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Promoting the voice of our Community January 29, 2013

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• Hegewisch • Vets Park • East Side • South Deering • South Chicago • Bush • Slag Valley www.facebook.com/ontnews

Issue 1 / Vol.6

SFDS Celebrates “Night of Champions” 25th Annivesary See Pages 10-11

By ONT Staff info@ontnews.com

On Wednesday, January 23, the South Chicago Chamber in conjuction with US Bank held an after-hours networking mixer to allow local business owners to come together while enjoying food and drinks provided by Capri’s Pizza and Supermercado El Guero.

There was also a photo booth provided by the photography students at Bowen High School. Hats were provided by Bernard’s Wear to make sure everyone had “hattitude” in their photos as Bernard likes to say.

There was also a silent auction that

featured beautiful photographs taken by Bowen photography students in order to raise funds to purchase new equipment.

In all, the entire event was a success for the local business community to get to know one another, work on plans together and continue to grow the Southeast side business district. The local Bowen students were also able to gain exposure while raising money.

For more information about joining the South Chicago Camber or how you can help the local business owners, please contact the Southe Chicago Chamber located at 8826 S Commercial Ave or call 773.768.1221.

South Chicago Night Out Inside this issue - SPECIAL ELECTION FEATURE pg 6 & 7 - Introducing New Business Directory pg 9

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ONT / Issue 1 / Vol.6

January 29, 2013

2

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For more information, contact 10th Ward Alderman John A. Pope’s office at 773.721.1999.

-----------------------------South Chicago Senior Center 9233 S Burley Ave 312.745.1282 Open weekdays from 8:30am – 4:30pm Lunch daily at 11:30am, only $1.50 for age 60 & over or free if needed!

FREE Health Screenings every Tuesday FREE monthly podiatry services FREE craft, bingo & card classes FREE exercise classes 8 times a week with state of the art fitness equipment Plus, much more!

-----------------------------Wednesday, Feb. 20, 8:45am – 10am South Chicago Chamber of Commerce 8826 S Commercial Ave Small Business Improvement Fund Grant money available to help Commercial Ave businesses!

Presenters from the Somercor 504, the city’s contractor to administer SBIFs, will be on hand to give details and answer questions about the application for small business owners on Commercial Ave. -----------------------------Saturday, Feb. 23, 7pm Sacred Heart Croatian Church

Contents South Chicago Night Out Around Town __________ Johnny’s Gym _________ New Film Company

P 1 Winterfest P 2 Special Election P 3 Real Estate P 3 St. Francis De Sales

P5 P 6-7 P8 P 10-11

Can’t Wait For The Next Edition Of ONT?

JOIN US ONLINE HERE: www.facebook.com/ ontnews

L L A M S

N N I D L R WO & GRILL BAR

Staff Dan Lira, Publisher Dlira@ontnews.com Sam Gomez, General Manager Sgomez@ontnews.com Brian Grabinski, Art Director Bgrabinski@ontnews.com Christa Torres, Editor Ctorres@ontnews.com

2864 E 96th Street “I Thirst” a concert experience by Tajci and Sanya -----------------------------Sunday, March 3, 12pm St. Florian School Gym 131st & Houston Ave Super Raffle Bingo Bash $25 admission includes Luncheon Buffet (12pm1:30pm) Raffle, door prizes and more! $500 coverall!

Call school office, 773.646.2868, or stop in during school hours to purchase tickets. Only 150 sold! Get them today!

Marisa Munoz, Entertainment Mmunoz@ontnews.com Abraham Carreon, Sports Acarreon@ontnews.com Anthony Vasquez, Social Avasquez@ontnews.com Contributors for this issue: Yessenia Carreon , Matt Bright and Jason Elkins

Advertising Information Call: 773-616-1334 P.O. Box 170168 Chicago IL. 60617

www.facebook.com/ontnews

“Promoting the Voice of Our Community” Our Neighborhood Times is published every other week.

IS IT FRIDAY YET!?

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ENTERTAINMENT - FRIDAYS LIVE BANDS:

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3325 E. 106th Street (Located on the corner of 106th St. and Mackinaw Ave.)

