Fairbanks, Alaska
Sunday, May 20, 2012
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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 20, 2012
The winners are ... Readers’ Choice brings out the best
W
hen it comes to the best of the best, News-Miner readers know what they like. From the best place to get a haircut to the best drinks in town or the best place to gorge on brunch, everyone has an opinion on where to go, what to visit and where to indulge. This Readers’ Choice has some new winners as well as recurring fan favorites. Making a “best of” list is no easy task. Readers sent stacks of ballots giving us their picks, and we tallied them up to give you a guide on where to go, what to see and what to do. It’s the best of the best Fairbanks has to offer — chosen by you. Thanks to all who took time to vote. From naming the area’s best restaurants, or dentists and doctors, none of it could have been done without you. If your favorite didn’t make the list, don’t worry — there is next year and plenty of time to debate who has the best breakfast or hair salon in Fairbanks. Meanwhile, get out and try something from the list.
CONTENTS: Food & Drinks List of winners ...........................4 Best ice cream ...........................3 Best pizza ..................................5
Services List of winners ............................8 Best women’s clothing shop .........6 Best nursery/garden center .......12
Sports & Entertainment List of winners .........................14 Best sporting event ..................13 Best production .......................15
Thank you, fairbanks! for voting us #1 Best Hamburgers in Fairbanks 9 years running! 2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2004
2003
am r b ur g e
s
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AND TOP AWARDS EVERY YEAR — 2011: #1 Burgers, #1 Steaks • 2010: #1 Burgers, #1 Steaks • 2009: #1 Burgers • 2008: #1 Burgers, #1 Steaks, #2 BBQ RIbs • 2007: #1 Burgers, #2 Steaks • 2006 • #1 Burgers • 2004: #1 Burgers, #1 Fries • 2003: #1 Burgers, #1 Fries
“great food, great alaskan spirits”
354 Old Steese • Northgate Square 374-9663
3578 Airport Way • Teddy Bear Plaza 456-2538
11397211-5-20-12RC
BREWSTER’S
TWO LOCATIONS:
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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 20, 2012
Hot Licks tops list of local ice cream favorites Winning the News-Miner’s readers’ choice award for Best Ice Cream and Milkshakes isn’t anything new for Hot Licks. In fact, co-owner Geoff Wool doesn’t ever remember not winning it. Despite that, he said the annual announcement that his business has claimed the top spot is always greeted as good news. “I’m appreciative that we get recognized for something we work so hard to do,” Wool said. Coldstone Creamery and McDonald’s claimed the second- and thirdplace spots on the list, respectively. Wool, who runs Hot Licks with his wife, Dorothee, attributes its ongoing popularity to a focus on quality ingredients and a willingness to try new flavors. He said tried-and-true ingredients make the product what it is — milk, cream, egg yolks, and a policy to avoid artificial colors or flavors. When
someone orders a pistachio or mint chocolate chip cone, they don’t arrive with a typical bright-green hue, just a focus on delivering the best flavor possible, Wool said. The vivid colors in the Hot Licks products come from natural ingredients, like cranberries, coffee or blueberries. Hot Licks ice cream is produced at its Van Horn Road factory, and is distributed to restaurants, businesses and the company’s signature stores around Fairbanks. Hot Licks’ busiest summer spot is a popular neighborhood ice cream hut along College Road, along with stores along Chena Pump Plaza and the Old Steese Highway. Its products also are offered at a variety of restaurants and stores in Fairbanks and Anchorage. The company is in its 26th year of operation, growing from a part-time hobby to a regional mainstay. “We just did this on a lark, really,” Wool said. “We had fun with it and it just kind of got out of hand.”
