free for Washington Grove residents with a suggested $5-10 donation. Non-residents may attend for $10 a class. Ingeborg accepts cash or check.
The holiday season yoga schedule is as follows:
NO CLASS November 21, 2023
Nov 28
Dec 5
Dec 12
Dec 19
NO CLASS December 26
Jan 2