Judy McGuire honored by Heritage Hall

On Tuesday, Nov. 11, the president and board of Heritage Hall honored Judy McGuire, one of the original "Magnificent 7" responsible for the restoration of Heritage Hall in 1995, by dedicating the Heritage Square Bench to her in thanks for her years of service to the residents of Johnson County.In 1995, Judy McGuire was selected by the inaugural chair of the Heritage Hall Oversight Committee to join the group enshrined as the "Magnificent 7." The group consisted of McGuire, Evelyn Cook, architect and project manager Howard Elvidge, local attorneys Robert Hotchkiss, and former district attorney and mayor Lewis May, Joan Trathen who had recently renovated the Butler Mansion, and grant-writer Romayne St. John. This group had the vision, charted the course, and brought to fruition the magnificent Heritage Hall, which has become the premier entertainment venue in the community.The journey to completion was far from smooth, and fraught with many obstacles. When the fire marshall demanded a sprinkler system for the entire building at an estimated additional cost of $75,000, the group was firm in their resolve, finding and following the money to ensure their vision was realized.Judy McGuire is the last remaining member of the "Magnificent 7" still on the board of Heritage Hall, where she remains dedicated to the hall's vision and purpose. Currently serving as the Chair of the Programming Committee, she makes sure the schedule is packed with top quality entertainment, and goes above and beyond to provide hospitality to visiting artists.In light of her contributions and dedication, the board of Heritage Hall has dedicated the Heritage Square Bench that sits outside the door on the north side of The Hall in honor of her service. Her work reached far beyond Heritage Hall into many other areas of this place we call home, so it is fitting that as members of the community pass by or sit on this bench, they will be reminded of Judy McGuire's generosity and dedication.