THE ONLY MAGAZINE CREATED BY EVANSTON CITIZENS
EVANSTON MAGAZINE
HELPING EVERYONE ACHIEVE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION
BRIAN MOAK GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY THAT THEY SERVE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Brian Moak: A Great Autoshop and a Family Friend
DEPARTMENTS
WELLNESS
07. Why Would You Allow Someone To Make Your Health Decisions 16. ENTERTAINMENT Alex Ortiz - Magagement And Whats Next?
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FEATURES 10.
DIAMONDS AND GLAMORE
Have you ever inherited a piece of old
jewelry 12. 14.
NIGHTLIFE
Heaven- Windy City Cigar Lounge is worth the drive
OPEN TAB
Pairing Your cCgar With -Rootbeer?
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Circulated throughout the North Shore with a focus core of Evanston. The great city leading the country toward a more equitable future.
For more information on forthcoming deadlines or to book a space in a future magazine. Call 773-441-4044 or sales@evanstonmagazine.net Heart Automotive Issue | EvanstonMagazine.net
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Editor’s Letter As the Philistine started forward to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Then David reached into his bag, took out a stone, and slung it, striking the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand, he struck down the Philistine and killed him. (Samuel 17:48) The above quote symbolizes the effort to overcome any challenge using faith and hard work. I realize that post-COVID-19 is probably going to be harder than going through COVID-19. Some of the same symptoms of insecurity, and confusion are apparent. There may not be the looming threat of death but there’s still an uncertain end. Evanston Magazine is getting back to its production schedule and it has been a battle. Advertisers, printers, delivery people, and every other issue on the peripheral of magazines creation have had a puzzle piece in this struggle. We are now starting to get to the point where we can feel normal “whatever normal is”. We give you a republished and dynamic story by Karen Kopan titled, Why Would You Let Others Make Health Care Decisions For You, that article eases us into the present -post-Covid-19 Moving from gloom to a brighter and more normal time we have a wonderful story created by our glamour writer Heather S. Bormann, (pg.10) What to do with the Jewelry that you’re given based on your mom leaving it for you inherited jewelry is an actual thing so of course she expanded and launched ideas about accessories and decor transforming this gift into something worthwhile of value in your life. A man’s third most important asset besides his wife, (stated lovingly and gender respectful) and home is your car. (pg. 8) We have a cover story that emanates the personality in Evanston that absolutely has been decades in the making. Brian Moak and Hart Automotive- the centerpiece of this issue. Hart Automotive has been taking care of Evanston-ians and their car needs for quite some time. This cover story details all of the important questions. Written by Sherryanne De La Boise via live interview. Rounding out the embrace of Entertainment in Evanston we celebrate the stand-up comedy world is the celebration of longtime Chicago-based veteran comedian Alex Ortiz. (pg. 16) Alex signed with a significant management company. This is a feat many a comedian wishes for. I am proud to present this issue as we begin our transformation toward the collection we will leave as a legacy called, Evanston Magazine. Thank you and I look forward to you joining me in the journey. Please email all comments to Afoster@ EvanstonMagazine.net and visit the website leave a story idea.
Aaron Foster Publisher/Editor in Chief EVANSTON Magazine
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Publisher Editor In Chief Aaron Foster
In Partnership Evanston Woman Magazine IG: evanston_woman FB: evanstonwoman evanstonwoman.com Contributing Writers
Zimmerman Wealth Management Sheetal DeCaria, MD. Sherryanne De La Boise Karen Kopan Heather S. Bormann Demona Hoffman Linda Del Bosque Photographers Jeremy Pardoe Karen Kring Robert Vega Marketing Director Deanna Lena Elliott-Sales Director Erik Hulon - Account Executive STAY IN TOUCH afoster@evanstonmagazine.net FB.com/EvanstonMagazine IG evanstonmanmagazine Phone Number 773.441.4044
© Evanston Magazine, All Rights Reserve
OPENING SOON!
Live Exceptional. Every Day.
