Checkmating Dementia, a non-profit organization that facilitates engagement for senior citizens via chess, writes that “cognitively challenging games...such as chess are an effective means of enhancing brain acuity, developing new pathways in the brain, and hindering the development of Alzheimer's and other cognitive illnesses in the brain.”

Dalton’s Community Service Coordinator, Doug Berns and Chess Director, Beatriz Marinello collaborated with Checkmating Dementia founder/Dalton parent Michael Glassman, and chess instructor Dora Martinez, to create an online space for Dalton students to interact with seniors and play chess together. The result was an afternoon of engaging games, humorous banter, and intergenerational connection.

We are so grateful to our participants and our partner, and we look forward to the next Chess Fiesta!