IN A QUAINT COFFEE SHOP in downtown Aberdeen I met a woman who is dedicated to making our community a more interesting and eventful place to live.

    During lively conversation over iced coffee and mochas, I learned that Amy Blackstone is a busy, active woman with ambitious dreams for our community. Not only does she run a yoga studio called Yoga by Amy, she also works at Parkview Nursery, religiously trains as a competitive triathlete, and she is also involved with numerous charitable causes.

    Amy describes Aberdeen as a place with many interesting people and many good personal friends, but also as a place where people look after each other. “There’s always someone asking ‘What can I do to help?’ This generosity, this caring, is one reason why the people of this community are so special.”   

    Another community attribute she enjoys is the chance to make a difference. “Aberdeen,” she explained, “is small enough so you have opportunities to be a part of something meaningful. In larger cities you can’t be involved in as much. The bigger the city, the smaller you become. In our community a person can take ownership of an idea and people will support it.”

    An example of this is Pink Posh, an event held in early May that Amy helped organize to heighten breast cancer awareness.

    “It is a special event,” said Amy. “We wanted to break the mold. We wanted to offer a touch of elegance where people could have a good time but we also wanted to teach and educate about breast cancer, and to raise funds to help pay for mammograms for those who need help.”

    Another event she organizes is the annual Grape Times, the hugely popular annual wine-tasting party held at Parkview Nursery. This year’s event will be held June 22nd and 400 people are expected to attend.

    “Grape Times is a classy event for local people to support worthy causes,” Amy said. “There are around 120 wines available to taste, and the money raised goes to charity.” Last year, funds raised at Grape Times were donated to families dealing with cancer, and this year the monies are earmarked to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

    As a competitive athlete Amy has participated in 12 triathlons, a Half Ironman World Championship, and an event called the Adventure Race, where a group of four people compete as a team in adventure competitions including climbing, hiking, and navigation.

    To stand up to the rigors of such activities, Amy regularly trains, and she relies on friends to push her.

    While the Red Rooster is probably her favorite social hang out, Parkview Nursery (her summer employment) is Amy’s favorite place. “Before Parkview opens for the day,” she said, “and it is just me watering the flowers, drinking coffee and listening to music, that’s a very therapeutic time for me.”

    On top of all these activities, Amy has opened a yoga studio on Aberdeen’s Main Street.

    After learning of her many interests, I had to inquire: “What inspires you to do all the things you do?” Amy’s response should encourage everyone: “It comes from not being afraid.”

    She believes that people should not pass up opportunities to see or do anything interesting. But she also has a relaxed side, and she values that. “I believe that ‘life happens’ and that people need to be flexible. We are only as busy as we allow ourselves to be. There are people that if you throw a glitch into their lives they go crazy. But if you allow yourself to be like that you miss out on so much.”

    What Amy does in her own life is a direct reflection of her “life happens” theory. As a yoga instructor, for example, she sells her sessions with no expiration dates. “I don’t feel  people should pay for something and than never be able to use it because it expired. Things happen in life and I understand that,” she explained.  

    Although there are many things about Aberdeen that she loves, there are some things, in her estimation, that must change. “The town needs a facelift,” she said, and she has lots of suggestions. “We should add beautiful baskets with flowers, music on our downtown streets, and clean up the sidewalks.” Amy feels that there is a general ‘I don’t care’ feeling in regards to aesthetics in the community. “People must take responsibility for the look of the properties they own whether that property is vacant or not. And people should care as much for the outside of their businesses as the inside.”

    She also suggests a lighted trail system for runners and bikers, wider shoulders on roads to make them more people friendly and ongoing upkeep of community businesses.

    Another idea is that there should be a gathering after each play at the Aberdeen Community Theatre, where the audience and the cast could meet and socialize. “We need to take better advantage of the artistic side of the community,” she emphasized. “Aberdeen will be better off if it does.”

    Energy is a word that comes to mind when you think of Amy Blackstone. She’s a doer, and she’s a seeker of new challenges and new ideas. “Ideas keep me inspired,” is her self-assessment.

    Her ideas and energy are why Amy Blackstone lands a spot as an Aberdeen A-Lister.