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J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 E D I T I O N
learn to swim
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2024 EVENT CALENDAR
EVENTS Craft Show Valentines Edition Car Show & Tasting Spree Easter Family Fun Day Fitness & Wellness Fair Independence Day Parade Weston Dog Fest Spooky Halloween Craft Show Holiday edition Christmas Tree Lighting Menorah Lighting
February 4 March 10 March 31 April 7 July 4 October 27 October 31 November 10 November 30 December 29
2 pm − 8 pm 3 pm − 7 pm 3 pm − 6 pm 3 pm − 7 pm 10am − 12 pm 5 pm − 8 pm 5 pm − 8 pm 2 pm − 8 pm 4 pm − 8 pm 5 pm − 8 pm
FRIDAY NIGHT ARTISANS MARKETS January 26 February 23 March 22 April 19 May 10
June 7 October 11 November 1 December 6 December 20
Santa’s Visits
Visit & Photos with Santa
carolers
Enjoy Your Favorite Holiday Tunes
Dec 6-7-13-14-20-21-23
6:30 pm − 8:30 pm
Dec 21
7 pm − 9 pm
eat • drink • shop • indulg e W E STO N TO W N C E N T E R . N E T 1 6 7 5 M A R K E T ST R E E T W E STO N , F L 3 3 3 2 6
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CONTENTS JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2024
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER E.L. ROBINSON publisher@westoncommunitynews.com
MANAGING EDITOR STACEY BOMSER editor@westoncommunitynews.com
ART DIRECTION, DESIGN & PRODUCTION MEDIA ONE FIVE
OUT & ABOUT 4
Events Calendar
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS 6 8
Learn How To Save A Life At Community CPR Day
Celebrate The Arts Day Fosters A Love For The Arts
ON THE COVER 10 Super Aqua Swim School Teaches Children To Swim Using Play-Based Learning
HOMETOWN HERO 14 Artistic Journey
AROUND TOWN 16 Hometown Happenings 18
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 EVENTS
Photos courtesy City of Weston, Arts Council of Greater Weston, and Amazonia Vocal Ensemble
&
out Foreign Films JANUARY 8 & FEBRUARY 12
The Weston Foreign Film Series, presented by the City of Weston and the Arts Council of Greater Weston, kicks off the new year with the Danish film After the Wedding. It is about the manager of an orphanage in India who discovers a life-altering family secret in Copenhagen. The Japanese film Shall We Dance? is February’s feature. It is the story of a successful yet unhappy accountant who finds the missing passion in his life when he begins to secretly take ballroom dance lessons. Movies are shown in their original language with English subtitles. Showtimes are 4:45 pm and 7:30 pm at the AMC Weston 8 Theater. Tickets are $10. 1weston.com/Weston-foreign-films ACGW Board Member Sumathy Vala, ACGW President Laura Dobrzanski, WFF Committee Member Terry Rodriguez, and WFF Director/ACGW Board Member Irene Carraway welcome moviegoers.
