Reno Gazette-Journal from Reno, Nevada • Page 21

RENO GAZETTE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2004 moms want sporty vehicles, expert says From 1C "We have a lot of soccer moms carrying kids around," Hughes said. "They don't want to be known as minivan moms. They want to be in something sporty." While Nevada's car dealers are selling a lot of SUVs, the people moving to the fastest growing state in the nation might not be bringing SUVs with them. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas tracks the state of origin of new Clark County residents by counting their drivers' licenses from their old states. In 2003, for instance, 37 percent of the drivers' licenses were from California, according to DMV figures.

California ranks 28th in SUV popularity, according to the census report. Cost of gas in California Californians seem to buy fewher SUVs because it has some ofthe "nation's highest gas prices, said Michael Geeser, a spokesman for the American Automobile Association of Nevada. He wondered whether Nevada's high gas prices dampened enthusiasm for them. "The people who drive SUVs seem to love them," Geeser said. "The people who drive next to them seem to hate them.

I guess (SUV ownership) depends on a lot of things, like how far you're driving and what the gas mileage is." Steve Dion of Carson City got license plates Friday for his new Volkswagen Passat station wagon. Dion said he considered buying an 1 SUV. "I didn't think much about them because of the fuel economy," Dion said. "Also, they're not very stable." With the fold-down seat, the station wagon holds as much as Lisa J. Gazette-Journal ON THE ROAD: A sport utility vehicle Monday travels west on Clearview Drive in Carson City.

Nevada has dropped from the fifth most SUVoriented state to 13th, according to the U.S. Census Bureau Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey. an SUV, Dion said. "It seems to me like everybody Still, Nevada seems to be SUV owns one, except for me," Dion country, he said. said.

jobs pay $130,000 .000 From 1C "The others who applied are defense attorneys or they're in the civil bar," he said. David Hamilton, a 61-yearold lawyer in private practice, alSO applied for the Nevada Supreme Court vacancy caused by the death of Justice Myron Leavitt in January. Chief Clark County District Judge Michael Douglas was appointed to that position and won the seat in the November election. Michael Langton, 58, challenged Washoe District Judge Connie Steinheimer in the 2002 election, but she won with 56 percent of the vote to his 44 percent. Two applicants for Hardesty's seat work in the state attorney general's office.

Senior Deputy Attorney General Robert Auer, 51, deals with the Commission on Professional Standards in Education and the Public Employees Retirement Division, among other And Deputy Attorney General David Neidert, 43, works the special prosecutions division and is the state's top death penalty attorney, spokesman Tom Sargent said. Most of the 17 applicants work in private legal practices and range in age from 38 to 65. Of the 10 family court applicants, seven are in private practice. McGee announced plans to retire from the Department 2 post after spending months working "clean and sober" following a drunken driving conviction. Sferrazza, a Washoe County commissioner and tribal court judge, campaigned hard for a seat on the family court, but lost in November to Chuck Weller.

Myra Sheehan, 50, another applicant for McGee's seat, also Applicants to replace Judge James Hardesty in Department 9 (four years): Robert Auer, senior deputy attorney general. Wesley Ayres, commissioner, Washoe District Court. Barry Breslow, Robinson, Belaustegui, Sharp Low. Cotter Conway, Washoe County deputy public defender. I Margaret Springgate private practice.

Norman Flanagan, Hale, Lane, Peek, Dennison and Howard. David Hamilton, private practice. Michael Langton, private practice. I David Neidert, deputy attorney general. Robert Perry, private practice.

Dina Salvucci, Douglas County district attorney's office. I Elliot Sattler, Washoe County deputy district Attorney. Peter private practice, Washoe County commissioner and tribal court judge. ran for the family court seat but lost to Sferrazza and Weller in the September primary. Sheehan said it made sense to apply for the job.

"I have an interest in it, so having just gone through the process of campaigning, it seemed it would be silly for me to not put my name in," she said. it was a huge application process," she said. "It was a 20- page application. It's very extensive. They ask you things way back to high school.

They even fingerprint Also in the running is Carol Cooke, 54, a court master with APPLICANTS I John Springgate, private practice. I Lance Van private practice. Dennis private practice. Applicants to replace Judge Charles McGee in Department 2 (four years): Robert Bell, private practice. a Cassandra Campbell, private practice.

Carol Cooke, court master, Washoe District Family Court. Margaret Springgate private practice. David Hardy, Hardy and Woodman. Peter private practice, Washoe County commissioner and tribal court judge. a Myra Sheehan, Nevada Legal Services.

