Homeowners in the Phoenix Area Paid Median of $139,000, 2011 American Housing Survey Reports

Theo nguồn tin của U.S. Census Bureau trên mạng PRNewswire

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/homeowners-in-the-phoenix-area-paid-median-of-139000-2011-american-housing-survey-reports-215054661.html

WASHINGTON, July 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Homeowners in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Ariz., metro area paid a median of $139,000 for their homes, according to a 2011 American Housing Survey profile released today. The median purchase price of homes constructed in the past four years was higher at $202,000. Nationally, homeowners paid $110,000 overall and $235,000 for new construction. There was no statistically significant difference between the national and Phoenix median purchase price of homes constructed in the last four years. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130711/DC45453-INFO) (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110428/DC91889LOGO) The profile released today provides information on the area’s housing costs, mortgages and a variety of other physical and financial characteristics about housing in the Phoenix area. The statistics come from the American Housing Survey, which is sponsored by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, and is the most comprehensive housing survey in the United States. National data are collected every odd-numbered year and metropolitan area data are collected on a rotating basis. “The last five years remind us how central housing is to each of us personally, to the fiscal health of our cities and counties, and the national economy. For 40 years, the American Housing Survey has provided a unique set of data that connects the detailed characteristics of who is living in homes to the detailed characteristics of the homes themselves,” said Kurt Usowski, HUD’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Affairs. “From the American Housing Survey, we can see why people chose to move, how often homes need repairs, and the extent to which housing costs are outpacing income growth. All this information can help inform policymaking around continued recovery in Phoenix and other metropolitan areas.” “We are pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate with HUD on these profiles,” said the Census Bureau’s Arthur Cresce, Jr., Assistant Division Chief for Housing Characteristics. “Analysts in government and business study the nation’s housing very closely and the AHS yields a wealth of information that can be used by professionals in nearly every field for planning, decision-making, and market research.” Some highlights for the Phoenix area include: Physical Characteristics The median year occupied homes were built in the Phoenix area was 1987, compared with 1974 nationally. In the Phoenix area, 74.9 percent of occupied homes used electric heating and 24.7 percent used piped gas. Nationally, piped gas was the main heating fuel, used by 50.4 percent of occupied homes. Electricity was used by 35.3 percent of occupied U.S. homes. Among owner-occupied homes in the Phoenix area, 19.9 percent had working carbon monoxide detectors, compared with 46.3 percent nationally. Among Phoenix area homes, 97.5 percent of owner-occupied units in the area had central air, compared with 72.5 percent of units across the U.S. Financial Characteristics Median monthly expenditures for owners in the Phoenix area totaled $105 for real estate taxes, $160 for electricity and $50 for property insurance. Respective national medians were $151, $121 and $58. Among the area’s owner-occupied homes, 72.0 percent had a regular and/or home equity mortgage and 25.0 percent had a refinanced primary mortgage. The respective national rates were 65.4 percent and 23.4 percent. There was no statistically significant difference in the percentages between the national and Phoenix rates for refinanced primary mortgages. Homeowners in the Phoenix area had median monthly mortgage payments of $1,045 in 2011, compared with $1,015 nationally. There was no statistically significant difference between the national and Phoenix median monthly mortgage payment. The American Housing Survey coverage of the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Ariz., metro area matches the 2009 Office of Management and Budget definition. For a complete set of tables from the American Housing Survey, definitions, sample design, and more, see . U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development U.S. Census Bureau Brian Sullivan Robert Bernstein Office of Public Affairs Public Information Office 202-402-7527 301-763-3030 brian.sullivan@hud.gov pio@census.gov CB13-R.54 Press kit SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau RELATED LINKS http://www.census.gov

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Gluten-Free Community Beach Party Hosted by Gluten Free Calendar Scheduled for August 10th in Phoenix

Theo nguồn tin của trên mạng phoenix.gov On Saturday, August 10th, Phoenix locals can enjoy a gluten-free beach party hosted by Gluten Free Calendar. Vendors, gluten-free goodies, prizes, special guests and a kids fun zone make this a true community celebration.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/7/prweb10903876.htm

