Sheila Kuehl Event a Rousing Success
West Hollywood Mayor Abbe Land welcomed everyone to the event and Mayor Pro Tempore John Heilman introduced the LibraryPark video, which was then screened for the enthusiastic audience.
Sheila Kuehl shared personal stories about the importance of libraries in her life. She recalled one summer, as a child growing up on Budlong Avenue, visiting her local library in search of a book. Unable to choose just one from the rows and shelves of children's books on display, she chose the first one on the shelf, then the next, eventually spending the entire summer reading her way through the children's section, book by book.
At the end of Ms. Kuehl's speech, Library Fund Board member Leslie Belzberg announced her leadership pledge and encouraged those in attendance to do the same. Mr. Heilman also made a generous pledge. With these and other gifts, the event resulted in new and increased pledges and new donations totaling over $50,000. The fund board is grateful to the donors and to the host committee that helped fill the room with those who love libraries and West Hollywood.
Top Photo: Carol Poet, WHLF Board member Leslie Belzberg, David and Penny Collins
Bottom Photo: Albert Hughes, Mayor Pro Tempore John Heilman and Nadia Sutton
In Memoriam - Raymond Jon Reynolds 1946-2009
The West Hollywood Library Fund board notes with sadness the passing of Ray Reynolds, Director of Economic Development for the City of West Hollywood.Ray died unexpectedly on November 2, 2009, leaving behind his partner of 28 years, Randy Pack, his brother, sister-in-law and nephew and a host of family members, friends and work associates.
A native of Houghton, Michigan, Ray received degrees from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh and the University of Dayton, Ohio. He began a long career in public service as a Vista Volunteer. In his work for the City of West Hollywood, Ray was a tireless supporter and facilitator of the campaign for LibraryPark and the new library building.
Ray was known for his genuine interest in those around him and for his love of travel and reading. He will be greatly missed by all involved with the library and the City of West Hollywood.
Randy Pack has invited those who wish to honor Ray's memory with a donation to make a gift to LibraryPark.
Construction Update
Library construction continues on schedule some 5 1/2 months into a 27-month timetable. Over the last several weeks, the concrete foundation has been poured. The beginnings of walls and columns for both the 5-story parking structure and the Library building are now visible above the construction fence line. The tops of these first columns represent the new park level of West Hollywood Park; the Library building will include two additional levels. Other construction activities have included backfilling of soil and underground utility work.
To view the library construction, click the link to view the City's webcam: http://www.weho.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/detail/navid/401/cid/6654/
Reminder - Send Your Donation Soon for 2009 Tax Deductions
If you are considering making a gift or paying a portion of an outstanding pledge to the West Hollywood Library Fund, please remember that you must make your gift by December 31, 2009, for it to count as a 2009 charitable donation for income tax reporting.
Join Us
For more information about the campaign and how you can help, please contact, LouAnne Greenwald, Campaign Manager, lgreenwald@weholibraryfund.org
If you would like to receive this newsletter by email, please visit: http://weholibraryfund.org/getinvolved/email and sign up.