December 2007

Responsible giving

A young lady once called and asked me to send money to help children with cancer.

My immediate reaction was, of course I would help.

Before we finalized the transaction, I remembered some advice I had read somewhere: "What percentage of my money will actually go to the children?" (Note: they are required to answer this question.)

I was shocked to hear her reply, without hesitation or explanation: "15 percent."

Think about that.

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Building a safer Federal Way

Now Federal Way citizens interested in reducing crime in the community can take a more active role, thanks to the newly implemented Safe City Federal Way program.

The program kicked off this month with the goal of increased information sharing between the Federal Way Police and the community, an enhanced collaboration that the local government and police hope will lower crime rates and increase economic growth.

The two-year project between the Federal Way Police Department, the City of Federal Way, the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, and Target Corporation ushers in a ne

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Love the Holidays

She informed me this way, "Are you ready?"

I'm used to this line of inquiry and expected the usual dog walk.

"Be sure to grab the checkbook," she added.

This was the clue that there would be the dreaded "shopping" foray, deep into the heart of Federal Way's shopping menagerie that I normally try to duck.

She was ready for me this time and employed the one caveat that I couldn't refuse.

"We can start at the bookstore..if you want."

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Kathleen Clair Wamsley

Passed away Dec. 10, 2007 at age 69. A Burien resident since 1967, born July 12, 1938, in Lewiston, Idaho. Graduated Asotin High School in 1956 and Eastern Washington State College in 1960. Taught elementary school at Edmonds, American Military Schools in Japan and Germany, and then many happy years in Burien until retirement in 1992.

She was preceded in death by father, Clair Wamsley, and mother, Wilma Ausman Wamsley. Survived by sisters Susan Wamsley and Rachel Mattice and brother Ron Wamsley and many nieces and nephews.

Owen David Simmerer

Owen David Simmerer was born in Seattle on November 1, 1948, to Fred and Phyllis Simmerer. He was raised in Renton as the third of nine children. Education was important to Owen, who received his AA from Peninsula College in 1988 and his Bachelors in Elementary Education from Western Washington University in 1992. In 2005 he received his Masters in Education from Central Washington University; he graduated with a 4.0 GPA.

Owen was a dynamic and interesting man with an incredible sense of humor.

Helen Leffler

Helen left us to be with the Lord on November 29, 2007. Her passing was peaceful and she had been watched over by her family, friends and the caring staff at Wesley Homes. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, and son Mike. Helen is survived by her sister Thelma, son Bob, grandchildren Scott, Joe, Stephanie, Mike and Grant and five great-grandchildren.

Helen's family moved from Colorado to Washington where they eventually decided on the city of Des Moines to be their permanent home. Here she resided for over 50 years.

Michael Paul O'Brian

Michael was born to Jack and Paulette O'Brian on June 16, 1926, in the tranquil town of Roundup in his beloved state of Montana. Mike quietly and peacefully left this world in the arms of his loving family on December 6, 2007, at the age of 81.

Mike was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather respected for his generosity, caring and genuine friendship he extended to all.

Lois Mae Baulig

Lois Mae Baulig was born on February 14, 1930, in Aberdeen, and passed away on December 10, 2007, in Des Moines.

She is survived by her husband, Gerald "Jerry" Baulig, son Tom Baulig, daughter Jane Kenniston and mother Emma Hubert.

She will be laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent. Please send memorial donations to the Washington Humane Society and the National Osteoporosis Foundation

Drive-through Christmas offered by Des Moines church

Normandy Christian Church between Des Moines and Normandy Park is again offering a unique holiday treat.

From Dec. 14 to Dec. 16, the church is presenting its annual Drive-through Christmas Story from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

For about 10 minutes, you and your family can be transported to Bethlehem while driving through the church parking lot.

Participants will see scenes of angels, shepherds, a donkey, sheep and goats. Scenes include the Nativity with church volunteers portraying Mary, Joseph and the Wise Men.

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Artwalk busy and bustling

Nearly every venue for Thursday night's artwalk was overflowing with people. With 12 artists and 8 businesses participating there was a lot to see. Exhibits ranged from the 3D photographs from Dean Walch on display at Hotwire Coffee to the work of several artists Mattie Iverson, Jiji Saunders, Leslie Stoner and Marc Lawrence on display at Arts West. To learn more about the art walk email wsartwalk@gmail.com or visit www.westseattleartwalk.blogspot.com.

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