The Gateway to Heaven opened as scheduled on Saturday, November 22 at St. John Bosco Church in Lakewood. Torrential rain poured down early in the day, threatening the event. However, a window of sunshine opened just before the the crowd arrived to honor former Pastor Lee Hightower, or just for the chance to be the first to step through the Gateway to Heaven newly erected in the parish’s unique Meditation Park.
To Do
‘Gateway to Heaven’ dedication to honor Fr. Hightower
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to step through the Gateway to Heaven? On November 22 you’ll get your chance to do that at the dedication of the new Father Hightower Memorial Gateway in the lovely Meditation Park at St John Bosco Church in Lakewood.
This memorial honors SJB’s greatly loved and charismatic pastor who died in 2013. It was built after at the inspiration of then Parish Vicar Father Paul Kenai who approached Parishioner Jim Senko around whose vision the 1.3 acre meditation park is built.
Heritage Questions: Why do Genealogy Detectives have to go to the trouble of keeping a Story Journal?
I can’t believe it’s the last edition of Heritage Questions. It’s been fun visiting about keeping our family histories alive. The major change I’ve noticed is that we’ve gone from thinking about a workshop to understanding that we are really talking about becoming Genealogy Detectives. One of the things I found most surprising is Dee Haviland Fournier’s insistence on proving the “facts” we find and her emphasis on the importance of a Story Journal, because it’s not just about birth and death dates. It’s about real people. So for the last column today, I want to tell you why I think it’s so important that we share and understand our mutual journey.
Heritage Questions: So Am I A Genealogy Detective yet?
I had a call the other day from someone who said she can’t come to our our special heritage event From Hudson’s Bay to Downton Abbey on August 16. But she wanted to let me know that she was writing a check to the DuPont Historical Museum anyway because she believes our small museums are so important. You don’t even have to do that, just plan to be with us next Saturday, August 16, (with lots of surprises, prizes, and a free lunch) all for the benefit of the Dupont Historical Museum.
Heritage Questions: I don’t mean to be grouchy
“I don’t mean to be grouchy, but I don’t think I have time to do all of this research.“ That’s what I said to Dee Fournier last Friday as we talked about family research. “I mean, who’s kidding who. I barely have time to do the bare necessities. I haven’t washed undies in two weeks.”
“That’s too much information,” said Dee, moving back a couple of steps. “How much time do you have.”
Heritage Questions: Why am I feeling worried about this?
Dorothy: Why can’t I find my ancestor’s name? I feel as if this is starting to get more difficult.
Dee: Oh, no! You’re really enjoying yourself. You just don’t realize it. Think of this as a mystery story and in a very real way, only you and your family have the key.
Dorothy: I think someone changed the locks.
Dee: You just have to be patient, and if one lead doesn’t work, you go to the next one. For instance, names are often spelled several different ways. You’d start with Conway – C-o-n-w-a-y – but common different spellings were Conaway, Conoway.
Heritage QUESTions: The Series continued
Dorothy: My mother didn’t own a bathing suit in the hot August Days of 1928. Actually, at the age of twelve, she didn’t own much. What clothes she had were hand me downs or made by her mother out of printed flour sacks. A lot of people were in the same situation and like them she was pretty stoic, but on this day it was hot as only the Umpqua Valley of Oregon can be. She watched the throng of kids swimming in the river and she had to – she just HAD to – join them.
Lions Crab Feed set for April 26
Do you like to eat crab? Do you like to dance? Then plan on attending the Lakewood First Lions Club’s Crab Feed and Dance at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 at Clover Park Technical College’s Sharon McGavick Center.
Wine, beer and pop and water are available or you can select to purchase a bottle of wine from the organization’s Wall of Wine. Music provided by the well-known Lakewood band, “The Derivatives.”
Westside Story: FRIENDS of Lakewood Library Used Book Sale
Do not miss the spring FRIENDS of Lakewood Library popular book sale at the Lakewood Library, 6300 Wildaire Road SW, Lakewood, Washington, 98499. This is your opportunity to buy used books, records, magazines, maps, CDs, DVDs and VCR tapes at a huge discount. Mark these remaining dates on your calendar: