march 2015 issue - the voice

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SDMA • www.sarasotadma.com 1 T HE VOICE MARCH 2015 Our City An Exclusive, In-Depth Interview with Eileen Normile WWW. SARASOTADMA. COM Community Profile i tesori—Italian Treasures Waiting to be Discovered in Downtown Sarasota OF THE DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS

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Page 1: March 2015 Issue - The VOICE

SDMA • www.sarasotadma.com 1

The VOICE

March 2015

Our CityAn Exclusive, In-Depth Interview with Eileen Normile

www.sarasoTadMa.coM

Community Profilei tesori—Italian TreasuresWaiting to be Discoveredin Downtown Sarasota

of The downTown MerchanTs

Page 2: March 2015 Issue - The VOICE
Page 3: March 2015 Issue - The VOICE

SDMA • www.sarasotadma.com 3

The VOICEof The downTown MerchanTs

A Monthly Publication of The Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association

The SDMA works to enhance downtown Sarasota as a premier retail destination with a vibrant merchant community. Volunteers work

together to create a rewarding shopping, dining and entertainment experience in

Sarasota, Florida.

Please join us for the SDMA meeting held the second Thursday of

every month at 5:30 p.m. Café Amici • 1371 Main Street • Sarasota

1383 Main Street • Sarasota, FL 34236Phone: 941-388-3647 • Fax: 941-955-9515

www.sarasotadma.com

E-mail article ideas and announcements to: [email protected]

[email protected]

To advertise in The VOICE, please send an e-mail to: [email protected]

www.facebook.com/SRQSDMA

Ron Soto, PublisherCandace T. Botha, Associate Publisher

Christine Baer, Editorial/Creative Director

Volume 2 • Issue 3

Read The VOICE online at www.sarasotadma.com;

click on “The VOICE”

Cover Photo by Candace T. Botha

Our whimsical, happy artwill make you smile!

Page 4: March 2015 Issue - The VOICE

4 The VOICE of the Downtown Merchants

i tesori: A Hidden Treasure in Downtown Sarasota

Downtown Spotlight

When you think of beautiful fashion, jewelry and gifts in downtown Sarasota, i tesori should be at the top

of your list. In fact, the very name of the store means “the treasures” in Italian. Nestled next to Starbucks at 1405 First Street, the store features a wide variety of fine Italian fashions and accessories. Interest in carrying many Italian-made items originated from the Italian ancestry of the shop’s three owners, Anthony Vento, Paul Matijak and Peter Anzalotti. However, the success of the store has more to do with the chemistry and backgrounds of the trio. Vento spent most of his career working as a creative director for big chain department stores, including Macy’s. Matijak offers visual display and advertising experience. He is still actively working as an online stylist for the Home Shopping Network. The third partner, Anzalotti, has made a living with a

long career in retail management. Interestingly enough, the store was first established in Lakewood Ranch as a home décor and furniture store. It has evolved into a fashion, jewelry and gift boutique since the shop relocated to downtown Sarasota. The move has proven to be lucra-tive. Today, the store is bustling with both local and visiting buyers. “We believe that downtown is a more vibrant place to have a business due to the amount of visitors and foot traffic you get here,” Vento says of the relocation from Lakewood Ranch. The owners’ newest endeavor includes moving the boutique online to capture the global market. You can find the shop online through Shop-tiques.com and, of course, on Facebook. The boutique has some definite

advantages over other fashion stores in the area. i tesori carries an exclusive line of handmade glass jewelry that comes straight from Murano, Italy. While some pieces