Eric Engman/ News-Miner
Hot Licks Homemade Ice Cream was voted Best Ice Cream for the 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Through the years, Wool has kept the business interesting by constantly developing new flavors alongside traditional favorites like chocolate and vanilla. This season’s offerings
include ginger sesame almond, malted grapenut and flavors made with Silver Gulch beer. Please see HOT LICKS, Page 12
GRACIAS! FOR YOUR VOTES
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50% Appetizers 3-6 p.m. G ro u p s e! m 8-11 p.m. o c l e W
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By JEFF RICHARDSON jrichardson@newsminer.com
ra ican Restau
Lunch Buffets Wednesday $10.95 Sunday $12.95 13397394 5-20-12 RC
60 College Rd. • 455-9225
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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 20, 2012
FOOD & DRINKS overall restaurant The Turtle Club Pagoda The Pump House
Barbecue / ribs 1. Ja-Rob’s 2. Big Daddy’s BBQ 3. Miguel’s Breakfast 1. Little Richard’s Family Diner 2. The Cookie Jar Restaurant 3. Sam’s Sourdough Café Brunch 1. Pike’s Landing 2. Los Amigos 3. Lulu’s Bagels
Cup of coffee 1. Good Morning Americano 2. McCafferty’s, A Coffee House 3. Lulu’s Bagels
Mexican food 1. Gallo’s 2. Taco Azteca 3. Taco King
Seafood 1. The Pump House 2. Pike’s Landing 3. The Turtle Club
Ice cream / milkshakes 1. Hot Licks Homemade Ice Cream 2. Coldstone Creamery 3. McDonalds
Pizza 1. College Town Pizzeria 2. Papa Murphy’s 3. Gambardella’s Pasta Bella
Prime rib 1. The Turtle Club 2. The Finish Line Restaurant and Lounge 3. Round Up Steak House
Sandwiches Italian food 1. The Chowder House 1. Gambardella’s Pasta Bella 2. Subway 2. Geraldo’s 3. Garden Island Deli 3. The Vallata
Desserts 1. Wolf Run Restaurant 2. The Turtle Club 3. Pike’s Landing
Eric Engman/News-Miner
Fine dining 1. The Vallata 2. The Pump House 3. Pike’s Landing
Food is pictured at Pagoda Chinese restaurant in North Pole.
Salad bar 1. The Turtle Club 2. Safeway 3. Round Up Steak House Steaks 1. The Vallata 2. Brewster’s 3. Round Up Steak House
Fast food 1. Carl’s Jr. 2. Wendy’s 3. Taco Bell
Your votes motivate us to always strive to provide a great dining experience!
Thank you, Fairbanks! the
BE
Vallata
ST
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IN
STEAKS
ASIAN FO
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is pleased to serve you Excellent Steaks, Seafood, Italian Dishes & New York Style Pizzas!
Celebrating 22 wonderful years in North Pole!
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Asian food 1. Pagoda 2. Ajimi 3. Lin’s Asian Bistro
Hamburgers 1. Brewster’s 2. Carl’s Jr. 3. The Monderosa
O
Best 1. 2. 3.
E DININ
Chinese Restaurant 431 N. Santa Claus Lane, North Pole
455-6600
Open 7 days Friday-Saturday: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday - Thursday: 11:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Reservations recommended
Delivery available in North Pole & Eielson
16397427-5-20-12RC
488-3338
Fairbanks, AK 99709
12398057-5-20-12RC
Tues.-Sun. 5:30-10:30 Closed Monday
2190 Goldstream Rd.
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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 20, 2012
By REBA LEAN rlean@newsminer.com
o rt
St or e
Sp
s ing Good
3480 College Rd. • 479-2494 • Fairbanks, Alaska 99709 www.beaversports.com Locally owned and operated for over 35 years Convenient Central Location • Knowledgeable Experienced Staff
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for my family — who are all Yankees fans — I started giving them that little corner, Walking into College Town and now it’s growing,” Velesta Pizzeria, people could easily said. forget they are in Alaska and The personal touches are not on the East Coast. a big part of what makes the In the cozy setting, some “mom and pop” pizzeria a hit of the first things noticeable in town. (other than the mouth-water••• ing pizza aroma) are what Vince has been a pizza adorn the walls — vintage cir- master (or pizzaiolo) since cus ads, Three Stooges post1992, when he and Velesta ers, military tributes and, of operated the seasonal Dawg course, New England sports House Pizza at the Howlmemorabilia. ing Dog Saloon in Fox. Vince Now, before owner Vince worked on the North Slope Fusco objects, there are more during the winters and cooked than Boston Red Sox, New pizzas in the summers. Many England Patriots and Boston of the shop’s signature pizBruins felt banners. More zas were created at the Dawg than signs depicting those House and others were develfamous sports teams’ homes, oped from their customers’ like Fenway Park, or their ideas. championship titles. When Vince retired from There’s also a corner dedi- the Laborers Local 942 in cated to the New York Yan1999, the Fuscos opened Colkees and Giants behind the lege Town in the College Mall. They wanted to keep the register. same welcoming feel as the That’s Velesta Fusco’s Dawg House. doing. “We wanted people to feel “I won the bet in 2004,” she said, referring to the Red comfortable whether they were large groups, families, Sox vs. St. Louis Cardinals individuals — from all walks World Series Championship. of life,” Velesta said. She bet her Sox would win Velesta said people keep and Vince bet the Cardinals coming back, and she likes would. to think it’s because of the He told her, “If they win, pizzeria’s character and you can put all the Red Sox authenticity. stuff up you want.” So she did. Please see PIZZA, Page 12 “Out of love and respect
t Bes
College Town Pizzeria named best in Fairbanks
MERRELL • SMITH • LOWA • EX OFFICIO • OAKLEY • CROCS • MERRELL • SMITH • LOWA • EX OFFICIO • OAKLEY • CROCS • MERRELL • SMITH • LOWA • EX OFFICIO • OAKLEY
Eric Engman/News-Miner
College Town Pizzeria was voted Best Pizza in the 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards.
