Best Of... - Best of Whidbey 2018

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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/ E• W N S G • EYE CARE PROFESSIONAL • Y PHYSICIAN’S ASSISTANT • DOG TRAINER EDUCATOR E R • INSURANCE AGENT • LEGAL B FINANCIAL ADVISOR • FIREFIGHTER/EMT • HYGIENIST D PROFESSIONAL • MASSAGE THERAPIST • MORTGAGE OFFICER • PHOTOGRAPHER • LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER • PERSONAL TRAINER • REAL ESTATE AGENT • STYLIST • VETERINARIAN • WAITPERSON • ASIAN •OF BAR/TAVERN/LOUNGE • BBQ • THE 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/ READERS CHOICE AWARDS 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) • Thousands of votes•were cast by the • TITLE COMPANY OIL/PROPANE • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT REAL ESTATE AGENCY • TRANSPORTATION • KENNELS • PET GROOMING STORE • Record VETERINARY OFFICE Whidbey News-Times and South• PET Whidbey • ANTIQUE STORE • BOOKSHOP • CLOTHING • CRAFT/HOBBY STORE • GIFT SHOP readers!

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WHIDBEY

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BEST OF WHIDBEY 2018

Saturday, September 29, 2018 • Whidbey News-Times

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Noe Jose Cafe: Where friends and family eat

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Mom’s the secret sauce at brothers’ Oak Harbor restaurant

By PATRICIA GUTHRIE

pguthrie@whidbeynewsgroup.com

Noe Jose Cafe is all about familia y amigos — family and friends.

Cooks, wait staff, and brother owners Noe and Jose Ochoa all strive to make a lasting connection with customers.

Judging by the lunch rush and lines out the door for weekend breakfast, it appears the strategy works.

“Saturday and Sunday, we are slammed,” said Jose Ochoa. “There was this one time, we had 87 names on our wait list. Now, it’s only one name per group of people, so you can imagine how many people were really waiting in line.”

The cafe was voted Best Family Restaurant in the Best of Whidbey contest.

The young brothers, Noe, 23, and Jose, 21, opened the three-meals-a-day eatery in April 2017 with financial backing from their parents.

The cafe name is a play on words of their own names — Noe is pronounced “no-way” and Jose.

Noe Jose Cafe Family Restaurant is located inside Oak Harbor’s Harborside Village on Pioneer Way in a space where many restaurants have come and gone. That they’ve managed to not only survive but thrive 18 months after opening seems a surprise to many — including the owners.

“It’s going great. It’s booming.” Jose said in a recent interview. “It’s an amazing feeling.”

Noe Jose Cafe offers a variety of styles of food — from American diner favorites to authentic Mexican cuisine — to satisfy many tastes.

File photo

Noe Ochoa checks on how customers Bridget and Lyle Zimmerman are enjoying their meal.

For example, papas con chili with chorizo served with rice and beans and a mushroom Swiss burger were the two specials advertised recently on the cafe’s Facebook page.

The brothers say they don’t really know what they’ll feature from day-to-day or weekto-week.

“We kind of choose that morning,” Jose said. “Friday and Saturday, we’re hoping to do prime rib specials because that’s always popular.”

Ribeye and prawns, grilled cod florentine and shrimp albondigas soup are just some of the specials that pop up in mouth-watering photos on their Facebook page.

Mo, also known as Silvia Acuna, has been in the kitchen since day one. She is the one cooking, frying and baking the Mexican entrees. There’s also an aunt and two other cooks serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.

Acuna makes meals passed down from the kitchens of her Mexican family. Pozole, quesadilla michoacan, chicken taquitos and thick homemade flour tortillas are just a few of her flavorful favorites.

“My mom’s menu just got bigger,” said Jose, one of Acuna’s six sons. “For a lot of customers, most of the time, they go straight for my Mama’s cooking.”

Thank you Whidbey,

Many customers who live beyond Oak Harbor and drive in for grocery shopping and other errands have added Noe Jose Cafe to their list of stops. For others, it’s their destination.

People such as Durand Dace from Clinton, who recently left an online comment long on praise for the food, service and friendly atmosphere.

“The entire experience at Noe Jose was among the best I’ve ever had and every aspect of this family-owned restaurant was spot on,” Dace wrote. “As for the food, it is indescribably fantastic.”

Traveling to Oak Harbor from their home in Clinton, Dace said his family decided to give it a try for breakfast because of its good reputation.

“I was in love from my first bite,” Dace wrote. “Tortillas were dreamy, the food hot and amazingly fresh … the huevos rancheros were layered perfectly and were so flavorful.”

They’ve gone back a few times.“For us to make a journey just to grab breakfast, that says something,” Dace said in a phone interview.

Dace also complimented the work ethnic of Noe and Jose Ochoa; they each take one day off a week and they’re often at the restaurant throughout its 12 hours of business.

“Exhausting? Sometimes? Yes,” Jose admitted. “But at the same time, it’s ours.”

Noe Jose Cafe Family Restaurant is located at 830 SE Pioneer Way #106, Oak Harbor, inside Harborside Village on Pioneer Way. The hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily except Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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my clients, community, family & friends for your support. your support.and I am blessedtoand to raise my I am blessed grateful live,grateful work, and live, work, andbeautiful raise my island. family on this beautiful island. family on this WHIDBEY

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Many blessings, to you and yours.

TinaMarie@windermere.com movewhidbey.com

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Tina Wieldraayer-Provoncha Broker | REALTOR®

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Photos by Laura Guido/Whidbey News Group

Valerie Boothe explains which of Island Herb’s edible cannabis products are most popular with customers.

Saturday, September 29, 2018 • Whidbey News-Times

Kelsey Day helps customer Garrett Poling as he examines cannabis oils in a display case at Island Herb.

South Whidbey’s Island Herb focuses on community, employees

By LAURA GUIDO

lguido@whidbeynewsgroup.com

In a blooming market of recreational cannabis retailers, Island Herb continues to stand out by “not just doing the minimum,”

according to general manager Eric Wing.

A lot of that effort is put into the people who work at the Freeland pot shop.

“I get probably 20 compliments

a day on how good the team is,” Wing said.

Almost all the employees have been certified or are in the process of becoming a certified medical marijuana consultant. This

means employees can help create medical marijuana cards, assist patients in selecting products to help with their qualifying conditions, describe risks and benefits of products and provide more

We believe in building strong communities.

Thank you for voting for us!

Heritage Bank believes in the possibilities for each and every person— and the power of community to improve the lives of those around us.

We serve customers like you. Your neighbors. The couple who owns the storefront across town. The customers we serve bring their unique heritage—and unique needs—to our bank. Stop in today to see how we can assist you.

Clinton 8786 SR 525 | Coupeville 401 N Main St. | Freeland 5590 S Harbor Ave. Langley 105 1st St., Suite 101 | Midway–Oak Harbor 675 NE Midway Blvd. | Oak Harbor 450 SW Bayshore Dr. HeritageBankNW.com | 800.455.6126 | Member FDIC

information about products and medical marijuana laws.

