Rita Bessant, executive director of CORE Association, said, “I’d like to thank Dr. Bill Taylor, Gerry Fitzgerald and the Chess Club for allowing us to be involved. It educates people and it gives our individuals an opportunity to experience getting out in the community.”

From Tuesday to Saturday, CORE clients and a staff member arrive in the morning to begin the process of getting the giant chess board ready for the day. This involves wiping down the tables and benches, watering the flower bed along with sweeping or washing the board. Once everything is clean and dry, the chess pieces are brought out and put in place. The group remains onsite until mid-afternoon, when the pieces are placed back in storage again.

“It exists today thanks to the CORE Association and I’m very grateful for your continued support,” said Taylor at the 2023 grand opening on Thursday. “Thank you for everything you do for our community, it is a better place because of you, I applaud you.”