(PRWEB) July 10, 2013 Phoenix locals can enjoy the exciting community Celebrate Celiac™ gluten-free event hosted by Gluten Free Calendar on August 10th from 1:30-4:30 at Ultimate Consignment who is the venue sponsor, just south of Chase Field prior to the Celiac Awareness Night Dbacks game. Guests will enjoy a gluten-free beach party complete with misters to keep cool, cold treats and even hula dancing performances as well as mini hula instruction classes. Attendees can also look forward to meeting and mingling with others who are living gluten-free whether due to celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity or as a lifestyle choice. Vendors, gluten-free snacks, a kids fun zone that includes a bounce house, face painting and an art station and prizes like autographed books, product and gift cards are just a few more things guests can look forward too. Special guest, Kirin Christianson, Mrs. Arizona 2011 and Founder of Red Haute Mama who lives with gluten sensitivity will be doing a meet and greet and addressing the crowd. Arizona’s own Local Motors Rally Fighter will also be on site for guests to take photos with and learn more about. Guests can ask questions to local gluten-free bloggers including Erica of Celiac and the Beast and support group leaders who will be at the event. “These events not only allow us to raise awareness for celiac disease and the gluten-free lifestyle but also show people that it can be fun! We truly find ways to create Unity in the Gluten Free Community™,” said Chandice Probst Founder, Gluten Free Calendar. The event will take place at Ultimate Consignment 475 East Lincoln Street Phoenix, AZ from 1:30-4:30 pm on Saturday August 10, 2013. The first 250 attendees will receive a gift bag to carry their gluten-free goodies. Udi’s Gluten Free and Glutino are the title sponsors for the event. Delight Gluten Free Magazine and Gluten Free Living Magazine are the media sponsors. Both have featured the event in their May/June issues. Following the community Celebrate Celiac™ event will be the Celiac Awareness Night with the Arizona Diamondbacks. A portion of each discounted group game ticket sold through Gluten Free Calendar’s website will benefit the Celiac Disease Foundation. “The Celiac Disease Foundation is the leader in raising celiac awareness and providing education. We are excited to be raising money through these group game ticket sales for them to continue their work,” said Chandice Probst, Founder of Gluten Free Calendar. Game tickets may be purchased by visiting http://www.glutenfreecalendar.com. For media inquiries or to learn more about Gluten Free Calendar hosted events, please contact Chandice Probst at chandice(at)glutenfreecalendar(dot)com. About Gluten Free Calendar: The ultimate connection to gluten-free and celiac events is Gluten Free Calendar™. From support groups, expos and in-store demos to Gluten Free Calendar™ hosted awareness nights, individuals will finally be able to find all gluten-free and celiac events in one place. Gluten Free Calendar™ prides itself in being a give-back company. With Unity in the Gluten Free Community™ as the companies slogan, they look forward to achieving just that through Nationwide Celebrate Celiac™ events and Gluten Free and Celiac Awareness Nights they host with professional athletic teams around the nation. Gluten Free Calendar™ works diligently to raise awareness for celiac disease and gluten sensitivity as well as proceeds for research facilities and related non-profit organizations. For more information, please visit http://www.glutenfreecalendar.com.

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Phoenix Sets Council Election for August 2013

