Cheers for volunteers

Kathy Borchers and her husband Karl came to Whitefish 12 years ago from Great Falls. Besides being busy with a family of five children and nine grandchildren, church, traveling and other activities, Kathy finds time to volunteer at the Whitefish Public Library, where they 'really rely on her" for the highly popular weekly pre-school reading program.

Library volunteers are especially important because the Whitefish branch is allotted only one full-time and four part-time employees, and it depends for its existence on volunteers like Kathy. Her co-workers describe her in glowing terms as "dependable," "easy to work with," "accommodating," "cheerful," 'resourceful" and an avid Grizzly fan.

Kathy volunteers because she likes kids and gets a great deal of personal satisfaction from seeing them develop an interest in books and reading. She has many heart-warming memories, such as when a pre-schooler gave her a homemade thank-you note. One occasion looked forward to by kids and parents alike is St. Patrick's Day when Kathy dresses the part, reads children's classics and serves Irish soda bread and honey.

Kathy, you have contributed materially to the lives of many children, and our community is grateful.

— 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.