Best of Anacortes 2015

Best of

Section C

Anacortes

FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Our 20th Best of Anacortes contest had some special winners Thank you, Anacortes American readers and voters, for recognizing the best Anacortes has to offer.

The voting was tight, as usual, and this year we have a mix of new winners and longtime favorites.

Enjoy this special section, which has all the results. Be sure to check out all the ads from our winners thanking the community for its support — and offering a special or two.

This was the 20th year for our Best of Anacortes contest. Some of the favor-

ites from the first contest in 1995 are just memories now for longtime residents In 1995, Boomer’s Landing grabbed eight “Bests,” including Best Romantic Dinner, Best Seafood and Best Happy Hour.

Voters named Payless Best Pharmacy in 1995, Baytree Kids took Best Children’s Clothing and Mermaid Craft Adventures was Best Arts & Crafts Supply.

But many of our Best of Anacortes winners have been here for 20 years — some much longer.

We’d like to give special recognition to four businesses that have won a Best of Anacortes award for 20 straight years.

Congratulations to Ace Hardware, Gere-a-Deli, Upstage Boutique & Men’s Store and Watermark Book Co.!

Running a business is hard work, and the competition is relentless. These four longtime Anacortes businesses know how important it is to have excellent customer service and a strong product mix — and how it’s more

important today than ever to offer value.

Other current winners who also won in 1995 are Cap Sante Marina, Marine Supply & Hardware, Soroptimist Thrift Shop, Safeway, Skagit Bank, State Farm Insurance and Village Pizza.

Our special Best of Anacortes promotion is all about putting the spotlight on all the Anacortes businesses that do a great job satisfying customers.

When you shop with them, you’re reinforcing all the goods things they do — and strengthening our commu-

nity. Buying close by just makes sense.

If there’s a winner you’re not familiar with, why not check them out?

Fuel up with a burger or fish and chips at San Juan Lanes Bar & Grill (Best Fish and Chips), then do some last-minute Valentine’s Day shopping in town.

B u r t o n Je w e l e r s (Best Jewelry Store) and Donatello Flowers & Gifts (Best Gift Shop) are sure to have something special.

If you know these winners already, why not visit

them again and see what’s new and why our readers still think they’re tops.

Congratulations again to all our winners, including the two big winners in our voter drawing — Sharon LaRue and J. Allen Smith.

They each won a $100 gift certificate to a Best of Anacortes winner of their choice.

If you didn’t fill out a ballot this year, make sure to do it next year. You could be the lucky winner of a $100 gift certificate at a winning business of your choice in our 2016 contest.

Thank You Anacortes!

Thank You for voting MAJESTIC INN & SPA Best Hotel/Motel

Thank you for your loyalty. We appreciate you!

Michael C. Mast

For choosing us for the 18th year Award winning breakfast

State Farm Agency 2705 Commercial Ave. Anacortes, WA 360-293-4561

CAll US For A QUoTe CoMpAriSon

Good Neighbor Agent Since 1971 michael@michaelcmast.com

Best Fish N’ Chips Also aged, slow roasted prime rib We now have healthy choice meals Served 7 Days a Week!

2821 COMMERCIAL AVE. ANACORTES OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY 7AM - 10PM SUNDAY 7AM - 9PM

360-293-7500

THANK YOU ANACORTES

for voting Upstage Best Clothing Store for 2015!

419 Commercial Ave. Anacortes, WA 98221

Scan this QR code to view promotions, specials and deals:

877-370-0100 360-299-1400 www.majesticinnandspa.com

Thank you Anacortes!

For Voting

AnacortesAutomotive Anacortes Tom, Allyson, Hannah & Maryke

Voted Best Nutrition Store Check Out Our Low Prices!

Huge Vitamin Supply • Homeopathics Bulk Spices • Teas GREAT BULK FOODS SELECTION Gluten Free Products ORGANIC PROTEIN DRINKS

On President’s Day - Feb. 16th... One Day Only!