BY SOLERA SENIOR LIVING
INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE
Heart Automotive Issue | EvanstonMagazine.net 5
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WELLNESS
What You Value is Not
Determined by Others;
C
Why would You Let Others Make Healthcare Decisions for You?
onsider how long it takes you to order from a new menu. Or what you are going to watch on TV. Recall the research you did before purchasing your last car. Or the process of helping your child select a college. It doesn’t matter whether the decision is simple or complex, significant or routine, you choose what is important and useful to you based on your individual desires and values. Your healthcare is no different, don’t relinquish that decision to others.
Only 20-30% of Americans report having an advance directive such as a living will. This document allows you to express your values to your family and healthcare provider so they don’t have to guess. And it honors your individual values and beliefs, your preferences. If you were injured today and couldn’t speak for yourself, would your family and provider know what is important and valuable to you? Or would there be another level of stress added to the situation because they were left making decisions that they never thought they would have to make? As an ICU nurse for over 30 years, I witness firsthand the burden that children, spouses and their families take on when their loved one failed to express their wishes clearly. Whether the illness is expected or is a result of an unexpected event, it doesn’t change the responsibility to make difficult decisions. In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control listed heart disease, cancer and unintentional injuries (accidents) as the top 3 causes of death. The first two, heart disease and cancer, often have a predictable and gradual progression allowing time to have meaningful conversations with your family and healthcare provider about what you would or wouldn’t want at the end of your life; what you value. Even in these circumstances, families can wait too long to have difficult conversations.
“Remember; When Disaster Strikes, The Time To Prepare Has Passed.” Steven Cyros
Karen Kopan, the owner of Intensive Karen, has over 30 years of ICU experience as a medical professional and has guided tens of thousands of families in making difficult life and death decisions. If you or someone you love doesn’t have their wishes understood and well documented, and would like additional information or a complimentary consultation, email me at karen@intensivekaren.com or (847) 901-3888.
By Karen Kopan, Intensive Karen Heart Automotive Issue | EvanstonMagazine.net
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COVER STORY
BRIAN MOAK “MY NUMBER ONE COMPETITOR IS WHAT WE DID YESTERDAY”
It takes nerves of steel to change the name of a beloved, successful Evanston business.
“After paying for a car repair, many people don’t know what they have just spent a lot of money upon,” says a concerned Moak.
Especially one that has been in business since 1924. But, Brian Moak did it.
“No one LIKES to be blindsided by repair bills,” quips Moak. “Our HEART Road-map includes prices.” “Our customers know that they can plan for maintenance that is coming. They know that they have made a good choice. They can fully explain to someone else exactly what they bought.” “I want people to feel good about a bad situation.” This is service more personalized than just following the recommendations in the owner’s manual.
Duxler Tire’s business had grown beyond selling tires and doing small as-needed car repairs. In 2017, Moak re-branded to HEART Certified Auto Care. HEART stands for Helping Everyone Achieve Reliable Transportation, which reflects Moak’s own love for the hospitality industry, as well as his desire to make customers feel special, educated and empowered. HEART started doing car care clinics for teenagers, women’s groups and the library. A new shop management system was implemented. Customers would no longer be asked to make a leap of faith when paying for a car repair. HEART’s mechanics already had an excellent reputation and a willingness to stand behind their work, but Moak did not like how people felt as if they had just completed a “Blue Sky” purchase. He wanted transparent auto repair, done fast and right. 8
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It’s working. HEART has over 800 five star reviews. Including one for Jake, who welded together the broken gate of a customer after their car got entangled in it. HEART had no layoffs during the pandemic. Being an essential business, they stayed open and were very careful, resulting in no cases of COVID-19 while servicing over 26,000 cars. During the height of the pandemic, they added contact-free service that included the ability to pay using a phone. Rather than have customers