are so unique and distinctive they can get pricey, you can find beautiful pieces that start as low as $15. But keeping true to his “shop local” philosophy, Ven-to says that he also carries many pieces from local artists, including the ever-popular Mary Alice Devirgilis of Venice. Her pieces feature a unique combination of sterling, 14kt gold and onyx. In i tesori’s collection of necklaces, nothing has been more popular than the boutique’s Italian Resin line. The pieces feature a variety of colors that make each necklace one-of-a-kind. They gained national recognition when Christine Baranski started wearing the pieces in her Emmy-nominated role of attorney Diane Lockhart on the television show, “The Good Wife.” If fashion is your weakness, look no further. The store also offers many affordable American and European fashion lines, including Desigual from Barcelona and Taylor from the United States. Dresses are available in a variety of trendy styles and come in real women, figure-flattering sizes up to 14. Looking for that versatile wardrobe piece that can flip from career to weekend wear? i tesori carries two lines of skirts that step up to the challenge, all priced under $49. “I always look to see who else carries each line,” Vento says. “I want to make sure it’s something that not everyone has, but you can still buy a fashionable blouse for $69.” Don’t worry—the boutique hasn’t skimped in the men’s department. i tesori carries Arnold Zimberg clothing that features enzyme-washed fabric that produces an unparalleled softness. The trend-setting shirts and stylish pants are perfect for the man in your life. The ideal accessory to complement any outfit can also be found in the store. Wallets, purses, totes and even sunglasses are available to add a sophisticated touch to your outfit, or you can polish off any ensemble with a bright and colorful Pashmina scarf for $18. For the gentlemen, how about a sterling silver bracelet for just $32? If you are in search of the unique, the unusual, the extraordinary, i tesori is a downtown destination well worth a visit...again and again. At left, top photo: From unique handbags to trendy men’s and women’s fashion, there is something for everyone at i tesori. Center: A sampling of the one-of-a-kind necklaces found ati tesori. Bottom left: Fashionable jewelry and clothing are just a few of the treasures you will find at this First Street boutique. Photos by Michelle Rinaca i tesori is located at 1405 First Street in downtown Sarasota. For more information, call 941-907-9296, or visit the shop online at www.i-tesori.com.

Above: Store Owner Anthony Vento’s warm smile is almost as contagious as his love for Italian fashion and jewelry.

Page 5: March 2015 Issue - The VOICE

SDMA • www.sarasotadma.com 5

A Message from the Chairman

Ron Soto, SDMA’s Chairman

“This is the best advertising I have ever done.”

Powerful words, wouldn’t you agree? That’s just one of many comments the SDMA has received about the response that advertising in The VOICE of the Downtown Merchants has generated in our community! Celebrating our six-month anniversary with the publication of this issue, the SDMA is proud of the progress we have made since the launch of our premiere issue in October 2014. We have increased the number of pages in the publication, we continue to add new advertisers every issue, and, since our January issue, we have adopt-ed a more eye-catching magazine format with a full-color image on the cover of each issue —all taken by local photographers. Although we have made great strides in a short period of time, as the classic song reminds us, “We have only just begun.” There are so many stories waiting to be told…profiles of our fellow merchants, interviews with “Our City” officials, highlights of upcoming events, editorial commen-taries on important issues that have an impact on down-town...and so much more. It is because of your support that we can continue to provide such a valuable and informative tool, and we are grateful to each of the downtown businesses that have participated in our publication from the outset. If you haven’t yet taken advantage of the affordable advertising opportunities offered in The VOICE, why not send an e-mail to [email protected]? I hope that you have taken a moment to look at our masthead (on page 3 of this issue) to see the names of the people that are working behind the scenes to bring you The VOICE each month. What you may not realize is that we are working with a skeleton crew. Even more importantly, everyone on our staff has full-time

and often-demanding jobs, in addition to producing our monthly publication! And, despite the fact that deadline week often is beyond crazy with long hours and late nights, we persevere for one simple reason: we are wholeheartedly committed to the continued growth of downtown Saraso-ta as a premier retail, dining and entertainment destination. With that said, I would like to point out that SDMA is once again sponsoring two very important events this month. On Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8, The Sarasota Luxury Living & Lifestyle Expo will be held at 33 South Gulfstream Avenue from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This event showcases many of the finer things in life, from classic and contemporary art, wines and home décor to fashions, jewelry and more. The following weekend, The Sarasota Fine Art Festival, hosted by Paragon Fine Art Festivals, will draw more than 110 artists, who will showcase their work in an array of mediums, including ceramics, glass, sculpture and wood, as well as original paintings, photography and jewelry. Also held at 33 South Gulfstream Avenue, the festival’s hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on Saturday March 14, and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 15. We are expecting thousands of attendees at both events, bringing scores of visitors to downtown Sarasota. On a final note, the monthly SDMA meeting will be held on Thursday, March 12, at 5:30 p.m., at Café Amici, located at 1371 Main Street. I hope to see all of you there!

