Best of Ceres 2017

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Best of

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2017

M A R C H

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Y O U R

Winners A

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Table ofContents 4 THE DIFFEERENCE IS SERVICE 6 FOSTERS FREEZE 8 BEST IN ANIMAL SERVICES

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9 BEST IN AUTO BIZ 10 ALL STATE 13 BEST IN COMMUNITY FAVORITES 14 BEST IN ENTERTAINMENT & FUN

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15 BEST IN FOOD & BEVERAGE 16 BEST IN HOME 18 JUST FOR YOU 20 BEST IN LOCAL BUSINESS 22 BEST IN REAL ESTATE 23 BEST IN SHOPPING BESTOFCERES

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Best of

Ceres

2017

March2018

PUBLISHER Hank Vander Veen

EDITOR Jeff Benziger

ART DIREC TOR Harold L. George

Welcome to this year’s magazine highlighting the winners of the Best of Ceres awards for 2017.

It is our annual contest and the first year we’ve recognized winners in a magazine format.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sharon Hoffman

ADVERTISING DIREC TOR Chuck Higgs

Our contest is voted on and selected by you and all the other readers of the Ceres Courier, both in print and online. More than 27,000 votes were cast across many categories.

SALES & MARKETING Charles Webber

DIGITAL

Every year it is important to us as your local community newspaper to recognize those people, businesses and organizations that our readers choose as the ‘best.’ As the leading local media organization in Ceres and surrounding communities our audience is bigger than ever as we strive to produce content in many forms that is focused on the community that all of us live, work and play in. We live in a vibrant community with many successes all around us. It is important that all of us patronize local businesses and support our community leaders.

Frankie Tovar

Subscribe to

As always, we strive to provide content that enlightens, entertains and informs while providing a forum for local conversation about issues and ideas.

Call 209.634.9141

We hope you enjoy this magazine and continue to engage with our newspaper and digital platforms.

Hank Vander Veen Publisher To advertise in Best of Ceres, call 209.634.9141 Best of Ceres is published every year 138 S. Center St. •Turlock, CA 95380 Comments: jbenziber@cerescourier.com www.cerescourier.com ©Copyright 2018. Best of Ceres All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher of Best of Ceres is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed in Best of Ceres are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of Best of Ceres management or owner. Best of Ceres assumes no responsibility and makes no recommendation for claims made by advertisers and shall not be liable for any damages incurred.

BESTOFCERES

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The difference is

SERVICE

O

ur firm was founded by Lew Franklin Sr. and Saxon Downs in 1946.

In 1972, Lew Franklin, Jr. and LeRoy J. Hart partnered to provide services to the surrounding Modesto Community. In the late 70s, Franklin & Downs acquired the McHenry and Ceres locations. The Colonial Chapel was built in 1887 by George Perly Stone, a local banker; the home was his primary residence for over 30 years.

We have years of experience caring for families from all walks of life, cultures and faiths. Our unsurpassed staff and our family provide kind, caring, professional service. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession who are dedicated to excellence in service, adhere to the highest funeral indus-

try standards, and have exceptional integrity. We consistently earn phenomenally high customer satisfaction survey results.

Our licensed, professional staff is here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please call 12095295723 anytime. We will even come to you to make arrangements in the comfort of your home.

Prompt, compassionate service is always just a phone call away, where and when you need it.

Bart Ah You

Kristi Ah You

Our unsurpassed staff and our family provide kind, caring, professional service.

T

BESTOFCERES

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Franklin & Downs Funeral Home

2561 Fifth Street • Ceres • CA • 95307 Ceres Chapel 209-537-4711 FD1202

˜ Se habla Espanol

Vicky McDaniels Ambassador

Ramon Mendez Ambassador

Kristina Luna Funeral Arranger

LeRoy Hart Funeral Director

Kristi Ah You Managing Partner

THANK YOU CERES FOR VOTING FOR US! www.franklindownsfuneralhome.com Best of Ceres 2017.indd 5

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Fosters

FREEZE

By JEFF BENZIGER

A

fter 59 years in business, Ceres’ Fosters Freeze is still going strong, relying on a loyal customer base and, in summer, its secret-recipe soft-serve ice cream.

Once again, Fosters Freeze at 2373 Whitmore Ave., Ceres, continues to rack up the honors for one of Ceres’ favorite places to escape the home kitchen. Ceres’ longest running burger establishment – and only Fosters Freeze in Stanislaus County – has captured more Best of Ceres honors, this year in the categories of Best Burgers, Best Dessert, Best Sandwich and Friendliest Restaurant.

