2019 Best of Lewis County WA

BEST AUTO DEALER BEST VENUE

GIFT SHOP BEST NURSERY BEST PET STORE V E T E R I N A R I A N B E S T F LO R I S T B E S T D O N U T 2019

BEST LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER RESTAURANT  BEST LUNCH BEST DINNER CATERING FAST FOOD COCKTAIL

BEST BAKERY BEST BURGER

TEACHER BEST L ANDSCAPER BEST

BEST TATTOO ARTIST BEST BARISTA BUSINESS BEST MANICURE BEST MA SS AGE BEST S ALON

BEST SPA BEST BARBERSHOP BEST TANNING NEW BUSINESS BEST TRACTOR STORE BEST SPORTING GOODS

CUSTOMER SERVICE PREP SPORTS BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE THRIFT SHOP NURSERY A supplement of

BEST INEXPENSIVE DATE

C e n t r a l i a L a w. c o m EST.

Althauser Rayan Abbarno 1946 Attorneys at Law

Centralia • (360)736-1301 • Olympia

Thank you for nominating us “Best Place to Work” "Best Customer Service" Peter Abbarno “Best Elected Official” Peter Abbarno “Best Volunteer” Jake McGhie “Best Young Professional” "For more than 70 years, our firm has proudly offered dedicated, diligent and client-focused service on behalf of the people and businesses we serve. Our clients throughout Washington State and the country appreciate the professional, courteous, and responsive service we provide.

Most importantly, Althauser Rayan Abbarno provides results!"

Personal Injury, Workers Compensation, Family Law, Criminal Law, Estate Planning/Probate, Business, and Property Law Olympia Office 501 Columbia St. NW, Ste. D Olympia, WA 98501 (360) 754-5844 Phone (360) 736-4802 Fax

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Centralia Office 114 W. Magnolia Centralia, WA 98531 (360) 736-1301 Phone (360) 736-4802 Fax

100+ CATEGORIES

More than 320 local finalists Over 3,590 nominators 39,780 votes 30,000 views

The Best of Lewis County is a favorite project that our staff works hard on each year. The amount of involvement from you, our readers, is so pleasing to see.

As you look through the pages, we hope you have fun seeing those that you nominated and voted for and maybe those you want to get to know better.

Congratulations to all nominees and winners!

Sharon Care Center

Thank You Lewis County for, once again, voting us one of the top 3 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Lewis County!

Skilled Nursing and Rehab, Assisted Living, Memory Care

On the Cover:

Jared Wenzelburger / jwenzelburger@chronline.com

1509 Harrison Ave. Centralia, WA 98531 (360) 736-0112 email info@sharoncare.com

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K-9 officer Ruben Ramirez walks his K-9 partner Pax from a house during a JNET investigation last year in Chehalis. Ramirez was voted the top law enforcer by the readers of The Chronicle.

Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 3

Restaurant

Judy’s Country Kitchen Berry Fields Cafe Main Street Grill

E AT S

Lunch

Judy’s Country Kitchen Dawn’s Delectables Berry Fields Cafe

Breakfast

Dinner

Berry Fields Cafe Country Cousin Main Street Grill

Jeremy’s Farm to Table Country Cousin

Judy’s Country Kitchen

Ramblin Jacks Ribeye

Thank you for voting us one of the best!

981 Northwest State Avenue Chehalis (360) 748 - 4250

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4 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

Chronicle File Photo

Judy McCann, owner of Judy’s Country Kitchen in Centralia, laughs with customers on a busy early lunch rush.

Judy’s Country Kitchen Named Best Restaurant, Breakfast and Lunch “The food portions are huge.” McCann said. “We like to feed people here.”

The chicken fried steak comes with a large portion of housemade country gravy with sausage and a full second plate of eggs, potatoes and bread of your choice. Other entrees come with similarly stacked plates.

McCann has owned Judy’s Country Kitchen for about 13 years. Before that, she worked as a waitress at the restaurant.

“All I knew was the front of the house because I waitressed,” she said. “I had to learn everything. I learned how to cook. I learned how to order.”

THANK YOU for voting us in the

TOP THREE 2018

Napavine Family Chiropractic, PS 355 Linhart Ave. NE Napavine, WA 98565

(360) 266-8800

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Judy McCann said her restaurant, Judy’s Country Kitchen in Centralia, is her “happy place,” and she wants her customers to feel the same way.

“I love it as much or more as when I first started,” she said. “I still get up early in the morning and open four days a week.”

Al Santana has been going to the restaurant for about 20 years. He stopped by for lunch for one of Judy’s Country Kitchen’s specialties — a massive 11-ounce chicken fried steak with country gravy.

Other customers’ favorites are biscuits and gravy, which is homemade every day at the restaurant, along with a variety of omelets, sandwiches and breakfast options served all day.

“It’s really a home town, family atmosphere, really,” he said.

Many of her customers have a similar attachment to the place, she said.

“What makes my business is my awesome staff,” she said. “I encourage them to be sassy and fun. I surround myself with people I want to be around.”

Judy’s Country Kitchen staff also pride themselves on personalized, friendly customer service, she said.

“We love our customers,” she said. “We know our customers by name, most of them.”

In addition to the friendly and homey atmosphere, McCann’s customers particularly enjoy the sometimes monstrous portions they receive.

Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 5

Celebrating 7 Years in Business!

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SUPPORTERS AS IT IS AN HONOR TO BE RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE TOP 3 BEST AUTO DEALERS IN LEWIS COUNTY.

Proud Sponsor of the CFAC Athletes of the Week!

CFACcars.com

COMMUNITY FIRST AUTO CENTERS A Touch Above the Rest

(off Chamber Way - I-5, Exit 79)

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1051 NW Louisiana Avenue 360-748-3512

Please Follow and Like Us on Facebook • OPEN Monday - Saturday 9-7, Sundays 10-5 6 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

Bill and Bea’s Drive-In in Centralia Serves Best Burger At Bill and Bea’s Drive-In in Centralia, not much has changed since co-owner Jill Greene first started working at the restaurant nearly 50 years ago.

Greene began working at Bill & Bea’s, located on Harrison Avenue in Centralia, in 1969, and has been involved there since. Jill and her husband, Denny Greene, purchased Bill & Bea’s in 1999.

“The burgers are made the same way they were 50 years ago,” Greene added. “Exactly the same way. The milkshakes we make the same way. We try to keep it as close to what it was known for back in the ’60s.”

Greene says that Bill & Bea’s, which was one of just a handful of burger places in Centralia in the ’60s, is not fast food.

“We have fresh meat,” Greene said. “We pound it daily. And the way we cook it is a lot different than fast food places — we toast the buns. It’s not as fast a production. Everything is cooked to order.”

The time put into each burger’s production makes the

Chronicle File Photo

process more time consuming than some might expect.

“That’s why it takes a long time,” Greene said. “That’s the biggest complaint we get is that it takes a long time, but you have to be willing to wait if you come here when it’s busy.

Because we only have a 3-foot grill. You can only do so much on a 3-foot grill.”

“THANK YOU to all Fair Superintendents, Volunteers, Participants, Sponsors, Staff, First Responders, and the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners for continuing this 110 year community tradition!

And THANK YOU to all fair-goers past and present!”

Check out 2019 at www.southwestwashingtonfair.org

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2555 North National Ave. Chehalis, WA CH598606bw.do

Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 7

Burger

Pizza

Betty’s Place Dairy Dan

Papa Pete’s Tiki Tap House

Bill & Beas

Sahara Pizza

Fries

Donut

Dairy Dan Bill & Beas

Spiffy’s Restaurant & Bakery Twister Donuts

McDonald’s

Shop’n Kart-Fullers

Thank you for nominating us Best of Lewis County in the following categories; • Best Receptionist; Ann Thorson • Best Customer Service; Chris Judd • Best Place to Work; Title Guaranty Company of Lewis County • Best Non-Profit; High School Hero Foundation Our families, customers, affiliates and community mean a lot to us; we appreciate the support!

– Title Guaranty Company “Growing Lewis County one family at a time” CH598016jl.do

8 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US!

SHOP’N KART HAS THE BEST DONUTS Photo Courtesy Shop’n Kart

The readers of The Chronicle voted Shop’n Kart in Centralia as the place to get the best donut in town. They were also voted best bakery, best grocery store, best customer service and best place to work.

Best Bar & Pint of Beer!

Thank you for voting us one of the best, 2nd year in a row!

We appreciate our customers.

www.osbornesgunshop.com

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289 NW Chehalis Ave. floodvalley.com

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Osborne and Sons 267 Carlisle Ave. Onalaska, WA 98570 360-978-4781

Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 9

Asian Restaurnt Panda Inn Dragonfly Somsiri

Mexican Restaurant Plaza Jalisco La Tarasca Casa Ramos

Fast Food Arby’s

DICK’S IS THE BEST

Burgerville Taco Bell

Photo Courtesy Dick’s Brewing Company

How to end a good day? Try a Dick’s Danger Ale. Dick’s Brewing Company was voted Best Beer for Lewis County.

Thank you for nominating us one of the Best in Lewis County!

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201 SW Interstate Ave. Chehalis, WA

Thank you for voting for us!

Best of Lewis County New Business • Alternative Medicine• Crystal Barton for Massage

We love our patients, and we hope you love us too.

We are so grateful for your vote in the Best of Lewis County poll.