Page 6: March 2015 Issue - The VOICE

6 The VOICE of the Downtown Merchants

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Page 7: March 2015 Issue - The VOICE

SDMA • www.sarasotadma.com 7

The Sarasota Ministerial Association & Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association Work Together to Address Homeless Issues

The Sarasota Ministerial Association (SMA) and the Sara-sota Downtown Merchants Association (SDMA) are col-

laborating to address issues related to Sarasota’s homeless. This venture began in 2001, when the Ministerial Association was formed in response to downtown mer-

chants’ complaints that church ministries were attracting homeless individuals and families to the downtown community. After several gatherings of merchants, residents and church leaders, the SMA was established to work with the community on mutual solutions of care for

Sarasota’s homeless. Today, more than 60 organizations are members of the Ministerial Association and represent nearly all of those who have programs addressing homelessness. Most recently, leaders from The Salvation Army and The Resurrection House came to SDMA’s monthly meeting on Thursday, January 8, offering to work with any homeless who are bothersome to Sarasota’s merchants. For exam-ple, if a “street musician” is interfering with a merchant’s business by repeatedly singing “Here Comes the Sun” in

front of the establish-ment, it was recom-mended that a member of the Ministe-rial Asso-ciation be contacted. Since most of Sarasota’s

homeless are personally cared for by members of the Ministerial Association, once notified, SMA members can initiate case management of the interfering person’s circumstances. That is, organizations of the Ministeri-al Association will work with the musician cited in the preceding example to develop alternative “best practices” for his or her performances. SDMA was then given contact information to advance this approach with SMA members. A more complete system of care will be presented at the SDMA’s meeting on Thursday, March 12, when Lt. Kevin Stiff of Sarasota’s City Police Department will present the “Homeless Outreach Teams” program to the SDMA. This initiative coordinates enforcement and care activities with city and community homeless programs. The goal is for our business, faith, nonprofit and government sectors to grow the continuum of care for our homeless so that it continues to address the realities of commerce and life in Sarasota. The SMA believes that faith should be an integral component of this collaboration and that the collaboration should be community wide. We invite you to join us to walk your faith, Good Friday, April 3, at the annual Stations of The Cross Pilgrimage down Main Street when children, grandparents and pastors and priests of our member congregations and agencies, celebrate the love of God with homeless families. Beginning at the Hollywood 20 Theater at 7:15 a.m., hundreds of Sarasota’s residents—both homeless and not—as well as merchants, vacationers and students, will walk together down Main Street, ending the walk at The Church of The Redeemer around 8:30 a.m. Visit www.SarasotaMinisterialAssociation.org, and click on the “CALENDAR” tab for more information. Join us in building pathways within our Sarasota community.

By Rev. Dr. Tom Pfaff, Chair of the Sarasota Ministerial Association

Rev. Dr. Tom Pfaff, Chair, Sarasota Ministerial

Association

SMA members gathered in front of The Church of The Redeemer in downtown Sarasota.

Photo courtesy of Rev. Dr. Tom Pfaff

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Page 8: March 2015 Issue - The VOICE

8 The VOICE of the Downtown Merchants

Our City Eileen Normile—A Candidate Committed to

March 10, 2015, promises to be a memorable day in the life of Sarasota resident Eileen Normile. It is on that day

that her future role as city commissioner will be decided by voters in District 2 of the city of Sarasota. Since November 2014, when Normile was first appointed to the vacated commissioner’s seat in her district, she has quickly proven to be a person with many admirable characteristics. But two, in particular, stand out: she can lead, and she will listen. Although not a native Floridian, Normile has spent the last seven years deeply involved in the community and the city in which she lives. She brings an arsenal of experience to the position she has filled for the last five months, and she is committed to working collaboratively in continuing the

