Best Of... - 2017 Best Of Federal Way

• AUBURN T N E K • Y A W L T TACOMA S A E A H T R R O E FED OINES • N M S E D

BEST

e c i v r se

BEST

shopping

BEST of the

BEST

A S U P P L E M E N T TO T H E

BEST

food

BEST

living

kent, auburn, des moines, northeast tacoma, federal way

[2] March 10, 2017

Asian

FOOD

Coffee Shop 1ST PLACE

Indian

1ST PLACE

POVERTY BAY COFFEE COMPANY EAST INDIA GRILL 2ND Asensio Coffee 2ND Indochina Seafood and TOKYO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE Satay Bar 3RD Starbucks / Dash Point 2ND Thai Bistro 3RD Can Am Pizza 3RD Pac Island Grill & BBQ Deli / Sandwich

1ST PLACE

Barbeque 1ST PLACE

JIMMY MAC'S ROADHOUSE 2ND - TIE

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Pac Island Grill & BBQ

Brunch / Breakfast 1ST PLACE

SALTY'S 2ND Black Bear Diner 3RD - TIE

Poverty Bay Coffee Company Biscuit Cafe

Buffet

1ST PLACE

SALTY'S 2ND Jasmine Mongolian Grill 3RD Old Country Buffet

1ST PLACE

PANERA BREAD 2ND Jimmy John's 3RD Poverty Bay Coffee Company

Lunch

1ST PLACE

PANERA BREAD 2ND Salty's 3RD Jimmy Mac's Roadhouse

Family

Mexican

RED ROBIN 2ND Jimmy Mac's Roadhouse 3RD Salty's

PUERTO VALLARTA FAMILY MEXICAN RESTAURANTS 2ND Azteca 3RD Señor Taco

1ST PLACE

Hamburger 1ST PLACE

BURGER EXPRESS 2ND Red Robin 3RD Stacks

Ice Cream 1ST PLACE

SUBZERO 2ND Cold Stone Creamery 3RD Menchie's

1ST PLACE

Pizza

1ST PLACE

THE ROCK

2ND - TIE

Round Table Pizza Vince's

...BEST OF

Best of Federal Way: 19 Years

BY RUDI ALCOTT Federal Way Mirror Publisher

I have thoroughly enjoyed announcing the winners of the Best of Federal Way, over the course of the past 10 years. I am proud to be ending my tenure as publisher at the Mirror by unveiling the winners that you, the readers, have chosen.

At the annual community event last Wednesday, we gave away plaques, had a number of prizes and announced the stories of the year and the winner of the Citizen of the Year.

During the year, the editorial team keeps a list of the stories they've written that are the most touching and interesting. Three stories have emerged as a reflection of remarkable experiences our community and its members have been involved with. It's only appropriate that we recognize, along with the businesses, the community members and events that have an impact on Federal Way. A Citizen of the Year was again selected from the group of monthly recipients. Every winner is incredibly worthy of this honor, but Beverly Triplett (see story on page 4) stood out as someone who goes above and beyond to serve her community. Her efforts in the local Kiwanis group along with her contributions in the field of education and with local students made her a very appropriate choice.

A special thanks goes out to the remaining finalists: February, Bob McKigney; March, Dick Mayer; April, Karl Sutterlin; May, Rick Nicholson; June, Jill P; July, Bruce Honda; August, Ashley Nand; September, Jim and Donna Cox; October, Debra Hansen and Marie Flesher; November, Wendy McIntosh; December, Bert Ross.

It is with great pride I present to you the winners of the 19th Best of Federal Way. Thanks for taking the time to vote, and thanks for viewing the messages on the following pages. I look forward to seeing this program and event remain a success in the years to come.

Thanks for Voting Us Among the BEST in Federal Way!

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19.99

$

...BEST OF federal way, kent, auburn, des moines, northeast tacoma

Seafood

2ND Assistant Chief Ed Plumlee 3RD Firefighter Mickey McClain

1ST PLACE

SALTY'S 2ND Ivar's 3RD McGrath's

City Leader

Best Cop

1ST PLACE

SUSAN HONDA 2ND Jim Ferrell 3RD Dave Larson

Steakhouse 1ST PLACE

BLACK ANGUS STEAKHOUSE 2ND Jimmy Mac's Roadhouse 3RD Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse

LIVING Bar / Night Club

Community Volunteer

March 10, 2017 [3] "I am grateful to our citizens and delighted to have been nominated in the Best Cop category. I am very proud to work with so many dedicated professionals committed to providing the highest quality law enforcement. Our mission is to earn the public's trust and it is great to work in a community where there is so much support and appreciation for our staff."

1ST PLACE

CINDY DUCICH 2ND Peggy LaPorte 3RD Jim and Donna Cox, Light of Christ Community Garden

FIRST PLACE | Andy Hwang

Educational Facility

1ST PLACE

SCOREBOARD

1ST PLACE

2ND - TIE

CHRISTIAN FAITH SCHOOL 2ND Highline College 3RD Federal Way Community Center

Billy McHale's Time Out Ale House

Best Cop

Best Teacher/ Elementary

Kid's Activity

1ST PLACE

CHIEF OF POLICE ANDY HWANG 2ND Deputy Chief Kyle Sumpter 3RD Commander Chris Norman

Best Firefighter

1ST PLACE

FEDERAL WAY COMMUNITY CENTER 2ND Wild Waves Theme Park 3RD Trampoline Nation

"I am humbled and honored to be nominated as best elementary educator in Federal Way! I couldn't ask for a better calling than to serve the students and families of Sherwood Forest for the past five years. I am blessed to work with an incredible team of teachers. To be singled out among them is especially humbling. We are all stronger because of our community. Thank you again for this honor."

FIRST PLACE | Molly Callender

1ST PLACE

CAPTAIN JEFF BELLINGHAUSEN

Thank you for nominating me among the best!

Thanks for voting us BEST since 2011!