It’s a Sale on the Sale Items!

1/2 OFF LOWEST MARKED PRICE!

Large selection of Essential oils & Diffusers Body Care Products • Leanin’ Tree Greeting Cards

Check out our website for monthly coupons! www.anacorteshealthandnutrition.com Corner of 7th & O St. • 293-8849 9-6 Mon-Fri • 10-6 Sat •11-5 Sun info@anacorteshealthandnutrition.com

BOUTIQUE

& Best Auto Repair akes m l l Shop for the ea ight ervic luding l s e past 18 years. c W ls in cks.

Call today for an Appointment:

360.293.2450

& MEN’S STORE 520 Commercial 293-9888

e mod iesel tru d duty Approved Auto Care

2602 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes, WA • www.anacortesautomotive.com

Working Together for your Financial Future Find your dream. Happ Martin Luther King Jr. 3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt

Gary L Thramer, AAMS® Gary Thramer, AAMS® Hollie Brand, Sr Branch Office Administrator 812 Commercial Anacortes, WA 98221 360-293-5567

Steve Rutz, CRPC®, AAMS® Nancy Alvord, Sr Branch Office Administrator 1909 Skyline Way Suite 101 B Anacortes, WA 98221 360-293-6838

Elliott Johnson, CFP® Sabrina Begin, Branch Office Administrator 1411 Commercial Ave Anacortes, WA 98221 360-293-1963

Complimentary Portfolio Reviews.

You talk. We listen. In person.

Financial Advisor

Troy. Kunz, CFP®, AAMS® Kristen Murphy, Sr Branch Office Administrator Yulia Garrison, Branch Office Administrator 1120 12th St Anacortes, WA 98221 360-293-4581

812 Commercial Ave Anacortes, WA 98221 360-293-5567

www.edwardjones.com

C2 Anacortes American Wednesday, February 11, 2015

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MEET YOUR WINNERS

From the front lines to retirement funds T

roy Kunz started investing his own money when he was 19, but he didn’t become a financial advisor for several more decades.

His journey to being a financial advisor with Edward Jones included meeting his wife at a prison brawl, turning down a job at the Federal Bureau of Investigation and leading an Army unit of more than 20,000 troops.

As Kunz graduated high school, his sights were set on the FBI. In college, he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and mathematics. The Army paid for him to go to school, so he entered the service when he graduated.

After his four-year commitment, Kunz was ready to get out of the Army and was hired at the FBI. Before he could start his new job, the First Gulf War began.

Kunz felt it was his duty to serve in the war. When he got back, he continued his career with the military, eventually retiring after 22 years as a lieutenant colonel.

Spending time in the Army didn’t mean totally give up on his childhood dreams of being in the FBI, though. He spent part of his career as a Ranger in the infantry, but moved up to work in Army intelligence. He was the senior intelligence officer for the 101st Airborne Division — a unit of about 20,000 troops.

He was working with the

Troy Kunz Edward Jones Best Investment Advisor (Troy is one of five Edward Jones advisors winning the award) are both from — at a prison.

On Halloween night 1982, Kunz was working as a corrections officer at the South Dakota state penitentiary. He got a call that there was a riot at the women’s facility and he went to help.

“That’s where I met my BRIANA ALZOLA wife,” he said.

Joyce was working as a corTroy Kunz works behind a desk now but before he worked at Edward Jones he was an intelligence officer with the United rectional officer at the women’s prison.

States Army.

They’ve continued with his love of seeing the world and division on Sept. 11, 2001. Troy East. have traveled all over the Unitsaid it was a stressful time The best thing about worked States and the world. They through the terrorist attacks ing with the Army was giving recently returned from a trip to and the following deployment back to the country, he said.

Dubrovnik, Croatia. of troops following them.

The people he served with Up next is a trip with Ana“I thought I was going to be quickly became like family and cortes Diving & Supply to the fired every day,” he said. everything he did was for the Galapagos Islands.

As an intelligence officer, good of the group.