360-748-4040

10 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

www.freebornwellness.com

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Bakery

Bar

Dawn’s Delectables Market Street Bakery

Frosty’s Flood Valley Brewing

Shop’n Kart-Fullers

McFiler’s

Beer

Coffee

Avenue Espresso

Dutch Bros. Coffee Lewis County Coffee Company

Dick’s Brewing Company Flood Valley Brewing Jones Creek Brewing McFiler’s

R THANK YOU FOS! VOTING FOR U | Roofing ooling Best Heating & Cewis County!

Company in L CHEHASM252MH

HEATING • COOLING • ROOFING

SERVING YOUR NEIGHBORS SINCE 1962 chehalissheetmetal.com

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Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 11

Chronicle File Photo

McFiler’s part owner Tim Filer shows off the new bar in Chehalis.

New Bar McFiler’s Is Favorite for Best of Lewis County

McFiler’s, a new bar in downtown Chehalis, stems from almost every bartender’s dream — opening a bar with your best friends.

“For years, I complained about working a dead-end job at the Hub,” said Tim Filer, one of McFiler’s three owners. “I hit 30 and was like, ‘man, I’m still doing the same thing I was doing 10 years ago.’ There was nowhere left to go. I was the manager at the Hub at the time, so I had pretty much hit the cap. I was looking down the barrel of the next 20 years.”

That’s when Eddie McNally, a longtime best friend, suggested the two begin putting away money to purchase their own bar. Filer, Eddie McNally and his brother Patrick McNally finally pulled the trigger last spring, and bought the building which once housed Rumors Bar & Grill.

Filer and Eddie McNally worked with their family and friends to completely renovate the building over six months.

Patrick McNally, who lives in Texas and works for SpaceX, designed the floor and deck plans.

“Neither one of us had been inside the building again in years,” said Filer of the first time he and Eddie McNally toured the building. “I would say it was probably three years from the last time I had actually stepped inside the building. … We came in and it was disheveled, and really dirty and it was pretty gnarly inside. It still had the carpet from the ‘70s

on the floor.”

Filer told Eddie McNally what he envisioned for their bar — moving the pool tables, bar and kitchen toward the back, opening up floor space in the front and building a stage.

“He was like ‘OK, let’s do it,’” Filer said.

Filer and Eddie McNally originally met at the Hub Bar & Grill on Filer’s 21st birthday. Filer was a few White Russians in.

“I had like seven or eight of them on my 21st birthday,” Filer said. “(I) had just met Eddie and immediately clicked with the guy. So we were just hanging out, and partying together, and I was like, ‘dude I think I’m going to be sick.’ … He helped carry me out to the ivy bushes and I proceeded to throw up in the ivy bushes outside. We have been best friends ever since then.”

Less than a year later, the two started a band together.

They tried two different local bands, before moving onto an experimental electronica band called “Henry Rollins’ Neck.”

“It wasn’t well received,” Filer said.

“We played two shows,” Eddie McNally added. “People hated it.”

Then, the two turned their sights toward opening their own bar. Filer said they started seriously considering the proposition about six or seven years ago. For the last four years, they have been ready for the opportunity.

12 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

Agate Creek Cellars Uncorks Hand-Crafted Wines When John Petaja and Gayle Willis began looking toward retirement 15 years ago, they heard Lewis County calling their name from their home in Snohomish County.

“So many of the places up there are surrounded by trees,” Petaja said. “The sun rises at 11 a.m. and sets at 2 p.m.”

An amateur winemaker for more than 10 years, Petaja and his wife were looking for a place where they could grow a few grapes and “put in a little vineyard.”

They found their little vineyard here in Lewis County — 5 open acres located between Adna and Curtis.

“I did some research and found that the Chehalis valley has more ‘heat units’ than any other area in Western Washington,” Petaja said. “There is a longer growing season here.”

They started with a pole barn with an apartment built into it, doing most of the work themselves. Then they moved onto building their house and landscaping the five acres.

“I’ve always been a doer,” Willis said, “You have to keep busy, keep moving.”

Chronicle File Photo Big and robust reds are what this couple is all about, “though we will offer a white every year, and maybe even a John Petaja sweeps up in his home winery — Agate Creek Cellars — fruity dessert wine,” said Willis. west of Adna.

The couple purchases the grapes for their wines in Eastern Washington — Columbia Valley, Prosser, Benton Petaja and Willis said they enjoy the process every step City the Gorge. of the way, the personal touch, hand crafting the wine, the They take their truck and travel over the mountains to gentle process. choose the grapes themselves, bring them Their love of wine sparked their interest home and begin the process of turning in creating their own wines, but it was the AGATE CREEK CELLARS grapes into wine. love of the vintners that convinced them “It’s all hand work,” Petaja said, “daily John Petaja and Gayle Willis to take the leap into working to make their work. The wine maker isn’t just standing 105 Agate Creek Lane, Chehalis winemaking an income-producing venture. there stirring a pot of grapes. There are 360-740-1692 “Everyone is so happy in the wine so many different steps, there’s a lot of Open 3-7 p.m. Fridays; noon to business,” Petaja said with a laugh.

5 p.m. Saturdays (call ahead) technology involved.”

They had traveled to many wineries They take pride in taking their time to during vacations, enjoyed talking to the hand craft each wine and create a product that they will winemakers and had such a good time they thought that it enjoy themselves. might be just the right fit for their retirement business.

“Making the wine gently,” said Willis, “that really works out “But we didn’t realize people would be so very nice and well for the grapes. If you take the time to handle the juice and encouraging,” Willis said. “The local wine makers have the grapes gently, it really makes a difference. The more gentle been really helpful. Bob Heymann has given us a lot of you are with the wine, the better the wine will be.” encouragement.”

But, Willis said, taking such care and time with the “That was the tipping point for us,” said Petaja. “We had grapes limits the amount a winemaker can produce. been dreaming about a winery for a long time.”

“Especially because it’s just the two of us,” Willis said.

The couple hopes to make their tasting room and gardens Once the wine has been put into the oak barrels to age, the couple keeps a close eye on the wine, though it generally a destination stop for local and vacationing wine lovers.

“We’re trying to make this a fun, enjoyable experience,” takes 22 months before the wine is ready to bottle. said Willis, “a fun place to come and relax. Where they can “It takes at least two years before a really good, big red is walk around the gardens or just sit together and share our ready, sometimes three,” Petaja said. “It’s nice to have your love of wine. We love going to wineries and talking to the nose in the grapes, where you can really see what you’re doing.” winemakers. I hope people will enjoy talking to us.”

Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 13

McMENAMINS SERVES UP BEST COCKTAIL Photo Courtesy Olympic Club

McMenamins Olympic Club in downtown Centralia is where you will find the Best Cocktail in Lewis County.

The Olympic Club was also voted in the top three for hotels.

Winery

Agate Creek Cellars Heymann Whinery Bateaux Cellars

Cocktail

McMenamins

Riverside Rooftop Bar & Bistro McFiler’s

The owners and staff of Sahara Pizza in Lewis County would like to thank our customers for consistently voting Sahara Pizza one of the BEST!!

Napavine 262-0400

14 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

Chehalis 740-0600

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Winlock 785-2030

Thanks for voting for Uncle Andos as one of The best pot shops!

The largest selection of concentrates, flower and edibles in Lewis County, and the only Pot Shop in Centralia.

HOme of the

2 forLESS [ ] 40% off the second bag DISCOUNT ON REGULAR PRICED EIGHTHS & LARGER

This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this product.There may be health risks associated with this product. For use by adults 21 years and older. Keep our of reach of children.

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Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 15

BBQ

Dessert

Bonanza BBQ Ramblin Jacks Ribeye

Dawn’s Delectables Spiffy’s Restaurant & Bakery

Big T BBQ

Berry Fields Cafe

Cheese

PL ACES

Black Sheep

Park

Ewe & I Willapa Hills Cheese

Fort Borst Park

Penny Playground Alexander Park

The Mason Jar

Betty’s Place Great Burgers • Fries • Ice Cream & More!

Thank you for your support & voting us one of the Best Burgers!

Thank you for voting us one of the Best Wedding Venues in Lewis County!

Open 7 days a week, 10:30 am - 9pm 601 N. 5th Toledo, WA 360-864-4867

16 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

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360-219-3950

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We rent for all occasions!

We look forward to serving you.

Best Park Set to Become Even Better The city of Centralia plans to make some improvements to the Borst Park playground area this summer.

By dipping into the $50,000 the city has set aside for the planned installation of new playground equipment, fencing and other updates to park infrastructure, city staff will purchase and install two swings with additional supports in place for less-abled children and an all-weather swing apparatus designed to look like a tree. An arch swing similar to the one installed at the splash pad near downtown Centralia will also be installed at Borst Park.

Some fencing around the playground area adjacent to the parking lot will be added along with new wood chips. Total cost for the upgrades is estimated to be about $30,000.

“These are the types of playground equipment needed for it to be more inclusive,” said council member Peter Abbarno.

“These are needed things for the community.”

The total cost of replacing the playground apparatus and installing standalone items such as zip lines at Borst Park is projected to be about $250,000. The main structure at the playground was installed in 1986. The slide and swings both arrived in 1995.

Chronicle File Photo

Fort Borst Park is set to see improvements to its playground area.

Black Sheep Creamery and Ewe & I

Thank You for Voting Us One of the Best in Lewis County

Please find us at:

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570 N. Market Blvd. Chehalis, WA Open Mon-Sat, 10am - 6pm Now serving small plates, coffee and desserts

www.blacksheepcreamery.com 360.345.1507

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for voting us one of the best in Lewis County.

