Mr. Arthur Barlas generously donated $150 dollars to the prize fund of the 13th Western New England Open scheduled for July! he's allocated $100 to the top woman or girl overall, and $50 to the top woman or girl under 1600 rating! He's an older retired history professor, whose old loves still linger, chess, theater, acting, politics, writing, cartooning, and other interests. Now, besides the above passions, and luckily financially secure in retirement, he can help support his interests. As a long time Wachusett Chess Club member, he was first inspired by Carissa Yip, who appeared at his club at 7 yrs old. Not only was she a prodigy, but she was a very nice lil kid socially. And of course, quickly rose to be the strongest and most famous club member. Since then, he's been trying to help chess playing women of all ages, mostly through smaller donations. But expanding his efforts lately. Friend WIM Kateryna Odnorezhenko recommended Arthur contacting me.Then soon sponsoring a Women's Tournament Aug 27 at BCC., honoring Kate Gasser, an old friend and significant figure in women's chess history, who passed away recently. Let's hope this inspires more female tournament participation in this region! In general, from my personal experience, a majority of chess players at WMCA tournaments have been predominantly men. I have fought some hard battles against girls and women of all ages, and LOST. We need more of you girls here to keep us humble! Go girl power!

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