The recipient of this week's Ben's Bell is Jim Tallmadge, a chess coach at Sam Hughes Elementary School and retired teacher.
He was nominated by Martha Whitaker, whose twins attend Sam Hughes, 700 N. Wilson Ave.
"Tallmadge has inspired thousands of children to love chess, and has inspired some to coach chess teams at other Tucson schools as adults," Whitaker said in her nomination letter.
Tallmadge, known as Mr. T, started a chess team at Sam Hughes in 1974 at the urging of a student who had interest in the game.
"Tallmadge told him, 'I don't know how to play,' " Whitaker said. "The student replied, 'Don't worry, I'll teach you.' "
Since then, several of Tallmadge's teams have won state competitions and placed in the top five teams in national competitions.
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Tallmadge was surprised to learn he had been awarded a Ben's Bell.
"It was a little overwhelming. It's quite an honor," he said. "When you teach you always try to be kind … I didn't start teaching to be recognized for that, but it was wonderful."
After 35 years of teaching at Sam Hughes, Tallmadge retired in 2003, but he continues to teach weekly chess lessons and math exercises and coach the school's chess team.
"He really loves the kids and he respects them as people rather than just 'kids,' " Whitaker said. "He doesn't think that he has all the answers. He knows the kids have their own wisdom and he's willing to learn from them and listen to them."
The project
Ben's Bells promote kindness and community. Each week a person who betters Tucson is "belled." Go to www.bensbells.org/BellingForm to submit a name. Go to www.bensbells.org or call 628-2829 for information. Recipients also are featured on Friday's Morning Blend on KGUN 9.
Contact reporter Veronica M. Cruz at vcruz@azstarnet.com or 573-4224.
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