MAUI JIM • MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR • NORTH FACE • PATAGONIA • MARMOT • MSR • ARC’TERYX • MAUI JIM • MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR • NORTH FACE • PATAGONIA • MARMOT MAUI JIM • MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR
• MAUI JIM • MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR • NORTH FACE • PATAGONIA • MARMOT • PRANA • MSR • ARC’TERYX
• JETBOIL • DANSKO • THERMAREST • PEARL IZUMI • BRIDGEDALE • EAGLE CREEK • SMARTWOOL • BIRKENSTOCK •
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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 20, 2012
Fireweed Consignment shops top women’s clothing picks By DOROTHY CHOMICZ dchomicz@newsminer.com
Consignment Boutique stores have proved so popular they were chosen Best Ladies Clothing Boutique in the Kathryn Macomber knew she had News-Miner’s 2012 Readers’ Choice a good idea when she decided to open Awards. a women’s clothing consignment Macomber, an outgoing and stylboutique in 2010, but she had no ish blonde who runs the stores with idea the store would do so well that her equally stylish daughter, Kristan she’d end up opening a second one 16 Case, said the two were surprised months later. That’s exactly what hap- and excited when they got the news pened, though, and the two Fireweed about the award. Since the results
We are proud to win your votes – Thank You!
hadn’t yet been made public, however, both she and Case had to keep the news secret. “We haven’t told anyone. Well I told my husband, but he’s not going to tell anybody,” Macomber said, laughing. Between the two stores there are 3,500 consignors who bring in their gently used or never worn women’s clothing for resale. Macomber and
Case go through each item and carefully select what will be sold in the store. “It just has to be in really, really good shape. Put it this way — we probably only take 20 percent to 25 percent total of what comes in. We turn away so much clothing,” Macomber said. Please see FIREWEED, Page 7
Lin’s Asian Bistro
20% OFF f o r Ac t i v e D Mi l i t a r y u t y
Thank you for voting us one of Fairbanks’ Top Restaurants! Asian Food Category
479-8866 Your Loved One’s Fingerprint
409 College Road, #4 • 456-4680 • M–F 11–7 • Sat Noon–6
Locally owned – from our family to yours – bringing you the Best in Asian Food! 1900 Airport Way
11397269-5-20-12RC
13397372 5-20-12 RC
• Jewelry Sales & Repair • 1 Day Ring Sizing • Body Jewelry
Next to McDonald’s
13397402-5-20-12RC
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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 20, 2012 News-Miner file photo
FIREWEED: Consignment Continued from Page 6
Case said she and her mother tend to avoid taking items from Old Navy and brands sold at Kmart and Walmart. “The two of us have really good brand intuition. We tend to take, not higher end labels, but we take a lot of labels that you generally can’t find in Fairbanks. A lot of women go out of state and shop or they order online, and we get a lot of that in,” Case said. “We like known brands — anything from Patagonia and Mountain Hardware to Ann Taylor and Banana Republic. Fairbanks doesn’t really see a whole lot of couture.” Clothing is consigned for 60 days, and consign-
Fireweed Consignment Boutique owner Kathryn Macomber poses in October 2011. Fireweed was voted Best Ladies Clothing Boutique for the 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards.
ors wishing to take cash for their items receive 40 percent of the selling price. Those who elect to take payment in store credit get 50 percent, Case said. The inventory is checked every Monday and anything that’s hit its 60-day mark is either returned to the owner or donated if the owner doesn’t want it back. “The women’s shelter has actually thanked us a few times because we’ve already curated the clothes. They know they’re getting women’s clothing, that it’s clean and folded and in bags. We present it to them in a nice way, so they’re pretty happy,” Macomber said. Contact staff writer Dorothy Chomicz at 459-7590.
