Best of Lynden 2023

December 27, 2023

A supplement of the Lynden Tribune

Presented by the and

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

2023 Best of Lynden

2023 Best of Lynden

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

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The results are in!

The Lynden Tribune and Lynden Chamber of Commerce extend a huge thank you to all of the readers who participated in our 2023 Best of Lynden Readers Choice Awards. We are pleased to present the awards to the winning local businesses listed throughout this publication. Congratulations!

Best Customer Service: Lynden Ace Hardware

By Bill Helm Editor

LYNDEN — By age 12, Brandon York knew he wanted to have his own store.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, York’s business, Lynden Ace Hardware, was more than a store. It was deemed essential.

“I think it was pretty important that we were open,” York said recently.

Although the York family bought into Lynden Ace Hardware in 2018, it wasn’t until Dec. 1, 2020 when the family became the location’s sole proprietors.

With a staff of about two dozen, York explained that customer service is a top priority at Lynden Ace. That priority is reason enough why the good folks of Lynden voted Lynden Ace Hardware the Best Customer Service Award in the Lynden Tribune’s 2023 Best of Lynden Readers Choice awards.

“We’re very blessed that we were recognized,” York said. “I cannot express the depth of gratitude we have with winning the customer service award. All my people are naturals. When people truly care, they can take care of people. They all start their day wanting to do the right thing for people.”

Married to Brenda since 1991, York started his career in a small convince store at age 15.

A year later, York started driving trucks, such as lowboy, log Continued on next page

The crew at Lynden Ace Hardware pose for a group photograph after Lynden residents recognized the store with the Lynden Tribune’s 2023 Best of Lynden awards for best customer service. (Bill Helm/Lynden Tribune)

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

2023 Best of Lynden

truck and dump truck, also running some equipment and choking logs.

After that, York transitioned into retail grocery where he worked his way up from courtesy clerk to store manager at Haggen, then Brown and Cole. Next on York’s career path, he shifted into retail distribution on a sales route, then to sales manager with Sound Beverage, then Walton Beverage.

Before the Yorks bought Lynden Ace Hardware, they owned a distributorship, then a pressure washing company. Brandon York explained that most of his business ventures have been geared toward “providing top in class customer service, which I believe is something that has to be genuine to be noticed.”

“Working for companies like Haggen, Brown & Cole and Walton Beverage who all believe in top line customer service has made it easy to do what makes it fun,” he said. “Taking care of the customer.”

Lynden Ace Hardware is at 1736 Front St., in the Fairway Center. Closed on Sunday, hours are 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Call 360-354-2291 for more information or visit https://www.acehardware.com.

-- Contact Bill Helm at bill@lyndentribune. com.

Jessica York, daughter of store owners Brandon and Brenda York, wishes a customer a Merry Christmas.

(Bill Helm/Lynden Tribune)

An exquisite dining experience that will transport your taste buds!

Lee Asian BistroYour ultimate destination for an unforgettable culinary adventure!

360-656-6332 8114 Guide Meridian Rd leebistrolynden.com

Voted Best New Business 2023 Thanks Lynden!

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

2023 Best of Lynden

Best convenience: Delta Country Market Angela and Mark Kennedy aim to gradually give the store an expanded country feel

By Cal Bratt For the Tribune

LYNDEN — Angela Kennedy took part in one of those growing-up rites of passage in Whatcom County: picking berries.

In her case, it was for the Clarks, which is right down the road from where she now seeks to create her own business niche.

Time away can make one desire to be back home. That was the case for Angie, after an initial career as a dental hygienist elsewhere. She wanted to be closer to family. Last year, she was able to buy the Delta Country Market that has been a fixture along Birch Bay-Lynden Road for umpteen years, and she is in the process of restyling it as even more of a country neighborhood or traveler stop with a cachet all its own.

