ART GALLERY • ASSISTED LIVING • BEACH • BIKE ROUTE • BIRD WATCHING • BUSINESS OF THE YEAR • CAMPGROUND • CRABBING • EVENT/FESTIVAL • FISHING • GOLF COURSE • HIKING • NON-PROFIT • OUTDOOR RECREATION/ACTIVITY • PARK • PERFORMING ARTS • VIEW • AUDIOLOGY CLINIC • BARBER SHOP • CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC • DENTAL OFFICE • DERMATOLOGY CLINIC • DRUG STORE/ PHARMACY • EYE CARE CLINIC • HEALTH CLUB/FITNESS • PHYSICAL THERAPY • SALON • TANNING • TATTOO SHOP • ACCOUNTANT • ARTIST • ASTHETICIAN/ FACIALIST • AUDIOLOGIST • BARISTA • BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR • CHEF • CHIROPRACTOR • COMMUNITY LEADER • COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER • DENTIST • DERMATOLOGIST • DOCTOR/PHYSICIAN’S ASSISTANT • DOG TRAINER • EDUCATOR • EYE CARE PROFESSIONAL • FINANCIAL ADVISOR • FIREFIGHTER/EMT • HYGIENIST • INSURANCE AGENT • LEGAL PROFESSIONAL • MASSAGE THERAPIST • MORTGAGE OFFICER • PHOTOGRAPHER • LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER • PERSONAL TRAINER • REAL ESTATE AGENT • STYLIST • VETERINARIAN • WAITPERSON • ASIAN • BAR/ TAVERN/LOUNGE • BBQ • BREAKFAST • BURGER • CATERING • CHEESE SHOP • CHOWDER • COFFEE/ESPRESSO • DELI SANDWICH • FAMILY RESTAURANT • FINE DINING • FISH & CHIPS • HAPPY HOUR • ICE CREAM/FROZEN YOGURT • MEXICAN • PIZZA • SEAFOOD • WINE/WINERY • APPLIANCE STORE • ELECTRICAL • FLOORING STORE • FURNITURE STORE • GENERAL CONTRACTOR • HANDYMAN • HARDWARE STORE • LANDSCAPING • NURSERY/GARDEN SUPPLY • PAINT STORE • PLUMBING • STORAGE FACILITY • AUTO DEALERSHIP • AUTO PARTS • AUTO REPAIR • BANK/ FINANCIAL INSTITUTION • BODY SHOP • CHILD CARE • CUSTOMER SERVICE • EQUIPMENT RENTAL • FLORAL SHOP • FUNERAL HOME • INSURANCE AGENCY • LODGINGS (HOTELS/MOTELS/B&B’S) • OIL/PROPANE • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • REAL ESTATE AGENCY • TITLE COMPANY • TRANSPORTATION • KENNELS • PET GROOMING • PET STORE • VETERINARY OFFICE • ANTIQUE STORE • BOOKSHOP • Thousands of•votes were cast bySHOPPING the CLOTHING • CRAFT/HOBBY STORE GIFT SHOP • GROCERY • JEWELRY STORE • PARTY SUPPLIES • THRIFT STORE • ART GALLERY • ASSISTED LIVING • Whidbey News-Times, South Whidbey Record BEACH • BIKE ROUTE • BIRD WATCHING • BUSINESS OF THE YEAR • CAMPGROUND and The Whidbey readers! • CRABBING • EVENT/FESTIVAL • FISHINGExaminer • GOLF COURSE • HIKING • NON-PROFIT • OUTDOOR RECREATION/ACTIVITY•PARK•PERFORMING ARTS•VIEW•AUDIOLOGY CLINIC • BARBER SHOP • CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC • DENTAL OFFICE • DERMATOLOGY CLINIC • DRUG STORE/PHARMACY • EYE CARE CLINIC • HEALTH CLUB/FITNESS • PHYSICAL THERAPY • SALON • TANNING • TATTOO SHOP • ACCOUNTANT • ARTIST • ASTHETICIAN/FACIALIST • AUDIOLOGIST • BARISTA • BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR • CHEF • CHIROPRACTOR • COMMUNITY LEADER • COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER • DENTIST • DERMATOLOGIST • DOCTOR/PHYSICIAN’S ASSISTANT • DOG TRAINER • EDUCATOR • EYE CARETOPROFESSIONAL • FINANCIAL ADVISOR • FIREFIGHTER/EMT • A SUPPLEMENT THE WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES, SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD AND THE WHIDBEY EXAMINER

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Best of Whidbey 2016 • Saturday, July 23, 2016

Thank you Whidbey! I am so grateful for the opportunity to be of service.

Lyn Bankowski (360) 969-5500 cell (360) 679-5633 direct

www.lynbankowski.com

Washington Consumer Loan Company License #CL-157293

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Saturday, July 23, 2016 • The Best of Whidbey 2016

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Best of Whidbey evolving, improving over the decades

Keven R. Graves Executive Editor & Publisher Whidbey News Group

Thank you for voting for me!

Best Insurance Agency Best Insurance Agent THE

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contest limited to members of a specific organization or to newspaper advertisers, though branding and name-recognition does seem to play an important role at times. It's open to all. And because they are in charge of the outcome, Best of Whidbey voters never fail to surprise. As with most years, this year includes a number repeat winners, but also a few shakeups. Out of the tens of thousands of votes cast in the contest, there were a few races decided by a razor-thin margin. For their invaluable role in deciding the Best of Whidbey, we are grateful to everyone who took the time to cast their votes. We hope you had fun doing it. As this year's contest comes to a close, we invite your ideas for new categories and other ways to make the Best of Whidbey even better.

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For more than 25 years the Whidbey News Group has held its annual Best of Whidbey Readers Choice Contest. The contest has evolved as the years have passed — but the two most important tenets remain the same — it's everyday people in the community deciding who stands out as the best, and it's all about having fun. One of the biggest changes in the history of Best of Whidbey was going mostly to online voting. In the early days, handling the paper ballots took two or more staffers seemingly endless hours of tabulating. Now, the majority of voting is done online, and determining the list of winners is as easy as clicking the mouse. This year's ballot was made simpler by populating most categories with last year's top votegetters. However, nominations remain important, particularly in the key categories, including Business of the Year and Best Customer Service. Best of Whidbey is not a

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Karmin Landry Insurance 31775 SR 20, Suite B-3, Oak Harbor 360.675.4345 • whidbeyagent.com WH I

My Community is everything to me.

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Thank you for voting for me in the Best Real Estate Agent in “Best of Whidbey 2016!” I am truly humbled to receive this honor.

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Tina Wieldraayer-Provoncha Broker | REALTOR® 360-672-0058 TinaMarie@windermere.com TinaMarie.withwre.com

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Like Me!

Congratulations to

Larry Provoncha

for being selected as Best Police Officer!

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Best of Whidbey 2016 • Saturday, July 23, 2016

Humble beginnings Whidbey Coffee owner is building success beyond Whidbey's shores

By RON NEWBERRY

Ron Newberry photo

Store manager Megan Williams delivers a drink to a customer at Freeland's drive-through, Whidbey Coffee's first retail outlet. There are now 12 more.