“It’s in the origins of why we’re here,” said Wing of the emphasis on being medically endorsed. “It’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

BEST OF WHIDBEY 2018

Saturday, September 29, 2018 • Whidbey News-Times

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And the 2018 Best of Whidbey winners are...

ANIMALS

Bird Watching

First Place: Deception Pass State Park Second Place: Ebey’s Landing Runner Up: Joseph Whidbey State Park Runner Up: Greenbank Farm

Kennel

First Place: Posh Puppies Second Place: Sunset Kennel Runner Up: Watch Dawgs Grooming & Boarding Runner Up: Dogwood Pet Resort

Business of the Year

First Place: Posh Puppies Second Place: Petco Runner Up: Watch Dawgs Grooming & Boarding Runner Up: Dogwood Pet Resort

Pet Store

First Place: Island Pet Center Second Place: Critters & Co. Runner Up: Petco Runner Up: Skagit Farmers Supply

Veterinary Office

COMMUNITY

Art Gallery

First Place: Penn Cove Gallery, Coupeville Second Place: Garry Oak Gallery, Oak Harbor Runner Up: Whidbey Art Gallery, Langley Runner Up: Rob Schouten Gallery, Langley

Assisted Living

First Place: Regency on Whidbey Second Place: Summer Hill Senior Living Runner Up:: Harbor Tower Village Runner Up: Maple Ridge Retirement & Assisted Living

Grant Mullen of Naked Giants performs at the 2018 Oak Harbor Music Festival.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Thank you for voting us Best Equipment Rental

Diamond Rentals is a family-owned business in Oak Harbor and Anacortes, WA. We are proud to have been serving the local community for more than 23 years now.

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First Place: Penn Cove Veterinarian Clinic Second Place: Best Friends Veterinary Center Runner Up: North Whidbey Veterinarian Hospital Runner Up: Useless Bay Animal Clinic

The Penn Cove Gallery is located in Coupeville.

First Place: El Cazador Second Place: Whidbey Coffee Runner Up: Regency on Whidbey Runner Up: Toby’s of Coupeville

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Pet Grooming

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“Visit Your Local Benjamin Moore” PAINTER’S ALLEY 33650 STATE ROUTE 20, OAK HARBOR

Air Compressors and Air Tools | Arial Work Platforms | Earthmoving Equipment | Drywall, Paint & Wallpaper Compaction | Flooring | Forklift & Materials Handling | Heaters & Fans | Lawn and Garden | Levels/Transit | Lifts/Hoist Light Towers & Generators | Plumbing & Pipes | Party Rentals | Pressure Washers | Portable Restrooms

33650 State Route 20 • Oak Harbor | 360.679.6626 2615 Commercial Ave • Anacortes | 360.293.3161 diamondrentalsinc.com | info@diamondrentals.org M-F: 7:30am - 5:00pm | SAT: 8:00am - 2:00pm

Thank you for voting for us BEST OF

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READERS CHOICE AWARDS

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTE F O R BEST LODGING!

“Service you deserve with people you trust” Land Title and Escrow has 5 locations to serve you in Island & Skagit Counties!

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BEST WESTERN PLUS OAK HARBOR HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER

READERS CHOICE AWARDS

(360) 679- 4567 • 33175 STATE ROUTE 20, OAK HARBOR, WA 98277

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Thank you for for Harbor Thank youvoting for your votes andTower Village Best Living 2018 in the yourAssisted support in the 2018 Best of Whidbey contest!

OAK HARBOR

FREELAND

ESCROW DEPT. 360-679-5055 TITLE DEPT. 360-675-2246

ESCROW DEPT. 360-331-4838 Christa Canell, Escrow Manager/LPO 5595 Harbor Ave, Ste. C, Freeland Ltco.com

Kari Pittenridge, Escrow Manager/LPO

Holly Mathers, Title Manager 1080 NE 7th Avenue, Oak Harbor

“On behalf of our Island County staff, we thank you for supporting us and voting for us.”

– Patty Fakkema, Island County Operations Manager.

Thank you to our customers

for your votes and support!

VILLAGE CONCEPTS OF OAK

HARBOR

HARBOR TOWER VILLAGE

(360) 675-2569 • www.villageconcepts.com

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(360) 279-2838 32070 State Route 20, Oak Harbor www.islandcafefamilydining.com

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creating a village that feels like family

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Pigfest is Chef Scott Fraser’s way of thanking Oak Harbor for its community spirit and support of his restaurant, Fraser’s Gourmet Hideaway.

WINNERS CONTINUED FROM 5

Event/Festival

First Place: Oak Harbor Music Festival Second Place: Oak Harbor Pigfest Runner Up: Coupeville Arts & Crafts Festival Runner Up: MusselFest

Fishing

First Place: Deception Pass State Park Second Place: Cranberry Lake Runner Up: Admiralty Inlet Runner Up: Ala Spi

Golf Course

First Place: Whidbey Golf Club Second Place: Gallery Golf Course

Whidbey Playhouse regularly takes audiences through an immersive experience with characters and costumes.

Owner and manager Dr. Kristine Jarrel of Coupeville’s Hearing Health Services.

Yondersea owner Kevin Bell gives Petty Officer, 2nd class, Joshua Grant a close cut at his downtown Oak Harbor barber shop.

Runner Up: Lam’s Golf Links Runner Up: Useless Bay Golf & Country Club

Runner Up: Outcast Productions Runner Up: Whidbey Children’s Theater

Runner Up: Great Clips

Nonprofit

First Place: Garage of Blessings Second Place: WAIF Runner Up: Good Cheer Runner Up: sland Thrift

Park

First Place: Deception Pass State Park Second Place: Fort Nugent Park Runner Up: Fort Casey State Park Runner Up: Castle Park, South Whidbey

Performing Arts

First Place: Whidbey Playhouse Second Place: Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA)

YONDERSEA MEN’S GROOMING

Saturday, September 29, 2018 • Whidbey News-Times

HEALTH, BEAUTY & FITNESS Audiology Clinic

First Place: Hearing Health Services Second Place: Oak Harbor Hearing Aid Services Runner Up: My Hearing Centers Runner Up: Cascade ear, nose, throat

Barber Shop

First Place: Chrome Second Place: Ultimate Cuts Runner Up: Yondersea Men’s Grooming

Chiropractor

First Place: Bayshore Chiropractic & Natural Care Center Second Place: North Island Chiropractic & Wellness Center Runner Up: Island Chiropractic Runner Up: Whidbey island Chiropractic Center

Dental Office

First Place: Dr Gordon Keyes, Gentle Family Dentistry Second Place: Playhouse Dental Runner Up: Acorn Dental Clinic Runner Up: Dr. Gary Berner dental office CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Thank You Whidbey for an Awesome Year LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

Congratulations to all candidates for Best of Whidbey honors!

Thank you for your votes!

Thank you for your votes and support!