Teachers The Owners and staff of Little Richard’s Family Diner want to say THANK YOU for choosing us as your #1 Breakfast place. We always try to make everything about your visit as perfect as possible. Your votes are a much appreciated reward. Please let us know, if ever there is something we can do better. Your feedback in gladly welcome, lrfdiner@me.com or 488-2117
Bre
akfast
16397430 5-20-12 RC
Our classic diner is located on Richardson Hwy, mile 13 @ N. Peridot. Breakfast served until 2p.m. (Pancakes only until 11am) Phone: 488-2117
Schools
Principals
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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 20, 2012
SERVICES Auto repair shop 1. Seekins Ford Lincoln 2. Simard Automotive 3. Gabe’s Truck and Auto
Barber shop 1. Alaska Barber Shop 2. Just Haircuts 3. Northward Barbershop
Banking facility / financial institution 1. Wells Fargo Bank 2. Denali State Bank Cashier / retail clerk 3. Alaska USA Federal Credit Union 1. Bruce Cech, Bentley Safeway 2. Norma Downey, Bartender Bentley Safeway 1. Jori Clawson, Kodiak Jack’s 2. Hannah Hill, Golden Eagle Dentist 3. Tami K., Pike’s Landing 1. Craig O’Donoghue, DDS 2. Ryle A. Radke III, DDS Car wash 3. Dirk Menard, DMD 1. Splash ‘n Dash Car Wash 2. The Gas Line Doctor 3. University Car Wash 1. Peter Marshall, MD, North Pole
2. Pierre Johnson, MD, Mt. View Medical Center 3. Ellie Hogenson, MD, Fairbanks Clinic, Medical Dental Arts Building Fire department 1. Fairbanks Fire Department 2. Steese Fire Department 3. Chena Goldstream Fire Department Gift shop 1. Discovery Trading Post 2. The Knotty Shop 3. If Only … A Fine Store
2. Dimensions Salon, Joanne 3. La Retreat, Vinnie Home heating fuel delivery company 1. Polar Fuel 2. Sourdough Fuel 3. Fairbanks Fuel Insurance agency / agent 1. Allstate, Jim Ozimkoski 2. State Farm Insurance, Dick Randolph 3. Allstate, Terri Wolters
Hair Salon / Stylist 1. Chris & Company, Michelle Wilber
Please see SERVICES, Page 10
Thank you to our loyal customers for voting us one of the best greenhouses!
Thanks!
Sale: Herbs
(in 2 gallon pots) $12.99 each
3 for $ 10.95
(2x3” pot)
2260 Old Richardson Hwy. • 488-6119
Open: Mon.–Sat. 9–6 • Sun. 10–5
16397413-5-20-12RC
57394902 5-20-12RC
w w w. r i c h k e l l e y r e a l t y. c o m
Large Tomato Plants
Thank you, Fairbanks! We appreciate you voting for us as one of your favorites!
“Our heart of Cold is warmed by our Fans!” 21396244-5-20-12RC
12395572 5-20-12 RDC
Come see us next season at the Carlson Center. Visit our Web site fairbanksrollergirls.org & follow us on facebook for up-to-date schedules and information about the team.
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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 20, 2012
The Binkley
would like to
ST BE
Family and the Riverboat Discovery
AT T
RACTION
thank you, Fairbanks, for voting us the
Best Attraction and for voting the
BE
IF TS HOP
Discovery Trading Post the
Best Alaska Gift Shop
G ST A LASKA
Gold Dredge No. 8
479-6673 • reservations@riverboatdiscovery.com for tour information or reservations www.riverboatdiscovery.com www.golddredge8.com 1-866-479-6673
Fairbanks' Premier Attractions 13397376-5-20-12R
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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 20, 2012
SERVICES
Continued from Page 8
Jewelry store 1. Fred Meyer 2. Desert Passage 3. Larson’s Fine Jewelry
Real estate agency / agent Optometrist 1. Madden Real Estate, 1. James C. Graves, OD Wes Madden 2. John Lounsbury, OD, Sam’s Club 2. Stepovich Realty, Joan Stepovich 3. Barbara Keys, OD, West Valley 3. Kelley Real Estate, Rich Kelley Vision Center
Ladies clothing boutique 1. Fireweed Consignment Boutique 2. Cyndie’s Boutique 3. In My Element Physical therapy 1. Willow Physical Therapy 2. Advanced Physical Therapy 3. FMH Physical Therapy, College Road Non-profit agency 1. United Way of the Tanana Valley 2. Hospice of the Tanana Valley 3. Love INC
Pharmacy 1. Professional Pharmacy 2. Fred Meyer Pharmacies 3. Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Pharmacy
Nurse 1. Katie Sanders, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital 2. Gale Meures, Fairbanks Urgent Care 3. Nancy Spencer, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital ICU
Principal / school 1. Lynn Weckesser, Weller Elementary School 2. Shaun Kraska, West Valley High School 3. Tyrone Oates, Assistant Principal, Lathrop High School
Nursery / garden center 1. Risse Greenhouse 2. Hawks Greenhouse 3. Holm Town Nursery
WEST VALLEY VISION CENTER, INC.
