Instant kitchen upgrade

FOR MOST PEOPLE, improving the kitchen is one of those home improvement projects that’s always on the “to do” list.

Unfortunately, that’s where it usually stays.

For do-it-yourselfers, however, now there’s a simple way to upgrade the kitchen without a time-consuming and expensive remodel.

This kitchen island project is a simple, attractive and inexpensive way to add work and storage space to any kitchen.

The project’s handsome and durable butcher block top provides eight square feet of counter space.

Down below, two big drawers and two open shelves (one with an optional wine rack) offer generous storage, and casters make it easy to move the island where it’s most convenient.

The project is easy enough for beginners. Just cut out the pieces, laminate the top and assemble using screws, glue and nails.

AMHERST Gardening series

Leslie Cerier, “The Organic Gourmet” chef, teacher and cookbook author, will host a Zoom demonstration on May 16 at 7 p.m. Cerier will show attendees how to make herbal-flavored oils and vinegars. Learn the best oil and the various vinegars to use to create global flavors with combinations of one or more herbs, fruits, species, wild foods and more. To register, visit the Jones Library website at joneslibrary.org. This free program is part of this spring’s Gardens & Gardening series, sponsored by the friends of the Jones Libraries.

John Root will present a PowerPoint presentation on “Majesty and Mystery of Crop Circles,” featuring designs that have been appearing with increasing sophistication during the past three decades in farmers’ fields and other locations all over the world. Guest fee is $5. Any questions, call Lil Fedora at 413-5661137.

The garden club also seeks plant donations for its upcoming Memorial Day Plant Sale. They will dig those plants that need to be thinned out or need a new home. Contact Lil Fedora ta 413-566-1137 or email her at Stonemeadowfarm@charter.net before May 20.

MONSON Plant sale

Once the project is put together, install the casters and drawers, oil the butcher block and enjoy your “new and improved” kitchen.

The island measures about 48 inches long by 24 inches wide by 36 inches tall.

The Kitchen Island plan, No. 932, is $10.95 and includes step-by-step instructions with photos, full-size traceable patterns, construction diagrams and a complete shopping list and cutting schedule. Please include $3.95 per order for postage and handling and allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Republican, 741B Olive Ave., Vista CA 92083. To order by credit card, visit U-Bild on the web at u-bild. com.

HAMPDEN Guest speaker, plant sale

The Hampden Garden Club will host a guest speaker on May 18 at 7 p.m. at the Academy Hall on Main Street.

Down to Earth Gardeners’ 25th annual plant sale will be held on May 20 from 9 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, at the United Methodist Church, 162 Main St. (across from Dunkin’ Donuts). There will be a large selection of plants for shade

Lee Reich | In the Garden