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Spotlight Stories


  • Festival

    SUMMER FEST COVERAGE: Scroll here!

  • Teacher

    STAR HONORS TEACHER: WSHS educator’s big win

  • Charged

    SERIAL ROBBERIES: 24-year-old suspect charged

Get a kick out of summer: Youth soccer program starts Wednesday
July 3, 2010 12:52 am
|    Comments Off on Get a kick out of summer: Youth soccer program starts Wednesday
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

You’ve cheered the FIFA World Cup 2010 games … endured the bzzzz of the vuvuzelas … now, a chance to learn how to play soccer — providing you’re 7 to 14 years old. High Point Community Center is presenting the program for the next six Wednesdays, 6 pm, at HP Commons Park; call 684-7422 to find out more, and in the meantime, check out the official flyer.

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More work around The Hole: Wood fencing by mini-park
July 2, 2010 9:27 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

Thanks to Marilyn for e-mailing to ask about the wooden fence going up on the southeastern edge of The Hole (Fauntleroy/Alaska/39th) late today; we subsequently went over for a few photos. Along with the concrete barricades noted here two weeks ago, the fence is part of what was promised one month ago by the entity that holds the note for the stalled site, in its response to a letter sent by the Southwest District Council, drafted by West Seattle Junction Association executive director Susan Melrose.

The triangular area on the southeastern corner, where the fence will now be the backdrop, is actually a publicly owned mini-mini-park, and part of the complaint about the chain-link fencing around The Hole was that it had made that site inaccessible. For perspective, here’s a wider shot looking eastward at the back of the fencing from the other side of The Hole (that’s the 76 station in the background at right, and the Link construction site with the yellow wrap):

Meantime, as for the site’s status, the legal wrangling continues – the online file for the case that combines multiple lawsuits is now up to 300 separate actions in the past 14 months. If the case isn’t resolved sooner, the trial is still set for this October. The prospective new owners of the site have not publicly discussed their plan, should they gain ownership; Whole Foods had told us a few weeks ago that there might be some news right about now regarding the status of the lease they had for what was supposed to be a new store by now, but they haven’t yet answered our messages left earlier this week.

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Seafair Pirates won’t have to walk financial plank: Sponsor found
July 2, 2010 4:44 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

piratesouttosea.jpgNine days ago, we brought you the nautical tale of woe – Seafair Pirates facing the possibility of having to personally bankroll their popular July 10th Alki landing, because sponsors had pulled out. Duke’s Chowder House boss Duke Moscrip put out a call for donations. And now, the Pirates announce, they’ve found a sponsor – TOP Food and Drug. Read on:Read More

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West Seattle beverages: The Beer Junction opens tomorrow
July 2, 2010 4:33 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

Just got word from Beer Junction owner Morgan Herzog that his new store across from Jefferson Square (4707 42nd SW) opens tomorrow (Saturday) morning, 11 am. We brought you first word of the store-in-progress back in March.

4:58 PM UPDATE: Just spoke with Morgan to get full details on the merchandise and the hours as he opens – read on:Read More

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Traffic alert: Crash investigation at 8th and Roxbury, 4 hurt
July 2, 2010 3:07 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | White Center

(Photo added 3:34 pm)
Big fire response for an “automobile rescue” call at 8th and Roxbury (map). We’re on our way to find out more at the scene. Just heard on the scanner that three people were hurt. More to come. 3:18 PM: At the scene – the crash includes at least 2 vehicles, a truck and passenger car (as seen in photo since added) – someone has just been extricated from the car. Still trying to gauge the traffic effects, but for starters, 8th SW is inaccessible starting about a block north of Roxbury; westbound Roxbury is blocked off at 8th.

3:37 PM: We’re now told three people have been taken to the hospital and a fourth soon will be – two transported in medic units, two by private ambulance. Yellow tape is going up to facilitate the investigation, so this intersection will have traffic trouble for at least a few more hours. 3:47 PM: One lane is open in each direction. But the investigation team has just arrived and, as is the case with major investigations, will be busy for a while. We’re working now to see what more we can find out about the victims. EARLY SATURDAY NOTE: That information still hasn’t been made available. The investigation, meantime, continued into the 7 pm hour.