We are thankful for our loyal customers.

Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 17

Golf

Hotel

Riverside Gate Ranch

Holiday Inn McMenamins

Newaukum Valley

Best Western

Museum

R V Park

Thousand Trails

Midway Mossyrock County Park

Veterans Memorial Museum

Jester Auto Museum Lewis County Historical Museum Shady Lady Bordello Museum

Thanks for voting us one of the best!

Plaza Jalisco AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE Lounge - Happy Hour Mon. thru Sat.

OPEN 7 DAYS - ORDERS TO GO 18 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

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500 Margaritas 4-7 pm!

$

Chronicle File Photo

The lodge at the Newaukum Valley Golf Course in Chehalis.

A Course for Everyone at the Newaukum Golf Club Most public golf courses advertise in one way or another that they cater to golfers of all skill levels. The Newaukum Golf Club delivers on this promise with its trio of nine-hole layouts, each catering to different skill sets within the game itself.

The West Nine is the shortest of the three courses. The course plays short enough — about 2,700 yards for a par of 33. This course also has a footgolf setup measuring more than 1,600 yards — it’s pretty much what it sounds like.

Players use a regulation soccer ball to play shorter versions

Continued on PAGE 20 DOMESTIC-EUROPEAN-IMPORT-DIESEL

REPAIR and SERVICE

736-2660 www.hagsautomotive.com

1911 Harrison Ave., Centralia

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Thank you for voting us as one of the best places in Lewis County for BBQ!

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Thanks for nominating us one of the best!

Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 19

Continued from PAGE 19

of the holes. It also features wider cups meant to entice novice golfers into posting lower scores.

The South Nine plays the longest of the three tracks, topping out at nearly 3,300 yards. Holes No. 6 and 7 play a combined 1,086 yards from the back tees.

This portion of the course also includes views of the Newaukum River, which is scenic and a magnet for golf balls.

The East Nine appears to be the middle ground between the other two setups, not as long or as challenging as the

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South, but still plenty to think about for the average golfer.

The prospect of a 310-yard par 4 is intriguing; someone with a good power swing could take a crack at driving it in the right conditions.

The rate for nine holes on any of the three sections is $22 on weekdays, except for Tightwad Tuesdays when $15 will do the trick. An 18-hole excursion costs $28 during the week, save for crisp $20 bill on Tuesday. Weekend rates are $26 for nine holes and $35 for a full set.

Twilight rates begin at 4 p.m. and are $16 on weekdays and $18 on weekends. Before that, from 1-3:50 p.m., golfers can play 18 holes for the price of nine.

Power carts are available at $8 for a nine-hole round or $13 for 18 holes. A small bucket of about 40 driving range balls can be had for $4; double the amount for $3 more.

A pair of putting and chipping greens are also useful for practicing one’s short game. The Newaukum Grill is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. The facility is available for events and offers catering services.

The Newaukum Valley Golf Course can be found at 153 Newaukum Golf Drive, Chehalis, WA 98532, online at newaukumvalleygolf.com or by phone at 360-748-0461.

Thank You For Voting Us One of The Best!

Our proprietary dough and secret sauce are made from scratch daily.

360.736.5777 933 Harrison Ave • Centralia

CASTLE ROCK 1163 Mt. St. Helens Way 360.274.4271 LONGVIEW 5614 Ocean Beach Hwy. 360.577.7272 RIDGEFIELD 109 S. 65th Ave. 360.887.1818 CH598144rk.do

20 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

Auto Dealer-New I-5 Toyota

Awesome Ford Titus Will

Auto Dealer-Used

Bryant Auto Sales

360 Motorsports Community First Auto Center

I-5 TOYOTA BEST PLACE TO BUY NEW Photo Courtesy I-5 Toyota

Twin Cities car dealership recognized at Best New Auto Dealer.

Thanks For VoTing Us one oF The BesT

Newaukum Valley Golf Course 153 Newaukum Golf Drive Chehalis, WA 98532 360-748-0461

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Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 21

Chronicle File Photo

A WWII era P-51 Mustang sits inside the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis. It is one of the newest big items at what has been voted as Best Museum.

WWII-Era Fighter Plane Is Dream Realized for Vets’ Museum

Since its inception, there has been lot of lucky timing, said Chip Duncan, the one design detail of Lewis County’s museum’s director.

VETERANS MEMORIAL Veterans Memorial Museum that has gone “It has been a very, very long journey, MUSEUM unutilized — that is until this year. and it’s just a sense of real rewarding 100 S.W. Veterans Way, Chehalis It is just one more reason to visit the accomplishment,” said Duncan.

360-740-8875 museum, which was voted in as Best He explained the room inside the www.veteransmuseum.org Museum for 2019. museum that houses the fighter was The tall, hangar-like ceiling that shelters always intended to have some sort a large swath of the museum’s extensive gallery was built to of aircraft. Originally, there were thoughts of a Huey house an aircraft, a f lying machine of war, suspended from helicopter, but those proved a little too hard to come by. the ceiling.

The building, despite its many exhibits and military Earlier this year, a truck carrying an authentic WWIIitems both inside and out, went without this particular era P-51D fighter arrived at the museum, reaching the end piece. And then, somewhere around 2012, the museum of its trip from Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. It was the result of several years of patiently waiting and a whole

Continued on PAGE 23 22 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

Continued from PAGE 22

found itself in a financial situation that allowed it to start looking for an aircraft.

Duncan explained that, while the official National Museum of the U.S. Air Force — the department of the Air Force that cares for all decommissioned aircraft — will donate items to qualified citizen organizations, the organization must pay for the transportation.

Not only that, the transporters have to come from a list of companies qualified to transport and assemble the craft.

“You can’t just say, ‘Well my brother’s got a semi, he can probably just go down and haul it,’” said Duncan.

The museum’s board discussed the kind of plane they wanted, and decided on an F-105, a Vietnam-era fighter-bomber. Duncan said it was a unique plane, with something of an “underdog” story because of the losses it experienced in wartime. It was the kind of plane that folks savvy in aircraft would be struck by when they drove by, he said. It’s also too large and heavy to hang from the ceiling.

During a conversation with Air Force Museum in late February 2018, Duncan learned there was an available F-105 at a spot in California. Duncan confirmed he wanted to get ahold of it — that plane arrived in Chehalis last summer.

Then the person at the Air Force Museum asked if there

was anything else Duncan wanted.

Duncan jokingly said he wanted a P-38 Lightning — another WWII-era fighter. It was a joke, he said, because he never expected such a plane would be available. He was told they couldn’t get him a P-38, but just minutes earlier, the Air Force Museum obtained a P-51.

“It’s kinda like going to a car dealership: ‘What car would you really like?’ ‘Well, a Porsche.’ ‘Don’t have a Porsche, but we have a Ferrari,’” said Duncan.

Duncan agreed, recognizing that the next caller to the Air Force Museum would almost certainly snatch the plane.

“Literally, it was just timing and luck, because people are on waiting lists for a long time looking for P-51s,” he said.

The plane’s been at Robins Air Force base in Georgia for about 25 years, before they decided to give it up. The actual plane’s history is a mystery, but Duncan noted it’s been painted up as the famous fighter Ferocious Frankie. It’s been de-militarized, so it’s been stripped of its ability to f ly or wage any sort of war.

“The P-51 is probably one of the most iconic aircrafts of WWII,” he said, adding that the “D” in P-51D refers to the specific model, which came out in 1944.

“It was fast, maneuverable and a really great plane to f ly.

And was far superior than most of what the Germans were about to put up and the Japanese were able to put up in the air.”

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Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 23

Chronicile File Photo

Callie Carpenter takes cookies out of the oven while her mother, Susy Carpenter, and brother, Alex Carpenter, look on. The three started Pacific Northwest Cookie Company, offering vegan, gluten free cookies.

Secret Recipe Leads to Sweet Success for Pacific Northwest Cookie Company in Chehalis The idea for Pacific Northwest Cookie Company may have come out of a joke, but it’s no joke how much success the fledgling company has had in a short period of time.

In 2018, siblings Callie and Alex Carpenter were at a family barbecue when someone suggested that the duo make and sell their mother’s cookies. Everyone laughed, but the seed was planted.

“Me and Callie kind of had this moment where we looked at one another and said ‘why not, let’s do it,’” Alex said.

The Carpenter siblings are two of the seven children of Susy Carpenter, whose pies, cookies and other baked goods were part of the offerings from Catrina’s Catering Company during the life of beloved Adna resident Catrina Gardipee.

Growing up with five brothers, Callie said her mother pushed her to learn baking, but she was more interested in playing outside.

“I didn’t want to learn to bake because my brothers didn’t think it was cool,” Callie recalled.

“But she took to it like a duck to water,” Susy remembered.

“And now, flash forward 15 years and all our brothers are jealous I get to bake with Callie,” Alex added with a laugh.

Callie, a competitive body builder, said she sometimes used to de-stress by baking, but the hobby wasn’t healthy for her family members who had to eat the results. She said she was

immediately inspired by the idea to make and sell cookies.

She and Alex began giving their treats to friends and family to sample, then Susy joined in to make sure her recipes were being strictly followed.

Their cookies were popular but Callie said she received numerous requests from people looking for vegan (using no animal products) or gluten free cookies. Since she does not personally eat that way, she said at first, she was hesitant but eventually decided she would try making something that fit those special dietary parameters.

