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July/August 2004 n Tamuz/Av 5764 n Volume 1, Issue 7

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Serving the English speaking community of Modiin and the surrounding neighborhoods

July/August 2004Tamuz/Av 5764Volume 1Issue 7

Just Ask for It!By: Sammy Fejbusch

In these financially challenging times we try to find ways to cut expenses without affecting our standard of living. One way to achieve this is to find cheaper alternatives to our current expenses for goods and services. Another way, at least partially, is to renegotiate the terms with our current service providers.

Many service providers sell their services at ‘discounted’ prices but only for a limited period of time. Thereafter, the cost is automatically increased without a timely reminder to the customer. At best, the service provider stresses that it is the customer’s responsibility to remember to inquire about new ‘deals’ at the time of the automatic increase. This kind of issue tends to be forgotten and not acted upon when the actual increase occurs. Obviously, the service providers rely on this in order to increase their revenues. Otherwise it is difficult to understand why they would not send their customers a reminder in order for them to make financial decisions in a timely manner.

Another way some of them make sure you forget what you pay for their services and save themselves some money is by not sending any monthly invoices (sometimes referring you to their website instead). It is only when you compare your charges from current and past credit card and bank statements that you could spot these automatic increases. The

Continued on page 12

There are four street names that will be changed because they are repeated in Modiin and Maccabim or Reut. Rechov Savion in Reut will be changed to Rechov Savionim. Rechov Sapir and Rechov Shoham in Keiser will be changed to names that have yet to be decided. Rechov Yispach in Maccabim (where no one is living) will also be changed to a new name not yet decided. The Names Committee is in the process of choosing names for boulevards, parks, bridges and other city streets.

I have recently succeeded in passing a new policy that will be responsible for cleaning up the city. Within a week, businesses will receive notice of the new policies requiring them to clean up and change their display practices. They will then have 21 days to respond appropriately or risk being fined or shut down until they have complied. The policy will include regulations as to what merchandise, if any may be displayed outside a store. The purpose is to make shopping centers look more cosmopolitan and less like a shuk. It will also help the businesses by requiring their appearance to be more inviting to customers and necessitating customers to enter the store in order to buy goods thereby exposing them to more merchandise. Some businesses will be permitted to extend their wares beyond their stores such as kiosks, which may sell newspapers in stands outside the storefront,

Continued on page 7

In and Around the CityBy: Alex Weinreb

2To Advertise n 052-4665-881 n 052-3868-768 n [email protected] n www.modiinfo.com July/August 2004 n Tamuz/Av 5764 n Volume 1, Issue 7

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Dear Readers,This issue of ModiInfo is a joint July/August summer

issue. The next ModiInfo will appear for the month of September. We would like to take the opportunity now to wish those that are traveling a safe trip and those that are moving in a very warm welcome. Of course to those that are staying put (ourselves included), we wish a wonderful fun-filled summer right here where there is no shortage of things to do.

Don’t forget to stay in touch - you’ll have plenty of time and opportunity to collect those “why we live in Israel, feel good stories” - and send them in! Stay tuned for the special pre-chagim issue appearing in locations near you at the end of August.

Wishing everyone a peaceful summer, Daniella Hellerstein and Caryn Meltz, 052-4665-881, 052-3868-768 [email protected]

www.modiinfo.com

ModiInfo is an independently owned, advertiser supported publication distributed monthly to Modiin and the surrounding neighborhoods. ModiInfo welcomes all articles and ads but reserves the right to edit or reject submissions. The views expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of ModiInfo. ModiInfo is not responsible for facts or claims made by ads or authors, nor for any typographical errors. Work produced by ModiInfo is the property of ModiInfo and may not be reproduced without consent.


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Regba kitchens may boast the latest trends in furniture, colors, styles and materials but that’s because they’ve been around the longest. This well-known and respected company began as a group of carpenters who immigrated from Germany at the beginning of the century. Together they started a moshav near Nahariah where they produced furniture and went from house to house selling their wares until they formed, 40 years ago, the company we know today as Regba. One of their first claims to fame is the design and construction of Golda Meir’s kitchen in 1967. Since then, they have custom made kitchens, bathrooms, pantry units, walk-in closets and wardrobes in countless homes throughout Israel. Recently, Regba has made its way across the ocean and is now available at an exclusive store in New Jersey.

