The Friends of the Pool and Park Foundation announced in early November not only that donations continue to flow in but that they hope to name the Chinook City Pool the "Jesse Dannels Memorial Pool" once it is completed. That name proposal will be taken to the City Council for approval.

Explaining the planned designation, President of the Friends of the Pool and Park Foundation (FPPF) Heather DePriest said, "I haven't taken this idea to the City Council for approval yet, but we felt that the commemorative gesture was a great fit and voted on it at a Friends' meeting several months back. Even though many individuals have made an impact at the pool over the years, Jesse James Dannels was instrumental on a regular basis from the time he was little. He not only played an integral part in the lives of so many kids at the pool with swimming lessons and lifeguarding, but he also competed on the Chinook Lions' Swim Team. Jesse left a legacy and his mark on those who knew him well."

In late September, Jesse's parents, Robert (RD) and Ruth Dannels made a sizable donation of $5000 to the FPPF. That was followed by a gift earlier this month from their son Ryan Reid, who donated $500.

"We want to give a huge thank you to RD and Ruth for making a generous donation to the Friends of the Pool and Park Foundation. Their $5000 donation will help us achieve our goal of upgrading the pool and park, and we are extremely grateful for their generosity. If you see RD and Ruth, be sure to say a huge thank you for their amazing support," DePriest stated.

"We also extend a HUGE thank you to Ryan and Cristina Reid and family for their donation. It's amazing people like these that are making this dream happen. Thank you, Ryan and Christina, for your wonderful generosity."

Other donations have come in from businesses like Harlem Albertsons and NewFields. In late September, Albertsons grocery donated various floatation devices to the FPPF. These will be used by patrons at the pool, although some may also be used in fundraising efforts, according to DePriest.

Representing the NewFields consulting firm, Christin Hileman presents Heather DePriest, FPPF President, and Heather Huravitch, FPPF Member-at-Large, with a donation for the Chinook Pool and Park renovation projects.

Another donor, NewFields is an environmental, engineering, and construction management consulting firm that performs such services as environmental cleanup and renewable energy solutions. It has offices in eleven states, as well as four international locations. The firm became a donor after Christin Hileman, who lives in Havre and works for NewFields, submitted an application for funds to her company on behalf of the FPPF. Hileman frequents the Chinook Pool throughout the summer and wanted to assist with renovation efforts.