WHERE HANDSOME HAPPENS! (360) 675-1007 749 SE PIONEER WAY, #103

360-675-0660

230 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor

5603 Bayview Rd, Langley, WA 98260 Open 6AM • Closes 3PM (360) 321-4653 whidbeydoughnuts.com

Property Management

360-679-9014

www.threemenandamower.com

We Love Whidbey Island, thank you for your votes!

Oak Harbor & Coupeville’s Local Property Management Experts •

Property Marketing

•

Tenant Screening

•

Maintenance

•

Rent Collection

35 SE Ely Street Oak Harbor, WA 98277

(360) 675-9097

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

www.whidbeyislandrentals.com

BEST OF WHIDBEY 2018

Saturday, September 29, 2018 • Whidbey News-Times

WINNERS CONTINUED FROM 6

Dermatology

First Place: Family Dermatology Second Place: Rosario Skin Clinic Runner Up: Skagit Regional Hospital

Eye Care

First Place: Whidbey Vision Care Second Place: Vision Plus Runner Up: Island Eye Care Runner Up: Navy Exchange

Health Club/Fitness

First Place: Thrive Fitness Second Place: North End Fitness Center Runner Up: Naval Air Station Gym & Fitness Center Runner Up: Armstrong’s TaeKwonDo

Physical Therapy

First Place: Harada Physical Therapy Second Place: Rue & Primavera Runner Up: IRG Oak Harbor Physical Therapy Runner Up: WhidbeyHealth Rehab Care

Salon

First Place: Ultimate Cuts Second Place: Allure Salon Runner Up: Sugar Studio Runner Up: Salon Lux

Tattoo Shop

First Place: Nite Owl Tattoo Ask your doctor if you can go to

Rue and Primavera

Second Place: Seven Sorrows Runner Up: Amanda Creek Tattoo Runner Up: Aaron’s Tattoo

Yoga Studio

First Place: Lotus Tea Bar & Yoga Second Place: Un Size Me Hot Yoga Runner Up: Whidbey Island Yoga (Langley) Runner Up: Yoga Lodge

HOME & GARDEN

Flooring

First Place: Home Depot Second Place: Floors Plus/Carpet One Runner Up: DK Flooring Runner Up: NW Granite & Flooring

General Contractor

First Place: Waldron Construction Second Place: Yonkman Construction Runner Up: P&L Construction Runner Up: Kingsmen Construction

Handyman

First Place: Island Handyman Second Place: V Maintenance Runner Up: Art of Perfection Runner Up: Honey Do Helpers

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Runner Up: Frontier Building Supply

Landscaping/Mowing

First Place: B L Landscaping Second Place: 3 Men & A Mower Runner Up: Pioneer Tree Runner Up: Evergreen Landscape & Maintenance

Nursery/Garden Supply

First Place: Mailliard’s Landing Nursery Second Place: Bayview Farm & Garden Runner Up: The Greenhouse Runner Up: Home Depot

First Place: Ace Hardware Oak Harbor Second Place: Home Depot Runner Up: Ace Hardware Freeland

PEOPLE

Paint Store

First Place: Home Depot Second Place: Sherwin Williams Runner Up: Ace Hardware Oak Harbor Runner Up: Island Paint & Glass Co. Runner Up: Painters Alley

Plumbing

First Place: Scotties Plumbing Second Place: Whidbey Island Plumbing Runner Up: Harbor Plumbing Runner Up: Tubular Plumbing

Storage Facility

Hardware Store

For aesthetician Melissa York, community and relationships are a big part of her life and career.

First Place: Wal Marc Mini-Storage Second Place: AAA Storage Runner Up: All in 1 RV & Self Storage Runner Up: Island Mini-Storage Runner Up: Mariner Self Storage

Accountant/CPA

First Place: Kathy Jones, EA Second Place: John E. Kingma, CPA Runner Up: Harriet Berg, EA Runner Up: Dale Offret, CPA

Aesthetician

First Place: Melissa York, Melissa York Studio Second Place: Seaside Salon and Spa Runner Up: Julie Weible, One Lash Thing Runner Up: Sugar Studio

Artist

First Place: Richard Nash Second Place: Perry Woodfin Runner Up: Ronnie Nix Runner Up: Randy Emmons CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Thank you for your votes!

O C C U PAT I O N A L & P H Y S I C A L THERAPY

Are you ready to feel better?

Call today to schedule a consultation with one of our therapists.

(360) 279-8323 MOST INSURANCE POLICIES ARE ACCEPTED.

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

(360) 279-0137 31179 SR 20, Oak Harbor WA 98277 WH I

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Thank You for Voting for Us! freelandacehardware.com

Mon-Sat 8AM-7PM, Sun 9AM-6PM 360-331-6799 • 1609 E. Main, Freeland

A Family Traditional Thai Restaurant

Great Food, Fast & Friendly Service 885 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor

360.679.8268

Thank You For Your Votes!

Previous Winner of the 2017 Best of Whidbey WH I

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“Thank you for your votes and your support!”

2186 Crosswoods Circle Oak Harbor, Washington

(360) 632-7121 bllandscapeswhidbey.com

Celebrating 12 Years of Business!

601 Midway Blvd • Oak Harbor • 360-679-3500

BEST OF WHIDBEY 2018

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WINNERS

Saturday, September 29, 2018 • Whidbey News-Times

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Audiologist

First Place: Kristine Jarrell Second Place: Peter Keating

Barber

First Place: Kim, Chrome Barbershop Second Place: Kevin at Yondersea Runner Up: Lampton, Lamptons barbershop Runner Up: Nicole Wright Yonder Sea

Barista

Chef

First Place: Scott Fraser, Frasers Gourmet Hideaway Second Place: Andreas Wurzrainer, Christopher’s Runner Up: Gordon Stewart, Gordon’s on Blueberry Hill Runner Up: Keith Kinsey, The Terrace Wine Bar

Chiropractor

Dentist

First Place: Dr. Dawn Keith-Madeiros, Bayshore Chiropractic Second Place: Dr. Rondle Bennet, North Island Chiropractic Runner Up: Dr. Patricia Wasson, Island Chiropractic Runner Up: Dr. Toby Pannatoni, Whidbey island Chiropractic

Community Leader of the Year

First Place: Dr. Lance Gibbon, superintendent of Oak Harbor Schools Second Place: Island County Sheriff Mark Brown Runner Up: Capt. Geoffrey Moore, commanding officer, NAS Whidbey Runner Up: Bill Walker, Oak Harbor Music Festival

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18273 WA-525 Freeland, WA 98249 360-907-3733

Educator of the Year

First Place: Rebecca Ching, Crescent Harbor Elementary Second Place: Darren McCoy, Oak Harbor High School Runner Up: Brian Farmer, Oak Harbor High School Runner Up: Karen Hamming, Hillcrest Elementary Runner Up: Mike Fisher, Oak Harbor High School

Dermatologist

First Place: Reese Bliek, Family Dermatology Runner Up: Amber Fowler, Rosario Skin Clinic Runner Up: Corinne Saylor, Skagit Regional Clinic

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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Thank you for your votes! #NORTHGF932CG

Floors and slabs for every budget! www.nwgraniteandflooring.com 687 Mobius Loop Oak Harbor, WA 98277 360-675-4978

We would like to Thank You for allowing Hearing Health Services the opportunity to serve you.