We Manage, You Succeed.

In-Home Companion Care In-Home Companion Care Personal Care Personal Care Incidental Transportation Incidental Transportation Meal Preparation 253-945-1400 Meal Preparation 253-945-1400

Byron Hiller: 206-212-2244

bhiller@cbcworldwide.com

An international network of independently owned & operated offices. ©2010 CK Franchising, Inc. An international network of independently owned & operated offices. ©2010 CK Franchising, Inc.

Thank you for your support.

Let’s make Federal Way the Best – together!

6 Susan Honda, City Councilmember

Contact me with any concerns or questions: 253-293-8885 or HondaforFW@gmail.com

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33313 1st Way S. Federal Way, WA 98063

We’re Proud to be Voted One of the

BEST COMPUTER REPAIR!

* Small Business * Residential * Home Office * * Microsoft Certified Technicians Onsite or at Geek Central

CALL NOW FOR FREE ESTIMATE 253-217-4832 geeksatsitewa@gmail.com

402 S. 333rd St. #105

[4] March 10, 2017

kent, auburn, des moines, northeast tacoma, federal way

It’s Nice to be Number One!

(Even nicer, six times in a row!)

We are thrilled to be adding 2017 to our list!

Editor’s Note: Beverly Triplett has been an active member of the Greater Federal Way Beverly Triplett Kiwanis Club, as well as her work with the Thomas Jefferson Key Club and local youth.

Wednesday, Triplett received a Citizen of the Year award at the Federal Way Mirror’s Best Of award ceremony. This story originally appeared in the Jan. 29, 2016 edition of the Mirror.

For The Mirror

The senior management of The Powell Companies extends our sincerest thanks to the community of Federal Way for voting us Best of 2017 in senior living. We strive to provide an inspiring senior lifestyle for our residents and are honored to be recognized as the best in Federal Way from 2012 to 2017!

We thank our dedicated staff of professionals for providing our residents with a warm and caring place to call home.

It is what’s inside the building that counts the most – our residents and our staff.

Thank you, Federal Way!

The Natural Choice for Senior Living

35419 First Ave. South, Federal Way, WA 98003

253.838.3700 www.VillageGreenRetirement.com

VGR553 Village Green Best of Thanks_3x13_4C_3-10.indd 1

Beverly Triplett named Mirror’s Citizen of the Year

BY ANDREW FICKES

Thank You, Federal Way! We’re Proud to be a Part of this Community!

2/17/17 11:19 AM

...BEST OF

Last March, Beverly Triplett chaperoned 16 students from the Thomas Jefferson High School Key Club who attended the Key Club Pacific Northwest District Conference at the Seattle Convention Center, an event that attracted 2,000 high school students interested in growing their leadership skills.

It was an experience she won’t forget.

“Kids in high school are amazing,” Triplett said. “You see those 2,000 kids jumping and screaming, dressed up and clean cut, behaving themselves – it was an encouraging weekend.”

Triplett, now retired, is an active member of the Greater Federal Way Kiwanis Club, along with her husband Wayne, and has served as the adviser of the Key Club at Thomas Jefferson for seven years.

Five years ago Triplett founded the Builders Club at Totem Middle School – a feeder school to Thomas Jefferson. The Builders Club teaches sixth, seventh and eighth graders leadership skills and ways they can be leaders in their community.

But Triplett’s involvement with youth doesn’t stop there. She has also read to elementary youth as part of the Kiwanis Club’s Read around the World program at Star Lake Elementary School. She has helped in handing out free dictionaries to third grade students at Mark Twain and Star Lake elementary schools. And she also has celebrated with students in grade schools when they raise their grade and receive a congratulatory certificate from the Kiwanis.

Triplett volunteers at the Federal Way Food Bank where she comes in contact with many children and families. She said she makes sure to connect with them and make them feel welcome. She gives children an opportunity to draw and be creative.

Wayne Triplett said his wife gives families a break if they come in lacking a piece of information required by them to receive service.

“She makes a connection with the family,” he said.

“Bev is not a stickler to the rules.”

Beverly Triplett grew up in Kansas City, Mo. Some of her upbringing was spent with her grandparents on their farm, north of Kansas City.

“When I was growing

up we didn’t have a lot of money, but we helped a lot of people,” she said.

She remembers her girlfriend in elementary school whose family helped another student from a poor family.

Triplett said her girlfriend’s family helped the student wash her hair so she was presentable at school and housed her when she needed a place to stay.

Triplett said she has held onto that experience her whole life. It’s remarkable, she said, how a small thing you do to help someone can go a long way. One of Triplett’s passions is handing out free dictionaries to third grade students.

“Their eyes light up because some of these kids have never had a book of their own,” she said. “They hold the book close to their chest. It brings tears to my eyes to see them so happy.”

For her dedication to children and education, Triplett has received Kiwanian of the Year four times and has also received Everyday Hero awards from the club.

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Thanks for 10 years of support as

Federal Way’s Best Garden Center/Gift Shop

It’s all here for you...

• Garden Center • Nursery • Unique Gift Shop 320th & Military Rd., Federal Way 253.941.7705

...BEST OF federal way, kent, auburn, des moines, northeast tacoma SERVICE

Local Arts Group 1ST PLACE

CENTERSTAGE THEATRE 2ND Federal Way Symphony 3RD Rosebud Children's Theatre Conservatory

Local Charity / Nonprofit 1ST PLACE

MULTI-SERVICE CENTER 2ND World Vision 3RD FUSION

Teacher / Elementary 1ST PLACE

Adult In-Home Care 1ST PLACE

COMFORT KEEPERS 2ND Catholic Services 3RD Village Green Retirement Campus

Attorney

1ST PLACE

SHERRY KERR / FEDERAL WAY HIGH SCHOOL 2ND James Brown / Thomas Jefferson 3RD Sarah Shatswell / Christian Faith School

Teacher / Middle School 1ST PLACE

CHRISSIE BIANCHI / CHRISTIAN FAITH SCHOOL 2ND Yvette Gregg / Illahee 3RD LeAnn Garrett / Lakota

Tourist Attraction 1ST PLACE

DASH POINT STATE PARK 2ND Redondo Boardwalk 3RD Wild Waves Theme Park

Thank you for Voting Us the BEST for over 15 years!

