Two auto shops in North End earn AAA honors

Each year, AAA Washington evaluates the quality of repair work, courtesy of employees, and the shop cleanliness of each AAA Approved Auto Repair facility in Washington and northern Idaho. Measured by customer satisfaction surveys and feedback, the “best of the best” earn a AAA Top Shop Award. The facilities that earn this honor typically have received customer satisfaction rates close to 100 percent during the last calendar year. Liberty Bay Auto and North Kitsap Auto Rebuild in Poulsbo have been recognized as AAA Top Shops.

Before being eligible for a AAA Top Shop Award, these facilities have met the precise standards needed to be part of the AAA Approved Auto Repair network: meet or exceed AAA exacting standards regarding equipment and certified technicians and have an excellent track record of customer satisfaction; guarantee service or repairs for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first; must offer a written estimate if requested in advance; and obtain approval before doing any work beyond the original estimate.

Provide complimentary vehicle inspections to AAA members when having other services performed.

Agree to let AAA arbitrate any disputes regarding quality of service or repairs.

Poulsbo resident becomes consultant with Tastefully Simple

Linda Moran of Poulsbo has become an independent consultant with Tastefully Simple Inc., a national direct-sales company featuring easy-to-prepare gourmet products.

As a consultant, Moran offers the company’s gourmet foods and beverages to guests at home taste-testing parties. Guests receive samples, easy meal ideas, recipes and serving suggestions.

For more information about Tastefully Simple products, taste-testing parties or the business opportunity, contact Linda Moran at

tuppqueen1@wavecable.com.

Cups now Serving Poulsbo

Cups Espresso recently opened in downtown Poulsbo.

Cups offers Cafe Umbria coffee and espresso, Two Leaves & a Bud Tea, ice cream, and pastries from Blackbird Bakery. New local artists’ creations, rotated monthly, will decorate the walls. The cafe will be open seven days a week.

For more information, call (360) 697-2559.

Edible Garden Consultation and Design

Certified Professional Horticulturist, Gayle Larson, is now offering Garden Coaching services to new and experienced gardeners who wish to grow some of their own vegetables, herbs and fruit at home.

Services include garden design, plant selection, hands-on instruction and sustainable garden management techniques for year-round food production.

For more information, contact Gayle Larson at (360) 981-7127 or dancingravendesign@comcast.net. Edible Garden Consultation and Design

Certified Professional Horticulturist, Gayle Larson, is now offering Garden Coaching services to new and experienced gardeners who wish to grow some of their own vegetables, herbs and fruit at home.

Services include garden design, plant selection, hands-on instruction and sustainable garden management techniques for year-round food production.

For more information, contact Gayle Larson at ( 360) 981-7127 or dancingravendesign@comcast.net.

Aganon joins Poulsbo branch of Kitsap Bank

Marilu Aganon, operations manager, will be joining the bank’s Poulsbo branch. Aganon has been with the bank for 10 years, working her way from teller, to financial services representative, to managing branch operations. She is also actively involved in the community as a member of the local chapter of Soroptimists International, working toward improving the lives of women.

“I am pleased to welcome Marilu to the Poulsbo branch staff,” said Marlene Mitchell, vice president/regional operations manager. “She provides excellent customer service and her strong leadership skills will be an asset to the team.”

Kitsap Bank’s Poulsbo branch is located at 19725 7th Avenue NE.

Sogno di Vino opens in Poulsbo

Sogno di Vino, pronounced “Sone yo da vino,” recently opened in historic downtown Poulsbo. A wood-fired pizzeria that serves fresh pasta, salads and desserts, it uses the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, we use local and organic when available.

The wine and spirits bar offering 12 to 15 by-the-glass wine selections and a retail wine shop offering wines from the Pacific Northwest, Italy and California. Wine flights and wine-maker dinners and tastings are also available.

Indoor and outdoor dining is available. We also offer catering as well as a private area for business meetings, rehearsal dinners etc.

For more info, call (360) 697-8466.