We care about you and your ability to hear every word and enjoy every sound.

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Voted Whidbey Island’s most trusted audiologist 6 years in a row!

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Dr. Kristine Jarrell, Board-Certified Audiologist

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360-678-1423 20 NW Birch St., Coupeville www.coupevillehearing.com

665 SE Pioneer Way Suite #6 Oak Harbor

Tickets can be purchased at Deception Pass Tours 5596 HWY 20, Anacortes, WA 98221 Tours Daily: April - October from 11am to 6pm 888.909.TOUR DeceptionPassTours.com

(360) 720-2080

360.679.2525 4268 Terrace Drive, Oak Harbor, WA

What's What's important important to you? to you? Let's Let's talk. talk.

Jeffery C Pleet, ChFC®, CLU® Jeffery C Pleet, ChFC®, CLU® Financial Advisor Financial Advisor .

630 Southeast Midway Boulevard 630 Southeast Oak Harbor, WAMidway 98277Boulevard Oak Harbor, WA 98277 360-679-2558 360-679-2558 .

www.midwayflorist.com THANKS FOR VOTING FOR US!

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Coupeville’s Premier Audiology Clinic

First Place: Karry Brooks, All Critter Pet Care Second Place: Courtney Kron, Skylla Training Runner Up: Catherine Canafax, Petco Oak Harbor

First Place: Dr. Joseph Keyes, Acorn Dental Second Place: Dr. Gary Barner, The Art of Dentistry Runner Up: Dr. Gordon Keyes Runner Up: Dr. Henry J. Vasquez, Vasquez Dentistry Runner Up: Dr. Michael Lemme, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

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We Love You Whidbey

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Oak Harbor School District Superintendent Lance Gibbon.

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First Place: Lucas Yonkman Second Place: Yvette Esparza (Fletcher) Runner Up: Shelli Trumbull, Cascade Insurance Runner Up: Tyler & Sara Hansen at Oystercatcher

Island County Sheriff Mark Brown speaks.

MKT-5894G-A-A1 MKT-5894G-A-A1

Business Person of the Year

Lucas Yonkman is this year’s Best of Whidbey Business Person of the Year.

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First Place: JD Stewart, Starbucks Second Place: Shannon Holcomb, Whidbey Coffee Runner Up: Joylyn Thompson, Cafe De Lisio Runner Up: Katie, Cafe De Lisio

BEST OF

WHIDBEY READERS CHOICE AWARDS

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Saturday, September 29, 2018 • Whidbey News-Times

CANNABIS

BEST OF WHIDBEY 2018

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in our DNA.” The efforts paid off. Island Herb was voted Best Cannabis Store in this year’s Best of Whidbey contest.

Owner Lucas Jushinski opened the first medical marijuana dispensary on Whidbey Island, Island Alternative Medicine, in 2012. He started Island Herb in 2016 after the forced closings of medical dispensaries throughout the state with the passage of Washington Initiative 502.

Over the past two and a half years, management’s emphasis has been on the store’s environment, Wing explained. He sat on one of the large couches in the well-lit room, decorated with an eclectic collection of art from Jushinski’s travels abroad and local artists.

The clean, open space with its distressed wood and corrugated sheet metal walls is a deliberate effort to reflect South Whidbey’s aesthetic, Wing said. It’s also meant to combat stereotypical images people might have of pot shops being “dirty” or “sketchy.”

This effort is particularly important because a large percentage of the clientele is made up of seniors.

“We want to make sure everybody feels comfortable,” said Wing.

Wing said he came to work for Jushinski after meeting him through a mutual friend. He had worked both in recreational and

Photos by Laura Guido/Whidbey News Group

Island Herb’s higher end bongs are showcased behind glass. medical cannabis scenes and profits, such as $10,000 in matchJushinski was looking for some- ing funds to Good Cheer Food one who could handle almost all Bank and Thrift Stores and anothof the day-to-day operations of the er $10,000 to the Whidbey Veteran store. Wing said he was impressed Resource center earlier this year. with the owner’s hands-off style of Last November, Jushinski comleadership and his dedication to mitted half of the store’s after-tax sales on Giving Tuesday to the giving back to community.

“Anybody who knows Lucas Whidbey Homeless Coalition.

The owner’s proclivity for knows he’s exactly the kind of guy you’d be inspired to come to philanthropy is a draw for new employees. Valerie Boothe has work for,” Wing said.

Island Herb has donated to a been a bud tender at Island Herb number of Whidbey Island non- for about a year and a half. She

Valerie Boothe points out some of Island Herb’s products, which include the pre-rolled joints in the display case in front of her. said she chose it over other pot shops because of its emphasis on medical use and Jushinki’s involvement with the community.

To encourage retention, employees play a major role in decision-making processes, Wing said. He lets the bud tenders help choose what shows up on the menu, what products are displayed and encourages their input on the long-term direction

of the company. The low turnover of employees contributes to the high-level of service customers can expect, he said.

All decisions, from ranging from employees, products to atmosphere, are made with the intention of causing Island Herb to stand out.

“We wanted to create something just feels a little different,” Wing said.

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(360) 675-2600 32650 Hwy 20, Bldg D, Oak Harbor www.thrivecf.com

BEST OF WHIDBEY 2018

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WINNERS CONTINUED FROM 8

Eye Care Professional

First Place: Chris Gaustad, Whidbey Vision Care Second Place: Roy Gordon, Whidbey Vision Care Runner Up: Robert Johnson, Island Eye Care Runner Up: Mark Chichowski, Whidbey Eye Center

Financial Advisor

First Place: Jeff Pleet, Edward Jones Second Place: Gene Kelly Barner, Edward Jones Runner Up: Chris Renfro, Edward Jones Runner Up: Darin Cook, Cook Wealth Management Runner Up: Scott Dudley

Firefighter/EMT

First Place: Robert May Second Place: Andrew Moon Runner Up: Guy Fealey Runner Up: Mike Engle

Insurance Agent

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

Saturday, September 29, 2018 • Whidbey News-Times

Law Enforcement Officer First Place: Sheriff Mark Brown Second Place: Lane Campbell Runner Up: Larry Provoncha Runner Up: Jennifer Gravel

Legal Professional

First Place: Molly McPherson Second Place: Chris Skinner Runner Up: Jacob Cohen Runner Up: Michael Waller

Massage Therapist

First Place: Zach Cole, LMT Second Place: Sugar Studio Runner Up: Tavey Haar, LMP Runner Up: Buddy at Seaside Spa

Medical professional

First Place: Kristine Young, PA-C Second Place: Yvette Esparza, ARNP Runner Up: Dr. Judye Scheidt, DO Runner Up: Dr. Amy Garret, MD

Mortgage Officer

First Place: Lyn Bankowski, Alaska USA Mortgage Second Place: Tony Peplinski, Guild Mortgage Runner Up: Tami Encinas, HomeStreet Bank Runner Up: Jes Walker-Wyse, Peoples Bank