Just before the lunch-time rush, a customer pulls up to the drive-through window at Freeland’s Whidbey Coffee wearing a T-shirt with a vintage company logo. On the other side of the window, Megan Williams is having trouble containing her excitement. “Those are very rare,” she said. Williams beams with pride about Whidbey Coffee. She manages both the Clinton and Freeland stores and has been connected with the company since 1993, four years after the enterprise was founded. From inside Freeland’s store, Williams is aware that she’s standing on hallowed ground — ­ the birthplace of sorts for Whidbey Coffee. Freeland’s drive-through was the first retail outlet opened by company president Dan Ollis and his former business partner Shawn Ogle in 1991 and is only a short distance from the site of the coffee cart they set up in front of Payless Foods a year earlier. Officially, the company’s history is traced to the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe, where the young entrepreneurs sold chicken fajitas out of a borrowed concession trailer in 1989. But it was in Freeland where the mobile operation first became grounded, and yet, nearly tipped over. “Oh my gosh, the health department at the time … They required an umbrella over the cart,” Ollis said recently, recalling the summer he and Ogle set up shop in front of Payless without one. “I got the umbrella but it was a Sam Adams umbrella. Some

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people thought I was selling beer. “I remember people thinking we were crazy selling coffee. I remember sales for the first few days, thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, we made a mistake.’ ” Whidbey Coffee has grown immeasurably since its humble beginnings with Ollis alone at the helm since 1993. DAN OLLIS: The company is now repre"I remember sented by 13 retail outlets in the some people North Puget Sound area and, thinking we through a partnership with Red were crazy sellLion Hotels, is being served in a ing coffee." rapidly growing number of hotel lobbies across the country. Despite its expansion, Whidbey Coffee and its founder continue to be popular and appreciated on the island that inspired the company name. Whidbey Coffee was voted Business of the Year and Ollis the Business Person of the Year in the Best of Whidbey Readers Choice Awards conducted annually by the Whidbey News Group. The journey has been a steady ascent for Ollis, a 1988 South Whidbey High School graduate who grew up in Bayview. A pivotal move came in 2007 when he acquired Seattle-based coffee company Victrola SEE COFFEE, PAGE 5

Thank You for voting us

Best Transportation

360-679-4003 • 877-679-4003 www.seatacshuttle.com

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Thank you for your Votes! Best Asian Food • Best Happy Hour Chinese restaurant & lounge serving a wide selection of familiar dishes in a stylish dining room.

33185 State Route 20, Oak Harbor • (360) 279-8899

Saturday, July 23, 2016 • The Best of Whidbey 2016

Coffee, which gave him two coffee brands, a roastery and café on Pike Street and two other cafes in the Emerald City. The move also increased Ollis’ expertise in the coffee industry and ended Whidbey Coffee’s reliance on using contracted roasters. “I have watched a three-location company turn into my goodness,” said Stacy Madsen, a buyer for Whidbey Coffee who’s been with the company since 1992 and now works in the head office in Mukilteo. “We bought another company, Victrola. Now we’re roasting our own coffee. Our wholesale program is taking off. We’re throughout the country. Some international." "It has changed dramatically. Who would have ever thought?” Tom Brown, store director at Payless, counted himself as one of the doubters in the early days. He once employed Ollis as a grocery clerk, then watched him transition to a barista in front of his store at a time when specialty coffee was still a novelty. “We made fun of him, saying, ‘Who is going to pay this much money for espresso? Who’s going to buy it from a cart?’ ” Brown said. Brown’s history with Ollis dates back to the days when he was a middle school bus driver. “He kicked me off the bus,”

Ollis said. “I’ve known Danny for a long time,” Brown said. “He was sort of a hellion as a grocery clerk. But he’s always had a vision that he was going to be somebody and not in a bad way. He was always looking to do something.” He did. Ollis estimates he and Ogle sold about 20 cups of coffee a day that summer in front of Payless. Today, he guesses that total company-wide, including three Victrola cafes, is about 5,400 cups per day. “What I really like about Danny is he’s really successful but he always remembers his roots,” Brown said. “A lot of people do very well and seem to forget where they came from, but Danny doesn’t. He always remembers where he’s from. He always tries to help the community. He’s very loyal to us and to South Whidbey.” Whidbey Coffee is known island-wide for its generosity. It is a major sponsor behind the fireworks shows in Freeland and Oak Harbor that celebrate the Fourth of July. The company also awards a $5,000 scholarship each year to a South Whidbey High School senior who is headed to a community college. Ollis attended Edmonds Community College. “His vision was obviously to run an amazing company,” Madsen said. “Today, we’re not only able

Ron Newberry photo

Hilary Carpenter, store manager at the Whidbey Coffee on Pioneer Way, likes to keep the atmosphere light and fun at her newly remodeled store. One former employee brought in a toy hippo to brighten smiles, which it often does. to run an amazing company, we’re also able to give back to our communities. That’s very important to all of us here.” Brown said Ollis still visits him faithfully once a month at the Freeland store and calls even more frequently.

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still refers to him as “Danny.” “I think long-term relationships are important,” Ollis said. “It is who we are. It is our makeup. Coffee is great. We have a great time selling it every day. But I’m in the people business.”

Mailliard’s Landing Nursery

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We are humbled and honored for this recognition. We will continue to build your dreams within our Whidbey Island community. This would not be possible without the expertise and loyalty of the Waldron Construction staff.

It’s a bond that’s important to Ollis, who laughs about memories of shenanigans that got him into trouble with his former boss. He remembers the apology he needed to make to be considered for the clerk job after the bus incident. He doesn’t mind that Brown

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Whidbey Island’s Most Complete Landscape Supply Store

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST NURSERY/GARDEN SUPPLY!

360-679-1827

380 SE Pioneer Way #201 • Oak Harbor

waldronconstruction.com

We are here to serve you... WE ACCEPT U-HAUL Our #1 Customer & RECYCLE OR DELIVERY YARD WASTE

facebook.com/maillairdslanding

3068 N. OAK HARBOR RD • OAK HARBOR www.mailliardslanding.com • 360-679-8544

Tax guidelines got you barking up the wrong tree? Allow us to help you find the solution!

Thank you for your votes for Best Accountant and Best Financial Advisor!

