THE PARMA CLUB: FIFTY Chess Association, a group already in YEARS OF HISTORY existence since 1943. Perhaps this is where the four canonical founders come Compiled by Bob Basalla into the story. Another interesting item: to show how things evolve, at this early stage the club was originally known as Introduction the Parma Chess and Checker Club. It is not known when the devotees of that In human terms, fifty years is a long other board game took their leave. In time. In our disposable age most things any case, only the chess folk proved are not even meant to last that long. their staying power over the long haul. Think of items around most homes. The very first meeting was held at Parma Other than antiques and a maybe a few Schaaf High School at West 54th keepsakes, what stuff there has been Street and Redfern Avenue and drew a around more than half a century? The turnout of twenty-three, many of them same goes for businesses and other chess players from the Cleveland Chess social institutions. The vast majority of Association sponsored Industrial them come into existence, run their League. Vic Ravas and Henry Ostroske course and disappear in a span of less were there along with two “Old Timers,” than fifty years. This is especially true Charles Bielecki and William B. Szabo, of volunteer organizations such as clubs. the latter being elected the club’s first Most of the time the inertia of even a President. Other officers included A. R. promising beginning eventually wanes, Fretcher as Vice President, and Harry F. only to be kept going by one or a few Ross as Treasurer. zealots until they, too, peter out. Then it From this standing start the club was off is crash and burn for the club. Rare and running. And I do mean running. indeed are organizations that can survive By December 1st it was reported the and thrive through several generations. Parma Club already had a membership One of these rare birds we are numbering fifty. It was then that celebrating here in 2004: the Parma Fortune intervened to give the fledgling , now in its 50th year. group a tremendous additional boost. The Cleveland Chess Association was in Beginnings the process of planning a “Chess Week” schedule of events for January 9th to Oral tradition (and some early records) January 15th 1955. The big they has it that the Parma Club was founded hoped to bring to these landmark by four intrepid individuals, Justin festivities was none other than Dr. Niemira, Albert Plack, John Hoit, and Machgielis “Max” Euwe, a doctor of Emerich Roth, in the late fall of 1954. A mathematics and World Chess notice in The Cleveland Chess Bulletin Champion from 1935-37. Dr. Euwe of the time (11/16/54) pinpoints the date would visit for several days, affording as Thursday, November 4th. It only the opportunity for a couple of credits two members of the Parma appearances. Amazingly, the Parma Recreation Board, Leslie A Morgan and Chess and Checker Club, barely a month Robert Kane, with its formation, along old, was chosen as the site for Dr. with the assistance of the Cleveland Euwe’s first appearance and lecture!

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com What other brand new club, anywhere, Parma Chess Club history can be anytime, could boast of such a coup? sectioned into eras roughly And on January 13th, 1955, that is just corresponding to decades. After the what happened. After a very laudatory formative years of the 50’s the 1960’s introduction by President Szabo, Dr. clubs survived and persisted due to a Euwe took the stage, so to speak, before smallish cadre of committed players. If a mixed crowd of juniors and adults. the club was ever in danger of folding The gracious Euwe immediately took this would have been the period. Next stock of the situation and adapted his came the transition times of the 1970’s. presentation accordingly. He lectured in After Parma Schaaf Jr. High School, the what was described as “typical school club had taken up residence in the master fashion,” inviting questions downstairs of the Brooklyn YMCA on especially from the eager juniors. West 25th over by the Denison Bridge. Reportedly, the youngsters were When that was no longer viable the now anything but shy. Still, their brash somewhat nomadic club secured space queries were rewarded with patient and downstairs at the old Ukrainian Chess direct answers from the gentlemanly Club, 4440 State Road next to Downing . After 8:30 PM, with most School. Thanks go to Dr. Zenon of the young ‘uns off to bed, Dr. Euwe Wynnytsky of the Ukrainians and CCA and what must have been a Club League Director, for those digs. demonstration board regaled the crowd Then, through the efforts of student (and with examples of strategy and tactics, soon to be Parma C. C. President) James endgames, and entire contests, along Synk, the club moved to and met in a with a great number of personal Padua Franciscan High School (6740 anecdotes from his international State Road, Parma) classroom (Room experience. All in all the evening was a 120, West Wing) for a couple of great success for everyone involved, but seasons. This period of wandering most of all for the host Parma Club. ended, perhaps forever, when in By the fall of 1955 the Parma Club was September of 1978 the Parma Chess ready to field a team of its own in the Club moved into the great site it still Western Division of the Cleveland enjoys at the German Central Chess Association’s Club League 1955- Organization, 7863 York Road in Parma. 56 season. The line-up for this first Dynamic leadership from club Activities foray into team chess included R. Coordinator (and active member since Becker, W. Szabo, A. Plack, J. Niemira, 1972) Immanuel “Jim” Halm and V. Ravas, E. Aring, and E. Nitschke. newcomer President David Kowalczyk The cellar dwelling outcome must have parlayed this new site into a “Golden been disappointing, but all involved Age” for the club. (More about this agreed it was jolly good fun. So a Parma later.) Finally, due to the demise of the presence in the Club League was here to Cleveland Chess Association and its stay -- and they would not always Club League in the mid-90’s and the rise remain also-rans. of the Internet chess option, attendance to outside chess clubs, including the Parma Club Eras Parma Club, fell off somewhat from the heights of the 1980’s. Still, to this day a solid core of players continues to meet

