Each year, ThurstonTalk’s team of freelance writers share a few thoughts on their favorite article from the past year. It might be an article they wrote themselves or it could be one a fellow writer crafted that especially resonated with them. The list below is a collection of some of the most memorable stories out of the 1,801 positive stories we published this year. Thank you, readers, for your continued support of ThurstonTalk’s mission to share what it’s like to live, work and play in Thurston County.
Alia Brookshire
Grant Clark
There can’t be too many occurrences where three individuals remained close friends more than 40+ years and also coach together at the same school they graduated from. Coach Davis and his staff do such a great job with the football program at Olympia High School. I really enjoyed talking to them and learning about their history. The scenario is certainly rare.
Jennifer Crooks
My favorite article that I wrote this year was about the history of the Tivoli Fountain on the Capitol Campus. I really wanted to share the story of this important landmark. Very surprised when the rededication turned out to be the same week as my deadline, not weeks or months away like I originally thought. Meant to be!
Maddie Elliott
My favorite article this year was a piece that I wrote about Lily’s What to Where, a clothing boutique in downtown Olympia. It was a fun article to write and I loved being able to highlight a local business.
Barb Lally
The story about GHB Insurance’s 90-year history was my favorite in 2017. The company embodies so much of what this community represents – a local business with an altruistic owner and staff members who are some of the most giving people I have ever met. It was fun to dig through an old staff manual, obituaries, service club records and do research at Lacey library to uncover who the original founders were and how the community character of this local company has been maintained over nine decades.
Kristina Lotz
One of my favorite articles was about Alan Shimamoto and his family. It was inspiring to hear how his father and mother never let anything hold them back. No matter how bad things got, they kept moving forward and that perseverance gave their son the chance to be successful. Now, he’s paying that forward. It’s just a lovely, positive story.
Lauri Martin
I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to meet and learn from so many people since beginning to write for Thurstontalk. It’s hard to choose a favorite. Each story held something interesting to share and each person I talked with had a unique perspective. The most inspiring for me, however, was talking with the men who created the nonprofit Rochester Friends and Neighbors (RFAN).
I’ve also enjoyed many other stories by different writers. I’ve learned some history and love to read about all the positive things people are doing around our community. One story that sticks in my mind is this story about Canopy Cat Rescue by Kristina Lotz.
Laurie O’Brien
Mary Ellen Psaltis
My time with Betty and Phyllis, learning about Grey Resistance Indivisible, was inspirational and joyful. Their examples of being fully engaged in living and making their voices heard is a reminder that excuses of any kind are feeble. Older people may be more slowly moving, but they still get there!
Douglas Scott
Gail Wood
Getting to share the stories of Ace Bulger and Bryan Ketola was inspirational. Both share words of encouragement, of let’s-do-it commitment. When I’m facing a challenge, I think of them and their message. I also had fun sharing stories about the 79-year-old Dave Supensky who is still playing softball and the 75th wedding anniversary of Bud and Pat Vogt.
*Photo credit: Dan Solie
