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Brought To You By:

Mike Shaw Administrator

Consumer Tips 1. Find compassion — Treating everyone from the residents and visitors to the care givers like family. 2. Look for a community — Connecting with those outside of the facility and being part of Arlington. 3. Therapy — More than just the physical, but improving mental and spiritual sides of life. 4. A stable staff — Balanced, friendly and reliable staff available everyday. 5. Can’t forget fun — Activities inside and outside the facility. Casinos, fishing, gardening.

The staff of Regency Care Center at Arlington comes out to welcome you.

How to choose a care facility with a sense of community

ompassion and community can make our lives richer. We all know a hug is never wasted, a kind word is always a blessing and a smile is great medicine. These are what you can expect at our home according to Mike Shaw administrator. Shaw encourages families and friends to come and visit residents at any time. There are monthly family barbecues and buffet days as well as special occasions to celebrate family ties. The home is having a Fall Festival on Saturday Oct. 22nd from 11a.m to 3p.m. Some fun activities will be petting zoo, hay rides, games for kiddos (young and old), chainsaw carving, raffles a chili cookoff and pie bake off too!!! “It’s all about getting people to connect with our residents — we live in a wonderful area, people have such good hearts here.” he said. As those relationships grow, people tend to start taking care of one another, which is the atmosphere Shaw sees everyday at Regency and hopes to build on. “We are hoping in the future to get a mentor reading program called ‘Readers and Leaders’ set up with local schools to

help kids learn to read — they are our future,” he said. “Our home is also rolling out an Adopt-A-Grandparent program to encourage little ones to remember all of our elders. If you want to help with either of these please call the facility at 360-403-8247.” Of course, there are a number of other

“Our home is here to support you and yours Emotionally, Physically and Spiritually... That’s who we are, that’s what we do — for you.” - Mike Shaw

factors to consider in a care facility — such as rehabilitation therapy — physical, occupational and speech. “Twenty-five percent of folks come here for four to six weeks, and then they go back home,” Shaw said. In fact, Regency has pride in its high number of positive clinical outcomes, and low return-to-hospital rate. As part of a large community, Shaw realizes the importance of mental health.

Regency brings in counselors twice a week for residents. Regency residents have the opportunity to see the same therapists from the hospital to home, as they work in local hospitals and provide outpatient services after patients discharge home. In addition to those services, Regency offers massage therapy, and Shaw said there are plans to begin bringing in an acupuncturist as well. Having a dedicated, stable and caring team provides support and encouragement to both residents and families. “We believe in having a good time here ... We always catch fish on our fishing trips — who wants to get skunked?” said Shaw. For high-rollers, Regency takes scheduled trips to local casinos as well. There is just everyday fun too, where residents can enjoy flower and vegetable gardening, bread baking, pet therapy, dancing, occasional live music and crafts. “Terrific local volunteer craftsmen like Terry Marsh come in and work with our residents on painting and woodwork,” Shaw said. And, of course, we DO play Bingo!” Call for information (360) 403-8247

“Our Family... Caring For Yours”

Emotionally, Physically, Spiritually

620 Hazel Street, Arlington

360-403-8247

Mike Morales Manager

Consumer Tips 1. Find the right system for you — Looking to play online, watch blurays, or play with the family? 2. Find a game — You can test drive your game here. 3. A place to party — Come in for the games, and stay for the gaming. 4. Knowledgeable Staff — Employees are gamers first and foremost. 5. RESETGAMES. COM — Buy and trade your games online with ease!

Reset Games employees Mike Morales, Arin Van Dorth and Jake Middleton hold court in their game testing section of the store.

How To Get The Most From Your Reset Games Experience

owadays, there are so many gaming options that gamers of all ages need a store that can help them sort it all out. That’s why Reset Games has made itself more than just a gaming store — it’s a hub for local gamers. “We know almost everybody who comes in regularly. There are some that we don’t know, but we get to know our hardcore gamers pretty well, and the parents of a lot of the kids that come in, so it makes for a pretty cool community,” said Reset Games manager Mike Morales. But Morales said that even his most devoted customers aren’t aware of all the store has to offer, which is why he has suggested five steps to getting the most out of his staff and his store. For starters, those new to gaming can turn to his staff to help decide which system fits their needs. “It definitely depends on whether you want an entertainment system like the PlayStation 3 with a Blu-ray player in it where everything online is free,” he said. “But if all your friends are playing online with Xbox then they’ll go that way.” After finding a system, Reset Games then makes it as easy as possible to find the right games by letting customers peel off the plastic and try it out. “It’s tough these days with the economy the way it is,” he said. “People aren’t just willing to drop $60 on a game that they’ve never played before or just heard about. So we offer that extra experience where you get to sit down, try out the game and if you like it, pick it up.”