Todd Torvinen, private practice. I Lance Van private practice. Dennis private practice. for both positions Source: Commission on Judicial Selection the Washoe District family court. Prior to this post, she was partner in the private firm, Cooke Story which specialized in employment and labor law.

Both jobs have an annual salary of $130,000. Whoever is appointed to each judgeship will serve two years. Voters in 2006 will elect judges for the two years remaining in each term. The selection commission is made up of the chief justice of the Supreme Court, three lawyers appointed by the State Bar Association and three members who are not lawyers appointed by the governor. U.S.

50 bridge is next stop for By Tim Anderson RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL A nonprofit, fund-raising organization supporting efforts to rebuild the historic Railroad between Carson City and Virginia City is pushing for recently approved federal funds to be used to install a bridge over U.S. 50 at Mound House. "The bridge will be over a busy highway and will have a major visual impact. If people see something tangible is happening with the railroad project, it increases the chances of raising money," said Janice Ayres, president of the Carson City-based Northern Nevada Railway Foundation. In a recent meeting, the 15- member foundation board endorsed using $800,000 secured by U.S.

Sen. Harry Reid, to put the bridge in place across the highway east of Carson City. The funds were approved for the Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the Railroad. Ayres, the governor's appointee on the state commission, said Monday she's been in contact with Reid's staff and has received information indicating the money can be used for any part of the project. However, the panel must pre- BIRTHS BROWN-ZAKHOLY: To Cyrena L.

Jocelyn N. of Sparks, a son, Dec. Brown and Nazar S. Zakholy of 3, 2004. Washoe Medical EBEN: Yerington, To a Andrea son, Dec.

4, 2004. MCIVER: To Dec. Amanda 2004. M. of Carson M.

of Reno, a City, a son, 3, Center daughter, Dec. 4, 2004. MEREDITH: To Alan R. and FITZPATRICK-SCHLAG: To Jennifer J. of Reno, a son, Dec.

5, ANGULO: To Benjamin Angulo Amanda L. Fitzpatrick and Justin 2004. Angulo and Indira Ortiz-Angulo of D. Schlag of Lovelock, a son, Dec. SMITH: To Maya J.

of Reno, a son, Carson City, a son, Dec. 4, 2004. 5, 2004. Dec. 3, 2004.

BALLEZA: To George E. and Lyna JACKSON: To Lyndon and Kerri A. YOUNG: To James E. and Tomeko M. of Reno, a daughter, Dec.

3, of Wadsworth, a son, Dec. 3, 2004. A. of Reno, a daughter, Dec. 4, 2004.

LORENZEN: To Daniel L. and 2004. Obituaries Edo BIANCHINI Edo Bianchini, age 90, of Lovelock, died Friday, Dec. 3, 2004. He was NV born October 9, 1914 in Sparks, and had lived in Nevada his entire life.

He served in the US Army in Italy during World War II. He had worked for southern pacific Railroad for 41 years and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He is survived by his wife, Joy Bianchini, and son Gary Bianchini, both of Lovelock; sister Louise Bullentini of Yerington, NV; 3 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren; 3 nieces and 1 nephew. Rosary will be held at 7 pm, Wednesday, December 8, 2004 at the Lovelock Funeral Home Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am Thursday John the Baptist Catholic Church.

A committal service will be at 2 pm, Thursday, at Northern Nevada Veterans Cemetery in Fernley. Pamela HOFF Pamela Hoff, of Reno, died Thursday December 2, 2004 at St. Mary's Hospital after many years of pain and suffering from many illnesses. She is survived by her husband James; daughter Colleen and granddaughter Harmony of Moss Landing, CA; and sister Suzanne of Santa Rosa, California. She was preceded in death by her son Jason of Reno; and her father and mMother, Vernon and Alma Edwards of Martinez, California.

Pam was born in Berkeley, California and grew up in Martinez, California. She moved to Reno with her husband Jim and son Jason in 1977. She worked many years as a clinical aid for the Washoe County School District at Dillworth and Mendive middle schools. Pam was know by her many friends and family as the one they could count on for any sort of help or when they needed a shoulder to lean on. No matter how bad Pam felt she was always there to help others.

There will be a "Farewell to Pam" at the Hoff residence on Sunday December 12th at noon. Carol Jean BRIDGWATER-LEONARD age her courageous battle with cancer Tuesday, November 30, 2004 at her home, with her husband by her side. Mrs. Leonard was born January 19, 1945 in Sioux City, Iowa. Carol was the daughter of John Haaga and the former Wilma L.

Wilson. Carol graduated from Salina High School, Salina, Kansas in 1963 and went on to receive a B.S. Degree in Nursing from Fort Hays College, Hays, Kansas. As an RN, Carol trained and was a member of the first Open Heart Surgery Team at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Carol's love for flying led her to receive her Private Pilot's License in 1975.