After moving around a lot Kunz collected intelligence, “You don’t want to let them in the Army, Kunz was more analyzed it and disseminated it down or see them get hurt,” he than happy to put down roots to whoever may need it. said. in Anacortes, he said. He loves “It’s not James Bond stuff, One of the hardest things this community. but it’s interesting and I got to was not being able to tell his He has been a financial advido a lot of traveling,” he said. wife Joyce where he was. sor with Edward Jones for 11 He visited Asia, Central and The duo has been together years. He earned a master’s South America, Europe, Africa, 31 years now. They met in degree in finance while in the the Balkans and the Middle South Dakota — where they Army. When he retired, he

interviewed at a few different firms, but many of the other firms seemed more focused on what was best for the firm. As a client of Edward Jones already, Kunz knew that they cared more about people than about themselves.

Kunz — a certified financial planner — helps manage finances for Anacortes families.

He helps people save for retirement, college educations and more.

His office is located at 1120 12th St. Each Edward Jones office in town has one advisor and one or two branch administrators.

Other Edward Jones advisors are Gary Thramer (812 Commercial Ave.), Elliott Johnson (1411 Commercial Ave.), Steve Daly (2801 Commercial Ave.) and Steven Rutz (1909 Skyline Way).

For more information, visit www.edwardjones.com.

— Briana Alzola

More than just a haircut — it’s friendship and a clip F

or Lee Evans it’s always been about

hair.

The barber received his first license when he was 19 and although he’s tried other professions, he keeps coming back to the same thing.

“I’ve been cutting hair for 50 years,” he said.

Evans has owned The Clipper for 30 years and worked there for 35. The previous owner sold him the business for $1.

He got his start in the industry when he was young — he started shining shoes at a barbershop near his home in Los Angeles. The owner ran craps games and horse betting out of the shop, which Evans was against, but it did give him his first glimpse at a career he loved.

He even owes his marriage to cutting hair. In 1974, he was studying at a barber school in Everett.

A young woman came in and had her hair cut by a fellow student and something went wrong. The

Lee Evans The Clipper Best Men’s Haircut three-wheeled bikes in an effort to convince his family to let him take his grandchildren on rides with him.

It didn’t work, he said with a laugh. He still can’t do it.

Evans has four children and 12 grandchildren.

Evans said he loves BRIANA ALZOLA living in Anacortes. The Lee Evans gives a cut to Ed Hsu recently at The Clipper. Evans has been cut- community has been very supportive of him and his ting hair at the business for 35 years. family.

Evans had a string of student asked for Evans’ cortes. She’s been teach- now as he was then. health problems in the help fixing the haircut. ing special education at “It’s a long time for 2000s. He lost both feet “When I saw her, I Island View Elementary one woman to put up to diabetes — which he said ‘You bet!’” he said.

School for 30 years. with me,” he said. has had since he was 14 They were soon marEvans and his wife He said Debbie — had heart surgery and ried and he moved with have been married for tolerates his love of a hip repair. his new wife Debbie to 40 years now and he said motorcycles. Recently, Longtime customher hometown of Anahe’s just in love with her he made the switch to

ers and friends would send him envelopes with $1,000 or more in them, he said.

“People really care,” he said. “They take care of people here.”

Evans said he feels blessed that his health was not worse and that he was able to continue working.

“It can always been worse,” he said. “I’m still here.”

The Clipper is located at 812 Commercial Ave. It is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday through Sunday.

For more information, call 293-5296.