Those plasma screens aren’t just for testing out games though. Reset Games turns into a venue for themed nights, such as the most recent Marvel vs. Capcom tournament, where as many as 30 gamers faced off against each other digitally for prizes and a chance to test their skills. “We do that kind of thing in both the stores, where people can get together and enjoy games together and maybe earn a

“It definitely depends on whether you want an entertainment system like the PlayStation 3 with a Blu-ray player in it where everything online is free,” he said. “But if all your friends are playing online with Xbox then they’ll go that way.” - Mike Morales

little money to put down on a new game,” Morales said. For parents taking their kids to the store, they can keep an eye on their children while sitting in comfortable chairs in the Parents’ Corner where they can watch television or even read a magazine. But Reset Games isn’t just about the latest and greatest, the store also boasts a collection of vintage games that not only attracts the pre-gaming gamers, but also acts as a history of gaming.

“We get a lot of out-of-state collectors,” he said. “People will come in with big lists and we’ve got a lot of rare stuff for the Atari.” Finally, the newest way to take advantage of all Reset Games has to offer is not to show up to the store, as all of these features are available at home from the tips of your fingers with the new Reset Games online store. From cyberspace, you can pre-order, buy, sell and even discuss games. Reset Games will take care of the trip to the store for you with a mailing trade-in system, and even provides tips for people to get the most out of their used games. The best part about resetgames.com? They offer free 1-3 day shipping on all purchases and run different promotions on used games. Everything they offer in-store is available online from retro to the current generation of games. Reset makes the online trade-in process easy by simply selecting which games you want to trade online, then shipping the prepaid trade-in bag with your games and a printed invoice. Soon after, your store credit shows up online for you to shop with. Resetgames.com is also a good source of blogs and reviews straight from the knowledgeable staff. A forum is also available for gamers to join the community and talk shop with fellow gamers. When it comes down to it, Reset Games offers the opportunity for gamers to become as involved in their gaming community as they’d like. For more information visit ResetGames. com or call (360) 653-8580. 4

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Mark Morrison President & CEO

Consumer Tips 1. MountainCrest Credit Union is open to all Washington state residents and allows its members to sign up and manage their accounts online. 2. MountainCrest helps younger customers build good credit with their first credit cards, so that they can get their first car loans through the credit union. 3. The “Balance” financial fitness program is available for free to all MountainCrest members, to guide them through crises and everyday expenses alike. 4. MountainCrest’s partnership with the True North Financial Group provides its members with retirement planning services and alternatives to savings accounts, including 401K. 5. MountainCrest Credit Union members can skip a payment for a month, and enjoy a 3.9 percent Visa purchase rate during November and December, to help with their holiday expenses.

From left, Arlington MountainCrest Credit Union Finance Specialist Deanna Wietzke, Branch Manager Jill Williams and Member Service Representative Amelia Hollingsworth are ready to assist both new and existing members.

How to get started in planning your financial future, and how to weather the current economy with MountainCrest Credit Union

ith International Credit Union Day taking place on Oct. 20 this year, the members of the MountainCrest Credit Union want existing and prospective customers alike to know how MountainCrest lives up to that day’s spirit of improving the lives of both individuals and their communities. “A lot of folks don’t know the differences between a bank and a credit union,” said Mark Morrison, president and CEO of MountainCrest Credit Union. “Unlike a bank, we’re a non-profit cooperative. Our board of directors are all volunteers. Our members are our owners, and their decisions drive how we run.” MountainCrest is open to anyone who lives in the state of Washington. Indeed, both Morrison and Elaine Maglaras, the marketing director for MountainCrest in Arlington, emphasized that the MountainCrest Credit Union tries to make itself as accessible as possible, not only to existing members who might be struggling under current economic conditions, but also to newer and younger customers who have never dealt with a credit union before. “Credit unions were started during the Great Depression to deal with economic circumstances just like this,” Morrison said. “Whatever you might be hearing from the banks about loans right now, we still have the money to lend for things like cars and real estate and fixing up your home, all at competitive rates.” Maglaras explained that MountainCrest’s

online services make signing up and managing one’s money as simple as a few mouseclicks. “You can open an account within minutes on our site,” Maglaras said. “My nephew had never had a credit card before, so we were able to give him one with a $500 limit to start, which allowed him to build up enough credit to get his first car loan from us.”

