These are all real endorsements from real people. Some have contact information. Contact information wilI be sent on request for any of them.
I worked with Steve Makar for many years at Raychem. He ran Canada for me when I was in charge of Asia and the Americas for the Chemelex Division of Raychem. He is a great father, a great husband and great manager. He has remained a very good friend although we do not see each other as much as we'd like.
I worked with Steve Makar for many years at Raychem. He ran Canada for me when I was in charge of Asia and the Americas for the Chemelex Division of Raychem. He is a great father, a great husband and great manager. He has remained a very good friend although we do not see each other as much as we'd like.
The second letter is from Elizabeth Shaughnessy. Elizabeth has done more for Bay Area Scholastic chess than any other person. Berkeley Chess School, founded by Elizabeth, is respected throughout the National Chess Community. Elizabeth has served as President of Cal Chess and has served the US National Federation (USCF) in numerous positions. She is a former woman chess champion of Ireland. Her school teaches character and chess. I am truly honored to have an endorsement from Elizabeth Shaughnessy. |
John Housley is one of the most respected executives in the Semiconductor Industry in California. He has founded five companies and has serves on the board of numerous companies. He also serves on the board of the Salvation Army. He is a wonderful farther, a wonderful husband, a brilliant executive, and an all-around good person. I am honored to have an endorsement from John Housley. September 9, 2014 To whom it may concern: I have known Mr. Joe Lonsdale for many years through our industry work and on a personal level. I can't say enough about what an excellent person Joe is. This is in addition to the respect I have come to have for him concerning his work with young people and his giving nature to mentor and teach. Joe is an intelligent man and is always willing to step forward to help friends and strangers alike. I can highly recommend Joe without reservation for any position he may seek. John C. Housley The following letter is from Tom Langland. Tom has been president of Cal Chess the Northern California Affiliate of the United States Chess Federation. This makes him the top chess official in Northern California. I am honored to have an endorsement from Tom Langland I have known Joe Lonsdale for more than 10 years. I have known him as a scholastic chess coach and as a member of the board of Cal Chess (The Northern California affiliate of the United States Chess Federation) Joe runs the Mission San Jose Elementary School Chess team. I have directed numerous tournaments in which his team has competed. Disputes at scholastic chess tournaments are not uncommon. I have never seen Joe involved in a dispute at a scholastic tournament. His young players are particularly well behaved because Joe insists on excellent behavior. His teams have won the vast majority of state championships. He and his team have won with class and grace. The few times they did not win first place they still handled themselves extremely well. Joe has taken his teams to National tournaments and won numerous National Championship titles. Joe and his teams are a credit to Northern California Chess. For the last two years Joe has served on the Board of Cal Chess. I have been president of this board since 2006. Joe was elected treasure of Cal Chess and he took it upon himself to become the chief fund raiser for Cal Chess. In 2013 Joe set an aggressive fund raising goal and beat the goal by a large margin. The fundraising that Joe did led to a significantly improved financial condition for Cal Chess. Joe works very well with other members of the Cal Chess Board. He listens well and is a team player. Joe was recently elected to the position of board vice president. This clearly shows that rest of the board respects Joe and appreciates his contributions. I am certain that Joe will do an excellent job as a member of the board of Ohlone Community College. Tom Langland The following letter is from Chris Torres President of the Torres Chess and Music Academy. Chris and his academy have helped numerous children become chess champions. I am pleased to have his endorsement. I Endorse Joe Lonsdale for the Ohlone College Board of Directors It is my great pleasure to endorse Joseph Lonsdale Sr. for the Ohlone College Board of Directors. I have known Joe since he joined with the Torres Chess and Music Academy ten years ago. The Torres Chess and Music Academy is widely recognized as the highest quality provider of after-school youth chess programs in California and I am quite comfortable in stating that this would not be the case without the hard work and dedication of Joseph Lonsdale Sr. TCAMA students, parents and faculty often remark that Joe is a very talented educator. What many of them overlook is how hard Joe has worked to achieve his coaching successes in the face of adversity. I experienced first hand the effort that he put into the Mission San Jose Elementary School Chess Team immediately following the death of his first wife to cancer. Within months of that tragedy, Joe managed to lead MSJE to the National Elementary Chess Championship Title and in doing so, became the first chess coach to ever achieve this goal with a school from California. Joe, to no one’s surprise, later accomplished leading a second team to the National Elementary Chess Championship and in doing so has established himself as one of the best team leaders, chess or otherwise, in the Bay Area. Joe’s scholarship and background in education also give me every confidence that he will be an effective member of the Ohlone College Board of Directors. Joe’s scholarship includes a BS in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University, an MS in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from Harvard University. Mr. Lonsdale was also an adjunct professor of finance in the MBA program at Golden Gate University for over 15 years. After successfully raising three sons who all graduated from prestigious universities, Joe is also well versed in the concerns of the parents of college students. Having been a college student at several top institutions of learning, a university professor and a Stanford Dad, Joe seems uniquely qualified for a leadership role at Ohlone College. Seeing Joe Lonsdale’s unwavering concern for education and quality of life in Fremont, I believe Joe’s leadership will enable Ohlone College to obtain excellent results just as his efforts have done for the Torres Chess and Music Academy. I strongly endorse Joseph Lonsdale Sr. for a position on the Ohlone College Board of Directors. Sincerely, Chris Torres President of the Torres Chess and Music Academy www.ChessAndMusic.com The following letter is from Div Harish. Div is that father of Amulya Harish a star fourth grader on the MSJE Chess team. Div makes time to be an assistant coach on the team despite the fact he is running his own business. I am honored to have his endorsement. Div created the web site where well over 1,000 people have signed in opposition to the Ohlone apartments. If you haven’t signed already go to https://www.change.org/p/fremont-ca-city-council-stop-ohlone-from-building-apartments-near-mission-blvd