— Briana Alzola

Thanks for voting us

El Jinete 509 Commercial Ave., Anacortes • 293-2631

BEST MEXICAN FOOD!

goanacortes.com

Wednesday, February 11, 2015 Anacortes American C3

Best Home Builder Strandberg Construction Best Hotel/Motel Majestic Inn & Spa Best House Painting North West Colors

Painting Best Insurance Agency State Farm Insurance Best Assisted Living/Retirement Chandler’s Best Investment Advisor Edward Jones

Square Retirement Community Best Landscaping ProScapes Best Auto Body Work Dunton’s Body Shop Best Massage Therapist Davida Bent Best Auto Parts Store Piston Service Best Moorage Facility Cap Sante Marina

Auto Plus Best Auto Repair Shop Anacortes Automotive Best Nail Salon American Nail and Spa Best Pet Grooming Clean & Clip Grooming Best Bank Skagit Bank Best Plumbing Company The Plumbing Guys Best Car Wash Bubba Sudz Car Wash Best Real Estate Office Windermere Best Chiropractor Anne Reilly

Real Estate/Anacortes Properties Best Convenience Store The Store Best Rental Equipment Sebo’s Hardware Best Copying/Printing Bayshore & Equipment Rentals

Office Products Best Cosmetic Skin Care Rosario Skin Clinic Best Tax Preparation Firm Williams & Nulle,

PLCC Best Dentist Bill Bethards D.D.S., P.S. Best Tours Island Adventures Best Dry Cleaner/Laundry Thrifty Cleaners Best Vision Center Island Optometry Clinic Best Men’s Haircut The Clipper Best Women’s Haircut Profiles Hair Salon Best Health Club/Gym Thrive Community Fitness

Special categories

Services

Most Community-minded Business Soroptimist International of Anacortes Thrift Shop Best Community Event Anacortes Arts Festival Best Live Entertainment Venue Heart of Anacortes

Voted Best Dentist

Thank you Anacortes!

Thanks for Voting us Best Toy Store!

Come visit and see why we’ve been selected

Bill N. Bethards DDS PS Dentistry

“Largest Toy Store in Skagit County!”

Thank You Anacortes! We value our loyal patients and friends. Special thanks to our outstanding staff: Christi Robinson Kathy Lofgren, RDH Priscilla Choate, RDH Rhonda Leseman Laurie Quirk

Books • Toys • Baby • Games Pets and much much more!

1005 9th Street – Anacortes

Annabelle Fox Kathy Thompson, RDH Kelsie Thomas Pattie Gilliland, RDH Kara Simons

Best

“Assisted Living/Retirement Community” Join us for a Free Educational Presentation by Chandler’s Square’s own Betty Wright on her new show about Princess Louisa Inlet.

Fri, Feb 20th 2:30-3:30pm

Accepting new patients

360-293-4801

1019 24th Street Suite A Anacortes, Washington 98221 (360)293-4695 • FAX (360)293-4813

readmeastory@gmail.com

RSVP

Check out our website, www.bethardsdentistry.com

360-293-1300

1 3 0 0 “ O ” Av e . A n a c o r t e s w w w. ch a n d l e r s q u a r e. c o m

Thank you for naming Cap Sante Marina as Anacortes’ Best Moorage Facility!

Front Row from left: Marina Operations Lead: Brad Johnson, Marina Operations: Ryan Bradley, Marina Services Director: Brian Geer, Second Row from left: Marina Operations Supervisor: Dale Fowler, Marina Customer Service Representative: Joe Brannon, Top Row Center: Marina Office Supervisor: Dan Burns

Your Port staff is on hand to serve you daily. Offering permanent and transient moorage as well as liveaboard.

• full service trailer boat launch. • small craft hoist • fuel dock • 24-hour pump-out barge • laundry • clean restrooms with a beautiful esplanade, close proximity to downtown, and expanded activities calendar with our annual summer concert series! Walk by or cruise in and experience your marina first-hand!

Cap Sante Marina

1019 “Q” Ave Anacortes, WA 98221 293-0694 CapSanteMarina.com

Thank You Anacortes For Choosing

Bob’s Chowder Bar for

BEST CLAM CHOWDER 6 YEARS IN A ROW Let Bob’s upgrade you for free

✂

Bob’s Chowder Bar

GET A BOWL OF CHOWDER FOR THE PRICE OF A CUP w/Coupon 1 coupon per customer. Not to be combined w/any other offer. No cash value. Must have coupon at time of purchase. Exp. 4/30/15

— Walk-in or Dock side to-go — Take-Out, Delivery, Catering M-Sun 11am until the tide changes 3320 Commercial Ave, Anacortes

✂

360.299.8000

Thank You Anacortes for Choosing Burton Jewelers Best of 2015 For 85 years, we have been truly honored to serve you with all your jewelry & gift needs!