Personal Trainer

First Place: Lee Kronenberg Second Place: Tyson VanDam Runner Up: Jason Mendiola

Two giant Buddha heads great diners at the entrance to China City Runner Up: Yvette Esparza Fletcher

Volunteer of the Year

Real Estate Agent

First Place: Tina Provoncha, Windermere Second Place: Annie Cash, Windermere Runner Up: Craig McKenzie, Keller Williams Runner Up: Marissa Evans, Windermere

Veterinarian

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

First Place: Scott Fraser Second Place: Yvette Esparza (Fletcher) Runner Up: Tara Hizon Runner Up: Brian Jones

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & DRINKS Asian, Caribbean, Hawaiian First Place: China City Second Place: Jeda’s Thai Kitchen Runner Up: 123 Thai Runner Up: Sweet Rice CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Thank You for Voting Us Best of Whidbey

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It has been my privilege to serve the citizens of Island County as your Sheriff for the past 12 years. This journey would not have been possible without the support of my wife Kathi, family, friends, and the dedicated employees of the Island County Sheriff’s Office. My thanks to everyone who voted to honor me with this special recognition.

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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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THANK YOU WHIDBEY! I am so grateful for the opportunity to be of service.

360-679-5633 direct 360-969-5550 mobile

l.bankowski@alaskausamortgage.com www.lynbankowski.com

650 NE Midway Blvd, Suite 101 | Oak Harbor, WA 98277

People you know. A name you trust.® Washington Consumer Loan Company License #CL-157293

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NMLS #304060 | Assistant Vice President Sr. Mortgage Loan Originator Certified Military Housing Specialist

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Mitch Aparicio of Penn Cove Brewing stirs a mixture of grain and water during the process of making a new IPA at Bastion Brewing Company.

Runner Up: Flyers Runner Up: Petosa Roasta CONTINUED FROM 10

Rocket Taco owners Jill and Steve Rosen opened their restaurant in April 2017.

Baked goods, Bagels, Donuts

First Place: Bubba Burgers Second Place: Flyers Runner Up: Toby’s Tavern Runner Up: Island Cafe

WINNERS

First Place: Whidbey Bagel Factory, Second Place: Oak Harbor & Clinton Runner Up: Chances for Dessert Runner Up: Chris’ Bakery Runner Up: Whidbey Doughnuts

Company Runner Up: Double Bluff Brewery

Runner Up: Captain Whidbey Inn Runner Up: Island Cafe

Breakfast

Burger

Coffee/Espresso

Brewery

Chowder

Deli Sandwich

First Place: Island Cafe Second Place: Noe Jose Cafe Runner Up: Knead & Feed Runner Up: Braeburn First Place: Flyers Second Place: Penn Cove Brewing Company Runner Up: Wicked Teuton Brewing

BBQ

First Place: BBQ Joint Second Place: ShoNuff Foods

First Place: Seabolt’s Smokehouse Second Place: Christopher’s on Whidbey Runner Up: Toby’s Tavern

First Place: Whidbey Coffee Second Place: Cafe de Lisio Runner Up: Honeymoon Bay Coffee Runner Up: Starbucks First Place: Pickles Deli Second Place: Michelle’s Cafe & Deli Runner Up: Jersey Mike’s Runner Up: Island Drug Apple A Day CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTES! • Best Assisted Living • Business of the Year • Customer Service WH I

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Independent Cottages • Assisted Living Memory Care

1040 SW Kimball Drive • Oak Harbor • (360) 279-0933 • www.regencywhidbey.com

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The Braeburn is located in Langley.

WINNERS CONTINUED FROM 12

Family Restaurant

First Place: Noe Jose Cafe Second Place: El Cazador Runner Up: Island Cafe Runner Up: Jumbo Burrito

Fine Dining

First Place: Frasers Gourmet Hideaway Second Place: Christopher’s on Whidbey Runner Up: Gordon’s on Blueberry Hill Runner Up: Front Street Grill

Fish & Chips

First Place: Seabolt’s Smokehouse Second Place: Toby’s Tavern Runner Up: Tyee Restaurant Runner Up: Island Cafe

Happy Hour

First Place: China City Second Place: El Cazador cantina Runner Up: Applebee’s Grill & Bar Runner Up: The Terrace Wine Bar

Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt

First Place: Toppins Frozen Yogurt Second Place: Kapaws Iskreme Runner Up: Baskin-Robbins Runner Up: Sprinkles in Langley

Saturday, September 29, 2018 • Whidbey News-Times

A dozen oysters, including Willapa Bay and Fanny Bay oysters, are served to customers at the Saltwater Fish House Oyster Bar..

Margarita

First Place: El Cazador Second Place: Esteban’s Runner Up: Rocket Taco Runner Up: Patron

Mexican

First Place: El Cazador Second Place: Jumbo Burrito Runner Up: Esteban’s Runner Up: Noe Jose Cafe

Pizza

First Place: Papa Murphy’s Second Place: Village Pizzeria Runner Up: Ciao Runner Up: Alfy’s

Seafood

First Place: Seabolt’s Smokehouse Second Place: Christopher’s on Whidbey Runner Up: Front Street Grill Runner Up: Saltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar

Winery/Wine

First Place: The Terrace Wine Bar Second Place: Rustica Cafe Runner Up: Spoiled Dog Winery Runner Up: Greenbank Farm Wine Shop

CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

• • • • • • •

Sugaring Facials Massage DoTerra Aromatherapy Body Scrubs & Wraps Eyelash Extensions & Lifts Airbrush Tanning

Family owned & operated, serving Whidbey since 1982

Gracias For Nominating Us! Business of the Year - WON Best Margarita - WON Best Mexican Restaurant - WON Best Family Restaurant - Nominated Best Happy Hour - Nominated We Deliver! In town and on Base order at el-cazador.com

32195 State Route 20 Oak Harbor (360) 675-6114

We would like to thank our customers and voters for all of your support!

With love and gratitude, Arika, Brandy, Cecelia, Darby, Deondra, Devin, Jen, Jenna, Karli, Kortney, Larkyn, Maddy, Margaret, Shannon, Stefanie, and Tavey (360) 240-1144 41 NE Midway Blvd, #103, Oak Harbor studiosugar.com

BEST OF WHIDBEY 2018

Saturday, September 29, 2018 • Whidbey News-Times

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Whidbey Island Bagel Company voted the best

By EMILY GILBERT

egilbert@whidbeynewsgroup.com

John Auburn opened another Whidbey Island Bagel Factory in Oak Harbor, he had to adapt to a new market.

That meant customizing the menu to satisfy the taste buds of North Enders.

Apparently the effort was appreciated. The business is this year’s Best of Whidbey winner in the Baked Goods, Bagels and Donuts category “Oak Harbor has been kind of a different animal. It’s different in all sorts of ways — different food, different payments, but it’s been good,” Auburn said.

“Sandwiches that go great down here (Clinton) don’t up there,” Auburn added.

