Library room named after Jake and Connie Heckathorn
As the temperatures became frosty, the
Whitefish Community Library ladled up a warm thank you to its
hard-working, dedicated volunteers at a soup luncheon. Soups,
bread, cookies and other refreshments were served to nearly 30
individuals who have given hours of their time and talents to
assist with the transition of the Whitefish branch to its new
independent status as a community library in July.
Anne Shaw Moran, vice chairperson of
the library board, thanked all the volunteers for their loyalty and
support. She then surprised Connie and Jake Heckathorn, long-time
library supporters, with a plaque dedicating the Whitefish Meeting
Room to them and renaming it the “Jake and Connie Heckathorn Room”
in honor of their decades of vision, leadership, loyaty, support —
and just plain elbow grease — toward the development and success of
the library. The meeting room is reserved for various
library-related clubs and organizations to assemble or hold
discussions throughout the year.
Graciously accepting the honor, Jake
thanked Moran and the rest of the trustees saying, “I have always
said that we haven’t done any more than anyone else has for the
library. We’ve just done it longer.”
Last month, the Whitefish Community
Foundation also co-named Connie as Whitefish Library Association
President, along with the library, as recipients of the “Great Fish
Award.” The Great Fish Award recognizes the value and service that
a local nonprofit, its director and staff provide to the community.
New this year, the award came with a $1,000 grant. The money will
be used to stock the shelves of the library with new titles for its
patrons to enjoy.
Moran also read from a framed list that
will be displayed in the meeting room near the plaque of the many
specific ways the couple has generously donated so much of
themselves over the years for the ongoing success of the library.
While the list of service runs long and deep, the Heckathorns have
helped plan and fundraise for, and implement the construction of
the new library. They have purchased thousands of dollars of books,
materials and assets for the library, and specific library
programs. They have actively helped to initiate the new Friends of
the Whitefish Community Library and have donated hours of their
time to do big and small tasks alike.
“It is clear to all of us involved in
the Whitefish Community Library that the Heckathorns care deeply
about Whitefish and its library,” said Moran. “They have never
sought recognition for all their efforts and constantly demonstrate
a willingness to do whatever it takes to help out.
“Jake and Connie have spent years
honoring and supporting all the other Whitefish Community Library
volunteers, and it gave the library trustees, staff and volunteers
great pleasure to honor them in return through this
dedication.”
Library Director Joey Kositzky
agreed.
“Naming the room for the Heckathorns is
a way to recognize the incredible work they do, not only for our
library, but for the community,” Kositzky said. “They are selfless,
generous, priceless, dear friends.”