PoliteButSternbye.

I talked to Chris about what a fantastic idea this is/was. I envision a future of complete sidewalks of chess boards and a chess festival in the park. Job Well Done Chris Miller!!

It’s a some paint on a sidewalk and some plastic chess pieces, yet it ignites passion and enthusiasm.

If a chess board and $1000 (or so) can get people so excited, just think what a targeted approach and some real resources can do. Luckily we’re in a position to find out…

It the perfect example of a quick, easy to do, low cost idea that can change how we view ourselves and how we are viewed by others. It adds another proof point that Savannah is both pretty AND smart.

I like it because it is:
- elegant in its simplicity
- inexpensive in cost
- quick to execute
- easy to maintain
- widespread in appeal
- socially bonding
- far reaching in impact

As Robert (Bobby) Stewart, founder of Kings Knight Chess Club put it so succinctly:

“Playing chess helps kids realize that there is a solution for every problem, teaches them how to focus their energy and attention, how to think things through, how to plan, how to recover, how to lose gracefully, how to win with humility and how to persevere.”

I want this to challenge Savannah leadership to find ways and support those social entrepreneurs that by their energy and actions, make Savannah better and more a more “lovable” city in a hundred little ways.

I also want this to challenge Savannah residents to find ways to direct their energy and focus their passions in a hundred little ways that make Savannah better.

At a time when our social, political & business leadership structures have difficulty delivering the level “lovability” improvements we need to keep pace with our other city peers, remember this one small example, that leverages the passion of single person in a way that positively impacts thousands of others.

Savannah, this board is for you!

Your move….