Moonlight Movies JANUARY 20 & FEBRUARY 9
Get your game on at Moonlight Movies in the Park. January’s movie, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is an action-adventure/comedy about a charming thief and an unlikely group of adventurers who embark on a quest to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run into the wrong people. The February movie is Sonic the Hedgehog 2. In this animated film, Sonic and his sidekick, Tails, team up to find an emerald that has the power to destroy civilization before it falls into the hands of Dr. Robotnik and Knuckles. Bring your own blankets and beach chairs to watch these free movies projected onto a giant inflatable screen at the event stage in Weston Regional Park. Showtimes are at 7:30 pm. Westonfl.org/events
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&
about Choral Concert JANUARY 27
In celebration of Broward County Library’s 50th anniversary, enjoy a special performance by Amazonia Vocal Ensemble from 2-3 pm at the Weston Branch Library. Known for its contemporary Latin American choral music, this ensemble delights audiences with original arrangements of folk and popular songs sung in English, Spanish, Quechua, Portuguese, and Papiamento. The free concert is sponsored by the Weston Friends of the Library. broward.libnet.info/event/8442065
Safety Showcase JANUARY 26
Cultural Celebration MARCH 3
Weston World Fest celebrates our community’s cultural diversity. Attendees can visit 20 different educational country booths created by residents to represent their homelands, sample global cuisine, and enjoy talented international entertainers. Students can participate in the passport challenge. This year’s theme is Folk Tales, Fables & Fairytales. Stop by Weston Regional Park from 12-4 pm to enjoy the festivities. www.1weston. com/weston-world-fest
All eyes will be on the sky as giant law enforcement helicopters land at Weston Regional Park (note new location) as part of Weston Winter Safety Expo, which takes place from 6-8:30 pm. The City of Weston and Broward Sheriff’s Office are teaming up to present this entertaining and educational evening promoting public safety with multiple law enforcement and fire rescue & EMS agencies on display. Attendees can meet first responders and officers and explore their vehicles and equipment. There will also be DJ entertainment, interactive inflatable games, food trucks, and everyone’s favorite attraction – SNOW! Westonfl.org/events JA N UA RY/FEB R UA RY 2024
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Learn How to Save a Life at Community CPR Day BY STACEY BOMSER PHOTOS COURTESY CITY OF WESTON
I
N LESS THAN AN HOUR, YOU CAN LEARN three different ways to possibly save a life. On Community CPR Day, February 24th, participants will learn how to perform hands-only CPR, operate an automated external defibrillator (AED), and control life-threatening bleeding. Community CPR Day is presented each February, during American Heart Month, by the City of Weston and Broward County Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services, in partnership with Cleveland Clinic Florida. They launched this free program in 2018 to help create a safer community by training as many people as possible to perform hands-only CPR, which uses only chest compressions and no breaths. Over the years, Community CPR Day was expanded to include AED instruction and a Stop the Bleed course. “A team of CPR instructors, paramedics, medical professionals, and volunteers will train participants to serve as immediate responders during certain life-threatening emergency situations,” said BSO Life Safety Educator Melanie Brocato.
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This is important because, during a cardiac event or drowning, brain damage can occur in as little as four minutes. For every minute without CPR, the chance of survival decreases by 10%. Because family members and bystanders are often the first to witness a cardiac emergency, they can offer victims the greatest chance of survival by starting CPR before first responders arrive. The beauty of handsonly CPR is that it can be performed by anyone physically capable of pushing down hard and fast in the middle of the chest. That’s why Community CPR Day is open to ages eight and up. “Families are encouraged to participate so everyone, age-appropriate, can learn how they can help save a life,” notes Brocato. “Since most victims collapse of cardiac arrest outside a hospital setting, the life they save will likely be that of a family member, friend or neighbor.” Using CPR manikins, participants will learn and practice proper hand placement and compression rates to give cardiac arrest victims the best chance of survival. Manikins will also be used to demonstrate where to attach AED pads and how to administer
the shocks. Lastly, participants will learn how to use a tourniquet and other first aid supplies to stop bleeding in a severely injured person. If you can’t make it to Community CPR Day, do not worry. Weston BSO Fire Rescue offers Heart Saver CPR certification classes to residents and businesses throughout the year; for more information call 954-389-2090. Community CPR Day is Saturday, February 24th from 10am to 2pm at the Weston Community Center. While you can stop by anytime to participate, pre-registration is encouraged at WestonFL.org/CPRday.
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
The giant graffiti wall becomes a community work of art.