Theo nguồn tin của trên mạng phoenix.gov

http://phoenix.gov/news/050613election2013.html

May 6, 2013 The following also is provided in Spanish. Lo siguiente también es provisto en español. On Tuesday, Aug. 27, the city of Phoenix will hold the regularly scheduled Council Election for voters in Council Districts 2, 4, 6 and 8 to elect a council member. There is no election for council member in Council Districts 1, 3, 5 and 7 this year because the terms of the council members are staggered. The Council Election is open to Phoenix residents who are registered voters and reside within Council Districts 2, 4, 6 or 8 at least 29 days prior to the election. The City Clerk Department has mailed notices to about 221,000 registered voters who reside in Phoenix Council Districts 2, 4, 6 and 8, and are on the permanent early voting list. Voters on the permanent early voting list who want to receive a ballot by mail do not need to return the notice. Voters who received the notice who do not want a ballot by mail for this election should notify the City Clerk by mailing the postage-paid return postcard. The City Clerk needs to receive the postcard by Monday, July 1, to prevent mailing the ballot. Voters who are not on the permanent early voting list and did not receive this notice may submit a signed request for a ballot by mail by Friday, Aug. 16. Request forms are available at phoenix.gov/elections or by calling the City Clerk Department. Phoenix residents who are not registered to vote have until Monday, July 29, to do so. For more information about the August election, contact the City Clerk Department at 602-262-6837, TTY 602-534-2737 or visit phoenix.gov/elections. Media Contact: Barbara Frazier 602-261-8512

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July 4 Restrictions Scheduled for Phoenix Desert Preserves

Theo nguồn tin của trên mạng phoenix.gov July 1, 2013 The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department will again restrict vehicle access this July 4 to all the city’s desert preserves and trailheads starting at 3 p.m. to reduce fire danger. Park rangers will close all gates at 3 p.m. to South Mountain Park, Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area, Camelback Mountain, North Mountain, Sonoran Preserve and Papago Park including areas west of Galvin Parkway. Fire bans remain in effect. Following is a list of regulations that will apply on July 4 at the preserves and desert parks: – No fireworks – No open fires (part of ongoing fire ban) – No charcoal fires, even in established picnic areas (gas grills are permitted) (part of ongoing fire ban) – No alcoholic beverages – No glass beverage containers – No smoking outside an enclosed vehicle (part of ongoing fire ban) The Parks and Recreation Department also wants to remind residents that the desert parks and preserves do not provide good visibility for fireworks displays and encourage residents to attend one of the city’s official Independence Day fireworks displays. More information on the July 4 desert preserve restrictions is available by phone at 602-495-5458. More information on official Parks and Recreation Department Independence Day celebrations is available online at phoenix.gov/parks. Media Contact: General Information David Urbinato 602-495-5458 602-262-4994

http://phoenix.gov/news/070113Fourthpreserve.html

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Sky Harbor Offers July Parking Coupon, Easier Drop Off and Pick Up

Theo nguồn tin của trên mạng phoenix.gov July 1, 2013 If you are traveling for the Fourth of July holiday or later this summer, check out our travel tips to make your journey as smooth as possible. Want a convenient parking option? The entire month of July, Phoenix Sky Harbor is offering a parking coupon for travelers who want to park at the terminal and walk to their gate. Take a short survey at skyharbor.com and download a coupon for 40% off terminal garage parking (Terminal 2 Economy excluded). Looking for a convenient pick up and drop off location? The 44th Street and Washington PHX Sky Train™ Station offers an easy alternative to driving into the Airport to pick up or drop off travelers who are flying out of Terminal 4. There’s a cell phone lot where you can wait free of charge while your party takes the PHX Sky Train from the Airport. The station also offers four-hour parking meters for those who would like to park and ride the train into the Airport to meet their party. Arrive at the Airport two hours before your flight departs, especially if you are parking in economy areas or checking bags. Be sure to look through your purse or carry-on bag before you come to the Airport. A forgotten weapon can cause you delays, hassles, and even fines. Visit tsa.gov for information about what can be placed in your carry-on. Liquids and gels carried onto the plane must be in 3 oz containers or smaller and placed in a quart-sized zip top bag. The bag must be screened separately. Larger quantities or medically necessary liquids are allowed at the discretion of TSA screeners. Visit tsa.gov or contact TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov or 866-289-9673 for questions. Flying Southwest Airlines or US Airways? Sky Harbor offers the convenience of Early Bag Check in two locations – the 44th Street PHX Sky Train™ Station and East Economy Parking. Travelers may check their luggage at no additional cost though airline bag fees still apply. Save Time, Plan Your Parking. Remember if you’re flying out of Terminal 4, the PHX Sky Train™ provides a two-minute ride from East Economy parking. However, if you’re flying out of Terminals 2 or 3, the most convenient parking is West Economy or the Terminal 2 or 3 garages. For updated information on parking lot and garage availability, visit skyharbor.com/FindASpot or call our 24-hour parking hotline at 602-273-4545. Find out which restaurants and shops are near your gate as well as other important Airport information by using our award-winning mobile website. Visit skyharbor.com on your mobile device or tablet. Media Contact: Sky Harbor Pager 602-673-5355