and sign the petition. Most of you know that the Ohlone College board of representatives, against the wishes of local residents, approved plans to build a huge commercial apartment complex on pristine land (meant for educational purposes) on the Ohlone campus. Most of the current representatives did not care that thousands of fellow citizens signed a petition expressing their opposition to such a plan. They did not care that this new development would add significantly to the over-crowded roads and schools of the community and make the situation even worse than it already is. It was disheartening to see that most of the current representatives simply did not care to represent our voices and opinions. It became clear to me that the only way to fight such bone-headed and unpopular plans, now and in the future, is to elect representatives who belong to the community, have the skills, the passion, the time and energy to understand the issues, and needs of the community and uncompromisingly represent our points of view during board deliberations. I am delighted to learn that our very own legendary MSJE Chess coach Joseph Lonsdale has decided to stand for election to the Ohlone Board. I don’t think we could have found a better person for this task than Joe Lonsdale and am very happy to endorse his candidacy. Joe has lived in Fremont near Ohlone College for over two decades. His three sons attended Fremont schools from elementary through high school, so he is well acquainted with the community and its educational standards and needs. His son Joe Lonsdale Jr.’s accomplishments as an entrepreneur and investor (counted among Fortune magazine’s Top 30 under 30 in the nation) are a testament to how good a parent and guide Joe was and is to his sons. Joe has a degree a BS and an MS in Chemical Engineering and an MBA from Harvard University, which speaks eloquently about Joe’s logical thinking skills and excellent analytical training which enables him to make good and sound decisions taking into account all sides of a debate. For the past two decades, despite having full time jobs and three boys to bring up, he setup the famed MSJE Chess Club and Chess Team. With his unique style, passion for the game and loving nature, he nursed it into one of the finest chess programs among public schools in the country and still continues to do so! He has single handedly put MSJE and Fremont on the national map! He spent over three decades working in various executive roles in the bay area and is recently retired. Unlike many of us who care about the issues but have little kids to take care of and are starved for time, Joseph Lonsdale has the knowledge, the skills, the resources, the energy and the time to contest this election and make a difference for the community. I’m sure you would agree, based on the above anecdotal facts I have shared with you, that we are lucky to have a person of Joseph Lonsdale’s calibre, character and talent standing for election to represent us. I urge everyone in the community to support him with their vote and do everything in their power to get him elected to be our representative on the Ohlone Board. Sincerely, Div Harish The Following comment is from Ivan Chan. Ivan has contributed to the school (Mission San Jose Elementary, MSJE) by serving as PTC president. Ivan is the father of John Chan who is about to enter the sixth grade. John has been a star on the chess team since he was in Kindergarten. He has been a scoring player on numerous state championship teams and has contributed to our success at the nationals. When I hear that Joe, our MSJE Chess team coach is putting his name in the hat to campaign for a seat in the Ohlone school trustee board, I am ecstatic and compelled to do a little write up to call upon our friends to give him the best support. We have known Joe for six years since my son joined the MSFE chess team in Kindergarten. I got to know Joe a bit more when I was the MSJE PTC president in 2010-2011 that enabled me to get accurate and reliable info on events and activities with student body and school affairs. Among all outstand contributions in the school, Joe has put in a big and consistent effort, year in and year out, to bring MSJE to the national chess map. He cares about all his kids on the team. He even contributes his personal time outside of the team session, at no cost, to help build a strong team during the summer to keep the kids involved with chess. His effort is duly rewarded as multiple teams became the national chess champions. What I see in Joe is more than just an excellent chess coach, a respectable person and a trusted friend. He is a superb educator too, with firm belief of doing all the right things for the kids. He has helped me personally when I was in a transition period going from one job to another due to a workforce reduction from previous employment. He also encouraged me to keep my son in the chess team during the economic hard time and offered my son to remain in the team for free and attend the additional Friday session without charge. I strongly believe that he will be a very good Ohlone school trustee broad member if elected, as he cares about the school, the community and he has a real good sense, honesty, dedication and integrity to do what is the best for students, the school and the community. I trust that he will tirelessly work to improve the Ohlone College. His platform of instituting a system that allows students to evaluate the teachers at Ohlone will allow students to pick good professors and encourages the teachers to do a good job in the classroom; his platform of managed growth around Ohlone and Mission San Jose Schools will represent us to fight off any irresponsible development from profit taking professionals and politicians that may end up in putting additional burden for the schools for years to come. I support Joe and wish him a success campaign for the Ohlone School board trustee in the coming year. This email is from Don Pan. Don is the parent of David Pan the top player on our 2014 State Championship K-6 Chess team. I got to know Mr. Lonsdale via MSJE Chess program where my son participates in. Mr. Lonsdale has been coaching MSJE Chess Team for a long time and has produced many National and State Championship titles. Mr. Lonsdale has ways to encourage kids to do their best in school and in chess. Mr. Lonsdale told many parents and kids that learning chess will help them developing skills like critical thinking, patience, good sportsmanship and honesty which I think are important to a kid's future. Mr. Lonsdale is a long time Fremont resident. He has raised 3 very successful kids along the way. He always has what is the best for the Fremont community in mind. With Mr. Lonsdale's success in life and coaching kids in Chess, I truly believe that Mr. Lonsdale will be an excellent member of Ohlone College Board. Don Pan |
This Email is from Manish Bhuptani. Manish is the father of Mihir Bhuptani. Mihir is now a sixth grader. He has been a star on the MSJE team since he
was in Kindergarten. I used Mihir as a
teacher in the Friday program last year on a day when my High School teachers
could not make the class. Mihir did a
great job. It may sound crazy asking a
fifth grader to manage a group of 24 students, grades 2 to 6. It was either that or call off the
class. It worked great.