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West Seattle food news: The Swinery’s founder, suddenly gone
July 2, 2010 2:50 pm
|      57 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Swinery staffers photographed today by Christopher Boffoli: Head Butcher Joseph Brewer, Head Cook Garrett Doherty)
Another twist for the much-lauded West Seattle meat mecca The Swinery: Its founder, Gabriel Claycamp, announced via Facebook that he’s moved on, just one week after its “grand reopening.” He says he’s looking for work. But he also says he leaves it in “good hands” – it’s not closing. As we write, we’ve just heard from Christopher Boffoli, who has covered The Swinery extensively – he is there now and says this happened abruptly, adding that he’s been told the primary investor is at the bank now, changing ownership papers, and, “Employees here say the Swinery will continue and that this is a positive thing. Claycamp was not meeting payroll.” 4:05 PM UPDATE: Christopher has just spoken with Claycamp – read on for some of what he said:Read More

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2 Hiawatha Playfield notes: Sunday, lights; Monday, 2-week closure
July 2, 2010 2:23 pm
|    Comments Off on 2 Hiawatha Playfield notes: Sunday, lights; Monday, 2-week closure
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

2 notes about Hiawatha Playfield: First, the lights will be on for a few hours Sunday night to discourage people from setting off fireworks on the synthetic (and relatively new) turf – part of a citywide program, as Seattle Parks explains here; then on Monday, Parks’ Garrett Farrell confirms, the plan is still on to close the Hiawatha track/field to apply the finishing touches – rubberized track. Farrell explains, “Cold, wet weather last year did not allow us to put the new rubber track surface in place. Contractors will fence off the track July 5th and apply the new surface. There will be no access across the track to the field for two weeks.”

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One more addition to West Seattle Summer Fest: Satchel
July 2, 2010 1:02 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

The super-secret-surprise act that people have been wondering about, next Friday night at West Seattle Summer Fest, is finally public, according to Jason Fitzgerald of The Workshop – it’s Satchel:

Satchel is playing a surprise set at West Seattle Summer Fest on Friday July 9th on the Alaska Stage from 8:30pm – 9:30 PM. Of course, this show, like all West Seattle Summer Fest music, is ALL AGES and absolutely FREE.

The rest of the West Seattle Summer Fest music lineup is online, here.

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West Seattle Weekend Lineup: Independence Day 2010, and more
July 2, 2010 12:04 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Weekend Lineup: Independence Day 2010, and more
 |   Fun stuff to do | WS culture/arts | WS Weekend Lineup

wswllicon3.png4th of July info/events have a WSB page of their own (see it here), but that day’s only a third of the weekend (maybe a fourth of yours if you’re taking the “official” Monday holiday off). Still plenty going on if you’re not leaving town – just click ahead for this week’s West Seattle Weekend Lineup:Read More

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And a not-so-mysterious materialization: Flamingos @ The Kenney
July 2, 2010 10:10 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

Second story in a row about something turning up in a local yard – this, however, is no mystery: The Admiral Congregational Church Youth Group is the latest local organization to engage in the festive practice of flamingo-flocking … and today, their “target” is The Kenney, who shared the photo. (CEO Kevin McFeely tells WSB that the birds are in honor of a resident who’s an Admiral UCC congregation member.) WSB contributor Keri DeTore also spotted the flock last week outside a home on California SW in Gatewood:

P.S. If you’re interested in flamingo flocking, the cost and details are now on the Admiral Church website – you can even order online – go here. You can also call the church office at 206-932-2928.

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Bicycles mysteriously materialize in West Seattle yard
July 2, 2010 9:31 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seaview | West Seattle news

Recognize either of these bikes, a maroon Nishiki and orange Gary Fisher? If so, get in touch with Seattle Police – they’d planned to pick the bikes up, after a phone call from the WSB’er who says the bikes turned up in her yard near 46th and Brandon (map). And they’re not the first bikes to materialize in the area – in mid-June, she says, a black mountain bike was left by a street sign nearby, and remained there for a week. “I can’t imagine why someone would go to the trouble to steal a bike and then just leave it,” she says (although we suspect it’s similar to those who steal cars and “just leave” them). Again, police were picking these up, but we hear from time to time about stolen/lost bikes, so thought it would be worth publishing the photo – call the non-emergency number at 206/625-5011 if one’s yours.