L to R: Douglas Burton, Philip Burton, Holly Burton, Charles Yousling, Letty Lara, Joy Gardner Lynn Arendse, Pam Almgren, Kevin Thompson (not pictured: Melody Young)

MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY, 9:30 - 5:30PM 7TH & COMMERCIAL • ANACORTES 293-6469 • TOLL-FREE 1-888-293-6469

C4 Anacortes American Wednesday, February 11, 2015

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MEET YOUR WINNERS

Woodshop transformed into ice cream spot H

ard work, great products and some fun all played a role in the success of Mad Hatter’s Ice Cream, but none of them were the most important.

That title falls to a rescued pit bull named Red. “I attribute the success of this business to him,” Mad Hatter owner Gary Dear said.

Dear had the dog for 10 years before Red died in August.

People would come down to Mad Hatter’s to visit Red and happen to stop in for an ice cream cone, Dear said.

“It was the only time parents would be yelling to remind kids to come and eat their ice cream,” Dear’s partner Christy Lynch said.

Red would run and play with the kids and Lynch said she never had to worry about him. A post on Facebook after Red died brought in an outpouring of well wishes about the dog from the community.

Dear and Lynch recently adopted a new dog — 7-year-old Charlie.

Charlie is currently in training so he can hang out with the customers this summer, Lynch said.

Dear opened Mad Hatter’s in 2011. He previously worked in construction and worked for Northern Marine for years after moving to Anacortes in the late 80s.

“I wanted to reinvent myself,” he said. “I went from working on $30 million yachts to selling $3

Gary Dear Mad Hatter’s Ice Cream Best Ice Cream let people have a place to www.facebook.com/Madeat their ice cream, even HattersIceCream. in the winter months.

Mad Hatter’s is locat— Briana Alzola ed at 801 Sixth St. Its winter hours are 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and noon to 7 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit

BRIANA ALZOLA

Mad Hatter owner Gary Dear opened his ice cream shop next to his home. He said he wants visiting the shop to feel like customers are just walking into the kitchen for a scoop. ice cream cones.”

So he turned the wood shop on his property into an ice cream shop.

“I opened my house to the town,” he said.

Both he and Lynch said the decision was the right one.

“You can make someone so happy with an ice cream cone,” Dear said.

The name came from a hat Dear received years ago at a costume party.

The hat features scoops of ice cream with “Mad Hatters” written on it.

When it comes to choosing ice cream flavors, Dear said the customers do that for him. He tried to rotate

out some flavors and there was a bit of an outcry. Over the years, he’s found which flavors people like the best — and which they wouldn’t mind losing.

He knew going in that he wanted to sell ice cream from Lopez Island Creamery. The business made him his own flavor of ice cream. The Mad Hatter is caramel ice cream with a fudge swirl.

Dear also wanted to offer ice cream from another regional ice cream shop, so on breaks while he and Lynch were doing construction on the shop, they would drive around and sample ice

cream.

They found a winner in Edaleen Dairy in Lynden.

Now they have 24 flavors, with an additional 50 flavors of soft serve ice cream.

“We want to sell what we would eat,” Lynch said.

That’s also why they use real whipped cream and why they make their own waffle cones, she said.

During some summer days, they can’t make cones fast enough to keep up with the crowds.

Up next, Dear said they plan to add a new gazebo and a heater to

THANK YOU ANACORTES FOR VOTING US: ✔ BEST Baked Goods/Pastries ✔ BEST Convenience Store • Bakery • Wine Shop

• Deli • Coffee Roaster

Walgreens... at the the corner of Happy & Healthy!