I have known Joe Lonsdale for more than 6 years. I met Joe when my son joined the Mission San Jose Elementary (MSJE) chess club. Over the years I have gotten to know him as a great educator and a teacher.
Throughout my career I have been fortunate to get to know great educators in all walks of life. These individuals have two thing in common – a passion for what they do and a genuine desire to help others. Joe embodies both these values. He has been extremely passionate about teaching kids and making a difference in their lives. I have seen him work tirelessly with kids of all ages, teaching them chess, analyzing their games, coordinating MSJE participation in chess tournaments and more. He does this with passion, and with a genuine desire to teach young minds the analytical skills that they can use inside and even outside of their chess class. My son has benefited greatly from these interactions, and I am truly glad that he had an opportunity to learn from Joe.
Sincerely,
Manish Bhuptani (A Chess Dad)
I have known Joe Lonsdale for more than 6 years. I met Joe when my son joined the Mission San Jose Elementary (MSJE) chess club. Over the years I have gotten to know him as a great educator and a teacher.
Throughout my career I have been fortunate to get to know great educators in all walks of life. These individuals have two thing in common – a passion for what they do and a genuine desire to help others. Joe embodies both these values. He has been extremely passionate about teaching kids and making a difference in their lives. I have seen him work tirelessly with kids of all ages, teaching them chess, analyzing their games, coordinating MSJE participation in chess tournaments and more. He does this with passion, and with a genuine desire to teach young minds the analytical skills that they can use inside and even outside of their chess class. My son has benefited greatly from these interactions, and I am truly glad that he had an opportunity to learn from Joe.
Sincerely,
Manish Bhuptani (A Chess Dad)
The following letter is from my sister-in-law an attorney in Los Angeles. She is a strong, bright, loving, woman. A wonderful mother, a great wife, and a loving aunt.
Juana Velazquez Webman
Attorney at Law
4329 Torrance Blvd., Suite 406
Torrance, CA 90503
August 26, 2014
To Whom It May Concern:
I am an attorney and former Deputy City Attorney for the City of Los Angeles. I worked in that capacity as a criminal prosecutor for sixteen years and handled thousands of cases and conducted approximately 100 jury trials. I write this letter to support the candidacy of Joe Lonsdale, Sr. for the position of Board Member on the Ohlone Community College Board.
I have had the privilege of knowing Joe Lonsdale, Sr. since 1981 as a friend, a mentor and my brother-in-law. During our long and close relationship, I have had many opportunities to discuss and debate national and international political, economic, legal and social issues with him. His extraordinary knowledge and understanding of fundamental economic principles always focuses primarily on the best approach in order to maximize the quality of life and the benefits for those who will be most affected by the policies which are ultimately implemented. Joe cares about everyone's rights, and always engages in the fairest and most just assessment of all factors before deciding what to recommend in situations where conflicting interests must be considered. Once Joe reaches an informed decision, he is passionate about defending what's right, while keeping an open mind regarding relevant changes and developments. For all these reasons, those of us who know and respect him, are not surprised by the fact that he has decided to make a positive difference in his community by running for the Ohlone Community College Board. It is not surprising that he cares deeply about important local community issues which, if not handled properly, will harshly and unjustly affect a significant portion of his neighbors and fellow citizens.
Probably what is most impressive about Joe Lonsdale is the fact that he doesn't just "talk the talk". When he realized that his love for the game of chess, which he shared with his three sons, instilled in them not only a sense of fair play but also a very logical and intelligent and useful approach to problem solving in general, he decided to share this love of chess with any child in his community who was interested. He became involved in scholastic and club chess programs and donated countless hours teaching and inspiring and mentoring young children to excel in the game while simultaneously emphasizing the need for sportsmanship, fairness, kindness and compassion. It is not surprising that his students have excelled and won many important awards. Moreover, I have met and interacted with some of his students and "alumni" and their parents. Each and everyone, without exception, is grateful for Joe's generous gift of time, for his care, for the role model and quality human being that he is and for the values and skills he has helped to instill in his students.