1ST PLACE

FRANK CORNELIUS 2ND Tim Hickel 3RD Herman C. Brewer IV

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®

Federal Way • 34415 16th Ave S (253) 927-1159

FREE WITH EVERY PASSENGER CAR AND LIGHT TRUCK TIRE PURCHASE

Free Lifetime Tire and Mileage Care

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MOLLY CALLENDER / SHERWOOD FOREST 1ST PLACE JIM'S DETAIL SHOP 2ND Wendy Boettcher / Christian Faith 2ND Pro Touch Auto Interiors School 3RD Sear's 3RD Oksana Sokolan / Christian Faith School Auto Repair Shop

Teacher / High School

March 10, 2017 [5]

1ST PLACE

SPARK'S CAR CARE 2ND Eagle Tire and Automotive 3RD Northshore RV & Auto Repair

Bank / Credit Union 1ST PLACE

BECU

®

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South Puget Sound Business Networking Since 1994

FREE WITH EVERY PASSENGER CAR AND LIGHT TRUCK TIRE PURCHASE

Free Lifetime Tire and Mileage Care

Free Peace of Mind Tire Protection

We are proud of our members nominated for the Best of Federal Way:

Ken Clark - Sparks Car Care

Terry Koubele - Allstate Insurance

Frank Cornelius - Cornelius Law Firm

Greg Oken - Movement Mortgage

Cindy Ducich - Federal Way Mirror, Community Volunteer

Janice Siebenaler - Heritage Bank Alice Stevenson - Geeks @ Site

REFERRALS UNLIMITED - OVER 30 MEMBERS STRONG!

Meetings are held each Thursday at 7:30 am by invitation only. For more info, contact any member or visit our website:

referralsunlimited.org

2ND HomeStreet Bank 3RD Heritage Bank

Barber Shop 1ST PLACE

GREAT CLIPS 2ND Gent's Fine Grooming for Men 3RD SportClips

Barista / Location 1ST PLACE

KASIE CHARLES / BIGFOOT JAVA 2ND Jamie Carlisle / Twin Lakes Starbucks 3RD Morgan Cassiday / Starbucks Hoyt Road

Thanks for Voting us Among the BEST Again This Year! $1.00 Off

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Any Medium Ice Cream Cannot be combined with other offers. Limit one per customer.

Catering Available • Ice Cream Cakes & Pies HOURS: M-Th 11:00 am - 10:00 pm; Fri-Sat 11:00 am - 11:00 pm; CLOSED SUNDAY

31653 Pac Hwy S #A Next to Best Buy

253-941-3248

8th Day Spa

Federal Way’s Complete Salon & Spa

THANKS FOR VOTING US ONE OF THE BEST

• Nail Salon • Hair Salon • Day Spa

Superior Service with Integrity!

Thank You, Federal Way for Voting Us the BEST AGAIN this year!

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34029 Hoyt Road Federal Way

253.838.8DAY (8329)

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(253) 874-1070 32627 Pacific Hwy So. sparkscc.com

[6] March 10, 2017

kent, auburn, des moines, northeast tacoma, federal way

...BEST OF

Success a long road traveled for Carter, Federal Way alum and model finalist Editor’s Note: Federal Way High graduate Lauren Carter grew up feeling out of place but eventually found herself shining as a plus-sized model. Wednesday, Carter was recognized at the Federal Way Mirror’s 2017 Best Of awards ceremony. The original story printed in the Oct. 21, 2016, edition of the Mirror.

BY JEROD YOUNG jyoung@fedwaymirror.com

Lauren Carter grew up feeling like something else — someone else.

Carter, a Federal Way High School graduate, spent her formative years never feeling comfortable in her own skin. But her out-of-place feeling has led to an opportunity for her to shine in her own skin as a plus-sized model.

After encouragement from a friend, Carter entered a modeling competition for plus-size brand Torrid to be its next spokesmodel.

Over 10,000 women entered, and Carter is currently a finalist with three other women. Torrid will name the next model to lead its brand in December, with the decision being announced to the public in January 2017.

Carter went through the usual Federal Way pipeline growing up: She moved to the city from her hometown of San Diego in fourth grade, attended Panther Lake Elementary, went on to Illahee Middle School, and finished at Federal Way High School.

“I loved my time there,” Carter said. “I did everything from high school basketball to cheerleading throughout the years.”

When it came to athletics, Carter was everywhere — you couldn’t miss her. When she wasn’t on the court for Federal Way she was cheering for friends playing other sports.

Carter and her former Eagles basketball teammate Rita Gray met their freshman year. Gray said the two immediately hit it off during basketball season and became close friends. The team remains close, and everyone gets together when schedules permit. Carter was even a bridesmaid in Gray’s wedding a few months back.

Gray said that Carter, while never the best athlete on the team, was its obvious, vocal leader.

“Lauren was always the tallest player on the team and often the tallest on the court,” Gray said. “While she wasn’t the fastest or most skilled, she was always a leader and the voice in the locker room that we always needed.”

A strong corps of friends, a sense of belonging, family — it was exactly what Carter needed. She grew up in a single-parent household, raised by her mother after her father deserted the family amid a severe addiction to alcohol.

Growing up, Carter, who is bi-racial, said she had a very hard time as a teenager figuring out who she was from an appearance standpoint. Being uprooted from southern California to Federal Way in her elementary school years was hard on both her and her discovery process.

“During that time, kids can be kind of mean,” Carter said. “I was always picked on. I was tall for my age; I’m 6-feet tall now and I’ve always been a bigger girl. I’d walk into my classroom and I didn’t know anybody; no family up here.