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BEST CAR DEALERSHIP 360.675.5901 • www.ohmotors.com 75 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor

If you’re looking for a firm that will focus on your individual needs, and always treat you like a client who matters, look no further. Our firm is large enough to offer a full range of professional services, but small enough to give you the individual attention that you deserve. We will thoroughly and conscientiously study your personal situation, and tailor our advice to your specific needs. Phone: 360-678-0707 Fax: 360-678-1360 www.dale-cpa.com

Our Services: • • • • • • • • • •

BOOKKEEPING/WRITE-UPS BUSINESS CONSULTING BUSINESS ENTITY SELECTION ESTATE & TRUST TAX PREPARATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IRS REPRESENTATION MANAGEMENT ADVISORY SERVICES PAYROLL SERVICES SALES TAX SERVICES TAX PREPARATION & PLANNING

107 S. Main Street, Suite E103, Coupeville, WA 98239 • www.dale-cpa.com

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Best of Whidbey 2016 • Saturday, July 23, 2016

2016 Best of Whidbey THANK YOU for your votes for “Best Attorney” Experienced, Ethical, Professional • Divorce • Custody • Child Support • Probate • Wills

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And your winners are ... COMMUNITY ART GALLERY

First: Penn Cove Gallery Runner-Up: Whidbey Glass Gallery Honorable Mentions: Garry Oak Gallery Rob Schouten Gallery

ASSISTED LIVING

1 NW Front Street • Coupeville www.McPhersonLegal.com

First: Deception Pass State Park Runner-Up: Crockett Lake Honorable Mentions: Ebey's Landing Dugualla Bay Joseph Whidbey State Park

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

First: Regency on Whidbey Runner-Up: Summer Hill Honorable Mentions: Harbor Tower Village Careage of Whidbey

First: Whidbey Coffee Runner-Up: El Cazador Honorable Mentions: Frasers Gourmet Hideaway Jumbo Burrito

BEACH

CAMPGROUND

BIKE ROUTE

CRABBING

First: Deception Pass State Park Runner-Up: West Beach Honorable Mentions: Double Bluff Ebey's Landing

READERS CHOICE AWARDS

• 360-678-4407 •

BIRD WATCHING

First: Kettles Trail System Runner-Up: Fort Ebey Honorable Mentions: Windjammer/City Beach West Beach Road to Fort Ebey

First: Deception Pass campground Runner-Up: Cliffside RV Park Honorable Mentions: Fort Ebey Fort Casey State Park First: Cornet Bay Runner-Up: Crescent Harbor Honorable Mentions: Penn Cove Holmes Harbor CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

THANK YOU for Voting us Best Eye Care Clinic & Best Eye Care Professional- Dr. Chris Gaustad Whidbey Vision Care Inc

whidbeyvisioncare.com

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Dr. Chris Gaustad Dr. Roy Gordon Dr. Keith Johnston

380 SE Barrington Dr., Oak Harbor

1690 Main St., Ste. 103, Freeland

360-675-2235

360-331-8424

Saturday, July 23, 2016 • The Best of Whidbey 2016

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Your favorite outdoor places, activities

INTO THE WILD

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sk anyone. The best thing about Whidbey Island is the outdoors. The beauty is breathtaking. Waves crashing on stony beaches, the blue of Puget Sound, scenic vistas of farmland and the mountains beyond, mysterious woods. It’s a veritable playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Just a short drive away from anywhere on the island are miles of shoreline and walking trails, numerous parks, lakes to fish and plenty of places to put a boat in the water. Those who took part in the Best of Whidbey contest had the considerable task of picking the best spots to recreate among the many outside places of Whidbey Island. Not surprising, Deception Pass State Park looms large on the list. It’s the most visited park in the state park system, with well over two million visitors a year. The 4,000-acre park has rugged cliffs, walking trails through old-growth forests as well as horse and bike trails and the famous and scenic Deception Pass Bridge. When it comes to the category of “Best Beach,” Deception Pass State Park has

Ron Newberry photo

Coupeville's Dave Anderson gears up for crabbing. Cornet Bay was voted the top spot.

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BEST FINE DINING BEST CHEF - SCOTT FRASER & BEST WAITPERSON - SARA FRASER 360.279.1231 • www.frasersgh.com • 1191 SE Dock Street READERS CHOICE AWARDS

ISLAND HANDYMAN, INC. P OU

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• Open 7 days a week • Friendly, Knowledgeable Staff • Digital Dental and Whole Body Radiography • Digital Ultrasound • Advanced Lasers to enhance healing

BEST OF

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THANK YOU FOR VOTING US “BEST HANDYMAN” OF 2016 Home Maintenance, Repairs, Improvement & Remodels

Pressure Washing • Carpentry • Siding • Roof Repairs • Decks Drain Snaking • Gutter Cleaning • And ANY other ODD JOBS

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BEST COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER SCOTT FRASER

Brian Dernbach, Owner

a distinct advantage. Saltwater beaches perfect for beachcombing and tide pool exploration wrap around the northwest corner of the island while the park also has plenty of freshwater shoreline with three lakes. Cranberry Lake is a favorite place for swimming during the summer months. While Deception Pass State Park came in first for Best Beach, West Beach was voted second and runners-up include Double Bluff and Ebey’s Landing. Deception Pass State Park was also voted as the No. 1 place for camping. The park has 167 tent sites, 143 utility spaces, five hiker/biker sites, two dump stations, 20 restrooms (four ADA), and 10 showers (four ADA), according to the state parks website. Camping is located at three locations in the park, 18 tent sites and two utility sites are at Bowman Bay on Fidlago Island, seven tent sites and 54 utility sites at Quarry Pond, and 147 tent sites and 83 utility sites are at Cranberry Lake. The maximum site length is 60 feet. Cliffside RV Park on Naval Air Station

2013

Voted 2013 & 2014 Best Handyman

THE

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Ten Time Best Veterinarian on Whidbey Winner

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Best of Whidbey 2016 • Saturday, July 23, 2016

Jessie Stensland photo

Deception Pass State Park was voted the island's best beach, campground and view and also was No. 1 as a place to hike, birdwatch and fish. Crockett Lake, below, was No. 2 for birdwatching.

OUTDOORS

lets, other waterfowl, eagles, kingfishers, warblers and swallows, according to the Whidbey Audubon Society. The runner-up for Bird Watching is Crockett Lake in Central Whidbey, which is a critical feeding grounds for migratory birds and home to many feathered resi-

dents. Honorable mentions go to Ebey’s Landing, Dugualla Bay and Joseph Whidbey State Park. The Kettles Trail System in Central Whidbey was voted as the best Bike Route. The network in intersecting trails can be accessed from a trail head on State Highway 20 or from Fort Ebey State Park. Kettles are depressions in the earth caused by glaciers. The runner-up in the Bike Route category is Fort Ebey while honorable mentions go to Double Bluff and Ebey’s Landing. Finally, Cornet Bay took the top spot in the all-important Crabbing category. The calm waters alongside the docks at Cornet Bay, which are part of Deception Pass State Park, are a popular for crabbing while boaters venture farther out. The runner-up is Crescent Harbor and honorable mentions go to Penn Cove and Holmes Harbor.

Island Pet Center

u for voting us nk yo the Tha

Whidbey Island was voted as the second best camping spot and honorable mentions go to Fort Ebey and Fort Casey State Park. In addition, Deception Pass State Park took first place in the Bird Watching category. It would be difficult not to spot a bald eagle in the park. Other birds to watch for include loons, grebes, murre-

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Thank You

Thank you for voting us

for voting us the

Best Pet Store!

BEST GIFT STORE AND BEST DRUG STORE/PHARMACY!

Oak Harbor

32170 SR 20 NEW BUILDING in Oak Harbor 360-675-6688

Clinton

11042 SR 525 #130 in Ken’s Corner Shopping Plaza 360-341-3880

Thank you all for your support!

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Check out our newly remodeled seating area!