One of those was the curry chicken bagel sandwich that he said flies off the shelves in Clinton. Instead, the Oak Harbor location offers a more traditional chicken salad sandwich with grapes, toasted almonds and garlic mayo.

“It’s more crowd-pleasing,” Oak Harbor store manager Michelle Berger said.

It was tough to adapt to the new location in the beginning, Berger said, because of all the menu changes. At first she wasn’t sure if the shop could sell its pesto garlic bagel since the South End store has much better ventilation from the garage doors it has.

Luckily, they were able to modify its production a little bit because people love them, she said. Its best seller has been the turkey club sandwich with its thick cut bacon, avocado and Britt’s full sour pickles.

Besides the obvious sign of being voted the Best of Whidbey, it’s clear that customers love

Oak Harbor store manager Michelle Berger holds the location’s best seller, the turkey club.

There is a well-rounded menu for customers to choose from at the Whidbey Island Bagel Factory.

the well-rounded menu.

Jack Seymour of Oak Harbor said he usually orders the jalapeno cheddar bagel. With it’s toasted and slightly crunchy cheddar cheese top and just the right amount of heat from the jalapenos to linger on the tongue, but not overpower the bagel, it makes a tasty snack.

“My wife and I come here all the time. We used to go to the shop in the South End,” Tom Hoctor of Oak Harbor said.

Hoctor said he and his wife were pretty excited when Auburn decided to open a second location in Oak Harbor, and now they eat there all the time.

“It’s the place to go.”

The bagels have a pretty far reach too.

Auburn said that one customer recently came in to order four and half dozen bagels to be shipped to New Jersey, and another customer asked for two and a half dozen to be shipped

Photos by Emily Gilbert/Whidbey News Group

to Chicago.

Auburn plans to open up five new stores in the future. The next one will be in Mount Vernon in late 2019 or early 2020, he said. After that he’s looking at spots in Bothell, Mukilteo and Edmonds.

When asked if he’d ever change his menu and pursue other menus, he said no.

“Bagels and bagels sandwiches seem to be working pretty darn good,” he said.

We appreciate the wonderful community of Whidbey for your votes & support!

Best Products!

Knowledgeable Staff!

Best Customer Service!

Come see us soon, WEED really appreciate it!

360-682-5755 1640-B Goldie St. Oak Harbor, WA 98277

thegreenroom206@gmail.com

Sun-Thurs 8am-10pm· Fri-Sat 8am-11pm

www.thegreenroomwa.com

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BEST OF WHIDBEY 2018

Saturday, September 29, 2018 • Whidbey News-Times

Posh Puppies takes home top dog grooming salon for Best of Whidbey Salon prides itself on being able to provide personable, customizable service

By MARIA MATSON

mmatson@whidbeynewsgroup.com

Oak Harbor’s grooming salon Posh Puppies has grown since it first opened in November last year and is showing no signs of slowing down.

This grooming salon prides itself on being able to provide personable, customizable service, their dog groomers’ years of experience and their friendly, calming atmosphere that’s aimed at putting dogs and their owners at ease.

It looks like their business practices have paid off, as Posh Puppies won two Best of Whidbey 2018 awards, first place for Best Kennel and Best Pet Grooming.

“I love dogs,” owner Laura Thompson said. “I think that the town really needed a place to go where they could get their

Photos by Maria Matson / Whidbey News Group

The Posh Puppies team from left to right: Front row is Ada Ray, Reyna Hull-Walton, Kennedy Wotring, Alicia Young, Ashleigh Jenkins and Laura Thompson. In the back, Brian Black, Melissa Covich and Alex Buschschulte. Not pictured are the new daycare companion Caitlyn and newly-hired cat groomer Lisa Rettus.

Alex Buschschulte grooms Betty the Maltipoo, who enjoys the attention. dog treated well and not like a nesses, she said, and they get number, but like a child. These great feedback from owners every single day. are our babies.”

The walls of the 2,600-squareThat’s one thing that makes them stand out from big busi- foot salon are painted a calming CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

Mailliard’s Landing Nursery

U-HAUL OR DELIVERY

WE ACCEPT & RECYCLE YARD WASTE

Whidbey Island’s Most Complete Landscape Supply Store

WE APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE FOR BEST NURSERY/GARDEN SUPPLY!

Thank you for your continued support

We are here to serve you...

Our #1 Customer

A Disabled Veteran Run Business Proudly Serving Our Veterans

- 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)

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Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

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PERENNIALS • SHRUBS & TREES • POTTERY GARDEN DECOR • QUALITY SOIL MIXES BARK • MULCH & COMPOST • ROCK FLAGSTONE WH I

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3068 N. OAK HARBOR RD • OAK HARBOR www.mailliardslanding.com • 360-679-8544 Find us on Facebook

BEST OF WHIDBEY 2018

Saturday, September 29, 2018 • Whidbey News-Times

Brian Black grooms Gibbs, the miniature schnauzer.

SALON

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sea foam blue-green color and pictures of happy dogs adorn the walls. All trimming and brushing takes place out in the open, where owners and visitors can see their dogs getting groomed on individual tables.

But first, in the back room of

the salon, bathers wash away the stink and grime lingering on their canine charges. Also in the back room is the “doggie daycare” area, where dogs can roam in a penned-off location and socialize with other dogs.

When they’re done, all dogs leave the salon with a bow or a bandana — “something cute,” Thompson said.

The salon takes care of up to

Photos by Maria Matson / Whidbey News Group

40 dogs a day, averaging around 30, she said.

The services they offer include grooming, nail trimming, hair cuts, dog daycare, nail painting and hair coloring. Some dog owners want their dogs dyed crazy colors, like purple or blue or green, Thompson said, and Posh Puppies can oblige with their dog-safe hair coloring products.

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Melissa Covich cleans up a miniature poodle.

For dogs, getting groomed can be a scary and intimidating experience, especially if they’ve never had it done before. But Posh Puppies can set them at ease, Thompson said.

“Some of these dogs can’t get on a table, it makes them too nervous. They have to be held,” she said. “In a big business, they don’t allow that. But here, we can. We can do whatever a dog

needs to get it done.”

She said a couple had been in the day before, driving up from Anacortes in desperate hope to get their dog’s nails trimmed after being kicked out of two pet chain businesses because it was too frightened. They were thrilled when Posh Puppies was able to get their dog comfortable enough to trim them safely, CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Thank you for your support and your votes!

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for your votes for “Best Legal Professional”

Posh Puppies is this place to go to pamper your pooch! Everything from baths, and nailtrims, to bows, bandanas, and perfume.

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• 360-678-4407 •

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BEST OF WHIDBEY 2018

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Thompson said.

Thompson is no stranger to business ownership, also running a hair salon called Posh Salon in Oak Harbor for the past six years. Thompson had her eye on starting a dog-related business for a while, but waited on the idea in order to purchase the Posh Puppies business from the long-time grooming business, Corinne’s K-9 Cuts, when the owner was finally ready to sell.

Thompson is also the leader of the Oak Harbor 4-H dog club. She brings in the kids to work every now and then, and has the young members groom the dogs, as the regular groomers supervise. It’s a win-win — the 4-H club gets to practice

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Thank you for your votes and support!