HEART AUTOMOTIVE bring in their vehicles, a HEART employee travels to the vehicle and brings it to one of the three HEART locations (Evanston, Wilmette, and Northbrook). After digital diagnostic inspections are completed, photographs are taken and paired with very thorough explanations. This is the HEART Road-map, which is then e-mailed to the customer. The HEART Road-map shows “Here is what you came in for, which typically is maintenance. Here is what is urgent, a safety issue. And, here is something to plan for, an upcoming potential repair.” HEART still has customers that come in. They continue to have the best toys in their waiting room. Parents have been known to sit for three hours, while their kids happily play. “Oh, that started when I was 2 years old,” laughs Moak. “My father built a playpen for me out of tires. I grew up in the business. By the time I was 13, I knew all about repairs.” “When my son is a little older, he will learn, too. Genry an employee of 22 years is our specialist. “All he does is alignments. And, he’s the best alignment specialist in Chicago-land,“ boasts Moak. Genry is typical of the staff that averages 13 years of tenure. HEART has achieved age diversity, racial diversity, and sexual orientation diversity by respecting their employees in an environment that lets them know they are HEART’s most important asset. HEART is looking to the future. They have an employee who is a student at Oakton Community College, as well as having had several North Suburban Special Education (NSSED) participants working at their three locations. They have brought on several high school students, knowing that a number of their employees started working there at age 16.
This past Spring, GM canceled delivery of 100,000 cars, which means more people will be driving older cars. Moak says that his business does increase when people are not in a position to purchase new cars. However, he prefers to stay focused on making certain that his “customer’s cars work and that we are doing the best job that we can for our customers. I am very proud of the way that we operate.” “This [a car repair bill] is NOT a positive experience. You don’t get to go home and show off your new car repair.” Honey, come see my new catalytic converter. “It’s the same car you drove in with. It just operates better. And, it’s a lot safer.” HEART is ramping up to be able to become certified experts in servicing all of the alternative energy vehicles. Today, they fully service Prius cars, just as they service diesel cars. With the President’s initiative for vehicles to be electric by 2030, they will be ready. What makes Moak quintessential Evanston is not only his very generous philanthropic contributions, giving back to the community that they serve (which could be an article in itself), but his thoughts on competition. Moak’s focus is not his competitors. “When you put too much emphasis on what’s going on around you, you then will put less emphasis on what’s going on within you. We focus heavily on what’s going on within us.” “There are a lot of competitors that do an excellent job. There is enough business in Evanston for all of the mechanics to do well.”
Kieesha works the front desk. She used to take Moak to lunch at Crossroads when he was 15. “I think of these folks as my family. It’s amazing the level of care we have here for one another… In fact, one gentleman brought in two grills (gas grills, not the front grille of a car) and cooks once a week for the entire store to eat together.”
“My number one competitor is what we did yesterday. We better do better today. We better give better service than yesterday. We better have the best quality parts. Every day, we want to improve. I want to look at how we operate, how we take care of each other and how our team manages its own camaraderie. The benefit packages. The way we treat ourselves and others. That’s our competition. I want someone else to do well. I want our industry to have a positive reputation. Who we are will never be at the expense of the guy down the street. Never.”
“I believe that if we take care of each other, then everybody around us gets taken care of… During the pandemic, we created a rotation, so that if someone here needed time off to help a family member, they could go home and do that.”
They were smart to change the company’s name, from get your car repairs done, get your “Duxs” in a row to we are the HEART. We are the HEART of Evanston. Brian Moat does an excellent job of representing all of us here in Evanston.