READERS CHOICE AWARDS

www.cbtara.com 331-6300 675-7200 321-6400 Freeland Oak Harbor Bayview

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Jump to the Front of the Line! Call Ahead & Pre-Order:

1381 SW Barlow St, Oak Harbor 360.675.9646 • IslandPetCenter.com

(360) 341-3940

www.picklesdeliwhidbey.com 11042 SR-525, Clinton

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EVENT/FESTIVAL

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“Voted Best Dermatology Clinic 2016”

Thank You to all our friends and neighbors who voted us as

BEST DERMATOLOGIST - REESE BLIEK, PA We wouldn’t be here without you all!

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First: Deception Pass State Park Runner-Up: Fort Casey State Park Honorable Mentions: Fort Nugent State Park Windjammer/City Beach

FISHING

First: Deception Pass State Park Runner-Up: Coupeville ferry landing Honorable Mentions: Admiralty Inlet Cranberry Lake

PERFORMING ARTS

First: Whidbey Golf & Country Club Runner-Up: Gallery Golf Course Honorable Mentions: Useless Bay Golf & Country Club Lam's Golf Links First: Deception Pass State Park Runner-Up: Ebey's Landing Honorable Mentions: Goose Rock, Deception Pass Fort Ebey

MPAS, PA

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First: Oak Harbor Music Festival Runner-Up: Coupeville Arts & Crafts Festival Honorable Mentions: Holland Happening MusselFest

GOLF COURSE

BEST DERMATOLOGY CLINIC

Voted Best Dermatology Provider 2016

Runner-Up: Hiking Honorable Mentions: Dog walking Whale watching

360-682-5024

275 SE Cabot Drive, Suite A3, Oak Harbor 205 S Main Street, Bldg B, Coupeville 1804 Scott Road, Suite 106, Freeland

www.familydermco.com

VIEW

First: Deception Pass Bridge Runner-Up: West Beach Honorable Mentions: Ebey's Bluff Goose Rock — Deception Pass Penn Cove

HEALTH, FITNESS & BEAUTY

NON-PROFIT

READERS CHOICE AWARDS

First: Whidbey Playhouse Runner-Up: Oak Harbor High School Choir Honorable Mentions: Whidbey Island Center for the Arts Coupeville High School Drama Club

First: Garage of Blessings Runner-Up: WAIF Honorable Mentions: Island Thrift Habitat for Humanity

AUDIOLOGY CLINIC

First: Hearing Health Services Runner-Up: Oak Harbor Hearing Aid Service Honorable Mention: Connect Hearing

OUTDOOR RECREATION/ ACTIVITY First: Beach walking

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Thank you for placing your trust in us Whidbey Island family owned & operated, serving you since 1982

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PERSON OF THE YEAR BUSINESS BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT

Voted Best Funeral Home 2016

Natasha Rodriguez, Owner BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

BEST WAITRESS

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR - RUNNER UP

“Expect Excellence”

Patricia Barrera BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR Natasha Rodriguez, Owner - RUNNER UP HAPPY HOUR BESTBEST HAPPY HOUR HONORABLE MENTION

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CelebratingLives.

Honoring memories.

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BESTBEST BAR/TAVERN BAR/TAVERN HONORABLE MENTION

WHIDBEY READERS CHOICE AWARDS

(360) 675-3447 1811 NE 16th Ave., Oak Harbor, WA info@wallinfuneralhome.com www.wallinfuneralhome.com

WE DELIVER in town and on base try our NEW APP for easy ordering! 32195 State Route 20 Oak Harbor (360) 675-6114

Saturday, July 23, 2016 • The Best of Whidbey 2016 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

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EYE CARE CLINIC

BARBER SHOP

First: Whidbey Vision Care Runner-Up: Whidbey Eye Center Honorable Mentions: Vision Plus Island Eye Care

First: Chrome Runner-Up: Ultimate cuts Honorable Mentions: Great Clips Lampton Barber Shop

HEALTH CLUB/FITNESS

CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

First: Thrive Fitness Runner-Up: Rep Fitness Honorable Mentions: North End Fitness Center Naval Air Station Gym & Fitness Center

First: Bayshore Chiropractic & Natural Care Center Runner-Up: Island Chiropractic Honorable Mentions: North Island Chiropractic & Wellness Center Coupeville Chiropractic

DENTAL OFFICE

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First: Salon Lux Runner-Up: Carla's Shear Inspiration Honorable Mentions: Allure Salon Seaside Salon & Spa

DERMATOLOGY CLINIC

First: Family Dermatology Runner-Up: Skagit Regional Health Honorable Mention: Rosario Skin Clinic

THE

READERS CHOICE AWARDS

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

First: Desert Sun Runner-Up: Studio A Honorable Mention: Genesis Hair & Tanning

First: Island Drug Runner-Up: Walgreens Honorable Mentions: Rite Aid Walmart

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Thank you for voting for us - Best Storage

PHYSICAL THERAPY First: Harada Physical Therapy Runner-Up: Rue & Primavera Honorable Mentions: IRG Oak Harbor Physical Therapy Family Care Physical Therapy

Gate Access: Daily 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

- Computerized Gate Entry - Full Security

- Online Web Access - Online Bill Pay - On Site Manager

- Well Lighted

1401 N Oak Harbor St • Oak Harbor, WA 98277 360-675-1516 | www.walmarcstorage.com (Conveniently Located 1 mile from Saars Marketplace and 1 Mile from the NAS Main Gate)

&

RentWhidbey.com

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY, OAK HARBOR & COUPEVILLE BEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, OAK HARBOR & COUPEVILLE

Thank you for recognizing our commitment to Whidbey Island. Windermere Real Estate/Whidbey Island Property Management/Oak Harbor 360-675-3329

Oak Harbor 360-675-5953

Coupeville 360-678-5858

Property Management/Coupeville 360-678-5858

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Best of Whidbey 2016 • Saturday, July 23, 2016

BARISTA

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First: Shannon Holcomb, Whidbey Coffee Runner-Up: JD, Starbucks Honorable Mentions: Joylyn, Cafe DeLisio Hilary Carpenter, Whidbey Coffee

TATTOO SHOP

Ask your doctor if you can go to

Rue and Primavera

O C C U PAT I O N A L & P H Y S I C A L THERAPY and pains ay your aches head to toe. aw e k ta to t you kindly from want will trea We & we

First: Nite Owl Tattoo Runner-Up: Bayside Tattoo Honorable Mentions: Seven Sorrows Aaron's Tattoo

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

PEOPLE

First: Dan Ollis, Whidbey Coffee Runner-Up: Natasha Rodriguez, El Cazador Honorable Mentions: Shelli Trumbull, Cascade Insurance Agency Ronnie Wright, EA

ACCOUNTANT/CPA

First: Kathy Jones, EA Runner-Up: Ronnie Wright, EA Honorable Mentions: John E. Kingma, CPA Dale Offret, CPA

CHEF

ARTIST

First: Scott Fraser Runner-Up: Andreas Wurzrainer, Christopher's Honorable Mentions: Gordon Stewart Tyler Hansen, Oystercatcher

First: Margaret Livermore Runner-Up: Richard Nash Honorable Mentions: Pandora Woods Mike O'Connell

• Pain Management • Hand Therapy • Biofeedback • Vestibular Rehabilitation • Splints • Pediatric Occupational Therapy We know it is your right to choose your therapist. We invite you to come and meet us. Ask us what we can do for you. MOST INSURANCE POLICIES ARE ACCEPTED.

