“Should I stick with the blue or add some yellow,” a customer asked DONA YERECIC, a volunteer in the Whidbey General Hospital gift shop.

“These decorative ceramic tiles are so popular, I just ordered more,” Yerecic said, adding, “We sell everything from paper cutout dolls and hand puppets to housewares and jewelry. We are really more like a boutique. “

But there’s more to the tiny gift shop than meets the eye. All profits generated there go straight to patient safety and comfort.

Gift shop manager JULIE WILLIAMS said, “In 2005, the gift shop gave $20,000 to help purchase such items for Whidbey General as four vital signs monitors, patient assist equipment, 10 charting ‘Walleroos,’ padded surgical stirrups, children’s play area equipment and an EKG machine.

The useful “Walleroo” is a secure, wall-mounted station that allows nurses in the intensive care unit to do charting, prepare medications and keep patient records at the bedside, so they rarely have to leave the patient’s side.

“The year before, in 2004, the gift shop gave $15,000 to help purchase an infant radiant warmer, an epidural anesthesia pump, two recliner chairs with IV poles, four pulse oximeters, a centrifuge and six television sets for patient rooms.”

There are about 20 volunteers who staff the shop. The best time to visit is Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. The shop is closed Saturdays.

“We’ve had high school volunteers work from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, and currently ARIANNA CANE from Oak Harbor High School is replacing her sister EMILY, who is in pre-med at the University of Washington.

“We always need more volunteers,” Williams said.

If this appeals to you, call 678-5151 and ask for gift shop volunteer coordinator SALLY FOX.

Oh, no! Not tinea!

The only thing parents dread more than lice is ringworm. But this time, the cats have it.

CATHERINE SMITH, animal care technician at the WAIF shelter in Coupeville, reported last week, “We cannot accept any cats for adoption because of an outbreak of ringworm. Of the 90 cats currently here, 45 of them have it.”

She urges people with a cat they wish to put up for adoption to prepare a fairly complete description of the animal, its temperament, habits and take a good photo. Be sure the description includes your telephone number. Mail the description and photo to WAIF, P.O. Box 1108, Coupeville, WA 98239. Visitors will review postings and get in touch with you.

The Cat Adoption Center on East Pioneer Way and the Oak Harbor shelter at the seaplane base are both still open.

Catch the spirit …

RICHARD CASTELLANO, new director of the Island County Historical Society Museum, invites local residents to “Christmas in Our Town, 1853,” on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. It is a companion program to the museum’s current exhibit called “Our Towns.”

Items that have been stored for many years now decorate a kitchen and parlor. A tree in the side room is set with period decorations handmade by volunteers and staff.

If you attend the Coupeville Greening Day Parade and Lighting of the Trees at Cook Park, stop in and bring your own written story or photos to donate to their new “Holiday Memories” archive.

Call the Island County Historical Society and Museum at 678-3310 or visit www.islandhistory.org.

Countdown to turkey …

The VFW Post No. 7382 will serve a hot, delicious Thanksgiving meal at Whitehead-Muzzall VFW Post 7392 on Thursday, Nov. 23, from 1 to 4 p.m. Cost for dinner will be by donation.

Come to 3037 N. Goldie Road and make some new friends. Call 675-4048.

That’s our grandson …

MARIE and JOHN BOYLE of Laurel Lane were close to tears when the Olympic View Elementary School third-graders sang “What Do You Say to a Hero?” in a recent program dedicated to America’s veterans. The 50-minute program began when military personnel marched in and recited the Pledge of Allegiance with the children and audience.

Their grandson ROBBIE ASKEW, 8 and-a-half, was one of the singers. He also had a brief speaking part.

“The children had to audition for the parts on their own time,” said Marie, who disclosed that Robbie was more than a bit nervous. He wanted his part to be perfect for the military guests.

“Thirty military people came from three commands,” Marie continued. “They talked about their jobs and what they do to protect the country.”

The Boyles have four other grandchildren: TAYLER SILVA, 5; DAKOTA BOYLE, 2; KIRA SILVA, 17 months; and SIERRA SILVA, 3 months, who are also growing into proud young Americans.

What’s your story? Call me at 675-6611 or write to lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com. I’d love to hear from you!