Please see SERVICES, Page 11
Thank you for once again voting
2012 Best Ribs
Mig el’s
2011 Best Mexican
one of Fairbanks’ Best Restaurants
Category
for voting me among the best Optometrists in the Interior! — Barbara
School 1. Weller Elementary School 2. North Pole High School 3. Lathrop High School
Category
11397267 5-20-12RC
Thank you, Fairbanks,
Restaurant service 1. The Turtle Club 2. Wolf Run Restaurant 3. The Vallata
Shopper’s Forum Annex • Airport Way • 374-8399
Keys, O.D. 12398136-5-20-12RC
570 Riverstone Way, Suite 3 • 479-4700 www.akwestvalleyvision.com
305 Eagle Ave.
452-2459 Experience the Magic of Gardening with Risse!
Th a n k s a g a i n ! Yo u a re a l l a w e s o m e ! !
Thank You,Fairbanks!
ER
A Fairbanks Family Business for 55 Years! NU
Annuals Perennials Hanging Baskets Organically Grown Vegetable Starts New Organic Soil & Famous "Triple R Soil" Produced on Site Seeds Fertilizers Horticultural Supplies
Open 7 Days a Week
13397426 5-20-12 RC
#1 Barbershop
Expanded Ser vice 6 chairs - less waiting
RS NT ER Y/GA EN CE RD
nks! a b ir a F , u o Y k Than
We’re thrilled to be voted your
FAVORITE GREENHOUSE!
Once Again . . . We appreciate your recognition!
Thanks for supporting our business & buying Alaska Grown!
1800 Airport Way 452-5415
L a rg e s t S e l e c t i o n • B e s t Q u a l i t y • F a m i l y - F ri e n d l y
18397226 5-20-12 RC
Mon.–Sat. 9 a.m.–7 p.m. • Sun. 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
2301 South Cushman 452-6000 3574 Airport Way 479-8688
Eielson AFB 451 Broadway 372-1166 University of Alaska 732 Yukon Drive 458-1012
ndwich
Sa
ndwich
Walmart Location 374-7817 514 Old Steese 456-8686 227 N. Santa Claus Lane (North Pole) 488-7444
11397290-5-20-12RC
(907) 488-6973 981 Risse Rd. (off 6.4 mi. Chena Hot Springs Rd, first left after Nordale)
Fort Wainwright 3703 Neeley Road 356-1481
Sa
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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 20, 2012
SERVICES Continued from Page 10
Sporting goods store 1. Beaver Sports 2. Sports Authority 3. Sportsman’s Warehouse
Taxi company 1. Yellow Cab 2. Arctic Taxi 3. Pink Taxi The Associated Press
Teacher / school 1. Billie Murdoch, Badger Elementary School 2. Nola Kurber, Weller Elementary School 3. Mari Labrosse, Ryan Middle School
Teller 1. Delores, Wells Fargo Bank, North Pole 2. All tellers, Mt. McKinley Bank 3. Judy Tonkovich, Receptionist, Mt. McKinley Bank
Tool / hardware store 1. Sentry Hardware 2. Lowes 3. Samson’s Hardware
Veterinary care 1. North Pole Veterinary Hospital 2. Mt. McKinley Animal Hospital 3. Aurora Animal Clinic
RE
RE
CE
In the mood for the best? STAURANT
PR I ME RIB
SA LAD BAR
ST AU
R A NT S E R
VI
,
It’s our pleasure to serve you. Turtle Club The
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Mon.-Sat. 6-10 • Sun. 5-9
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10 mile Old Steese Highway Fox, Alaska
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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 20, 2012
Risse Greenhouse named best garden center By MATT BUXTON mbuxton@newsminer.com From its hundreds of varieties of flowers to its annuals, vegetables, herbs, perennials, trees, shrubs, berries and even its own mixes of soil, Risse Greenhouse has just about everything an aspiring gardener to greenest of green thumbs would need for a garden to flourish in the Interior. Located at 6.4 Mile Chena Hot Springs Road, Risse Greenhouse has been planting and growing for nearly 60 years, building a foundation of know-how and selection that made the business this year’s top pick for readers. Risse Greenhouse got its start in the 1950s at the homestead of Lee and Greta Risse. Lee, unhappy with the quality of local produce, built his first greenhouse with extra capacity to sell produce locally and business took off from there. For much of its operation, Risse Greenhouse supplied flowers and soil to grocery stores, big boxes and other green houses but started to
News-Miner file photo
From left, Helen McLean, Crystal Risse and Carolyn Bloom deadhead petunias at Risse Greenhouse. make a shift to mostly directto-customer sales in 2005. Today, Risse Greenhouse has grown to 18 commercial-grade greenhouses with more than 40,000 square feet of indoor growing space. Helen McLean, the production manager who oversees much of the day-to-day operations, says the Risse legacy has driven the business to focus
on service based on decades of knowledge. Employees at Risse Greenhouse are all ardent gardeners at heart, McLean said, and even though they spend most of the work day potting plants, it never gets old. “We take a lot of care to grow our plants to be the best they can,” she said. “I like to see things grow — we all love to. At the end of the day we go
PIZZA Continued from Page 5
“I hope that it’s because the quality of the pizza is what people remember from their childhood when it was all fresh, homemade, made from scratch,” she said. “I
Best Nurse Category