I have read many, many comments which endorse Joe's current candidacy. None surprise me for he deserves every single one, and more. I also read a letter from a person in the community which was critical and negative. I was initially very upset by the obviously unfounded and disparaging allegations but then I realized that they are no more than broad generalizations without a single fact to support them. Someone, for totally unknown and unfathomable reasons, decided to cast mean-spirited aspersions which anyone who cares to look into the truth, will be able to recognize as patently false and unfounded.
It is my sincere and heartfelt opinion that if Joe Lonsdale, Sr. is elected to the Ohlone Community College Board, everyone in the community will benefit from his tremendous knowledge, experience, genuine compassion, concern, humanity, decency, honesty and integrity.
Respectfully Submitted,
Juana Velazquez Webman
Attorney at Law
These comments are from Hemang
Jangle. Hemang was a star on our 2009
National Elementary School Chess Championship team.
As
a student and friend of Joe Lonsdale for the past twelve years, I can truly say
that Joe is among the most genuine and compassionate people I know. I met Joe
as a young kindergartner when I joined the Mission San Jose Elementary School
chess team. Joe teaches in such a way that his students learn how to not only
play chess, but also enjoy it. For example, when a student barricades a bishop
in with pawns, he’ll pretend he’s the bishop talking in a playful voice and
say, “Hey, I’m a bishop, not a pawn! Don’t block me in!” Because of moments
like these, when Joe is analyzing a game for a student, one can see periodic
bursts of laughter from the children huddled around the board, engaged and
enjoying themselves. It’s this ability to connect with and acutely understand
his students that differentiates Joe from any other teacher I’ve had. To this
day, I can feel an atmosphere of positivity and teamwork in the MSJE chess
team, largely thanks to Joe.
It’s
this strong commitment to every one of his students and the community around
him that brings about the results Joe achieves. From the program’s humble
beginnings over 20 years ago, Joe has made MSJE chess the strongest school team
in the state. For the past decade or so, MSJE has consistently won the annual
state championship and even became the first elementary school from California
to win the Supernational championship. Whether its organizing friendly matches
with other schools or giving his weekly lessons to the team, Joe devotes much
time and energy to improving the program. He’s given so much to the local
community and keeps our interests close to his heart.
I’ve
seen many things change over the past 12 years, but Joe’s commitment to the
community does not waver. Hemang Jangle
Nimish Shah is the father of Shalin
Shah. Shalin and his classmates are
about to enter the 9th grade.
Shalin has been a star of the MSJE Chess team since Kindergarten. Shalin and his team mates won their grade at
the grade level competition every year from K to grade 6. I started the Summer Monday evening chess
program after Shalin and his classmates finished Kindergarten. Three of them Shalin, Alvin Kong, and Eric
Zhu have become teachers in the Friday afternoon program.
Nimish Shah has been an assistant coach. He is responsible for numerous innovations that have made MSJE Chess more successful. He improved the weekly ladder such that players towards the bottom that start winning can move up faster. The following is from Nimish Shah.
I am excited to learn that MSJE's legendary chess coach Joe Lonsdale is willing to serve on the board of Ohlone College. That would be great for our community. I have known Joe for 9 years as a wonderful coach and mentor for my son and for the entire chess team. He has an outstanding ability to inspire students, make complex concepts accessible, and groom assistant/junior coaches to teach more than a hundred MSJE students every year, scaling up the program while maintaining outstanding quality of instruction. That is why MSJE has won so many national chess championships. He brings to the field of education the leadership and executive experience from the semiconductor industry and from Harvard Business School. Ohlone could not find a better a board member.
Best regards, Nimish Shah
Nimish Shah has been an assistant coach. He is responsible for numerous innovations that have made MSJE Chess more successful. He improved the weekly ladder such that players towards the bottom that start winning can move up faster. The following is from Nimish Shah.
I am excited to learn that MSJE's legendary chess coach Joe Lonsdale is willing to serve on the board of Ohlone College. That would be great for our community. I have known Joe for 9 years as a wonderful coach and mentor for my son and for the entire chess team. He has an outstanding ability to inspire students, make complex concepts accessible, and groom assistant/junior coaches to teach more than a hundred MSJE students every year, scaling up the program while maintaining outstanding quality of instruction. That is why MSJE has won so many national chess championships. He brings to the field of education the leadership and executive experience from the semiconductor industry and from Harvard Business School. Ohlone could not find a better a board member.
Best regards, Nimish Shah
This is from Christopher
Pan and his mother. Christopher is an 8th
grader at Hopkins Jr. High. Chris was a
good player as a fourth grader. I
learned that he had a younger brother about to enter kindergarten. I encourage Chris to teach his younger brother,
Kevin, to play chess. Kevin joined the
as a Kindergarten player and quickly became a star. As Kevin flew up the ladder Chris started to
play better and stayed a step ahead of his younger brother. Chris became a star himself. He had no choice! He had to improve stay ahead of Kevin.
