TDN Best of... 2014

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BEST OF. . . THE DAILY NEWS READERS’ VERDICT ON EVERYTHING FROM BANKS TO BURRITOS

BEST

BURGER

P. 12

BEST

REALTOR

P. 13

BEST

HAIRSTYLIST

P. 3

BEST BARTENDER

GRANT HADLER THE OFFICE 842 Page 12

An edition of The Daily News

2014


Chicken wings 1. Applebee’s 2. Triangle Tavern 3. KFC

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rom mild to spicy, Applebee’s sauces make the chicken wings the best in town, said the restaurant’s regional marketing coordinator, Jennifer Renteria. “I could eat them all day,” said Renteria, who considers herself a wing connoisseur. Applebee’s slathers its wings with Buffalo, honey barbecue or sweet and spicy sauce, then serves them with either ranch or blue cheese dressing and a celery stick on the side. Still, Renteria said most diners go for the classic Buffalo flavor, which comes in both mild and

spicy. The spicy version won’t scorch mouths, but it has “a little kick to it,” she said. “It makes them just very awesome,” Renteria said. A boneless version, which uses white meat and a light breading, also is available for those concerned about neatness while dining. Longview’s Applebee’s is at 400 Triangle Center, and the chain has numerous locations around the country. A plate of 10 boneless wings costs $9.49, and 10 classic wings cost $9.99.

Thank You

new n o LocAti Authentic MexicAn Food in Longview Open every day at 11aM

hAppy hour every day 3-6pM

Free entree When you Buy 2 BeverAgeS And

entree Of equaL Or greater vaLue

Margarita $5 • Sangria $5 20 oz. Coors Light draft $3 20 oz. dos equis $3.75 933 15th Ave • 360-703-6001 Catering avaiLabLe

Lunch Free Meal Max Value $5.00

Dinner Free Meal Max Value $9.25

Not valid with other offers. Valid coupon at all Los Pepe’s Locations Until 11/17/14.

Thank You

for voting for us Somerset is a family owned Assisted Living Community. Being family owned allows us to personally cater to the individual needs of our residents and families.

Somerset

Assisted Living and Retirement Apartments

2025 Tibbitts • 423-7392

The Daily News phone: 360-577-2500 770 11th Ave, Longview, WA 98632 www.tdn.com Publisher: Rick Parrish City Editor: Andre Stepankowsky, 360-577-2520, andre@tdn.com Design Editor: R.D. Hight, 360-501-2711, rhight@tdn.com

for voting The Office 842

# 1 Best Bartender ~ Grant Hadler # 1 Best Night Out # 2 Best Happy Hour Join Us in Celebrating the month of October with • $3 Micro Brew Bottles • $3 Well Liquor • $3 Fireball

* Breakfast * LUNCH * DiNNer * Happy HOUr

Call (360) 423-7392 Or visit our website bondapts.com

Sophisticated Caffeinated • Spirited

Reporters: Sarah Grothjan, Brooks Johnson, Lauren Kronebusch, Marissa Luck, John Markon, Shira Moskowitz, Tom Paulu, Shari Phiel, Justin Pittman, Matt Schubert, Andre Stepankowsky, Lyxan Toledanes © Copyright 2014 The Daily News and Lee Enterprises

7:30 am - 10 pm Mon - Thurs. 7:30 - 12 pm Fri. - Sat. 842 Washington Way, Longview

theoffice842.com


Fitness place Hairstylist 1. 1826 Elite Fitness 2. Snap Fitness 3. Three Rivers Athletic Club

1. Joan Gabrielson, Secrets Hair Design 2. Charlene, Fred Meyer Great Clips 3. Judy Heinzmann, Pals for Hair 3. Erica Hudson, Pals for Hair 3. Amber Richardson, J.C. Penney

W This Elite Fitness room has a view of the Cowlitz River.

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#1 Best Fitness Center

eaders are pumped about 1826 Elite Fitness, located at 1826 First Ave. in Longview. What makes it unique, gym owners Doug and Diana Hastings said, is the gym’s separate cardio, free weights and cable weights rooms, which provide private and judgment-free workout zones. The gym also has a shake bar, a massage therapist on hand, tanning beds and a conference room

where it presents classes on nutrition and healthy lifestyles, the couple said. “We pride ourselves on being clean, comfortable and not intimidating and where people can get an education to make lifelong changes,” Doug Hastings said, adding the state-of-the-art facility has affordable prices, too. “We are known for the upscale gym without the upscale price.”

