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After an Odd Year, Oddfellows Opens a New Shop

Oddfellows Williamsburg, at 40 River St. (Photos: James Pothen)

Here’s a scoop: Oddfellows is open again in Williamsburg. 

“We’re right on Domino Park this time,” said Andy Mullins. “I’m staring at the Empire State building.” The new shop is a few blocks south of the original, at the intersection of Grand Street and River Street. Like before, patrons can sit by the window and take in the Manhattan skyline. And instead of tables and chairs there are now booths opposite the L-shaped counter for groups. More →

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Could COVID Derail Tani the Refugee Chess Prodigy?

The Adewumi family. From left: Oluwatoyin, Adesina, Tanitoluwa, and Kayode. (Photo by James Pothen).

“I need 400 points more,” says the small boy on the couch. “And I need to go to more tournaments.” 

The strange thing is, everyone is taking Tanitoluwa (“Tani”) Adewumi seriously. He’s not talking about beating his friends at Fortnite or becoming a state sports champion. This 10-year-old is inches away from becoming the youngest chess Grandmaster in history.  More →