T Celebrate the Arts Day Fosters a Love for the Arts BY STACEY BOMSER / PHOTOS COURTESY CITY OF WESTON AND ARTS COUNCIL OF GREATER WESTON
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HERE’S NO DENYING THAT WESTON IS a culturally rich community. Throughout the year, residents can listen to world-class symphonic concerts, view foreign films in their native languages, or enjoy authentic music and dance performances representing countries around the world. But there is one day when the entire community is invited and encouraged to become active participants: Celebrate the Arts Day. This vibrant, family-friendly festival, organized by the Arts Council of Greater Weston in collaboration with the City of Weston and Weston Music Society, takes place on Sunday, January 28th at Weston Town Center. “The Arts Council initiated this event in 2012 to foster a love for the arts in our young people and to enhance their creative expression and self-confidence, especially in the performing arts,” explains Celebrate the Arts Event Director Jami Nix Rahn. “This aligns with the Council’s broader mission of enriching the community by channeling resources into the arts and cultural diversity.” In its original iteration, Celebrate the Arts Day focused on visual and performing arts, featuring
the work of local artists as well as performances by students from local schools, but over the years it has grown to also include the literary arts as well as science, with school robotics, rocket, and chess clubs now participating. “This innovative inclusion highlights the festival’s dedication to showcasing creativity across diverse fields,” explains Nix Rahn. “By widening the scope to embrace the sciences, we illustrate how art and science, traditionally seen as separate realms, can coexist and enrich each other.” In addition to being immersed in the arts, Celebrate the Arts eventgoers are encouraged to express their personal artistic creativity through various hands-on activities, most notably the 28-foot Graffiti Wall that transforms throughout the afternoon from a blank slate to a magnificent community work of art. Longtime supporter Young At Art will return with its mobile museum, where children can view an exciting new art exhibit, and then complete hands-on projects in the outdoor art studio. Band, choral, and drama departments from Weston schools will treat attendees to performances
Celebrate the Arts Day Event Director Jami Nix Rahn, Weston Special Events Manager Annalisa Walker, Arts Council Board Member Irene Carraway and Arts Council President Laura Dobrzanski posed for a picture on the professional chalk artist’s drawing at Celebrate the Arts Day 2023. showcasing our local students’ incredible talent. Young musicians, including members of the Youth All Star! Chamber Music Youth Orchestra, will host the popular instrument zoo booth, demonstrating the sounds various instruments make and giving children an opportunity to try out some of the instruments. Celebrate the Arts Day is truly a collaborative effort, with so many organizations and individuals working together to present this popular community event. “The City is grateful for the Arts Council and the numerous adult and student volunteers who help make this event possible,” said Annalisa Children can take part in numerous Walker, Weston’s special hands-on art projects. events manager. “It always puts a smile on my face to see residents of all ages immersed in art and culture through the various booths and exhibits, as well as the exceptional performances.”
Band, choral and drama students from Weston schools perform selections from their repertoires.
Celebrate the Arts Day takes place on Sunday, January 28th from 12-4:30 pm behind the Bell Tower at Weston Town Center. For more information call 954-389-4321 or visit www.1Weston.com. JA N UA RY/FEB R UA RY 2024
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ON THE COVER
Super Aqua Swim School Teaches Children to Swim Using Play-Based Learning BY STACEY BOMSER
C
ALL IT A STROKE OF GENIUS. WESTON’S Samara Duarte and Guilherme Silva recognized a need in our community to provide babies and children with high-quality swim instruction and critical water safety skills in a creative and fun manner. Tapping into their unique combination of education, experience, and management skills, the couple opened Super Aqua Swim School, a family-owned and operated state-of-the-art indoor swim school. “Our commitment is to prioritize the wellbeing of children through a play-based learning methodology, with a focus on building ‘super swimmers’ who are confident, capable, and safe in the water,” explains Samara, who has 20 years of experience teaching swim lessons, served as an aquatics director for ten years, and holds a degree in physical education and exercise science.
