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The FOGHORN
ROTARY CLUB OF HALF MOON BAY
September 26, 2024
Hal Bogner on the Game of Chess
Article by Steve Wilson
Hal Bogner, our speaker, grew up in Queens, the son of an engineer, and learned chess as a youngster, playing against his father. His working career involved employment by Electronic Arts and other earlier Silicon Valley companies, where part of his work involved working with programmers to design games and websites. He moved to the Coast many years ago and realized a passion for working with youngsters in connection with learning programs, including apps that help children learn to read. He was an early and active participant in Big Lift, an impactful early childhood program. An inveterate networker, one thing led to another and he eventually helped develop a correspondent (remote) chess game that was played by astronauts while in space. Summarizing his passion, it is opening learning doors for children. Hal eloquently described how chess can be a learning tool on a number of levels: planning strategy carefully, setting backup plans, patience, civility to opponents and following rules—all life skills.
Hal noted that traditionally there were many more boys than girls in chess, and he is determined to encourage girls to participate. Among the resources to encourage the game, he mentioned the First Move Chess Foundation. Apparently there are games regularly here at Café Mezza Luna on Thursday afternoons.
Talk turned to the psyches of chess masters, including the ego blow inherent in the fact that computers playing humans will now win virtually every time. These were interesting stories.
These was a well deserved round of applause at the end of his. presentation. Charise drew the winning ticket but alas pulled a green marble.
CLUB MEETING - SEPTEMBER 26, 2024
Our September 26 meeting was a little more lightly attended than usual. Let’s pick up the attendance, people, Pumpkin Festival is upon us! And we were missing a greeter, but Ed and others stepped up.
Guests - We had three guests today. Mitone brought her friend Diane Harris. Irwin brought Anne McCormick, a friend of his and our speaker today. Finally, we hosted Kathy Bogner, spouse of our speaker Hal Bogner.
Announcements - Warren announced a successful September 21 Coastal Cleanup at Dunes Beach. Apparently the beach wasn’t in too bad shape when we got there, but about 50 lbs. of trash were still removed. Warren also reminded us of the District event aboard the USS Hornet on October 12. This is to promote EREY and the Polio program. All are encouraged to come.
Pres. Irwin's Quiz - Leading up to the speaker, Irwin announced that the prize for the trivia question was a killer brownie from a local bakery, and Rosie won the brownie by successfully naming India as the country from which chess emanated.
Marble Game - Charise had the winning tnumber, but alas pulled a green marble.