Chicago, IL 60617 • 773-933-8663 • 11am - Mon - Sun

ONT / Issue 1 / Vol.6

It’s a COYOTE! The city of Chicago and local areas, including Wolf Lake and Eggers Grove, have seen an increase in coyote sightings. They look like pet dogs but, are in fact, wild animals and should not be approached.

Coyotes are always on the lookout for food and commonly feed on mice, rabbits and birds. They have also been known to prey on small dogs and are commonly attracted to bird feeders and pet food that is left outside.

Should one come in contact, do not run.

Yell, stand up straight and wave around. Look larger and louder than appearing to be.

January 29, 2013

Around Town

ONT / Issue 1 / Vol.6

January 29, 2013

4

A Gym to Lift Weights and Spirits

By Anthony Vasquez Avasquez@ontnews.com

The basement was filled with music, and not just sounds from the radio. A beat pounds from the corner as a young man rhythmically hits a speed bag hanging from the ceiling.

Weight plates clang and leave notes ringing in the ears of nearby visitors. Walk into Johnny’s Gym on any Monday, Wednesday or Friday afternoon and this is the typical scene.

Housed in the former Bethany Church, 10324 Avenue J, the building has now become an adjunct for the Community Christian Church (CCC) located up the street at 10323 Ewing Ave. The church tries to involve the community in family-friendly events as often as possible. This past Christmas, a live nativity display was held which featured live camels and donkeys. Johnny’s Gym also donated food to a half a dozen members in need on Thanksgiving.

After the building was sold to the CCC for just $1 twelve years ago, Tony Flores spearheaded the mission to develop the building as a fitness center to get neighborhood kids off the street. He explained that his goal is to “give the kids a better place to go after school, somewhere that’s free of drugs, gangs and other temptations of the streets. Johnny’s is a place where they can learn discipline and about the word of God. This is a ministry.”

Johnny’s Gym features the presence of bible scriptures painted on the walls in bold lettering. Another unique aspect to this gym is that it isn’t uncommon for patrons to stop what they’re doing, and huddle up after a request for group prayer. Co-director Rick Sanchez boasts, “Maybe we can’t get them to that church every Sunday, but we just try to plant that seed. The rest is up to them.”

The basement gym is an impressive space that houses free weight stations, benches, dip bars and multiple state of the art fitness machines. It has come a long way from the lone ragged weight bench Flores says they started out with. Many of the machines were salvaged from closed down gyms like Bally’s and church members have also donated equipment. Upstairs, the women’s section of the gym has a hall for aerobics classes and a room full of cardio equipment like treadmills and elliptical machines.

Rather than sell monthly membership plans, the gym requests members donate $1 each time they visit. Bad language is frowned upon, and many of the kids joke that you better not let Tony hear you swear. Some members have had previous gang affiliations, but Flores has a rule about that: “Whatever you do out there, whatever you’re plugged into, you come in this door and you unplug.”

Gym member Jimmy Rozycki, 21, said of his friends, “Sometimes people have

trouble with gangs so I tell them to come to the gym.” Recent George Washington High graduate, Reggie Saulcedo, 18, agreed saying, “Whatever conflict that’s outside stays outside. This is a space for peace and communicating with your friends. It’s a very good and beautiful place. It’s not a church, but every house is God’s house.”

Saulcedo has been attending the gym for four years, and over that time has dropped over 100 lbs. He adds, “If you have problems at home, you can come here and talk to Tony or Rick and they offer you assistance.”

Sanchez echoed this sentiment saying, “We’re here for them. You can come to Tony or myself to talk about any problems or needs you have.

If we can’t find the solution for you, we’ll find someone who can.”

Johnny’s has definitely become a place of recreational refuge, but not all the stories are happy ones. In its history, the gym has lost four members to violence. Of this Flores said, “It’s just heartbreaking. You get to know these kids and all of a sudden they’re gone.”

The gym organizers make efforts to prevent such occurrences. The gym is open during late afternoon and early evening hours to give local kids somewhere safe and productive to go after school.

A year ago they implemented free mixed martial arts training classes into their program.