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com and compete every Tuesday evening. Michels and Club President Richard The stable set of officers for the Modern Gedeon. The next year two Parma based Era: Club Coordinator Jim Halm, teams in Division I battled to the finish Treasurer Ludvig Barta, Tournament with the no-star Parma Granites Director William B. Wright, Assistant prevailing 3-2 in a thrilling last round Tournament Director Robert W. Basalla, match to snatch the title from the Parma Secretary Tamara Halm, Sergeant at Panzers despite the latter team adding Large Dale Johnson, Sergeants at Arms International Master Dumitru Ghizdavu Karol Jaremko and Konstantine “Gus” to Wozney et. al. for this final contest. Dimitrov. (By now the Parma Club was fielding so many teams in the various divisions old Club League Success style designations such as Parma I and Parma II did not sufficiently delineate As mentioned previously, the Parma which was which. Teams began Club’s forays into the Cleveland Chess adopting more distinctive, even playful, Association’s Club League were not monikers such as the Parma Knights, initially too successful. The guys were Parma Bad Bishops, Parma Lakers, having fun though, so teams continued Parma Executioners, Parma Paladins, to be fielded, sometimes just one team, Parma Cro-Magnons, Parma White Sox other times a team for each of the (a take off on the long time association League’s divisions. In 1959, persistence of Parma with ethnic Poles), Parma paid off when a Parma squad broke Woodpushers, Parma Misfits, Parma through big time and won First Place in Whozits, Parma No Names, Another Division II. A Third Place in Division II Parma Team, Seward’s Folly – Parma, followed in 1961. It wasn’t until 1968 Parma Busters, Parma Panthers, Parma before another Parma team struck pay Survivors, and my biased personal dirt, a Third Place in the recently formed favorite, the punny Parma Granites.) Division III. 1970 was the first season From then on it was a constant battle for that two Parma teams took honors in the Division I top honors between one of the same season, seconds in both Division II Parma teams and a strong core squad and III. Three teams broke through in based out of the East Side club meeting 1973 when the League expanded to four out of John Carroll University, the divisions. Only one mountain remained results being about a 50-50 split. Within unclimbed: a medal in Division I where this span the 1993 Parma Survivors the big boys played. achieved an unprecedented feat by Early in the “Golden Era” this final posting a perfect match record in barrier, too, fell by the wayside. In the Division I (10-0-0). A likely individual 1981 season the Division I team, performance record was also set during captained by club co-founder and long this period when Robert Basalla played time treasurer Emerich Roth, reached the 24 consecutive matches over several summit of Cleveland team chess, seasons without losing. capturing first place with a group Players on these championship featuring four-time Ohio Champion contender teams often became tight knit Thomas Wozney, along with Joe and fiercely loyal to their mates. The McCarty, Steven Hrop, Justin Niemira, ultimate anecdote in this regard occurred Edward Kirkham, Adam Zachlin, James in 1989 when Thomas Ellison, former

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com Cleveland Plain Dealer chess editor, Michels held the presidency for 1970-71, recently returned to competition after a and Leo Mann took the reigns from the many year absence, broke his leg in an 1986-87 to the 1988-89 season. David accident at home. As he was taken off to Kowalczyk was the longest running the hospital Tom’s wife reported that the officer from Parma, holding the Vice- most important thing on his mind, President’s job for nine of the ten years almost the only thing, was to make sure from 1978-79 to 1987-88, this while that his Parma Survivor teammates being Parma Club President for most of would be informed that he would be those years as well! Parma Club unable to attend that evening’s chess denizens assumed control of the long match! Sadly, Tommy did not survive running (since 1943) Cleveland Chess the operation later that day. He was a Bulletin in the 1981-82 season. Don consummate team player to the end. Collins ran the publication for three Throughout the 1980’s and into the seasons, Robert Basalla for the next 1990’s great numbers of Parma C. C. eight, and William B. Wright for three teams found their way into the winner’s more. Many awards were bestowed circle. In 1982 the all-time record was upon the magazine by the when eight Parma teams took Journalists of America during this trophies in the four divisions. A couple period, including Best Club Bulletin and of other seasons saw seven Parma teams Best Chess Humor on several occasions do the same. Eventually teams from the each. (Consult the more complete list of Parma Club had won more awards than Parma Club CCA officers at the end.) any other club in League history, more than twice that of their nearest rivals, the Club Champions German-American Club. Clearly, Parma had become the New York Yankees of Besides participating in Cleveland Chess organized Cleveland chess! Some of the Association sponsored events the Parma other, smaller clubs grumbled a bit at Chess Club not surprisingly held in- this dominance. None of them, house activities as well, chief among however, had complained all those these the Club Championships. Though earlier years when Parma teams were there may have been Club often tail-enders. Such is the nature of Championships from the beginnings in success. (See a more complete list of 1954-55, the first tournament recorded Parma team honors at the end of this (on the trophy in the case at the Parma compilation.) Club!) for the title was in 1959, won by Soren Korsgaard. Long timers Emerich Chess Association Officers Roth and Albert Plack took the next two championships, followed by the most Over the years, and especially during the dominant string so far: four out of the “Golden Era,” members of the Parma next five titles went to James Michels. Chess Club assumed various posts in the The all time champ of champs though, hierarchy of the Cleveland Chess must go to William B. Wright, winner or Association. Surprisingly, the first CCA sharer of the Parma Championship a President from the Parma Club was way record seven times – all since 1992! back in the 1959-60 season when Soren Other multiple winners: Emerich Roth, Korsgaard was top man. James W. James Michels and Robert W. Basalla (5

