Sacred Heart dedicates library in Rieken’s memory

     Sacred Heart Catholic School in Monticello honored a young student who tragically passed away on March 8, 2017 from a bicycle accident.

     On Sept. 28, the entire school (grades preschool through sixth, teachers, parents and community members) attended the dedication of a Free Little Library in Cassandra (Cassie) Rieken’s memory. Rieken was 8 years old when she died, and would have been in third grade this school year.

     “This is a somber but happy moment,” shared Scared Heart Principal Will Spencer fighting back tears. “We were blessed to have Cassie as part of our family. She was a student, a friend, and a daughter. Today we’re going to dedicate something in her legacy because Cassie loved to read.”

     All of the Sacred Heart teachers donated books for the library.

     The idea of building a Free Little Library in Rieken’s memory stems from her friend and classmate, Layni Tallman. She and her mom, Terri (Takes) Tallman were walking one day through the fairgrounds and came upon the Little Free Library next to the Youth Development Center.

     “I thought it would be a nice idea to build one for Cassie,” said Layni.

     So, she talked to Mr. Spencer about it, who then brought the idea to former Sacred Heart Principal’s attention, Jim Zimmerman.

     Zimmerman donated his time to build the library. The materials were donated by Spahn & Rose Lumber Company in Monticello. 151 Landscape & Construction also donated their time and materials for the cement pad in front of the library with the letter “C” for Cassie placed in the center.

     Zimmerman added touches of pink to the outside of the library, Rieken’s favorite color, said Layni.

     After going to see the Free Little Library for the first time before the dedication, Layni said she liked it and thought Rieken would have enjoyed it, too.

     “I hope her family likes it,” she said.

     Layni said she had a lot of children’s books she planned to donate for the library so other kids have a chance to enjoy them just like she did.

     “I like to read and Cassie liked to read,” she said. “Doing this makes me happy.”

     Rieken’s mother and grandmother, Christine Rieken and Pay Rieken, were both present for the dedication of the Little Free Library.

     Mrs. Leanna Manternach, the third-grade teacher, shared some of Rieken’s favorite books that she liked to read: “The Pink Princess,” “The Day the Crayons Quit,” and “You’re Here for a Reason.”

     “Some great books that our third-grade class read together in memory of Cassie include: “God Gave Us Heaven,” “Chester Raccoon,” and “Acorn Full of Memories,” said Manternach.

     Mrs. Laura Zumbach, Rieken’s second-grade teacher, shared some of her memories of Rieken: “Cassie was a sweet girls inside and out. Her smile was always to being a smile on your face. She cared about everyone around her and wanted everyone to be happy.”

     Zumbach also shared a story about a bad day she was having when Rieken came up to her and said she would pray for her to have a good day. “I know that she is still praying on us each and every day,” said Zumbach.

     All of Rieken’s classmates then read a memory about Rieken and talked about her bubbly personality, how nice she was to others, and the jokes she would tell. Layni read: I remember Cassie’s smile. It was beautiful. She could make you laugh. She was always happy. At her birthday party, we painted dots all over a giant piece of paper. When we played the cat game, Cassie would make funny cat noises.”

     Alan Arriaga shared: “Cassie and I played catch with the kickball. I enjoyed sitting by Cassie during lunch. She always had lots to say. We had fun. I liked Cassie. She was my best friend.”

     “As we use our lending library,” said Manternach, “let’s remember the beautiful little girl, Cassie Rieken, that inspired us each day she spent on earth.”

     The emotional dedication concluded with a prayer by Sacred Heart priest, Father Paul Baldwin. “He calls us together as His church to carry on the work of salvation. We ask you now to bless all who will use this lending library. May all who come here feel the presence of Christ, experience the joy of His friendship, and grow in His love just as Cassie did.”