http://phoenix.gov/news/070113traveltips.html

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Phoenix Riders Have Some Options if East Valley Bus Strike Occurs

Theo nguồn tin của trên mạng phoenix.gov June 30, 2013 If the East Valley should experience a strike by bus operators employed by First Transit under a contract with the Regional Public Transportation Authority, some of the service loss includes seven local and nine commuter bus routes serving Phoenix. The other 52 bus routes, local and commuter, serving Phoenix will continue service. Phoenix has posted a map, a list of the potentially impacted bus routes, and alternate routes and options in Phoenix at http://phoenix.gov/publictransit/index.html. The potentially impacted Valley Metro routes travel from the East Valley into southern and central Phoenix, Ahwatukee, and along the Phoenix border with Scottsdale carrying about 6,800 Phoenix riders each day. Valley Metro routes serving Phoenix Southern Phoenix: Rts. 30-University, 45-Broadway, 48-48 St/Rio Salado, and 77-Baseline. Ahwatukee: Rts. 56-Priest, Express Route 522 Central Phoenix: Express Rts. 514, 520, 521, 522, 531, 533, 535, 541, and 542. Scottsdale border: Rt. 72-Scottsdale/Rural Options for Travel Phoenix city buses would still continue service on Valley Metro routes operated by the City of Phoenix and its contractors and may be able to provide an alternate way to a passenger’s destination. Many of those possible alternates connect through a number of Phoenix transit centers: Ed Pastor Transit Center, Central and Broadway; Central Station Transit Center, Central and Van Buren; Paradise Valley Mall Transit Center (northside of mall); and Desert Ridge Marketplace, Loop 101 and Tatum Blvd. For people can ride partway to their destinations, those transit centers could double as pick-up and drop off points for people who can get a ride from family and friends or taxi. Southern Phoenix bus routes may see the greatest impact with a possible loss on Broadway, Southern, and Baseline roads, passengers should check the north/south running routes because many of them travel also east/west for a short distance at the end of line. Bus passengers are also urged to take caution as they wait for a bus in the summer heat. Phoenix urges them to practice Personal Cool (Manténgase Fresco) which emphasizes drinking plenty of water and carrying portable shade such as an umbrella during the wait and when walking to and from bus stops. More Personal Cool tips are available at http://phoenix.gov/publictransit/index.html under the Rider Information link. Updated information on the progress of labor negotiations for East Valley bus service is available at http://www.valleymetro.org/ or by calling Customer Service at (602) 253-5000. Media Contact: Marie Chapple 602-261-8254 cell: 571-5895

http://phoenix.gov/news/063013busstrike.html

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Stanton Reminds Residents to be Vigilant During High-Heat Weekend