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com titles each); Soren Korsgaard, Joseph Another activity the Parma Chess Club McCarty and James Harkins, Jr. (3 has offered to its members and guests titles); and Steve Hrop (2 titles). The from time to time is the simultaneous keenness of competition for this honor is exhibition wherein a strong player, proved by the fact that nobody has yet generally a top master, takes on many captured three championships in a row! players at once. Over the years the club As further proof of the desirability of has hosted a number of these copping a Parma Chess Club performances, some by local bigwigs Championship consider the story of Dr. (Tom Ellison, Arthur Keske, Zbigniew Kuberczyk, a long time Parma International Master Calvin Blocker), Club member who finally achieved his and others by internationally recognized oft-stated and long sought goal by outside masters. This latter group winning it all in 1977. He passed away includes Grandmasters Dmitry Gurevich, shortly thereafter, doubtless happy and , and Gregory Serper fulfilled. (By the way, it was Dr. and International Masters Igor Ivanov Kuberczyk who held out the longest and Dumitru Ghizdavu. Ghizdavu, an against in his perfect émigré from Romania in the mid-1970’s, simultaneous performance in Cleveland was arguably the strongest player to ever 3/18/1963.) be a member of the Parma Chess Club. As membership ballooned beginning in He performed many simuls around the the late 1970’s, the Parma Club Cleveland area, many of them for Parma. instituted a “B” Championship (See list for tournament to separate second tier more details.) players from the “sharks.” Jeff Deucher became the first “B” section winner in Grudge Matches 1977. In 1980 a “C” section was added as well, In 1977 the Parma and German- the first winner here being Steven American Chess Clubs set up a regular Seward, who would progress up the rivalry match apart from CCA ranks to mastership and become overall competition, sort of like an Ohio State Club Champion in 1991. (Incidentally, vs. Michigan football game. A rotating Steve was the artist who created the trophy would be held by the winning most famous (infamous?) design for club, until defeated. A challenge could official Parma Chess Club T-shirts and be made at most once each year, but a sweats.) match did not necessarily have to occur At season’s end in the spring the Parma annually. The initial match in the series Club began running Speed (5 minute) was won by the then stronger German- Chess Championships, one tournament Americans by the narrow score of 6.5- for club members only, and often 5.5. A 1978 rematch also went to another Open Speed Championship on a Parma’s nemesis team, this time by 5.5 different day. (Rosters of all the club to 1.5. The next three years no records and speed champions are listed at the exist as to whether the match was held. end.) In any event, the German-Americans had their name inscribed on the trophy for Simultaneous Performances each year, whether by victory or default. Jim Halm in particular wanted to get

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com those guys and put that prize in Parma’s Chess Club into his vehicle for trophy case. By 1982 the German- transforming Cleveland chess as we Americans were still a good club, but the knew it. Catering to mainly the rank and Parma Club was a colossus. And in a file player, in other words the great twenty-board match held at German majority of players, Kowalczyk Central, revenge was finally exacted by increased membership to untold of the convincing score of 14.5 to 5.5. heights. Ramping up in the late Next year a chastened German- seventies, ninety-plus players joined in American Club declined to issue a the 1981-82 season. The next year saw challenge. The same went for the year the club break 100 members for the first after, and so on. And the Parma Club, time at 102. 1984-85 surpassed that total now in what appeared to be permanent with 104, only to be bested in 1987-88 at possession of the trophy, had it inscribed 110. High water mark was 1989-90 with their name each year (turnabout is when 116 members signed on. This fair play!) until 1992 when the ritual was made the Parma C. C. easily the largest abandoned as a pointless exercise. You chess club in the Cleveland area, and can still see this artifact in the club often the entire state as well – even the trophy case. Midwest by some reckoning. With its great site as a draw the club The Golden Era played host to many a significant event. The Parma Open was instituted in 1980 As mentioned earlier, the 1980’s and and quickly became an important early 1990’s represented the most active tournament on the local calendar. The and successful era in club history. In my CCA sponsored Cleveland Open was mind there were two main reasons for held at the Parma Club a number of this sudden blossoming. The first is the times, once with a record turnout of 211 German Central site itself, nearly ideal players. This event brought in a number with spacious playing areas and good of name players such as Grandmasters lighting. And what other club can boast Yehuda Gruenfeld, Dimitry Gurevich, of a working bar right in the Sergei Kudrin, Anatoly Lein, and tournament/skittles room! Miguel Quinteros, International Masters The second reason for success were the Brian Hartman, Igor Ivanov and David organizers the club was blessed with in Glicksman. this period. Jim Halm, volunteering for On many occasions in the 1980’s the Parma Club duties since he was steered club hosted the opening night festivities to the club by chess columnist Tom for the Cleveland Chess League. Ellison back in 1972, continued his hard Many a rank and file event graced the work and steadying influence, as did Parma Club’s schedule as well. club regular Richard Gedeon as Vice- Kowalczyk held several weekend Swiss President. First Steve Danelishen, then system tournaments strategically spaced James Burns ably took over the out during the year to prop up interest. Treasurer’s task from a retiring Emerich Inexpensive and popular quadrangular Roth. But a lion’s share of the accolades events (quads) were also begun every must go to the club president for most of Tuesday after the club championships this era, David Kowalczyk, who made it were concluded, and continued until the a personal crusade to turn the Parma club shut down for the summer.