BEST PHARMACY

Thanks for Voting Us

Best Art Gallery At the Framemaker

Seniors Day:

Tuesday, February 17th Only*

In-Store 20% OFF

regular priced merchandise

Regional Fine Art And Custom Picture Framing 420 COMMERCIAL ANACORTES 360-293-6938 W W W.SCOTTMILO.COM

Thank You Anacortes!

For Voting Us Best Home Builder 2015

*Seniors Day will be the first Tuesday of the month starting in March

2018 R Avenue, Anacortes • 293-7431 Strandbergconstruction.com

Walgreens.com 909 17th St. • Anacortes • 299-2816

Thank You Anacortes for selecting Sebo’s Hardware for Best Hardware Store & Best Rental Equipment

Thank you, Anacortes, for voting Reilly Family Chiropractor 2015 Best Chiropractor!

• Voted Best Of for 9 years • Proficient in low force manual and instrument adjusting • Certified for the IQ, state-of-the-art computerized instrument - ideal for arthritis and post-surgery • Extremity adjusting for wrists, feet, knees, shoulders

THANK YOU ANACORTES...

FOR VOTING US THE BEST 1102 Commercial • Anacortes

360.293.4575 www.SEBOS.com

CATERING, LUNCH & SANDWICHES 293-7383 • 502 Commercial Ave • Anacortes www.gere-a-deli.com

• Postural and ergonomic instruction for changes to do on your own to support your improvements • Infants to all ages, new patients welcome

1209 11th St. Anacortes WA, 98221 (360) 293-6313

Wednesday, February 11, 2015 Anacortes American C5

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MEET YOUR WINNERS

220 muffin varieties — and more to come F

rank Michaud, one of 12 children, grew up helping his mom in the kitchen. But his comfort with baking didn’t factor into his career for years.

His first job after college was in the convenience store industry. He got a job with ARCO doing sales in their Northwest territory.

“I fell in love with this part of the Northwest,” he said. “Then they transferred me to California and I fell in love with Priscilla.”

The two met at a party and have been married 33 years.

“It was love at first sight,” Priscilla said.

“Within a week I was telling the girls at work ‘That’s the man I’m going to marry.’”

Frank spent several years hoping he — and his new bride — would be transferred back to the Northwest. When they weren’t, he decided to leave ARCO and head up to Anacortes on his own.

Frank and Priscilla leased the Shell station on 24th Street (now a Tesoro station). A few years later, they had the opportunity to buy a longstanding

“It’s an emporium to good taste,” Frank said.

Now Frank makes 220 varieties of muffins.

When he wakes up in the morning, he decides what kinds he will be baking that day, which means the selection in the display case is always rotating.

Inspiration for a new muffin flavor can come from anywhere.

“Sometimes they just pop into my head at 2:15 in the morning,” Frank said.

Priscilla said people have called her from all over the state to make BRIANA ALZOLA sure a certain kind will Frank and Priscilla Michaud have owned the store be available before they for 25 years now. Frank said ideas for muffin flavors drive for hours to visit The Store. One woman just pop into his head. stopped in to get a muffin Anacortes business: The “This place has been to take to her mother in Store. open for more than a cen- India.

The Store was origitury and it’s only had four “We are officially internally built in the early owners,” Frank said. national,” Priscilla said.

1900s and was called When they bought They also offer a variBrunson’s. Several years it in 1990, it was a small ety of other pastries. later, the business changed grocery store. Frank was “Our cookies are baked hands and was renamed ready to make some with butter and love,” PrisJorgensen’s — what it changes. He added a wine cilla said. remained for 40 years. shop and a small bakery Frank started cooking Dave and Lori Welk — he was making paswhen he was growing up. owned it next, changed tries in a tabletop oven.

As one of 12 children in the name to The Store Eventually, they expanded his family, he helped his and ran it for 10 years. The the kitchen, added a deli, mom out in the kitchen.