Harry and Darshana Jamnadas, owners of the restaurant for three

decades, say they are honored to have such a devoted customer base.

Nostalgia plays into that, with many Ceres residents remembering the good old days visiting the eatery when they were kids.

“The fact that this Fosters Freeze has been at the same location for almost 60 years makes it an iconic place in Ceres that many elders come to relive their childhood and often bring along their children and grandchildren,” said Harry.

“We hear stories all the time about customers coming 40 years ago and buying burgers for 25 cents, and cones for 10 cents.”

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Harry said that the restaurant – which also has dedicated fans of its Big Boss, Double Decker, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, and fried burritos – continues to attract both local and out-of-town customers.

Also a draw is the Cheesy Bacon Ranch Fries, Chili Fries, Mozzarella Sticks, Zucchini Sticks and chicken strips. The most popular ice cream products are the chocolate and candy-flavored Twisters, fruit flavored milkshakes, and simple ice cream cones all made with award winning, rich soft serve ice cream.

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“The residents love our premium soft serve ice cream, they love our personality, and they love our service,” he said. “Because everything at Fosters Freeze is cooked to order and we provide generous burger and sandwich portions, we get repeat customers back on a weekly basis. The quality of the food is above and beyond what is normally expected in a quick service restaurant.”

Past employees come by and remember working for Harry and Darshana up to 25 years ago.

The couple purchased the eatery from Charles Sammons in 1989 and is the third to own it since it opened in 1959.

“This place truly has tradition, and brings joy to many patrons of Ceres. We look forward to continuing our outstanding service, making our delicious ice cream and yummy food items for years to come.”

Foster Freeze has changed since it was established on a then two-lane Whitmore Avenue.

The 2005 addition of a drive-through lane, a remodeled and expanded 500-square-foot dining room as well as remodeled facade did wonders to boost sales. Consistent remodels and touchups have been added annually to keep attracting customers and helping operations run more smoothly. Most recently the building’s exterior was repainted, interior walls were resurfaced with colored tiles, and bright countertops were installed. In addition, two TVs were added for customers to enjoy while dining.

However, one thing that has never changed is the popularity of the foods offered there, including burgers and ice cream products.

Fosters Freeze was found in 1946 when George Foster opened an eatery at 999 South La Brea Avenue in Inglewood, a location that remains today. Foster owned the western development rights for Dairy Queen when he came to California after World War II but strict laws protecting California’s dairy industry kept him from using the “dairy” part of the name at the time.

He named his restaurant Foster’s Old Fashion Freeze in California. The name is derived from the soft-serve ice milk and milkshakes which is reflected in the marketing slogan, “California’s Original Soft Serve.”

By 1951, when Foster sold his chain for $1 million, he had opened 360 restaurants in California, making Fosters one of the first fast-food chains to be established statewide.

Ceres’ Fosters Freeze is open 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the winter and 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. during summer months.

BESTOFCERES

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&

BBgg Dessst Sandwich

Friendliest Restaaant

Visit us online!

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Animal Services

Groomer JV GROOMING Pet Adoption STANISLAUS ANIMAL SERVICES AGENCY Pet Store ROSALES FOOD & SUPPLY Veterinarian Office AMERICAN PET CLINIC

Thank you to our Wonderful Community For Voting American Pet Clinic BEST of CERES Veterinarian Office.

2531 E. Whitmore, Suite A, Ceres • 209-537-2100

BESTOFCERES

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Auto Biz

Auto Body KNOCKOUT CUSTOMS

Car Wash PRIME SHINE

Auto Dealership (new) PRICE FORD

Oil Change SPEE DEE OIL CHANGE

Auto Dealership (used) BLUE DIAMOND AUTO SALES

RV Dealer DON’S RV CENTER

Auto Maintenance WOODWARD AUTOMOTIVE

Smog CERES SMOG

Car Detail A-1 AUTO DETAILING

Tire Store LES SCHWAB

BESTOFCERES

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All State’s

STEPHANIE FOX-TERFERTILLER

glad she’s in Ceres

By JEFF BENZIGER

S

tephanie Fox-Terfertiller is very happy about her decision to take over where Dale Good left off.

One year ago, the Ohio native took over Ceres’ only Allstate insurance agency at 2600 E. Whitmore Avenue, Suite 4, replacing for Good who retired after 31 years in the insurance business.

