Volunteering time for chess at local elementary school

4/3/2024

Abe Goldstien spent 43 years in the advertising business before eventually retiring. Goldstien worked at several Des Moines media organizations including KRNP radio and WHO13 and a few agencies during his time in the business. Since retiring, Goldstien has been able to get into the area he is passionate about — child development.

“Advertising was personally satisfying. I mean, you did fun work. You have a lot of freedom and meet interesting people, but working with kids is rewarding,” said Goldstien.

This avenue wasn’t a new development for Goldstien. In fact, he knew early on what he wanted to do, even during his advertising career. 

“I was maybe two years into it when I realized, writing radio commercials for town and country, that’s not really contributing much to society. What I really want to do is be a school teacher,” said Goldstien.

As for why he decided to continue in the advertising business instead of going into education? Wise advice he received in the late 1970s influenced his decision.

“I asked someone at Drake in the education department, ‘What do you think?’ And he said, ‘Don’t do it. You’re fortunate because I know you. And I know if there’s a rule, you’ll break it. If there’s a voice of authority, you’ll make fun of it. And if there’s a meeting, you’ll blow it off. You’ll be miserable,’ ” said Goldstien.

Once his working career was over, Goldstien began to seek out a school that he would fit in. This proved to be more of a challenge than he expected. Goldstien visited with principals at schools that were within walking distance of his home. Each one had different suggestions for how Goldstien could help. 

“They would say, ‘Oh, we’d love to have you come in and read an hour a week.’ That’s not my idea of volunteering. Another one had a mentor program, and you would have lunch with them (a student) one day a week. Well, lunch is like, 20 minutes. Then I went to Moore and explained it to the principal at that time. Her question was, ‘When can you start?’ ” said Goldstien.

Now six years into his time with the students at Moore elementary school, Goldstien’s impact was no rookie maneuver. 

“I have about 60 kids that give up their recess to play chess. It’s nice. Not that I’m a great chess coach,” said Goldstien.

The inspiration to start playing chess came from a student. The student, who Goldstien says was nicknamed “Eeyore,” had the idea. Once those two began playing, other students began showing an interest, and it began to spread from there. Goldstien mentioned numerous memories since he started playing chess with the students at Moore including the smiles on their faces when he shows up, the feeling of getting a jittery student to focus on the classic game, or seeing them develop their chess skills over time. 

“That’s the most rewarding thing I’ve done in my life. Just making those connections and seeing those kids flourish,” said Goldstien.

Goldstien mentioned one of the students he currently works with frequently, Antonio, and how their back and forth banter helps bring out the best in him, which he says works with all students.

“He calls me old man, but it’s a term of endearment. That’s just the relationship we have. The principal wanted to know if I was OK with him calling me old man. I said yes, that’s what I am to him. Now if he calls you an old woman, then I’ll have a talk with him,” Goldstien joked.

The week of this interview, Goldstien convinced the DMPS new superintendent, Dr. Ian Roberts, to attend one of the chess sessions after running into him at a Kiwanis club meeting. 

Goldstien was recently awarded the volunteer of the year award given to him at the Hoover Learning Community. His response to the honor was to praise the staff at Moore.

“The real award should go to the teachers who I continue to admire on a daily basis,” Goldstien said. 

Goldstien is also the director of the Des Moines Community Jazz Center (CJC). He first got involved while his son was playing upright bass. Once a month, the CJC hosts jam sessions for kids from elementary school to high school who want to practice their skills alongside other budding jazz enthusiasts. Some who have been to these jam sessions over the years include Nick Leo, co-owner of The Cave, and Jason Danielson, who helps with the sessions and attended them while he was in high school.

“They learn different things about the music because we have a professional rhythm section facilitating. It’s just all about making the next generation a little bit better than mine,” Goldstien said. ♦