When you think of Karin Poage, one immediately thinks of all the yummy seasonal fruits and vegetables, and later in the season, the pumpkins and Christmas trees that she and her husband, Stuart, bring to the community from the Yakima Fruit Market in Bothell.

This may sound like a commercial for the 71-year-old community icon, but it is simply a recognition of something Karin does every month in her one-page newsletter, The Grapevine. Sure, the newsletter heralds their products, but in reality, that is a small part of Karin’s writing.

So what is impressive about The Grapevine? Always a part of The Grapevine is a cheerleader section for community events, youth activities and myriad opportunities to get involved. The August newsletter champions the Make-A-Wish Foundation with a moving story of five children who are waiting for their wish to come true. A donation jar at their store makes it possible for customers to get involved. One child’s wish: “I wish to be in my own fairy tale.”

She somehow finds space to be a supporter for local growers (also sharing the ups and downs of farming life), what’s fresh from the fields, canning tips, favorite recipes and the latest in nutritional research. Did you know the capsaicin in hot peppers can clear your sinuses, boost endorphins and help you recover from stomach ulcers?

My wife, Bobbi, and I never look at the young folks who bag our produce at Yakima Fruit Market as simply staff, but rather “YFM family” because that is just the way Karin and Stuart treat them and support and care for them in all their stages of life: graduation, starting college, weddings, new baby, etc. Over the years, YFM has had many “graduates,” and Karin keeps readers posted on where long-term employees are today.

I almost forgot — she does this all with a sense of humor. She weaves a lot of philosophy and real-life good advice in a way that is easy to read and relate to.

On the back page, which is full of superb recipes that I think Julia and Julie would endorse, Karin ends with a quote: “The Grapevine is printed on recycled paper. Recycle yourself and be an organ donor.” What a great idea.

Kudos to Karin and Stuart for all they do each day to make our community a better place to live. Stop by and pick up The Grapevine, and maybe a juicy ripe peach to enjoy while reading it.

Tom Traeger, Kenmore