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West Seattle 4th of July: No major Alki traffic/parking changes
July 2, 2010 8:13 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | Transportation | West Seattle news

This is part of the info on the WSB 4th of July page (see the JULY 4TH tab under the header), but in case you haven’t seen it there yet – police are NOT planning any traffic/parking changes on Alki. The only major traffic effect you’ll notice Sunday is that if you happen to be heading northbound on California SW in North Admiral during the Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade (which starts at 10 am), you’ll have to stop for a while as the parade crosses from the neighborhood west of California to Hamilton Viewpoint. (9:21 am addendum: 61st SW also will be closed 12:30-3 pm Sunday between SW Stevens and Alki SW for the Alki Homestead rally/photo – we’re told that it’ll be reopened sooner if the crowd clears before 3.)

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Update: Fight turns to shooting on north side of Lincoln Park
July 1, 2010 11:53 pm
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

11:53 PM: There are reports of one victim and possibly one arrest. 47th and Fontanelle (map). 12:13 AM: Christopher Boffoli talked with police at the scene. They say two men were fighting. It escalated to shooting. 1 man was shot in the arm. Both have gone to the hospital (the second for beating injuries). 12:42 AM: See comments for additional info from people who live nearby. Adding photos from Christopher – showing that the scene was right at the north end of the park.

Christopher also reports that police told him the two men involved – estimated to be in their 30s – knew each other. Police also reported finding the gun, and “other belongings,” taking them as evidence.

ADDED 7:46 AM: Police have published this summary on SPD Blotter:

On July 1st, shortly after 11:00 PM, Southwest Precinct officers responded to reports of shots fired in the north end of Lincoln Park (near the 7300 Block of 47th Avenue SW). Officers arrived and located two men. One was attempting to hold down the other. After separating and detaining both men, officers learned that the two were together in the park when they began arguing. At some point the argument became physical, and the two began fighting. During the fight, the 35 year old suspect pulled out a handgun and fired several times, striking the 32 year old victim in his left arm. The Seattle Fire Department responded to treat the injuries to both men (suspect had been struck in the face several times during the altercation and had difficulty breathing). Both men were then transported to the hospital for additional treatment. The injuries are not considered life-threatening. AFter receiving treatment for his injuries, the suspect was booked into the King County Jail for Investigation of Assault. Detectives will follow up with the investigation.

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In case you wondered too: Cameras behind Admiral Way sign
July 1, 2010 10:30 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

We’re learning more about the type of traffic information the city’s new technology is supposed to bring us in the future – today, thanks to a question e-mailed by Dave, who wrote, “Heading down the (Admiral Way) hill toward the bridge today, I noticed two cameras mounted behind the new reader board. I am guessing speed cameras, as there is one for each lane.” (The small cameras are hard to see in our photo – but they’re side by side on the metal overhang just past the message board.) We checked with SDOT. Nope – something else, explains Marybeth Turner:

The cameras are part of the travel time network the city of Seattle is putting together to provide the public with travel time information (how long it is taking to get to certain destinations). The West Seattle Dynamic Message Sign will be outfitted with travel time information–how long it is taking to get to SR-99 exit, First Ave South and I-5. This information will help folks to make a decision on which route to select. We anticipate this information will be available to the public at the end of September. We will also provide the travel time information on Traveler’s Information Map.

To come up with the travel-time info – cameras like these, and others, snap your license plate. Turner says, “We read a license plate from point A to point B to figure out the travel time of a segment of a road. The data is encrypted and never stored.”

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Congratulations, West Seattle Little League 10-11 All-Stars!
July 1, 2010 8:45 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Victory huddle after tonight’s win)
Just got word from our correspondent at Bar-S that the West Seattle Little League 10-11 All-Stars have defeated the Rainiers 14-8, which means, according to the WSLL update we published this morning, that they advance to the state tournament in two weeks in Yakima. Photos to come – and remember that the 9-10 All-Stars play Saturday at 10 am at Bar-S – so go cheer them on (as these spectators did for the 10-11’s tonight).

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Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade: T-shirt to debut – and more
July 1, 2010 6:30 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Sure, fireworks are great, but the big 4th of July fun in West Seattle happens about 12 hours earlier – as hundreds of kids and parents from all over WS fill North Admiral streets for the annual Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade. It’s coming up Sunday morning (here’s our original preview) – followed by family fun at Hamilton Viewpoint, with concession sales handled this year by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, also offering its new T-shirts and jackets publicly for the first time. Above is the logo that’s on the front of T-shirts and back of jackets; below right, the back of a kids’ shirt shows the ship’s-wheel logo on the back of the shirts and front of the jackets. More from ANA president Katy Walum:

The first batch of Admiral t-shirts and jackets is IN, and we’ll be debuting them at our concessions table at the Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade! Mike Barker, owner of Admiral Tattoo, graciously designed the logos for us gratis – love that Admiral Tattoo! – and we’ve printed them up on American Apparel (U.S.A.-made, sweat-free) gear.

