Geist Magazine February 2021

MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2021

PEDALING ON

MATTHEWS BICYCLES IS STILL THRIVING AFTER MORE THAN 75 YEARS FISHERS ANNOUNCES FIRST COVID-19 MASS VACCINATION SITE TREAT TIME

Sweeties Gourmet Treats Opens Location on Pendleton Pike

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FEB RUARY 2021

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Molding Minds: The MLK Center Helps Children and Teens Read, Learn and Improve

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Pandemic-Proof Valentine’s Day Ideas

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Delicioso! Sangrita Grill & Cantina Celebrates Grand Opening at the Fishers Dis-trict

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Fishers Announces First COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Site

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Pedaling On: Matthews Bicycles is Still Thriving After More Than 75 Years

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Treat Time: Sweeties Gourmet Treats Opens Location on Pendleton Pike

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MOLDING MINDS

THE MLK CENTER HELPS CHILDREN AND TEENS READ, LEARN AND IMPROVE Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Michael Durr

When Allison Luthe first started working at the Martin Luther King Community Center in June of 2015, the organization was in a transition phase. Faced with some financial troubles, they paused to restructure and get clear on their purpose.

Allison Luthe, Executive Director

highly competitive four-year grant from the state to partner with the school, which helps them provide literacy, coaching, tutoring and reading support for kids. The goal of the program is to get students reading at grade level by third grade. The program has been a In a five-year stretch, they grew from a single success, and the grant was recently renewed for an additional four years. employee to 22, thereby expanding the capacity of the organization.

“We combine that after-school program “We talked to parents to find out what they with our summer program and provide year-round literacy support,” Luthe says. wanted, and they said they desperately needed after-school care, so we partnered “We believe in literacy because education with local child care providers to get kids is power. Keeping people connected can be connected to quality child care between the a solution to systemic racism, empowering ages of 0 and 5,” Luthe says. others, and building up the neighborhood.

We’re really focused on the feeder area of They also focused on youth education.

School 43, which is the Butler-Tarkington, Crown Hill, Mapleton-Fall Creek and Students at James Whitcomb Riley School Meridian-Kessler neighborhoods.”

43, located one block from the center, were struggling academically. Having had Middle school and high school teens have five principals in six years, the students access to the Best Buy Teen Tech Center, desperately needed help with literacy in a national program in partnership with particular, so the MLK Center secured a “As a community center, we have a mission to focus on social services, but at the same time, we don’t just want to be providing band-aids and temporary solutions,” says Luthe, executive director.

10 / FEBRUARY 2021

the Clubhouse Network, an international network of neighborhood-based technology hubs for kids. The Best Buy Teen Tech Center, which opened in January of 2019, enables students to collaborate in projectbased learning to get hands-on training in coding, application development, digital music and film production, digital photography, 3D design, robotics and more.

These teens participate in career pathway programs and can earn credentials, secure internships, and explore future education for career possibilities in technology.

Though there are multiple centers around the country, this is the only location in Indiana.

Douglas Morris, coordinator at the MLK Center for the Tech Center, grew up in this neighborhood in the 1980s and knows firsthand how many of these teens feel.

“Like many of us, I can relate to these youth’s coming of age stories,” Morris says.

“Whether it’s feelings of loneliness, due to absence of a parent(s) or just feeling misunderstood. Add the mental, physical and financial strains these teens are processing and it’s socio-economics 101. Technology is the hook for these kids, as they don’t have

Douglas Morris, coordinator at the MLK Center for the Tech Center

ac-cess to it elsewhere. Once I’ve got them in the door, we dig into who they are and what they want for their life.”

Morris hears personal stories on a daily basis, like when he learns that a teen’s lights have been shut off, or that there’s no food in their refrigerator. However, there are also stories of success and perseverance. One teen told Morris that the MLK Center helps him be the best version of himself.

seven-week summer employment program that pays teens a $100 stipend per week to clean up the park, alleys and trash in the neighborhood, and also undertake service projects. Teens are required to participate in some professional development, conflict resolution and counseling, in addition to taking care of their neighborhood. When the program began, 30 teens applied. This past summer, that application number more than doubled.