Michauds bought it from espresso and a seating He couldn’t do what he them. area. does in the kitchen now

Fashion addiction inspires owner F

or Anne Smith, having a clothing store is more than just running a retail location.

It directly feeds a need.

“I’ve always been a clothes-aholic,” said Smith, who owns Upstage Boutique & Men’s Store.

“My husband jokes that I bought the store to support my habit. I’m going to go through withdrawals when I retire and can’t get clothes at cost.”

She started working at Upstage in the late ’70s, bought the business in 1985 and in 1992 bought the building and expanded the store.

Smith has a degree in elementary education.

She worked as a teacher in California and when she moved to Anacortes in 1973, she started working as a substitute. She wasn’t working every day, so a good friend asked if she’d also like a job working at her store — Upstage Boutique.

“Then I was hooked,” Smith said.

Her addiction to fashion is nothing new, though.

“Even as a child, I was putting together outfits and driving my mother crazy,” Smith said.

Frank and Priscilla

Michaud

The Store Best Baked Goods without his staff, though.

The Store has 15 employees and every one of them is necessary to its success, Frank said.

The Store is located at 919 37th St. It is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day.

The deli is open weekdays

only 7 to 10 a.m. for breakfast and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch. For more information, call 293-2851 or visit thestoreinanacortes. com.

— Briana Alzola

THANK YOU ANACORTES for voting us the

BEST THRIFT SHOP and MOST COMMUNITY MINDED for 2015 S.I. of Anacortes would like to thank the Anacortes community for all your donations and purchases at our Thrift Shop.

With your support we look forward to continue serving our community as we have for 67 years, helping to improve the lives of women, girls and families locally and around the world.

Members of Soroptimist International of Anacortes www.soroptimistanacortes.org

before they could leave.

“I can’t help it,” she said with a laugh.

Smith married her husband Ron in 1978.

“Our marriage is the same age as the store,” she said.

They were married shortly after they started dating.

“We fell hard,” Smith said.

Smith’s sons Matthew, 45, and Andrew, 40, both live in the Seattle area, as do her five granddaughters. Smith described both boys as clothes horses and said the two oldest granddaughters — age 10 and 8 — already show signs of sharing their grandmother’s love of fashion.

Upstage has had multiple four part-time sales staff, many of whom have been with the store for years. She also sees a lot BRIANA ALZOLA of repeat customers to the store.

Anne Smith said she likes clothes that are fun and Upstage is open from different. She stocks Upstage with things she loves. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. BeginShe said she likes any she wears has to match. ning in March, it is open clothes that are fun and Even when she’s loung9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. different and tries to ing around her house, her Monday to Saturday and stock her store with all sweatsuits match. One 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday. the clothes she likes. time she had to go to the “I know if I love it, I’ll emergency room, and she — Briana Alzola sell it,” she said. had to make sure her outSmith said everything fit and hat were perfect

Anne Smith

Upstage Best Clothing Store

North West Colors Thank you Anacortes for voting us BEST PIZZA! Dine Here, Take Out, Delivery, Banquet Facilities Available By Reservation and the

Wheelhouse Bar

807 Commercial, Anacortes • 293-7847

PAINTING Since 1989

Thanks Anacortes for voting us

Thanks a Latte for Voting us Best Coffee/Espresso!

9 Time Winner!

BEST HOUSE PAINTING • Interior/Exterior • Repaint Specialist • Power washing/ Gutter Cleaning

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• Lattes & Iced Drinks • Espresso & Drip • Pastries, Bagels & Biscotti • Breakfast Sandwiches • Free Wi-Fi

“I’ll me e you at t t he Penguin ”

nwcolors@gmail.com

Check out our blog at nwcolors.wordpress.com

360.391.5054

360-588-8321 • 2119 Commercial Ave.