20.14

$

Enrollment fee when you mention TDN Best Fitness.

hen Joan Gabrielson first For Gabrielson, being a hair stylbecame a hair stylist, it ist is about more than just providwas something she planned on ing a service to a customer. doing for just the next 10 years “I care about people and how or so before moving on to other they feel. I will always do my best things. That was 42 years ago. to help them look and feel their “I like everything best. Because when about it,” she said. “I am people look good, they at the point where I get feel good.” to come to work instead Gabrielson says her of I have to come to dedication to keeping work.” her customers happy is In 1995, she and two a big part of what keeps other stylists, Marilyn them coming back. Patterson and Angela “I just like to make Chamberlain, left the Joan Gabrielson things look pretty,” she salon they were worksaid. ing at to open Secrets Hair Design Gabrielson works on Tuesdays, with Tonya Wilson at 171 Olympia Thursdays and Fridays starting at Way Suite 107 in Longview. 9 a.m. Evening appointments are “We still have the same origiavailable upon request. nal four we formed the business To make an appointment, call with,” Gabrielson said. 360-578-1202.

Joan Gabrielson

best

Valid Thru Oct. 31st, 2014

Thank You Yo For Fo Voting us

#1

• River View Cardio Room • Free Consultations • Professional Massage Therapist • Shake Bar • Training Packages Available

www.1826elitefitness.com

360.703.3254 1826 1st Ave., Longview, WA

hairstylist “i’ll always do my best to help you look & feel your best! thank you to all my customers for voting me #1.”

ecrets

Hair design with you in mind. 1717 Olympia Way, Ste. 107, Longview

578-1202 a special thank you to my friends at le tip.


Dentist 1. Advanced Dental Services 2. Smiles Dental 3. Twin City Dental

Dr.

Chad Klevin says outstanding customer service is the reason his dental practice, Advanced Dental, was chosen No. 1. “I think we try to be very personable and honest with the patients and provide a level of service so once people come in, they can tell,” he said. “We really want them to know that we are trying to help them, not sell them.” Klevin said he spends more time with patients than is typical and uses materials that may require more time in the dentist’s chair, but that last longer. Another factor, he said, is “my entire team loves what we do.” He has seven employees at his practice at 870 11th Ave., Longview. Klevin, 40, is a native of Battle Ground, Wash. He joined the practice of Dr. Mick Ziegler in 2000. Two years ago, Klevin bought the practice from Ziegler, who now works at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center.

Waiter/waitress

1. Rigo Muro, Guadalajara 2. Linda Hayden, Pancake House 3. Anna, Kim Bowl Restaurant

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igo Muro talks with an ever-present smile. It’s a smile he says is an integral part of a good day waiting tables at Guadalajara Grill and Cantina. “(On) a good day, I come here with a smile and leave with a smile,” he said. He added that while work as a server isn’t as easy as people often think, he doesn’t feel like he has bad days.

Pizza

1. Papa Pete’s 2. Bruno’s Pizza 3. Pie@trio’s very time The Daily News has polled its readership on which local pizzeria provides the tastiest pie, the readers’ preference has consistently been for local restaurants as opposed to national franchises. And so it was that this year’s vote was in favor of Papa Pete’s, a small regional chain founded in 1974 by Pete Peterson (the original Papa Pete) and his wife, Joann. Their children operate the four Papa Pete’s locations

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“If you enjoy doing it, you will end up having a good day every day you’re here,” Muro said. Muro guessed he won the vote because of his bond with customers who frequent the place, located at 4610 Ocean Beach Highway in Longview. “Maybe because I treat everyone like a friend, more than a customer, like family, most of them.”

in business today, and more expansion could be on the horizon. In addition to all the usual pizza combinations, Papa Pete’s offers popular local favorites like the “Kissin’ Kussin” (beef and onions), the “Lumberman” (Canadian bacon, beef and pepperoni) and “Pete’s Special” (pepperoni with green bell peppers). The four Papa Pete’s locations: n Castle Rock, 1163 Mt. St. Helens Way NE n Centralia, 933 Harrison Ave. n Ridgefield, 109 S. 65th Ave. n West Longview, 5614 Ocean Beach Highway (Baker’s Corner Plaza).