360∙279∙8323 | rueandprimavera.com 785 SE Bayshore Drive | Downtown Oak Harbor, WA

Thank you for all your votes in the 2016 Best of Whidbey Readers Choice Awards

AESTHETICIAN/FACIALIST

First: Carla's Shear Inspiration staff Runner-Up: Julie Weible, One Lash Thing Honorable Mentions: Kathy Neiman-Cooper, Island Facial Aesthetics and Medical Spa Melissa York, Lather Studio

AUDIOLOGIST

First: Kristine Jarrell Runner-Up: Peter Keating Honorable Mention: Holly Kennedy

CHIROPRACTOR

First: Dr. Dawn Madeiros, Bayshore Chiropractic Runner-Up: Dr. Rondle Bennett, North Island Chiropractic & Wellness Center Honorable Mentions: Dr. Robert Kardly, Coupeville Chiropractic Clinic Dr. Nate Steele, Peak Performance Chiropractic CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Jack’s AUTO REPAIR As the owner of Jack’s Auto Repair, I would like to thank our community for the trust and support that you have entrusted in us. And Thank you, for voting us “Best of Whidbey’’ again in 2016. With over thirty-seven years of automotive experience in Oak Harbor, we pride ourselves on maintaining an excellent reputation and providing you with the automotive repair service you expect. Thanks to valued employees Dale, Ron, Scott, Mike, Dave and Josh, all of whom have made it possible to provide outstanding automotive repair service. We would also like to extend our appreciation to all the military personnel for all the sacrifices they and their families make every day to maintain our freedom. We support training at OLF and consider jet noise to be ”THE SOUND OF FREEDOM”. Sincerely, Jack Christian

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BEST AUTO REPAIR 3229 Old Goldie Rd · Oak Harbor, WA 98277 360-240-0149 · www.jacksauto-repair.com

Saturday, July 23, 2016 • The Best of Whidbey 2016

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Haradas turn physical therapy into a family affair Erick Harada wanted to be a mechanical engineer until he realized he couldn’t sit behind a desk. He ended up doing something he thought he’d never do: take over his father’s business, Harada Physical Therapy and Rehab Services. An internship at a physical therapy office in his senior year of college made him realize how much he wanted to work with people. “I like talking to people and hearing their stories,” he said. “What I do directly impacts people’s lives.” That personal touch must be working because his business has developed a loyal clientele. Harada Physical Therapy was voted “Best Physical Therapy” by readers in the Best of Whidbey Readers’ Choice contest. His parents Steve and Kathy Harada started the business in Oak Harbor in 2003 as a small familyowned physical therapy practice specializing in outpatient orthopedics. Later they opened a second location in Coupeville. Erick Harada and his wife Caitlin purchased the business this year. He still retains his dad as an employee, having him fill in when needed. The business employs 14 people other than Erick Harada and Caitlin, who serves as business manager. The couple, both Coupeville High School graduates,

didn’t get to know each other until a mutual friend introduced them in 2010. They married three years later and are expecting their first child soon. The focus then and now is on treating patients like family and providing a “Cheers” bar atmosphere, Erick Harada said. The physical therapists work with people from ages “one month to 98” for a variety of conditions minor and major — everything from ankle sprains and neck pain to post-surgical and auto injury rehabilitation. The physical therapists work with health care providers to develop a customized plan to help patients decrease pain, improve strength and motion and improve life. Harada said he believes empowering his patients to be a part of their recovery is an essential part of treatment. “We’re clinicians but we’re also educators,” he said. “The more you know the more you’ll respond and recover faster.” In an attempt to keep his clients healthy, the office has a small gym they allow former clients to continue to use for a $20 a month fee. “The idea was to continue the therapy without the intimidation of the gym,” he said. In addition to traditional physical therapy treatments, Erick Harada

at Bayview Center

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Kate Daniel photo

Above: Erick Harada works with client Diane Eelkema at the Coupeville office. His patients can pay a monthly fee and use exercise equipment in his office independently. Right: Erick and Caitlin Harada purchased Harada Physical Therapy from his father. has become a Level 1 Clinical BikeFit Pro which specializes in body ergonomics on bicycles to prevent injury. Harada works closely with local coaches and athletes. He runs a triage clinic at Coupeville High

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BEST OF

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Thank you for your votes for BEST PERFORMING ARTS

School to help athletes manage aches, pains and injuries. He also serves as a guest lecturer at Oak Harbor High School’s sports medicine program. He and other physical therapists from his office help along the sidelines at Coupeville

High School football games. Things only look bigger and brighter for the business. At the moment, they don’t plan to open another office, but Erick Harada said he’d like to hire more staff.

The Dogwood Pet Resort On behalf of the Volunteers at The Garage of Blessings,

Dog Day Care

Thank you for voting for us!

Let us wear your dog out!

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Community Volunteer - Kristiina Miller

360-679-2237

Thanks for the votes 360-675-4483 & support!

www.whidbeyplayhouse.com

theDogwoodonWhidbey.com 2945 Taylor Rd • Oak Harbor

360-679-1239 • TheGarageOfBlessings.com

Fully interactive with staff Weekly & Monthly Rates

730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor

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Thrift Store - Honorable Mention 3159A Goldie Road, Oak Harbor

Thank You for the opportunity of serving your hearing care needs. We want to help you enjoy the pleasures of life through excellent hearing!

CATERING - Honorable Mention

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Voted Whidbey Island’s most trusted Audiologist and Audiology Clinic 3 years in a row! DR. KRISTINE JARRELL

READERS CHOICE AWARDS Au d i o l o g y and H e a ri n g A i d S e r v i ce s

Celebrating our 9th year in Oak Harbor! 601 Midway Blvd • Oak Harbor • 360-679-3500

Audiologist

www.coupevillehearing.com / 360-678-1423 / 107 S Main St, A102, Coupeville Locally Owned and Operated

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Best of Whidbey 2016 • Saturday, July 23, 2016

Fraser recognized for fine dining and volunteerism By KATE DANIEL

Whether selecting the perfect ingredients for an exquisite duck liver pate or organizing an event to raise thousands of dollars for local nonprofits, Scott Fraser is a master of balance. In addition to clocking 60 hours a week or more at his restaurant, Frasers Gourmet Hideaway, the chef and longtime Oak Harbor resident regularly allocates a generous amount of time and attention to giving back to the community. In both endeavors, he’s been tremendously successful. Whidbey residents voted Frasers Gourmet Hideaway the island’s best fine dining establishment, while Fraser was voted the best community volunteer and best chef. Nestled just north of Pioneer Way in downtown Oak Harbor, the hideaway has consistently been heralded as a favorite of locals as well as regional and national critics. The restaurant, which opened in July 2006, serves up an array of delectable gourmet dishes, from sablefish to gnocchi primavera. Each of the dishes have been

arts program. Fraser acts as mentor, and has repeatedly helped to lead the team of five competitors and one alternate to numerous regional and national victories. Leading the team to second-place at nationals in 2010 is one of Fraser’s proudest accomplishments. The team has since placed fifth three times. In addition to cultivating an array of culinary skills, Fraser’s students acquire an appreciation for the value of teamwork and dedication. Quite a few have gone on to work at Frasers, including the restaurant’s first sous chef Philip George. Fraser’s mentorship and supportive nature extend beyond the classroom, a testament to which is the consistent, loyal Frasers crew, a rarity in an industry with a typically high turnover rate. In June, Fraser received a Restaurant Neighbor Award from the Washington Restaurant Association in recognition of his humanitarian efforts. “I was very grateful, but that’s not the reason we do these events. We love Oak Harbor,” Fraser said.