“We do zero marketing,” Luthe says. “It’s all word of mouth.”

Those teens who triggered the program now work at the MLK Center as junior community builders.

“They are ambassadors to their communities and are carrying that voice back into the center,” says Luthe, noting that the center is also developing a youth The MLK Center is located across the street from Tarkington Park. In February of committee that will have two seats on the board of directors. “We’re making sure that 2017, two teens were arrested for fighting we’re putting our money where our mouth there. One was put on probation for nearly is. If we’re going to challenge things like gun two years, so the MLK Center partnered violence, dropout rates or anything related with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and neighborhood associations to young people, they must be at the center to create the Tarkington Teen Work Crew, a of that decision-making.”

FEBRUARY 2021 / 11

Luthe says a number of community members have expressed an interest in volunteer opportunities, but those are not currently available due to COVID-19.

However, she encourages folks to visit their official website to learn how they can participate in the 16-hour nonviolent training, which will focus on values espoused by Martin Luther King, Jr. “We will tackle those things that keep us

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divided,” she says.

The plan is to train all of their teenagers, partners, volunteers and board members, thanks to grants from the Butler Giving Circle and the Meridian Street United Methodist Church.

“When people ask what they can do about injustice or inequality, this is something learn how to build community,” says Luthe,

who participated in training at The King Center in Atlanta as well the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago. “We are developing a local version and building our programming around it.”

The MLK Center is located at 40 West 40th Street in Indianapolis. For more information, call 317-923-4581 or visit MLKCenterIndy.org.

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PANDEMIC-PROOF VALENTINE’S DAY IDEAS Writer / Abigail Hake Photography Provided

It’s not every year that you have to get really creative for Valentine’s Day. Usually a gift or flowers, followed by a nice meal with no kids (if you have them) and a glass of wine, is just fine and thoroughly enjoyed. This year, however, it’s a little more complicated - but just because things are a bit more complicated doesn’t mean you can’t have a great Valentine’s Day. Here are six pandemic-proof date night ideas for you and yours.

TACKLE A PROJECT

While this isn’t the most romantic thing to do, it does bring you together with your partner to tackle something you’ve been wanting to start (or finish). Maybe it’s something you needed for your home, or something to give to someone else. Either way, you’ll feel good working together and accomplishing something at the end of the night.

COOK TOGETHER

While there are a few cooking stores that are still having classes in person, lots are offering online options. If you feel good enough to head out and want to enjoy a private lesson at a shop, do it. If not, sign up for an online class and give it a go in your own kitchen.

Otherwise, order an oven-ready meal kit that you can make together, with included stepby-step instructions as well as all required ingredients.

BINGE A SERIES

A trusty go-to if you can’t figure out what to do. We suggest something completely new that’s getting rave reviews, or something with lots of nostalgia. You can easily get sucked into the old “Supermarket Sweep,” or something a bit newer like “The Office.”

Perhaps check out “Cobra Kai,” which can be binged in one evening, and has both a new and old feeling to it.

14 / FEBRUARY 2021

LEARN SOMETHING NEW If you aren’t feeling that great about going out Yelp has been great during these crazy times for offering info on events with local restaurants and crafters. If you can’t find anything local, YouTube is always a good place to go to learn a new trade. Maybe try DJ spinning lessons or brewing your own beer. Pick something you both want to learn more about, and dive right in.

GO FOR A WALK OR RUN Another simple yet perfect way to spend time together is a walk, or if you are feeling up to it, a run. Use the time to talk about how you hope the new year will go, or just catch up a bit.

BOOK A PRIVATE LESSON

Pastries would be a perfect go-to for this one, but you can probably find a class for just about anything. Macarons or chocolate sound delish, and would be fun to make and take. Art lessons are another great option too.

because of COVID, private lessons provide a great way to get out with minimal contact.