“Kids just kind of laughed at me because I was this tall girl walking up into this classroom. I was always searching for something, a style that would stand out, make me feel comfortable. A lot of times I failed — there are a lot of scary pictures of hairstyles, makeup and clothes that were crazy.”

Becoming an adult and having the freedom to make choices is supposed to be an exciting time. For Carter, it was another hurdle she’d have to clear.

After learning her father’s whereabouts in San Diego, Carter opted to attend community college in the city, in part with the hopes of striking up a renewed relationship with her dad.

She enrolled in classes and earned a spot on the basketball team. But six months into her new life, she received news that changed everything.

“Within six months I found out I was pregnant at the age of 18,” she said. “I packed up all my stuff and moved back home to have my daughter and be in Seattle with my mom so I could finish my degree.”

Instead of enjoying the beach life as a communications scholar with the opportunity to continue her basketball career, Carter

found herself 19 years old, with a baby, and working at Red Robin in Auburn.

For months she drove back and forth between community college and the burger joint.

Carter finally caught a break when she got the packet in the mail she’d been waiting for: her acceptance letter to the University of Washington at its Tacoma location, where she went on to graduate with a bachelors degree in Communication.

Right on cue, however, Carter was blind-sided with another round of shocking news: Her father was diagnosed with cancer.

The news came a few months after Carter’s aunt died of breast cancer.

“When my aunt died from breast cancer, I remember having a feeling of regret that I couldn’t be there enough for everyone,” Carter recalled. “Because of school, because of raising my kid.”

Within a month, Carter had packed her daughter and her belongings into her tiny Dodge Neon and headed down Interstate 5 for San Diego for a second time.

The circumstances weren’t ideal, but life in San Diego, take two, proved to be on the up and up. Carter discovered passions for photography, graphics and video editing. It led to local opportunities in event planning.

Through relationships she built in the industry, friends and colleagues started asking if she was interested in modeling.

“They were like, ‘Why don’t you do modeling?’” Carter said.

“I never really visualized myself walking that path because I’ve always loved everything behind the scenes. It’s the grind of being [ more CARTER, page 10 ]

WIN

6

NER

...BEST OF federal way, kent, auburn, des moines, northeast tacoma

March 10, 2017 [7]

Bartender / Location

Day Spa

Hair Salon

Mortgage Company

TAWNA GOGOLIN / SALTY'S

8TH DAY SPA 2ND Massage Envy 3RD Massage For Health and Day Spa

8TH DAY SPA 2ND Twin Lakes Hair Salon 3RD Salon Parente

HOMESTREET BANK 2ND BECU 3RD Greg Ocken Movement Mortgage

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

2ND - TIE

Jen Rosentrator / Time Out Ale House Lacey Johnson / Scoreboard

Chiropractor LIFE & HEALTH CHIROPRACTIC & MASSAGE CENTRE

Healthcare Clinic

Nail Salon

DR. KENNETH BROSSEL, DDS 2ND Dr. Donald Ausink, DDS

ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER 2ND Virginia Mason 3RD Children's Hospital

8TH DAY SPA 2ND Twin Lakes Hair Salon 3RD Posh Nail Spa

3RD - TIE

Wolf Chiropractic Center Bastron Chiropractic Ball Chiropractic

Dr. Barbara Billings, DDS Dr. Douglas Sheets, DDS Dr. Stacy Kanda, DDS Dr. Graham Egger, DDS

Computer Repair

Financial Advisor

INFOTECH NOW 2ND Best Buy 3RD Geeks @ Site

MATTHEW JARVIS

2ND - TIE

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

2ND - TIE

Doug Legg / Edward Jones Dan Altmayer / Edward Jones

Day Care 1ST PLACE

FEDERAL WAY COMMUNITY CENTER 2ND St. Luke's Childcare 3RD - TIE

KinderCare Learning Centers Christian Faith Preschool 6

1ST PLACE

Dentist 1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

Fitness Facility / Location 1ST PLACE - TIE

TEMPLE FITNESS Federal Way Community Center 3RD ILoveKickboxing.com

hank You for Your Vote!

Winner in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 HAIR SALON, DAY SPA, AND NAIL SALON

TWIN LAKES HAIR SALON HAIR • NAIL • FACIAL • MAKEUP • BODY WRAP • UPDO • WAXING

1ST PLACE

Healthcare Professional 1ST PLACE

ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER 2ND Virginia Mason 3RD UW Physicians

1ST PLACE

Real Estate Agent / Company 1ST PLACE

SARAH ASAY / KELLER WILLIAMS 2ND Byron Hiller / Coldwell Banker Danforth 3RD Susie Horan / Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Insurance Agent / Company

Residential Painter

TERRY KOUBELE / ALLSTATE 2ND Jack Stanford / Stanford Insurance 3RD Brady Nelson / State Farm

PROTECT PAINTERS 2ND Jeff Pro Painting 3RD JA Painting

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

s as one of the Bes u g n i t o v r o f o l a h t!

Ma The Flava of the Islands in the Heart of Federal Way since 2005!

Dine-In ❀ Take-Out ❀ Party Platters ❀ Catering

hawaiianstylebbq.net

2126 SW 336th St. • Federal Way 98023 • 253-927-7563 or 206-313-7865 • twinlakeshairsalon.com •

2012 S. 320th St., Ste H 253-529-8667

Thanks For Voting Us Best Again This Year!

LOC ALLY OW N E D & OPERATED

INTERIOR ♦ EXTERIOR ♦ RESIDENTIAL ♦ COMMERCIAL

Call today for a free estimate

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253-561-8494 – ProTectPainters.com –

kent, auburn, des moines, northeast tacoma, federal way

[8] March 10, 2017

...BEST OF

STAFF PHOTO

Firefighter Mickey McLain talks with one of the many guests at the Best Of event.