“From your first credit card to your first car loan, we want to be there for all your financial firsts.” - Mark Morrison

“Parents can cosign for their kids’ first VISA cards with us as they head off to college, or even just give them prepaid cards that they can reload with us as needed,” Morrison said. “From your first credit card to your first car loan, we want to be there for all your financial firsts.” Although members can check their account balances and transfer funds between their accounts online, Maglaras also touted the personal touch that MountainCrest employees can offer in talking to members one-on-one, not only about building good credit and paying their bills, but also planning their finances in the long run. To that end, the “Balance” financial fitness program

is available for free to all MountainCrest members, to guide them through crises and everyday expenses alike. “If you’re in financial trouble, we can help you develop a budget and figure out a payment schedule that can get you through it,” Maglaras said. “If you’ve had a new baby and you’re wondering whether you can afford day care, we can help you out with that too. Balance is there for both your happy times and your difficult times.” MountainCrest has also partnered with the True North Financial Group to provide retirement planning services and alternatives to savings accounts, including 401K. “It’s a full-service broker,” Morrison said. “As we help you look at your long-term finances with an eye toward retirement, we can help you find the right products for you, whether it’s insurance, assisted living care or other options, since not every service can fit within everyone’s budget.” Looking to the nearer future, MountainCrest aims to make its members’ holidays a bit brighter by easing a few of their financial burdens. “In November and December, we’re dropping our Visa purchase rate to 3.9 percent in time for holiday shopping,” Maglaras said. “Our members can also skip a payment, up to twice a year,” Morrison said. “For $25, you can skip one of your payments, such as your car payment, for a month. A lot of folks take advantage of that for the winter holidays.” Please visit www.mountaincrestcu. com or call (360) 435-5400. 6

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Everyone is Welcome!

Eric Larsen Marketing & House Services Director

Consumer Tips 1. Try the Totem Club — It’s like having your own concierge to the casino. 2. Walk around — Don’t be afraid to ask a dealer how to play, or what’s hot. 3. Check out poker — Free lessons on how to play are every Wednesday. 4. Relax with keno — Lounge in the comfortable seats with some penny keno. 5. Stay refreshed — Try Angel of the Winds’ award-winning restaurants or buffets.

The Wolf Run is one of the more popular slot machines at the Angel of the Winds Casino

Have more fun at the “World’s Friendliest Casino”

ith such an array of things to do at Angel of the Winds Casino, it can be hard to figure out just what to do first. For those wanting to get a full casino experience Marketing and House Services director Eric Larsen has five suggestions. The first stop you should make when visiting is the player’s club. At Angel of the Winds Casino it is called the Totem Club and is open all night. “Some people come in and can be intimidated with all the flashing lights and the machines going on and that’s why the Totem Club is there, to help you get settled in,” Larsen said. The Totem Club is like your own concierge to direct you to everything that’s happening. You will learn about the daily promotions, tournaments, dining specials and more with this first stop. Be sure to join the club to be included in the drawings and other perks by being a member. Membership is free to all guests age 21 and over. This October and November Angel of the Winds Casino is celebrating its seventh anniversary by giving away seven brand new Chevys including a Chevy Volt. Visit the Totem Club for details. If you like table games, take a minute walk around the pit to see the new games, progressive jackpots and friendly dealers. The dealers love to take whatever time is necessary to teach you any game you would like to learn. “That’s what our staff is there for,” Lar-

sen said. “They’re not just there to deal games, but they’ll show you the etiquette to make you feel right at home.” Yes, they have all the old favorites like craps, roulette and, of course, blackjack. The dealers at Angel of the Winds deal blackjack the old-fashioned way — with hand shuffling and a smile. With over 1,000 slots you will find a favorite game to play. All machines will accept cash and will print a ticket for you to cash out when you win. New games