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com (Nowadays the club meets essentially squaring off behind them. The article year round.) Occasionally more unusual also profiled fourteen year old Victoria tournaments were held. A couple of Gyori, one of the few female members times the summer Swiss was held the club has had over the years. Such outdoors. The Parma Class articles, along with frequent mentions in Championships were run a few times in Curtis Garner’s Sunday Plain Dealer the early 1990’s. And club member chess column, where in 1993 he opined Dale Johnson’s unique “Skins Game” that Parma was “Cleveland’s most tourney format was experimented with. important chess club,” has kept the It was a noble attempt to escape the Parma Chess Club at the forefront of the usual tired pairing and prize local chess consciousness for more than conventions. a generation. For all his efforts in this period David Kowalczyk won recognition from the Volunteerism United States Chess Federation in the form of a Volunteer Award given out to Not everything the Parma Club has done only the top local chess promoters. involves and men. In the Naturally, since the 1980’s when news summer of 1983 and again the following organizations took their rare notice of year member Rich Jarden arranged for the local Cleveland chess scene it was the Parma C. C. to be one of the groups the Parma Chess Club that most often manning the phone banks during WVIZ- came to their minds. Consider: on TV, the local public network affiliate’s January 6, 1983, the Parma Sun Post did fund raising . a fairly lengthy profile of chess The club also participates in the annual organizer David Kowalczyk complete Spring Clean-up at German Central as with a large photo. Grant Segal of the partial thanks for the great facility they Cleveland Plain Dealer (February 6, have provided us, not to mention the 1986) a piece on the Parma Chess Club fluorescent lighting installed downstairs entitled “I think, therefore I have fun,” in the 1980’s chiefly for the benefit of featuring interviews with club members the chess players. A dozen players or Chris Meyers and John Nichols among more routinely turn out for this yearly others. The photo spread included ritual of leaf raking, trash picking and Nichols and Jim Halm literally bellying general freshening up of the grounds. up to the bar to play chess, with another picture showing artist Laszlo Dus Good-byes pondering his next move. Then in 1993, during the hype for the chess movie As stated before, fifty years is a long “Searching for Bobby Fischer,” Plain time. In the game of life, many Dealer reporter Karen Sandstrom came friendships are opened, many memories to the Parma C. C. to interview club gathered along the way. But regular Bob Basalla about chess in comes to even the best of players. Loyal general and local chess in particular. An Parma Club members such as Dr. appended photo at the club showed a Zbigniew Kuberczyk and Thomas typical top quad of the period: members Ellison may have played their last , William Wright vs. Pappu Murthy, with but they will not be forgotten. Neither Kevin Smith and Osama Sarsam will those more recently passed from us:

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com the sly and droll Marc Blackey, Dr. Alex James Burns Juguilon, active Parma Club member for Gerald Clough 39 years, amiable curmudgeon William Anthony Debe Nimylowych, and the always friendly Konstantine Dimitrov Harold (Tom) Rulong. May their boards Laszlo Dus be reset in a better place. Joseph Erjavec, Jr. Michael Fenjac Richard Gedeon Scott Glass Lists Section Immanuel (Jim) Halm James Harkins, Jr. Life Members Steven Hrop John Jakopak The following individuals have achieved Richard Jarden Lifetime Membership status in Karol Jaremko recognition of their contributions in Dale Johnson various capacities to the Parma Chess Dr. Alexander Juguilon Club. Soren Korsgaard David Kowalczyk Ludvik Barta Dr. Zbigniew Kuberczyk James Burns Edward Madaczky Michael Fenjac Jeffrey Martin Immanuel Halm Joseph McCarty Richard Jarden Edward McDermott Karol Jaremko Jack McGee Dale Johnson James Michels David Kowalczyk Ivan Nacinovic Justin Niemira Victor Nasvytis Emerich Roth Justin Niemira William B. Wright William Nimylowych Richard Noel Most Loyal Members Virgil Parvenescu Albert Plack The following individuals have logged at Helmut Poehlmann least ten years as members of the Parma George Ponomarenko Chess Club. Due to incomplete records, Michael Puls there may be others from the early years Anthony (Tom) Rezak that could be accorded similar status. Emerich Roth Frank D. Russo James J. Adam George Schnur Louis Adams Dr. Raul H. Seballos Walter Arth Peter Selenoi Ludvik Barta Steven Seward Robert Basalla Frank Shiba Marc Blackey Dale Stech Wayne Blue Thomas Sudik

