Jim didn't want a traditional retirement party. "Too many greenhouse gas emissions, not to mention unwanted calories," he said. So instead we are having a Virtual Retirement Party - carbon neutral and heart healthy!

To celebrate, Jim wants all his colleagues and associates to post a good wish, photo or a memory to this blog. You can even ask Jim a question. Jim will reply to every post! (Jim will be the only person able to comment on messages after they are posted).

And while you're at it, Jim hopes you will consider a donation in his honor to his favorite charity, our own Talking Book and Braille Services.

Please submit your message before Jim retires on December 30, 2011. Include your name at the end of your message.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Thank you

Jim,

Thank you for all the extra work, above and beyond the job description, that you have done for Oregon libraries.

Your tireless efforts, often behind the scenes, to have libraries of all kinds work cooperatively to provide services to all citizens have been exemplary. You have helped to build a spirit of a library system from the many fragments throughout the State. More libraries are working cooperatively than ever before because of your leadership.

It has been especially pleasing to us that you have devoted energy, resources and wisdom to building that spirit of collaboration among school libraries and between school libraries and the greater library community. OSLIS is an example that pays tribute to that leadership.

You have also been vision-builder-in-chief for libraries. We recall your pleading for us to build Wi-Fi capacities into our facilities even before we knew that Wi-Fi had nothing to do with Hi-Fi. Because of your prodding many libraries became the new information centers of their communities.

Your gentle and effective leadership has been very correct in a time when frustration with our taxpayers and elected leaders could have easily been the mode.

You have our very best wishes for a relaxing, meaningful and satisfying retirement.

Jim and Nicki Maxwell

1 comment:

  1. Jim ScheppkeDecember 20, 2011 at 6:00 AM

    So great to hear from you Jim and Nicki! Thanks for coming to my party. My best to you both. I hope our paths cross in the future.

    ReplyDelete

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