“Some people come in and can be intimidated with all the flashing lights, and the machines going on and that’s why the Totem Club is there, to help you get settled in” - Eric Larsen

come out weekly so be sure to ask your slot attendant “what’s hot.” The poker room has eight tables and, of course, the most popular game Texas Hold’em. Daily tournaments with friendly buy-ins and great pay-outs are the rule. Free lessons on how to play are featured every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. This fall the poker room has the second $50,000 free roll. Earn a free seat to this tournament the — largest free roll in Washing-

ton state. Ask the poker room for details. The keno lounge features the most comfortable seats in the house. Watch the keno balls live, enjoy a beverage and watch TV while playing keno. Yes, they even have penny keno. Keno tournaments give you a chance to win extra cash so ask your keno attendant for details. Also, Larsen recommends staying replenished. Katie’s Kitchen is one of Snohomish County’s busiest restaurants featuring the famous 99-cent specials and $1.49 classics. Fresh food and the best prices in Washington leave you smiling with every visit. And Katie’s is always open. The Watershed Restaurant now features daily buffets and a full menu. The beautiful atmosphere and great service in a casual setting is just 150 feet away from the casino action. Open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday Brunch is served 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All you can eat Buffet is 4-10 p.m. daily. But if you want to stay refreshed while playing, the casino floor has four self-serve coffee and self-serve beverage stations that are free. Beverage servers are constantly patrolling if you would like to be served at your seat. A fun and friendly lounge featuring live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays will be found in the Watershed Lounge at 9 p.m. For information visit www.angelofthewinds.com or call (360) 474-9740. 8

Cheri Groves Home Comfort Specialist

Consumer Tips 1. Assess your needs — make sure a Manual J heat load calculation is done to properly size your home comfort system. 2. Save energy, save money — by taking advantage of Snohomish PUD Incentives and Loans. 3. Decide on a brand — find a brand you can trust with a warranty that means something. 4. Going green doesn’t cost more — environmentally conscious doesn’t have to be for super rich anymore. 5. Installation — trust in 76 years experience.

Kent Visser is a Snohomish County resident and Service Technician for Andgar for 11 years.

Andgar extends family to Snohomish County

nohomish County residents and businesses are about to learn what Whatcom County and Skagit County residents have come to rely on one winter at a time for over 76 years. Andgar isn’t just bringing its heating expertise to Snohomish County, it’s also bringing its way of doing business, which is only experienced nowadays with a familyowned company. “You can just tell that our owners are people who care about their customers and employees,” said Andgar Home Comfort Specialist Cheri Groves. “They want to make sure that they can take care of whatever needs a customer might have.” For that reason, Andgar keeps 20 service Technicians, 10 Residential Installers, a Plumbing Department and a Service Department with 24-7 Service Response.Andgar is a company you can count on. Although new to the area for residential installs, Andgar isn’t completely a stranger either, completing a number of projects and multiple on-going maintenance contracts from Snohomish High School to the Marysville Pump Station, Boston’s and Red Robin in Smokey Point just to name a few. “We would like to branch out our family into Snohomish County,” said Groves. “We are thankful for our relationship and meeting the maintenance needs of Delta Property Management, we are looking forward to extending our services to their residences.” While offering a number of services from plumbing to heating, Andgar employees also help customers choose which is right for their house. Groves has a few tips on what will help you keep your home comfortable

this winter. Andgar believes you should be able to trust the product you’re buying as much as whom you are buying it from. Assess your needs When deciding what kind of heating system you need, it is important to know Andgar works with customers with older homes relying on baseboard heat. Andgar specializes in retrofit ductwork and is a Snohomish PUD Contractor. You can save energy, save money by taking advantage of Snohomish “It’s important for us to see how much space we’re dealing with and the ductwork is properly sized for the home comfort system that we are recommending.” - Cheri Groves PUD incentives. Make sure your ducts are in order Every Andgar Comfort Specialist will inspect your home personally and will perform a Manual J heat load calculation when necessary. “We do a Manual J load calculation to make sure that we properly size your home comfort system for you, we don’t guess on sizing here at Andgar.” said Groves. “We actually go down into the crawlspace and measure the trunk line, which feeds the heat runs into the rest of the house,” Groves said. “It’s important for us to see how much space we’re dealing with and the ductwork is properly sized for the home comfort system that we are recommending.”