Community Volunteer

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"Thank you so much for choosing FUSION as a finalist in the "Best of Federal Way". We feel honored to be selected by the Federal Way community that supports and embraces human service needs for the most unfortunate amongst us."

Thanks for nominating us as one of the BEST for years! ★ BEST Night Club ★ ★ BEST Bartender: Lacey Johnson ★ BEST Waitress: Jade Conway

SECOND PLACE | PEGGY LAPORTE

1200 S 324th St, Federal Way • 253-839-4791• RJaysScoreboard.com

Thanks for Voting us the Best in 2010 - 2017

City Leader

Voted Best Jewelry Store!

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SECOND PLACE | JIM FERRELL

FULL SERVICE GOLDSMITH SINCE 1975!

– All work done on premises– jeffreysjeweler.com • 1200 S. 324th St # 6 • Federal Way (253) 941-3131 Tues.-Fri. 10 am - 6 pm; Sat. 10 am - 4 pm

I’m Honored to be Voted Among Federal Way’s BEST! For an appointment, please call: 253.838.9703

MATTHEW P. JARVIS, CFP®

JarvisFinancial.com “Securities offered through Crown Capital Securities, LP. A registered broker/dealer. Member FINRA/SIPC. 104 S. Freya, Spokane, WA 99202. 800.846.8520. Jarvis Financial Services, Inc. (DBA Jarvis Financial) is a registered investment adviser in the States of Washington and Arizona.

Hand-Cut Fries Made from Fresh Potatoes

"Each year the Federal Way Mirror highlights the best our community has to offer. It is always a treat to see hard working businesses owners and first responders receive the accolades they deserve!

Being mentioned as a "best of" city leader is a reflection of the hard work our dedicated city employees do on behalf of the people of our community. It is their work that deserves recognition and I am honored to lead them as we work to create new opportunities for businesses and residents alike. We are truly fortunate to live in the best city in Washington state!"

CH BRO AR ILE D

Burger Express

Fresh Patties Hand-Pressed Daily

“BURGERS AT THEIR BEST”

THANKS FOR VOTING US AMONG THE BEST! • Locally Owned •

Federal Way • 32805 Pacific Hwy S • (253) 874-2701

...BEST OF federal way, kent, auburn, des moines, northeast tacoma Senior Living Facility 1ST PLACE

VILLAGE GREEN RETIREMENT CAMPUS 2ND SHAG 3RD Brookdale Foundation House

HOUSE 2ND Jade Conway / Scoreboard 3RD Jen Maden / Red Robin

SHOPPING

Tutor

Jewelry Store

SYLVAN LEARNING OF FEDERAL WAY 2ND Treehouse 3RD Kumon Learning Centers

JEFFREY'S JEWELERS 2ND Fred Meyer Jewelers 3RD Federal Way Custom Jewelers

Veterinarian

Nursery & Garden Store

TWIN LAKES VETERINARY HOSPITAL VETS FOR LESS 2ND Sacajawea Healthcare for Pets

BRANCHES GARDEN CENTER 2ND Lowe's 3RD Oriental Garden Center

Waiter / Location

Pet Store

TAD RICHTER / SALTY'S 2ND Dustin Vistante / Puerto Vallarta Family Mexican Restaurants 3RD Jose Garcia / Black Bear Diner

MUD BAY 2ND Petco 3RD Petsmart

Thanks for Valuing the ARTS and Voting the BEST! at the Knutzen Family Theatre

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1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE - Tie

From Entertainment Events, the producers of Cuff Me and Girls Night, comes the Hit Interactive Musical Comedy Dishing with the Divas!

Now through February 26

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

Waitress / Location 1ST PLACE

March 10, 2017 [9]

JEN ROSENTRATOR / TIME OUT ALE

Today is the final live studio broadcast of GIRL TALK on WPMS radio with the hosts dishing and busting hits about love, motherhood, and of course, men.

Tire Store

Limited Engagement March 10 & 11 ONLY!

1ST PLACE

LES SCHWAB 2ND Discount Tire 3RD Costco

AN EVENING WITH GROUCHO,

A special thank you to the readers who took the time to vote, the businesses that won and the community members who attended the presentation of the awards on Wednesday, March 8, at the Community Center.

THANK YOU for Voting Us One of the BEST in 30YEARS FEDERAL WAY! OF SERVICE

WITH A “PERSONAL” TOUCH

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FEDERAL WAY (253) 838-2424 1515 SO. 344TH ST.

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Starring Frank Ferrante as Groucho Marx

COMING MARCH 24 through APRIL 9:

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It’s a hilarious musical adventure for the whole family.

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...A tragic love affair woven in the amazing story of the birth Freedom--the creation of the Magna Carta, Civil War, justice and the overshelming power of love!

May 12 – June 4

ALL SHOWS: Adults: $35 Seniors/Military: $30 Youth (25 & Under): $15 3200 SW Dash Point Rd., Federal Way CALL or Book Online 253-661-1444 • CenterstageTheatre.com

kent, auburn, des moines, northeast tacoma, federal way

[10] March 10, 2017 [ CARTER, continued from page 6 ]

a mom and going to school — the glamorous life never seemed to fit for me.”

And the conversation ended there.

A year later though, Carter’s friend and former Red Robin co-worker Jodilin Bright tagged Carter in a Facebook post for a Torrid model search.

Carter said she was initially put off by the idea, but she decided to make the drive from San Diego to Los Angeles out of curiosity. She did an interview, but got a call back a month later informing her she’d been cut.

The initial pass inspired Carter to keep going.

She continued in her beachfront waitressing job, working nights and weekends, then received a call from a local YMCA for a job offer in the marketing department.

“All of our friends were a bit intimidated by kids, and Lauren innately was drawn to every kid she encountered,” Gray said. “When she became pregnant at [18], I was completely confident that she would endure parenthood with positivity and grace.

“When she started working at the YMCA, I knew it was something she would be successful with because she is passionate about helping kids, especially about helping kids see their self-worth.”