Chris is now a teacher in the Friday afternoon chess program. Chris was a scoring player on our 2013 K-6 National Championship team and Kevin was a scoring player on our 2014 K-3 National Championship team. Kevin is about to enter the third grade. He is playing at about the level that I played at (rating = 1653) in college when I played for Northeastern University and Harvard University. Both Kevin and Christopher are on the top player national USCF list. Kevin is # 14 on eight and under list, Christopher (rating = 1995) is # 39 on the thirteen and under list.
A letter from the mother of Christopher and Kevin follow the letter from Chris
-From Christopher Pan, 8th grader in Hopkins Junior High
Joe Lonsdale is a truly amazing teacher and person. When I first joined MSJE, he welcomed me onto the chess team and inspired into me a love for the game. He teaches unlike any other instructor I have known. My previous chess teachers would drone on and on about a topic but wouldn’t be able to communicate with the students. Joe, on the other hand would talk to everyone in a way that makes chess interesting and would enable the student to memorize his lessons. He has been able to help the entire MSJE chess community for 20+ years, and his commitment has never wavered.
Joe cares for each student in his chess program, and has helped all of them succeed.
-From Hui Wang, resident in Mission community and chess mom
We met Joe when my little one was about to start kindergarten. My then-fourth-grader had been playing chess for a few years casually without knowing it being a competitive sport at all. Joe emailed me asking the fourth grader to teach the incoming kindergartener basics so both of them can make to the school team. I was truly amazed Joe was able to pay attention to “small details” like this while he has hundreds of kids in his program. Later I found out Joe takes each and every kid to his heart. His passion and dedication are the reasons why the MSJE chess program is one of the most successful elementary school chess program in the nation. As a parent of Joe’s chess kids, I feel thankful while very proud we have such a strong educator in our community.
For the past three years my boys have been contributing and enjoying many state and national championships with Joe’s chess team. In addition to teaching the kids chess skills, Joe teaches our kids the ultimate sportsmanship, how to win gracefully and lose with dignity. These are important lessons the kids can benefit for their entire life. When I saw my kindergartener shake hands with his opponent regardless of the game outcome, I knew Joe had succeeded. He is the one who unlocks the true potential of these kids. Today they are national champions. Tomorrow they can expect many more great things to come.
These are just a few things among many others Coach Joe has been giving to the kids in our community, year after year, for the past 20+ years. With his passion for kids, dedication to education, integrity and willingness to help always, I don’t see anyone else more qualified than Joe to be on Ohlone College Board. I am sure Coach Joe will do his magic and make Ohlone what we can be proud of, much like our nationally known chess program!
Chris is now a teacher in the Friday afternoon chess program. Chris was a scoring player on our 2013 K-6 National Championship team and Kevin was a scoring player on our 2014 K-3 National Championship team. Kevin is about to enter the third grade. He is playing at about the level that I played at (rating = 1653) in college when I played for Northeastern University and Harvard University. Both Kevin and Christopher are on the top player national USCF list. Kevin is # 14 on eight and under list, Christopher (rating = 1995) is # 39 on the thirteen and under list.
A letter from the mother of Christopher and Kevin follow the letter from Chris
-From Christopher Pan, 8th grader in Hopkins Junior High
Joe Lonsdale is a truly amazing teacher and person. When I first joined MSJE, he welcomed me onto the chess team and inspired into me a love for the game. He teaches unlike any other instructor I have known. My previous chess teachers would drone on and on about a topic but wouldn’t be able to communicate with the students. Joe, on the other hand would talk to everyone in a way that makes chess interesting and would enable the student to memorize his lessons. He has been able to help the entire MSJE chess community for 20+ years, and his commitment has never wavered.
Joe cares for each student in his chess program, and has helped all of them succeed.
-From Hui Wang, resident in Mission community and chess mom
We met Joe when my little one was about to start kindergarten. My then-fourth-grader had been playing chess for a few years casually without knowing it being a competitive sport at all. Joe emailed me asking the fourth grader to teach the incoming kindergartener basics so both of them can make to the school team. I was truly amazed Joe was able to pay attention to “small details” like this while he has hundreds of kids in his program. Later I found out Joe takes each and every kid to his heart. His passion and dedication are the reasons why the MSJE chess program is one of the most successful elementary school chess program in the nation. As a parent of Joe’s chess kids, I feel thankful while very proud we have such a strong educator in our community.
For the past three years my boys have been contributing and enjoying many state and national championships with Joe’s chess team. In addition to teaching the kids chess skills, Joe teaches our kids the ultimate sportsmanship, how to win gracefully and lose with dignity. These are important lessons the kids can benefit for their entire life. When I saw my kindergartener shake hands with his opponent regardless of the game outcome, I knew Joe had succeeded. He is the one who unlocks the true potential of these kids. Today they are national champions. Tomorrow they can expect many more great things to come.