Regba came to the Modiin area eight years ago when they opened in Kfar Rut. They were the first business to open offices there. Three years ago they moved to Shilat where they are presently located. The woman responsible for bringing the biggest name in kitchens to our neck of the woods is Cochava Shimon. She has 15 years experience in kitchen design in Israel and Canada. Cochava’s first job was with Regba in Jerusalem. During the five years she spent there, she

ParKaféCafé and Restaurant

Kosher dairy under the supervision of Rabbinut Modiin

Coming Soon:• New management• Expanded menus• Full catering services

Country Center, 76 Emek Hahula, Modiin 08-973 9970Second floorOpen Sunday through Thursday 9:00 am ‘til midnightFriday 8:15-14:00Motzai Shabbat until midnight

Breakfast • Soups • Salads • Sandwiches • Pasta • Pizza • Dessert

became impressed with the quality of their work, both in design and craftsmanship, that she promised herself she would one day open her own Regba showroom. That day came and with the help of Yaakov, her co-owner, Cochava has succeeded in bringing the Regba product into countless homes in the Modiin area.

Sharone Asher, one of the leading kitchen designers of Regba’s Modiin showroom, trained in interior architecture and design, began working for Regba three years ago. Because of her proficiency in English she works with most of the English speaking clients.

Sharone’s contribution to the overall design of the kitchen begins at the first meeting when an assessment of the family and their particular lifestyle takes place. According to Sharone designing a kitchen is not like putting together a puzzle where it’s merely a matter of making the pieces fit, rather it involves creativity, imagination, and time. Sharone recommends collecting as much information as possible such as, appliance measurements, amount of dishes and a good sense of personal needs. The more details a client can provide the more personal the kitchen can be designed. This is especially true when planning a kosher kitchen. As Sharone explains, a kosher kitchen is so much more than having two sinks.

Continued on page 8

Regba: More than the Basics


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Happenings on the HillBy: Aryeh Bak

We may be living here in Israel, but there are important legislation issues in the US that will have a direct impact on us as Israeli citizens. The goal of this column is to provide updates regarding Israel (or Middle East)-related legislation by the United States Congress on Capitol Hill. Furthermore, for those of us who are US citizens, keeping informed of current issues will allow us to still wield influence, even from right here in Modiin, by contacting our elected representatives back in the States.

Current IssueOn June 8th, President Bush hosted members of the

G-8 (United States, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, Russia and the United Kingdom) for a summit in Georgia. In anticipation of this meeting two thirds of the United States Senate signed the Ensign/Nelson letter.

What is the Ensign/Nelson Letter?The Ensign/Nelson letter is named after the co-

authors, Senator John Ensign (R-NV) and Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL). The non-binding letter urges President Bush to make Iran’s nuclear ambitions a principal focus of the upcoming G-8 summit.

Why Was it Released in Advance of the G-8 Summit?

The eight countries that comprise the G-8 together account for over 40% of Iran’s international trade. The eight world leaders at this summit have the ability to affect change - if they so desire.

Who Signed it?The letter was signed by 66 US Senators, 32

Republicans and 34 Democrats. A similar letter circulated among the House of Representatives and achieved over 200 signatures.

How Does it Affect Israel?It is probably fairly obvious to all of us that Iranian

nuclear desires constitute a real threat to Israel’s security. By raising the issue to the President, and calling on him to bring it to the attention of other world leaders, we can remain optimistic that this problem is not being ignored by the rest of the world.

Aryeh Bak is an actuary living in Modiin and is active in AIPAC (the American Israel Public Affairs Committee). For questions or comments feel free to contact him at [email protected].


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Alex Weinreb, continued from page 1

restaurants, which may have seating outside the store, and businesses that have children’s rides outside the store. These particular businesses will have a license for this and will be confined to a specific area outside the store to be marked by a painted line. In addition, I have increased the number of city inspectors from two people to six people thereby ensuring greater compliance with these and other laws.

During the summer months the public is invited to join in the fascinating archeological digs taking place around Modiin. Participants must be 18 years or older and will receive payment of 18 NIS an hour. For more information please call Galit at 970-4874. The digs began June first and will continue through August.