work that she has only just begun. Born and raised in the Bronx in the state of New York, Normile graduated with a degree in journalism and political science from Fordham University. She then worked as a flight attendant for TWA for two years, traveling throughout the United States, before settling in New York City where she worked in broadcast journalism. In 1979, Normile and her husband, Michael, moved to Hong Kong. While there, she worked as a TV news anchor and reporter for Hong Kong’s English language TV station. She also served as a reporter for the CBS Radio Network, developing news reports in Hong Kong, Macau and south China that were broadcast in the United States. The couple’s oldest daughter, Madeline, was born while the couple was living in Hong Kong. Upon returning to New York City four years later, Normile worked for CBS as a news writer, creating material for several notable news professionals that included Douglas Edwards, Bob Schieffer and Charles Osgood. It wasn’t until eight years after the couple’s second daughter, Catherine, was born that Normile considered a

career change. She enrolled at Seton Hall University School of Law in New Jersey to study law, attending part time while she raised her daughters. She graduated in 1996 and was admitted to the New Jersey bar. She also became a member of the bar in Washington, DC, two years later. In the years that followed, Normile worked in the Union County Prosecutor’s Office in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where she successfully tried felony cases that led to the incarceration of individuals who, she says, “tore at the fabric of our community.” During her tenure with the prosecutor’s office, Normile also headed the Domestic Violence Unit, working diligently on behalf of battered and abused victims. After her daughters were grown and living on their own,

Normile retired from the practice of law in 2008, and she and her husband decided to leave the northeast. However, retirement didn’t last long for this always active and involved woman. After moving to Bird Key, Normile joined the homeowners’ association and eventually became president. During her term as board president, Normile headed the redrafting of the association’s governing documents, which, at the time, were out of date. While serving on the board of the homeowners’ association, Normile also became a member of the City’s Police Advisory Panel for three years and served as the president of the panel in 2014. Drawing on her legal experience working with victims of domestic violence, Normile and the panel authored a study of the domestic violence legal environment in Sarasota. This groundbreaking study led to the appointment of an advocate for domestic abuse victims at the Sarasota Police Department. Much-needed revisions to the department’s general orders regarding how domestic violence matters were

handled in the department were also made as a result of the Panel’s report. Another key accomplishment credited to the Panel was the employment of a full-time Accreditation Manager following the Panel’s investigation of the police department’s loss of accreditation last year. In November 2014, when two of the city’s five commissioners resigned to run for the county commission, the remaining three city commissioners appointed Normile to fill the seat in District 2. Her appointment expires in May, and she is now seeking election for a four-year term. In early February, The VOICE had a chance to sit down with the candidate to talk about her impressive career, her work within the city of Sarasota thus far and the vision she has for Sarasota’s future. The VOICE: After you retired from the practice of law in New Jersey, what brought you and your husband to Sarasota?Commissioner Normile: Through the years, Michael and I— who have been married for 40 years—have enjoyed many

Above, Eileen Normile is running for City Commission in Sarasota’s District 2. Elections will be held on Tuesday, March 10

Page 9: March 2015 Issue - The VOICE

SDMA • www.sarasotadma.com 9

“Moving Sarasota Forward”

Continued on Page 10

Above, Eileen Normile and her husband, Michael. Below, Eileen and her two daughters, Madeline and Catherine, at Catherine’s

recent wedding. Photos courtesy of Eileen Normile

family visits and vacations in Sarasota, and we always have felt so welcome. I have lived in Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, New York and in several communities in New Jersey, and, without a doubt, this is the friendliest place that we have ever lived. Sarasota is a remarkable city.

The VOICE: What has inspired you to become involved in the community and serve as a city commissioner after a successful career as a criminal prosecutor? Commissioner Normile: I first became involved in the community by joining the Bird Key Homeowners’ Association. I initially thought it would be a great way to meet my neighbors, but I continued to get more and more involved, eventually serving as president of the association in 2012/2013. During my term as president, I was instrumental in help-ing the association update its governing documents, which were more than 50 years old. It was a tremendous undertaking that was met with significant opposition by some of the homeowners. However, we had a great board and together we worked for more than a year to communicate the reasons why this needed to be done. As a result of this ongoing communication, we gained the approval of 70 percent of the association’s 500 homeowners.