“I finally just said ‘I’m going to do it to prove I can’t make something that would taste good,’” Callie admitted. “If we’re going to sell something with our name on it, it’s got to be not just good, it has to be so good you remember it.”

They set out with the goal of creating cookie recipes that are made from ingredients that are minimally processed (for instance, palm oil instead of vegetable shortening and evaporated cane juice instead of white sugar), preservative free and sourced as locally as possible. The trio estimated it took then 12-16 weeks to perfect their new recipes but they created cookies that they truly believe are indistinguishable from their white flour, butter and white sugar counterparts.

The new recipes are carefully guarded family secret, even including temperatures at which they bake the cookies.

24 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

Tires

New Business

Les Schwab

Pacific NW Cookie Company

Fred’s Discount Tire Tires Inc.

Freeborn Wellness McFiler’s

Tractor Store

Wedding Venue

Tractor Supply Co. RMT Equipment

The Mason Jar The Loft

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Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 25

COUNTRY N LACE - BEST WEDDING VENUE Chronicle File Photo

Country N Lace is located at 757 Spencer Road in Toledo. On their website, www.countrynlace.com, owners Luke and Michelle have a message for potential customers: “We are living our dream! We bought this beautiful property when our own children were very small. Now, more than 20 years later, we have the joy of sharing it with couples as they begin their life journey together. We truly love what we do, and hope you experience our passion as we help you create a memory that will last your lifetime. We are intimately involved with every aspect of your event. We take pride in preparing our country venues and do everything in our power to help your wedding go without a hitch.”

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26 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

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Antiques

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Sunbird Shopping Center

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Furniture

Clothing

JJ Berry Furniture

Bartel’s Clothing & Shoes

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Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 27

Chronicle File Photo

Marc Harris (center), Sunbirds store manager, and Burt Greene (right) of Georgia Boot, present Lewis County Food Bank Coalition President Sue Barlow with a check for $3,000 this past fall.

Sunbird Serves Community With Annual Support for Food Bank

An ongoing partnership between Sunbird Shopping Center and Georgia Boot brought in a $3,000 donation for the Lewis County Food Bank Coalition last year.

The two entities saddled up for a two-week initiative to donate to the food bank $5 per pair of Georgia Boots sold — a charity drive that’s happened annually for seven years now.

Each year has seen an increase in boots sold and money raised, said Sunbirds store manager Marc Harris.

It’s something he attributes to consistently advertising the project each year, and a store staff trained to tell customers about it whenever they can.

“So somebody could be in hardware buying a light bulb, and then we’ll stop and say, ‘Have you heard of this?’” said Harris.

Last year, they sold 50 more pairs of boots over the twoweek period than last year.

The two-week time frame started in September, and money has handed off to the food bank coalition in

October during a brief ceremony in Sunbirds.

Sue Barlow, president of the Lewis County Food Bank Coalition, said the money will go entirely to buying food for families serviced by the coalition. Specifically, it’ll go toward staple food items that are always needed.

The partnership began several years ago when Sunbirds staff sat down with Georgia Boot folks, with the intention of finding a way to help out in the community.

“We really wanted to focus laser-like on one thing — one good thing,” said Harris.

The Lewis County Food Bank Coalition services nine locations throughout Lewis County communities, and consistently feeds around 100 families in each location, said Barlow.

Harris gave a shout-out to all community members who pitched in this year by buying a pair of Georgia Boots: “It would never be done without them and it’s because of them we’re increasing, growing.”

28 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

New Owners Learn the Trade at Bartel’s Clothing and Shoes Bartel’s has been a Chehalis staple for nearly a century. In 2018, the store’s legacy continued with new owners.

Father-son duo Boyd and Brady Calder have officially taken over Bartel’s from previous owner Joe Mount.

Although Boyd Calder said that many aspects of the store will remain the same, the new owners have put special attention on the store’s letterman jackets.

“We’re selling more and that’s probably because we are one of the few places in the region that still sells letterman jackets,” Boyd Calder said. “We have always sold them, it’s just the volume of sales has gone up since we have taken over the store.”

Boyd Calder said the store has provided letterman jackets for students at many of the surrounding schools, including Toledo, Tenino, Rochester, Adna and Napavine.

“It’s made specific, especially every time it’s a custom jacket so we don’t buy them in bulk,” Brady Calder said. “We don’t bring in a rack of them and just let them sit and wait until someone buys them. … We do everything from each panel of the sleeve to the type of knit, cuffs on the sleeves, collars. The sky is the limit, you can make it as simple or extravagant as you want it to be.”

The jackets are made from Pendleton wool, and every piece of them comes from the U.S. “There’s not really much else in your life you get to show your accolades and school spirit,” Brady Calder said. “It’s a lifetime jacket, lifetime warranty on both the sewing and the material. If anything goes wrong you can bring it in and get it fixed up.”

While Bartel’s Clothing and Shoes has been in Chehalis since 1922, people’s fashion has changed drastically since then.

Mount said that since he first purchased the store in the 1970’s, people’s styles have evolved.

“We have had to change with the times,” Mount said. “When I purchased the store, 70 percent of our business was in suits, sport coats, dress shirts, what I call our dress category. Now 75 percent of our business is in sportswear.”

Thank You for Voting Naillon Construction One of the Best of Lewis County

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Chronicle File Photo

Brady Calder holds up a completed letterman’s jacket on the inside of Bartel’s Clothing Store.

Thanks for voting for us for Best of Lewis County!

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Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 29

Gift Shop

Thrift Store

Gifted Prickly Pear

Goodwill Second Time Around

Home Improvement

Feed Store

Visiting Nurses

Smiths Mercantile

The Farm Store Premium Quality Hay & Feed Tractor Supply

Home Depot

Lincoln Creek Lumber Market Street Ace

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30 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

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East County Guns in Centralia Prides Itself on Large Selection, Service Impressed by how the local community has grown in the past 30 years, an Elma resident decided to expand his business to include a storefront location in Centralia.

Today it is Lewis County’s favorite place to purchase all things firearms.

Andy Fleming, co-owner of East County Guns, said he hadn’t visited Centralia since the late 1980s, but after he was detoured through the downtown area, he decided the Hub City would be the perfect location for his new gun store.

“By the time we reached Tower (Avenue) here, we started to make some phone calls and inquires on local gun shops, what was available and what was going on,” Fleming said.

“There’s an astronomical amount of opportunity and people here in the community, and nobody is servicing it to the depth that we feel it needs.”

The storefront opened on May 18, 2017, as the company’s second retail location. The first one, located in Elma, Chronicle File Photo opened in March 2003. Prior to that, Fleming had been Andy Fleming, the owner of East County Guns, points towards the back selling guns out of his garage since October 2001, but of his shop at a gun wall. decided he needed to expand because it became too much of a demand for that location. knives from overseas, only higher-quality The Elma location has a large following, EAST COUNTY GUNS American products like Benchmade, and Fleming said he hopes for the same at East County Guns is located at Kershaw and Spyderco, Fleming said. his Centralia storefront. He kept the same 108 S. Tower Ave., Centralia.

“You can buy a cheap gas station knife name for the business because of the name (360) 736-1018 anywhere, but not here,” he said. recognition it has with his customers.

His No. 1 goal focuses on providing the There’s also a selection of about 25 best customer service possible, something that originally silencers. An in-store kiosk speeds up the process got him into the business. Fleming said he was taken of ownership, adding another unique offering at the advantage of back in 2000, in part due to poor customer storefront. There’s also a small selection of cigars available service. That’s when his wife and co-owner of the business, for purchase, something Fleming hopes to expand upon.

Karla, encouraged him to start a business of his own.

A gun enthusiast since high school, Fleming decided it was a good step for him after a career at Les Schwab.

The Centralia storefront has a large variety of items for sale, from handguns to AR15s. Fleming estimated the store carries about 250 guns. A benefit of the business is that it offers parts and support for the AR15 platform, Fleming said, so people can build their own, something that has been gaining popularity for the last several years.

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Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 31

Nursery

Gun Store

Bennies Gardens

East County Guns

Adna Floral Dirty Thumb

Osborn & Sons Sunbird Shopping Center

Pet Store

Pot Store

Kaija’s Garden & Pet

Uncle Ando’s Wurld of Weed

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360-736-7385 • innovationsineyecare.com 1125 Mellen Street • Centralia 3210 Galvin Rd. Centralia • 736-3592 CH598514rk.do 360-736-7385 • innovationsineyecare.com 32 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 1125 Mellen Street • Centralia

‘Uncle Ando’s Wurld of Weed’ Opens in Centralia Uncle Ando’s Wurld of Weed, a marijuana retailer located in Centralia, held its grand opening at the end of March this year and was named Best Pot Store.

Business partners Perry Nelson and Matt Martinez own the Centralia Uncle Ando’s Wurld of Weed. Frank Christin, the manager, is Nelson’s brother-in-law, and said the two attended school in Centralia for a time. Both now live in Seattle.

When marijuana-related businesses first became legal in Washington, the state received so many applications for business licenses that it held a lottery. Christin said Nelson won that lottery.

“Perry, or my family I guess you can say, picked Centralia because we know Centralia,” Christin said. “It was funny. A lot of people would say, that don’t know (the city), ‘Why would Chronicle File Photo you pick Centralia?’ Because we went to school (here) — we Uncle Ando’s Wurld of Weed employee Jill Guzman discusses some of know what they do.” the store’s products at its grand opening this past March.

