Young tree seller a born marketer
Published 11:03 pm Thursday, December 11, 2008
Apologies are sent to other Christmas tree lots in Oak Harbor.
It must be difficult to compete when an adorable 6-year-old child helps customers discover the best fir trees.
Hailey Bund spends weekends as a volunteer at the Oak Harbor Lions Club sales lot.
It’s located next door to the Chamber of Commerce at 32630 Highway 20 in Oak Harbor.
They are selling trees from Deming, including Douglas, noble, Fraser and grand firs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
All proceeds benefits Lions Club projects.
Member Brenda Cheaqui says Hailey, daughter of Lion’s member Christy Bund and her husband, Justin Bund, wears a bobbing reindeer headband while greeting customers around the lot.
The youngster tells customers to look around, and let them know if they need help. She carries small trees herself, Cheaqui says, when the display area needs to be replenished.
Her enthusiasm is contagious.
“It was her idea to bring a bag of mini candy canes to hand out to buyers,” Cheaqui says. “She may be a born marketer.
Move over, Santa. When the big elf attends a party at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Camano Senior and Community Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, he will have to put up with not being the only star of the show.
A leftover costume kept in a closet will come to life, says Karla Jacks, center executive director.
Santa Claus, meet Mr. Bear.
This is the “prettiest” food drive around.
At 3 p.m. Saturday, decorated boats will circle Lake Ki, south of Stanwood, collecting food bank donations from docks.
Organizer Sheryl Jackson says it’s the fourth annual drive. They collected 1,000 pounds of food last year, she said.
Others are encouraged to leave donations at the Roadhouse Restaurant, 4915 Lakewood Road in Stanwood.
What makes this drive all the more special is the party afterward. There will be a boat parade, sing along and bonfire for lakeside neighbors after the food is stowed.
Goods are being accepted for the Stanwood-Camano Christmas Room.
Take donations when the room is open, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Dec. 19 at 9620 271st St. NW in Stanwood.
They would appreciate unwrapped clothing, toys or school supplies.
Tracy Ulrich, Christmas Room coordinator for the Stanwood Camano Community Resource Center, says they expect perhaps a 30 percent increase in those who wish to get items from the room.
Parents “shop” for a toy for their children, plus a clothing outfit, book and a couple of stocking stuffers.
“I’d love to receive donations of pajamas, socks and underwear for all age groups,” Ulrich says. “Many of our families don’t have enough in their budget to afford food for the entire month much less make it a priority to purchase new under clothing for the children.”
She says she sees real joy when folks receive a new pair of socks or boxers. And don’t forget gifts for teens, who often are left out.
“It’s been my experience that those are the kids who are really self-conscious, especially about what they are wearing. When we get those flannel pj bottoms, and teen bra and panty sets, they are amongst the first gifts to go to the older children.”
Hemlock is taking another slam.
The Hemlock Society offers information on ending one’s life, taking its name from the poisonous hemlock plant.
Another type of hemlock, the evergreen tree common in the Northwest, isn’t deadly, so why aren’t they welcome Saturday in Arlington?
When the Arlington Garden Club meets to make wreaths, folks may bring extra greenery for the “Turn Your Thumb Green Workshop.”
It’s planned for 10 a.m. at the Arlington Boys &Girls Club, 18513 59th Ave. NE in Arlington.
Member Judy Ness says they have no grudge against the hemlock tree; it’s just a poor choice for wreaths. Hemlock boughs drop their needles before the eggnog bowl runs dry.
Columnist Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451, oharran@heraldnet.com