These are just a few things among many others Coach Joe has been giving to the kids in our community, year after year, for the past 20+ years. With his passion for kids, dedication to education, integrity and willingness to help always, I don’t see anyone else more qualified than Joe to be on Ohlone College Board. I am sure Coach Joe will do his magic and make Ohlone what we can be proud of, much like our nationally known chess program!
This
letter is From James Kwok. James was a
star on our 2009 National Championship Elementary School Chess team. James is now a teacher in the Friday chess
program.
Having known Joe for 10 years, I can guarantee that Joe is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. I first met Joe in second grade when I joined the Mission San Jose Elementary School team. My dad wanted me to play chess so I would learn that you can’t win every time. At first I was really skeptical about joining-how would I have any fun while I was losing?
Joe’s style of teaching made it possible for me to enjoy myself regardless of the result on the board. He made chess fun for me, and treated each lesson on the board like a life lesson. For example, if a pawn is worth $100 and a bishop is worth $300, which one would you rather keep? These lessons allow Joe to connect with his students on a much more personal level than any other teacher I’ve known.
I’ve known Joe to put nothing but 100% effort in everything he does; oftentimes, even going the extra mile to make sure his students are happy. This commitment has allowed him to develop the MSJE chess team into the best team in the state, and arguably the best team in the nation. Joe is a leader who cares for the local community, and thus is the perfect candidate to represent the voices in this district.
Having known Joe for 10 years, I can guarantee that Joe is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. I first met Joe in second grade when I joined the Mission San Jose Elementary School team. My dad wanted me to play chess so I would learn that you can’t win every time. At first I was really skeptical about joining-how would I have any fun while I was losing?
Joe’s style of teaching made it possible for me to enjoy myself regardless of the result on the board. He made chess fun for me, and treated each lesson on the board like a life lesson. For example, if a pawn is worth $100 and a bishop is worth $300, which one would you rather keep? These lessons allow Joe to connect with his students on a much more personal level than any other teacher I’ve known.
I’ve known Joe to put nothing but 100% effort in everything he does; oftentimes, even going the extra mile to make sure his students are happy. This commitment has allowed him to develop the MSJE chess team into the best team in the state, and arguably the best team in the nation. Joe is a leader who cares for the local community, and thus is the perfect candidate to represent the voices in this district.
Alice Lu is the mother of an MSJE
student that never played chess before coming to MSJE. This student learned about the chess program,
insisted on learning how to play before the tryouts (late September), came to
the tryouts and made the team as a kindergarten player. Most of our stars start as kindergarten
players.
This student has now attended four State Championships, has been on four state championship teams as a scoring player several times, and attended the Nationals twice.
From Alice Lu, Parent of MSJE Chess Player.
"Joe Lonsdale is a very humble man and never boasts about his accomplishments and contributions to our community. He is always selfless and eager to help when others are in need and never expects anything in return. As a head chess coach as Mission San Jose Elementary School, he challenges and motivates the kids to do their best and makes learning fun for them. During each summer, Joe graciously offers up his house and time to train the kids chess free of charge. In Joe's words, this is his way to give back to the community as he felt that his children have benefited greatly from learning chess. Mr. Lonsdale graduated from Harvard Business School and was also a college professor hence is very passionate about education. It would greatly benefit Ohlone college and the entire Mission district community if Mr. Lonsdale is elected as a part of“Ohlone College Board”
This student has now attended four State Championships, has been on four state championship teams as a scoring player several times, and attended the Nationals twice.
From Alice Lu, Parent of MSJE Chess Player.
"Joe Lonsdale is a very humble man and never boasts about his accomplishments and contributions to our community. He is always selfless and eager to help when others are in need and never expects anything in return. As a head chess coach as Mission San Jose Elementary School, he challenges and motivates the kids to do their best and makes learning fun for them. During each summer, Joe graciously offers up his house and time to train the kids chess free of charge. In Joe's words, this is his way to give back to the community as he felt that his children have benefited greatly from learning chess. Mr. Lonsdale graduated from Harvard Business School and was also a college professor hence is very passionate about education. It would greatly benefit Ohlone college and the entire Mission district community if Mr. Lonsdale is elected as a part of“Ohlone College Board”
This is From Sasikumar Karuppusamy, father of
Kavya Sasikumar
Kavya was a scoring member of several State Championship teams. Last year I used her to run a group in the Friday class (on a day when High School and Jr High teachers could not attend) she did a great job and will be a teacher in the Friday program when she is in 7th grade.
My daughter is going to Mission San Jose Elementary School. I was talking to Joe Lonsdale around 5 years back in one of the school function. He was sharing the success stories of his sons (Shining Stars) and all due to Chess. Chess games improves his son's knowledge, concentration, self-confidence, brain power, decision making, etc and encouraged me to put my daughter in to MSJE Chess team. Today my daughter also one of the stars in MSJE. There is NO hidden agenda for his encouragement other than giving back to this community. All the MSJE Chess parents know about Joe Lonsdale's commitment towards this community and get no benefit out of it. Joe is the major contributor for Mission San Jose Elementary to be one of the top schools in California. He comes to most of our Chess National Events spending time and energy just for kids. We have to be thankful to him for working for all our benefit and he gets nothing in return. He is helping me in all possible ways without expecting anything in returns.