In the early 80's she entered the emergency medical field and became a Critical Care Flight Nurse. Carol moved to Reno, NV from Florida and worked for Medic Air, a fixed wing medical transport service, located at the International Airport, for over 10 years. Survivors include her husband, Stephen S. Leonard; son Kevin J. Page of Reno; husband daughter Kirsta J.

Bosco and Steve of Reno; brother John J. Haaga and wife Rose of Salina, Kansas; sister Phyllis M. Franklin and husband Lewis of Salina, Kansas; and one granddaughter, Allison J. Bosco of Reno. Burial will be at a later date at Roselawn Cemetery, Salina, Kansas.

Local services will be held at The Masonic Memorial Gardens located at 437 Stoker Ave, Reno, on Monday, December 13, 2004 at 12 noon. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donations be made in Carol's name to the American Cancer Society or Saint Mary's Hospice of Reno. Carol Jean Bridgwater-Leonard, How To PUBLISH AN OBITUARY Fax your notice to: (775) 788-6436 Call: (775) 788-6240 Email your notice to: When you submit, please provide us with: Your Name, Address, Phone Number and the name of the funeral home or cremation society. Omission of any of the above may delay publication. CARD OF THANKS The Family of Anna DiChiara Our family wishes to express our sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love and support expressed to us upon Mom's sudden passing.

Your gifts of prayers, caring thoughts and kindness have been a comfort blessing during tatie difficult time. We are so fortunate to have all of you in our lives, and we treasure your friendship just as Mom always had. Thank you again so very, very much. Rosanne Powers and Family. Patrick Michael Dowling, age 38, died on Friday, December 3, 2004 at Washoe Medical Center Reno, NV, due to massive head injuries suffered when he was struck by a motor vehicle on Sunday, November 28, 2004.

He is survived by his loving parents, James Dowling and Barbara Weddleton; daughter, Hannah; and sisters, Erin, Kelly and Susan. Patrick Michael DOWLING Ben ELLIOTT Ben Elliott passed away December 3, 2004 at his home in Reno with his family at his side. was an optimist who saw opportunities where others saw only difficulties. Despite obstacles which hindered his progress, he lived the American dream and left a legacy of achievement. He was born on October 4, 1918 in Sheffield, Alabama to Ben and Myrtle Allen Elliott.

Orphaned at age 8, he was taken in by the King family as a foster child. Hard times during the Great Depression forced the family to move from Kentucky to Kansas City to find work. Ben began his career when he went to sea in his teens. Ben sailed around the world three times on the SS President Harrison, but wisely left the ship before it and its crew were seized by the Japanese in Shanghai, China. During World War II, he graduated from the Merchant Marine Academy in Alameda, CA and served as an officer on troop transports and hospital ships.

After the war, Ben worked winters as a carpenter and summers as an officer on the SS Avalon and SS Catalina ferrying passengers to Catalina Island. In a few years he earned a general contractors license and built custom homes in Southern California. He developed a passion for skiing which lead him to move to Mammoth Lakes, CA in 1959. There he built and operated the Alpine Lodge and the Mammoth Travelodge. He became an avid sportsman in his Sierra Nevada home and even won a few snowmobile races.

was active in many community groups including the Lions Club, E. Clampus Vitus, Mammoth Water Commission and Chamber of Commerce. He was of the visionaries who developed Mammoth Lakes into a thriving year-round destination. Ben was a social person who loved to laugh and tell stories. He offered genuine hospitality to hotel guests and won friends easily.

After spending time with Ben one would always leave with a smile and a better attitude. That kindness and sense of optimism was also shared with his family who adored him. As a young seaman he often dreamed that someday he would own a sailboat and be free to follow the wind of his choosing. He realized his dream and owned a series of sailboats which he kept in Florida. He frequently sailed to Key West, the Dry Tortugas and other Gulf Coast ports with his sons and grandsons.

He taught them sailing skills and a love of adventure while keeping them over long summer vacations. Ben also loved dogs; especially Fuzzy who was his constant companion for the past 12 years. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Helen; sons Larry Elliott of Redding, CA and District Judge Steven Elliott (Mendy) of Reno; and grandsons Paul, Benjamin, Adam, and Derek Elliott and Nick Vander Poel. His brothers Robert and Fred preceded Ben in death. A special thanks is given to St.

Mary's Hospice, which comforted Ben and his family through his last days. Cremation arrangements are being made through the John Sparks Memorial. A private service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nevada Humane Society, Pet Project, 200 Kresge Lane, Sparks, 89431. Sister Jean MACY Sister Jean Macy, after a long illness, died peacefully at the Carmelite Monastery on December 5, 2004.