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com George Ulmicher 1996 – James Craft Anthony Vondrus 1997 – William B. Wright Larry Waite 1998 – Robert W. Basalla William B. Wright 1999 – William B. Wright Clifford Ziegler 2000 – James Harkins, Jr. 2001 – James Harkins, Jr. Parma Club Champions 2002 – William B. Wright 2003 – William B. Wright 1959 – Soren Korsgaard Robert W. Basalla 1960 – Emerich Roth 2004 – Robert W. Basalla 1961 – Albert Plack 1962 – Soren Korsgaard Parma “B” Champions 1963 – Emerich Roth 1964 – Emerich Roth 1977 – Jeff Deucher 1965 – James Michels 1978 – Paul Brandt 1966 – James Michels 1979 – T. Abrams 1967 – Arthur Keske 1980 – Immanuel Halm 1968 – James Michels 1981 – Kevin Smith 1969 – James Michels 1982 – William Nappi, Jr. 1970 –Soren Korsgaard 1983 – Clifford Ziegler 1971 – Justin Niemira 1984 – Dr. Valery Raitsis 1972 – James Michels 1985 – Robert Chase 1973 – Emerich Roth 1986 – Frank Russo 1974 – Emerich Roth 1987 – Justin Niemira 1975 – J. Schweitzer 1988 – Todd Taylor 1976 – George Ponomarenko 1989 – Alex Burmistrenko 1977 – Dr. Zbigniew Kuberczyk 1990 – Helmut Poehlmann 1978 – Adam Zachlin 1991 – Keith De Gardeyn 1979 – Richard Gedeon 1992 – Keith De Gardeyn 1980 – Dr. Raul Seballos 1993 – Jeff Kish 1981 – Steven Hrop 1994 – D. Patterson 1982 – Andrew Zebrowski 1995 – Chris Wrabel 1983 – Timothy McCarthy 1996 – Anthony Kiefer 1984 – Edward Kirkham 1997 – Edward McDermott 1985 – Steven Hrop 1998 – Chris Wrabel 1986 – Pappu Murthy 1999 – Robert James 1987 – Robert W. Basalla 2000 – P. D. Collins 1988 – Joseph McCarty 2001 – Fred Tandoc 1989 – Joseph McCarty 2002 – Victor Nasvytis 1990 – Robert W. Basalla 2003 – Anthony Rotella 1991 – Steven Seward 2004 – Michael Krosky 1992 – William B. Wright 1993 – Sri Rahm Parma “C” Champions 1994 – William B. Wright 1995 – James Harkins, Jr. 1980 – Steven Seward William B. Wright 1981 – David Kowalczyk

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com 1982 – George Schnur 1980 – Kevin Smith 1983 – Karol Jaremko 1981 – William Nappi, Jr. 1984 – Mitchell Collins 1982 – Andrew Zebrowski 1985 – Jack McGee 1983 – Andrew Zebrowski 1986 – Michael Fenjac 1984 – Robert W. Basalla 1987 –Jeff Martin 1985 – Naum Hoolin 1988 – Robert Heatherly 1986 – Joseph McCarty 1989 – Dale Johnson 1987 – Ross Sprague 1990 – P. Doermann 1988 – Robert W. Basalla 1991 – Ludvik Barta 1989 – Robert W. Basalla 1992 – S. Helms 1990 –Pappu Murthy 1993 – Frank Shiba Ross Sprague 1994 – O. Dubyna 1991 – Pappu Murthy 1995 – D. Smolinski 1992 – Ross Sprague 1996 – Karol Jaremko 1997 – Karol Jaremko Note: both events above were held at 1998 – Jack McGee times after these listings end. Recalled 1999 – Jack McGee results are sketchy. 2000 – J. K. Longrich, Jr. 2001 – E. Anderson Simultaneous Exhibitions Sponsored 2002 – Damian Rucker by the Parma Chess Club A. Rucker 2003 – Konstantine Dimitrov The following list is almost certainly 2004 – incomplete, but represents all information available to me. Parma Open Speed Championship 1/6/1955 – Thomas Ellison (+13 –1 =1) 1981 – Robert Burns, Jr. 2/3/1955 – Richard Kause (+15 –0 =0) 1982 – Robert Burns, Jr. 12/13/1978 – IM Dumitru Ghizdavu 1983 – Pappu Murthy (+18 –0 =4) 1984 – Wilson Gibbins 3/27/1979 – IM Dumitru Ghizdavu (+38 1985 – Robert Miller –9 =11) 1986 – Joe McCarty 7/28/1979 – IM Dumitru Ghizdavu (+46 1987 – Calvin Blocker –4 =8) 1988 – Ross Sprague 1/26/1980 – IM Dumitru Ghizdavu (+42 1989 – Steven Seward –3 =6) 1990 – Thomas Ward 1/24/1981— IM Dumitru Ghizdavu (+35 1991 – Ross Sprague –1 =2) 1992 – David Allen 4/6/1984 – IM Igor Ivanov (+25 –4 =3) 4/12/1985 – GM Dmitry Gurevich (+15 2003 – Robert W. Basalla –0 =2) 1984? – IM Calvin Blocker Parma Closed Speed Championship 2/20/1996 – GM Alex Yermolinsky 3/25/1997 – GM Gregory Serper 1978 – Adam Zachlin 1979 – Adam Zachlin CCA Club League Champions

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com Michael Thomas 1959 – Parma, Division II, First Place Robert Way Dick Kontra Anthony Zubko Soren Korsgaard Gil Greytack 1973 – Parma, Division IV, Third Place Gil Granger Ralph Lewis 1977 – Parma, Division II, First Place Albert Plack Richard Gedeon Emerich Roth Immanuel Halm William Trimmer James Synk Joe Bakies Michael Puls Jack Bogdan Joseph Erjavec, Jr. Paul Brandt 1961 – Parma, Division II, Third Place Nelson

1967 – Parma, Division III, Third Place 1978 – Parma, Division III, Third Place Joseph Erjavec, Jr. (Captain) 1968 – Parma, Division II, Second Place Paul White Edward Yerger 1969 – Parma II, Division III, Third Edward Kulak Place Jeffrey Deucher Paul Brandt 1970 – Parma, Division II, Second Place Jim Erjavec