With the new gig, Carter had her nights and weekends back. The chance to further explore the world of modeling took over and filled her with a renewed passion and interest.

Carter connected with a local publication, called “The G.O.O.D.S. Magazine,” and staff there helped Carter participate in some runway events and photoshoots.

Carter said it was modeling for free throughout the city, but she didn’t mind.

“It resulted in good things,” she said. “It

culminated with the Torrid model search coming up again this year.”

This time around, Carter had a sizable portfolio, a modeling resume, and a renewed sense of drive.

“I think it took awhile for her to come into her own and to love her body the way she does now,” Gray said. “She has always shopped at Torrid and she had recently started modeling in fashion shows in San Diego, so when the Torrid search presented itself it was a no-brainer that she would enter.”

When Carter arrived at the casting call, as luck would have it, the casting director was the same one who met Carter during her tryout the year before.

“He remembered me,” Carter said. “They were all saying they were thrilled I came back.”

Torrid officials were so thrilled to see Carter they took photos and interviewed her on the spot. Less than 24 hours later, they called her for a second interview.

After a month of silence, the brand informed Carter she not only made it to the competition stage, but she was ranked inside the top 10, which is chosen by Torrid’s head designer.

Carter was over the moon. The problem?

She was sworn to secrecy, unable to tell a soul per her signed agreement.

After more waiting, Torrid finally flew Carter back to Los Angeles for an official photo shoot and fashion show.

“I still couldn’t tell anyone,” Carter said.

“They still hadn’t released the top 10 in Septem-

ber. They just announced it.”

What they didn’t announce was that Torrid also eliminated six of the top 10, and Carter quickly found out she made it to the top four.

Almost there. Sort of. Not really. But kind of.

The final four now go to a public vote at torrid.com, on Facebook and on Twitter. Each of the four models ran their own social media campaign.

Oct. 21 is the final day to vote.

So, on top of raising a young daughter and working her normal 40-hour work week, Carter found herself in charge of promoting her own public vote.

“We have photos, hashtags, people can vote online,” Carter said. “It’s been so crazy, and pretty exciting since this is the first time Torrid’s done a public vote for their brand.”

Though it seems like a stressful time, Gray said it’s a situation ideal for Carter.

“Everything in Lauren’s life is exciting, and she does everything with confidence and an optimistic attitude,” Gray said. “So I know no matter what happens, she’ll make the best of the situation.”

Carter makes her final trip to Los Angeles in December for the filming of the winning model. The public will learn Torrid’s decision in January.

Carter said it’s an exciting time to be a plussized woman — when she grew up, there was no Torrid, and support for plus-sized girls was non-existent. Now, Carter’s thrilled for her daughter’s generation because brands like Tor-

I never really visualized myself walking that path because I’ve always loved everything behind the scenes.

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“Girls like my daughter, who is also plus-size, now have a place to fit in with Torrid,” Carter said. “They don’t have to struggle for years to find who they are like I had to.”

Carter said she thought her life was over when her doctor told her she was pregnant at 18. Now she credits having a baby at a young age with helping her find her identity and become the person she is today.

Gray said Carter going from an uncertain identity to potentially becoming the face of a national brand and a role model to girls was no accident.

“Lauren is a leader,” Gray said. “She was one on the basketball court. She was a leader in college, at the restaurant, you name it. It’s who she is. Having her daughter at 19 really solidified that, and if there is one person that should help mentor and represent young, plus-size girls, it’s Lauren.”

It took Carter years to be comfortable with who she was and who she could become. Now, in the coming months, she has the opportunity to be named the face of inspiration for a wellknown plus-size brand.

To an 18-year-old girl walking the halls of Federal Way High School today, struggling to figure out her identity, Carter said she’d want to say that answers, even though it may not seem like it, are right there.

“Never quit, and have faith,” she said. “Keep your head up. Because sometimes when you don’t see the next chapter in your life it doesn’t mean it’s not there.

“If you’re in that dark place where you feel there’s no hope, it’s OK. I was there too. Just know that’s the moment you push forward harder because it’s only building you to be the person you’re meant to be.”

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...BEST OF federal way, kent, auburn, des moines, northeast tacoma Hundreds gather at United in Greatness youth rally Editor’s Note: Federal Way Public Schools hosted a “United in Greatness”youth rally following the death of Decatur High School student Wesley Gennings. Wednesday, Federal Way Public Schools was recognized at the Federal Way Mirror’s Best Of awards. The following story originally printed in the April 1, 2016, edition.

RAECHEL DAWSON rdawson@fedwaymirror.com

The Federal Way community enthusiastically wrapped its arms around local students at a youth rally on Saturday.

Hundreds of attendees, there to show they were “united in greatness,” celebrated local students, including Act Six scholarship recipients, speech and debate winners, and athletic teams who won state championships.

They cheered on dancers and a drum line and listened intently to poets and singers.

“Federal Way Public Schools has great things happening, and don’t let anyone tell you anything differently,” said Federal Way Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tammy Campbell at the United in Greatness rally. “Our kids are doing great things.”

Organized by high school seniors across the district, the rally at Celebration Park was a way to inspire students and show everyone that the school system and the students that comprise it are more than a mari-

6

juana deal gone terribly wrong.

“We had a student who lost their life,” Campbell said to the crowd.

“This happened about a month ago and it was a tragedy.”

That student, 16-year-old Wesley Gennings, attended Decatur High School. Two Federal Way Public Schools students, a 16-year-old and a 14-year-old, are currently jailed on murder charges related to Gennings’ death.

Campbell spoke to community leader Bobby Jennings about ways they could pull the community together so it “can see the incredible things that happen every single day in our 39 schools with our 22,500 students.”

She said she hears about students earning scholarships, going to state competitions and writing poetry, and she wanted to find a way to highlight that.

