To the editor:

It’s the day before Valentine’s Day and you decide to have 400-plus neighbors over for dinner! There might be some sense of trepidation, especially as it is Friday the 13th, but not for Chef Richard Merrill. When anyone asked about dinner preparations, he always answered calmly, “Everything is under control.”

And so it came to pass. Our neighborly guests came, enjoyed the food and music, bought a T-shirt and met with friends and family, and most importantly, volunteered to join the Hearts & Hammers crew for the

May 2 work day.

Everyone who wants to contribute to our community by helping your neighbors stay in their homes can still sign up on our Web site, heartsandhammers.com or find sign-up forms at many local businesses.

Thank you Whidbey Island for being the place where neighbors truly help neighbors. It is an honor to live here. I love y’all.

Rob Hetler

President

Hearts & Hammers Board