PIE Chess Club in need of game donations
Among the most well-attended after-school programs at Pine Island Elementary School is the Wednesday afternoon Chess Club. A program for fourth and fifth grade students, each year the numbers attending grow and this year, program coordinator, Richard Andersen finds that the children are in need of more chess sets to play.
“We are hoping that the island community will again come through and help us to provide this program as they have so generously done in the past,” said Andersen. “A few years ago we were fortunate in that we received enough sets that at the end of the program, many of the children were able to take one home and continue to play with their family and friends.”
This year 32 students are participating in the five-week program and according to Andersen, he is assisted by three adult and two student volunteers.
“Approximately 40 percent of the students who come to the chess club are new to the game and my volunteers are very helpful in aiding them in learning the basics of the game,” said Andersen. “I don’t know what I would do without their help. I think learning a game like chess teaches important things like strategy and planning ahead which can also be beneficial when it comes to other activities such as golf and tennis.”
Adult volunteers include William Woodruff, James Romeo and his daughter, Amanda.
Woodruff has been a volunteer with the chess club for three years and also assists as a school volunteer in other aspects.
“All of the kids here at Pine Island Elementary are great and I really enjoy helping when ever I can,” said Romeo.
James Romeo has been a volunteer at the school for the last eight years and with the chess club for the last five.
“I am very impressed with the children who come to chess club. They are very quick to learn the game and are a pleasure to be around,” said Romeo. “I enjoy working with children and in addition to volunteering here at the school, I also help with youth programs at my church.”
A fourth grade student at Pine Island Elementary School, Joe Dandron is new to the chess club but is no stranger to the game.
“I have been playing for a couple of years and have gotten pretty good at it,” said Dandron. “I play chess mostly with my friends and I like coming to chess club to meet other kids who play the game.”
TJ Clapp is a fifth grade student at the school and is a member of the chess club for a second year.
“I began playing the first year I started coming to chess club,” said Clapp. “I play a lot with my family and friends and I am usually the champ.”
Those interested in donating chess set to the after-school chess club are asked to call Pine Island Elementary School at 283-0505 or stop by the school office during regular school hours.