(360) 675-1133 600 SE Barrington Dr., Oak Harbor Mon-Sat 9am-5:30pm

Saturday, September 29, 2018 • Whidbey News-Times

working on animals, and pet owners get a free groom.

Her plans for the near future are to be open seven days a week, add in a cat grooming service on Sundays and eventually hire more groomers and expand their puppy socialization and doggie daycare options.

When they first started out, they had three groomers and two bathers. Today, they have 10 workers in total.

When hiring workers for the salon, she looks for good customer service skills and a personality that will mesh well with the other workers on the team, Thompson said. All the groomers have dog show experience.

“I ended up with the most fabulous people ever,” Thompson said.

“They are so experienced,” she added.

“You don’t find that kind of experience just anywhere. I feel so lucky every single

Thank You to Our Loyal Customers “South Whidbey’s source for live animals and pet supplies since 1993” Monday-Friday 9-6 • Saturday 10-5 Closed on Sunday

11042 State Route 525 Clinton, WA 98236

(360) 341-1456

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.

day.”

Groomer Reyna Hull-Walton said the best part of working at Posh Puppies is the team.

“We have a really good team of people,” she said. “And I get to be around dogs everyday.” Her favorite dog breed to groom is a shih tzu or a cocker spaniel, she said.

For groomer B ​ rian Black, there’s two great things about working at the salon.

“One is the transformation when you get a dog in and then it’s a complete 180,

it looks like a different dog. That’s always fun,” he said. “And second, the connection you get with your customers. “ Dogs have always been a part of Black’s life. He said he’s always owned dogs and was in the 4-H club at a young age, eventually working as professional dog handler and a dog shower.

“We have a lot of years of experience here,” he said. “(Owners) can feel comfortable dropping their dog off with us because of the amount of experience we have.”

Thank you to all my patients for voting for me in the “Best of Whidbey”

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Groomer Alex Buschschulte gets a kiss from Betty the Maltipoo, who is grateful for her groom.

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360-679-1827

380 SE Pioneer Way #201 • Oak Harbor

waldronconstruction.com

ESTEBAN’S Family Mexican Restaurant 360-675-4800 1351 SW Barlow St., Oak Harbor Next to the Movie Theater

• Full Bar • Gift Certificates available • Ask about our Military Discounts

Gracias to all of our voters!

Best Chiropractor & Best Chiropractic Clinic Dr. Dawn Keith-Madeiros • Bayshore Chiropractic 360-675-1066 • 840 SE Bayshore Dr, Oak Harbor

THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTES! Chicago Title Company Strength and Stability in Island County.

Oak Harbor 360-675-0733

BEST OF WHIDBEY 2018

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Sheriff Brown will walk off into sunset After 44 years on the job, it’s time to hang up his hat

By JESSIE STENSLAND

jstensland@whidbeynewsgroup.com

Island County Sheriff Mark Brown’s career in law enforcement will come to in end in a few months after 44 years on the job.

Brown decided not to run for re-election after three terms and will instead direct his attention to pursuits with much less responsibility, like traveling or helping his wife with real estate signs.

He will be missed by many in the community, who chose him as “best law enforcement officer” in this year’s Best of Whidbey contest. He also placed second in the “best community leader” category, behind Oak Harbor Schools Superintendent Lance Gibbon.

It’s been an eventful 12 years for Brown, who’s known for his “Boy Scout” image and easygoing manner.

“It’s been a ride, I’ll tell you,” he said.

Brown grew up in Heppner, Ore., on a farm that’s been in his family for 120 years. He graduated from the University of Oregon and then went into

Photo by Jessie Stensland / Whidbey News Group

Island County Sheriff Mark Brown stands in front of the law and justice center.

work for the Washington State Patrol. He was commissioned as a state trooper in 1977.

the Navy for just under four years. After a short stint as a bar tender, he decided to

Brown was named Trooper of the Year for the state in 1984.

He was later named Trooper of

the Year for District 7, which includes Whidbey Island.

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Winner of 2017 “Best Barber Shop”

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Kim • Dawn • Barbie 360-682-2655 963 Ault Field Road, Oak Harbor Monday thru Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Military and Senior Discounts 2000

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Brown retired from the state patrol in 2002 and went to work in the patrol’s commercial vehicle division. Then in 2005, a group of deputies from the Island County Sheriff’s Office approached him and asked that he run for sheriff.

He agreed.

Jill Johnson was part of Brown’s original campaign committee and now works with him regularly in her position as county commission. She describes him as an honest and kind man.

“He genuinely wants the best for everyone and I think we have been blessed to have him as our sheriff for 12 years,” she said. “Plus, he laughs at all my jokes and how can you not love that?”

Likewise, Animal Control Officer Carol Barnes helped with his campaign.

“I have worked with Sheriff Mark Brown for the past twelve years, she said. “I have found him to be honorable, compassionate and dedicated to the citizens of Island County, to the law enforcement community and his family. “ Brown said he believes three things are vital to being sheriff — integrity, honesty and transparency. He said he learned

early on the importance of being open and having a good relationship with the media. He said the media have helped him catch bad guys and get the word out about things that have happened.

“It’s absolutely crucial in the role of a sheriff,” he said.

Brown said he sees his role as a “caretaker” of the office.

Practicality and common sense are important. When he he took office, he planned to increase staffing significantly, but then reality and the recession hit. He lost more than 20 percent of his staffing and still hasn’t returned to the levels before 2007.

Brown said trauma, heart ache and challenges are part of the job. The most difficult and heart-wrenching time was when 25-year-old Keaton Farris died from dehydration in the jail. There was also the Barefoot Bandit, several murders, a deputy-involved shooting and plenty of weird events.

Island County Prosecutor Greg Banks said Brown unfailingly rose to meet the challenges he faced.

“Mark takes the sheriff’s duties very personally,” he said. “For better or worse, he has owned everything that happened in the office under his leadership. He is a man built on a solid foundation and guided

Saturday, September 29, 2018 • Whidbey News-Times

Mark Brown speaks to an audience in Oak Harbor.

by an unwavering moral compass. The things that make him a great person also made him a great sheriff.”

Brown said he expects the transition to the next sheriff

will be smooth, no matter who wins in November. He said the next sheriff will inherit a department that’s running well.

“One of the things I’m most proud of are the men and

THANK YOU WHIDBEY ISLAND

Thank you for thinking of me when voting best Esthetician!

FOR VOTING US BEST EVENT/ FESTIVAL!

WHIDBEY READERS CHOICE AWARDS

READERS CHOICE AWARDS

BEST COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER SCOTT FRASER BEST FINE DINING BEST CHEF - SCOTT FRASER

360.279.1231 • www.frasersgh.com • 1191 SE Dock Street

BOW winner 2014 & 2015

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women working for me the last two or three years,” he said.

“It’s the best staff of people I’ve ever had.”

