“LIBRARY” —- Now Let Us Apply The Name It Deserves
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)Â
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
The new location for the Edgewood Library is said to be ready to open for the enjoyment of Edgewood area citizens. All of the volunteers, board members, town councilors and Mayor Stearley deserve our thanks. The facility is designated “LIBRARY”. But, there is a conspicuous absence that should be addressed as soon as possible.
A little consideration of what got us to where we are today, without thinking of the recent activity that prepared the building at it’s present location, will cause us to understand that the building and the library lacks an apt naming.
Mark Jensen, who along with Richard Rumph caused the library to be created over 17 years ago, for most of the library’s existence provided space for the housing of the library. In doing so, Mark gave up a substantial amount of income that could have accrued to him through the commercial rental of the library building. Mark also contributed cash money and labor through the 17 plus years that the library existed in the property owned by Mark.
From time to time during the library’s existence I had the opportunity to speak with Mark on issues concerning the library. In addition to general conversation about the library, our conversations, more often than not, turned to Mark’s desire to have the library named for his mother, Alta Mae Jensen, once the town was ready to accept the library as a town library. I always thought Mark’s desire was fitting and that it was little to ask for after all that had been given by Mark.
As is generally known, Mark passed on after a courageous and painful battle with cancer. Mark wanted to fight the valiant fight and he did. Never giving up, he was willing to experience whatever pain came his way, as long as there was even faint hope that he could be victorious over the awful disease that eventually took him from his friends and family.
Now, I believe consideration should be given to naming the library for his mother and Mark. Surely, no one person or any group can find justification in their mind or heart to deny this tribute. There being no decent reason to ignore this possibility, I would hope that others will see fit to support such an effort and that the governing body of the Town of Edgewood will act without delay to name the present library after Mr. Mark Jensen and Ms. Alta Mae Jensen. Once the new library is built on section 16, the name should be carried to the new facility.
4 Responses ““LIBRARY” —- Now Let Us Apply The Name It Deserves”
What a fitting tribute! Do it now!!!!!
I think that would be a wonderful and fitting way to thank the man who gave Edgewood its library and supported it for so many years.
Alta Mae was My mom’s baby sister. Mark was my cousin. Both deserve and should be honored. Please, though, don’t tag my beloved Altamamma with the moniker Ms. She was devoted to her husband Maurice.
If you knew Maurydad, you know the nut that was Mark did not fall far from the tree. I do believe Alta Mae would want to be remembered as Mrs. Alta Mae Jensen. Missing Mark, Altamama and Maureydad.
Tom
Of course, I meant no disrespect toward Mrs. Alta Mae Jensen, nor to yourself, Mr. Sievert.
I hope you’ll accept my thoughts above and know that I wrote from the heart with no “short-change” intended.