fianchetto!

Ever Saturday morning through the early afternoon in my neighborhood coffee shop, while I take advantage of free wifi and bottomless cups of coffee, Worthington's young and old gather to play chess. I love it.



This photo was snapped long after most of the crowd dissipated, but you get the idea.

Similarly, one evening each week, a dozen or so gente gather here to practice their Italian and sip cappuccinos.

I wish there were more things like that back home in Youngstown. Developing sense of community is so vital in reviving our city. Informal gatherings like these are such an easy way to cultivate it, too. Maybe we can all get together for a little Scrabble the next time I'm home...