Bonduel man creates craft for village

When the Bonduel Business Association heard from area residents and visitors of the need for more seating in the village’s downtown, they quickly began narrowing options.

“We want to be able to accommodate them and make things more comfortable for people shopping,” said Barb Wickman, Bonduel village clerk and Bonduel Business Association secretary. “It is part of the Business Association to respond to those kind of requests.”

The Business Association hired Bonduel resident Eugene Young for the project. Young, a retired bricklayer, picked up woodworking five years ago as a hobby.

“The Business Association felt that his benches were homey and welcoming and so we felt that they would be a good design for the downtown area and for the business community,” Wickman said.

Young’s front and back yards are decorated with his handiwork, and his garage is full of projects he has in the works. He likes that the projects help him to keep busy, and often works side-by-side with his wife, Lorraine. He builds and sands, and Lorraine does most of the varnishing.

So far, Young has made five benches for the Business Association project, all of which have been placed in Bonduel’s downtown shopping area. Each bench is hand-engraved by Young with the name of a business or organization that sponsors it.

So far, Young says, the responses have been favorable.

“A lot of people said that they look really nice,” Young said. “They’d like to have some more.”

Indeed, Young already has a couple of benches in line for next spring. Some people have seen the benches and wanted them for their homes, he said.

Each bench costs $150 for materials, which is paid by the sponsor. For individuals seeking benches, Young charges around $165.

“I don’t make much money doing this. It’s a hobby and if I see somebody that needs something, I give it to them,” said Young, adding that he frequently donates the benches to charity causes.

Young is pleased to see his craftsmanship throughout the town, more happy than anything to contribute to his community.

Says Young, “It feels really good.”

Fans wait, and wait, for Favre

GREEN BAY — Erick Rolfson was ready to greet the quarterback he’s been fighting for.

Bonduel man creates craft for village

When the Bonduel Business Association heard from area residents and visitors of the need for more seating in the village’s downtown, they quickly began narrowing options.

Shawano skate park rules ban bicycles

Now that there’s a skate park in the city of Shawano, could a bike park be next?