With husband Mark — and they are both U.S. Navy veterans — there are plenty of plans and goals of gradual transformation to be carried out. They have begun the sharpening up of the store’s interior decor and inventory, with ideas of creating more opportunity for grab-and-go food, sit-down eating space and possibly a deck outside as well.

“We have a lot more we want to do. This is phase one,” Angie said. “We’re trying to make it more of a country store rather than a convenience store.”

It helps that they and their son Declan are not living in the house-store premises, which had been the previous practice. That frees up quite a bit of space that they could convert into cooking and serving area for customers.

“It just appealed to us,” Angie said. “We saw a need in this area (west of Lynden).”

The Kennedy have run up against a fair amount of county and state rules and logistics when it comes to making changes on water and sewer service and parking spaces and so on. They are working through it.

Angie and Mark Kennedy and their son Declan are the new family animating changes for Delta Market. (Cal Bratt for the Tribune)

They are grateful that former employees Nancy and Melanie chose to stay on with them through the transition, to keep up the Delta Market hours of service. With their help, “we know a lot of people by their first names here,” Angie said.

She also specifically credits Wayneson Custom Woodworking for creating classy new shelving and countertops for the Delta Market, a woodsy theme that will continue on to tables and other elements of a

steadily restyled store. Wood slabs come from trees cut on the property.

Ceilings and floors are also on the toredo list for the 1946-built structure.

Here’s a selling point for the fuel pumps out front: Delta carries no-ethanol real gasoline.

The Kennedys said they are very appreciative of voting customers who made Delta Country Market their choice as best convenience in the Lynden Tribune’s 2023

Best of Lynden Readers Choice Awards.

They remain open to any suggestions about how better to serve everyone in the future.

Delta Country Market is at 1306 Birch Bay Lynden Road. Hours are from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Saturday, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sunday. Call 360-354-1680 for more information, or visit Delta Country Market on Facebook.

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

2023 Best of Lynden

Best Florist award goes to ... Lynden Florea Formerly Small Town Florist, Front Street shop provides flowers to local customers

By Elisa Claassen For the Tribune

LYNDEN — In September 2022, Judy Hazel purchased Small Town Florist and renamed it Lynden Florea. Hazel said it was a suggestion from one of her children.

Hazel, an adoptee, once found her birth name was listed as Baby Girl Florea. While the name made Hazel think of her origins, her son said it originated with the Latin word flos, meaning flowers. It seemed appropriate.

Hazel had initially looked at buying a shop in Blaine but instead landed in the middle of Lynden.

Recently, Lynden Florea was selected as the town’s best florist in the Lynden Tribune’s 2023 Best of Lynden awards.

Hazel said her favorite flowers are ever changing.

Judy Hazel, at right, bought Small Town Florist in 2022 and renamed it Lynden Florea. Adopted, Hazel once learned that her name was listed on her birth certificate as Baby Girl Florea. (Photo courtesy Judy Hazel)

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

2023 Best of Lynden She loves to find new favorites, whether a new form of dahlia or a protea.

“I love to forage,” she said.

While she has been too busy to have her own garden, and has focused on floral design, Hazel said she looks forward to having a cutting garden at a future home.

At 30, Hazel went on the beginning of a long search for her birth family and her history.

In the process she discovered a last name, a birth sister, a connection to a Native American tribe, and plenty of missing pieces.

“It’s been a two-decade odyssey with twists and turns,” she said. Born in Bremerton, Hazel was raised in Concrete where she met her future husband Steve on the school bus when she was in elementary school.

They married when she was 17 and moved north to Whatcom County – and stayed here.

At 19, Hazel took an intensive course in floral design in Portland in which she attended classes for eight hours a day, five days a week for a month.

Receiving a certificate, Hazel started on her journey with flowers, with stints out to raise her children.

Hazel said she initially applied at 10

Judy Hazel, owner and operator of Lynden Florea, loves to find new favorite flowers, whether a new form of dahlia or a protea. (Photo courtesy

Judy Hazel)

shops in Bellingham, although she was hired at the first one. At that time, grocery stores did not have floral departments, she said.