gRILL & CaNtINa

•GUADAL AJARA•

GRACIAS! #1 Best Waiter, Rigo # o #2 Best Salsa

I want to let the community know how grateful I am for this honor. I have been working for the Guadalajara Grill and Cantina for 6 years and through this time my customers have become a part of my family and I apart of theirs. I have seen children grow into young adults, babies welcomed to families, marriages and countless other blessings. I have celebrated 1000’s of birthdays from the 1st to the 98th and have held newly widowed hands as they mourn. This job that I do has never been a hardship, it has always has been a blessing for me and my family, allowing me to meet a lot of people and to be a part of their lives and memories. I love what I do and those I share it with. My family has been my backbone allowing and supporting me to become a part of this community. I want to share this honor with every single person that works with me, the dishwasher, cooks, bussers, bartenders, and servers, we all are a team. They all work as hard as I do, I’m proud of every single one of them. I want to thank my family because they support me and thanks to them I have

FREE LUNCH

When you buy one of our delicious, authentic Mexican Lunch Entrees at regular price and Two Beverages. Up To $5 ValUe Limit one coupon per party/table/group. Free Lunch of equal or lesser value. Not valid with other offers or to-go orders VaLid EVEryday at Guadalarjara 11am-3pm. Expires 12/31/14

always had stories to share with my patrons. Being a part of so many wonderful families is an honor. Thank you to each and everyone of you that come into the Guadalajara Grill and Cantina sharing your family with me and my work family. Thank you to all those that have supported us through all the years. Thank you all for this amazing honor, it means so much to me and my work. Here is to many more years, memories and cheers! Gracias Amigos!!! I would like to invite all of you all, to have a great time, to enjoy a delicious meal, drink the best margaritas and to come and experience the best friendly service town. ser Gracias,

Rigo Muro

FREE DINNER

When you buy one of our delicious, authentic Mexican dinner Entrees at regular price and Two Beverages. Up To $8 ValUe Limit one coupon per party/table/group. Free Lunch of equal or lesser value. Not valid with other offers or to-go orders VaLid EVEryday at Guadalarjara after 3pm. Expires 12/31/14

Best Margaritas in TOWN • Come watch your favorite sports team on our flat screen TVs • Large groups welcome, up to 70. Call NOW to reserve!

4610 Ocean Beach Hwy Longview 501-4848


Bank/credit union

Doctor

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Dr.

1. Fibre Federal Credit Union 2. Red Canoe Credit Union 3. Heritage Bank redit unions have gained popularity in recent years, as more consumers turn from traditional banks to the nonprofit alternatives in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis and recession. So it’s no surprise that our readers selected Fibre Federal Credit Union as the area’s best financial institution. Unlike for-profit banks, credit union members own a share of the credit union and receive monthly dividends on checking accounts. “We strive to always look out for what’s best for our members ... and strive to offer a high rate of dividends,” explained Angie Leppert, VP of marketing for Fibre Federal. “We hear time and time again that we make banking easy, and that’s our tagline,” Leppert added. Fibre Federal has eight locations in Cowlitz County as well as one in Rainier, and it offers a full spectrum of mobile and online banking options. But it isn’t just the convenience and dividends that members love.

1. Dr. Luh, Kaiser 2. Dr. Hamill, PeaceHealth 3. Dr. Kirkpatrick, Kirkpatrick Family Care

Daily News readers voted Fibre Federal Credit Union the area’s No. 1 financial institution.

“We understand the importance of giving back to the community,” said Larry Hoff, CEO of the credit union. Every year, 30 to 40 employees participate in the Walk and Knock food drive. The credit union also frequently sponsors fundraising events for the breast cancer center at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview.

Albert Luh said he enjoys working in a health organization that’s focused on prevention as much as treatment. “I have a robust and varied medical practice with a wide range of patient backgrounds and diseases,” he wrote on the Kaiser Permanente website. “These are some of the very reasons that I chose family practice as my field of medicine. I enjoy meeting and getting to know my patients and developing a long-term relationship.” Luh earned an undergraduate degree in physics as well as a Dr. Albert Luh medical degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He joined Kaiser Permanente in Longview in 1990. He enjoys family practice, with its wide range of patient backgrounds and diseases. In his free time, he enjoys gardening and carpentry. “When I have time, I still very much enjoy reading a great book and trying to play the piano,” he wrote.

BEST PIZZA 40 YEARS IN COWLITZ COUNTY!