Martinez is a real estate broker, located in Vancouver, Washington. He said that he is Martinez said, and looked like a California constantly up in the Centralia and Chehalis area surfer kid.

UNCLE ANDO’S because he covers the location for his clients.

“He was the most accepting soul I have ever WURLD OF WEED Nelson and Martinez began working together met,” Martinez said.

Owners: Perry Nelson and about three years ago. Martinez wasn’t sure This person went by the name “Uncle Ando” Matt Martinez when he officially became a partner in the on campus. Martinez asked the family if he 1905 Johnson Road, Centralia project. could use the name “Uncle Ando” for the “I know Perry and his family looked at Aberdeen store that opened in 2016. other options, but I think I was really one of the only ones Martinez would not say where he attended college and said it who was willing to step in,” Martinez said. “... I do some feewas “somewhere in the Pacific Northwest.” development work as well as real estate brokerage, so it was In his 20s, Martinez said, he had cyclic vomiting syndrome, kind of a chance meeting through mutual acquaintances. It an illness that creates symptoms that mimic going through started as a conversation and free advice.” chemotherapy for cancer. He began using cannabis to help him In talking with the city of Centralia, Martinez said, he saw get through that illness. the city was looking for someone to take a “big risk in terms of “It did something very positive for me, but you would never zoning.” think that was positive based on its reputation at the time,” “It really stepped away from traditional retail dynamics,” Martinez said. said Martinez of the city’s requirement that pot retailers be in Martinez said he wanted to “give back, for lack of a better a heavy industry zone. “Being out there by yourself, it makes word” to marijuana, so that people understood more about it. people really nervous about spending the kind of money When it became legal in Washington, he wanted to join the we had to get a store out there. It was a challenge and I like market. challenges.”

“I’m just really looking forward to serving the customers in The name “Uncle Ando’s Wurld of Weed” — the name for Centralia and providing them with a clean, honest business both the Aberdeen location that only Martinez owns and and hopefully some great customer service,” Martinez said. the Centralia location the two own together — came from “(We will) hopefully help people understand a little bit more Martinez’s time in college. about marijuana — while still something only adults should Martinez had a close friend who later died in an accident. be using, is maybe not as bad as portrayed in some of those This person was the most popular person on campus, 50s-era propaganda videos.”

Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 33

Convenience Store

PEOPLE

Volunteer

Hillcrest Market

Roger Shea

M & K Town Store Newaukum Valley Country Store

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Elected Official

Grocery Store

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Grocery Outlet Safeway

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34 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

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Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 35

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Thanks Lewis County For Voting Me One of the Best Elected Officials – Lewis County IS THE BEST!

Edna J. Fund

Lewis County Commissioner, District 1

Edna.Fund@LewisCountyWA.gov (360) 269-7515 LewisCountyWa.gov

Lewis County Commissioners 36 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

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Follow us on Facebook-Lewis County Commissioners or on YouTube.

Attorney, Councilor and Radio Host Keeps His Eye Toward the Future Peter Abbarno, attorney, Centralia city councilor, radio host (he is on sabbatical while campaigning for Centralia City Council through the November election) and community activist, was voted Best Politician, and also landed in the top three as Best Volunteer along with his law firm Althauser Rayan Abbarno for Best Place to Work, Best Customer Service and Best Young Professional in Jakob McGhie.

Abbarno’s path to where he is today started in his hometown of Buffalo, New York. Abbarno recalls a youth filled with blue collar jobs, such as working for the local butcher shop.

“When I moved here I saw a lot of Buffalo in this community,” Abbarno said of Centralia.

Abbarno started college as a psychology major but quickly decided it was not the right field for him so he switched his major to political science. He worked for the political campaign for Amory “Amo” Houghton, who served as representative to New York’s 34th Congressional District from 1987 to 1992. Abbarno said the experience solidified in his mind that he wanted to be part of the political scene.

He became media and policy coordinator for Republicans in the New York State Assembly, then in 2000 became executive director of the Vermont Republican Party. In 2001, he was asked to move to Washington state to become executive director of the state Republican Party.

Eventually, Abbarno said he had a “what do I want to be when I grow up” conversation with himself and decided to seek a degree in law. He earned his juris doctor from Vermont Law School in 2008 and then his master of law degree in taxation from the University of Washington in 2009. He worked as a deputy assistant prosecuting attorney in King County and an attorney with the University of Washington Federal Tax Clinic before coming to Centralia in 2010 to join then Olson Althauser Samuelson & Rayan, now known as Althauser Rayan Abbarno.

He became a partner in 2013. His specialty is worker compensation and personal injury.

“It’s satisfying to help people through tough times,” Abbarno said. “As attorneys, you are the butt of a lot of jokes but in tough times you’re the ones people turn to.”

Despite nearly 10 years of political experience, becoming a member of the Centralia City Council in 2016 was Abbarno’s first experience holding a public office. He ran for an open seat unopposed. He said he believes no one ran against him because he had proven himself to have a vested interest in the community. He is active in several organizations, including the Centralia Downtown Association, United Way of Lewis County, the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce and the Centralia College Foundation. And despite being a Centralia resident and council member, he serves on boards such as the Boys & Girls Club of Chehalis

Chronicle File Photo

Earlier this year Centralia attorney Peter Abbarno, left, joins Association of Washington Businesses Government Affairs Director Clay Hill to testify in Olympia in opposition to Senate Bill 5129, which would increase taxes on employers. Abbarno was voted as Best Elected Official, as well as in the top three for Best Volunteer.

and Lewis County Bar Legal Aid. Once again Abbarno is running unopposed for the city council post.

Among the issues that interest Abbarno most are homelessness (and the greater issues surrounding that such as addiction and mental health), education and flooding.

These and many other issues all fit together into the larger subject of creating a community that is able to attract and keep businesses, Abbarno noted.

“I believe government does not create jobs. Government creates an environment where jobs can grow and flourish,” Abbarno said. “If we start looking at budgets as investments, what are we investing in and what do we expect as a return?”

For Abbarno, his main priority is not politics, community activism or his work. Family is his center. He really enjoys time with his wife, Holly, and two young children. He talks openly and often about his family and the support they have shown him.

“Everything I do is for them,” Abbarno said of his family.

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Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 37

Non-Elected Official

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Law Enforcement

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Officer Ruben Ramirez Has Been Honored by Governor, His Department Officer Ruben Ramirez has now been honored by readers as Best Law Enforcement Officer, but he’s been racking up accolades for a long time.

In May, he received an award from Centralia Police Chief Carl Nielsen for being one of three officers who used four doses of Narcan to save an individual from dying from an opioid overdose.

In 2017, he and his family were honored by Gov. Jay Inslee.

The Ramirez family was recognized for their work with the Centralia Police Department’s Night Out with Santa event with a Governor’s Volunteer Service Award. Ramirez is also involved with the department’s Special Olympics Torch Run and fundraising efforts for the programs.

“You don’t really think about why you do it,” he said in 2017.

He’s been a long-time K9 Unit officer with the department.

Chronicle File Photo

Centralia K-9 Officer Ruben Ramirez and his dog Pax participate in obedience training in December 2017.

Thank you for voting for us!

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THANKS FOR VOTING US ONE OF THE BEST!

Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 39

Firefighter

Pastor

Eric Olson Wyatt Hill

Kyle Rasmussen Mark Fast

Postal Worker

Receptionist

Joe Martin

Rick Mack

Tonja Vlach Lori Bean Ann Thorson

Bob Nelson

Jerry Aust Nick Graber

MAHALO! (That’s “Tiki Speak” for Thank You!)

JER. 29:7

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40 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

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404 N. Tower Avenue • Centralia

RICK MACK BEST FIREFIGHTER Chronicle File Photo

Zack Miller, left, is awarded a certificate of honor from Riverside Fire Authority Assistant Chief Rick Mack in April 2017 at a Lewis County Autism Coalition Event at Centralia College. Mack was voted Best Firefighter by Best of Lewis County voters.

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LAMINATE Flooring & WATERPROOF Flooring Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 41

Thank you for voting us one of the Best in Lewis County!

21822 Old Hwy 99 SW, Centralia, WA 98531 (360) 273-3300 www.americoolonline.com CH598588bb.do

42 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

Young Professional

Chiropractor

Danny Brown Jakob McGhie

Napavine Family Chiropractic Summit Chiropractic

Blume Chiropractic

Alesha McDaniel

Dentist

Teacher/ Professor/ Coach

Wilson & Wilson

Dr. Dan Henricksen Ash & Roberts

Tim Gilmore

Orthodontist

Cameron Konigsberger Tina Goss

Dr. Peter Wagner Dr. Andrew Lasley Dr. Foster Bucher

Fitness Instructor Jen Watson

Melissa Hickson Tina Goss Travis Schlisser

Thank you for the community support, for nominating us as one of the best coffee shops, and for nominating our barista Angie Twining!

360-736-6778

www.nwpeds.com

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for Nominating our Doctors!

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Thank You

1349 NW State Ave. Chehalis, WA 98532 (360) 748-6809

Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 43

Coach of the Year Tim Gilmore Has a Long Resume

It’s not the first time Tim Gilmore’s popped up on The Chronicle’s Best of Lewis County list.

A presence in Hub City classrooms, gyms and ball fields for nearly 50 years, Gilmore won the vote this year as Coach of the Year.

And his coaching resume is long: Gilmore, over the years, has coached basketball — he’s in the Washington State Basketball Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame for his work with former Tiger coach Ron Brown — as well as baseball, volleyball, softball, and football, just to name a few.