RENT A MOVIE THEATER

Yes, you can do this! AMC Theatres is doing this, and offering private theater rentals starting at $99. It’s pretty cool to have the entire theater to yourself. Pick something from their library of movies like “Love Actually,” and you’ll have a really lovely evening. They might even have drink specials for you too.

CHECK INTO A HOTEL

Lastly, you can always book a room at a local hotel. Maybe try that new boutique hotel you’ve had your eye on, and order room service. Hotels are still open but generally at a much lower capacity, so make sure to book early. Wherever you decide, pick somewhere you can enjoy and treat yourselves a bit.

FEBRUARY 2021 / 15

While times are still a little off, that doesn’t mean you can’t still make time for each other. Everyone needs a little pick-me-up, and Valentine’s Day might just be the perfect time for that. Whether you end up ordering sushi and just watching a movie with the family, or you actually get to partake in a night away, remember - love is all you need.

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DELICIOSO! SANGRITA GRILL & CANTINA CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING AT THE FISHERS DISTRICT

18 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY 2021 / atFishers.com

“I like Mexican food,” he says. “I’m actually Middle Eastern. Two of us in our ownership group are Lebanese and Syrian by descent.

You wouldn’t know it, but if you actually research it, a lot of Mexican cuisine is influenced by the Middle East. Tacos al pastor and all of those things were kind of inspired by Lebanese culture. Gyros and Lebanese spit-fired food became prevalent and the South Americans, Mexicans and Central Americans ran with it. It’s got some crossover from our heritage.”

Mercho says market forces also played a role in the decision to open what he calls a modern, trendy Mexican restaurant.

Writer / Ryan Kennedy Photographer / Amy Payne

Sangrita Grill & Cantina in Fishers District is bringing unique, modern, Mexican-style cuisine to the Fishers area.

If the name sounds familiar, it’s likely because the restaurant is owned by the same people who run Sangrita Saloon in Broad Ripple.

“We tweaked the name a little bit for Fishers,” says Tarek Mercho, who co-owns the restaurant with two partners. “We are Sangrita Grill & Cantina here in Fishers.

Saloon is for the Broad Ripple location only because it’s definitely more of a saloon.

This is more of a restaurant. I won’t say it’s

not a bar too, but it has more of a family atmosphere here.”

“At the same time we were opening - and it’s kind of still going on - the super-premium tequila market was exploding,” he says.

“It’s like red wine now. There are all these different brands, types, vintages and barrels and all. Tequila was exploding on the scene when we opened, and that helped drive us to the niche market that we thought was kind of missing in the Indianapolis market.”

Mercho owns the law firm Mercho Caughey, What makes the restaurant different from and has been a lawyer for 15 years. other Mexican eateries around central Indiana, according to Mercho, is that “We got into the restaurant business about Sangrita Grill & Cantina offers expected five years ago with our first location over Mexican food in unexpected ways. there in Broad Ripple,” he says. “Food and drinks have always been a passion of mine.

“Most people, at least in central Indiana, I’m kind of a foodie. We cut our teeth over all say they go to a Mexican restaurant like in Broad Ripple and are now on to - we an El Rodeo or a La Hacienda - which, hope - bigger and greener pastures.” not knocking those restaurants at all - and expect a certain decor and a certain type Mercho says Mexican food is a personal of food,” he says. “You’re going to order passion of his - a passion, he says, that the fajitas, and it’s going to come on a comes from a place people might not sizzle plate. You’re going to get a side of expect. just refried beans with the same rice, the FEBRUARY 2021 / 19

Owners Chris Chabenne, Chris Szymanczyk and Tarek Mercho

to reinvent each dish in ways people won’t normally expect, but not in such a way that people won’t recognize what they are eating.

Mercho and his partners pulled inspiration from their favorite restaurants in places like Chicago and New York when putting together Sangrita Grill & Cantina’s menu.