home and play in our yards.” Longtime shopper Karen Johnson said it’s that personal touch that has kept her coming back for nearly 20 years. “Risse has always been one to give back and support the community,” she said. “The staff has always been wonderful with their personal touch. … They just have the history of what grows best in the Interior.” And on top of the long-running personal touch, McLean says the greenhouse has always been looking for ways to improve the products and plants they sell. She said they look for plants that are well-suited for the short growing season and near-constant sunlight. In recent years Risse has also added a number of classes such as growing and using herbs and kid-centric basic gardening classes. It also has begun holding popular First Friday events. It’s all looking for ways to make Risse Greenhouse, which is a drive from the city, a destination worth visiting. “I want to make it worth the drive out here,” McLean said. Contact staff writer Matt Buxton at 459-7544.
think they know that we care, that we try.” ••• Vince has kept the same dough recipe for 20 years: flour, water, yeast and salt. The pizzeria uses no pans; the raw pizza goes straight on the brick in the oven. “He gets up every morning at 7 a.m. and makes the
#1 Katie Sanders Women’s Center #3 Nancy Spencer ICU
HOT LICKS Continued from Page 3
“It’s kind of an infinite number,” Wool said. “We make whatever we can think of.” Wool said he’s unsure whether to offer the public his newest creation, pink salmon ice cream. Its dominant ingredient is, indeed, smoked pink salmon. Wool said his favorite recipe for the ice cream is pretty tasty, with flavors of cranberry and six pounds of salmon per batch. He’s a little worried the public might not be as excited about the idea, but said he’s tempted to give it a shot just to see the reaction. “I don’t know if it would be a hit,” he admits. “But I’m kind of curious to see how it would go.” Contact staff writer Jeff Richardson at 459-7518.
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dough fresh,” Velesta said. The shop’s signature pizzas include some “white pie” options, without marinara, and plenty of unique recipes. The “jalepeño papa” pizza, with jalepeños and cream cheese, is a tweak of the favorite popper treat. The “Finnlander” pizza has reindeer sausage, green peppers and mushrooms. People can also choose their own toppings a customized pizza. The restaurant also has calzones, salads, appetizers and thick, creamy gelato in multiple flavors. Customers who arrive at the pizzeria could see Velesta, “queen of pizza,” operating the register; Vince working in the back; son Teo “boss in training” doing a little bit of everything; or daughter Pauline taking a break from her engineering job to help in the kitchen. College Town is open Tuesdays through Saturdays in the summer from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Contact staff writer Reba Lean at 459-7523.
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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 20, 2012
Readers choose Governor’s Cup as best local sport event Fairbanks touts itself as a “hockey town,” so it comes as no surprise Fairbanksans two favorite teams and favorite event are related to the sport. According to News-Miner readers, the Alaska Nanooks of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association are the favorite team for the Golden Heart City and the Alaska Airlines Governor’s Cup between the Nanooks and the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves is the town’s favorite event. The battle for the Governor’s Cup has become one of the most heated rivalries in all of college hockey as the winner earns bragging rights as the state’s top collegiate hockey team. It has been important for the past 19 years because the Nanooks and Seawolves play in different conferences. UAA plays in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while the Nanooks play in the CCHA, so confer-
Eric Engman/News-Miner
Nanooks center Carlo Finucci, left, tries to beat Seawolves defenseman Austin Coldwell to the puck during first period action of the second and final game of the Governor’s Cup between UAF and UAA in February 2012 at the Carlson Center. The Alaska Airlines Governor’s Cup was voted Best Local Sporting Event for the 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards. ence bragging rights are at stake as well. In February, the Nanooks captured the Governor’s Cup for the 11th time
in the 19-year history of the event, beating the Seawolves 3-1 at the Carlson Center to even the two-game series at one apiece, then winning the ensuing shootout 3-2. It was the Nanooks third straight win in the series. “It’s unbelievable. This cup is the biggest cup of this community and it feels unbelievable to win it again,” junior left wing Nik Yaremchuk, who scored the winning shootout conversion, said on the arena’s Olympic-size ice during the postgame celebration at the Carlson Center. No matter how the two teams fare during the regular season, when it’s time for the Governor’s Cup you can bet there will be a sellout crowd at the Carlson Center. This year a standing room only crowd of 4,595 watched the Nanooks take down the Seawolves. Next year’s Governor’s Cup marks the final time the two schools will play each as members of different leagues.