Headed by Sanchez and veteran Chicago

In fall 2008, Producers Jason Elkins and Brian Poszgai met each other for the first time in a radio station just west of the city. Little did they know, the two would soon combine forces with their new film production company, Poszing Elk. Creating their first official feature film, “Keep It In The Family” on what is now one of the biggest independent film production efforts in Chicago in some time. Slating Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area as the backdrop for the film, it concentrates on human issues and solutions that occur everyday in families universally.

Elkins and Poszgai took a progressive stance in collaborating their tools and professional expertise in which they collectively accomplished with forty years of solid industry experience. Being a Hollywood veteran , Elkins relocated from Los Angeles to the Midwest in 2008 after working on such projects as, “Jack And The Beanstalk” for Avalon Family Films, “The Tom Green Show” and ghostwriting on some well known films. Elkins is a graduate of The American Academy of Art Chicago, Second City Players Workshop alumni and received a scholarship

to The Piven Theater. He also Hosted and Produced his own show on the internet.

He was pleasantly surprised when Poszgai approached him about a possible team up.

The two saw the value of working together with full creative freedoms while giving back to the land they love.

Poszgai, who had already caught the independent film- making bug had just previously come off of editing a Mickey Rooney vehicle and was looking for a new outlet. Past credits included, “The Jerry Springer Show”, local Chicago music TV show, “JBTV” and is certified with a degree from The Illinois Center For Broadcasting.

Together the team plans to enrich the independent film industry by creating jobs and helping the economy. Both agree that the film boom started out in Chicago long ago and now they want to welcome it back home with open arms. “Keep It In The Family” promises to have a worldwide appeal in National and International markets.

Currently, Poszing Elk is in the final stages of Pre-Production as they are locking in securing some known talents. They are looking to get a beloved American icon who achieved his

success cutting his teeth at Chicago’s Second City to star. To date, interest has come from: Hollywood screen legend James Hong for a key supporting role, Marvel/DC/Image comic book artist, Corey Hamscher secured to draw storyboards, contestant of the Sci Fi channel show, “Face Off” J. Anthony Kosar to handle special effects, accomplished musician RJ Thompson, formerly of industrial rock band “Ghost In The Machine” whose credits include, Mtv’s “Punkd” History Channel, and the Tom Green indie film, ‘Shred” to collaborate with the film score musicians and finally famed Chicago rock band, Local H for original music.

“Keep It In The Family” is a powerful screenplay which touches on delicate life issues never before addressed in a family film. The protagonist encounters numerous challenges and finds the power within himself and his step-uncle to overcome them. Along the way, they discover the true meaning and importance of “family” in today’s cruel world. Life lessons are learned, hardships are battled and when all hope is lost, moving forward is the only direction.

Elkins and Poszgai are excited to be

Police Department officer, Ramon Zavaleta, the courses are held Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and help foster self-confidence in children. Officer Zaveleta described it as a process to “break them down physically in order to reach them spiritually. Here, we show them there’s something else to be a part of. You can be part of a team without the negativity of being in a gang.” Zaveleta also believes the gym serves as a low-pressure ministry saying, “We slowly start to talk to them about God and going to church. We want them to learn about the importance of the word of God without scaring them away.”

The gym is a place where children can be introduced to spiritual values as well as fitness ones. Saulcedo said the gym is a great place to make friends, and while new bonds are formed there, others are strengthened. Memo DelRio, 39, likes to bring his son Josh, 16, to Johnny’s to work out together. Josh attends the CCC’s weekly bible study and told his dad about the gym. Memo seized the opportunity to spend time getting fit with his son, elaborating, “My father left when I was young. I don’t want him to go through what I went through so we do lots of activities together.” Josh enthusiastically added, “He’s my best friend. When we work out, I motivate him and he motivates me. It’s a good way to do some father/son bonding.”

New Film Company Taps Into Audiences Hearts With Fresh Approach

meeting with film investors who want to get involved with a meaningful independent movie. “Keep It In The Family” is a dream for any investor who has heart and soul and wants to make a difference in the world.