I am initiating a plan that will place kiosks in parks that have no shopping centers in their vicinity. The kiosks will carry food items such as, ice cream, coffee, sandwiches, drinks etc. They will also be required to have bathrooms for public use, which they clean and maintain as well as be required to clean the general park area. A tender will be offered and I hope to have the kiosks in place by next summer.

Anyone with unwanted pigeons disturbing their home can call Lior, professional pigeon catcher. After catching the birds, Lior will either sell them or set them free in the forests. He can be reached at 052-445-906.

I recently attended a three-day seminar in Tel Aviv on the environment. The seminar focused on recycling. I will be placing several different bins for different items such as glass, plastic and newspapers in 30-40 places

throughout the city. One such place will be the site of Ezer Modiin so anyone donating food or clothing may also bring recycling materials to the same location. In addition, I am looking for a sponsor to supply 15,000 cartons to be placed in private homes for the purpose of collection white paper (such as computer paper) that will be collected and recycled.

I am still looking for English speaking (or other foreign language) licensed tour guides to assist in taking groups around the city.

Q: What can be done to prevent trucks and buses from parking on small streets such as Rechov Chartzit?

A: Michael Harlop, deputy mayor in charge of transportation, has put forth a by-law to regulate parking. The by-law is expected to take one and a half years to pass. To help solve the problem immediately, small streets will be closed to trucks and buses, thereby preventing them from parking there as well. A by-law is not needed to put this regulation into effect.

Q: Why do fences, thereby making them safer for children, not close off the parks?

A: Ideally there should be fences around parks. While some parks were built with slopes around them, such as the Emek Achula park, there was no law requiring fences when the parks were built. In order to construct the fences now we must find funding for it.

If there’s a question that you would like answered, please feel free to e-mail me at [email protected].

Alex Weinreb, Deputy Mayor of Modiin.

Please let our advertisers know you saw their ad in ModiInfo

Deadline for September Issue (Pre-Hagim)

Advertising is August 12, 2004


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Regba, Continued from page 4

Timing is also an important factor. What this means is that saving the kitchen as the last element to design is a mistake. Ideally, the kitchen should be one of the first things planned since it is the most costly and most used room not to mention that most people only do it once so it must be done right. When building a house from scratch, Sharone advises consulting with her before windows, doorways, electricity and plumbing have already been permanently placed. This way the kitchen can be designed optimally and those other elements can be adjusted to fit the design.

In addition to a sensational design, Regba provides the absolute finest quality cabinets and fittings. Their standard product is considered top-of-the-line elsewhere. The difference, they say, is in the finish. According to Cochava, Regba is able to combine the materials that make up cabinetry in a way that no one else can. That’s because the Regba factory (located on the

moshav) has the biggest and most advance machinery available, which makes for a stronger, more precise product. The kitchen should function like a machine and needs to stand up to the daily abuse it receives as the most used room in the house. Some items, such as solid wood doors and other fine details are hand made because they serve more of a decorative purpose.

Another critical aspect Regba provides, no less important than the design and craftsmanship, is customer service. The warm feeling, personal attention and ability to understand a client’s needs are part and parcel of the Regba experience. Making critical decisions in a relaxed atmosphere with the patient guidance of a professional ensures not only a fabulous looking and completely functional kitchen, but a pleasant experience as well.

Regba is located in Shilat. To make an appointment for a free consultation, please call 08-976-6111. www.regba.co.il

Israel National Baseball Team

Micha Brief, Modiin, age 12, catcher, first base

B.Z. Ettinger, Chasmoniam, age 11, pitcher

Ziv Keren, Chasmoniam, age 12, catcher

Ilan Susskind, Kibbutz Gezer, age 12, pitcher, catcher

These boys are among 15 boys selected nationally to represent the Israel National Baseball Team. The boys play in the league of the Israel Baseball Association and will compete in the European Championship games held this July in Slovakia. Mazel Tov, Kol haKavod, and B’Hatzlaha!


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Modiin: A Healthy CityBy: Michael Harlap

The City Council of Modiin has decided to join the “Israeli National Network of Healthy Cities”. The network includes about 30 Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa. The network was initiated in 1990 by the Ministry of Health together with the World Health Organization and representatives from various government offices and other private institutions that are interested in promoting health matters. Michael Harlap, Deputy Mayor, heads the project on behalf of the city of Modiin. The activities of the “Healthy City” project focuses on promoting the health of the citizens by developing appropriate projects.