The Nanooks will join the Seawolves in the WCHA in the 2013-14 season. The Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the Junior A North American Hockey League are Fairbanks’ second-favorite team, making hockey a big hit during the long winter months. The Alaska Goldpanners of Fairbanks, an Alaska Baseball League team comprised of college stars from throughout the country were third in the team balloting. Finishing second behind the Governor’s Cup in the events category, is the International Bonspiel, the final event of the curling season at the Fairbanks Curling Club. Third place in the event category went to the Fairbanks Rollergirls roller derby team. The Rollergirls have several bouts each season, raising money for a different charity at each event. Contact the News-Miner sports department at 459-7581.
LA I D
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Staff Report sports@newsminer.com
CL UT OTHING BO
Thank you, Fairbanks, for making us your #1 Ladies Clothing Boutique! 3677 College Rd • 314 Old Steese Hwy • www.fireweedboutique.com
12398055-5-20-12RC
facebook.com/fireweedboutique
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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 20, 2012
SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
pizzeria
Voted #1 Best Pizza Dine-In & Carry-Out
Place to bring tourists 1. Riverboat Discovery 2. Pioneer Park 3. The Knotty Shop
University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks hockey team play against University of Michigan. UAF Nanooks were voted Best Local Sports Team for the 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards.
member practices in October 2008.
Theater / performance company of 2011 1. Fairbanks Light Opera Theatre 2. North Star Ballet 3. Fairbanks Drama Association
For JOSEPHINE FUSCO #1 BEST MOM Thank you for teaching us the joys of LOVE, HARD WORK & FAMILY. Because of you, we try, we care and we don’t give up. Love you.
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G Pasta Bella Special thanks to the military…
Buy One Meal, Get 2nd Free!
One week only—May 21–27,2012 With Valid Military I.D.
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Grazie for Voting Us #1 Italian Restaurant again!
457-2200
Thank you, Fairbanks, for voting Hot Licks your favorite for ice cream/ milkshakes!
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CLOSED SUNDAYS, MONDAYS & HOLIDAYS
145 S. Santa Claus Lane • North Pole, Alaska 99705 • 907.488.4433
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... By the slice, calzone, stromboli, gelati, cannoli, 12 inch, 16 inch, create your own, 1 ⁄2 & 1⁄2, garlic twists, cheesesticks, salads... Open Tues.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.– 9 p.m.
16397436-5-20-12RC
you to ff k n a h T nd sta a s t n e ti my pa ur support. for yo rely, Since l, M.D. rshal a M r e Pet
ST PIZZA
Located 706 Second Ave. • 457-4992
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3453 College Road near UAF 372 Old Chena Pump Road • Chena Pump Plaza Kiosk • 910 Old Steese (907) 479-7813 • www.hotlicks.net Open Daily 12–10 p.m.
12398058 5-20-12RC
Pasta, Pizza, Beef, Summer hours: Seafood Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Homemade Breads & Sunday Noon–10 p.m. Cheesecakes Garden Patio Seating & See our take-out & delivery menu. www.gambardellas.com Cozy Dining Rooms
13397437-5-20-12RC
13396184-5-20-12RC
College, AK 99709
News-Miner file photo
Local sports team 1. UAF Nanooks 2. Fairbanks Ice Dogs 3. Alaska Goldpanners
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Thank You!
3535 College Rd.
Live production / show of 2011 1. The Nutcracker, North Star Ballet 2. Annie, Fairbanks Light Opera Theatre 3. Macbeth, Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre
Place for dancing 1. Blue Loon 2. Kodiak Jack’s Sam Harrel/News-Miner 3. Farthest North Square & Round Dance Center Fairbanks Rollergirls
since 2006 . . .