While not everybody does this in the industry, it is necessary to make sure your house has enough space to handle your recommended Home Comfort System. Also, it is a way to get a better understanding of the condition of your duct system. Part of Andgar’s service is to make sure your duct systems are clean and that there are no leaks. Brands are important Andgar is a Trane Comfort Specialist because of it’s long and successful relationship with the heat pump manufacturer, and because of how strongly Trane stands behind its product. “Trane has warranties and extended warranties that are the best out there,” said Groves. “Trane is one of those names you can trust because they take pride in their products.” Going Green doesn’t cost more Andgar offers geothermal ground-source heat pumps which are the most energy efficient and “green” on the market. But the days where green means more expensive are beginning to disappear. The technology is becoming just as cost-effective and Andgar can pass on the savings to you for being environmentally conscious. Snohomish PUD has great rebates and incentives available for these customers. Installation After finding the right Home Comfort System, making sure that it is correctly installed into your home is the most important, which is why Andgar provides continual training for their residential installers, and Service Technicians. ANDGAR.COM or call (425) 252-5002 10

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0% same as cash financing with purchase of a qualifying Trane system. See your independent Trane dealer for complete program eligibility, dates, details and restrictions. Special financing offers OR instant rebate from $100 up to $1,000 valid on qualifying systems only. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where prohibited. The Home ProjectsĂ’ VisaĂ’ card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit at participating merchants. Regular minimum monthly payments are required during the promotional period Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date at the regular APR if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotional period or if you make a late payment. For newly opened accounts, the regular APR is 27.99% The APR may vary. The APR is given as of 1/1/2011. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. If you use the card for cash advances, the cash advance fee is 4% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than 10.00 Monthly payment if shown based on $7,100 purchase.

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Brenda Litke Board-Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist

Consumer Tips 1. Longevity — Make sure you find a reliable provider. 2. Connect — Be comfortable with your specialist. 3. Schedule a hearing aid consultation — Good time to learn about your hearing loss and how hearing aids can reconnect you to your world. 4. Don’t skimp — Choosing a hearing aid solely on price can lead to dissatisfaction due to being fit with technology that is not suited for you. 5. Take care — Get your hearing checked annually and your hearing aids checked every 4-6 months.

Cascade Audiology & Hearing Aid Center has been providing hearing services to Arlington since 1991 with specialists like Brenda Litke, left, and Terry Hergesheimer.

How to select a hearing specialist and aid

hen it comes to health, out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind, especially when it comes to your hearing. And it’s not necessarily easy for people to discern when hearing loss begins. In fact, the specialists at Cascade Audiology & Hearing Aid Center say that’s common. “For the most part, it’s subtle. Most of them don’t really acknowledge that they have hearing loss, they are here to make their family happy,” said one of Cascade’s Licensed Audiologists, Terry Hergesheimer. “And one of the first sign of hearing loss is the complaint that everyone is mumbling.” But different types or varying levels of hearing loss should be treated in different ways, from sudden hearing loss which requires same day attention to the gradual loss that your family members insist you take action. The first step is identifying that a hearing loss is present and a hearing aid is the correct solution. Cascade Audiology & Hearing Aid Center has laid out 5 steps to follow to select both a specialist and hearing aid. “Some people can have a small loss, but it can be great because of their lifestyle and that’s how it is perceived when they walk in the door,” said Cascade Licensed Audiologist Shonie Hannah. People come into Cascade for a wide variety of issues. Such diverse treatment is why Cascade has been in the Snohomish County community for so long. In fact, longevity is the first tip to selecting a care provider. “You want to make sure that where you

go has been around a while and will continue to be,” said Brenda Litke, board-certified hearing instrument specialist. “We’re not going anywhere.” Cascade has been serving Arlington and the surrounding area for 20 years and has been in business for more than 30 years. While choosing a reliable provider is important, so is being comfortable with the individual delivering the care, which is why Hannah stresses a trust with that person. “You really want to find somebody that you connect with and understands your needs,” she said. “And that’s going to be there with you through the duration.”

“For the most part, it’s subtle. Most of them don’t really acknowledge that they have hearing loss, they are here to make their family happy” - Terry Hergesheimer