Theo nguồn tin của trên mạng phoenix.gov June 28, 2013 Mayor Greg Stanton Mayor Greg Stanton is calling on all Phoenix residents to be more vigilant over the weekend as temperatures rise to near record highs. Stanton is asking all Phoenix residents to consider checking on their neighbors, especially children and vulnerable adults to make sure they are OK. “Phoenix averages 110 days of temperatures above 100 degrees, and we all need to be aware that the heat is dangerous,” Stanton said. “We all need to be vigilant and check on our neighbors, especially seniors and small children, to make sure they are staying indoors and drinking plenty of water.” Water Hydration Stations View Map with Directory Safety Fact Sheet View Safety Fact Sheet Homeless Contact Information Emergency: 911 Shelter services hotline: 602-263-8900 or 1-800-799-7739 Pets/Animals Emergency Information Maricopa County Animal Care and Control: 602-506-PETS Arizona Humane Society: 602-997-7586. Donations View Water Donation Drop Off Map and Directory When the temperatures soar and the hot summer days are upon us, many homeless people who live on the streets do not have their basic needs met. Arizona’s harsh summer weather conditions can be devastating to people who are unable to avoid them for long periods of time. Older people, children and people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to extreme temperatures. The community can assist by donating items that will keep people who are homeless cool and protected during the long hot summer. The City of Phoenix is asking people to donate onlythe following items to be distributed to those that are homeless: Unopened water bottles Sunscreen New underwear – men’s, women’s, children’s White socks for children or adults White T-shirts for children or adults Bug repellant Cash or check donations to supplement the donated items also are welcomed Donated items are distributed by local homeless outreach teams from Basic Mission, Catholic Charities, Community Bridges, Health Care for the Homeless, Native American Connections Inc./ HomeBase Youth Services, Phoenix Rescue Mission, Set Free Ministry, Southwest Behavioral Health Services PATH Outreach, Stand Up for Kids, The Salvation Army Project HOPE, TERROS and U.S. Vets, Inc. Visit the Summer Respite webpage for more information. More Information The City of Phoenix also website provides information on heat relief, including how to survive extreme heat, hydration station locations and public transit tips. Visit the Summer Heat Safety webpage for more information. Media Contact: Sarah Muench 602-262-7111 http://phoenix.gov/news/062813highheat.html

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Văn Phòng Thành Phố Đóng Cửa Ngày Lễ Độc Lập

Theo nguồn tin của trên mạng phoenix.gov Independence Day Holiday Notice June 26, 2013 City of Phoenix offices will be closed Thursday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Here’s how city services are affected. Solid Waste Since the city has now switched to same-day collection, there will be no change in collection day. Trash and recycling will be collected as usual for those with Thursday collection. Transit Transit: Phoenix buses and Dial-a-Ride will operate on Sunday schedules. Express and RAPID routes will not operate. Light rail will begin with Sunday service and ramp up at 5 p.m. to support celebrations along the route. Additional capacity will be added and light rail service will extend by one hour with the last trips at midnight. Transfer Stations They will be closed. Libraries Burton Barr Central Library and all branch libraries will be closed. Parking Meters They will be free. Media Contact: Public Information Office 602-262-7176 http://phoenix.gov/news/062613july4holiday.html

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Head Start Program Still Recruiting Children

Theo nguồn tin của trên mạng http://phoenix.gov/ June 25, 2013 The city of Phoenix Human Services Department Head Start program is still recruiting children for the 2013-14 school year for the following districts Alhambra School District – James W. Rice and Cordova primary schools Phoenix Elementary School District Deer Valley School District Greater Phoenix Urban League – Sites within the Pendergast Elementary School District Murphy School District – Alfred F. Garcia, Arthur M. Hamilton, Jack L. Kuban and William R. Sullivan elementary schools Roosevelt School District – M.L. King and T.G. Barr elementary schools Washington School District – Arroyo, Sunset, Richard E. Miller, John Jacobs and Acacia elementary schools Families must meet federal income guidelines for family size, and children must be 3 or 4 years old to be eligible to enroll. Parents of children with special needs are encouraged to apply. The 63 sites within the city’s service area have varied hours and schedules. Head Start offers children from diverse backgrounds active learning activities, nutritious meals and snacks, health screenings, and disabilities and mental health services. Some sites also provide full-day Head Start or childcare services for working families. Social services also are provided to families in need. The involvement of parents in education, program planning and operation is an important part of the Head Start program. Parents play an active role in all aspects of the program. Through that involvement and other training activities, parents are able to gain skills to help them secure employment. For more information, call 602-262-4040 or visit phoenix.gov/headstart. Media contact: Alejandro Montiel 602-534-3443 http://phoenix.gov/news/062513headstart.html