“This location has been here forever, I’ll probably never move from here,” said Terfertiller. “I may add locations but it’s kind of like a staple in Ceres, well-known on this corner.”

The office serves a range of customers – from the mature, 30year, loyal-to-Allstate client base to the young and inexperienced driver.

“We’re trying to bring new blood in. We’re doing a lot of online, social media digital marketing things which were never done in the past in this agency.”

For the past six months the agency has been plugged into Facebook and Instagram but the effort is organic. One promotion gives gift cards in a drawing for those who seek a non-obligation insurance quote (name, birthdate, address and the type of car driven.)

Terfertiller was working in retail when a coworker applied to become an Allstate underwriter in 2002.

“I was enamored with the fact that it was Monday through Friday, 8 to 5,” she said. “No retail hours, no more day after Thanksgiving, you know crazy hours.”

She became a Senior Underwriter for Allstate’s corporate office and served until 2008 and then seized opportunities to become an agency owner in Florida and the Bay Area. Stephanie became introduced to the Valley when she met her husband, a resident of Salida who works at the LawrenceLivermore lab.

“The opportunity here was really good. The gentleman who owned the book (Good) kept it good and clean. It was done right.

It was something worthy of a purchase to make concessions for.

You can go to other places, differBESTOFCERES

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ent areas, different agents, even different companies and there is a high loss ratio. You’re not getting the money, the rate, for the person driving crazy and then they have accidents and you’re not pulling enough premiums to cover them.”

She said insurance rates are set on a formula of actuarials based on zip codes, type of car, experience of driver, driving record and miles driven in a year as well as other factors.

“It’s getting harder and harder now but years ago people could manipulate things like mileage to where you can’t. You can’t manipulate your mileage too much.

When you get your oil changed, you don’t know it but they’re documenting how many miles are on CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 

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Home + Life Protect what you’ve worked hard for.

No matter where you live or what kind of home you have, I can help you find coverage that fits your needs. Plus, Allstate TrueFit® Life Insurance could be customized to help pay off your mortgage so your loved ones have one less thing to worry about if you’re gone. Call me today.

Stephanie Fox 209-538-1317 2600 Whitmore Avenue, Suite 4 Ceres stephaniefox@allstate.com

CA Insurance Agent #: 0I41571

Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Ins. Co., Allstate Property and Casualty Ins. Co., Allstate Vehicle and Property Ins. Co. and affiliates: 2775 Sanders Rd., Northbrook, IL 60062. In areas where Allstate home products are not available, home policies may be written by a third-party company not affiliated with Allstate.

Allstate TrueFit is a term life insurance to age 95 policy issued by Allstate Assurance Co., 3075 Sanders Rd., Northbrook, IL 60062, and is available in most states with contract/series ICC14AC1/AC14-1. In New York, issued by Allstate Life Ins. Co. of New York, Home Office: Hauppauge, NY. Allstate TrueFit is available with contract NYLU818. This policy has exclusions, limitations and terms that may affect coverage, renewal, cancellation, termination or other contractual rights and benefits. © 2018 Allstate Ins. Co.

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Let me help you rest easy knowing your family is protected.

3/19/2018 10:27:06 AM

your car and then they’re selling that information to the insurance companies.”

Terfertiller’s office has many licensed agents working for her in the Ceres office accountable to her as manager and owner. The office offers home, auto and renter’s insurance as well as commercial, life and health.

The auto industry developed cars that became much safer – and more expensive – but the gains were offset by crashes related to drivers distracted by behind-thewheel smartphone use.

“Right now it’s very tumultuous. Everyone’s policy shopping.

Everyone’s rates are going up. The invention of 2009 with the smartphone and texting and driving are causing rates to go up. And cars are getting more expensive. So where a bumper used to be $200 or $300, now it’s got a bunch of cameras and back up sensors and everything else attached to it and now it’s a couple thousand dollars not a couple of hundred. We’re all paying for that.”

Also affecting rates are insured motorists and the underinsured.

Motorists should always reevaluate if they have enough coverage about the state-mandated minimums of $15,000 per person for bodily injury and $30,000 per accident.

“Fifteen thousand is a drop in the bucket if you go to the hospital,” she notes.

One bump into a Tesla, for example, could exhaust the $10,000.

“You could scratch it for ten grand.”

Depending on the severity of the damage and injuries, not having enough insurance can result in life-changing headaches for drivers. Aggressive attorneys can go after property, houses and cars and bankruptcies can result.