C6 Anacortes American Wednesday, February 11, 2015

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Food, drink & fun Best Asian Food Lucky Chopsticks Best Baked Goods/Pastries The Store Best Breakfast Calico Cupboard Best Cakes Le Crema Cakes Best Candy Bayside Sweets & Treats Best Catering Gere-a-Deli Best Clam Chowder Bob’s Chowder Bar

& BBQ Salmon Best Coffee/Espresso Penguin Coffee Best Dining Value Anthony’s at Cap Sante

Goods Best Antique Store Alley Cat Antiques Best Art Gallery Scott Milo Gallery Best Bookstore Watermark Book Company Best Clothing Store Upstage Boutique

& Men’s Store

Anacortes Properties

Thank You Anacortes!!!

Best Fish & Chips San Juan Lanes Bar

& Grill Best Hamburger The Brown Lantern

Ale House Best Ice Cream Mad Hatter’s Ice Cream Best Lunch Gere-a-Deli Best Mexican Food El Jinete Mexican

Restaurant Best Outdoor Dining Anthony’s at Cap Sante Best Pizza Village Pizza

Best Restaurant Anthony’s at Cap Sante Best Sandwiches Gere-a-Deli Best Seafood Anthony’s at Cap Sante Best Tavern/Lounge The Brown Lantern

Ale House Best Vegetarian Adrift

Best Flower Shop Sheely’s Floral & Gifts Best Gardening Supplies Ace Hardware Best Gift Shop Donatello Flowers & Gifts Best Grocery Store Safeway Best Hardware Store Sebo’s Hardware

& Equipment Rentals Best Jewelry Store Burton Jewelers Best Marine Chandlery Marine Supply & Hardware

Best Nutrition Store Anacortes Health

& Nutrition Best Pharmacy Walgreens Best Thrift Store Soroptimist International

of Anacortes Thrift Shop Best Toys Read Me A Story Best Wine Seller Compass Wines

New Year, New You!

For Voting Windermere Real Estate Best Real Estate Office for 2012 2015 Our Realtors and staff thank you for your patronage and support; your confidence in our team inspires each of us to be our best. We look forward to many more years of providing top notch real estate services in our community.

Join Today Starting at $19.95/mo.

360.299.2180 1609 R Avenue Anacortes, WA

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30-5:30 Saturday 10:00-4:00

Sunday Closed

360/293-8008

800/327-5291

An award-winning specialty cafe serving breakfast & lunch.

Famous “made from scratch” bakery.

Thank You for Voting Us

BEST BREAKFAST OPEN DAILY

thrivecommunityfitness.com

Anacortes 901 Commercial La Conner 720 S. First Mount Vernon 121-B Freeway Dr

360.293.7315 360.466.4451 360.336.3107

www.CalicoCupboardCafe.com

Windermere Real Estate/Anacortes Properties

Thanks For Voting Us Thrifty Cleaners Best Body Shop!

Come See Our Nursery that is budding with excitement for Spring!

You k n a h T ! s e t r o c a An You

ate i c e r p p s for U We A h t i w g Hangin r year! anothe Thank you Anacortes for voting us

• Best Dry Cleaner/Laundry 2015 • Same Day Service Available

BEST GARDENING SUPPLIES -Chris, Sandy & Deanna

(in by 10am, out by 4pm)

• Pick Up & Delivery Available • Alterations 1502 Commercial Ave. 360-293-8783

A Fourth Generation of Fine Quality

5048 Sharpe Rd. Anacortes duntonsbodyshop.com

1720 Q Ave. Anacortes • 360.293.3535

Store Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-7pm • Sat & Sun 8am-6pm

www.acehardwareanacortes.com

Your Locally Owned and Operated Hardware Store Since 1979

Proudly Washing Vehicles with

Earth Friendly Products Thank You for voting us #1 again for Best Car Wash!

BRING THIS AD IN FOR A

Family owned and operated since 1990!

FREE (a $13 Value)

Expires 3/1/15

• Wash • TRIPLE FOAM Wax • Wheel Cleaning • Under Carriage surface protectant •

3216 Commercial Ave • 360.293.3059