The concept of the “Healthy City” project includes the health of the individual, the family, the community, the organization and the city as an integral and comprehensive unit. According to this concept, health means not only curing sicknesses but also preventing it by maintaining a healthy way of life and quality of life.

Within the framework of the project, a health profile for the city will be prepared within three years and a health strategy will be developed together with the various health organizations working in the city.

Public TransportationFurther to many requests and questions received, the

Ministry of Transportation published a tender for new

public transport in Modiin, starting January 1, 2005. The new bus operator will be chosen in a few weeks.

Residents who wish to express their requests and suggestions may turn to Mr. Yossi Lenman, who’s in charge of the Citizens Services Center in Modiin (Merkaz Sherut).

Aliya and AbsorptionDuring the past few weeks, several groups of

people interested in making Aliya (mostly from France and South Africa) visited Modiin and are considering settling here.

The Jewish Agency (the Sochnut) together with the city council of Modiin are planning to promote a project called, “At home together”(“Babait Beyahad”), which includes joint activities for new olim and tzabras in Modiin. They are intended to develop and strengthen the connections between olim and tzabra residents.

Michael Harlap, Deputy Mayor, City of Modiin08-972-6006, [email protected].

Every Kind Every Size Every Color

The biggest warehouse of paper goods in the Modiin areaHuge selection of colors, styles and accessories forevery occasion at unbeatable prices

Wide assortment of aluminum tins and baking itemsincluding decorative wrapping and gift items

Shilat shopping center (next to Home Center)Sunday-Thursday: 9:00-20:00 straight; Friday: 9:00-14:00

08-976 1872


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How do you call for a pizza delivery?Who do you call for a leak in the house?What do you answer the bank teller?How do you fill out a registration

form for your child’s school?

PRACTICAL HEBREW IN NINE HOURS

Who? Adult OlimHow much? 600 shekel for the nine hour package(6 hour-and-a-half sessions)Registration? 8-12 adults per groupLocations: Beit Shemesh, Yerushalayim, Modiin-Chashmonaim, RannanaCall Rav Ari Cutler for details �� Check out our website: www.lamdeni.co.il

Register Now!

Lamdeni Presents:

Hebrew To Go

R. C. A. Construction & RenovationsPaintingDry WallArtistic Designs

Professional service

For free quote and adviceCall Robert: [email protected]

Why We Live in Israel …By: Rachel Green

Many people often ask me why I made Aliyah and why I left family, friends and financial security to be here. Despite the difficulties, it seems that it’s the silly little things that I see and experience on a daily basis that strengthen my commitment to live here and appreciate the decision that I made just a short two years ago. Seeing the children in gan setting a flock of doves free on Yom Ha’atzmaut, hearing the attendant at the gas station say, “Shabbat Shalom” as I’m filling my car up with gas on a Friday morning, smiling at my daughter after the clerk at the bakery gives her a cookie while I’m buying challot or seeing a man davening with his tallis and tefillin in the morning sun on the side of Route 443 while driving to Shilat. There’s no other place in the world where these little things can happen on a free and daily basis. Cherish them as I do.

Please share your feel good stories with us by e-mailing [email protected].


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Sammy, Continued from page 1above is common practice with Internet service providers, phone companies, cable companies, etc.

All you need to do is look at your latest credit card and bank statements in order to find these monthly payments. If you see that automatic increases have occurred you can call your service providers and ask to join the latest ‘special deal’. There is usually a deal that they will offer you in order to keep your business.

As a matter of fact, even if no automatic increase has occurred, you can always call your service providers to find out about the best deals available. This way you can cut some costs without affecting your standard of living.

If you would like this column to address a specific topic or answer your questions, feel free to email Sammy at: [email protected].

Sammy Fejbusch is the founder of New Insight Consulting Ltd., advising corporate and private clients on financial issues. He is a Certified Public Accountant and has an MBA in Finance from Hebrew University.

Shilat ButcherKosher under the supervision of the Hevel Modiin Rabbinate

Newly Expanded StoreFresh chicken and meatFrozen chicken, meat and fishMeal Mart gefilta fish loaf and chopped liverSpecial order whole turkey

We also have your favorite American products:Ice Tea Mix • A&W Root Beer • Duncan Hines mixes

Graham cracker crusts • Ocean Spray cranberry sauce • Apple Snax apple sauces

Bosco chocolate syrup • and much more!