We’ll be selling the men’s and women’s t-shirts, in royal blue and red, for $20 each, and the kids’ t-shirts, in navy blue and red, for $15 each. Also available are stylish navy blue track jackets, in men’s sizes, for $50 each. A fantastic way to show your Admiral pride!

You’ll also want to stop by and see us at the end of the parade to purchase some tasty treats. Just look for our umbrella – we’ll have a pushcart with three varieties of popsicles for sale. In addition, we’ll be selling bottled water, juice boxes, chips, AND some local confections donated by our friends at Little Rae’s Bakery, Sugar Rush Bakery, and Metropolitan Market! You’re sure to find something to enjoy at our table as you celebrate the holiday with your friends and family at Hamilton Viewpoint.

All proceeds from the sales of these items will go to the Admiral Neighborhood Association, to help us to keep doing great things for this community! We will gladly accept your cash or local check.

We look forward to seeing you all at this great family event. Thank you all for your support of this community, and here’s hoping for sunshine!

Again, all are welcome to walk/ride (bikes/scooters/wagons/strollers) in the Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade, which starts at 10 am at 44th/Sunset (map) – parking can be challenging since that’s in the middle of a residential neighborhood (streets close for the event, and police help the parade get safely across California SW toward the end) so take the bus, carpool, etc., if you can.

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New Parks crackdown on illegal Alki beach fires starts this weekend
July 1, 2010 3:04 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(Remnants of an illegal fire, photographed at Alki in May by David Hutchinson)
Consider yourself warned. Seattle Parks plans to crack down on illegal fires at Alki starting this weekend. Spokesperson Joelle Hammerstad explains, “We have been getting some pretty consistent complaints of illegal beach fires at Alki Beach, and starting this weekend, we are doing a stepped-up enforcement with our Park Rangers. Rangers will be patrolling throughout the holiday weekend, but we’re not saying when. Illegal fires will have to be extinguished immediately. Violators will be cited and fined.” So how do you know if your fires are legal? For one, Hammerstad points out, “There are 6 fire rings between the Alki Bathhouse and 58th Street SW. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Only clean firewood is allowed as fuel.” For complete details on what’s legal and what’s not, here’s the Parks webpage about beach fires at Alki. It’s been two years since a ban was briefly under consideration – proposed because of environmental concerns; the idea was doused fairly quickly, though it was acknowledged that enforcement efforts like this were needed.

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See the Duwamish River, close-up: Kayak tours start soon
July 1, 2010 2:23 pm
|    Comments Off on See the Duwamish River, close-up: Kayak tours start soon
 |   Environment | Fun stuff to do | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(WSB photo taken from the South Park Bridge on Wednesday)
One day after kayakers on the Duwamish River witnessed history as the South Park Bridge creaked open one last time, the next round of community kayak tours on the river has been announced by the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition, in connection with West Seattle’s Alki Kayak Tours, as well as Camp Long, and other organizations. Read on for the schedule, and how to save your spot:Read More

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1 week till pre-Summer Fest Art Walk: Practice ‘Minute to Win It’
July 1, 2010 2:09 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

One week from tonight, it’s the biggest West Seattle Art Walk of the year – the night before West Seattle Summer Fest, which means that when you visit the venues in The Junction, the streets already will be shut down for the three-day street festival. At right is Anné Burke of TILA Real Estate, which is presenting a $10,000 “West Seattle Minute to Win It” contest during Summer Fest, with a chance to practice on Art Walk night – the game includes balancing 3 golf balls (which Anné is demonstrating in the photo), “ping-tac-toe,” and bobble-head, plus, she says, “the final game of a dice roll to spell out T-I-L-A.” You can practice during West Seattle Art Walk, 6-9 pm next Thursday (July 8th) at TILA offices, 4727 44th SW. P.S. The $10,000 prize competition is for 18+ only. (Watch the Art Walk website for more info soon on what else you’ll find – around the peninsula, not just in The Junction – next Thursday night.) P.S. Besides game practice, TILA has some other Art Walk highlights planned, including music, a magician, wine and chocolate, and 12 glass pieces donated by Avalon Glassworks, to be auctioned as a fundraiser for Northwest Hope and Healing.