It’s a menu, he says, which they’ve been able to add variation to because of the extra kitchen space afforded to them in their Fishers location.

In addition to the increased kitchen space, Mercho says the growth of Fishers as a whole led to their decision to open Sangrita Grill & Cantina in the area.

“We’ve just seen the growth, seen the expansion, and love what’s going on in Fishers,” he says. “When we got word about Thompson Thrift’s development here we were very excited. Watching the development, watching the different groups that signed on here, for us, just the mega lifestyle center here that Thompson Thrift has created is just kind of perfect, with the vibe that we want to establish for our restaurant moving forward - just a big center where you can eat, drink, play and exercise all in one. The District has everything you could ever want in one - one block basically.

We love that.” same shredded lettuce, and the same sour cream and guacamole. We do things in an unexpected way. We try to improve those items - improve them in their display, their

plating, and their taste by using interesting ingredients.”

Mercho says Sangrita Grill & Cantina tries 20 / FEBRUARY 2021

Sangrita Grill & Cantina is located in the Fishers District, at 11547 Yard Street. You can give them a call at 317-288-4036 or visit them on OpenTable to make a reservation.

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FISHERS ANNOUNCES FIRST COVID-19 MASS VACCINATION SITE SITE IS LOCATED INSIDE FORMER MARSH OFF 116TH & BROOKS SCHOOL Mayor Scott Fadness and Fishers Health Department Public Health Director Monica Heltz

Story & Photos Provided

from those outside your household.”

In anticipation of increased supply and demand, the Fishers Health Department recently announced the acquisition of the former Marsh Supermarket store located at 116th Street and Brooks School Rd. for a mass vaccination site. The city has worked hard to get the site operational by the end of January and has the ability to vaccinate up to 1,000 individuals per day.

The Fishers Health Department administered its first COVID-19 vaccine on Jan. 12 at its temporary vaccination site. The Indiana Department of Health has already delivered 400 doses of the Moderna vaccine as of mid-January.

The new mass vaccination site, rehabilitated

by Fishers Department of Public Works, will feature fully operational registration, “We are thrilled to have COVID-19 vaccination, and waiting areas. The 48,000 vaccinations available to our residents,” says sq. ft. site will also be able to process Public Health Director Monica Heltz. “This approximately 1,000 vaccinations a day, vaccine gets us one step closer to controlling servicing Hoosiers across Central Indiana. the spread of COVID-19 and eventually experiencing some normalcy in our daily Residents who qualify for vaccines under lives. I urge each of our residents to get this the Indiana Department of Health’s current vaccine and continue to stay vigilant by priority group, those 80 years and older, washing hands, masking up and distancing first responders, and healthcare workers, 22 / FEBRUARY 2021

are eligible to register for a vaccine at any Indiana vaccination site at ourshot.in.gov.

The site also does not require those looking to get vaccinated to be Fishers residents.

“We are excited to announce this mass vaccination site,” says Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness. “I can’t tell you the amount of work that has been done to make this happen, whether it is the fire department, department of public works, our health department. Countless hours have been put into this facility. I can’t stress enough the sense of urgency we have in our community to develop an infrastructure to vaccinate our people. We intend to have 6,000 people vaccinated a week in the City of Fishers.

Our long-term goal is to have 10,000 people a week be vaccinated at this facility.”

The FHD encourages residents to complete

MASS VACCINATION SITE LAYOUT

the Vaccine Interest Form to assist in notifications to those interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The FHD will utilize information provided in the form to notify those who qualify for the vaccine based on the Indiana Department of Health’s priority groups. Residents may complete the optional form at www.fishers. in.us/vaccine.

“We are really thrilled to be able to open up this larger facility,” Heltz adds. “We have been vaccinating our residents at our temporary facility. We plan to have the maximum amount of vaccinations that the state will give us. At this mass vaccination site, we will have a number of stations for registration, vaccination stages, and a large waiting area off to the side that will be equipped with epinephrine in case of reactions. We don’t expect to have many of those based on national reports and reaction rates that we are seeing. This vaccine has been shown to be very safe and very effective at preventing COVID-19. We are really excited to be getting back on the road to some normalcy.”