He is so kind, punctual and cares about this community very much. Whenever I talk to him, I get at least one message about how can we help to improve this community. I don't see better than Mr. Joe Lonsdale, eligible for "Ohlone College Board". If he becomes member of the board, I am confident that he will make this college to be one of the top college in bay area.
Every summer he organizes a chess camp in his home for more than 20 kids without collecting single penny from anybody. Nobody in bay area can do this! This is great example of how much he is giving back to this community. He is one of the Great person that I met in my life.
I pray god to give long life!
Regards, Sasi
Kavya was a scoring member of several State Championship teams. Last year I used her to run a group in the Friday class (on a day when High School and Jr High teachers could not attend) she did a great job and will be a teacher in the Friday program when she is in 7th grade.
My daughter is going to Mission San Jose Elementary School. I was talking to Joe Lonsdale around 5 years back in one of the school function. He was sharing the success stories of his sons (Shining Stars) and all due to Chess. Chess games improves his son's knowledge, concentration, self-confidence, brain power, decision making, etc and encouraged me to put my daughter in to MSJE Chess team. Today my daughter also one of the stars in MSJE. There is NO hidden agenda for his encouragement other than giving back to this community. All the MSJE Chess parents know about Joe Lonsdale's commitment towards this community and get no benefit out of it. Joe is the major contributor for Mission San Jose Elementary to be one of the top schools in California. He comes to most of our Chess National Events spending time and energy just for kids. We have to be thankful to him for working for all our benefit and he gets nothing in return. He is helping me in all possible ways without expecting anything in returns.
He is so kind, punctual and cares about this community very much. Whenever I talk to him, I get at least one message about how can we help to improve this community. I don't see better than Mr. Joe Lonsdale, eligible for "Ohlone College Board". If he becomes member of the board, I am confident that he will make this college to be one of the top college in bay area.
Every summer he organizes a chess camp in his home for more than 20 kids without collecting single penny from anybody. Nobody in bay area can do this! This is great example of how much he is giving back to this community. He is one of the Great person that I met in my life.
I pray god to give long life!
Regards, Sasi
Annapoorni
Meiyapoorni has been a member of the MSJE Chess team since she was a Kindergarten
student. She was a scoring member of our
2014 National Champion Primary School (K to grade 3). She was also a scoring member of numerous
State Championship Chess teams. This
message is from her father.
I don't see a better person than Joe for the "Ohlone College Board”. Mr. Joe is selfless and helps everyone. The entire mission area know about his dedication towards chess,. He is approachable by everybody and never says no to anyone. We as part of Fremont mission area should be happy and proud that Joe has stepped up to help the mission area. I don't see any personal motive or gain behind this.
Mr. Joe and his family is a great inspiration to me and my Kids. We are with you Joe to support this community.
Thanks and Regards
Meiyappan (Annapoorni's DAD)
I don't see a better person than Joe for the "Ohlone College Board”. Mr. Joe is selfless and helps everyone. The entire mission area know about his dedication towards chess,. He is approachable by everybody and never says no to anyone. We as part of Fremont mission area should be happy and proud that Joe has stepped up to help the mission area. I don't see any personal motive or gain behind this.
Mr. Joe and his family is a great inspiration to me and my Kids. We are with you Joe to support this community.
Thanks and Regards
Meiyappan (Annapoorni's DAD)
Terry Liu has three children, Jeffrey is a fifth grade boy who has been a star for several years. He has contributed to several State Championship teams and helped us succeed at the Nationals. Jolene a
first grade girl who contributed to our success at the States and the Nationals. His four year old, Jason, was practicing with
the team this summer. We expect that Jason
will play in the kindergarten section before he even starts school.
I have known Joe for over 5 years. I first met Joe as the Chess Coach of Mission San Jose Elementary. There are several reasons why I believe Joe is a great candidate for the Ohlone College Board.
Joe works selflessly for the betterment of our community and children. For over 20 years, he has given up every Monday evening and Friday afternoon to the Mission San Jose Elementary Chess Team/Club as well as several weekends during the year to coach at the California and National Chess Tournaments. Joe donates his time and knowledge, I believe because he thinks he makes a difference in our kids’ lives.
Joe is one of us. He has been a Fremont resident for over 30 years and lives only a mile from Ohlone College. His children went to school in Fremont and he represents Fremont residents' interest.
Joe works well with others and has excellent business knowledge. If you have ever been the coach of any kids team with parents, you know this is a feat in itself. Joe has to organized a chess team of about 80 kids and makes the team run smoothly.
Besides his interpersonal skills, he has experience with the operations of colleges and business knowledge. He was an adjunct business professor at Golden Gate University for over 15 years and has an MBA from Harvard.
Joe’s innate sense to help people, understand Fremont residents’ interest, interpersonal skills, intimate knowledge of college operations, business background makes Joe a candidate that stands out from others. I whole heartedly recommend Joe Lonsdale for Ohlone College Board and hope you can see that he will work tirelessly for us.