Hazel spent eight years at Little Orchid Annie’s, but refocused on homeschooling her five children until their high school years. Today, Hazel’s children range in

age from 31-37.

In the meantime, Hazel did flowers for weddings during parts of the 1990s.

Many local residents may know her husband, or at least his voice, as Steve from Panacea Automotive Repair, as he is part of the team of mechanics on the locally produced Auto Guys on KGMI radio station on Saturday mornings.

Lynden Florea is manned with three employees and several contractors as needed, including sales, designers, and drivers.

“I love my team, which includes three Lyndenites who should be recognizable to our customers,” Hazel said.

“In thanks and in gratitude for my husband and my family that has women who empower me and men who are great businessmen to guide me,” Hazel said. “Thank you Lynden for adopting me and allowing me to serve up beautiful flowers every weekday.”

Lynden Florea is at 306 Front St., Lynden. Order flowers online 24/7 at https:// lyndenflorea.com or call 360-306-8819.

Also see Lynden Florea on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lyndenflorea.

Store hours are from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

BEST BURGER OR SANDWICH IN LYNDEN! Thank You To Our Wonderful Community For Your Continued Support!

8107 GUIDE MERIDIAN ROAD

2023 Best of Lynden

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

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Thank you for voting us Best Groomers six years in a row!

VAN’S

PLUMBING AND ELECTRIC, INC.

Thank You for choosing our business as

COME AND SEE OUR SELECTION OF DOG FOOD, TREATS & SUPPLEMENTS!

360-318-9949 • www.happypoochsalon.com 873 Hinotes Court, Bldg B, Unit #2 • Lynden, WA 98264

“The Best Plumbing Company” 307 19th Street, Lynden, WA 98264 (360) 354-2171 • (360) 354-VANS Fax (360) 354-5497

Thanks for voting us the Best Hardware/Home Improvement and Best Customer Service in Lynden!

With our gratitude, take

15% OFF one entire purchase

Enter to Win! A Brand-Man Grill!

Name: __________________________________

In store only, December 27, 2023-January 27, 2024. Limit 1 per household.

UPC 145867432

Phone: __________________________________

1736 Front St., Fairway Center, Lynden • 360-354-2291

Please enter at ACE by January 31, 2024

SKU 15OFFALL Hardware

2023 Best of Lynden

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

The 2023 BEST OF

awards are proudly presented to the following winners!

New Business

8114 Guide Meridian Rd Lynden 360-656-6332 Green Business

Small Business

211 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd Lynden 360-318-8869 Customer Service

Large Business

2077 Main St Lynden 360-354-5676 Medical Facility

Family Care Network

We Take Care

211 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd Lynden 360-318-8869

1736 Front St Lynden 360-354-2291

Lynden Family Medicine 1610 Grover St, D1 Lynden 360-354-1333

2023 Best of Lynden

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

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Adult/Assisted Living

Dentist

Optical

V

eltkamp Family Dentistry 301 Homestead Blvd Lynden 360-354-8200 Pharmacy

1610 Grover St Suite C1, Lynden 360-354-5691 Chiropractic

1610 Grover St Lynden 360-354-7933 Massage/Spa

OLSON Family Chiropractic 1758 Front St, #108 Lynden 360-354-1226

8304 Guide Meridian Rd Lynden 360-318-1240

s k n a Th ! l l a ' y

513 Front St Lynden 360-656-6150

405 Front Street 360-354-2174

Proud to be voted “Best Happy Hour”

rustlersfsg.com

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

2023 Best of Lynden

Beauty Salon

Barber

Fitness

Talk of the Town

513 Front St Lynden 360-656-6150

115 E Homestead Blvd Lynden 360-354-1196

509 Front St Lynden 360-383-8572

Veterinarian

Groomer

Pet Supplies

Kulshan Veterinary Hospital

8880 Benson Rd Lynden 360-354-5095

NORTHWEST 415 Depot Rd, Lynden 360-354-2108

873 Hinotes Ct, Bldg B, Unit 2 Lynden 360-318-9949

u o y k n a Th ncredible

for thetihis past year . supportfor voting us.. and

B C ES

onve T nienc Store e

DELTA

COUNTRY MARKET 1306 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd, Lynden

Stop on in- We’ve made a few changes with many more in store!