FEBRUARY 2021 / 23

FISHERS COMMUNITY SHARES ACTS OF KINDNESS The City of Fishers 2,000 Acts of Kindness campaign has caught fire as residents have submitted their photos of more than 1,000 acts of kindness online. Take a look at a snapshot of some below as our city continues to pay it forward in 2021! #FishersKindness

Brooke Gajownik

Amanda Waymire

Nat Stoner

Matt, Hunter and Cole Mazurkiewicz

Heather French

Penny Donato

Megan Stoner

Gwenn Frasco

Elin Miltenberger

Stacey Braun

Dena Baker

Rachel Cho

Robbie Guo

Katy Williams

Warren Bryant

Christy Rieman

Holly Newell

Maryclare Valentine

Gabby Frampton

Kelly Yale

24 / FEBRUARY 2021

Owner Nancy Parent

PEDALING ON

MATTHEWS BICYCLES IS STILL THRIVING AFTER MORE THAN 75 YEARS atGeist.com / FEBRUARY 2021 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 25

When she first came on with Matthews, Parent explains the brands the shop carried were far different from what they carry today.

Writer / Seth Johnson Photographer / Michael Durr

Trek, Jamis, Electra, Bianchi and Haro.

F

Between 1944 and 1974, Matthews Bicycles had various locations around Indianapolis “You had Raleigh, Nishiki, Centurion and at 34th and Central, 38th and College, and 38th and Sherman, before eventually finding Schwinn - all of these brands that just aren’t really even here now,” she says. “Trek was just their current home on Pendleton Pike.

or decades, Matthews Bicycles has served the needs of central Indiana cyclists, from training wheels to pro tours. What some may not know about the shop, however, is that it originally spawned out of a bicycle manufacturing business.

“Matthews actually started out as a manufacturer of bicycles, and there’s one of the original Matthews bicycles here at the shop,” says current Matthews Bicycles Owner Nancy Parent. “They bought up all this stuff so that they could continue to manufacture through [World War II]. Everything was going great, but the thing that they totally forgot about were cardboard boxes in order to ship them. They had all this inventory, so some of it went to war relief, and with the stuff that was already made, they started a retail store.”

Originally founded in 1944 by John S. Matthews Sr., Matthews Bicycles offers bicycle repair services, while also carrying an array of brands that include Specialized,

“The land was purchased and the store was built to be a bike shop,” Parent says of the Pendleton Pike location. “It was started in ’72 and finished in ’74.”

In 1982 Parent became a part of the Matthews team, after a friend introduced her to John Matthews, who asked Parent if she’d like to invest in his business. With a background in sales, Parent agreed to come on board, although she admits her knowledge of bicycles was very limited at the start.

“I had to learn all about everything from brakes to derailleurs,” she says. “Growing up, we just had little coaster brake bikes, so I didn’t even really know how to shift or anything. I had to learn it all.”

26 / GEIST MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY 2021 / atGeist.com

a baby in the business. I think they started in ’76 or ’78, so they were just coming into play.

Specialized started in ’74, so those two were like the new kids on the block.”

“This year with COVID, it’s just been crazy,” she says. “I think people were dragging bikes out of their back sheds and barns. They came in with spiders and everything on them.”

Parent also explains that since those early days, Matthews Bicycles has gone from being a neighborhood shop to a Midwest destination.

Additionally, she says the store has recently sold more children’s bikes than usual.

“We’ve sold so many kids bikes this year, which was great,” Parent says. “Kids had been in the house too long on their computers, and I think they probably got sick of it since they had to do online learning.”

“Now, people come from all over,” she says.

“It’s nothing to have clients from Terre Haute, Louisville, South Bend, Batesville or Richmond. I think more than anything, now While 2020 saw a surge in sales, Parent says bike stores are destination stores.” the shop’s bicycle distributors are bracing for more of the same in 2021.