If you are wondering what has become of Glenn Moak, Brian’s dad aka Mr. Duxler, he achieved his NASM certificate in personal training and opened A Body with Heart fitness facility.
heartautocare.com Evanston | Northbrook | Wilmette
Heart Automotive Issue | EvanstonMagazine.net
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DIAMONDS AND GLAMOR
GRAND MOTHERS JEWELRY Have you ever inherited a piece of old jewelry from a loved one and wondered, “What do I do with this?” If so, this article is for you. There are some helpful tips here, both for selling an item like this, as well as how to best enjoy it. Not all of us are lucky enough to have inherited a piece of jewelry, but if fortune has smiled on you in this way, I hope these recommendations are useful to you. As a jeweler, the number one question I am asked lost is “Do you buy jewelry?” From people who find themselves in this situation. Bear in mind, it is never the Grannie or auntie in her later stages of life calling me up to ask “Will you buy my life’s treasures from me so I can split the cash value amongst my relatives?”, but always those who have been gifted these items after their loved one has passed on. Please let me say before I can answer the “What do I do?” Questions, I would like to get to the “Why do I have this ring?” Part of the equation, first. 10
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When a person chooses to spend his or her hardearned money on a jewelry item, it was more than likely a way of collecting a bit of joy that they could hold in their hand. That is all a piece of jewelry is. A wearable treasure, sometimes made from long-lasting materials, That serves as a marker in time for life’s special events and occasions. They are not stocks, bonds, investments, or cashier’s checks. You have just inherited a thing from a person that brought them a smile, a sense of pride, and a heartfelt story connected to the piece. My first answer To “What do I do with this?” Will always be to wear and enjoy it, even if it does not fit your own personal style. I do not care if you think it is ugly. It is the memory of this loved one you are holding close to you each time you wear it. You are honoring their memory by choosing to enjoy that which brought them a smile. Wear that ring. Alright, my sentimental side has shared enough. Now I will answer your “How do I sell this wedding ring of my aunt for as much cash as possible?” Questions. This is not an easy answer to hear, but the longer you wait to sell it, likely, the more money you can sell it for. The quicker you want
DIAMONDS AND GLAMOR the cash, the less cash you might get. Jewelry stores and on-line merchants pay top dollar for either a strong mall presence, web presence, or hefty advertising bucks to draw a broad range of shopping customers to their doors to see if their jewelry offerings can fit the discriminating tastes and budgets of the potential jewelry shoppers of this world. It’s not about what piece you have inherited, but what is the global demand for the exact type of item you have acquired? Who wants what you are trying to sell? The jewelry store already has suppliers in place for newer, shinier goods than your inherited ring is, so you would need to sell this ring to them for less than they can buy new, better goods, in order for that purchase to make sense to them. If you are unsure about the quality or make-up of this item you have inherited, head to your closest local, trusted jeweler and ask them to clean and inspect the piece for you. They might point out to you some repairs the item needs, but tell them that right now you are simply trying to get a good understanding of how this item looks when it is clean. You don’t need to tell them your motives just yet; sit back and allow them to tell you what they see when they examine it closely after cleaning it for you. The more interesting your piece is, the more questions they will ask you about it.
requires repairs that far exceed the cash value of the item, you need to know this. Don’t let anyone talk you into expensive repairs unless they are qualified to justify the value in the piece they are assessing for you. Follow your gut, and patience will pay off. If a store offers you cash on the spot for the item, ask them to write it down for you. If the offer is good enough to be put to paper, it is probably a fair offer. When you are able to sit down later and look over all of your notes and offers from every place you have visited, you will have a better sense of what offer to pursue. I will leave you with one final piece of advice, and that is what my grandmother Joyce Sutherland told me “Never sell a watch or a piece of jewelry, unless it will change your life”. If your life is to remain the same, you might as well feel more elegant and bejeweled in the process. Wear That Ring.
If you are in a store that is uninterested in cleaning your ring for free and they do not offer advice or tips for good jewelry care, then move along to a different jeweler. These are not the right people for the job. You want to find a jeweler who wants to make sure you are enjoying your jewelry properly. Then you have found a place you can trust. Remember when I said that this could take some time? It can take a few stops to find a jewelry store that wants you to fully understand what you have and honestly give you the best advice for the most advantageous decision you can make. The more places you visit, the more clearly your image of the piece will come into view. If you have a ring that
Wear That Ring.
