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
Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023
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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
Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023
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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
Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023
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2023 Best of Lynden
Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 27, 2023
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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