April 2006

Books in between - Journeys of sacrifice, obligation

Fiction brings history alive - in 1918 England, in an American family with a son in Vietnam, in frontier North Dakota, and in a house of ill repute on Holladay street in Denver.

Kipling's Choice by Geert Spillbeen,

Rudyard Kipling was unable to serve in the British Navy because of his poor eyesight; although his only son John had the same difficulty and was judged unfit for both the British Army and Navy, his influential father wrangled John an opportunity as an officer in the Irish Guards at age 17 so he would not miss the conflict that was being called the "Great Picnic

Category

And 72 hours later, a film is born

Would-be filmmakers in Federal Way might want to start flexing their creative muscles. The 72-Hour Film Competition is coming up in May, and it promises to test endurance and time-management skills, as well as narrative talent and shooting prowess.

Created by the artistic and managing directors of the Grand Cinema in downtown Tacoma, one of nation's few non-profit independent cinemas, the first 72-Hour was held last November.

Category

Focus on the pitch
story01.jpg

During a spring rain shower last Thursday, March 30, Decatur Gator pitcher Lauren Westburg shoots an intense stare towards home plate as she rocks back for her wind-up. Despite her effort, the hurler gave up 11 runs to the red-hot Lady Raiders of Thomas Jefferson. The Gators dropped the home contest, 11-1.

Category

Police Beat
cops.jpg

Tool thieves caught in the act

1. Federal Way officers followed up on a call of suspicious circumstances on the 33300 block of 43rd Avenue Southwest. The caller told police that they spotted a truck and trailer in the area of 4300 Southwest 333rd Place. Officers located the truck and trailer, a 2004 GMC truck with Alaska plates and a 2006 trailer from Alaska, as well as another vehicle-a white 1988 Suburban-at the scene. The officers spotted the theft suspects loading stolen tools from the stolen GMC truck into the Suburban.

Category

H. Tito Blanco
obit01.jpg

December 12, 1923-

March 28, 2006. 

H. Tito Blanco, a wonderful and cherished husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.

Tito is survived by his loving wife, Gloria, of 58 years; his four daughters, Suzanne (Eddie) Constant, Bellingham, Roxanne (Charles) Blanco-Mitchell, Seattle, Marcia (Kelly) Loreth, Renton, and Lisanne Blanco, Seattle; seven grandchildren, Yancey, Denise, Andrea, Melissa, K.J., Wills and Shayne; six great-grandchildren, one sister and two brothers.

Mary Elizabeth Gravel
obit02.jpg

April 28, 1928-March 29, 2006

Mary left this earth peacefully at age 77. Mary was a wonderful Mom to seven children, Pat, Mark, Casey, Tom, Billy, Jeff and Jeanette. Mary is survived by five children, one son-in-law, three daughters-in-law, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Those fortunate enough to have been touched by the life of Mary will remember her as a woman with a servant’s heart. A beautiful woman, with a kind and compassionate heart.

Lenore C. Jenkins

Lenore C. Jenkins was born August 28, 1912, in Des Moines, and passed away March 26, 2006, in Des Moines. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Jenkins, in 1992.

Lenore is survived by her very close friends Margo and Theo Trochalakis of Des Moines. She was very active in the Archdiocese of Seattle and will be greatly missed.

A rosary was said Friday, March 31, 2006 and a funeral Mass was celebrated Saturday, April 1, 2006, both at St. Philomena Catholic Church, Des Moines.

Nettie VAN Sickel

Nettie Van Sickel died March 18 just short of her 96th birthday in June. She was a long-time resident of Des Moines.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd, and sons Gerald and Jean. She is survived by daughter JoAnn Gundram (Leo); 10 grandchildren, Ted, Pete, Marty, Julie (Eric) Lindstrom, Janet McKenzie (Jeff), John, James, Jenal, Wayne, and Angie Van Sickel; and seven-great grandchildren.

There will be no services at her request.

Richard Swickard Sr.
obit05.jpg

Richard Swickard Sr. passed in his home in the loving arms of his family March 20, 2006. He was a retired journeyman mailer and member of the Typographical Union.

A native of Indianapolis, Ind., he moved to Burien in 1992 and bought Kid Kare Day Kare, which will continue on. Richard was born April 1, 1934.

He is survived by his loving wife, Andrea; brothers Bud and Carl Jr.; daughters Vicki, Diane, Jackie, Judy and Tina; sons Larry, Richard Jr.

Ruth Ann Elmer
obit01.jpg

April 3, 1943 to March 5, 2006

Ann was born raised in West Seattle and she called lower Queen Anne her home. She was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and when she became ill the members rallied around her. Her favorite hang out was Larry's Market Caf/ and she knew everyone by name. Also the staff at Bartell pharmacy treated her with kindness.

She started her working career as a nurse, then worked at the Federal Building for HUD and the U.S. Office of Hearings and Appeals for over 20 years.