1970 – Parma, Division III, Second 1979 – Parma, Division III, Second Place Place Joseph Erjavec, Jr. (Captain) 1971 – Parma, Division II, Second Place Paul White Edward Kulak 1971 – Parma, Division III, Third Place Jeffrey Deucher Paul Brandt 1972 – Parma, Division III, Second Edward Yerger Place Joseph Biancardi

1973 – Parma, Division II, Third Place 1980 – Parma, Division IV, First Place T. Graske (Captain) David Kowalczyk (Captain) Soren Korsgaard Ray Iannicca Anthony Vondrus Leo Mann Emerich Roth Gary Sikon G. Gamin M. Messer, Jr. K. Messerly Daniel Thomas J. Moore 1973 – Parma, Division III, First Place R. Trojan Immanuel Halm (Captain) Virgil Parvenescu Phil Frate John Katona 1981 – Parma I, Division I, First Place

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com Emerich Roth (Captain) Calvin Blocker Thomas Wozney Andrew Martin Joe McCarty M. Morris Steven Hrop Steve Stevanovich Justin Niemira John Vehre Edward Kirkham John Voelker Adam Zachlin Thomas Ward James Michels Chris Zielke Richard Gedeon 1982 – Parma Connection, Division II, 1981 – Parma, Division II, Second Place First Place David Kowalczyk (Captain) William Nappi, Jr. (Captain) Michael Puls James Andrew Zebrowski Tommy Lee Julius Zimnicki Leo Mann James Antoline Dan Meyo James King M. Petrulak William Nappi, Jr. Steven Seward Daniel Thomas Gary Sikon Steven Seward Kevin Smith Peter Prigodich 1982 – Parma Veterans, Division II, 1981 – Parma IV, Division III, First Third Place Place Emerich Roth (Captain) Ray Iannicca Joseph Gilchrist James King James Michels Leo Mann Justin Niemira M. Messer Albert Plack J. Needham George Ponomarenko M. Petrulak Frank Russo Gary Sikon Adam Zachlin J. Smith 1982 – Parma Survivors, Division III, 1982 – Parma Granites, Division I, First Second Place Place Immanuel Halm (Captain) Robert Basalla (Captain) Anthony Debe Robert Burns, Jr. Michael Fenjac Wilson Gibbins Ronald Fischman Timothy McCarthy T. Flemming Kenneth Fiore Steven Leverich Norman Petterson M. Messer Thomas Sudik G. Sheehen

1982 – Parma Akronites, Div. I, Second 1982 – Parma Mustangs – Division IV, Place First Place John Randolph (Captain) J. Kozik (Captain)

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com B. Hansen Thomas Sudik M. McDonald Norman Petterson E. Simner J. Strang, Jr. 1983 – Parma Survivors, Division III, First Place 1982 – Parma Knights, Division IV, Immanuel Halm (Captain) Second Place Ronald Fischman E. Kulak (Captain) Steven Leverich T. Dillinger Robert Murnan R. Feichtner G. Sheehen Paul Giordano T. Fleming R. Heatherly Michael Fenjac David Jividen Jeff Martin R. Musson J. Needham 1983 – Parma, Division IV, First Place Marion Pawlowski C. Spatzek 1983 – Parma Bishops, Division IV, Third Place 1982 – Parma Trappers, Division IV, James Lasalvia (Captain) Third Place Richard Jarden Richard Jarden (Captain) George Schnur James Lasalvia Dr. Raul Seballos Edward Madaczky Colin Primrose Virgil Parvenescu Edward Madaczky Colin Primrose Virgil Parvenescu George Schnur Mitchell Collins Dr. Raul Seballos 1984 – Parma Executioners, Division I, 1983 – Parma Executioners, Division I, Second Place Second Place David Kowalczyk (Captain) David Kowalczyk (Captain) Ross Sprague Dumitru Ghizdavu Pappu Murthy Thomas Wozney Joe McCarty Pappu Murthy Naum Hoolin Joseph McCarty Steven Hrop Steven Hrop Larry Waite Donald Collins Michael Puls Michael Puls Richard Gedeon

1983 – Parma Granites, Division I, Third 1984 – Parma Survivors, Division II, Place First Place Robert Basalla (Captain) Immanuel Halm (Captain) Timothy McCarthy Ron Fischman Kenneth Fiore Steven Leverich Edward Kirkham Leo Mann Daniel Meyo Gary Sikon

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com Robert Murnan Steven Hrop Jeff Martin Richard Noel G. Sheehen Donald Collins Michael Fenjac Michael Puls

