Still sweethearts …

PAUL and KATHLEEN MANKIN believe in keeping promises. When they married on March 20, 1944, the world was at war and if you had true love and somebody special to come home to, well, that was all you needed. They have honored the vows they made to each other for 61 years.By the time they married, Paul had already become a Fighter Ace in the Pacific flying the Grumman Wildcat. In fact, he was the only enlisted man to become an Ace. He also flew P-2Vs and later, R5D/R6D transport planes from Moffett Field to Tokyo. He served 21 years in the Navy.

Their five children were born at duty stations along the way and one son, LEE PAUL MANKIN III, was a dentist when he joined the Navy.

What makes Kathleen so special? Paul gets misty-eyed as he contemplates his response. “She’s just the nicest person you’d ever meet,” he said softly. “Everybody loves her.”

Falling in love is easy. Staying in love is an act of will. These two make it look easy.

Don’t forget …

The Forgotten Children’s Fund M Bar C Ranch Program wants volunteers to help out in this year’s Ranch Activity Program.

They will assist special needs youngsters in horse riding, wagon rides and just general play. No experience is needed, just a desire to help physically, mentally, emotionally or socially handicapped children.

Come out at 10 a.m. this Saturday, March 26, at 10 a.m. The ranch is at 5264 Shore Meadow Road in Freeland. Call Bill O’Brien at 678-3676.

Helping Habitat …

Have you been to Habitat for Humanity’s furniture store on Pioneer Way, across from Wells Fargo bank? I try to drop in at least once a week to say hello to the volunteers. They are some of the sweetest people on earth, and know how to make a person feel welcome.

So why the long faces? It seems the demand is greater than the supply. They’ve been selling quality furniture items faster than people bring them in and that’s bad news for folks transferring here and those on a budget who need a sofa, dining set, computer desk or recliner.

Habitat even spot cleans and vacuums upholstered items before they go on the floor, so you can skip all that when you take it home and start enjoying your bargain.

Of greater importance is the mission of Habitat for Humanity, which needs contributions to build affordable homes for qualifying low-income folks.

How about donating any pieces in your house that are usable but may have lost their charm? (Ladies, no husbands, please.) Donations may be brought in during store hours on Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Call 675-8733 for furniture pickup.

Good dog …

BRETT BOON is the 10-month-old smooth collie being raised by CORINNE BOON of Oak Harbor. Corrine has worked at Sunset Kennels as a groomer for three years and has been a favorite local groomer for more than 20 years.

She bred Brett herself through the mother and father dogs, which she also owns. She got these dogs from MICHELLE ALTIER of Bravo Collies in Tacoma.

Brett loves all the attention he gets at shows and the crowds love him too. He just picked up Best of Breed at the Seattle Dog Show and Best of Breed in the Rose City Classic in Portland, which will be aired on Animal Planet TV on May 15. He will be in the herding group and identified as “Bravo Encore Man O War.”

“He’s a lot of fun,” Corrine says of her baby Brett. “You know he’s a safe dog. These dogs love their family.”

Go, Becky …

BECKY PEATTIE, manager of McDonald’s on Highway 20, has been named one of the top 10 percent managers of Mickey D’s in the country.

There’s even a poster on the wall describing the award. Parents could learn a lot from Becky, with her gift for growing responsible high school kids by asking for their input in the process.

Somewhere, W. Edward Deming, guru of Total Quality Leadership, is smiling.

Old Swivel Hips …

Tickets go on sale April 1 for a five-hour extravaganza featuring Danny Vernon, “The Illusion of Elvis” at the Elks Lodge May 14.

This fundraiser benefits youth driving programs sponsored by Impaired Driving Impact Panel of Island County. Call JoAnn at 675-8397 to order tickets.

I’ve met many wonderful people through this column, so don’t be a stranger. Call me with your news at 675-6611 or write to me at lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com. See you March 30!