Terry Liu
I have known Joe for over 5 years. I first met Joe as the Chess Coach of Mission San Jose Elementary. There are several reasons why I believe Joe is a great candidate for the Ohlone College Board.
Joe works selflessly for the betterment of our community and children. For over 20 years, he has given up every Monday evening and Friday afternoon to the Mission San Jose Elementary Chess Team/Club as well as several weekends during the year to coach at the California and National Chess Tournaments. Joe donates his time and knowledge, I believe because he thinks he makes a difference in our kids’ lives.
Joe is one of us. He has been a Fremont resident for over 30 years and lives only a mile from Ohlone College. His children went to school in Fremont and he represents Fremont residents' interest.
Joe works well with others and has excellent business knowledge. If you have ever been the coach of any kids team with parents, you know this is a feat in itself. Joe has to organized a chess team of about 80 kids and makes the team run smoothly.
Besides his interpersonal skills, he has experience with the operations of colleges and business knowledge. He was an adjunct business professor at Golden Gate University for over 15 years and has an MBA from Harvard.
Joe’s innate sense to help people, understand Fremont residents’ interest, interpersonal skills, intimate knowledge of college operations, business background makes Joe a candidate that stands out from others. I whole heartedly recommend Joe Lonsdale for Ohlone College Board and hope you can see that he will work tirelessly for us.
Terry Liu
The
following letter is from Jay Swaminathan, the father of wo children that play
on the MSJE Chess Team. Last year
Shreyas Jay helped MSJE win the Kindergarten State Championship and played on
our K-1 team at the nationals. Shree
played on our State Championship K-3 team and our National Championship K-3
team.
Hello Joe
I heard that you are running for the board of the Ohlone College and I wanted to take a moment to wish you all the best and success.
As a parent of two kids of MSJE chess team, I have seen in close quarter how much passion you have towards education and the future of our next generation. Your strong belief in chess and the it's ability to provide analytical skills for the kids in the future illustrates your innovative approach to develop the students. As they say - known is handful, whereas unknown is the size of the world - hence rote memorization and learning specific subjects will not suffice in the ever growing complex world - but as you strongly believe, it is their analytical knowledge and ability to deal with multiple variables that will make the difference.
If one has to look at an example of how your upbringing will be, they do not have to look far but to your children. They are proud testament to what we can expect from the kids you guide and I am happy that my kids are getting the same treatment. If you get involved in the board of Ohlone, the whole community will benefit from the same treatment.
At your age and with your wealth, you could have just rested and played golf the whole day; but you chose to still work - work for the students and the future of our next generation.
I neither understand the real state of the Ohlone college nor the merits in their decision to build housing complex, but I have confidence that with you in the helm, the college will move in the right direction.
I wish you all the best and I am really glad that you still have the passion and strength to volunteer.
Thanks, Jay Swaminathan
Hello Joe
I heard that you are running for the board of the Ohlone College and I wanted to take a moment to wish you all the best and success.
As a parent of two kids of MSJE chess team, I have seen in close quarter how much passion you have towards education and the future of our next generation. Your strong belief in chess and the it's ability to provide analytical skills for the kids in the future illustrates your innovative approach to develop the students. As they say - known is handful, whereas unknown is the size of the world - hence rote memorization and learning specific subjects will not suffice in the ever growing complex world - but as you strongly believe, it is their analytical knowledge and ability to deal with multiple variables that will make the difference.
If one has to look at an example of how your upbringing will be, they do not have to look far but to your children. They are proud testament to what we can expect from the kids you guide and I am happy that my kids are getting the same treatment. If you get involved in the board of Ohlone, the whole community will benefit from the same treatment.
At your age and with your wealth, you could have just rested and played golf the whole day; but you chose to still work - work for the students and the future of our next generation.
I neither understand the real state of the Ohlone college nor the merits in their decision to build housing complex, but I have confidence that with you in the helm, the college will move in the right direction.
I wish you all the best and I am really glad that you still have the passion and strength to volunteer.
Thanks, Jay Swaminathan
This email is from Edward
Zhang. Edward is the parent of Edison
and Jonathan Zhang. Edison and Jonathan
are MSJE Chess stars. They have
contributed to State and National Championships.
From Edward Zhang, father of Edison and Jonathan Zhang
Joe is such a nice person and he sacrifices a lot of his own time for the kids of Mission San Jose Elementary School. With his outstanding efforts and leadership, the ranking of the chess team is among the best in state for many years. All the students in the chess team have learned a lot from Joe and improved their logic thinking. This will benefit them for the academic and career life later.
I want to thank Joe for his outstanding contributions to the community.
Regards,
Edward
From Edward Zhang, father of Edison and Jonathan Zhang
Joe is such a nice person and he sacrifices a lot of his own time for the kids of Mission San Jose Elementary School. With his outstanding efforts and leadership, the ranking of the chess team is among the best in state for many years. All the students in the chess team have learned a lot from Joe and improved their logic thinking. This will benefit them for the academic and career life later.
I want to thank Joe for his outstanding contributions to the community.
Regards,
Edward