Dear Valued CCC Members: Over the past year, in spite of the fact that at least one other competing organization is operating in full force, overall (adult) chess activity in the Charlotte area has dwindled. (Last Tuesday, I was told that a record total of 16 played a tournament game at the QCCC?! In comparison, not too many years ago, on one Wednesday evening, the CCC had as many as 48! show up to play!!) In my humble opinion, our microscopic chess community has again been splintered by the intrusion of an uncooperative chess organization which refuses to even share links with the CCC?! Considering that almost every member of the QCCC is or has been a member of the CCC, when it comes to recruiting "new" members of the USCF, the CCC is still #1!   Though members continue to show up on Wednesday evening at our current Wendy's location, the organized 5 rounder has been suspended. (Note: We have now become a "self service" chess club!  Now, players may individually agree to play tournament games and E-mail the results to me for rating). Simply put, the noise factor created by the Wendy's employees coupled with frequent overcrowding has driven many players away. A few months ago, everyone was elated when we moved into the private room at Quaker Steak Restaurant in the Park Road Shopping Center. But, as luck would have it, the business soon failed and we were again relegated to Wendy's?! However, please rest assured that I am diligently seeking a new venue that will accommodate all of the necessities that tournament chess require. When that happens, the CCC will return to the status which it has held for almost 35 years as the "most active chess club in the southeast." If any member has a recommendation as to where our new location should be, please share that with me. As for now, I wish to thank all current and previous CCC members for participating in the past and hope to see you all at a "new" facility in the near future! Very respectfully, NM Leland Fuerstman