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Teachers Recruiting Teachers – Arizona Center for Teacher Preparation Providing $1,000 Scholarships

Theo nguồn tin của Arizona Center for Teacher Preparation trên mạng PRNewswire PHOENIX, June 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Schools are out for the summer, but more than a dozen devoted teachers are leading the efforts to recruit aspiring teachers to become certified through the Arizona Center for Teacher Preparation. Under the $1K for 1K initiative, the Arizona Center is offering $1,000 scholarships for 1,000 individuals to participate in the AZ TeacherPrep program, a route to teacher certification for career-changing professionals, returning veterans, subject-matter experts, community role models, and others with a Bachelor’s Degree. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130606/DC28095LOGO) “As someone who is committed to the profession, there is nothing more rewarding than inspiring a student,” said JERALD WATSON, an elementary special education teacher at Amy Houston Academy in Phoenix. “There are many Arizonans who have the knowledge and wisdom that would ignite learning in the classroom, and I want to help encourage those individuals to make a difference in their communities by becoming a teacher.” Arizona schools are facing a shortage of teachers, especially in math and science. Governor JAN BREWER has expressed her concerns. “Every student deserves to have teachers who are experts in their subject areas, but only 10 percent of eighth-graders in Arizona have math teachers who hold an undergraduate degree in mathematics.” This is a national trend, and in 2011, President BARACK OBAMA issued a call to action, challenging the nation to prepare 100,000 science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teachers over the next 10 years. “We clearly need more math and science teachers in our state,” said FRANK KISCHER, a math teacher at Challenger Middle School in Tucson, “And I am glad to be part of the solution by encouraging others to join the noble profession of teaching. There is no greater calling.” “Despite being one of eleven states fully aligned with the graduation requirements of Common Core standards in mathematics, Arizona school districts face a long road to improving student outcomes in the STEM subject areas,” said SHAWN AREVALO McCOLLOUGH, former superintendent of the Nogales Unified School District who now serves as President and CEO of the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence, parent organization of the Arizona Center. “With more than 70 percent of Arizona eighth graders below proficient in mathematics, there is increased pressure for school districts to recruit and retain highly-qualified teachers in order to achieve the rigorous graduation requirements set forth by Common Core.” Watson and Kischer are being joined by a dozen teachers to canvass local venues such as community centers, libraries, coffee shops, and bookstores to recruit individuals to become teachers. They will also reach out to principals and superintendents. “As a teacher, you truly make a difference for students, their families, and the community,” said SHEILA CHASE, a marketing/business teacher at Buena High School in Sierra Vista. “The AZ TeacherPrep program is a great way to prepare locals who are committed to the community to become quality teachers.” Through the Arizona Center’s $1K for 1K scholarship initiative, local school districts can send a local professional from their community through the AZ TeacherPrep program to earn certification. By providing an intuitive pathway to the teaching profession for qualified, degree-holding professionals with subject area expertise, the Arizona Center is aiming to fulfill the teacher recruitment needs for Arizona classrooms. “For those who are looking for a career change or are out of job, the teaching profession is a great option,” said Chase. “It provides good benefits with summers off, and most important, you’re part of building the future.” The Arizona Center for Teacher Preparation will be hosting informational sessions and job fairs throughout the state. Join the conversation about #1Kfor1K with the Arizona Center: Facebook Twitter (@azteacherprep) Media Inquiries Cathleen Healy chealy@abcte.org 202-365-4636 ABOUT THE ARIZONA CENTER FOR TEACHER PREPARATION The Arizona Center for Teacher Preparation is a 501 (c)3 nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that offers an online teacher certification program for candidates that hold a Bachelor’s degree. Providing the essential classroom management training for teachers to be successful, the Arizona Center for Teacher Preparation program is an affordable opportunity for qualified professionals to transition into the classroom and serve their local communities. SOURCE Arizona Center for Teacher Preparation” http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/teachers-recruiting-teachers—arizona-center-for-teacher-preparation-providing-1000-scholarships-213028021.html

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