1984 – Parma, Division III, First Place 1985 – Parma Paladins, Division II, Justin Niemira (Co-Captain) Second Place Emerich Roth (Co-Captain) Justin Niemira (Captain) Anthony Debe Robert Chase Joseph Gilchrist T. Fleming William Nappi, Jr. Joseph Gilchrist M. Petrulak Robert Murnan Albert Plack William Nappi, Jr. George Ponomarenko George Ponomarenko Frank Russo Emerich Roth Thomas Sudik 1984 – Parma Knights, Division III, Second Place 1985 – Parma Knights, Division III, John Nichols (Co-Captain) Second Place J. Strang, Jr. (Co-Captain) John Nichols (Captain) Paul Brandt Marc Blackey Alex Burmistrenko Alex Burmistrenko A. Fowles M. Harkacz Robert Hessler Richard Jarden David Jividen Alan Kolbe Alan Kolbe Marion Pawlowski Marion Pawlowski 1985 – Parma Panzers, Division IV, First 1984 – Parma Bishops, Division IV, Place Second Place David Kowalczyk (Captain) George Schnur (Captain) Dale Johnson Mitchell Collins Laszlo Dus Konstantine Dimitrov Virgil Parvenescu Richard Jarden John Ratica Karol Jaremko V. Vondrasek Alex Kanenberg Corny White James Lasalvia Colin Primrose 1985 – Parma Pawnpushers, Division IV, Second Place 1985 – Parma Seward’s Folly, Division David Kowalczyk (Captain) I, First Place E. Allard Steven Seward (Captain) Joseph Erjavec, Jr. Ross Sprague Michael Fenjac Pappu Murthy David Jividen Joe McCarty R. Krute Naum Hoolin Dane Peshe

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com Albert Plack Gary Sikon A. Wolf Frank Russo G. Zbiegen 1986 – Parma Knights, Division III, First 1985 – Parma Bishops, Division IV, Place Third Place John Nichols (Captain) Edward Madaczky (Co-Captain) Marc Blackey George Schnur (Co-Captain) Robert Hessler Mitchell Collins V. Savescu Karol Jaremko Chris Myers Alex Kanenberg Dane Peshe James Lasalvia Emerich Roth U. Spatzek 1986 – Parma J. D.’s, Division III, Third 1986 – Parma Survivors, Division I, Place First Place Dale Johnson (Captain) Immanuel Halm (Captain) Jack McGee Dumitru Ghizdavu Justin Niemira Robert Basalla Helmut Poehlmann John Randolph George Ponomarenko Bruce Fortado Laszlo Dus Farhad Tabaddor John Ratica Thomas Ellison W. Rose Kevin Smith Mark Wintering Steven Leverich Mitchell Collins

1986 – Parma Seward’s Folly, Division 1986 – Parma Internationals, Division I, Second Place IV, Second Place Steven Seward (Captain) Edward Madaczky (Captain) Ross Sprague George Schnur Pappu Murthy Alex Burmistrenko Joseph McCarty Wells Gladding Naum Hoolin Boris Kipnis Steven Hrop Karol Jaremko Richard Noel Alex Kanenberg Michael Puls 1986 – Parma Ethnics, Division IV, 1986 – Another Parma Team, Division Third Place II, Third Place David Kowalczyk (Captain) Jeffrey Martin (Captain) Albert Plack Leo Mann Michael Fenjac Richard Gedeon T. Mural Alan Kolbe G. Murray Thomas Sudik Steven Danelishen Roland Koch M. Kozak Robert Chase

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com 1987 – Parma Survivors, Division I, Steve Martin Second Place I. Vargo Immanuel Halm (Captain) Dumitru Ghizdavu 1987 – Parma Internationals, Division John Randolph IV, First Place Thomas Ward Edward Madaczky (Co-Captain) Robert Basalla George Schnur (Co-Captain) Farhad Tabaddor Boris Kipnis Steven Leary J. Wills Thomas Ellison M. Harkacz Steven Leverich Karol Jaremko Dr. Raul Seballos 1987 – Parma Executioners, Division I, Alex Burmistrenko Third Place R. De Luca Michael Puls (Captain) Marion Pawlowski Ross Sprague Pappu Murthy 1987 – Parma Panzers, Division IV, Joseph McCarty Third Place Steven Seward Frank Dull (Co-Captain) Richard Noel David Kowalczyk (Co-Captain) Kenneth Panzel Thomas Hontz Donald Collins R. Ray, Jr. Richard Jarden 1987 – Parma Lakers, Division II, Albert Plack Second Place Steven Danelishen Leo Mann (Captain) Kenneth Fiore 1988 – Parma Survivors, Division I, Clifford Ziegler Second Place Thomas Sudik Immanuel Halm (Captain) John Nichols Dumitru Ghizdavu Marc Blackey John Randolph Justin Niemira Thomas Ward George Ponomarenko Robert Basalla James King Farhad Tabaddor Dan Meyo Steven Leary Louis Ihasz Steve Stevanovich Steven Hrop 1987 – Parma Bad Bishops, Division III, Kenneth Panzel Third Place F. Nekoogar David Kowalczyk (Captain) Wells Gladding 1988 – Parma Gamblers, Division II, Dane Peshe First Place Michael Fenjac Richard Gedeon (Captain) V. Savescu Mark Glinski Helmut Poehlmann Richard Tiedman Alex Burmistrenko Roland Koch