“If you’ve really done some damage and killed somebody for instance, they can garnish your

wages for the rest of your life recouping that money. So it can get that bad.”

Likewise, some who have paid off their home mortgages and try to skirt on fire insurance coverage are setting themselves up for disaster. Terfertiller, notes that kitchen fires are still common and in the case of Santa Rosa, whole urban subdivisions deemed “safe” from wildfires were wiped out

“If you’ve really done some damage and killed somebody for instance, they can garnish your wages for the rest of your life recouping that money. So it can get that bad.” by the embers of a distant rural wildland fire.

Some businesses have erred in allowing their commercial insurance coverage to lapse. She said it’s important for businesses to safeguard against losses since many invest their life savings and take out business loans for businesses.

While premiums are much BESTOFCERES

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higher for young drivers – who tend to be the ones texting and driving more – Stephanie says discounts are available for students with good grades and who take an online defensive driving course offered by teenSMART. Introduced in 1999, teenSMART was the first driver safety program to identify and address the six behavioral and social factors that cause more than 90 percent of all teen collisions.

“Especially for a boy, it saves you the cost in the first six months and that kind of helps.”

If her client does get into a wreck or experience a loss at home, Stephanie prefers that they call her office first even though corporate adjusters handle the claim. Calling her as the agency owner allows her to assess the situation as a “trusted advisor” and set the best course of action to tackle putting lives back in order.

The pitfalls of insuring through warehouse type insurance companies like Geico or einsurance, she said, is that there is no local contact when there are problems or claims.

“You’re going to call a 1 800 number today and tomorrow you’re going to call it again and not get the same person. Plus that person is intangible; you can scream and holler over the phone all you want, but at the end of the day do they care about you?”

Because of that convenient 8-to5 schedule, Stephanie has time to be mom to five kids. She enjoys being a Girl Scout mom, busy at the moment selling cookies.

Terfertiller hopes to be in Ceres a long time.

“I plan to. I definitely love it. I love insurance. Every step I’ve made this is what I was preparing for – ownership. I love helping people and telling people to avoid risk. Just like back in the day they didn’t tell you how to balance a checkbook.

They tell you nothing about taxes or insurance these days so I’m big on educating others.”

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Community Favorites Towing Service ANDERSON’S TOW Community Events / Festival CERES STREET FAIR Community Organization CERES LIONS Hall Rental CERES COMMUNITY CENTER Most Community Involved Business ANDERSON’S TOW Place to Work CERES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Role Model DUANE THOMPSON

ALL OF US AT ANDERSON’S

TOWING WOULD LIKE TO SAY

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST TOWING COMPANY AGAIN! We Understand There Are Many Other Companies Out There, And We Appreciate You Calling Us In Your Time Of Need.

So With That In Mind, Thank You Once Again.

“Better Service From Head To Tow”

Anderson’s Tow (209) 538-TOWS • www.andersonstow.com BESTOFCERES

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Entertainment & Fun

Billiards FAMILY PIZZA Family Fun SMYRNA PARK Friday Night Date LA MORENITA Live Theater GALLO ART CENTER

thank

Martial Arts Instruction CERES KARATE

YOU! VOTED BEST LIVE THEATER

A Non-Profit Organization

1000 I STREET, DOWNTOWN MODESTO (209) 338-2100 | GALLOARTS.ORG 2017/18 PREMIER PARTNER:

Follow us!

BESTOFCERES

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Food & Beverage

Asian Restaurant BAMBOO GARDEN

Fast Food FARMER BOY’S

Bakery BETO’S BAKERY

Friendliest Restaurant Service FOSTERS FREEZE

Bar/Pub FAMILY PIZZA

Grocery Store SAVE MART

Breakfast HOT ROD DINER

Healthy Eating POWER UP NUTRITION

Brunch FRUIT YARD

Ice Cream/Yogurt SUPERMOM’S FROZEN YOGURT

Buffet NEW KING BUFFET

Lunch FARMER BOY’S

Burger FOSTERS FREEZE

Margarita LA CASCADA

Caterer LA MORENITA

Mexican Restaurant LA MORENITA

Chef ALFONSO’S

Pizza LITTLE CAESARS

Coffee Shop BOB’S COFFEE SHOP

Sandwich TOGOS

Deli SUBWAY

Steak House ALFONSO’S

Dessert FOSTERS FREEZE

Vegetarian Restaurant JABOU’S GYROS

Dinner HOT ROD DINER

BESTOFCERES

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Home

Construction Company JOHN DECKER CONSTRUCTION

House Cleaning THE MAIDS

Electrical Service/Repair NELSON & SONS ELECTRIC

Landscaping CENTRAL VALLEY TREES AND LANDSCAPING

Flooring Carpet DIAMOND CARPET CARE

Nursery/Gardening CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPE SUPPLY