For a brief introduction to Poszing Elk, visit poszingelk.com and for further information on Poszing Elk’s film investment opportunity contact Jim Pesoli - Attorney at Law, PO Box 1520, Arlington Heights, IL 60006 Phone: 847-721-8122 Fax: 847-463-0554, jamespesoli.com

Many look forward to Chicago winters as they bring snow and the festive holiday spirit.

They also bring the cold winds, rains and ice, but that was not the case on Saturday, January 19. With about 40-degree weather and the sun beaming down, the 10th Ward Annual

Winterfest at Rowan Park was a great success!

Winterfest 2013 hosted by Alderman John A. Pope and the Chicago Park District, served as a great reminder of the vast array of enjoyable activities and events that the 10th Ward offers. This event consisted of free iceskating, music, games and light refreshments.

Just like past years, over 30 prizes were raffled off including two bicycles. The

Hegewisch Community Committee provided hot chocolate as well as free scarves, hats and gloves to many of the skaters.

Due to the cold winters Chicago is so famous for, outdoor activities can seem limited.

The 10th Ward Winterfest gives kids the opportunity to stay active and have fun. “It is great to know that we have an iceskating rink right in our backyard and so easily

accessible to us!” stated 10th Ward resident, Leila Zakhem, who has two young boys that love to skate.

Missed Winterfest 2013? Not to worry.

Rowan Park’s ice-skating rink has free admission and $6 skate rental. Open skate is Wednesday - Sunday, 12:30pm - 7:30pm. For more information, call 773.646.1967.

Fire Victims Benefit Fundraiser On Sunday, January 20th a fire ripped through the apartments of two very good people. They lost almost everything they owned. Please join us on February 2, 2013 to help get them back on their feet.

Benefit for Fire Vic�ms:

John Kopilas and Al Wujek O’Hara’s Tavern, 3541 East 106th St., Chicago, IL 60617 Tickets are $50.00 at the door Includes: Open Bar from 7-11pm, Food & Music If you have further ques�ons or will be unable to a�end but would like make a dona�on, please contact: Steve Oganovich David Piotrowski Jim Farrell

312.259.0182 773.330.5113 312.735.5033

ONT / Issue 1 / Vol.6

By Yessinia Carreon ycarreon@ontnews.com

at Rowan Park

January 29, 2013

10th Ward Annual Winterfest

5

January 29, 2013

By Anthony Vasquez Avasquez@ontnews.com

ONT / Issue 1 / Vol.6

6

A special primary election will be held on Feb 26, 2013 to fill the 2nd District congressional seat left vacant by resigning Congressman, Jesse Jackson Jr. After serving for 17 years, Jackson’s resignation followed a lengthy absence due to his receiving treatment for bipolar disorder and on the heels of news of a reported federal investigation regarding misuse of campaign funds.

In February, voters will help to decide which candidate best represents them.

The 2nd District of Illinois encompasses segments of Cook, Will and Kankakee Counties. As this election directly affects our readers, Our Neighborhood Times is committed to helping voters make an informed decision by presenting a feature on the importance of this election. What follows is a quick summary of information explaining what a congressman is and does.

Each state is represented at the federal level in both the U.S. Senate and the

Special Election to Fill

House of Representatives. All states are represented by two senators each, but the number of representatives in the House varies per state based on its population.

Illinois has been allotted one representative for each of its 18 population districts.

The 2nd District is the one in which the communities served by ONT falls under, and that which the election intends to fill.

It is important that voters turn out and make their voices heard in support of the candidate they feel best represents their interests as individuals and members of a community.

tax rates, funding for public schools or support of “green” initiatives.

The elected representative of the 2nd District may also be called upon to sit on various committees, which influence legislation regarding transportation, veterans’ affairs and foreign policy. A vote for the wrong candidate can mean electing someone who may not support the same opinions or will poorly represent the important matters that

Whoever wins a congressional election will be placed in a position of power as they will be called upon for the following two years to vote on issues that affect citizens of Illinois. When bills are presented in congress, representatives vote on whether to enact that bill into law or to dismiss it. A representative’s stance on issues such as gun control, health care, abortion, social security and Medicare will influence their support on laws surrounding those issues. Economic, educational and environmental issues are also considered by representatives and their opinion can affect

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and often comes with no warning signs. Ranked in the top 10% for cardiac care, Advocate Trinity Hospital focuses on early detection and provides you access to the latest treatments to help you take better care of your heart. That’s why more people trust their hearts to Advocate Health Care than anyone else in Illinois.To find an Advocate physician, call 1.855.ONE.HEART (1.855.663.4327) or visit advocatehealth.com/trinity/heart to learn more.

