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.”