For a man who has suffered one of life’s cruelest blows, local artist JOHN COOK is the picture of calm and grace. This gentle giant of a man is the kind of guy people like to be around.

He could have become bitter after his wife’s death on the highway near Coupeville six years ago. John’s walk through the valley of pain is now in print and there are important things to learn from his story.

He was working in the Balkans (Bosnia, Croatia, Hungary and Serbia) as a contractor. “I had to resign my position overseas to come home and raise my children,” he said. Losing Linda was tragedy enough, but now things became tougher financially.

Their four children are grown now and he has remarried. I asked John what his second wife, Patsy, thought of him writing a book about Linda.

“She supported it,” he said. “It was pretty much finished before I met her.”

His book, “My Best Friend,” is a 142-page account of survival through faith.

“So many lessons,” he said, his voice trailing. “You really get with your kids when you lose your spouse. It deepened our relationships.”

Solid Ground, next to Navy Federal Credit Union, will hold an open house and book signing Thursday, Sept. 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. And you are right. This is the same John Cook whose detailed drawings of Navy aircraft are so popular hereabouts. He is a remarkable guy, but you should meet him for yourself. John will be at Solid Ground a week from tomorrow.

Next year, more pigs

SCOTT FRASER sounded quite pleased with the outcome of the first Dock Street/Fidalgo Block Party on Aug. 24. In all, over 3,000 people showed up, not all of them to eat. Over 150 kids had their faces painted and there wasn’t one iota of a problem with the beer garden. “There was a minimal law enforcement presence and it although it was much appreciated, I’m happy to say it was not needed,” he said.

“Of the 1,107 people who came to partake of the roast pig, about 30 didn’t get any pork. We planned on 800 and had 1,100,” he said. The line snaked from Pioneer Way, down Fidalgo and up to Barrington, and average wait was about three hours.

In the end, a total of $10,000 in donations was received and split between North Whidbey Help House and Island County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

People are already asking to volunteer in next year’s event at which two food lines are planned. “It was such a pleasant community event,” he added. “We all had a fun time.”

Award to hometown paper

RANDY BRADFORD, general manager of the Coachman Inn and chairman of the Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce, announced to guests at the Aug. 21 luncheon meeting that Whidbey News-Times has won Business of the Month honors.

“They have been delivering the news to North Whidbey residents since 1891,” he said. “Today they are part of a large company known as Sound Publishing. Supported by a staff of 19, they vigorously champion causes such as the athletic stadium, the Soroptimist digital mammography machine campaign, a predominantly purple and gold pep rally in newsprint supporting the 2007 state champions and welcoming of the Navy’s newest electronic attack threat, the EA-18G Growler.”

MARCIA VAN DYKE, publisher, said, “We should add to the above list of successful campaigns that we have put out our first of six yearly issues of OH Magazine.”

The award hangs in the foyer of each winning business for one month. Those who win are chosen by other businesses who also juggle corporate, community and customer needs. Van Dyke’s staff is committed to the mission of meeting countless deadlines each week.

How does it feel to win for the first time? “I am just so grateful that people recognize us,” Van Dyke said.

As she left the podium to cheers from guests, HELEN CHATFIELD-WEEKS got on her feet to lead an exuberant “Hip, Hip, Hooray!”

Call me at 675-6611 with your news or write to lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com. See you back here on Sept. 3.

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