“I can create a custom look without the high costs,” said BOB CROUCH of Bob’s Cabinet Creations.
His new digs at 810 SE Pioneer Way are a great example. He has created an interior design showroom that is attractive, comfortable and welcoming.
His 10 years in construction, cabinets and bathroom design earned him the nickname of “Bob the Cabinet Guy” for his ability to grasp a customer’s vision and deliver the desired result.
“It’s critical to listen to the customer,” Bob said. “Once I take customers on board, I treat them like family and I want everyone to be involved. It’s their design, just done on a budget.”
Not everything that looks expensive has to be expensive. When the gorgeous layouts on HGTV and in House Beautiful magazine seem out of reach, Bob’s expert touches can create a high-quality finished product that is anything but “cookie cutter.”
Bob and his wife KAREN returned to the island two years ago and love the improved quality here. “I’m living my dream and helping others, too,” he said.
Call him at 675-5100 or stop by his showroom across from Zorba’s.
They just go together …
There’s something in a kid that loves horses. And there are kids with special challenges who respond beautifully when in their presence.
They can do wonderful things and learn responsibility when shown how to tack, groom, lead and ride horses. That’s where volunteers come in.
DENISE BOYETT, Executive Director of the Hope Therapeutic Riding Program, said even a commitment of an hour a week is gratefully appreciated.
Volunteer training is held periodically and helpers are still needed on Thursdays or Fridays in Oak Harbor. Why not call her at 360-221-7656 or e-mail www.hope-whidbey.org.
What makes an artist?
The Coupeville Arts Center is inviting the public to another free Art Coffee Talk with James Moore, Ray Pfortner and Stephanie Schuemann on Tuesday, April 3, from 7 to 7:45 p.m. at the Coupeville Arts Center.
Find out how artists think, watch them paint and ask questions. Call 678-3396 or visit www.coupevillearts.org to see all they have to offer.
Quilt goes home …
DEBRA COHENOUR of Northrop Grumman presented JIMMY and MARCIA BOGLEY with the American Red Cross quilt at the ninth consecutive Real Heroes event on March 6.
MAYOR PATTY COHEN drew Jimmy’s name; Marcia is a Red Cross volunteer in the operating room at Naval Hospital Oak Harbor.
But for a bugler …
The Department of Veterans Affairs needs hundreds of volunteer buglers and trumpeters to take part in Armed Forces Day observances here and at veterans’ cemeteries nationwide and overseas.
The event, called “Echo Taps Worldwide,” will be held May 19. “Echo Taps” will take place at VA-operated national cemeteries, U.S. Department of the Interior/National Park Service national cemeteries and American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries located overseas.
Volunteer buglers and trumpeters must register through the VA’s Web site, visit www1.va.gov/volunteer/EchoTaps
The initiative also encourages musicians to perform as buglers at veterans’ funeral ceremonies year round.
Valley has a secret …
People around the world have seen pictures of the colorful Skagit Valley during its tulip festival, but are you familiar with the very popular Art in a Pickle Barn? This little gem of a show runs throughout the festival from March 31 to April 30 west of Mount Vernon.
Come inside and meet some of the 40 or more local artists. Be entertained by a different musical group each Saturday afternoon. Let the kids play at the crafts table while you watch art being created.
It won’t cost a cent and there is plenty of parking with big turnarounds and handicap access. The barn is at 15379 State Route 536 (Memorial Highway) after Beaver Marsh Road and before Bradshaw Road, in between Roosengaarde’s and Tulip Town’s amazing fields of flowers. The event is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
The telephone number at the barn is 360-428-8576 and should be on line by Sunday.
April fools …
Does anyone play April Fool’s pranks anymore? The one pulled by the production staff at the Whidbey News-Times when the late John Webber was still publisher sticks in my memory. JACK STILTZ, then recently moved up from California, and the rest of the crew stayed late on Tuesday, March 31, to get the paper pasted up, run, bundled and waiting to be delivered in the morning.
When Webber came in on Wednesday, April 1, not one worker was in sight. He sputtered something about that “troublemaker from California” and unions and was boiling mad. Then the staff walked in and Jack yelled, “April Fools!” No doubt Webber could have wrung Jack’s neck, but being the soul of decorum, he told them since they worked late the previous night, they should all go out to breakfast. If my memory is correct, they all went to Sambo’s, now the site of the Safeway gas station.
What’s your story? Call me at 675-6611 or e-mail lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com. See you on April 4.