You can do that by following the third tip, which is to schedule a consultation even if you are not ready to wear hearing aids. This is where you learn about your hearing loss, how it impacts your life, and tailored hearing solutions available for you. Your provider should be knowledgeable and have more than one hearing manufacturer to chose the correct product. Make sure your provider has other solutions for your needs. When choosing a hearing aid, price should not be the deciding factor but the emphasis should be on the tailored hearing

solution that’s best suited for their lifestyle. Hearing Aids are innovative. Manufacturers have products that have several features that work behind the scenes to enhance hearing in a variety of situations. There are 6 leading major manufacturers in the market and Cascade Audiology uses at least three. Each manufacturer has their special features which may or may not need. It is difficult for one manufacturer to have a product for everyone which is why Cascade Audiology & Hearing Aid Center uses more than one leading manufacturer so the precise solution is delivered for each individuals needs.“It’s like running a computer, so it’s like trying to find a computer for your brain,” Litke said. “We help them choose the level of technology based on their needs,” Hannah said. “So if you live a quiet lifestyle, you don’t need something very sophisticated, but if you live a dynamic lifestyle, you really need a device that’s as dynamic as you are to really help improve your hearing in all the environments you will be in.” Finally, treating hearing like the other senses when it comes to checkups is a crucial step. “People always think about getting their eyes tested yearly, but they never think about getting their hearing tested,” said Litke. “They should make it a part of their test battery of getting their eyes tested or getting their mammogram.” And those who have hearing aids should bring them in every 4-6 months to make sure they are working properly, as well having them cleansed and adjusted. Call for more information (360) 435-6300. 12

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Don Culbertson Owner

Consumer Tips 1. Lubricate — Make sure your door stays sliding by lubing it once a year. 2. Safety Reverse Test — Should be done once a month. 3. Photo Sensor Alignment — Make sure your door responds to obstructions. 4. Take care of wooden doors — Weather can compromise wood, loosen nuts and bolts. 5. Maintain security integrity — Keep security codes secret.

Don Culbertson, owner, shows off his truck that has helped him service Snohomish County for years.

Five ways to maintain your garage door

ith new technology linking Lubricate you to your garage door no There are 124 spots that should be lumatter where you are around bricated once a year on a standard 16’ x 7’ the world, it is becoming more important door. to maintain your door’s hardware, and to “We come across doors that are so dry have a local business looking out for your that they no longer move,” he said. “People security. are thinking there is something in the way, Classic Garage Door Service LLC has but there is just nothing there to get it movbeen serving local homes and businesses ing.” for 15 years and owner Don Culbertson Safety Reverse Test knows his success is because Snohomish It is recommended for your safety to do County people would rather trust a family- a safety reverse test once a month. This is owned business. test that makes sure your door will retract “People know that they’re dealing with while closing after hitting an object. somebody real,” Culbertson said. “And that But this test isn’t just for safety. In fact, it is the person responsible for the work that gets done. I’m the guy that shows up, tells “People know that they’re dealing with you how much it will cost and next week I’ll be back installing it.” somebody real, and that is the person Culbertson said that many of his customers are relieved to be able to speak to responsible for the work that gets done. the same person throughout the process, I’m the guy that shows up, tells you how instead of being handed off to subcontracmuch it will cost and next week I’ll be tors. Dealing with a local family-owned busiback installing it.” ness also helps after the door is installed. - Don Culbertson If an issue should come up, customers can check out MyBigDoor.com, Culbertson’s website, to get advice, or simply call him can affect the sale of your home. up to immediately find out what may be “This is one of the tests that a home inthe issue. spector will check when determining the “Most of the time, if it’s something sim- standing of the home,” Culbertson said. ple, I try to walk them through it over the “And it could turn up as a red flag on the phone so they don’t have to pay me to come sale of your home.” out,” he said. “Advice is free.” To learn how to perform this test corHere is a list of five common measures rectly, step-by-step instructions are located homeowners can take to keep the largest on a sticker placed on the door. moving object in a home on track:

Photo Sensor Alignment Another safety test that will make sure the sensors at the bottom of the door track will keep the door from closing all the way in the event of obstruction. Take care of wood doors Hardware should be checked and tightened every three months on wooden garage doors. The Pacific Northwest’s distinct seasons can swell and condense wood, working on the nuts and bolts of your door. “Often times I go up to a wood door and there are nuts completely missing and the door is ready to fall off in a section,” Culbertson said. Keeping the paint maintained can also double the life of your door. “It’s really that important, especially if your door faces south or west because they bear all of our weather,” Culbertson said. “If somebody wants a new door and it will face west or south, I always say go with steel because it will take the weather.” Maintain security integrity Finally, what good is a garage door if everybody can get in? Culbertson stresses the need to keep confidential information restricted to those living in the house. “Allowing your children’s friends to know your key pad code is dangerous,” he said. “And if you lose your remote control, your system should have the codes cleared and reprogrammed.” Now home security can be checked from anywhere around the world with smart phones being able control garage doors, so security is becoming even more paramount. MyBigDoor.com or call (360) 435-8710. 14