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Local sporting event 1. UAF Nanooks hockey, Alaska Airlines Governor’s Cup 2. Fairbanks Curling Club Bonspiel 3. Fairbanks Rollergirls
AK
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college
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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 20, 2012
North Star Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ voted best production Eric Engman/News-Miner
By SUZANNA CALDWELL scaldwell@newsminer.com In a lot of ways, the North Star Ballet would not be what it is today with “The Nutcracker.” In was more than two decades ago when artistic director Norman Shelburne came to Fairbanks to stage the holiday classic. He only had a few months to prepare for his first direction of “The Nutcracker” in 1986, but he pulled it off. Since then, the tradition has only grown, each year building on bits from the past to make the next performance more stunning. “The Nutcracker” was voted best performance of 2012 by Fairbanks Daily NewsMiner readers, beating out
Thank You, Fairbanks for voting us one of the best
Amy Cross, 17, a senior at Lathrop High School who plays The Doll, ties her bonnet before a performance of the North Star Ballet’s 25th anniversary showing of “The Nutcracker” in December 2011 at the Hering Auditorium.
Fairbanks Light Opera Theatre’s production of “Annie” and Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre’s “Macbeth.” Last season’s performance
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marked the 25th anniversary of the production. It was dedicated to John Turner, who in 1987 originated the role of Drosselmeyer in the first fulllength production of the ballet. Shelburne said in honor of the 25th anniversary of the production the company looked back to the beginning, and “there was John.” Turner was an influential board member who died in
KNOTTY SHOP
488-3014 6565 Richardson Hwy., Salcha, AK 99714
"Creative designs & ideas come from great clients and wonderful family & friends. A heartfelt thank you to all."
13396174 5-20-12 RC
Unusual Burl Construction 32 Miles South of Fairbanks on Richardson Highway
Hairstylist 13397425 5-20-12 RC
Thanks for Yo u r Vo t e s !
328-6300
~Michelle 456-2888 • River Mall • 29 College Rd.
www.alaskaknottyshop.com
Thank you to our pet parents!
Thank you Fairbanks appreciates our loyal customers & invites everyone to visit our little red coffee cart located on the Old Steese Hwy (next to Safeway Gas)
North Pole
For consistently voting Taco Azteca & Mayan Palace a winner since 2009!
Thanks!
Best Mexican Food Category
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16397435-5-20-12RC
of Coffe
590 Old Steese Hwy
451-0099
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Proudly offering Military Discount with valid ID
11397200 5-20-12 RC
Veterinary Hospital 488-2335
Contact features editor Suzanna Caldwell at 459-7504.
Alaskan size ice cream cones at a small Texas price. An Alaskan Gift Shop And Mounted Wildlife Display
4920 Dale Rd, Fairbanks
www.northpolevet.com
The children aging and changing make for a unique experience every year, something Shelburne thinks brings people back again and again. “It’s different every year because the cast is different,” Shelburne said. Shelburne said after 25 years, there’s no plans to change the production in any major way. With the community so involved there is a strong sense of ownership. “People grow accustomed to it and they go outside and see a ‘Nutcracker’ and come back and say ‘I like ours better,’” he said. “This is our ‘Nutcracker’ and we own it. To change it dramatically would be a mistake.”
Michelle Wilber
A Great Family Destination
Now Serving Lunch 11am–2pm Mon-Fri
2942 Hurst Road
1988. Shelburne said Turner could see there was a need for a dance educator in Fairbanks. “In a small community like this, that was a real boon,” Shelburne said. “That set the tone, which I have enjoyed ever since.” With Turner and Shelburne advocating for a program that would help prepare dancers for “The Nutcracker,” the North Star Ballet was born. Since then, every year they have performed “The Nutcracker” using a cast of almost all local dancers. As the production has grown, so have the children involved. Children usually start as cherubs at age 8 but later grow into elves, little mice, party children or wooden soldiers.
3401 Airport Way • 455-MAYA • 455-6292
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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 20, 2012
Thank You, Fairbanks! for voting me #2 Optometrist Five time #1 winner!
Optometrist
Optometrist Optometrist
Optometrist
Optometrist
Optometrist
Optometrist Terry- Licensed Optician Manager
Optometrist
Chris - Licensed Optician Jay- Licensed Optician Manager
SAM’S CLUB OPTICAL STAFF
WAL-MART OPTICAL STAFF
Katy- Licensed Optician
Bill- Licensed Optician
Jared- Licensed Optician Tim - Apprentice Optician
Dr. John Lounsbury, Optometrist I would also like to thank my staff at Sam’s Club Optical and Wal-Mart Optical for helping make this honor happen.
Coming Soon . . . On site eyeglass lab at our Walmart location.
Sam- Apprentice Optician
21396245 5-20-12RC
Both locations are Tri-Carers provide