vetted as a favorite of the mustachioed chef himself. Fraser’s interest in food service was piqued when he attended the World Culinary Olympic pre-trials in Vancouver, BC. “They showed food as an art form,” he said, recalling a remarkable display of a northern pike displayed on a large mirror, its interior artfully crafted into a black-andwhite checkerboard pattern. “When I saw that, I knew I had to quit construction and go to culinary school,” he said. After graduating from the French-focused Pierre Dubrulle Culinary School, Fraser worked in a number of French restaurants in the Vancouver area before moving to Oak Harbor. Though the career switch marked a significant reduction in wages — Fraser joked his first restaurant job paid about one-quarter of that he received in construction — he found it to be more than worthwhile, and exponentially more fulfilling. For the last 15 years, Fraser has imparted his passion for the art of cooking to students enrolled in the Oak Harbor High School culinary

Fraser is also involved with two major annual events — Oak Harbor PigFest and North Whidbey Community Harvest, of which he is the founder and vice president, respectively. Each of the events provides community members with an opportunity to convene and bond over delectable fare. Nor th Whidbey Community Harvest, now in its 15th year, was spearheaded by the effort of the late Keith Bartlett. “He was the one that taught us we can give back to the community,” Fraser said. “That we have the ability to create an event and serve food to hundreds if not thousands of people, just because it’s the right thing to do.” “The feeling you get from an event like that is indescribable.” Skip Pohtilla is a friend of Fraser’s and president of North Whidbey Community Harvest. He and his wife have also been involved with PigFest since its inception. Pohtilla described his friend and colleague of 14 years as a benevolent and amicable philanthropist. Fraser, Pohtilla said, has

Kate Daniel photo

Scott Fraser uses a flambe technique to cook a pan of Penn Cove mussels at his restaurant, Frasers Gourmet Hideaway. had a “huge impact” on the Whidbey community. “He’s a very giving individual,” he said. “He’s a good friend, very generous and just fun to be associated with.” Pigfest, founded by Fraser, raises thousands of dollars each year for charities like North Whidbey Help House,

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED FOR US!

LABOR DAY WEEKEND SEPTEMBER 2-4 2016

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YOU ARE THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS!

FOR VOTING US

WHIDBEY 201

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BEST

PARTY SUPPLY STORE!

770 NE MIDWAY BLVD • OAK HARBOR

360.675.0733

360-679-9014

www.threemenandamower.com

Thanks!

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Join us for THIRSTY THURSDAY

BEST WINE/WINERY BEST CHEESE SHOP

360-678-6603 • www.bayleaf.us

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101 NW Coveland St. • Coupeville

Medical Safety Net of North Whidbey and Citizens Against Domestic Abuse. “Food is the number one way to unite people,” Fraser said, likening such events to inviting a group of friends to dinner, or sharing a meal with family at Thanksgiving. “It’s a great way to unite our town.”

Oak Harbor

Coupeville

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

“BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINIC”! Oak Harbor • Coupeville

Saturday, July 23, 2016 • The Best of Whidbey 2016

COMMUNITY LEADER

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER First: Scott Fraser Runner-Up: Kristiina Miller, Garage of Blessings volunteers Honorable Mentions: Jo Balda Sandy Mulkey Tina Provoncha

First: Kristine Young, PA-C Runner-Up: Dr. Gabriel Barrio, MD Honorable Mentions: Dr. Judye Scheidt, DO Dr. Doug Langrock, MD

DOG TRAINER

THE

First: Corinne Boon, Corinne's K-9 Cuts Runner-Up: Karry Brooks, All Critter Pet Care Honorable Mentions: Catherine Canafax, Petco Oak Harbor Justine Macmac, Petco Oak Harbor

EDUCATOR

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First: Dr. Gordon Keyes, Gentle Family Dentistry Runner-Up: Dr. Gary Berner, The Art of Dentistry Honorable Mentions: Dr. Luke Wezeman, Whidbey Avenue Dental Care Dr. Henry J. Vasquez, Vasquez Dentistry

First: Darren McCoy, Oak Harbor High School Rebecca Ching, Crescent Harbor Elementary Honorable Mentions: Erica Schulle Mike Fisher, Oak Harbor High School

DERMATOLOGIST

First: Chris Gaustad, Whidbey Vision Care Runner-Up: Mark Chichowski, Whidbey Eye Center Honorable Mentions: Kelly Larsen, Whidbey Vision Care Robert Johnson, Island Eye Care

First: Reese Bliek, physician's assistant, Family Dermatology Runner-Up: Corinne Saylor, Skagit Regional Clinic Honorable Mentions: Amber Fowler, Rosario Skin Clinic

EYE CARE PROFESSIONAL

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DOCTOR/PHYSICIAN'S ASSISTANT

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Thank You for voting for us the BEST Appliance store, Flooring store, and Paint store! Runner up - Hardware store Honorable mention - nursery/Garden Supply and equipment rentals

360.675.0105 • homedepot.com

31800 WA-20, Oak Harbor

1040 SW Kimball Drive Oak Harbor, WA. 98277 (360) 279-0933

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Thank you for voting for us in the Best of Whidbey! “Best Assisted Living” Cottages • Assisted Living • Memory Care

www.regencywhidbey.com

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Best of Whidbey 2016 • Saturday, July 23, 2016

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

First: Gene Kelly Barner, Edward Jones Runner-Up: Jeff Pleet, Edward Jones Honorable Mentions: Darin Cook, Cook Wealth Management Scott Dudley, Edward Jones

FIREFIGHTER/EMT First: Genevieve Reeves Runner-Up: Robert May Honorable Mentions: Mike Engle Josh Fikse

Honorable Mentions: John Little Teri Gardner

Ryan Nowicki Honorable Mention: Kara Chappell Photography

REAL ESTATE AGENT

LEGAL PROFESSIONAL

First: Tina Provoncha, Windermere Real Estate/Whidbey Island Runner-Up: Annie Cash, Windermere Real Estate Honorable Mentions: Kathi Phillips, RE/MAX Acorn Properties Joe Mosolino, Windermere Real Estate

First: Molly McPherson Runner-Up: Chris Skinner Honorable Mentions: Charles Arndt Michael Waller

MASSAGE THERAPIST First: Roxanne Fairfax Runner-Up: Lexi Ochoa Honorable Mentions: Toni Amsler, Nuvo Juliene Martone

HYGENIST

First: Jill Vasquez, Vasquez Dentistry Runner-Up: Nancy Horning, Whidbey Avenue Dental Honorable Mentions: Carol Nickerson, Whidbey Dental Associates Tammy Bright, Dr. Gordon Keyes

INSURANCE AGENT

STYLIST

MORTAGE OFFICER

First: Lyn Bankowski, Alaska USA Mortgage Co. Runner-Up: Karen Huff, Guild Mortgage Honorable Mentions: Tony Peplinski, Guild Mortgage Tami Encinas, Banner Bank

First: Karmin Landry, State Farm Runner-Up: Shelli Trumbull, Cascade Insurance Agency Honorable Mentions: Matt Iverson, Allstate Insurance Robert Young, Tradewinds Insurance

PERSONAL TRAINER

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

PHOTOGRAPHER

First: Tyson VanDam Runner-Up: Jason Mendiola Honorable Mentions: Brittany Black Yvette Esparza, North End

Thank you to all my patients for voting me

“The Best of Whidbey” Having trouble with the potty? Just call Scottie!