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We Specialize in NW Garage Doors from Tacoma! Northwest Door® - SINCE 1946 -

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CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 120 YEARS

We sit down & offer a consultative approach with a needs analysis. Newsprints â€” Retail & Classified, Inserts, Online, Preprints, Special Section & Publication Contact your Sales Representative:

Marysville Globe Susan Bonasera Sales Manager 360-659-1300

SBonasera@MarysvilleGlobe.com

Arlington Times Terrie McClay Multi-Media Sales Consultant 360-659-1300

TMcClay@Arlingtontimes.com

Teresa Lemke Inside Sales 360-659-1300

tlemke@MarysvilleGlobe.com

Susan Bonasera Sales Manager

Consumer Tips 1. Know your audience — Who are they, what do they want, where do they come from and where are they getting the message from? 2. Plan ahead — Keep in mind exactly what consumer needs you want to serve with your business, and set aside money in your budget for advertising. 3. Research the market and all avenues of advertising available. 4. Print and online ads should be simple, easy to read and communicate only the information that the consumer cares about and needs to know. 5. Consistency — It’s a fact that most people do not act without seeing a product or a message at least six times.

From left, Arlington Times Sales Consultant Terrie McClay, Inside Sales Consultant Teresa Lemke and Susan Bonasera, sales consultant for The Marysville Globe and The Arlington Times, show off some of the publications through which they help make area businesses more visible to the surrounding community.

How to make the most of your advertising dollars

ne of the first steps in knowing how to advertise your business effectively is knowing who your ideal customer is, according to Susan Bonasera, sales consultant for The Marysville Globe and The Arlington Times. “You can’t just say, ‘everybody,’” Bonasera said. “You need to be specific. Have you surveyed your customers? How far away did you think you would draw customers from when you first opened your business?” Bonasera emphasized the importance of planning, not only in developing an advertising campaign, but also in starting your business in the first place. “When you opened your business, what did you think would happen?” Bonasera asked. “What was the need you were hoping to fill? How many of you read a story or saw an ad, and it sparked a need you didn’t even know you had? Creating a need for a product is what advertising is all about. If you make a plan and plan ahead, it will pay off.” From there, Bonasera explained that a business must make itself visible and available as a means of solving this problem. “Ask yourself what you’ve done to create better store traffic,” Bonasera said. “What does your business look like from the outside? Does it still have its initial energy from its opening? Use a trusted friend who can tell you the truth.” Bonasera urged businesses to set aside a portion of their budget ahead of time specifically for advertising, and to educate themselves on which media yield the great-

est dividends. “Independent research has shown that audiences react to only 5 percent of the advertising from television and radio,” Bonasera said. “Meanwhile, weekly print and online audiences continue to grow. Do you have co-op funds available for the promotion of one or more of your products?” Bonasera listed a set of criteria that every good print ad should meet. “It should stop the reader from turning the page and sell the product’s benefits rath-

“Creating a need for a product is what advertising is all about. If you make a plan and plan ahead, it will pay off” - Susan Bonasera er than its features,” Bonasera said. “People buy based on what the product does for them.” Simplicity is also a key in such ads, whether in print or online. Bonasera underscored the importance of providing all the facts a reader needs to know, without providing too many. This includes promoting the name of the store or brand, while creating a distinctive image for it. “People pay attention to established brands,” Bonasera said. “The longevity of a

product matters.” As per her previous points, she added that such ads should speak to specific groups of customers and offer answers to their current needs, with a particular emphasis on “current.” “It has to have a sense of urgency, and to encourage the reader to do something,” Bonasera said. “Fish when the fish are biting, and figure out when the best ‘season’ for your business is.” Whether it’s on a printed page or a computer screen, an ad should also be easy to read, with enough “white space” between the words and letters. “Crammed ads get poor results because readers don’t want to work that hard,” Bonasera said. For The Marysville Globe and The Arlington Times, Bonasera and her fellow sales consultants provide a variety of options tailored to fit their clients’ needs. “We sit down with them and offer a consultation with a needs-analysis,” Bonasera said. “We offer spec ads and budget reviews annually.” Regardless of which avenue you choose to advertise through, Bonasera encouraged all businesses to ask their sales consultants about the demographics they reach and any independent research they might offer. “Like many experiences, your expectations need to be discussed, in this case with an advertising advisor,” Bonasera said. Visit www.arlingtontimes.com and www.marysvilleglobe.com or call (360) 659-1300. 17

Beth Leary Store Employee

Consumer Tips 1. Clubs — Want to try a new technique. You’re not alone.. 2. Classes — Create your designer umbrella. 3. Want a new Sewing Machine — The Needle & I offers a wide selection. 4. Design — Dreams of “Project Runway”? It starts with sewing. 5. Get involved — The Needle & I is more than just a store, there is a community waiting for you.