Innovative Curriculum
Samara’s extensive experience coaching and directing swim schools in Brazil and the United
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States provides the basis behind Super Aqua Swim School’s innovative curriculum. “Our classes are interactive and fun,” states Samara. “Through the use of games and songs, children learn to enjoy the aquatic environment, effectively learning swimming and water safety techniques.” Based on pedagogical knowledge, Super Aqua Swim School classes are organized by age group and the lessons have been carefully planned according to each group’s level of development to ensure a comprehensive learning experience. With private and group lessons for children from four months through 12 years of age, children advance from first learning survival and breathing techniques through seven levels as they learn the four basic strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. This is important because ongoing swim lessons contribute to the development of advanced swimming abilities and enhance water safety. “Super Aqua Swim School’s play-based cur-
riculum provides children with tools that will help them to develop all of their swimming potential and also stimulates their imagination creating pleasant memories associated with the aquatic environment,” explains Samara. “This is how we empower children so that they can combine fun and safety in the water.”
Water Safety
Water safety is paramount to Super Aqua Swim School’s mission, which is why they recommend starting swim lessons early for children’s safety and confidence. “Florida has the highest drowning rates in the world, underscoring the critical importance of our mission,” said Samara. “Learning to swim is a lifesaving skill. We are committed to enabling children to swim while ensuring an enjoyable experience.”
State-of-the-art Facility
The couple put just as much thought into designing the Super Aqua Swim School facility as they did its teaching methodology. “Our indoor swimming pool comes equipped with top-of-the-line filtration and sanitation systems, including a combination of UV and salt systems, to ensure the safest possible swimming environment,” notes Guilherme, who oversees the daily management of the school. Additionally, the building is fully air-conditioned, and the pool is heated to 90° F, so no matter what the weather is like outside, children
enjoy a comfortable swim. Super Aqua Swim School also features a familyfriendly changing area and a comfortable viewing area for parents with internet access. “Parents can also take comfort in knowing that our swim instructors have all undergone rigorous training and certification, ensuring they meet our high standards,” adds Guilherme. “This ensures that all instructors are qualified to provide quality swim instruction.”
Pool Parties
As the parents of two, Samara and Guilherme know how important it is to celebrate your child’s birthday in a fun and memorable way. To help make that happen for Weston families, Super Aqua Swim School offers a birthday party package on weekends. The birthday child and their guests will enjoy playing instructorled pool games, all while under the watchful eye of a certified lifeguard. Afterward, everyone can dry off and celebrate the birthday child. With a dedicated party host to welcome guests and coordinate the party, as well as complimentary invitations, families can fully enjoy their child’s special day with this unique and entertaining celebration while Super Aqua Swim School takes care of all the details.
Super Aqua Swim School is located at 115 Weston Road. For more information call 954-451-2727 or visit www. superaquaswim.com.
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HOMETOWN HERO
Artistic Journey Weston Artist Gives Back to Arts Community That Helped Launch Her Career BY STACEY BOMSER
A
FTER IMMIGRATING TO THE UNITED STATES FROM VENEZUELA VIA Mexico City, Lifrancis Rojas and her family settled in Weston. They fell in love with the city and appreciated its unique charm. It’s here that Rojas discovered her true passion – the arts. “Unsatisfied with my job, I found refuge in a local art studio,” explained Rojas. “It shifted my mindset. A doorway opened and once I stepped through, I had no inclination to turn back. That was 13 years ago.” In the years since Rojas has developed as a professional artist and active member of Weston’s robust arts and cultural community. For seven years, she served as marketing director for the Weston Art Guild. More recently, Rojas has become involved with the Arts Council of Greater Weston, where she has served as a juror in numerous art contests and is currently its social media director as well as program director for the Summer Instagram Photo Contest. Rojas encourages other Weston residents with an interest in the arts to get involved. “The essence of a cultured community lies in individuals eager to contribute and volunteer for diverse cultural events. Thankfully, Weston is blessed with individuals passionate about art. I’ve encountered people whose passion for art has presented incredible opportunities, fostering my growth as both