Heart Automotive Issue | EvanstonMagazine.net
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WINDY CITY CIGARS
Windy City Cigar Lounge
HEAVEN
As a person that did not go to Evanston Township my connection to E-Town was through my mother. She lived in Evanston from 1985 til 2017 when she passed away. I had never touched a tobacco product before 2019 and Covid seem to influence me to investigate cigars.
If you like to sit back with your favorite stick, a glass of your favorite beverage, and engage in adult conversations then I have the place for you. Paradise is located at 43rd and Prairie and is named Windy City Cigar Lounge. This newly renovated space with an outdoor patio is something special.
At first I was resistant to becoming a cigar smoker. I had feelings about it because, my mother had issues with her lungs based on a long life of using cigarettes. Cigarettes are tobacco and cigars are also tobacco. However as an adult I have actually been seduced by the culture surrounding the cigar world. Right now it seems that it is fashionable to be a cigar smoker. Yes, it’s a fad right now however, I enjoy it and after 2020 its very hard to find something that promises to make me happy. Cigars wont be the full source of my happiness but it can put me in a direction I wish might show me paradise.
You would be surprised by the fact that it is in an area not known for such a luxury. This place symbolizes that 43rd street is on its way back to the glory of the 30’s- Chicago’s Brownsville yesteryear. The level of cleanliness and class that is connected with this venue might surprise a true cigar snob. A snob used to ashes and smoke Will Find That No Issues Like That Exist Here. There is not doubt Windy City Cigar Lounge will go down as the best on the South-side if not -Chicago. With its leather chairs and updated ventilation you will feel right at home here. A bigger surprise is the array of DJ’s and other entertainment. If you are a fan of house music, great music, with televisions and can carry the conversation that surrounds cigar smokers, this is the place for you. I feel it is the place for me.
If you are like me a short drive into Chicago for a little paradise might become a consistent thing. I have found Cigar Smoker’s Paradise. 12
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NIGHTLIFE
You should get in your car and drive in. You will relax in style in this South side premiere cigar lounge. Open daily from 5pm – 11pm, Windy City Cigar Lounge is the perfect place to close an important business deal, entertain a client, have your next private event, or your next social gathering. (Closed on Monday) The location is proud to serve the surrounding communities of Brownsville, South Loop and Kenwood.
The newly renovated lounge offers the Chicago community a place to unwind, and connect to other unique individuals. Those personalities that make our city unique. Windy City Cigar Lounge is an unparalleled experience in luxury and personality. Escape reality, sit back and relax, on the plush leather seats located in the inside private lounge. Whether you need to relax or conduct a meeting, they will be sure to make your experience memorable inside. The outdoor enclosed patio will help you take your summer to the next level. Due to the increased popularity of cigars and stringent anti-smoking regulations in cities around the country this back yard / patio area is a god send. Its the ambiance that makes it special. Fire pits and heating lamps will balance out the drafts if that Chicago weather change grabs you. The array of communal chairs and benches will make it so your business and social circles will widen. You and your guests can choose your own snack menu, liquors, including and especially single malt Scotches and Cognacs, because its BYOB. The crowning glory is that you can pair your drinks with the marques of cigars, including General Cigar’s Macanudo, LA AURORA (see Open Tab page), Partagas and Canaria D’Oro, as well as brands from other manufacturers such as Ashton, Fonseca and Dunhill. You are required to buy as an entry fee. Real cigar culture is here and it is absolutely worth the drive into Chicago. Evanston has nothing like this and its within 30 minutes. You can be there, you should be there. Windy City Cigar Lounge 4310 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60653 Health & safety: Mask required More details Phone: (773) 855-2143
Heart Automotive Issue | EvanstonMagazine.net
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OPENTAB
PERFECT PAIRING
LA AURORA 107 Zeppelin
A
