25 October 2005
Rhen Michael Carter
Though delayed in being announced*, we share official notice of the birth of the newest member of the Johnson Clan. Weighing in at 4.11kg and 546.1cm in length, Rhen was born five weeks ago, on 20 August 2005. The third child of Maura and Michael, he joins siblings, Nathan and Grace, in bringing the roster of Johnson great-grandchildren to five.
We congratulate Maura and Mike on the birth of their son!
* This notice was embargoed for a couple of weeks as we awaited complete information.
20 October 2005
Vincenzo Giuseppe "James/Jim/Jimmy" Mauro
1915-2005
It is with heavy heart that we report of the death of the Mauro Family patriarch.
News reached us late yesterday evening that Jimmy died of congestive heart failure on Monday. He had been in poor health for the past several years, primarily the result of painful knee replacements. However, his general health had been declining for the past several weeks. His step-daughter called to inform North Texas family members on Wednesday that Jimmy had died in hospital.
from the Des Moines Register
published on 22 October 2005
.
JAMES JOSEPH MAURO
DES MOINES
James Joseph Mauro, 90, was born on June 9, 1915 in Des Moines, Iowa. He died October 19, 2005.
His life will be celebrated with a Memorial Mass on Monday, October 24, at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Avenue. Interment will be at Glendale Cemetery. The visitation will be at Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines on Sunday, October 23 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. There will be a Vigil service Sunday at 5:00 PM at the funeral home.
James Mauro was one of four children born to Maria and Pasquale Mauro. He was baptized at St. Anthony's Catholic Church where he was a lifetime member.
Mr. Mauro was known by Jim to all of his friends. He loved to tell the story about how at a young age of 9, he and his older brother, would catch a ride with the milk truck driver to downtown Des Moines each morning. They would purchase the Des Moines Register morning paper for one penny and sell it for two on the street corners.
He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1934 and then served in the United States Marines during World War II. Throughout his life he helped with the family store, Frankie's Food Market on Indianola Road. He also managed Rocky's Steakhouse and Jimmy and Johnny's Copa Restaurant. He was in hotel management before becoming the resident manager of the Park Fleur Apartments in 1969. He held this position for 31 years. His strong work ethic continued into his older years when in 2000 he was nominated as a candidate for Iowa's Outstanding Older Worker.
In his spare time, he and his wife Angelina of 47 years enjoyed ballroom dancing at the Val Air Ballroom, golf at Echo Valley Country Club, traveling, dining with dear friends at favorite local restaurants and watching televised sports. He was a good friend to countless many and affectionately known as "Bow-Wow" to children and adults alike.
He is survived by his wife Angelina; two daughters, Sandra Petersen of West Des Moines and Dolores Graves of Jacksonville, Florida; five grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren; one sister Marianna Johnson of Dallas, Texas; 6 nieces and nephews, 7 great nieces and nephews as well as other relatives and friends. Those family members preceding him in death were his parents and two brothers Thomas and Frank.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony's Catholic Church.
update
revised to include the obituary published Saturday, 22 October 2005, in the Des Moines Register.
12 October 2005
Turtle Scutes v02 #10
The October issue of the community newsletter has been mailed. Check your inbox for your summary of activity in and around the community and domain during the past month.
09 October 2005
Poppa Returns to North Texas
The North Texas contingent of the Adame Clan is looking forward to an unprecedented third visit to the area by the family patriarch in less than a year. Primarily a trip to meet the newest grandchild, Fred will also be taking the opportunity to visit with John and his family as well as Elizabeth and her family.
A tentative itinerary and further information can be found at this May Family site.
05 October 2005
Sixth Annual Andrus Reunion Canceled
The 2005 Isaac and Hortense Andrus Family Reunion has been canceled.
No further information was given. Recent information received from family in the area would suggest the cause to be the effects of Hurricane Rita on infrastructure, services and the availability of lodging.
02 October 2005
Storm Follow-up
Updates have been received regarding the aftermath of the two major storms which passed through the Gulf last month. For the most part, the news has been good, though at times frustrating with respect to the restoration of utilities and communications. First, a couple of statistics for your ammazement.
According to NOAA data, the official landfall for Hurricane Katrina was established as very near Buras-Triumph, Louisiana. Even so, the circumference of the eyewall extened to within 64km of the home of Jen and Christopher. The storm surge just to the east at Waveland, Mississippi, was estimated at 9.75m. A comparable measurement at Pascagoula indicates over half of that swell (5.49m) was conserved 90km to the east. Pascagoula experienced a peak windspeed of 190kph — compared with estimates of 235kph where the eyewall came ashore. Jen and Christopher have been volunteering their time with recovery efforts in and around Ocean Springs and Pascagoula.
As reported earlier, Jen and Chris fared quite well relative to the vast majority of the population in their area. They were without power for six days and, by extension, running water as well being that they are served by a well. In order to provide some comfort, they procured a small generator with which they powered a small window unit and kept their refrigeration systems operating. For a full report, family are invited to visit the community and read Christopher's summary post from 08 September.
Kimberly and Jimbo were more fortunate than early reports suggested, but still incurred some significant damage. Of the many trees which populated their property, only one struck their home when it fell — even though just about all of them were lost. The tree which fell hit the flying balcony in the rear of their home. First inspection revealed that damage may have been minimal. However, following the rains which accompanied Rita a couple of weeks later, it was discovered that point at which the beams supporting the balcony had entered the house served as a fulcrum and deformed the external wall creating several cracks though which moisture was able to seep. Further structural testa will be needed to assess the extent of the damage.
Previous reports indicated that the Broussard and Dobson cousins in Calcasieu and Jefferson Davis Parishes survived Katrina unscathed. Unfortunately, Hurricane Rita was not so charitable. Brandi and Chris suffered significant structural damage to their home in Lake Charles when a large oak tree fell on the house and an out building. The den and master bedroom were heavily damaged. Thankfully, they had sought refuge with Roberta and Malon and were not home at the time. Images are available within the community album.
Jefferson Davis Parish was without power for seven days — having been restored only this past weekend. The majority of the Dobson family had taken refuge in Amite during the storm proper, but had been holed-up at the home of Roberta and Malon since shortly after the weather cleared. Power had been supplied by two generators, but the ten occupants were pretty much restricted to the den in the absence of central HVAC. Malon had been active with area refugee centers following Hurricane Katrina. There has been no news of his contributions following Hurricane Rita, though we suspect he has his hands full dealing with damage issues of his own this time.
No reports have been received concerning the impact of Rita on family in Jasper County. These areas were heavily affected by high winds as the storm moved inland.
continue to the September 2005 archive ⇒