Flooring Hardwood DIAMOND CARPET CARE Flooring Tile DIAMOND CARPET CARE Furniture Store DUNHILL FURNITURE Heating/Air Conditioning HONEYS AIR Home Accessories STUART DAVID HOME FURNISHINGS Home Electronics CERES TV Home Upholstery VILCHIS BROS UPHOLSTERY

Thank You For Voting Us

Best RV Dealer sales - parts - service

4872 Rohde Rd., Ceres CA

www.donsrv.com 209-556-9993

BESTOFCERES

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Painting Service WRIGHT CHOICE PAINTING Pest Control CLARK PEST CONTROL Plumbing ABE’S DISCOUNT PLUMBING Roofing Company RICHEY ROOFING Solar Company BTA SOLAR Window Coverings A SHADE ABOVE INTERIORS

BESTOFCERES

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Just For You

Barber LEGENDS Bootcamp POWER UP NUTRITION Child Care KIDZ MINISTRY FOUNDATION Chiropractor CERES CHIROPRACTIC CENTER Dance Studio FOOTNOTES DANCE STUDIO Dentist / Orthodontist DR. BARTON ORTHODONTICS Hair Salon HI FASHION Health Club/ Gym IN-SHAPE HEALTH CLUB Laser & Cosmetic ABOVE LASERS Massage Salon FEET & FACIALS Nail Salon ANGEL’S Nutrition POWER UP NUTRITION

BESTOFCERES

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OB/GYN GOLDEN VALLEY HEALTH CENTER

FOR VOTING US YOUR 2017 Best of Ceres Reader’s Choice Award Winner for

Optometrist DR. C Pediatrics LYNETTE D GRANDISON SUTTER GOULD Pharmacy CERES DRUG STORE Podiatrist CERES FOOT CLINIC Primary Care SUTTER GOULD CERES

BEST THRIFT STORE

Tanning Salon FEET AND FACIALS

Bring in this ad and receive

25% OFF your entire purchase.

Valid at the Ceres location only. Expires April 15, 2018.

209.575.HOPE • hopechestthrift.org

HopeChestThriftStores HopeChestThrift

HopeChestThriftStores HopeChestStores

All proceeds benefit the patients, families and programs of Community Hospice.

BESTOFCERES

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Local Business

Tattoo Parlor HOCUS INK

Cellular Store AT&T STORE

Florist THE FLORAL COTTAGE

Weight Loss / Diet Center NEW BEGINNINGS WEGHT LOSS Center

CPA/Tax Service OMEGA TAX SERVICES

Funeral Home FRANKLIN & DOWNS

Credit Union VALLEY FIRST

Hotel MICROTEL

Dry Cleaning CERES CLEANERS

Insurance Agency ALLSTATE

Bank WELLS FARGO

BESTOFCERES

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Insurance Agent STEPHANIE FOX

Storage Facility AAA CERES SELF STORAGE

Photographer KPHOTOGRAPHY

Travel CERES WORLD TRAVEL

Print/Copy Shop EMBROIDERY PLUS

Tutoring CAL STATE UNIVERSITY STANISLAUS

BESTOFCERES

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Real Estate

Condo/Apartments WINDMERE APARTMENTS

Loan/Mortgage PATSY SILVA

Favorite Real Estate Firm EXIT REALTY CONSULTANTS

Property Management ACTION ONE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Favorite Realtor CLARISSA AZEVEDO

BESTOFCERES

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Shopping

Apparel Children WALMART

Holiday Shopping CERES DRUG

Apparel Men ROSS

Jewelry Store CORREIA JEWELRY

Apparel Women ROSS

Locally Owned SUPERMOM’S FROZEN YOGURT

Bargain/Discount Store ROSS

Locally Owned HAND CREATIONS

Thrift Store HOPE CHEST

Office Supplies TARGET

Flower Shop HAND CREATIONS

Party Acc./Supplies DOLLAR STORE

Gift Store CERES DRUG

Shoe Store/Dept.

WSS SHOES

Hardware Store ACE HARDWARE

Sporting Goods BIG 5

BESTOFCERES

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