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West Seattle (Westcrest) Reservoir park project gets another big OK
July 1, 2010 12:48 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle (Westcrest) Reservoir park project gets another big OK
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

We’re at City Hall downtown, where the Seattle Design Commission has given its blessing to the West Seattle Reservoir/Westcrest Park project design shown at last Saturday’s community meeting. From the Parks Department, project manager Susanne Friedman was there, along with Parks’ Michael Shiosaki, and SiteWorkshop architect Mark Brands. Commission members expressed not only support but even excitement about some of its potential elements, particularly the possibility for much of the landscaping to be planted as “Garry Oak savannah” (above).

They also liked the proposal to pay tribute to the underground reservoir with a grid of squares echoing the columns beneath, as well as markers on its corners (explained in the screenshot above, taken from Saturday’s presentation). A few new bits of information: Friedman said they still have “some details to go back and vet with Seattle Public Utilities” regarding “load limits” atop the covered reservoir; Brands said Parks is talking with the Department of Neighborhoods regarding “alternative funding” for the orchard/community garden proposed as part of the project. He explained the offleash-dog-park expansion that drew the most questions and concerns Saturday; commission members thought the suggested multiple-gate scenario had promise for getting people between what will then be two separate areas for dog romping. West Seattle-residing member Brendan Connolly gave the project team kudos for recognizing the importance of the nearby West Duwamish Greenbelt forest, but suggested perhaps an even “stronger response,” like a loop trail that takes people into the forest and back out to the park, to tie the two together more closely. There was some concern about a lack of lighting; Brands explained they’d like to consider solar, but “its cost is prohibitive right now” – maybe there are future possibilities.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Design Commission will see the project once more; the Arts Commission is scheduled to take a look at that aspect of the project (we’re checking to see if it’s on the agenda for the group’s July meeting). And, as Friedman said on Saturday, a public open house will be scheduled in fall to show an updated design, before final construction plans are made.

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West Seattle Little League update: Come cheer the All-Stars!
July 1, 2010 11:36 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Little League update: Come cheer the All-Stars!
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

From the West Seattle Little League:

We’d love to encourage the community to come out and cheer on the West Seattle Little League All Star teams. The West Seattle All Star 10/11 team will play the Rainiers tonight in the CHAMPIONSHIP game for District #7. If West Seattle wins- we go to the state tournament in Yakima in 2 weeks. 5:30 pm @ Bar S field

The West Seattle All Star 9/10 team will play the Championship game on Saturday @ 10am @ Bar S. NOT sure who we’re playing yet—depends on the winner of tonight’s game in the 9/10 bracket. If they win- they will go to state in Shoreline in 2 weeks.

Good luck, All-Stars! (If you’ve never been to Bar-S, it’s along the Alki Point end of Admiral Way – here’s a map.)

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Admiral Safeway ‘alley vacation’ hearing officially announced
July 1, 2010 10:36 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle books | West Seattle news

As reported here last month, the project team for the Admiral Safeway redevelopment has announced that construction won’t start till September, because the city didn’t schedule the public hearing on the necessary back-of-the-lot “alley vacation” till late July. This morning, the official announcement of that hearing is out – it’ll be before the City Council’s Transportation Committee (chaired by West Seattle-residing Councilmember Tom Rasmussen) at 9:30 am July 27. This city webpage has details on how to comment before, and at, the hearing. While the “alley” isn’t recognizable as one, the way it’s used on the site now, it remains city right-of-way, and that’s why approval is required before it is given over to the project (that area will be under the future expanded store.)

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Holiday help: A call for West Seattle blood donations
July 1, 2010 10:12 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

Holiday weekends, unfortunately, are always times of great need for blood. So Kim at Puget Sound Blood Center says they’re hoping more prospective donors will make appointments for one of two drives in West Seattle in the next few days – tomorrow, there’s a last-minute mobile drive at Westwood Village (by Pier 1), 9 am-3 pm (closed 11 am-noon); Monday, they’ll be at PCC West Seattle (WSB sponsor), same hours. Walk-up donations will be welcome but if you think you can participate in either one, please call for an appointment ASAP – 800-398-7888.

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