The VOICE: How has your experience as a criminal prosecutor been helpful in your work as city commissioner?Commissioner Normile: I truly believe that my background in law provided me with tremendous training for my work as a city commissioner. We are constantly dealing with legal issues in city matters, and my experience as a trial lawyer is spectacularly helpful. In the practice of law, for example, you never go into court without researching all the facts and evidence so that you are completely prepared to present your case. I have learned that it’s really important not to just rely on the facts you have on paper, but, instead, to speak to people to get the entire picture. Things might look very good on paper, but if you talk to people, you often get a totally different perspective. In my role as commissioner, I believe that it is critical to maintain an open-door policy, and I always encourage people to come in and talk to me about all issues concerning our city, so that I have all the facts at hand before decisions are made.

The VOICE: What is the role of city commissioner, and what are the decisions that Sarasota’s city commissioners are responsible for making?Commissioner Normile: First, I think it is important to explain how our city government works. The City of Sarasota has adopted what is called a “Commissioner - City Manager” form of government. Sarasota has five city commissioners. Two of the commis-sioners are elected at-large by every voter; the other three commissioners are elected by residents in their respective districts. The commissioners then choose a mayor and a

vice mayor from within this group. The commission employs a professional city manager. The role of the commissioners is to serve as the policy makers of the city. Although not involved with the day-to-day operations of the city, which are the responsibility of the city manager and deputy city manager, the commissioners are responsible for every policy or change in policy that affects the city. These issues range from changes in land use and zoning, signage on our city streets, legal issues, changes in the ordinances that are the laws within the city, and so on. When issues like these come before the commission or new ordinances need to be developed for the betterment of the city, decisions are made by commission vote. All commissioners are equal; each has one vote.

The VOICE: What issues do you believe it is imperative that the City of Sarasota address? Commissioner Normile: There are several critical issues that must be addressed immediately:

Page 10: March 2015 Issue - The VOICE

10 The VOICE of the Downtown Merchants

Continued from Page 9

• Traffic, transportation and infrastructure issues• Homeless issues• Competitiveness of downtown Sarasota• Development of the Bayfront

I also would like to see appropriate development along the north Trail—from 10th Street north to the Ringling Museum—where very little is currently happening. There is a need in this sector of the city for affordable housing, better public transportation and an influx of commerce. All of these developments, would, of course, have input from the residents of nearby neighborhoods. If I were to prioritize these issues, I would say that dealing with the homeless is our biggest challenge. In the community forums held during the campaign, I have told district residents that I do not favor a “come-as-you-are shelter” in our downtown. There are other, more quantifiably successful approaches—such as “Housing First”—that are far more promising. This is a county-wide problem, and I look forward to working with the county to resolve it. Before we move forward to address these issues, we have to know exactly what our approach will be, and we need the facts and figures to back up every step of that approach.

The VOICE: What do you believe are the key issues facing downtown merchants, and how is the City of Sarasota working to resolve them?Commissioner Normile: All of the issues we just discussed also have a profound impact on our downtown merchants—perhaps even more so. Parking availability, traffic and the homeless all influence the economic ebb and flow in downtown. The City Commission is currently working to address each of these issues within our local government, and we specifically are crafting ordinances to help the police department better enforce how the homeless situation is being managed.

The VOICE: What is it that you enjoy most about working in local government?Commissioner Normile: I especially enjoy problem solving and the challenges inherent in finding workable solutions that will bring the most benefit to the city. I also enjoy meeting the residents and merchants of Sarasota and engaging in productive conversations to determine their wants, their needs and their hopes for the city’s future. Since starting the campaign, I have had the opportunity to share breakfast, lunch and dinner with people who were complete strangers when we first sat down, but whom I have had a chance to get to know by the end of the meal. I have attended numerous meetings, and it is

my hope that I have the opportunity to continue to meet the residents and business owners in our community, who always are welcome to make an appointment and sit down with me at my office in City Hall. Serving as city commissioner is not a part-time job; it is a full-time commitment.