“So grateful to serve Lynden, thanks for your support!”

-Judy & Team at Lynden Florea LYN D EN FLOR EA

- Fresh & Permanent Dried Flowers - Weddings - Life Celebrations - Floral Subscriptions

306 Front Street, Suite B • Lynden • 360.306.8819 • lyndenflorea.com M-F 10-4, additional service by appointment

2023 Best of Lynden

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

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Pet Accommodations

Automotive Services

6451 Hannegan Rd Lynden 360-306-5931

8181 Guide Meridian Rd Lynden 360-354-7698

Real Estate Company

Photography

Financial Institution

2045 Front St Lynden 360-676-1168 Insurance Agency

ROBIN CO. PHOTOGRAPHY

8071 Guide Meridian Rd, #105 Lynden 360-354-4455

www.robincophotography.com RobinCo.Photography@gmail.com

Thanks for choosing ZYLSTRA TIRE

as the Best Tire Store in Lynden!

We appreciate it and look forward to serving all of your tire needs!

719 Grover St Lynden 360-922-0149

Thank you for your votes!

Providing patient-centered care to women of all ages and stages of life.

8850 Bender Rd, Ste. 204 Lynden, WA www.thehive-wa.com

Call or Text: 360-355-3151 360-354-4493

Gilbert Silva, Owner

Tyler Zylstra, Owner

501 Grover Street, Lynden

Tires/Auto Thanks for choosing

Landscape/Mowing

ZYLSTRA TIRE

Electrician

PLUMBING AND ELECTRIC, INC.

www.tblawns.com Law Practice

VAN’S

360-354-4493

501 Grover Street, Lynden

307 19th St Lynden 360-354-2171 Remodeling/Construction

Nicole L. Terpstra,

PLUMBING AND ELECTRIC, INC.

Attorney at Law, PLLC

307 19th St Lynden 360-354-2171

709 Grover St Lynden 360-318-9300

Gilbert Silva, Owner

Plumbing

VAN’S

as the Best Tire Store in Lynden!

501 itGrover We appreciate and lookSt forward to serving allLynden of your tire needs!

360-354-4493

Tyler Zylstra, Owner

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

2023 Best of Lynden

(360) 354-3097 vandergiessennursery.com

401 E. Grover St, Lynden

Thank you, Lynden!

We appreciate your vote and all of your support over the past year. We’re honored to have the opportunity to serve you in your lawn & garden needs.

Serving Lynden and Whatcom County for four generations since 1938.

2017 Front St Lynden 360-354-4149

2023 Best of Lynden

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Cleaning Services

191 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd Lynden 360-354-4145 Ethnic Food

655 Front St, Suite 10 Dutch Village Mall, Lynden 360-393-3068

Burger or Sandwich

Pizza

Burgers & Brew 8107 Guide Meridian Rd Lynden • 360-354-2125 Happy Hour

8122 Guide Meridian Lynden • 360-392-8435 Coffee/Espresso

405 Front St Lynden 360-354-2174

2 LOCATIONS IN LYNDEN Bender Plaza, Fairway Center

Blessed Again!

Olson Family Chiropractic VOTED “BEST CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE” OF LYNDEN 2023 We would like to thank the community of Lynden and surrounding area for their wonderful support and vote of confidence, once again!

We are humbled and blessed to be receiving the “Best of Lynden” award again this year!