01913_6319_20x5.2_4c_ONT_Dancing.indd 1

will affect the community.

Why the special election on February 26?

The special election is to fill the seat in the House of Representatives vacated by Jesse Jackson Jr. who resigned on Nov 21, 2012.

What is the House of Representatives?

The United States House of Representatives is one of the two houses of the United States Congress. It is frequently referred to as the House. The other house is the Senate. Elected to a two-year term, each representative serves the people of a specific congressional district by introducing bills and serving on committees, among other duties. There are currently 435 voting members.

Geography of the 2nd Congressional District The 2nd Congressional District includes the suburban municipalities of Burnham, Calumet City, Chicago Heights, Dolton, East Hazel Crest, Flossmoor, Ford Heights, Glenwood, Harvey, Hazel Crest, Homewood, Lansing, Lynwood, Matteson, Olympia Fields, Park Forest, Phoenix, Richton Park, South Chicago Heights, South Holland and Thornton, nearly all of Country Club Hills, Riverdale and Sauk Village, parts of Calumet Park, Dixmoor, Markham, Steger and University Park, and some small sections of Blue Island, Frankfort and Oak Forest. The district's area south of 95th Street is almost entirely east of the Dan Ryan Expressway (Interstate 57) until reaching Rich Township.

It is important to know where the running candidates stand on issues that are important to you. Post questions on ONT’s Facebook (www.facebok.com/ontnews) or send an email with any questions for the running candidates to info@ontnews.com.

Look for a handy guide on the candidates and their stances on the issues that matter to you in our next issue.

Map of the 2nd Congressional District

In the City of Chicago, the district includes the communities of East Side, Hegewisch, Pullman, Riverdale and South Deering; almost all of South Chicago; part of Hyde Park and the portion of Woodlawn east of Stony Island Avenue (largely consisting of Jackson Park); most of Avalon Park, Calumet Heights and South Shore east of Stony Island; most of Roseland south of 95th Street; most of Washington Heights southeast of 99th Street and Racine Avenue; part of Morgan Park east of Racine; and West Pullman excepting the portion southwest of 119th and Racine.

1/25/13 2:02 PM

ONT / Issue 1 / Vol.6

Former Rep. Jackson voted against a bill that would give small business owners an income tax deduction. Voters who are small business owners would likely not appreciate this. Jackson also voted in favor of legislation which repealed limits on work visas. Depending on your stance on immigration, citizens may or may not have been represented by his vote. Jackson also voted against the use of U.S. troops in Libya and voted in support of limiting use of funds to support NATO action in Libya.

Depending on one’s political leanings, this may or may not be representative of their wishes.

January 29, 2013

Jackson’s Congressional Seat

7

8 January 29, 2013

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ONT / Issue 1 / Vol.6

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ONT / Issue 1 / Vol.6

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ONT / Issue 1 / Vol.6

January 29, 2013

10

By Abraham Carreon Acarreon@ontnews.com

St. Francis De Sales Celebrates

St. Francis de Sales turned back the clock 25 years this past Friday evening. The “Night of Champions” themed evening honored and celebrated the school’s 1988 boys’ basketball and girls’ softball teams during halftime of the varsity home basketball game against Providence.

The varsity team lost 61-66 in a closely contested game, which followed after the blowout loss the Pioneers junior varsity team suffered to Providence. The games, though, were an afterthought to the honoring of the ’88 sports teams on hand.

The ‘88 basketball team finished 2nd place in the State Tournament, while the softball team finished in 3rd place. Mike Kaczmarz (basketball) and Raymond Kosinski (softball) were the head coaches for the respective sports teams at the time.

Kosinski, who was also a former teacher and worked as security for St. Francis de Sales, passed away in April at the age of 73.

He coached the girls’ softball team from 19851990, leading them to a 34-5 record during the ‘88 season.