That, of course, is in addition to his 41-year teaching career at Centralia High School, where the commons area bears his name and where he won more than a few Teacher of the Year awards in this competition.

Most recently he’s been in the dugouts helping out with Centralia Little League, though he’ll also pop up at the Fort Borst Park softball fields, or helping run baseball tournaments at Ed Wheeler Field, or keeping things on

Chronicle File Photo

Tim Gilmore addresses the campers at Fastpitch Northwest in June 2013 in Centralia. Gilmore was inducted into the WIBCA Hall of Fame later that summer.

track at the Tigers’ gymnasium.

And through it all, he’s stuck to his mantra of every kid deserving the very best — which, as this year’s Coach of the Year shows, is Gilmore himself.

Thank You to All Who Voted Us One of the Best Banks and Best Lenders

Thank You For Voting For Us As One 0f The Best Of Lewis County!

We Appreciate You!

A True Local Community Bank 11 Local Branches

Centralia, Chehalis, Grayland, Morton, Pe Ell, Raymond, Rochester, South Bend

We Have Money to Lend!

Home Loans, Business Loans, Vehicle Loans & More

Saturday Banking Hours Chehalis Airport Branch Rochester Branch

1016 N.W. State Ave., Chehalis WA 98532

44 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

Monday-Friday at our Chehalis Airport Branch

NMLS#418451

Member FDIC

ssbwa.com 800-242-2036

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www.chehalis.abbeycarpet.com

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360-748-6816

Open Until 7 p.m.

Optometrist

Pediatrician

Dr. Joseph Dolezal Dr. Curtis Burghart

Dr. Aaron Dalan Lisa Birley, PA-C

Physician

Physical Therapist

Dr. Jennifer Polley

Dr. John Stoddard

Dr. Paul Williams Dr. Ciara Smith Dr. Harley Miller

Thank you SO much for voting me in the top 3 contractors 3 years in a row!

Caryn Pharris Leanna White

Summerwind Home Remodeling • TOTAL Home Remodeling • Indoor/Outdoor Painting

Roger Shea General Contractor Since 1980 360.520.7420 Winlock WA Licensed and Bonded # SUMMEHR886N7

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Roger & Sherrie Shea

Deb Hadaller

In Your Community to Serve You Medical, Dental, Behavioral Health and Pharmacy Services Chehalis PeEll Children’s Dental Raymond Centralia Tenino Morton Toledo Olympia Onalaska

Walk In Winlock

www.vvhc.org THANK YOU FOR VOTING US ONE OF THE BEST MEDICAL CENTERS AND URGENT CARE CENTERS BEST OF LEWIS COUNTY

1640 S. Gold St., Centralia 360-736-2003

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Address ____________________________________________________ Phone _____________________________________________________ Must be 18 years old or older to enter

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Thank you for nominating me one of the Best in Lewis County!

Complete this form ad bring with you to your new patient appointment at any VVHC clinic to be entered into a drawing for a prize worth up to $100, drawing will be held on August 1, 2019 Name ______________________________________________________

Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 45

Veterinarian

Florist

Dr. Ashley Ritter Dr. Lindsey Pollock

Memories in Bloom Petals

Dr. Brandy Fay

Benny’s Florist

Grocery Checker

Barista

Jamee Gleason Ken Wiseman

Angie Twining Kayln Jacobo

Tayler Bailey

L AW N M A I N T E N A N C E

LLC

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Thank you for voting us one of the Best!

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Alesha Holland

Commercial and Residential ~Quality at an affordable price~

Licensed • Insured • Bonded

Lic# WIDDELM888DR

Thank You For Voting For Us!

360-508-6971 • widderslawn.com

PMB 234 • 1121 Harrison Ave • Centralia, WA 98531 • Bond #9817678

Furniture & Mattresses

RESIDENTIAL • MOBILE HOME • COMMERCIAL SERVING WESTERN WASHINGTON SINCE 1959

Thank You for Voting Us for One of the Best Roofing Companies!

Now Installing Vinyl Replacement Windows, Doors & Siding “We Make House Calls!” Careful Job Clean-Up! Licensed & Bonded Contractor Reg. #ROOFDI*168N8

2145 Jackson Hwy., Chehalis, WA • 360-345-1048 46 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

1522 Bishop Rd., Chehalis

736-0246 • www.theroofdoctor.com

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Veterinarian Brandy Fay Returned to Chehalis to Pursue Her Calling of Veterinary Care Best Veterinarian Brandy Fay cries every day at work. She wouldn’t have it any other way.

Fay is the owner/veterinarian at Newaukum Valley Veterinary Services on Northwest State Avenue in Chehalis.

She also has a second office — River Bend Pet Center on Hamilton Road in Chehalis. She offers immunizations, dental work, surgeries, nail trims, prescriptions, spay and neutering, and microchipping. The office on Hamilton offers boarding, doggy day play, a private dog park, veterinary care, positive reinforcement dog training and a puppy socialization class from 4-5 p.m. every Sunday.

She cries when she increases the quality or saves the life of a pet. She also cries when she puts them down.

She is a Chehalis product through and through, part of the Hamilton family that first came to the basin in 1904.

She graduated from W.F. West High School and Centralia College, then earned her degree in veterinary services from Washington State University.

She grew up around cattle and a family dairy operation.

She was all set to become a dairy veterinarian in Yakima just six months before graduation, but decided she was too sensitive to emotionally survive the often harsh business of tending to cows and large animals.

So she did two of her “never going to do” moves, becoming a pet veterinarian and moving back home. She also had “never going to do” moves of getting married and having children. Today she is married with two kids. She’s 0-4 in “never going to do” as she is comfortably living right across the street from her parents.

On her lobby wall at the State Avenue office hangs a sign

Thank You For Voting Us One Of The...

B

6am - 9pm Monday - Saturday 7am-8:30pm Sunday

360-736-6697

Continued on PAGE 48

Thank you for voting for Woodland Urgent Care, Steck Medical Center and Dr. Harley Miller!

The Best in Lewis County!

ill & ea's

MEDICAL GROUP Quality Medical Care Since 1927

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1215 Harrison Ave., Centralia

she handmade: “Veterinarian: The Other Family Doctor.” It sums up her approach. She is one of those doctors that takes a keen interest in the lives of her patients.

“They always talk about your ‘why?’ I think it’s a beautiful thing — I know my ‘why.’ I know why I get up in the morning — to make a difference in the lives of my patients and clients,” she said, dressed in her blue doctor’s outfit in her lobby on State Avenue.

At age 5 Fay was given her first pet — a Holstein heifer from her grandfather. The heifer stumbled into a ground nest of bees and was stung multiple times. The heifer started having breathing problems. A veterinarian was summoned, gave the cow an injection and in about 10 minutes the cow was fine. She named her Bee. “I loved Bee,” she said, adding that was her first experience with a veterinarian. “It was right then and

WOODLAND URGENT CARE

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Best Burger Shops Best Fries

Chronicle File Photo

Owner and veterinarian Brandy Fay of River Bend Pet Center.

WHEN ILLNESS WON’T WAIT • No Appointment Necessary 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. M-F | 10 a.m to 6 p.m. S-S | Noon to 5 p.m. Holidays 1299 Bishop Road, Chehalis, WA 98532 • 360-748-WUCC (9822)

Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 47

Continued from PAGE 47

there I decided I wanted to be a veterinarian.”

Another experience in her youth, this time with the family dog Duke, a blonde lab, has shaped her life as well.

Duke had to be put down. It was not pleasant. Duke was shaking and scared during his final moments.

“It was a bad end of life,” she said of Duke. “It was scary for him. He was shaking. … I remember telling myself if there was any way I could save somebody from having their final moments with their animal being in an environment they weren’t familiar or scared, I would make the effort to go to them instead of them coming to me.”

She tears up as she recounts going to Ocean Shores with a client and a dog that had to be euthanized. The dog loved the surf and the sand dunes.

“It was so peaceful,” she said. “I’ve learned to appreciate the procedure because it’s the greatest gift you can give.”

This past year Linda Brooks had to put her dog down. She did it at Fay’s office on State Avenue.

“I just appreciate they take good care of dogs, you can tell when people are pet people,” Brooks said. “They were really good to us and gave us our space. This is a good place.”

Fay worked for 11 years for Dr. Mark Giffey, and took over operations after he retired last summer.

Along with a heart for her patients, she has a heart for this community. She received about $200,000 in

scholarships to attend school, creating in her a drive to give back.

“I live by the philosophy I’m going to keep investing in the community that invested in me,” she said.

One example is The Bambi Fund, a tax deductible organization she formed to offer free services to the community, from healing animals that are abused or injured, for elderly clients that are on a budget and can’t afford medical care for their pet, to medical treatment and support for area police K-9s. It is named after her close friend Bambi Forsman who died from cancer before she could fulfill her dream of opening up a dog rescue operation.

Megan Tierney is the COO for the two veterinary centers operations. She said in all her years working for veterinarians, two doctors stand out as being completely dedicated to serving clients and making any personal sacrifices to do so. One is Fay. She said Fay will regularly work long hours and come in to the office in the middle of the night for an emergency.

“There are things she misses out on because this is her calling and she gives 110 percent,” Tierney said. “I don’t think she’s capable of doing anything less.”

At age 37, Fay has many decades left doing a job that makes her weep.

“Sometimes they are happy tears,” she said. “Right now, the concept of me never doing this doesn’t cross my mind.”