The Needle and I employee Debbie Riebe, left, instructs Susan Green on threading the machine during a beginning quilting class.

Girls just want to have fun at The Needle & I

ou don’t have to know whether or close to complete or with the skills to finish not fat quarters are body parts to it,” Georgia said. Classes can be anywhere from two hours be able to be a part of The Needle to six weeks — with free chocolate — and & I community in Everett. The sewing store boasts many of the fea- those who partake in them can make bags, tures one might expect including fabrics table linens, quilts and even umbrellas. and sewing machines, among other prod“The classes are fun as everybody picks ucts. The Needle & I also caters to a grow- their own fabric and two hours later they ing sewing community — and fun is always leave having made their own creation” she around the corner. said. “Everett has always had sewing stores, but what sets us apart is that we have so many “It’s where people can come to meet aspects,” said The Needle & I owner Georgia Gale. “And it’s more than a store, there’s a other people,” she said. “It happens a lot, community.” Which is why Georgia outlined five ways whether you’re new in town, you’re looking to make the best use of her store’s services. for somewhere to sew or you need a little The first is to stop by for one of the clubs that meet regularly to enjoy each other’s instruction, we’re here to help.” - Georgia Gale company while talking about a variety of sewing types — from various embroidery techniques to quilting news — and other topics like Bernina sewing machines. There And sewing is changing like everything is something for whatever sewers might else. Georgia said that the recent popularwish to create. ity of fashion design television shows have The next two tips are for those who are brought in younger customers looking to new to sewing or looking to learn new ways learn the basics and to turn their dreams to express their creativity. The Needle & I into works of art. offers classes for all skill levels, but with an “We get a lot of people coming in wantemphasis on newbies. There are two sec- ing to buy their first sewing machine to go tions of classes with one focusing on specific down that road.” techniques while the other provides instrucThe Needle & I provides a pressure-free tion on how to make a specific item, such as environment to hone those design skills and an apron. a network of experienced sewers to provide “Even with the technique classes, you’re instruction and their opinions. going to come out with something either But part of getting started is knowing

what equipment is best for what type of sewer you want to be, which is why Georgia offers a wide selection of machines from the most basic to the most complex. “Sewing is not at all like it used to be,” she said. “We start with the very basic machines and move right on into today’s world of technology with full computerized machines. We’ve got machines as low as $200 and like all great toys move up to $10,000, along with digitized software programs. It’s a whole new sewing world — there’s a lot more opportunity to be creative.” Lastly, shopping at The Needle & I can lead to becoming a member of a community that helps others. Whether it’s coming to the open sewing on Tuesdays to pick up a new technique or make a new friend, all are welcome. “It’s where people can come to meet other people,” she said. “It happens a lot, whether you’re new in town, you’re looking for somewhere to sew or you need a little instruction, we’re here to help.” And then there are other groups that meet such as the Hand Smockers that participate in We Care where they create heirloom garments for deceased infants, taking one less worry off a grieving parent’s mind, or Project Linus which makes quilts for children who are in need. There is so much going on at The Needle & I that many regular customers are finding new fun things to do for themselves, or others, all the time. TheNeedleandI.com or call 425-259-3013 18

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE NOW! The new B 580 E will wow you with its simple, yet classic design, combined with superior function to set new standards. The B 580 E combination sewing/embroidery machine is compatible with the BERNINA Stitch Regulator, BERNINA Embroidery Software V6 and the CutWork Accessory and Software.

The BERNINA 830 Limited Edition is the ultimate high performance sewing and embroidery machine that is truly in a class all its own. It is so unique only 4000 will be made, each engraved with its own number. The BERNINA 830 delivers up to 1,100 stitches per minute in sewing mode, and up to 1,000 stitches per minute in embroidery mode, consistently guaranteeing fast speeds, even with wider stitches.

4727 Evergreen Way Everett, WA 98203 (425) 259-3013 www.theneedleandi.com 19