“I wanted to empower students, so when they go back to their schools, they have a community that believes in them and a community that wants to empower them to stand up for what’s right, and not necessarily let 1 percent of the kids dominate,” Campbell said, adding that she wants students to know their superintendent believes in them.

With the help of those student organizers, the idea for the rally quickly became a reality. T-shirts were

designed, a date was set and diverse students with unique talents were recruited.

“We’re not always together across racial groups, across language groups, across religious groups, and it’s important for people to look around the room and see that beauty; that quilt,” Campbell said.

“That’s us and that’s our strength.

That’s our asset.”

Campbell said Federal Way is representative of the global culture, and she wanted to ensure that was also something highlighted in the rally.

Jennings’ message for the community was also one of encouragement.

Expanding on Benjamin Franklin’s quote – “If you tell me, I’ll forget.

If you teach me, I may remember.

But if you involve me, I’ll learn” – Jennings said it was important for students and the community to stay involved as they strive for greatness.

“We want to see this community thrive; we want to see this community grow,” Jennings said. “That was our purpose and, as a result, you see that happening today.”

Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell said seeing students stand firm against misconceptions and adversity made him “feel great about life.”

“During times of trouble, it’s often easy to look away or say, ‘This is not my problem,’” Ferrell said. “Fortu-

March 10, 2017 [11]

7 Best of 2017 is a special section published by the Federal Way Mirror.

Rudi Alcott, publisher Jessica Keller, editor Advertising: Cindy Ducich Linda Staples Jennifer Anderson

nately, the students and faculty who organized this rally have said, ‘We believe in ourselves, we believe in our community and we believe, most importantly, we believe in our future.’”

Ferrell said the school district won’t be defined by the tragedy of Gennings’ death, but rather by how they’ve responded to it.

“You know, politicians often like to gather and speak of the next generation,” he said to students at the rally.

“They talk about the future like it’s some distance place. Well, I’m here to tell you now: You are the future, and it looks brighter than ever.”

Marcie Shannon, designer Federal Way Mirror is published every Friday.

Contact us at: Federal Way Mirror 31919 1st Ave. S., Suite 101 Federal Way, WA 98003 253.925.5565 federalwaymirror.com

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[12] March 10, 2017

Best Teacher / High School

kent, auburn, des moines, northeast tacoma, federal way "It is an honor to be considered for the 'Best of Federal Way' event as an outstanding teacher when I am surrounded by so many outstanding teachers in the Federal Way school district. It is a privilege to serve our students every day as they themselves are learning the skills to serve others in Federal Way High School's Culinary Arts and ProStart programs."

FIRST PLACE | SHERRY KERR

Best Teacher / Middle School

Best Teacher / Middle School

SECOND PLACE | YVETTE GREGG

"Thank you Mirror readers for nominating me for the 'Best of Middle School Teacher.' I am beyond honored to be a finalist. I have been privileged to be an educator in Federal Way for over 20 years, serving at Twin Lakes Elementary and Lakota Middle School and love the community and my colleagues for the unwavering passion to serve and support our outstanding scholars. When we work together, we truly have a bright future! "

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Community Volunteer

...BEST OF

"Thank you so much to the community! I am so grateful, honored and humbled to be nominated for this award. Being a teacher is one of the most difficult, but rewarding jobs in the world and I feel so blessed that I have the opportunity to work with such incredible students each and every day. They make me smile, warm my heart, and challenge me, not just in the classroom, but also outside of the classroom with our crazy handshakes! I love my job! Proud to be a Brave! 'Once a Brave, Always a Brave!'"

"I am passionate about my Federal Way community. I believe in supporting the arts, women, kids, our business community and our multitude of organizations that help others making our community one to be proud of.

Thank you for this honor but please join me in serving our Federal Way. 'Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.' "

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Best Teacher / Elementary

"What a honor to be nominated for the "Best of Federal Way!" Thank you Christian Faith School families for your encouragement and support and for sharing your precious children with me! It is a great joy for me to serve God in a way that nurtures young lives to grow in their faith and service to Him!"

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[14] March 10, 2017

Beamer grads, others, make app for stroke survivors Editor’s Note: In 2016, Todd Beamer graduate Maddie Rogers teamed up with others to create an app that helps stroke victims. Wednesday, they were recognized at the Federal Way Mirror’s Best Of ceremony for 2017.

This story originally published in the Aug. 12, 2016, edition of the Mirror.

BY RAECHEL DAWSON rdawson@fedwaymirror.com

Dee Rogers’ dad can’t say his wife’s name, but he can recite his children’s.

“With aphasia, practicing is the main therapy,” she said.

In November, the Rogers family was hit with an unexpected tragedy when Dee Rogers’ father had a stroke.

City Leader

According to the National Aphasia Association, 25-40 percent of stroke survivors acquire aphasia, which is a “communication disorder that impairs a person’s ability to process language, but does not affect intelligence.”

“When my dad was in the hospital, he really couldn’t even say ‘yes,’” she said. “He could say ‘yes,’ but sometimes he meant ‘no,’ so it was just… nothing was working for him.”

Her father would become frustrated because “his mind was and is totally there,” Dee Rogers said.

But then the family discovered that pictures resonated with him. He could point to what he needed on a chart that depicted

"Thank you for your support. Serving as a Council Member is an honor. Federal Way is a great place to live, work and play. And that is because of you, our citizens. Please call, email me or stop me in the grocery store. I am here to serve you."

FIRST PLACE | SUSAN HONDA

about 40 tiny pictures, which the hospital staff provided.

Still, the pictures were vague and the amount of them overwhelmed him.

Dee Rogers’ daughter, Maddie Rogers, who’s studying computer science at the Colorado School of Mines, and her husband, who works at a software company in Seattle, scoured Apple’s App store for apps that would help, but the few out there were either $50 or were too complicated.

“So my dad and I, we decided… maybe we’ll just make an app for him to use that’s easier – that can help him,” Maddie Rogers said. “We found a few other people my age in computer science and we decided to make the app.”