MEETING The Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the Railway meets at 4 p.m. Monday at the Nevada Legislative Building. pare a report on using the 1 money before it will be released. Earlier this year, commission officials said they anticipated the bridge installation would cost about $500,000. Making the bridge installation a top priority for the funds could be discussed at Monday's commission meeting.

The final acquisition of rights of way to cross the Overman Pit at Gold Hill and the Nevada Department of Transportation's schedule to seek bids for crossing the pit are key items on the agenda. State officials havetoldthecommission they intend to advertise the project Dec. 16, which should allow for construction to begin in the spring on moving 400,000 cubic yards of fill to the site. The state transportation agency has oversight for the Overman project, long viewed as the first phaseofa 17-mile rebuildingplan. Project proponents are convinced the project is destined to become a regional tourist attraction with significant economic benefits.

Officials have estimated it will cost $4.5 million to cross the old mining pit. The plan to rebuild the famed short line through parts of Storey and Lyon counties and Carson City is expected to cost about $30 million. The commission has more than $7 million from federal funds, Carson City room taxes, Storey County sales taxes and fund-raisers. J. The 42-year-old railroad bridge, in storage at the east end of Carson City, was brought from Las Vegas last April.

The bridge was used to cross Interstate 15 in Las Vegas but was removed when at the freeway was widened. State transportation officials agreed to donate the span to the project. The commission paid $60,000 to dismantle and transport the bridge. Three steel bridge sections each weighing more than 50 tons are being stored on property owned by James Parker near the Lyon County border. He offered the use of his land free of charge for the purpose.

The idea of rebuilding the has been actively pursued for 11 years. A reconstructed line would connect to an existing 2.5-mile segment between Gold Hill and Virginia City. Sister Jean arrived in Reno fifty years ago, one of the eight sisters, and the first Prioress of the newly founded Carmelite Monastery on 1950 La Fond Drive. Sister Jean was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 12, 1917, the fourth of sixth children born into the happy, family of George and Mary Macy. After completing her studies at Loretto Academy in Chicago, Jean applied for and received a position as a long distance operator at Bell Telephone Company while she attended night school to become a CPA.

Never missing daily Mass, Jean's devotion to St. Therese, Little Flower, continued to grow and she wrote to the Prioress of the Carmelite Monastery Indianapolis requesting to enter the community, which she did in 1940. Skilled both hand and Necchi machine needlework, Sister worked in the vestment department where with one or two other sisters she produced the elaborate chasubles, dalmatics, stoles and even miters, designed by Sister Anne Clem for local and non-local clergy. Besides this work, over the years sister was sacristan and in charge of various departments in the monastery. of the community contacted nuns with the news that Bishop During her term as prioress at the Indianapolis monastery, a friend Robert Dwyer was seeking a Carmel willing to make a foundation in his diocese of Reno, Nevada.

Sister Jean was particularly taken with the idea of the foundation. She and Sister Anne Clem made several trips to Reno and with the help of friends located a house on Virginia Street, not far from the University. On August 16, 1954, eight sisters, with Sister Jean as prioress and Sister Anne as subprioress, left for Reno. They stayed with the most hospitable and loving Dominican Sisters until their little house was ready for occupancy. Once the community was settled in Sister Jean used her skills to create beautiful vestments and help with the bookkeeping, while other sisters learned the art of printing Christmas and all occasion cards to support the new foundation.

Everyone had a job! For the next fifty years of her life, most of which were lived in our present monastery located high on a hill overlooking, the city of Reno, Sister Jean graciously welcomed visitors who came to our front door, faithfully living out her life of prayer and service to our community and the broader community of Reno as well as the universal Church. In her eighties, Sister Jean developed congestive heart failure that gradually worsened to where, at the beginning of this year's Advent, she could no longer leave her bed. In her last days, Jean her own gentle, peaceful self, never losing her warm welcoming smile and so grateful for any little service offered and that she could be in her loved monastery. Sister Jean's community wishes to thank the devoted and skilled care given to Sister by Saint Mary's Hospice. Sister Jean is survived by her sister, Catherine Martin, of Chicago.

The wake will be at the Carmelite Monastery on Wednesday evening, December 8, 2004 at 7:00 PM. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 9th at 10:30 AM, also at the monastery. Rather than flowers, we welcome your prayers and if possible, your presence. The Walton Funeral Home, Reno, is in charge of funeral arrangements. Kindly visit their website, www.W www.waltonfuneralhome.com, and leave a message of remembrance for Sister Jean in her online.