Since 1974 Castle Rock

Longview

1163 Mt. St. Helens 5614 Ocean Beach 360-274-4271 360-577-7272

Ridgefield

109 S. 65th Ave. 360-887-1818

Centralia

933 Harrison Ave. 360-736-5777



Car buying

A night out

T

T

1. Bud Clary 2. Columbia Auto Group 3. Dick Hannah Toyota opping the balloting for “Best Car-Buying Experience” were Bud Clary Chevrolet, 1030 Commerce Ave., and Bud Clary Subaru, 961 Commerce Ave. Jim Scott is the Clary Group’s general manager of both and noted that the business recently spent around $2 million to upgrade the interior of the Chevrolet dealership. “It was basically a total remodel,” Scott said. “We have a larger customer waiting room with televisions and free drinks and refreshments and a private office for business people, or anyone who might be waiting who needs a phone, a desk and a little privacy.” According to Scott, the days have passed when customers walked into a dealership and asked to be briefed on the entire inventory.

Ryan Allen has been the salesman of the year at Bud Clary Chevrolet in Longview for the last nine years.

“Now, they do a lot of research on the Internet and come in asking to test-drive vehicles with specific stock numbers,” he said. “They know a lot more about what they want. It’s still a challenge, but it’s a different challenge.”

1. The Office 842 2. Silver Star Sports Bar & Grill 3. Kelso Theater Pub ucked away in a corner of businesses on Washington Way, you’ll find the party place that’s in a Goldilocks niche. It’s too small for any trouble to start and too big to get squeezed out. It’s fancy but accessible, casual but not sloppy. It’s The Office 842, and it has been voted the best place for a night out. The coffee-shop-by-day, martini-bar-by-night is an attractive place for the hepcats in town to spend an evening, but it’s hard to put a finger on just why — maybe it’s in the air? “It has a lot to do with atmosphere,” bartender Joshua Potts said. “Lighting, ambience, music. And the service.”

The mix of intimate highback booths and more community-oriented couch seating makes the best use of the limited space, and it’s all very warm. Even the bar stools don’t resemble stools at all; comfort is chased to every corner. All the bartenders are veritable mixologists, and with the extensive list of specialty martinis, it comes in handy. There are always the perennial favorites, the mojitos and the Lemon Drops and Key Lime Pie Martinis, but don’t miss the Mount St. Helens Martini, which is rimmed with Pop Rocks, or the Longview Rain, which is essentially a Long Island Iced Tea with black raspberry instead of soda to give it that winter-in-theNorthwest feel.


For voting Bud Clary

Best Car Buying experienCe

We also take care of you after the sale in our service department You receive: • Service Department Open Monday - Saturday • New Quick Service Center • New Drive in Covered Service Lanes • Drop-ins Welcome • Free Alignment Inspection • Free Car Wash • Rental Cars

1030 Commerce Avenue, Longview, WA 98632

360-423-1700 or 1-800-899-1926


Burrito

Watch a game

1. Taco Time 2. Don Pedro’s 3. Muchas Gracias

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Readers’ favorite burrito of 2014, made by Taco Time.

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he perfect medley of cheese, salsa, tortilla and seasoned meat awaits fans of Mexican cuisine at the two Taco Time restaurants in the area. The Northwest franchise sells a number of savory burritos, but its most popular is the crisp burrito, said Brad Taft, 32, manager at the Kelso location. His grandmother opened the Longview location at 837 Ocean Beach Highway in 1969. The Kelso location at 240 S. Kelso Drive opened its doors in 2008. Taft said the fresh, local ingre-

1. Triangle Tavern 2. Porky’s 3. Silver Star ith eight flat-screen TVs They called the sports bar’s and a friendly atmobreakfast specials the best in sphere, the Triangle Tavern, town and raved about 50-cent formerly known as U-Dub wing Wednesdays. Regulars Sports Pub, has become a also say the bar can turn on favorite hideaway for Longview any professional football game sports fans. a patron may want to watch, Regulars milling about on a from the Bears to the Cowrecent Friday said there’s no boys, and things get downright better place to watch football. crazy when the Seahawks play.

dients are a selling point. “I really think it’s just the quality of the products we use,” he said. The crisp burrito comes in chicken, beef and bean options. The chicken is sautéed with salsa, onions and green peppers before being stuffed in its crispy casing with cream cheese. The beef and bean burritos are served with cheese and are on sale every Tuesday. Together, the Kelso and Longview locations sell several hundred crisp burritos every day, Taft said.

#1 Best Burrito #2 Meal Under $10

Thank You For your votes!