Olson Family Chiropractic 360-318-1240 Olsonfamilychiropractic.com

2023 Best of Lynden

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

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2023 Best of Lynden

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

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Baked Goods

Local Food

Caterer

421 Front St, Lynden 1724 Front St, Fairway Center 360-354-3911

319 Grover St Centennial Park, Lynden www.lyndenfarmersmarket.com

Grocery

Convenience

1726 Front St Lynden 360-318-1302 Gift Shop/Jewelry

DELTA

COUNTRY MARKET 8071 Guide Meridian Rd, #101 Lynden 360-318-0688

Thank You for supporting local business!

Proud to be Voted Best Insurance Agency HOME | AUTO | BUSINESS | LIFE RETIREMENT PLANNING BENEFITS | HEALTH

We look forward to serving you In 2024! mannainsurancegroup.com

1306 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd Lynden

1758 Front St, #104 Fairway Center, Lynden 360-354-3101

, u o y k n a h T ! n e d n Ly

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

2023 Best of Lynden

Dr. Hannah Joyner Dr. Brian Koning Dr. Steven Koning

Dr. Kelly Larsen

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Thank you to all of our employees for creating a great place to work!

Dr. Jeff Ness

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TRUST!

LYNDENDOOR.COM

Check out our career opportunities!

You deserve the best in optical and medical eye care!

Since 1951. One Clinic. Three Locations.

360-733-1720 • www.mtbakervision.com

Sparrows Salon & Spa 513 Front St • Lynden 360-656-6150

Looking for Christmas gift ideas for teachers, mom, dad, brother, sister, friends or significant other?

Come pick up a gift card for your choice of any of the services we provide, along with travel size products to add on.

We also have earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, keychains, key wristlets, and pretty pens.

Hair

Dana Stuth, Amber Bernardy, Emily Mathews, Kelsey Carpenter, Jenn Becker, Taylor Lancaster, Chloe Malec, Sonia Blankers, Ana Williams, Mary Tuyen Le, Amber Spidell, Lindsey VandeHoef.

Not pictured: Amber Erdmann, Kara Chanik, Diana Monnot,

Laurel Johnson, Leslie Norris, Trinity Visser, Lora Cork.

• Cuts- Men, Women & Children • Color • Balayage • Perms • Brazilian Blowout • Hair Extensions, Hand Sewn & Tape-in • Bridal & Special Occasion Styling

Health

• Plasma Pen • Body & Facial Waxing • Massage- Deep Tissue • Lash Extensions & Prenatal • Lash Lift & Tint • Infrared Sauna • Brow Tint • B12 • IV Therapy • Teeth Whitening • Wellness Injections • Permanent Cosmetic • Piercing • Artificial Nails • Esthetics & Nail Art • Bridal & Special • Manicures • Pedicures Occasion Makeup • Spray Tan • Oxygen Facials • Sunless Tanning Bed • Chemical Peels • Botox, Juvederm, Kybella & Daxxify • Dermaplaning

Beauty

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

2023 Best of Lynden

THANKS FOR THE VOTES! We’re proud to be voted “Best of Lynden” for Automotive Services for 12 years in a row.

1758 Front St. #104 Fairway Center 360-354-3101

WITH THANKS We appreciate your support of our store through the years.

We look forward to serving you in 2024!

“�ank you for voting us best in Lynden landscaping and lawn care for the second year in a row!

We appreciate your business and support.”

- Tyler Bergsma and Crew

www.tblawns.com tblawns@live.com

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

2023 Best of Lynden

Furniture

Farm Supply

Garden/Nursery

1898 Front St Lynden 360-318-0134

168 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd Lynden 360-778-3870 Hardware/Home Improvement

Clothing/Fashion

401 E Grover St Lynden 360-354-3097 Florist LYN D EN

1736 Front St Lynden 360-354-2291

420 Front St Lynden 360-778-1849

306 Front St, Suite B Lynden • 360-306-8819 lyndenflorea.com

THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US! Thanks to such a great community!

1 FREE 5 lb. bag of apples

301 West Homestead Blvd., Lynden, WA 98264

(360) 354-8200 www.meadowgreenslynden.com

Thank you for your votes!