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com Adam Zachlin M. Harkacz Alan Kolbe J. Marshall Robert Hessler James Opalek 1988 – Parma Panthers, Division IV, Third Place 1988 – Parma Lakers, Division II, David Kowalczyk (Captain) Second Place Richard Jarden Leo Mann (Captain) Albert Plack Dan Meyo Victor Nasvytis Thomas Sudik J. Venero James King Steve Danelishen Michael McDonald Marion Pawlowski Boris Kipnis Bruce Parisi Leo Bonnell 1989 – Parma “Give Um Steel”, 1988 – Parma No Names, Division III, Division I, Second Place Second Place Steven Seward (Captain) John Nichols (Captain) Ross Sprague Justin Niemira Richard Noel J. Wintering Donald Collins George Ponomarenko Larry Waite Robert Chase Joseph McCarty Dale Johnson Pappu Murthy Laszlo Dus 1989 – Parma Survivors, Division I, 1988 – Parma White Sox, Division III, Third Place Third Place Immanuel Halm (Captain) Jeff Martin (Captain) John Randolph V. Savescu Thomas Ward D. Zimmer Robert Basalla Lary Rust Farhad Tabaddor Steve Martin Thomas Ellison Alex Burmistrenko James King Michael Fenjac Steven Hrop P. Griffin Thomas Fisher Frank Russo 1989 – Parma Lakers, Division II, First 1988 – Parma Woodpushers, Division Place IV, First Place Leo Mann (Captain) Edward Madaczky (Captain) Gary Sikon J. Nemes Alan Kolbe Jack McGee Robert Chase Tom Eckert Michael McDonald Karol Jaremko Boris Kipnis R. Thomas P. Reyes Cornel Osadsa Thomas Sudik

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com R. Conway 1990 – Parma Survivors, Division I, 1989 – Parma White Sox, Division III, Third Place Second Place Immanuel Halm (Captain) Jeffrey Martin (Captain) John Randolph Steven Martin Robert Basalla S. Savescu Farhad Tabaddor Frank Russo Thomas Ellison Helmut Poehlmann James King Roland Koch Steven Hrop Alex Burmistrenko Robert Murnan Michael Fenjac Thomas Fisher D. Zimmer 1990 – Parma Busters, Division III, 1989 – Parma Whozits, Division III, Second Place Third Place Richard Jarden (Co-Captain) John Nichols (Captain) Steven Danelishen (Co-Captain) Justin Niemira William Nimylowych Marc Blackey Alex Burmistrenko Steven Lester Michael Conway George Ponomarenko T. Powell Thomas Eckert Helmut Poehlmann James Opalek Steven Lester Leo Mann 1989 – Parma Poles, Division IV, First Marc Blackey Place James Opalek David Kowalczyk (Captain) Steven Danelishen 1990 – Parma Misfits, Division IV, Richard Jarden Second Place Albert Plack David Kowalczyk (Captain) Victor Nasvytis Tom Rezak Karol Jaremko Edward Madaczky Tom Rezak P. Kennedy B. Warren Paul Brandt Thomas Eckert 1990 – Parma Lakers, Division I, Second Scott Glass Place Michael Fenjac Leo Mann (Captain) J. Venero Ross Sprague Steven Seward 1991 – Parma Survivors, Division I, Joseph McCarty Second Place Pappu Murthy Immanuel Halm (Captain) Andrew Zebrowski John Randolph Donald Collins Steven Seward Richard Noel Richard Noel Gary Sikon Robert Basalla

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com Farhad Tabaddor Dale Johnson Pappu Murthy D. Caramell Steven Hrop Joseph McCarty 1992 – Parma Survivors, Division I, Ross Sprague First Place Donald Collins Immanuel Halm (Captain) James King Ross Sprague Daniel Meyo John Randolph Robert Basalla 1991 – Parma Cro-Magnons, Division II, Joseph McCarty First Place Steven Seward Richard Gedeon (Captain) Farhad Tabaddor Gary Loar Richard Noel Mark Glinski Alois Starlinger Thomas Sudik Steve Stevanovich Richard Tiedman Doug Lawson 1993 – Parma Survivors, Division I, First Place 1991 – Parma 107th Cavalry, Division Immanuel Halm (Captain) III, First Place Ross Sprague Mike Conway John Randolph Marc Blackey Steven Seward Leo Mann Robert Basalla William Nimylowych Farhad Tabaddor Steven Lester Richard Noel Steven Danelishen Donald Collins Larry Waite 1991 – Parma Misfits, Division IV, First Place 1993 – Parma White Sox, Division II, Thomas Eckert Second Place Richard Harmon Jeffrey Martin (Captain) Jeffrey Kish Mark Glinski Paul Brandt Richard Tiedman Frank Fogg Thomas Eckert Scott Glass Robert Chase Edward Madaczky Dennis Helmuth A. DeGardeyn Steven Lester Frank Russo 1991 – Parma Browns, Division IV, Second Place 1996 – Parma Cro-Magnons, Division II, R. Ray First Place P. Kennedy James Adam Victor Nasvytis Doug Lawson P. Doermann Thomas Sudik Thomas Hontz Immanuel Halm Jack McGee W. Zakrewski

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Cleveland Chess Association Officers from the Parma Chess Club

CCA President 1959/60 -- Soren Korsgaard 1970/71 -- James Michels 1986-89 – Leo Mann

CCA Vice President 1977-86 and 1987/88 – David Kowalczyk

Second Vice-President 1968-70 – James Michels

Fourth Vice-President 1971/72 – James Michels

Editor of Cleveland Chess Bulletin 1981-84 – Donald Collins 1984-92 – Robert Basalla 1992-94 – William B. Wright

Scholastic League Director 1979/80 – Michael Puls 1984/85 – Mica Green

Ratings Statistician 1982/84 – Andrew Nicola 1984/85 – Mitchell Collins 1985-87 – Frank Dull 1987-90 – Richard Jarden

Club League Director 1984/85 – Andrew Nicola

To be continued…into the next 50 years.

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