1254-D Mt. St. Helens Way Crossroads Plaza • Castle Rock, WA

274-6503

$1 OFF

when you mention TDN Best Burrito Valid until 10/31/14

Thank You for your votes!

Family Owned & Operated since 1969 240 S Kelso Dr • Kelso, WA 837 Ocean Beach Hwy • Longview, WA

www.tacotimenw.com 10


Place to work 1. Fibre Federal Credit Union 2. PeaceHealth 3. Lower Columbia College

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hen Angie Leppert moved to Longview 18 years ago, her friends raved about how great it was to work at Fibre Federal Credit Union. So even with no experience in the financial world, she applied to be a teller. Nearly 18 years later, she’s the institution’s vice president of marketing and has a bachelor’s degree paid for by the company education reimbursement program. Leppert is one of many employees who have worked at the credit union for 10, 20 or 30 years. She and CEO Larry Hoff attribute the company’s high employee retention rates to a combination of factors: excellent benefits packages; an emphasis

on staying involved in the community; and a family-oriented company culture. It also helps that all 200 employees are encouraged to have fun at work. Recently, for example, staff members competed in a “rock and roll” challenge to win starstudded suitcases filled with prizes as a reward for completing training tasks. Hoff points out that every employer can aim to “respect everyone’s individual contributions, applaud their accomplishments and discuss their challenges openly.” Keeping workers happy is not only cost-effective, it keeps customers satisfied with seeing familiar faces, Hoff said.

Breakfast 1. Pancake House 2. Stuffy’s II 3. Indy Way Diner

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alk into the Pancake House in Longview any time of day and you’re likely to find regulars parked at the counter and booths spilling over with kids and their parents. Diners have been coming to the popular restaurant for more than 40 years. Many return week after week. “It’s the friendly service and the great food,” owner Dana Millard said. “We have a lot of loyal customers who come in every day.”

The restaurant offers the typical breakfast fare you would expect from a pancake house: buttermilk pancakes, short stacks, sides of bacon and sausage. There’s also a full lunch menu with soups, salads and burgers. What are some of the most popular choices with diners? “Our sweet cream pancakes that we roll fruit up in. And we have the best bacon in town,” Millard said.

Thank You For Your Votes!

804 Ocean Beach Hwy. Longview

423-6356

THANK YOU! To all the wonderful clients who have voted, I just want to THANK YOU for allowing me to assist you in this great profession of Real Estate. It has never been about a number but the quality of service and the opportunity to meet so many great folks. I love what I do and love where I do it. My success for the last 17 years has been because of you. Thank you for all the referrals and thank you in advance for the many more to come.

MArK ScrOggiNS Broker Put Our Knowledge On Your Side

360.425.3020

Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm

796 Commerce Ave. Suite 100, Lv 11


Bartender 1. Grant Hadler, The Office 842 1. Kathy Holum (Sissy), Kim Bowl 3. JR, Porky’s Cafe & Lounge

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rant Hadler wasn’t about to take all the credit for this blue ribbon. “It’s an honor — but it’s these guys that earned that,” The Office 842 general manager and best bartender winner said of his staff. He popped in to the Washington Way martini bar on a day off recently and ended up making a Fire and Ice Manhattan — a fall specialty drink that adds a sprig of rosemary and a quick burst of flame to the classic bitter cocktail. Hadler, 48, got his start in the business in his early 20s in Walla Walla, Wash., and worked at the Marcus Whitman Hotel there. Along the way, he picked up a few simple rules that have governed his success: “Being communicative with guests, making sure to promote good attitudes and going the extra mile,” he said.

$10 meal 1. Nipps 2. Taco Time 3. Subway 3. McDonald’s

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ipp’s owner Mitch Nippert said his restaurant combines three characteristics: “quality value, quality service and quality food.” In the kitchen, Peggy Selzler has been with working for Mitch Nippert since the day he opened Nipp’s in January 1993. It’s located at 980 Ocean Beach Highway in Longview. “We’re a family restaurant,” she said. “I think people like knowing that. People like coming here.” Nippert said his restaurant is a familiar place for community members to come back to. “When they come back into town, (Nipp’s is) one of the first places they want to come and have lunch,” he said. 12