While some sectors of retail have faced challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic, Parent says business has been booming at “We sold through all of our bikes and Matthews Bicycles. In particular, she says couldn’t get any more,” she says. “Now, we’re the shop has seen a swell in service and getting our supply built back up, and we’re repair work. looking good again. For next spring, all the

distributors are like, ‘You better get your bikes now because they’re going to be in short supply again.’ ” When it comes to the staff at Matthews Bicycles, Parent aims to foster a welcoming environment, with employees who know your name and what bike you ride upon walking in the door.

“The employees I’ve had in the last 10 years are probably the best that I’ve ever had,” Parent says. “It’s very friendly. You want to go where everybody knows your name, and it’s like that here.”

Matthews Bicycles is located at 7272 Pendleton Pike in Indianapolis. You can reach them by phone at 317-547-3456, or visit their website at MatthewsBikes.com.

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Owner Tiffany Colvin

Treat Time

SWEETIES GOURMET TREATS OPENS LOCATION ON PENDLETON PIKE Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Robby Berry

For the last 10 years, Sweeties Gourmet Treats has provided the Indianapolis area with scrumptious baked treats and innovative cake designs. Known for its strawberry cheesecake and brown butter

cupcakes dripping with caramel, the business is truly a family endeavor. Owners Tiffany and Rosevelt Colvin recently opened a new location on Pendleton Pike, which will replace their Broad Ripple site.

“We were unable to renew our lease at the Broad Ripple building, and we had been 28 / GEIST MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY 2021 / atGeist.com

thinking of opening a location on the east side,” Tiffany Colvin says. “With the pandemic, we wanted to be able to reach more people. It’s been great ever since we opened it. We’ve been slammed, but it’s a good slam.”

The Colvins originally opened Sweeties

When customers enter the shop, they have a lot of delicious decisions to make.

People also have the option to order online and either pick up their purchases or have them delivered. Cupcakes are $3.25 each, while specialty varieties such as sweet potato and caramel apple are $3.75. Brownies and bars run between $2.65 for a lemon bar to $3.25 for a turtle brownie. Also offered are $1.75 cookies, $2.25 cake pops, individual 5” pies for $5.50, and cheesecakes for $8.25.

The custom cake designs crafted by Sweeties Gourmet Treats are incredibly

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“I learned to bake from my mom,” she says. “She taught me everything. She always wanted a storefront of her own, but couldn’t do it by herself. When we moved back to Indy, I took some classes and learned to decorate. I also hired a great team and we opened the first Sweeties Gourmet Treats in Broad Ripple. My youngest child was only 3 years old when we started the shop. It was difficult but we made it work. Around five years later, we moved down the street to be closer to Keystone Avenue. Today, our main location is in Fishers and my mom is there baking every day. Baked goods are transported from there to the Pendleton Pike location.”

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Gourmet Treats in October of 2009 after Rosevelt retired from the National Football League. He was initially drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1999, and the couple lived in Chicago and later Massachusetts when he played for the New England Patriots. When they returned home to Indiana, they fulfilled Tiffany’s mother’s longtime wish to open a bakery.

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detailed. The cost is $120 and up for a one-of-a-kind, unique and personalized cake for occasions such as weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. Examples include cakes that look like an actual designer purse, a stack of books or a retirement watch.

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“Customers tell us what they want and we create it,” Colvin says. “Sometimes they come in with photos. We like outof-the-box things. We try to be different from everyone else in Indy by putting our Sweeties twist on it.”

When asked what advice she would give to someone opening a business, Colvin has a couple pointers.

“Just make sure to do a lot of research,” she says. “Perhaps even work for another similar business. If it is your dream, go for it.”

Sweeties Gourmet Treats is located at 10930 Pendleton Pike, Suite 103 in Indianapolis. For more info, call 317-602-3999 and visit SweetiesGT.com.

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