an artist and individual.” Rojas is now a professional mixed-media artist who uses textural materials such as sand, paper, and threads to create collages on wood or canvas. As she explains, “These collages evolve into abstract paintings, characterized by intricate textures that invite viewers into a tactile and visually immersive experience.” Rojas’s first art exhibit was with the Weston Art Guild in 2013. Since then she has been featured in more than 100 art exhibits, the most recent being the solo exhibit: “Ten years in the making: The Lifrancis Rojas Retrospective.” It showcased a selection of her masterpieces from four distinct series: Swirls, Resistencia, Mending Broken Souls, and Forgotten Memories. Rojas says each series holds special significance in her artistic journey; the last two are particularly poignant and personal. With “Mending Broken Souls” Rojas used torn pieces of Amate, a traditional Mexican paper made from tree bark, and stitched over it using threads of varying lengths to reflect the depth of wounds. Her message to viewers was that “regardless of how broken one may be, wounds possess the inherent capacity to heal.” The “Forgotten Memories” series is in remembrance of her grandmother, who passed away at the age of 101 and explores memories detaching from the mind. Rojas shares, “In her last years, she couldn’t recognize me. Through this series, I aimed to honor and celebrate memories before they fade, using paper that mirrors life’s transitory nature.” Rojas says what she likes best about being an artist is being able to express her emotions, be it happiness, sadness, or frustration. “Art becomes a channel for all my feelings, a translation of emotions onto canvas. It’s more than mere décor, it embodies the energy, effort, and sentiments of the artist. Art is alive.” Beyond creating works of art, Rojas is currently studying for a certification in art curation. She would also like to continue teaching art workshops and live paintings. In the meantime, Rojas says she will continue to volunteer to support the arts in our community.
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Lifrancis Rojas proudly produced a solo exhibit: “Ten years in the making: The Lifrancis Rojas Retrospective”
“Tying Loose Ends” from the Mending Broken Souls series.
The Arts Council of Greater Weston is always looking for volunteers. Residents who are passionate about the arts and eager to contribute should contact www.1weston.com. To see more of Rojas’s work visit www. lifrancisrojas.com.
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HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS Photos courtesy City of Weston, Arts Council of Greater Weston
Around Town BEST FOOT FORWARD
School pride was on display as students and their families from all seven Weston elementary schools took part in the 2023 Commission Cup 1-Mile Health Walk. Imagine Charter School at Weston was the big winner, taking home the coveted Commission Cup trophy, along with a $3,000 cash prize, for having the greatest percentage of students participating. Second place and $2,000 went to Everglades Elementary School. Ultimately, everyone was a winner because the event promotes healthy lifestyle choices. Participants cooled off under the fire truck spray.
Imagine Weston Principal Nathan Berkowitz accepted the coveted Commission Cup Trophy from Mayor Margaret Brown.
WATER SMART CITY
The Florida Department of Health in Broward County formally recognized the City of Weston as a Gold Level Water Smart community with a presentation during the December City Commission meeting. This top-tier recognition reflects the City’s ongoing efforts to promote safe water practices through drowning prevention programs and CPR training.
Commissioner Henry Mead, BSO Life Safety Educator Melanie Brocato, Comm. Chris Eddy, Mayor Margaret Brown, Florida Dept. of Health Drowning Prevention Program Manager Morgan Flynn, Comm. Byron Jaffe, and City Manager Don Decker.
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HAPPY FEET
The runners were all smiles after finishing the Rotary Club of Weston’s 26th annual Run for Tomorrow. The 5K, 10K and Half-Marathon race is the community’s largest sanctioned run and the Rotary’s primary charity fundraiser. Presented in partnership with the City of Weston, this event has generated well over $2 million to support local charities, non-profit organizations, The Rotary Foundation, as well as Weston schools. The Rotary Run was followed by the Health & Fitness Expo.
TROPICAL TUNES
With hits like “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “Margaritaville,” Weston residents were whisked away to the tropics when Caribbean Chillers performed a special tribute to Jimmy Buffet, as well as a few other “yacht rock” classics and original songs. Throughout the show, concertgoers posed for pictures at the beach-themed selfie station. The next WestonNights Outdoor Concert will be on Saturday, February 10th when Majesty of Rock performs hits from the legendary bands Journey and Styx. City leaders and members of the Parks & Recreation Department took advantage of the selfie station.