Thank You For Your Votes & Support! WH I

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And always remember... Having trouble with your potty? Just call Scottie!

360-675-1402

40 NE Midway Blvd., Suite 101 Oak Harbor

Bayshore Chiropractic • 360-675-1066 840 SE Bayshore Dr, Oak Harbor

Dr. Dawn Keith-Madeiros

Thank you for voting us 2000

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We’re Proud To Be Your #1 Choice For Pizza! Call ahead and Pick Up at the Drive Thru!

360-675-5505 • Oak Harbor

RESTAURANTS/ FOOD/DRINK First: China City Runner-Up: 1-2-3 Thai Honorable Mentions: Jeda's Thai Kitchen Tokyo Stop

2001

2002

2003

First: Toby's Tavern Runner-Up: Flyers Honorable Mentions: El Cazador cantina The Terrace Wine Bar

First: BBQ Joint Runner-Up: ShoNuff Foods Honorable Mentions: Flyers Double Barrel BBQ

BREAKFAST

First: Island Cafe Runner-Up: Knead & Feed Honorable Mentions: Braeburn Tyee Restaurant

BURGER

First: Bubba Burgers Runner-Up: Flyers Honorable Mentions: Toby's Tavern Island Cafe

CATERING

First: Serendipity Runner-Up: ShoNuff Foods Honorable Mentions: BBQ Joint bayleaf

CHEESE SHOP

First: bayleaf Runner-Up: Greenbank Cheese Specialty Foods & Gifts Honorable Mentions: Safeway Tipsy Gourmet

CHOWDER

First: Seabolt's Smokehouse Runner-Up: Christopher's on Whidbey Honorable Mentions: Toby's Tavern Island Cafe

COFFEE/ESPRESSO

First: Whidbey Coffee Runner-Up: Cafe de Lisio Honorable Mentions: Starbucks Honeymoon Bay Coffee

DELI SANDWICH

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First: Sarah Fraser, Frasers Gourmet Hideaway Runner-Up: Haley Plumly, Toby's Tavern Honorable Mentions: Patricia Barrera, El Cazador Mandi Murdy, China City

BAR/TAVERN/LOUNGE Best Chiropractor & Best Chiropractic Clinic

scottiesplumbing.com

First: Dr. Lark Gustafson, Penn Cove Veterinary Runner-Up: Dr. Karen Schmidt, Penn Cove Veterinary Honorable Mentions: Dr. Eric Anderson, Best Friends Veterinary Center Dr. Erica Syring, Best Friends Veterinary Center

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VETERINARIAN

WAITPERSON

First: Bailey Duenas Runners Up: Jennifer Dohner

First: Larry Provoncha Runner-Up: Tony Slowik

First: Meghan Sams Runner-Up: Tina Provoncha Honorable Mentions: Wendi Sjodin, Allure Leslie Merriman

BBQ

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2005

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2009

Thank You For Voting Us!

2010

Best Barbershop

2012

Kim Barbie 360.632.9480 360.632.0713

2011

2014 2015 2016!

Dawn - 360.720.8732 963 Ault Field Road · Oak Harbor

Monday thru Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Military and Senior Discounts

Saturday, July 23, 2016 • The Best of Whidbey 2016

FAMILY RESTAURANT First: El Cazador Runner-Up: Island Cafe Honorable Mentions: Flyers Applebee's

FINE DINING

First: Frasers Gourmet Hideaway Runner-Up: Christopher's on Whidbey Honorable Mentions: Gordon's on Blueberry Hill Oystercatcher

FISH & CHIPS

First: Seabolt's Smokehouse Runner-Up: Toby's Tavern Honorable Mentions: Tyee Restaurant Island Cafe

HAPPY HOUR

Toby's Tavern Frasers Gourmet Hideaway Front Street Grill

WINE/WINERY

First: bayleaf Runner-Up: The Terrace Wine Bar Honorable Mentions: Whidbey Island Winery Greenbank Farm Wine Shop

HOME & GARDEN APPLIANCE STORE

First: Home Depot Runner-Up: Ace Hardware, Oak Harbor Honorable Mentions: Bayview Appliance and Mattress Center Ace Hardware, Freeland

ELECTRICAL

ICE CREAM/FROZEN YOGURT

FLOORING STORE

First: El Cazador Runner-Up: Jumbo Burrito Honorable Mentions: Esteban's Agave Taqueria

PIZZA

First: Papa Murphy's Runner-Up: Ciao Honorable Mentions: Village Pizzeria Louie G's

SEAFOOD

First: Seabolt's Smokehouse Runner-Up: Christopher's on Whidbey Honorable Mentions:

A Furry Affair 28997 SR 20 | Oak Harbor 360-929-8772 WH I

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First: Home Depot Runner-Up: Floors Plus/Carpet One Honorable Mentions: Floor Show NW Granite & Flooring

FURNITURE STORE

First: Habitat for Humanity Runner-Up: Furniture World Honorable Mentions: Navy Exchange Walker's Whidbey Furniture Hansen's Furniture

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

First: Waldron Construction Runner-Up: Cascade Custom Homes Honorable Mentions: Yonkman Construction P&L Construction

HANDYMAN

First: Island Handyman Runner-Up: All Around Construction

First: Ace Hardware, Oak Harbor Runner-Up: Home Depot Honorable Mentions: Ace Hardware, Freeland Sebo's at Bayview First: 3 Men & A Mower Runner-Up: Pioneer Tree Honorable Mentions: B L landscaping Whidbey Lawn Care

NURSERY/GARDEN SUPPLY

First: Mailliard's Landing Nursery Runner-Up: Bayview Farm & Garden Honorable Mentions: The Greenhouse Home Depot

PAINT STORE

First: Home Depot Runner-Up: Sherwin Williams Honorable Mentions: Island Paint & Glass Co. Ace Hardware, Oak Harbor

AUTO SHOP

First: Auto Zone Runner-Up: O'Reilly Auto Parts Honorable Mentions: Napa-Oak Harbor Oak Harbor Auto Center

AUTO REPAIR

First: Jack's Auto Repair Runner-Up: Martin's Auto Electric Honorable Mentions: Mark's Auto Repair Pioneer Auto

BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

First: Whidbey Island Bank/Heritage Runner-Up: Navy Federal Credit Union Honorable Mentions: Alaska USA Federal Credit Union Peoples Bank

BODY SHOP

First: Main Street Collision Runner-Up: Central Collision Honorable Mentions: Top Notch Customs Pioneer Auto