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THANK YOU

for voting us one of the Best Feed Stores in Lewis County!

Shop local with your friends at

The Farm Store

Florist & Green House www.mybennysflorist.com

Pottery

Thank You For Voting Us One Of The Best 465 N. Market Blvd. • Chehalis, WA 98532 360-748-7901 • Fax 360-748-7901 Mon - Fri 9:30-5:30 • Sat 10:00-5:00 Cindy Tahl & Tanda Evans, Owners

Rugs

748-3333

748 S. Market Blvd., Chehalis

Candies

Gifts To Go For All Occasions!

Quilts Gift Certificates Available!

48 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

Linens

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Benny’s

Baskets

Lotions Candies Curtains

Thank you for voting us one of the best!

Cards Cookbooks

748-3368 • 1-800-562-0949 561 W. Main in Chehalis

Bartender

Shawnda Scheper Renee Schiele Zane Verley

Fishing Guide Larry Werner

Andy Coleman Nate Bryant

Server

Jill Carlson

Samantha Smith Cyndi Warter

Tattoo Artist

LARRY WERNER

Alex Cook

Chronicle File Photo

Larry Werner was chosen as Best Fishing Guide.

WernerGoneFishin guide service is active on Facebook. He can be reached at 360-880-3279 or wernergonefishin@comcast.net.

“Building memories to last a lifetime one fish at a time,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “Whether this is your first trip or your 100th trip, we strive to make every trip just as memorable.”

Josh Paulino Justin Cornelison Tom Ingram

1001 West Main St. • Centralia, WA 98531

(360) 736-7756 Closed Tuesdays

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Thank You for Nominating Us!

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Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 49

Centralia’s Lucky No. 3 Tattoo Company Owners Create Walking Art

Lucky No. 3 Tattoo Company in Centralia came away as the clear winner in this year’s competition, taking away Best Tattoo Shop and co-owner Alex Cook was voted in as Best Tattoo Artist.

It’s been a long journey for Cook. He became interested in body piercing as a teenager and moved to Portland to pursue his interest. After about five years as a piercer, he started learning to tattoo.

“I’ve always been drawn to the industry,” he said. “It’s just something innate.”

Every day in the shop, Cook and his partners work to balance their desire to create unique pieces of walking, talking art, and the customers’ ideas for their tattoos.

While large tattoos take more time and effort, small tattoos are actually some of the most challenging, Cook said.

“When a tattoo’s only four lines, when one is messed up, it’s done,” he said.

All tattoos are nerve-racking, especially when artists are still finding their comfort zone, Cook said.

“It’s just doing it over and over,” he said. “Having someone’s best friend or mom stand over you … is terrifying. You just sweat bullets.”

Practice is the key, he said. Tattoo artists need daily practice and hard work to keep their skills sharp. The payoff is well worth the effort, they said.

“When someone likes their tattoo when they look in the mirror, it’s one of the best feelings,” Cook said.

The traditional tattoos Cook favors are illustrative, with bold lines, bright colors and lots of black details reminiscent of World War II sailor-type tattoos.

“I gravitate toward it … but I’m open to doing anything,”

Thanks for Voting us one of the BEST NURSERIES in Lewis County and for all of your support, from all of us at Bennies Gardens!

1870 BISHOP ROAD • CHEHALIS 748-1061 • OPEN 7 DAYS

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Bennie’s Gardens

Chronicle File Photo

Lucky No. 3 Tattoo Company co-owner Alex Cook inks a new tattoo.

Cook was voted in as Best Tattoo Artist and his company was also Best Tattoo Shop.

he said. “I love to do tattoos.”

LUCKY NO. 3 TATTOO The artists at Lucky No. COMPANY 3 said they aren’t set in luckyno3tattoocompany.com their ways, unlike some 121 N. Tower Ave., Centralia artists.

360-807-0433 “If you don’t want to branch out, how can you grow?” Cook said.

Regardless of what a customer wants, the tattoo artists work hard to find a common ground. Tattoos end up being a walking advertisement for the shop.

Cook, described as “a tinkerer,” wants to pursue his quest to make a better tattoo machine.

“I like to know how things work, and I like to know about the tools I’m using,” he said.

Understanding the mechanics of the tattoo needle and motor has made him a better tattoo artist, he said.

50 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

Thanks for voting us one of the Best Wedding Venues of Lewis County!

757 Spencer Road, Toledo, WA 58591 360-751-2008 countrynlace.com Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 51

Band/ Musician

Assisted Living

Backfire Band Prohibition Band Sucker Punched

Sharon Care Chehalis West

Chris Guenther

Colonial Residence

Auto Repair

SERVICES

Daycare

State Avenue Auto & Muffler

Mother Hubbards

Hag’s Automotive Jones Auto Repair McGregor Auto

Bethel Kids Dell’s Children Center CH597926rk.do

Thanks

for thinking of us as one of Lewis County’s Best!

to our customers for your support and nominating us as one of the best in Lewis County!

nd a n i e Com were e w hy see w nated! i nom

Call for reservations 360-740-1800 730 NW Liberty Place in Chehalis.

Thank you

1-800-465-4329

*Server - Samantha Smith *Restaurant *Lunch *Breakfast *Dinner

www.hiexpress.com/chehaliswa

52 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

719 W Main St, Centralia, WA 98531 (360) 807-4782

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Chris Guenther Is Lewis County’s Fav Musician

Thank You For Voting Dr. Ashley Ritter One of the Best!

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It’s a Privilege And A Pleasure To Care For Your Pets!

1305 South Gold St. • Centralia, WA Call us at (360) 736-3361 cascadewestvet.com

Photo Courtesy Chris Guenther

Chris Guenther has once again been voted in as Best Musician.

360-736-3153

360-304-9857

“When you look good, we look good”

120 C South Tower Ave. Centralia, WA 98531

Thank You for Voting Us One of the

Best Salons and Best Manicures!

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Local performer Chris Guenther serves as lead vocalist and multi-tasking front man, playing lead guitar, fiddle, mandolin and harmonica for Chris Guenther and the Honky Tonk Drifters.

He is well known in Lewis County and beyond, and is a perennial favorite for Best Musician, which he won again this year.

With an extensive musical background, Guenther is no stranger to a variety of country music styles including bluegrass, western swing, old time, rockabilly and contemporary country.

Guenther is a W.F. West High School graduate with a bachelor of arts degree in history and a minor in English from Washington State University. Before attending Washington State, he also graduated with an associate’s degree from Centralia College.

He started playing guitar at the age of 14 and became serious about it at the age of 17, saying, “Ultimately, I began picking leads out of necessity as good lead pickers were in short supply in my hometown and surrounding regions.”

In 1998, Guenther organized the band called the Honky Tonk Drifters.

“There is a method to my madness,” he said. “Music like mine is bound to come around again and there’s always a market for this kind of traditional music. Staying in the Northwest will allow me to continue doing the music I love rather than what everybody else wants. I don’t want to get pigeon-holed in Nashville.”

He has released six albums, charting numerous times on the European Country Music Association Radio chart. He has opened for Merle Haggard, Mark Chesnutt, Lacy J. Dalton, Darryl Worley and the New Christy Minstrels.

Guenther is also a teacher.

“Teaching is a perfect job for a musician. You get your summers off and can focus on your music then,” he said.

Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 53

Auto Detail Scrub Shop

Divinity Cleaning Titus Will

Oil Change

Ernie’s Rapid Lube

Fred’s Discount Tires I-5 Toyota

Flooring

Home Carpet Warehouse

Arvid’s Interiors BK Flooring

Bank

TwinStar Credit Union Security State Bank WSECU

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54 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

Lender

Pharmacy

Summit Funding-Jacek Gillispie Travis Wentworth

Rite Aid Walgreens

Security State Bank

Safeway

Medical Clinic

Heating

Valley View Health Center

Chehalis Sheet Metal

Steck Clinic Cascade Family Medical Clinic

Magruder Heating &Cooling Americool

www.ramblinjacksribeye.com

Frosty’s Saloon & Grill Thanks for voting for us!

113 W. Front Street Napavine, WA 98565 (360) 262-3980 Open 7 Days a Week

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748-6066 Exit 72

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Thank you for voting for us for Best Dinner and Best BBQ!

The only family owned funeral home in the twin cities.

Welcomes our new Pre-Planning & Aftercare Specialist, Dawn Staggs.

Drop in today to chat with her about the ease and advantages of pre-planning your funeral or cremation.

Mention this ad and save 10% until September 205 W. Pine St., Centralia, WA 98531 (360) 736-3317

*Excludes merchandise. Pre-need must be finalized and down-payment received by 8/9/2019.

Not valid on at-need or previously purchased policies.

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Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 55

t n i P t s e B ting us

a nomin r o f u o y Thank

M S: 5:330P R U O T PM | 360.736.160 M - 7NT:3R0 P 3 IA, WA L : A T A FRI & 16S GALVIN RD | CE 35

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56 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

Urgent Care

Massage

Steck Clinic Valley View Health Center

Medical Massage Brooke Briggs

Quick Clinic

Crystal Barton

Alternative Health

Salon

Tips-N-Toes

Dr. Matt Angove

Simple Simon Copa Salon

PREMIUM QUALITY

State Ave

H A Y

&

F E E D

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Freeborn Wellness Brian Worden, LMT

AUTO &

www.PremiumQualityHayAndFeed.com

360-978-5454

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Thank you Thank You Lewis County for voting us one of for voting The Best us one Auto Repair Shops! of the Jeff Todd - Owner Best of Lewis Complete Exhaust Kits For All Newer Diesel Trucks!