JA N UA RY/FEB R UA RY 2024
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HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS Photos courtesy City of Weston, Arts Council of Greater Weston
Around Town CHALK IN THE PARK DAY WINNERS
Using concrete as a canvas, 62 registered chalk artists expressed their creativity at Chalk in the Park Day presented by the Arts Council of Greater Weston and City of Weston. More than 250 attendees watched and admired as colorful images depicting The Great Outdoors were drawn throughout Library Park. Best Family/Group Organization Creation: Peaceful Kites by April, Evan, Debbie and Reiner
Best Adult Creation: The Great Outdoors by Andrea Forero Best Child Creation: Never Stop Looking Up! by Emma Marquez
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Vote for the 2024
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MEDICAL & DENTAL
ACUPUNCTURIST _______________________ CHIROPRACTOR _________________________ DENTIST (COSMETIC) ___________________ DERMATOLOGIST ________________________ EMERGENCY ROOM _____________________ EYE CARE CENTER _______________________ HOSPITAL ________________________________ LASER EYE CENTER______________________ MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR _________ OB/GYN __________________________________ ORTHODONTIST _________________________ ORAL SURGERY _________________________ PEDIATRIC DENTIST _____________________ PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL ____________________ PEDIATRICIAN ____________________________ PERIODONTIST __________________________ PLASTIC SURGEON ______________________ WEIGHT LOSS CENTER __________________
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
ACCOUNTANT ___________________________ ATTORNEY _______________________________ ATTORNEY (BUSINESS) _________________ ATTORNEY (FAMILY LAW) _______________ ATTORNEY (REAL ESTATE) ______________ CAR DEALER _____________________________ CELLULAR COMPANY ___________________ CLOTHING BOUTIQUE ___________________ CLOTHING STORE (CONSIGNMENT) _____ DRY CLEANER____________________________ MOSQUITO CONTROL ___________________ FINANCIAL ADVISOR/PLANNER ________ FLORIST __________________________________ FRAME STORE ___________________________ INSURANCE AGENT _____________________ JEWELER _________________________________ LIQUOR STORE __________________________ PHOTOGRAPHER ________________________ SENIOR CARE ____________________________
SALON & SPA
OVERALL SALON & SPA _________________ BARBER SHOP ___________________________ COLORIST ________________________________ FACIAL____________________________________ HAIR DESIGN _____________________________ MANICURE/PEDICURE___________________ MASSAGE ________________________________ WAXING __________________________________
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A/C SPECIALISTS ________________________ BATH REMODEL__________________________ CABINETRY ______________________________ CLEANING SERVICE _____________________ DECORATING CENTER (OVERALL) ______ FLOOR COVERING _______________________ HOME DECOR STORE____________________ INTERIOR DESIGNER_____________________ KITCHEN REMODEL _____________________ LANDSCAPER ____________________________ MOLD REMOVAL _________________________ MOVER ___________________________________ OUTDOOR LAWN SERVICE ______________ OUTDOOR PEST CONTROL _____________ PAINTER __________________________________ PLUMBER ________________________________ PRESSURE CLEANER ____________________ REAL ESTATE COMPANY ________________ REALTOR (LISTINGS) ____________________ REALTOR (SALES) ________________________ OVERALL REALTOR ______________________ OUTDOOR DESIGN STUDIO _____________ ROOFER __________________________________ WINDOW TREATMENTS _________________
HEALTH & FITNESS
PERSONAL TRAINER _____________________ BOUTIQUE FITNESS STUDIO ____________ WORKOUT FACILITY _____________________
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PETS
ANIMAL HOSPITAL _______________________ GROOMER _______________________________ PET SITTER _______________________________ VETERINARIAN ___________________________
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