Bruce Brozynski was an assistant coach on the softball team during the ‘88 season and was on hand for the celebration on Friday.

Brozynski said that he also came in as a coach in ‘85 and took over as head coach after Kosinski left in ‘90. Brozynski said that with Kosinski at the helm, the team gelled.

“He was a great guy. He always got along with the girls, and they loved him,” Brozynski said of Kosinski’s relationship with his team.

“We must have won around 125 games in four years.”

Kosinski’s daughter, Kim Kosinski, was a senior and pitched for the Pioneers during the ’88 season. One memorable moment for her during that season is their victory over the favored Thornwood in the Sectionals Tournament. She said it was a great moment because the girls on the opposing team were confident they would win.

Kim said that her father didn’t give her any special treatment as her coach. If anything, she remembers it being the complete opposite.

“My mom didn’t like it at first,” Kim said about her father coaching her during her freshman year. “I had it harder than everybody else. I’m the one who had to hear it on the ride back home after a game.”

With a 60-52 defeat to East St. Louis in the 1988 State Championship Game, the Pioneers boys’ basketball team finished in 2nd place in the state. Even still, the loss couldn’t put a damper on a wonderful season, which finished with a 29-2 record—with both losses coming

From right to left; Mary Kay Ramirez (Principal), Timel Moore, Dale Parish, Richard Hawkins, Walter Schultz (Principal 1988), Bob Clay, Tony Machalski, Doug Salas, John Simmons, Larry Moore, Rodney Amision, Mike Kazmartz, TJ Sadjac (Coach), Ray Nedohon (President), Greg Modzelewski (Athletic Director) to E. St. Louis.

Aside from finishing 2nd place in the state, the ‘88 boys basketball team had many more achievements; both individually and collectively. For the first time in over a decade at the time, the Pioneers went undefeated in the Chicago Catholic League (13-0). They were also the Pekin Holiday Tournament Champions and the Chicago Sun-Times Team of the Year.

Coach Kaczmarz was named the Chicago Catholic League “Coach of the Year.” He had a record of 118-50 during his first six years (1982-88) as the Pioneers head coach.

Kaczmarz’s 7th year with the team would be his last.

Eric Anderson was the star player on that ‘88 team. The All-American was awarded the Illinois Mr. Basketball honors that year. The award is given to the student athlete chosen

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1988 Teams in “Night of Champions”

11

ONT / Issue 1 / Vol.6 From right to left; Ray Nedohon, Greg Modzelewski (Athletic Director), Selena Marinopoulos, Bruce Brozynsky (Asst Coach), Carrie Dawson, Ray Kosinski Jr (Asst Coach), Kelly Kavanaugh-Meany, Carrie Dawson (Duplicate), Kim Kosinski, Donna Kosinski (Asst Coach), Mary Kay Ramirez (principal), Jennifer Danascek-Downs as the best high school player in the state.

Anderson was also a great student, which coach Kacmarz was really proud of. Off the court, he had a 3.8 grade-point average.

Anderson went on to Indiana University to play under legendary coach Bob Knight the following year. He played professionally for the New York Knicks from 1992-1994, before going to play overseas.

Larry Moore, an assistant coach during the

‘88 season, had to follow Kaczmarz’s footsteps as head coach, and did so successfully. Still, he gives most of the credit to Kaczmarz.

“I give him all the credit,” Moore spoke about his predecessor. “He got the ball rolling and I just simply went from what he built.”

Like the girls’ softball team that same year, Kaczmarz says their success was due to them coming together as a team, rather than individual play.

“We won so many close games, and everybody was involved,” Kaczmarz recalled.

“Eric was the star, but everybody contributed.

It was such a magical year.”

Brozynski also raved about the girls softball team, beyond their athletic abilities.

“All the girls worked together. They played hard, they played as a team,” Brozynski happily reminisced. “As coaches, we were blessed. Not only were they great players, but

they were also great students.”

And as once great coaches, students and athletes, on this “Night of Champions,” this particular basketball and softball team were able to rewind the clock 25 years and once again celebrate their magical season as Pioneers in ‘88.

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ONT / Issue 1 / Vol.6

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