The VOICE: What is the most important thing you believe District 2 voters need to know about you that make you the ideal candidate for the elected position of city commissioner?Commissioner Normile: Looking back over the last seven

years that I have lived in Sarasota, I have a lot to show for the time I have spent here. Everything that I have accomplished with the Bird Key Homeowners’ Association and the City’s Police Advisory Panel has had quantifiable, positive results, and I am really proud of that. In my work for the city, I have been involved with a number of groups and committees that have worked together and accomplished tremendous things. You asked me what I’d like people to know about me. It is this: I am honest. I think I’m smart, and I know I work hard. And yes, I do love Sarasota.

The VOICE: What would you say to encourage the residents in District 2 to come out and vote on March 10?

Commissioner Normile: It’s been said before, but it demands to be said again—Every. Vote. Counts. Typically, turnout for city elections is very low. In fact, the last election in District 2 was decided by only 14 votes, and traditionally, only 17 to 28 percent of registered voters exercise their right to vote in these elections. However, it couldn’t be easier to vote. Sarasota residents who live in these precincts—109, 111, 203, 209, 211, 213, 223, 225 and 401—are eligible to vote for the candidate of their choice in District 2. A small percentage of voters in precincts 129, 205 and 207 are also in District 2. If you are uncertain about which precinct you live in, you can find your Precinct number on your voter ID card, or call the Supervisor of Elections. The upcoming election on Tuesday, March 10, is critical. Voters will be choosing the candidate that best represents them when decisions that affect the future of our city are made. Sarasota needs experienced and decisive leadership—and someone who is willing to listen. And voting is the process that allows every voice to be heard. For more information about City Commissioner Eileen Normile and the upcoming election, please visit www.ElectEileen.com. To contact the city commissioner, call 941-954-4115 for an appointment.

Above, City Commissioner Eileen Normile

Page 11: March 2015 Issue - The VOICE

SDMA • www.sarasotadma.com 11

The Sarasota Garden Club is hosting its second annual Gardens in Paradise tour on Saturday, March 21, 2015,

from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 2014 tour, which showcased five private coastal gardens, was a fantastic success. The 2015 tour promises to be an even bigger success with six premier private gardens available for viewing. The Gardens in Paradise event includes:

• Tours of the six private home gardens, as well as the Garden Club’s 14 Botanical Gardens

• How-to lectures on gardening tips and best practices• Opportunity drawings for dozens of awesome prizes

donated by local merchants• Vendors with a variety of items for sale, including

elegant handbags, children’s books, gift baskets, plants and garden art

• Complimentary coffee and pastries for all attendees• Gourmet lunches provided by the Hyatt Regency

Sarasota, available at the garden club, located at 1131 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota.

Founded in 1927, the mission of the Sarasota Garden Club is “preserving our tranquil botanical gardens and

our historic landmarks while fostering appreciation and promotion of Florida

gardening principles, floral design and civic beautification through education and programs for all.” In keeping with its mission, the Sarasota Garden Club supports the community by initiating projects, such

as civic beautification and restoration and maintenance of the city’s historic

The Sarasota Garden Club Hosts the Second AnnualGardens in Paradise Tour on Saturday, March 21

Salon Forty-One

Skin

Nails

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landmarks. The club also holds community outreach programs, such as Garden Therapy for autistic children and senior citizens and Therapy Tea for nursing home residents. In addition to awarding scholarships to high school and college level students, the club also sends kids to camp each year. Finally, the garden club maintains its historic building and the surrounding grounds and much more. The club’s 14 beautiful Botanical Gardens, which can be viewed and enjoyed by the public free of charge, are maintained solely by garden club volunteers. The garden club’s goal for the 2015 tour is to double last year’s attendance. The tour is the major fund-raising activity of the Sarasota Garden Club, and proceeds benefit the Sarasota community in many ways, including all of the outreach programs mentioned above. The entire community is encouraged to attend and help continue the garden club’s beneficial programs. Tickets are priced at $30 each if purchased prior to the tour or $35 per person on the day of the tour. Gourmet To-Go lunch-es are $10 each and must be pre-ordered by March 13, 2015. Tickets can be purchased either at the Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236, or online at www.gardensinparadise.com. For information about the tour, contact the Sarasota Garden Club by calling 941-955-0875.

Page 12: March 2015 Issue - The VOICE

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