“Life is a kind of chess,” wrote Benjamin Franklin in his 1786 essay on “The Morals of Chess.” Chess teaches foresight, circumspection and caution, as well as not to be “discouraged by present bad appearances in the state of our affairs,” he wrote.

Fast forward a couple hundred years, and it's believed there's a positive effect on cognitive development in children who play chess. In addition to offering intellectual stimulation, chess crosses cultural and socioeconomic boundaries, bridging gaps in a disparate population.

Fortunately, numerous opportunities for Westchester children to play chess exist. In addition to schools often offering extracurricular play, we previously rounded up chess camp options and have now compiled FREE chess clubs and classes available at Westchester libraries. Whether your child is a novice or a Bobby Fischer, there’s something for everyone—in fact, there’s at least one option for each weekday.

Keep tabs on our Event Calendar, as programs are often added or repeated. Read on and go for checkmate!

It’s almost time for Purim, the carnival-like Jewish holiday that commemorates the Jews being saved by Queen Esther from murderous Haman. Often referred to as the Jewish Halloween, you certainly don’t need to be Jewish to join in on the celebrations.

There are plenty of family-friendly Purim events occurring in Westchester this month, so read to find out the who, what and where.

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If the recent women’s marches are any testament, girl power is alive and well, and women and girls across the country are fired up. Perfect timing: March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the many women throughout history who helped break gender barriers and fight for independence, respect and privileges. Westchester families have much to celebrate, and we’ve helped identify ways to do so.

It was in New York that Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton launched their movement in support of women’s suffrage around the turn of the 20^th century. And whereas the U.S. will celebrate the centennial of the 19^th amendment in 2020, our own local centennial is happening right now, as New York State granted women the right to vote in 1917.

Various Westchester venues are staging celebrations by showcasing some stellar female role models—from computer programmers to first ladies, educators to survivors (and even a chess champion)—all to honor our predecessors and to inspire younger girls to make their own mark.

Now grab your daughters and sons and head out to any and all of these Women’s History Month programs. These are designed to model strong contributions to society and relentless determination. Visit our Event Calendar for more details and many more ways to inspire your children.