brand that I’d pick up and light any time of day. This short robust size cigar was covered with a brownish reddish colored wrapper. It had a slight box-pressed and soft pre-light nose. It’s full-bodied and has a cocoa and tobacco note. There was a slight resistance to the overall smooth and effortless draw. The cigar immediately delivered rich and full flavor. It’s characteristic with a mediumfull body, to start. The body was a backdrop allowing the full flavor tones to shine as through as the cigar was enjoyed. Right away the smoke had a creamy smooth texture with a sweeter aroma that had a good amount of peppery spices. Medium-bodied with a balanced flavor. The cigar did develop in strength as it was smoked, finishing out on the fuller end of the medium-bodied scale. The burn was slow and even, producing a long nearly light gray ash. Constitution of the stick from the beginning to the end was a very well-made enjoyable and approachable cigar. PRODUCER: NAME: PACKAGING: AGE: ORIGIN WRAPPER $9.49 for a Single
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Aurora Preferidos Diamond Box of 18Teen New Dominican Republic CT Broadleaf USA
Try A Nice Cold Rootbeer With That Cigar I KNOW YOU are not REALLY convinced of this but yes it is the perfect pairing. Suprise- yep a non-alcohol choice. Soda is one of those things that go really well with cigars that people either are really into or never thought of trying root beer has been a longtime favorite pairing to go with full-body RICH earthy and spicy cigars. LA AURORA 107 Zeppelin is just one of the examples of cigars that we’ve enjoyed on many occasions with some type of root beer. Any number of cigars from my father’s LIGA PRIVADA or ASYLUM CIGARS -INSIDIOUS for example would be perfect options. If your looking for a high brow feel it would not be the fanciest but chances are your local shop will have a root beer option or at least the convenient mart next door. The natural root beer flavor has earthy qualities that complement a cigar-like salt on food. Also, because it is loaded with sugar, root beer also helps buffer the heavy body and full strength of most cigars. Enjoy and think of Evanston Magazine when you try this.
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A Family-Owned Business For 59 Years, Where Quality Is Never An Accident.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Hilarious and on my way
Alex Ortiz One of most sought-after comedians working today. He has both headlined and featured at the Apollo, Funny Bones, and more famous comedy venues in various major cities across the U.S. Over the years, Alex has shared the stage with the late Bernie Mac, Damon Wayans, Eddie Griffin, D.L. Hughley, and Bobcat Goldthwait, just to name a few. Aside from winning the “TKO Comedy Champion of 2002” on Showtime at the Apollo, he has toured internationally including venues in Japan, Italy, Spain, England, and Bosnia. Alex’s high-energy, laugh-a-minute style is guaranteed to keep you in stitches and wanting more. With a combination of life stories and voice impressions that are uncanny, Alex Ortiz puts on a show you will not soon forget. Been Waiting To Share This News! After A Long Career Of Working Without Representation I Have Enjoyed Some Degree Of Success, TV Shows, Commercials, Movies And Some Really Great Comedy Clubs, Well Today I Have Been Signed By RLH Talent Out Of LA And Am Forever Grateful! Want To Thank All Of The People Who Have Always Had My Back! From The First Time I Stepped Out On Stage At All Jokes Aside Damon Williams And Maryella Lindsey Have Been My Staunchest Supporters! Coming Up With Deon Cole, George Wilbourne, Tony Sculfield, And Too Many Comedian Friends To Mention Without Whom None Of This Would Be Possible! But Mostly It’s My Fans That Kept Me Going, And Some Select VIP’s In My Personal Life That Have Made My Decision To Follow My Dream A Reality, My Wife Of Course Is The “Stone Upon Which I Built My Church” Having. A A Wife Who Truly Supports You Makes All The Difference In The World, So Thank You Babe. I Thank My Children Who Are The Reason I Am A Better Man, And Last But Not Least, My Daughter Jenny Skulski Who Has Always, And I Mean Always Had My Back And Been My Rock, My Strength And The Person I Turn To In My Darkest Moments. So Thank You Jenny, Thanks Babe, Thank You Fans And A Special Thank You To Rod L Harrell For Taking Me Into His Family At RLH Talent And Possibly Making All My Dreams Come True! Keep you eye on Seestandup.com for Details of Alex Ortiz performing near you.
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