Taking initiative

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 16 October 2012 14:02

It’s no secret the Hillsboro Public Library is undersized for the level of use it generates from week to week. With the city facing numerous funding priorities in a tight economy, library expansion probably isn’t a feasible public works project anytime soon. Unless, of course, the public rises to the occasion and steps in with private initiative.

That seems to be the intention of Russell and Jeanne Groves, whose idea of selling quality art by opening a local gallery to raise money for the library building fund (featured on Page 1 of this issue) is both ambitious and creative. The couple lived for much of their lives in the McPherson area. Russell continues to manage a real-estate business there and Jeanne works as a special delivery manager for a well-known computer company.

The Groves moved to Hillsboro about seven years ago and say they have fallen in love with the town. They see the art gallery as one way they can contribute to the betterment of their mew hometown. The Groves’ initiative is inspiring. Now it’s up to the rest of us to step up and make a good thing of it. —DR