County!

1095 N.W. State Ave., Chehalis, WA 98532 • 748-8791 COMPLETE SERVICE AUTO REPAIR • FOREIGN & DOMESTIC

Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 57

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Insanely Delicious

Gluten-free & Vegan Cookies THANK YOU FOR VOTING PNW COOKIE COMPANY ONE OF THE BEST IN LEWIS COUNTY!

58 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

Spa

Tattoo Shop

Beautiful Skin with Kim

Lucky #3

Black Pearl Full Throttle

Courtyard Salon & Spa Parkside Spa

Burial Services

Nail Salon

Newell-Hoerling’s Mortuary

Kim’s Nails

Chehalis Nails Tips-N-Toes

Cattermole Funeral Home Brown’s Funeral Home

Barbershop The Barber & His Daughter

Ward’s Barbershop Chehalis Barber Co. Stop in for Dessert & Stay for Lunch!

Thank you for voting us BEST DESSERT for 4 years and BEST BAKERY for 3 years!

We love and appreciate our wonderful customers.

204 N. Tower Ave. • DawnsDelectables.com 360-807-4393

Thank you for nominating Dr. Paul Williams & Washington Park Quick Clinic one of the best!

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2526 Colonial Dr., Centralia, WA 98531 360-736-0771

Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 59

Northern Charm Photography Snaps Up Best of Award “I have always loved creating and capturing moments that will last forever,” said Savannah Kohler with Northern Charm Photography, which was awarded the Best Photographer. “Whether it is that first kiss as husband and wife, the first few moments after a baby is born, or the annual family photo session that dad always dreads, my job is a dream and I’m so blessed to do what I love each and every day.”

Photographer

Northern Charm Karen Welch Tawny Storm

Thank you so much for nominating me as your favorite Realtor® in the Best of Lewis County! I truly enjoy living and working in this wonderful community, and I appreciate your votes!

caraleenicholas@msn.com 360-269-0914 www.caranicholas.com 1169 S. Market Blvd.

Thank you for voting

TONJA VLACH

one of Lewis County’s

BEST RECEPTIONIST!

60 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

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Cara Nicholas

Photo Ccourtesy Northern Charm Photography

This photograph is among Savannah Kohler’s favorites. She shoots for Northern Charmed Photography, voted Best Photographer.

Pet Boarding

Roofing

Picky Puppy Centralia Pet Resort

The Roof Doctor Safe Cover Roofing

River Bend Pet Center

Pet Grooming Petsense

Contractor

Mary’s Grooming

Tanning

Platinum Tan

Chehalis Sheet Metal

Roger Shea Remodel & Construction Kugel Construction Naillon Construction

Desert Sun Brown N Serve enjoy e m o C ster’s e h C r ou n and Chicke se!

Hotca Don’t want to wait in line?

Call in your order!

Thank you so much for voting for us!

We look forward to meeting new faces!

Hillcrest Food Mart 108 Hwy 603 Chehalis, WA 98532 360-748-0697

Chicken To Go CH598686bw.do

Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 61

Thank You for nominating us as Best Pharmacy and Grocery Store in Lewis County.

We couldn’t have done it without you!

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62 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

Insurance Agent

Financial Advisor

Cyndi Philbrook Trevor Elliott

Danny Brown Derek Burger

Melissa Brown

Jim Hammer

Landscaping

Real Estate Agent

Widders Lawn Maintenance

Cara Nicholas

JA Maintenance LoMar Yard Maintenance

Kit Miller LauraLee Zuber-Titus

Thank you

Lewis County for nominating us for

Best Dentist in 2019.

It is an honor to be a part of such a wonderful community

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www.chehalisfamilydentist.com

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1292 S. Market Blvd. Chehalis, WA 98532 360.748.4481

Thanks for voting us one of the best!

Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 63

Customer Service

EDITOR’S CHOICE C AT E G O R I E S

Shop’ Kart-Fullers

Althauser Rayan Abbarno Farmers Insurance-Toledo Chris Judd-Title Guaranty

Community Events

Lighted Tractor Parade SWW Fair Toledo Cheese Days Winlock Egg Days

Non-Profit

Pope’s Kids Place

Place to Work

High School Hero Relay for Life

Althauser Rayan Abbarno Title Guaranty

Inexpensive Date

Shop’n Kart-Fullers

Music in the Park

Olympic Club Quesadilla Factory

Thanks for voting us one of the best!

CUSTOM TILE SHOWERS CH598528rk.do

586 N. Market Blvd.

Chehalis, WA 360-748-0277

BRIAN KOPA 360-870-7000 bkflooring@msn.com

1444 S. Scheuber Rd. Centralia, WA 98531 CH598047rk.do

64 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

Centralia’s Lighted Tractor Parade Is Top Community Event

Chronicle File Photo

Santa and Misses Claus wave from their sleigh pulled by motor-bikes ths past December in downtown Centralia.

creativity. We are still trying to figure out how to get back to the tractor portions. We love all the entries, but we have drifted a bit over the years. I’m just always amazed at the effort people put in.”

1945 S MARKET BLVD CHEHALIS WA, 98532 T (360)748-8467 F (360)748-6303 JONESAUTOMOTIVE2017@OUTLOOK.COM @JONESAUTOMOTIVE

THANK YOU FOR NOMINATING US!

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The Centralia Downtown Association organized its largest Lighted Tractor Parade to date this past December, with nearly 100 entries. It is no wonder that readers of The Chronicle voted it as the Best Community Event.

“We have several thousand people that descend upon downtown to watch the parade,” said parade organizer Amanda McDougall.

This past year entries included tractors, lawnmowers and f loats being pulled by tractors. They had a lighted beer keg tree and a lighted garbage truck.

Her favorite part, McDougall said, is how creative entrants are.

“We require 1,000 lights on a tractor and 2,000 minimum on a f loat,” McDougall said. “People go to pretty big lengths to put 2,000 lights on a f loat, sometimes.”

McDougall noted that she grew up in Lewis County and felt the tractor parade would honor the area’s agricultural heritage when it first began.

“I have to pinch myself every time we get rolling,” McDougall said. “It’s just amazing to see what it has become.”

McDougall noted this past year is the first time the Centralia Downtown Association has turned people away from entering the parade. Typically, people have still been allowed to sign up the day of the event. This year, however, the Lighted Tractor Parade reached its limit well in advance.

During the parade’s first year in 2010, there were 13 entries.

“Nine years ago, a couple of us from Centralia Downtown Association decided we wanted to bring an event to our downtown,” McDougall said. “We wanted to bring an event that was family-friendly, but would bring people to our downtown core. You can drive through downtown and not even know what is going on behind these doors.”

At that point, someone from the association compiled a list of community events that had done well in other towns across the U.S. McDougall said there are several dozen tractor parades that take place across the country.

“I think that when we first started it was very simple and a lot of tractors,” McDougall said. “The time that people put into their f loats has definitely increased — a lot of

Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019 • 65

Best Cheap Date: Chehalis Music In the Park It’s free. It’s fun. It’s the Lewis County’s Best Inexpensive Date, and it starts Friday, July 12, then the next two Fridays to follow.

It is setting up to be the biggest in the show’s history with three headliners with a combined 16 number one country hits and more than 60 charted singles.

Friday, July 12 features the return of Music In the Park favorite Ty Herndon. Ty was here last year and drew the largest crowd ever at Recreation Park. The Labelz will open the show with some get down classic rock to get the 2019 season started.

Friday, July 19, Music In the Park will open with the Randy Linder Band playing your favorite Classic Rock hits and setting the stage for country superstar Bryan White.

On Friday, July 26, Doug Stone hits the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce Stage. The final show opens with the fabulous Olson Brothers with their own set of country music.

All shows begin at 6:30 p.m. You’ll want to bring your chairs or blankets to sit on. Round up the whole family, neighbors and friends. Bring your own food and beverages but a reminder alcohol is not permitted in the park.

If you don’t want to bring your own food there will be a concession stand available with a great selection including hamburgers and hot dogs.

Chronicle File Photo

Ty Herndon opens the Chehalis Music In the Park on Friday, July 12, for a free concert. No wonder Music In the Park was voted the Best Inexpensive Date.

We have 20 beers on Tap and over 500 beers on the wall Thank you for voting, if you haven’t checked us out please do, and if you have checked us out, check us out again for the first time.

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M&K Town Store

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996-4451 • 515 N. Market Blvd. Chehalis

66 • Best of Lewis County • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, June 20, 2019

For Voting Us One of the Best In Lewis County!

We Appreciate Your Support!

Best Grocery Store Best Customer Service Best Bakery • Best Donut Best Place to Work Best Checker - Alesha Holland Best Young Professional Alesha McDaniel-Russo FULLERS MARKET PLACE

505 S TOWER AVE., CENTRALIA, WA. • 360.736.9328 • OPEN DAILY 6 AM - 11 PM 108 S MONTESANO ST., WESTPORT, WA. • 360.268.7687 OPEN DAILY 5 AM - 10 PM

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We Want to Thank the Best Customers

We are honored to be nominated as one of the BEST CLOTHING, SPORTING GOODS and GUN STORE!

Locally owned and serving Lewis County for 43 years!

1757 N. National Ave., Chehalis | 1000 Algiers Drive, Yelm

www.sunbirdshoppingcenter.com

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Thank You!