Maddie Rogers, a 2015 Todd Beamer High School graduate, teamed up with students who are children of her father’s coworkers and have similar interests in computer science. The initial team consisted of Maddie Rogers; Gary Yost III, a 2015 Stadium High School graduate; Maddy Fletcher, a 2014 graduate of Aviation High School; and Nathan Wacker, who will be a Mercer Island High School senior in September.

They then added Kevin Lee, a 2016 Todd Beamer graduate, because Yost and Maddie Rogers worked with him during their time at Northwest Nuclear Consortium and “knew his work ethic was stellar.”

“I was pretty excited because I’m doing computer science in college next year, and I thought it would be a good experience

...BEST OF

before I go off to college,” said Lee, who will attend the University of Washington in the fall.

The Northwest Nuclear Consortium is an “independent educational laboratory in Federal Way” with a mission to “educate high school students and the community about about nuclear technologies in energy and medicine,” according to their website (lobby.nwnc.us.com).

In January, Maddie Rogers’ dad created lessons and tutorials for the kids to work [ more APP, page 16 ]

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[16] March 10, 2017 [ APP, from page 14 ]

on to learn programming while the majority were away at college.

They also started a business called Sharp Synaptics, LLC. When they came home from college for summer break, they got to work.

HOSPITAL STAY: STROKE Maddie Rogers and Yost worked on the first app, which they called “Hospital Stay: Stroke.”

“The first one was a lot harder than the second one,” Maddie Rogers said. “The first app, the main idea is it’s used when the person is in the hospital and they just need to communicate their basic needs.”

“Hospital Stay: Stroke” greets a user with a screen showing six images that can communicate “yes,” “no,” that they’re in pain, that they need help rolling over in bed, that they need to use the restroom or that they need hygiene help.

The app uses large icons that, once pressed, has the app speak a command and highlight the needed icon for three seconds.

Usage of the app is fairly straightforward, although stroke survivors may need an explanation by their caregiver to get started.

“Hospital Stay: Stroke” is available for 99 cents and is compatible with iPhones and iPads.

Maddie Rogers said she showed her grandfather their first app and was surprised when he picked German as the language to practice on.

“We have a few languages that you can select on it, and he was speaking in the German words,” she said. “I thought that was really funny, and he was smiling the whole time and [was] able to say the words and stuff when he was clicking on them.”

Her grandfather also tested out the Japanese version of the app, Dee Rogers added, laughing.

“It’s a super shock at first, and then you just kind of deal with it,” she said.” And you’re thankful they’re still there and, you know, their mind’s still there – they just can’t talk.”

Dee Rogers, fighting back tears, said she can see how proud her father is of her daughter, and it makes her proud to see “what a great kid she’s grown into.”

When the first app was being created, Lee joined the team and got to work on creating their company’s website, www.sharpsynaptics.com.

After Apple accepted it in late June, the team got to work on creating two other apps.

APHASIA THERAPY In a “girls against boys” manner, Maddie Rogers and Fletcher began work on a second app designed to re-learn names of places, pictures, objects – anything, really – because it personalizes practice.

“You can take a picture of any object,” Maddie Rogers said. “Like, you can take a picture of my mom

and type in a name and have whoever’s taking care of the patient record audio of them saying ‘mom.’

And then you’ll have a long list of different images you can take pictures of and you can practice all of those.”

If the user gets the answer correct, they can move on to the next image. If they get it wrong, they can practice again. There are also hints that explain the first letter of the person, place or thing in the object.

“Aphasia Therapy” is $4.99 in the App Store and is much less expensive than similar products. It was released Aug. 6.

SPEAK FOR ME Yost, Wacker and Lee are still working on “Speak For Me,” an app that takes the ideas from the first and second app and expands their use for communication.

Speak For Me allows users to take their own photos and link their own recordings to those photos so that when a stroke survivor presses the photo, the audio will begin. The user can then communicate with others in a more detailed way than what the first app presented.

“Once you get home from the hospital you’re going to need to say, ‘Hey, I want a sandwich,’ or ‘I want this,’ or ‘I have to go to the doctor,’” Dee Rogers said. “It’s more detailed.”

Wacker said he contributed to the design of the app, has done

...BEST OF

some translations for different languages, and has helped write code.

“This is purely for getting through your day,” Wacker said, noting a use for the app would be to have a picture of a restaurant with audio indicating the user wants to go to that restaurant.

Wacker said he taught himself how to code but plans to take an AP computer science class in the next school year.

Lee said he and his teammates are planning to finish “Speak For Me” on Friday and hope to submit it to the App Store next week. It, too, will be $4.99.

“I personally don’t have any family members [that have had a stroke], but I imagine how hard it is to communicate,” Lee said. “This app will really benefit those victims of stroke.”

While Lee isn’t sure if he wants to continue to put his coding skills toward the medical field as a career, he said he wants his work to help people.

“I want to go to Silicon Valley and work in a start-up or a big technology company like Google or Intel,” he said.

As for the future of Sharp Synaptics, LLC? “We hope to keep enhancing these to make them more usable, and I could see these apps being useful to not only stroke patients, but maybe little kids that want to practice saying stuff or people that have speaking disabilities,” Maddie Rogers said, adding that feedback and app reviews are welcomed.

To learn more about Sharp Synaptics apps, visit www.sharpsynaptics.com.

Best Teacher/ Middle School

"Thank you so very much for nominating me for such an honor as a Best of Federal Way Middle School Teacher. It is such a privilege for me to get to do what I love every day – teaching young men and women to love Language Arts. And it's even more of a blessing that I get to impact these remarkable lives in the wonderful FIRST PLACE | CHRISSIE BIANCHI city of Federal Way!"

Thank You for Voting us with the Best!

Preschool - Grade 12 33645 20th Ave. S, Federal Way 98003 253-943-2500 | Web: christianfaithschool.com

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