Burger

1. Nipp’s Burgers ’n More 2. Five Guys 3. Mary’s Burger & A Shake

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hen Mitch Nippert, owner of Nipp’s Burgers ’n More, tried to create the perfect burger, he looked no further than his own childhood favorite: the BLT. “Growing up, my aunt and mother always made BLTs, and I thought, ‘Would a hamburger taste good just like that?’” From that idea, Nippert fashioned the eatery’s most popular hamburger: the Banner Special. The hamburger takes a cue from the BLT. Its patty is layered with mayonnaise, fresh tomato

Happy hour 1. Applebee’s 2. The Office 842 3. Porky’s

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nlike many establishments, Applebee’s happy hour doesn’t end at the bar. In addition to an array of drink deals, the franchise’s evening specials include 50 percent off select appetizers — boneless Buffalo wings and chicken quesadillas, for example — in both the

Thank You for Voting us #1 City! Help us stay on top... Keep us informed and report any issues with

Ask Longview www.mylongview.com

360.442.5004

The Banner Special from Nipp’s.

and lettuce, crispy bacon, and it’s served atop a toasted bun. The establishment, located at 980 Ocean Beach Highway in Longview, also serves a signature Nipp Burger, made to order with a mound of grilled onions, ketchup and mustard. Still, the Banner Special remains the burger joint’s most popular plate at about 1,000 a week. bar and family restaurant. Applebee’s also keeps its appetizers full-sized, while many other establishments shrink the discounted orders, said Jenifer Renteria, the restaurant chain’s regional marketing coordinator. “It’s a pretty good deal,” said Renteria, who thinks most customers are lured to Applebee’s happy hour by half-priced wonton tacos. Happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. Longview’s Applebee’s is at 400 Triangle Shopping Center.

#1 best burger #1 best meal under $10

Thank You to Our Loyal Customers!

We invite you to come by and find out why we have the best burgers...

11 years in a row! The hard working staff at Nipp’s graciously accepts these awards. 980 Ocean Beach Hwy • 425-8464 Mon. - Sat. til 9pm


Retirement home 1. Canterbury Inn 2. Somerset Retirement Home 3. Delaware Plaza

Home seller

1. Darla Brown, Windermere 2. Tami Cheatley, Windermere 2. Mark Scroggins, Coldwell Banker 3. Joanne Crayne, Windermere

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Canterbury Inn features 24-hour nurses.

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hen it comes to assisted living in Cowlitz County, Koelsch Senior Communities trumps the competition, according to our online reader poll. The company, which runs assisted living homes in seven states, owns Canterbury Park, an independent living home; Canterbury Inn, assisted living; and Canterbury Gardens, a memory-care home, all in Longview. “We are a second generation of ownership serving a second gen-

eration in our community. We also have high quality and standards of care,” said Diane Craft, public relations and special projects manager for the Koelsch Senior Communities. She added there are 24-hour nurses in the assisted living and memory aid facilities. There are more than 150 apartments spread among the properties the company owns, Craft said. “We are known for our customer service. We give special attention to our residents,” she said.

The real estate market arla Brown enjoys seeis finally starting to pick ing people fulfill part of up after the recession, she the American dream. said. “The criteria for loans “I like to see people happy. It’s a dream for a lot of people have loosened up a bit, and interest rates are still to own their own home. We great.” work with high-end Her most expenhomes and with firstsive sale ever was time buyers. Those a Woodland-area can be challenging home that sold for sometimes, but it’s $760,000 in 2006 also rewarding.” Brown, 58, has or 2007. been selling real Brown credits estate for 20 years, some of her sucmost of it through cess to her memberDarla Brown the Kelso-based ship in a business Windermere Allen networking group & Associates brokerage. She called LeTit International, works there as a team with which includes professionfellow agent Cheryl Ballard. als from major business cat“Double the effort gets egories. “We pass tips on to twice the results,” Brown each other. It has been really quipped. helpful.”

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Chiropractor 1. Dr. Clay Bartness, Longview Chiropractic 2. Dr. Darren Bowlby, Bowlby Chiropractic Center 3. Dr. Clinton Van Fleet, Van Fleet Chiropractic

Dr.

Clay Bartness may be the town expert on the history of spinal health in Longview. Since opening his chiropractic practice in 1971, he has treated thousands of patients for back injuries, neck pain and other spinal conditions. In December, Bartness, 66, closed his private clinic and moved to Van Fleet Chiropractic to practice part-time. He doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon. “As long as I can golf three to four times a week, I’m happy,” he said, laughing. Although Bartness works with patients of all ages, his favorite patients are children. His advice to both children and adults with painful symptoms: “Take care of them before they

Dr. Clay Bartness

become bigger problems.” Of course, finding a good chiropractor won’t hurt either. His office is accepting new patients at 1060 Hudson St. in Longview.