CHILDCARE/DAYCARE

PLUMBING

First: Boys & Girls Club Mrs. Ashley Daycare Honorable Mentions: Der Kinderhaus Ebey Academy

STORAGE FACILITY

CUSTOMER SERVICE First: Les Schwab, Oak Harbor Runner-Up: Whidbey Coffee Honorable Mentions: Whidbey SeaTac Shuttle Whidbey Island Bank/Heritage

First: Scotties Plumbing Runner-Up: Harbor Plumbing Honorable Mentions: Whidbey Island Plumbing NW Plumbing & Mechanical First: Wal-Marc Storage Runner-Up: AAA Storage Honorable Mentions: Coupeville Storage All in 1 RV & Self Storage

SERVICES AUTO DEALERSHIP

First: Oak Harbor Motors Runner-Up: Frontier Ford Honorable Mentions: Sim's Honda Foothills Toyota

EQUIPMENT RENTAL

First: Diamond Rentals Runner-Up: Double R Rentals Honorable Mentions: Jet City Home Depot

FLORAL SHOP

First: Midway Florist Runner-Up: The Greenhouse Honorable Mentions: Coupeville Florist Flowers by the Bay CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

THANK YOU WHIDBEY ISLAND! Don’t just live...Thrive!

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Honorable Mention - Best Kennel

32650 Highway 20 • Oak Harbor

Eco Friendly Treatments • 20 Years Experience Licensed & Insured Cat Certification/All Breeds

thrivecommunityfitness.com

360-675-2600

Thank you for your continued support!

Best Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt

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First: Whidbey Electric Runner-Up: AA Electric Co. Honorable Mentions: Blue Mountain Electric Federal Electric

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HARDWARE STORE

LANDSCAPING

First: China City Runner-Up: Applebee's Honorable Mentions: El Cazador cantina Flyers First: Toppins Frozen Yogurt Runner-Up: Kapaws Iskreme Honorable Mentions: Baskin-Robbins Dairy Queen, Oak Harbor

& Handyman Services Honorable Mentions: Pro Maintenance Services Art of Perfection

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360.682.6695 • 32650 SR 20, A101 • Oak Harbor

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FUNERAL HOME

First: Wallin Funeral Home Runner-Up: Burley Funeral Home Honorable Mentions: Whidbey Memorial Visser Funeral Home

INSURANCE AGENCY

First: State Farm Karmin Landry Insurance Agency Runner-Up: Allstate Insurance, Matt Iverson Honorable Mentions: Cascade Insurance, Shelli Trumbull

Best of Whidbey 2016 • Saturday, July 23, 2016

Tradewinds Insurance

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

LODGING (HOTELS/MOTELS/B&Bs) First: Best Western Runner-Up: Coachman Inn Honorable Mentions: Candlewood Suites Captain Whidbey Inn

First: Windermere Property Management Runner-Up: Tara Property Management Honorable Mentions: Koetje Property Management Island Homes for Rent

OIL/PROPANE

REAL ESTATE AGENCY

First: Skagit Farmers Supply Runner-Up: Corey Oil Honorable Mentions: Amerigas Vanderyacht Propane

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First: Windermere Real Estate, Oak Harbor & Coupeville Runner-Up: Coldwell Banker Koetje Real Estate, Oak Harbor Honorable Mentions: Coldwell Banker Tara Properties ReMax/Acorn Real Estate, Oak Harbor Windermere Real Estate, Freeland

TITLE COMPANY

First: Land Title Runner-Up: Chicago Title Honorable Mentions: Premier/Stewart Title First American Title

TRANSPORTATION

For Info: Facebook: Bubba Flame Broiled Burger On Whidbey

Bubba... where good “Chip” happens Now Serving Soft Serve Ice Cream & Floats!

First: Whidbey SeaTac Shuttle Runner-Up: Island Transit Honorable Mention: Ault Field Taxi

ANIMALS KENNELS

First: Watch Dawgs Grooming & Boarding Runner-Up: Sunset Kennel Honorable Mentions: Dogwood Pet Resort A Furry Affair

PET GROOMING

First: A Furry Affair Runner-Up: Watch Dawgs Grooming & Boarding Honorable Mentions: Corrine's K9 cuts Heathers Pet Grooming

PET STORE

First: Island Pet Center Runner-Up: Petco Honorable Mentions: Skagit Farmers Supply Whidbey Natural Pets

VETERINARY CLINIC

First: Penn Cove Veterinarian Clinic Runner-Up: Best Friends Animal Hospital Honorable Mentions: North Whidbey Veterinarian Hospital Useless Bay Animal Clinic CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

THANK yOu for Recognizing Me as One of Whidbey Island’s

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BEST COMMuNITy LEADERS! JILL JOHNSON ISLAND CO. COMMISSIONER (R) ★ DISTRICT 2 Paid for By friends of Jill Johnson ★ Po Box 818, oak harBor, Wa 98277

Saturday, July 23, 2016 • The Best of Whidbey 2016

SHOPPING ANTIQUE STORE

First: Oak Tree Runner-Up: Oldish Stuff Honorable Mentions: Purple Bench Salmagundi Farms & Elk Horn Trading Co.

GROCERY STORE First: Safeway Runner-Up: Haggen Honorable Mentions: Commissary Payless

BOOK SHOP

First: Wind & Tide Books Runner-Up: The Book Rack Honorable Mentions: Moonraker Book Shop His Place Christian Book Store

JEWELRY STORE

First: Gerald's Jewelry Runner-Up: Whidbey Jeweler Honorable Mentions: Lind's Jewelry Jewelry Gallery

CLOTHING

First: Maurices Runner-Up: Casual House Honorable Mentions: My Sister's Closet Island Thrift

PARTY SUPPLIES

First: Whidbey Party Store Runner-Up: Dollar Tree Honorable Mentions: Casey's Craft Store Walmart

CRAFT/HOBBY STORE

First: Gene's Art Supplies Runner-Up: Casey's Crafts Honorable Mentions: Collage Island Fabrics

THRIFT STORE

First: Island Thrift Runner-Up: WAIF Thrift Store, Oak Harbor Honorable Mentions: Garage of Blessings Habitat for Humanity, Oak Harbor

Thank You for Voting Us

Whidbey’s Best Seafood • Clam Chowder • Fish-N-Chips WH I

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GREAT FRESH SEAFOOD MENU! Serving lunch and dinner in a comfortable, inviting atmosphere! Grilled Wild Fish Sandwiches • Specialty Fish & Chips Homemade Soups • Gourmet Burgers • Fresh Shellfish • Salads FIND US AT SEABOLT’S AT DECEPTION PASS! Limited menu & take out menu. Inside seating! Lots of Seabolt’s products, camping supplies. We Ship Worldwide! Order Online: www.seabolts.com

360-675-6485 • 31640 SR 20 #3, OAK HARBOR

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First: Island Drug Runner-Up: Purple Moon Honorable Mentions: Aqua Gifts 3 Sisters Market

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Best of Whidbey 2016 • Saturday, July 23, 2016

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Business of the Year Best Coffee/Espresso Best Barista - Shannon Holcomb Hilary Carpenter - Honorable Mention Business Person of the Year - Dan Ollis Best Customer Service

Earning your trust one cup at a time.