BEST OF

WHIDBEY READERS CHOICE AWARDS

BOW runner up 2016 & 2017

Thank you for your Best of Whidbey vote!

www.haradapt.com

www.facebook.com/HaradaPT

BEST OF WHIDBEY 2018

Saturday, September 29, 2018 • Whidbey News-Times

WINNERS CONTINUED FROM 14

SERVICES

Auto Dealership

First Place: Oak Harbor Motors Second Place: Frontier Ford Runner Up: Mission Motors Runner Up: Foothills Toyota

Auto Repair & Care

First Place: Mark’s Auto Repair Second Place: Midway Tire & Muffler Runner Up: Main Street Collision Center Runner Up: Pioneer Auto

Bank/Financial Institution

First Place: Navy Federal Credit Union Second Place: Whidbey Island Bank Runner Up: Alaska USA Federal Credit Union Runner Up: Peoples Bank

Equipment Rental

First Place: Diamond Rentals Second Place: Double R Rentals Runner Up: Home Depot Runner Up: Jet City

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Real Estate Agency

Second Place: The Coachman Inn Runner Up: Inn at Langley Runner Up: Auld Holland Inn

Insurance Agency

First Place: The Greenhouse Second Place: Midway Florist Runner Up: Coupeville Florist Runner Up: Flowers by the Bay

First Place: State Farm Karmin Landry Insurance Agency Second Place: Allstate Insurance-Matt Iverson Runner Up: Tradewinds insurance Runner Up: Cascade Insurance-Shelli Trumbull

Funeral Home

Property Management

Floral Shop

First Place: Wallin Funeral Home Second Place: Whidbey Memorial Runner Up: Evans Funeral Home

Hotel/Motel

First Place: Best Western-Harbor Plaza

First Place: Windermere Real Estate, North & Central Whidbey Second Place: Re/Max Acorn Properties Runner Up: Keller Williams RealtyCraig McKenzie Team Runner Up: Coldwell Banker Koetje Real Estate

Title Company

First Place: Land Title - 1080 NE 7th, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 Second Place: Chicago Title Runner Up: Premier Title Runner Up: First American Title

First Place: Windermere Property Management Second Place: Tara Property Management Runner Up: Koetje Property Management Runner Up: Re/Max Acorn Property Management

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

Bed & Breakfast/Air BnB

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First Place: Camp Casey Inn Second Place: Anchorage Inn B&B Runner Up: The Bluff on Whidbey Runner Up: Blue Goose Inn B&B

Customer Service

First Place: Les Schwab Second Place: Whidbey Coffee Runner Up: Regency on Whidbey Runner Up: Whidbey Seatac Shuttle

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Whidbey Vision Care Inc

Thank You for Voting Us into the

Top 4 for “Chiropractic Office” & “Best Chiropractor-Patricia Wasson” 551 SE Maylor St, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 (360) 675-4954

whidbeyvisioncare.com

Dr. Chris Gaustad Dr. Roy Gordon Dr. Rebecca Lange Dr. Angela Barnes

380 SE Barrington Dr., Oak Harbor

1690 Main St., Ste. 103, Freeland

360-675-2235

360-331-8424

Best Friend’s Veterinary Center Thank you to

33285 SR 20 · Oak Harbor · 679-6796

Affordable Excellence • Open 6 days a week

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READERS CHOICE AWARDS

• Digital Ultrasound • Advanced Lasers to enhance healing

10 Time Winner of Best Veterinarian on Whidbey

• • • •

Senior Haircut Color Services Waxing Military Haircut

our customers for all of

your votes!

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Children's Haircut Men's Haircut Women's Haircut

(360) 240-8052 1401 SW Barlow St, Oak Harbor

BEST OF WHIDBEY 2018

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Oldish Stuff in Oak Harbor’s “man cave” area.

Island Herb is located in Freeland

WINNERS CONTINUED FROM 21

Tourism-Oriented Business First Place: Deception Pass Tours Second Place: Whidbey Island Runner Up: Vintners & Distillers Association Runner Up: Mystic Sea Charters Runner Up: SUVA

Transportation

First Place: Whidbey SeaTac Shuttle Second Place: Island Transit Runner Up: Ault Field Taxi Runner Up: Uber

Saturday, September 29, 2018 • Whidbey News-Times

SHOPPING

Antique Store

First Place: Oldish Stuff Second Place: Oak Tree Runner Up: Red Rooster Runner Up: Salmagundi Farms & Elk Horn Trading Co.

Appliance Store

First Place: Home Depot Second Place: Broadview Appliance Runner Up: Sears Hometown Store Runner Up: Bayview Appliance & Mattress

Cannabis

First Place: Island Herb Second Place: Kaleafa Runner Up: The Green Room Runner Up: Whidbey Cannabis Co.

Clothing

First Place: Maurices Second Place: Island Thrift Runner Up: My Sister’s Closet Runner Up: The Star Store

Craft/Hobby Store

First Place: Frida’s, A Beautiful Mess Second Place: Gene’s Art Supplies Runner Up: Casey’s Crafts Runner Up: Paint Your World

Gift Shop

First Place: Purple Moon Second Place: Island Drug Runner Up: The Star Store Runner Up: Aqua Gifts

Jewelry Store

First Place: Gerald’s Jewelry Second Place: Lind’s Jewelry Runner Up: Whidbey Jeweler Runner Up: Jewelry Gallery

Party Supplies

First Place: Whidbey Party Store Second Place: Dollar Tree Runner Up: Casey’s Crafts Runner Up: Walmart

Thrift Store

First Place: Island Thrift Second Place: Garage of Blessings Runner Up: WAIF Thrift Store, Oak Harbor Runner Up: Good Cheer, Langley

CERTIFIED MEDICAL CONSULTANTS

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS FOR VOTING FOR US 33858 STATE ROUTE 20, SUITE 102 - LOCATED NEXT TO THE FLOOR SHOW OAK HARBOR, WA 98277 - 360.682.2420 MON - SAT 8AM -10PM & SUNDAYS 10AM -8PM

W W W . K A L E A F A W A . C O M Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of marijuana. There may be health risks associated with consumption of Marijuana. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children.

BEST OF WHIDBEY 2018

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I love this town.

I love this town.

Thanks, Whidbey Island.

We are honored to have been voted Best Insurance Agent and Best Insurance Agency for 2018! Thank you to our amazing customers and this incredible community for allowing us to help you with all your insurance needs.

Thank you for your votes!

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EW EW EY N S GR EY N S GR B D DB THEaBEST OF I love being here to help7 life go right ™ in community WHIDBEY BESTpeople are making BEST a difference every day. where WHIDBEY WHIDBEY READERS CHOICE AWARDS Thank you for all you do.

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Karmin Landry, Agent 31775 State Route 20 Oak Harbor, WA 98277 www.whidbeyagent.com

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Thank you.

Best Coffee/Espresso

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For nominating us Best Barista: Shannon Holcomb Best Customer Service Business of the Year

Earning your trust one cup at a time.

www.whidbeycoffee.com 800-575-JAVA

Annual Best of Whidbey Readers Choice Awards THE

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Highway 20, Oak Harbor Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor Freeland • Clinton