Thank You

for voting me Best Chiropractor! Set pain Straight with quality ChiropraCtiC Care Dr. Clay Bartness

Van Fleet Chiropractic 1060 Hudson Street, Longview 360.636.2470 14

Florist

1. Banda’s Bouquets 2. The Flower Pot 3. House of Roses

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ost people order flowers online or by phone. So when customers step into Banda’s Bouquets, owner Lisa Allen tries to ensure that their orders get a personal touch. Every bouquet includes freshcut flowers from the Portland Flower Market on Swan Island and features unique, hard-tofind blooms. Allen only crafts a handful of pre-made bouquets for walk-in customers. A variety of flowers are chilled at the back of the store, waiting to be formed into custom creations. “I always like to include an unusual flower in the bouquet that makes people question what it is,” Allen said. “We’re trying to offer something here in Longview that people drive out of town to look for.” Banda’s Bouquets, at 1414

Lisa Allen likes to give each order a personal touch.

Commerce Ave. in Longview, also offers other treasures, such as Christmas trinkets and refurbished furniture. Gift baskets are especially popular. Friendly service also keeps customers coming back, Allen said. “People are happy with our service. They like our designs. They get their money’s worth here,” she said.

Thank You For Voting Us #1 Best Florist

20% OFF

Next flower Purchase expires 12/31/2014

(360) 577-3824

1414 Commerce Ave Longview, WA www.BandasBouquets.com


Salsa

Jeweler

City

T

R

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1. Azteca (Fiesta Bonita) 2. Guadalajara 3. Los Pepe’s he name may have changed, but the salsa remains as good as ever at Fiesta Bonita Grill and Cantina. The restaurant, formerly known as Azteca, has spent years building a reputation at 420 Three Rivers Dr. in Kelso. And that’s exactly what makes its chips and salsa such a favorite for Mexican food lovers in the community, owner Elizabeth Amador said. “We make it every morning with the chips and the rest of the food,” said Amador, who, along with her husband, Manuel, has owned Fiesta Bonita since 2001. “The secret to it is to have consistency — the same consistency with the freshest products.” Chunky with a hint of heat from the crushed red peppers thrown in, Fiesta Bonita’s salsa is a product of years of dedication from the Amador family. In a sense, that makes it no different from the rest of the dishes on the menu. While the recipe has undergone a few minor alterations since the restaurant changed its name this summer — “I love cilantro, so I’m trying to put more in it,” Elizabeth said — the bedrock principles remain the same: reliable preparation, quality ingredients and even better people.

1. Diamond Showcase 2. Fred Meyer Jewelers 3. The Gallery of Diamonds eaders find Diamond Showcase a cut above the rest when it comes to jewelry. Opened in 1977 by Norm Burns, Diamond Showcase has served nearly three generations of families celebrating life’s significant milestones. Familiarity and hard-earned trust have kept customers returning, said Norm Burns’ son, Dan Burns. “We’ve had a long time to prove ourselves in the community,” said Burns, who purchased the store from his dad in 1984. “People are sharing their lives with us. That trust has to be there.” Couples who purchased wedding sets when the store first opened are now sending their children to buy their wedding rings. “We’re waiting for the grandkids now,” Burns joked. Naturally, the store’s most popular items are engagement rings and wedding bands. Christmas is the busiest season for the shop located at 2207 30th Ave. in Longview. “Valentine’s Day is good, but it’s nothing compared to Christmas,” Burns said. The store has a wide selection of colored gems, but diamonds will always be its top seller. “Diamonds are still what makes the world go round,” Burns said.

1. Longview 2. Kelso 3. Castle Rock he outcome of this vote was less than surprising. Consider the 2010 U.S. Census, which determined that approximately half of Cowlitz County’s approximately 102,000 residents live in its two largest cities — Longview (36,648) and Kelso (11,925). Longview has a new “Welcome to Longview” sign, complete with a working fountain, that was installed along Tennant Way this summer. It’s the first part of an overall beautification of Tennant Way that will allow the city to present a greener, cleaner face on one of its busiest thoroughfares. Longview also is taking steps to spruce up its downtown area with an ambitious “streetscape” improvements project at the north end of Commerce Avenue.

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