Cheers for volunteers

Patricia Jarvi, a retired Whitefish school system librarian, daughter of Lucille and Charles Linn, was born and raised in Whitefish. She has three children, five grandchildren and one great grandchild, and she admits to an addiction to "kids and books."

She thoroughly enjoyed her time as school librarian and speaks of the good feeling derived from "watching students discover the magic of books." Former students describe her as "the best librarian I ever had" and state that 'she was always there to help and give guidance on special projects."

Pat, as she is known to her multitude of friends, carries this same enthusiasm into retirement where her activities continue to be directed mainly to "kids and books." For the past nine years, she has served on the Whitefish school board, where she is described as "being very involved and knowledgeable with a finger on the pulse of the community."

She volunteers at the Muldown Elementary School, where in addition to helping teachers with whatever needs to be done, she tutors students who are falling behind or need help with special projects. Her assistance to the students is described as invaluable.

She has served on government planning boards and review committees and is active in the Whitefish Library Association. Pat volunteers because "I like to feel that I'm helping keep Whitefish as the warm community it was when I grew up," and "being around that youthful energy makes me feel young — I learn as much as they do."

Pat, you have instilled a love of books and a desire to learn in countless numbers of our young people. Not only have you enriched their lives, you have enriched your community, and we thank you.

— Jake Heckathorn

This column is dedicated to those who give freely of their time and energy to worthwhile community projects, but whose efforts often go unnoticed. If you know such a person, please e-mail jheckathorn@centurytel.net.