AUTHENTIC THAI CUISINE

• Dine-In • Take-Out • Catering

655 Front St, Suite #10, Lynden chandarahouse -authenticthaicuisine.com

360-393-3068 chandarahouseLynden

No purchase necessary. Expires 12.31.2024.

211 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd, Lynden Monday-Saturday 8-6, Closed Sunday

Thank you for supporting our business!

Amphonesy

We Appreciate you voting us Best Ethnic Food in Lynden!

Order online at

chandarahousewa.smiledining.com

FLOR EA

Thank You for your votes!

BEST OF LYNDEN DENTIST 2023

1610 GROVER ST, STE C-1 LYNDEN, WA 98264 (360) 354-5691 VELTKAMPFAMILYDENTISTRY.COM

360-354-3911 421 Front St. • 1724 Front St. Drive-Thru Prescription Pick-up M-F 9 am to 7 pm Sat 9 am to 5 pm Sun Closed

Thank You Lynden!

1758 Front St. #106, Lynden • 360-354-1226 www.fairwaydruglynden.com

2023 Best of Lynden

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Consignment/Thrift/Antique

408 1st St Lynden 360-318-9333 Local Charity or Organization

205 South B.C. Ave Lynden 360-354-9930

Meeting Place

319 Grover St Centennial Park, Lynden www.lyndenfarmersmarket.com Wedding Venue

115 E Homestead Blvd, Suite A Lynden 360-778-2849

thanks FOR VOTING US BEST PIZZA!

CoconutKennys.com

Local Farm

112 H Street Rd Lynden 360-410-7777 Golf Course

6827 Hannegan Rd Lynden 360-354-3029

2023 Best of Lynden

Family Activity

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Accommodations/Hotel

Wild Card:

Lynden Skateway 421 Judson St Lynden 360-354-3851

100 5th Street Lynden 360-746-8597

8850 Bender Rd, Ste. 204 Lynden • 360-355-3151 www.thehive-wa.com

"Thank you for the Best Wedding Venue votes!"

360-778-2849 www.steakhouse9.com 115 E. Homestead Blvd. Ste. A, Lynden, WA

Thank You!

Thanks for voting our office Best of Lynden Law Practice!

Nicole L. Terpstra ATTORNEY AT LAW, PLLC 709 Grover Street, Lynden • 360-318-9300

Lynden Family Medicine is honored to be your Best of Lynden choice for Medical Facility. familycarenetwork.com Anacortes | Bellingham | Birch Bay | Ferndale | Lynden | Mount Vernon

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2023 Best of Lynden

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023

NORTHWEST Energy | Agronomy | Retail

Voted Best Pet Supply Store!

BEST OF

Thank you for voting for us!

We love that you voted us the 2023 Best Pet Supply Store.

Stop by soon to see what else we have in store. You’ll find everything you need from pet supplies to gardening, clothing and more! And right next door we’ve got quick snacks, cold beverages and daily life essentials all in one convenient location!

We look forward to serving you in 2024!

CHS Northwest 415 Depot Rd., Lynden • 360.306.3800 Everything you need for Home & Farm.

chsnw.com

2023 Best of Lynden

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Brady DenBleyker

Darrel Timmer

Kevin Hoksbergen

Karen Timmer

Wynden Holman

Brooke Stremler

Bonnie Vander Yacht

Thank You, Lynden, for the vote of confidence!

We are proud to be voted 2023’s

Duane Vander Yacht

Jim Huleatt

BEST OF

Tresie Wiersma

Jason Heutink

www.windermerewhatcom.com

Sid Mellema

Irina Kulyak

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

Sharon Engels

8071 Guide Meridian, Suite 105 • 360-354-4455 • 800-234-1841

Aimee Slesk

Jason Cavanaugh

Ron DeBoer

Mike Vail

Mike Kooy

George Hoksbergen

Lester VanMersbergen

Loren VanCorbach