The Silver Knights Alzheimer’s Prevention Charity - Dr. Robert Sherman: November 2007

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Dr. Robert Sherman: November 2007

Dr. Robert Sherman, Educator The Silver Knights have been teaching Dr. Robert Sherman chess for more than a month now. He has a sharp mind, and is a really sweet guy, but he has some physical challenges that make seeing the board a real effort.

Dr. Sherman was not only Principal of Murphy School but was also a district administrator of Round Lake Area Schools and Superintendent, before leaving Illinois in 1994. He was also on the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America in the Lakes Area. After moving to Arizona Dr. Sherman was the principal at St. Matthews School here in Phoenix.

Although his mind is still quite sharp, Dr. Sherman has Parkinson’s disease, making it nearly impossible for him to move the pieces with his hands. He is learning algebraic notation so that he can tell his opponent his moves. Unfortunately, when he looks down at the board his eyes close uncontrollably so that he cannot see the board. To open his eyes he has to open them with his hands. He, however, has no problem looking straightforward.

The Silver Knights would like to make for him a custom designed, large, elevated chessboard on a custom build table, which would be slanted at 45 degrees with larger coordinate letters and numbers necessary for him to play chess. We estimate the cost of the custom board and table to be around $200. The Silver Knights presently does not have that kind of money.

Would you be willing to help the Silver Knights make that special board for Dr. Sherman? Will you donate so that others like him can play chess and avoid Alzheimer’s disease? Dr. Sherman has dedicated his life to helping children get a good education. Perhaps it is time for those children to show their appreciation to Dr. Sherman for his many years of service to them by helping the Silver Knights help him? With the help of their parents, even children can become Nobles by donating as little as $3 per month or a one-time donation of $25. Please make a donation today using PayPal on our home page.

Thank you and Dr. Sherman thanks you!

UPDATE!

Dr. Robert Sherman on Christmas Eve got a perfect score on his quiz to earn a framed certificate that says he has learned all the rules of chess! Dr. Sherman is also proudly displaying a chess metal that is hung around his neck to show everyone his achievement. Dr. Robert Sherman Gets a Perfect Score!

Hanging on the wall behind Dr. Sherman is a professional chess demonstration board that he uses to play chess. Because of his Parkinson’s disease, he is unable to move regular pieces and he also has problems seeing a regular chessboard. The Silver Knights along with your generous donations have provided Dr. Sherman with this large board that is perfect for his needs. He calls out the moves using a coordinate system called Algebraic Notation.

Even though Coach Patrick each week continues to teach Dr. Sherman how to play chess better, Dr. Sherman needs practice during the week and so we are looking for a Silver Squire to volunteer to play chess with him one hour per week. If you know the rules of chess, and would be willing to drive to the northeast Phoenix valley, please fill out a Silver Squire application and contact Coach Patrick at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it letting him know that you are specifically interested in playing chess with Dr. Sherman.

If you were a colleague, student or are a friend or relative of Dr. Sherman's even if you would just like to wish him well, please take a monent and write a letter below telling him and everyone else how much you appreciate what he did for you and we will be sure that he gets the notes along with the custom chess board. (Silver Knights Administration)

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Geoff Akins said:

Hi Mr. Sherman~

My name is Geoff Akins. I grew up in Round Lake and attended Murphy Elementary School during the late 60's and early 70's.

My mother grew up in the area too. Perhaps you remember her, Dawn Hunziker? She later married and became Dawn Akins.

I am a full-time children's motivational speaker/entertainer. I do a whole show using soap bubbles! I try to inspire students to remember that "Anything is possible!" To illustrate this I create a seemingly impossible object...a Square Bubble!

Of course, I intentionally fail a few times, in order to model persistence. But by the end of the show the students and I have successfully created a square bubble.

I think performing has always been in my blood. I performed my first magic show in my 3rd grade cla*sroom. In fact, I remember writing little skits and songs and being allowed to visit younger cla*ses to entertain them too!

After college I worked in education myself. First as a Waldorf teacher, then as a Sub and finally, in Special Education. It was there I rediscovered my love of performing.

Today I wrote to the current principal of Murphy to offer to come do my show for free. NBC channel 5 in Chicago wants to come to come shoot the a*sembly and interview the students and I.

It will be a homecoming of sorts as I come full circle back to where it all began over 30 years ago!

I hope you are well.

Sincerely,

Geoff

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August 06, 2008 | url
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Jill Lambert said:

	Way to go Uncle Bob. I see a Chess Champion in the making!
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November 17, 2007
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Sharon & Bruce Osterberg said:

	Hi, Bob! Good for you! We're really proud of you and love you lots! Beat the pants off of Glenn! Love you, Sharon & Bruce
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November 12, 2007
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Tami Sherman said:

	I'm proud of you and look forward to watching you play in January. sending love and hugs...
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November 10, 2007
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Russ Harrison said:

	Uncle Bob, Keep your fork, the desert is yet to come... Happy Holidays from Russ, Christa, Ashley, Charli, Alex, Sachairi and our angels
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November 09, 2007 | url
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George Sherman said:

	accidently my typing is still rotten
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November 09, 2007
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George Sherman said:

	Bob, I'll see you in December. Remember, when I'm, beating you at Chess, it's not an excuse if you accisently tip the board over when reaching for a beer. I still win.
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November 09, 2007
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Randy and Linda Harrison said:

	Uncle Mr Sherman I enjoyed seeing you at dads birth day last month sounds like Bobby Fischer better practice up on his game cause here comes a Sherman tank lots of love P.S. dont sweat Mike Follensbee at chess He taught me to play about 46 years ago and even as an eight year old I always seemed to win lol Randy
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November 08, 2007
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DonnaDo said:

Hi Bob, Am sending in $25 for another chess board to be made in your name for someone. The smile on your picture reminds me of all the warm smiles and big hugs I received from you throughout the years. It was great having you present at Bill's birthday celebration and once more getting that familiar hug and smile.
You have done so much for so many throughout your life, both children and adults, both socially and spiritually as well as educationally. May I quote from the GOLDEN LEAVES, a book Billy gave us on our anniversary in 1981 and written by George Macdonald.."WORKING WITH GOD...If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman, I shall feel that I have worked with God." This you have done many times over for many. You are a reminder that Everything and everybody is a gift of God for a definite purpose. I hold dearly the wisdom I have received from you during the years through some of our personal conversations. Bright blessings and all good things be yours today, tomorrow and all the days to come. Love, prayers, respect and friendship I send to you , Your favorite oldest sister in law (as Dad would say, haha..) Donna Lee

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November 08, 2007
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Stephanie Sherman said:

	Great Job! Keep up the good work.
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November 08, 2007
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Mike Follensbee said:

	Bob, Congratulations! After Glenn beats you, I would like to take you on. You may have to help me bit as it has been years and I never was that good at chess anyway. Keep up the good work.
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