Order in person or by phone. Delivery free with purchase over 150 NIS.

08-976 1839Located in Shilat next to Wendy’s Nursery

Nutrition andHealth Advisor

No obligation, satisfaction guaranteed.

• If you need to lose weight, or just control it• If you have high blood pressure and high cholesterol• If you are stressed out and constantly tired• If you have energy loss during the day• If you are constantly eating• If you are underweight

If one or more of the above describes you, then you havenutritional deficiencies. Call for a free nutrition and healthconsultation at your convenience in your home.

Daniel: 0544-531934, [email protected]

On Motzei Shabbat, July 17, Dodo Pollock will be hosting the ESRA Modiin 48+ Group, and will be giving a lecture on the poet, William Blake. For further information, please call Stella Padeh 08-972-7169 or Joan Lester 08-970-3952.

The ESRA Scrabble Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Interdisciplinary Centre, Marlaz at 8 p.m. For further details, please call Stella 08-972-7169.


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Write or WrongBy: A concerned Modiin e-mail list subscriber

Do you ever feel frustrated? Angry? Annoyed? Hungry? Tired? Itchy? Well, if you have ever felt any of these emotions, the forum to go to seems to be the Modiin e-mail list. I’m just an innocent reader who subscribes to the list to find out about the goings-on in Modiin, but I seem to receive more than I bargained for. I once in a while post a message to the list, but mainly sit at the computer and press the delete key about a hundred times a day (ok, that’s an exaggeration, but you get the point).

Let’s take a moment and think about the hot topics over the past year. The most recent one: Flies. Have you ever heard of calling an exterminator instead? A few months ago: Earthquakes. Did you forget what the “news” is? I turned on the TV to see that it really happened. Brace yourselves - the list is not the only source of information. But let’s not forget my all-time favorite: Hot dogs. For all you list subscribers, enough said right there. For those of you who aren’t list subscribers, I apologize for the inside jokes, but you can still get the gist of the ludicrous correspondence.

About a year ago, there was even an entire conversation about responding to the entire list versus

an individual. So, it was decided … many e-mails later, many opinions later … that you have to press an extra button to respond to the entire list. This being the case, why I am still reading personal e-mails. What starts as a list question turns into a personal conversation. Tip: Either pick up the phone (if you don’t have the person’s number - e-mail only him for it), or please do us a favor and stop pressing “respond to all”!

Ah, the list moderators. I’ve read and reread the FAQ and to be honest, I still don’t get it. It says we’re supposed to act in a mature and civil manner, yet how is it that mature and civil adults are haggling over new cell phone number configurations? Why is it acceptable to write numerous blasphemous messages about our deputy mayor? Let’s do this: enforce the rules that matter and relax the rules that are baseless.

What’s my point in all this? Before you write, stop and take a moment and decide if it’s pertinent. Then make sure you’re not offending anyone. And only then should you press the send “to all” button. But now I must sign off and hand wash my dishes which are getting crusty from NOT having two dishwashers.

This article was written simply as a public service announcement. If you choose to make it a list topic than you haven’t read a word I wrote. Why aren’t I signing my name? Well, I think that’s pretty obvious.

Candle Lighting

July 2/13 Tamuz

Parshat BalakCandle lighting 19:28Shabbat ends 20:33

July 9/20 Tamuz

Parshat PinchasCandle lighting 19:27Shabbat ends 20:31

July 16/27 Tamuz

Parshat Matot/MasseiShabbat MevarchinCandle lighting 19:25Shabbat ends 20:28

July 23/5 AvParshat DvarimShabbat ChazonCandle lighting 19:21Shabbat ends 20:23

50 NIS +VAT and this space can be yours!

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WOMEN’S WATER AEROBICS CLASSESWonderful treatment for muscle toning, varicose veins and back problems. No need to know how

to swim. 140 NIS/month for once a week classes. 064-758-048.

GARDEN APARTMENT FOR SALE Givat Sharet, Beit Shemesh,

Rechov Reuven (Sheinfeld project). 4 1⁄2 rooms, large garden, central

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In an Upcoming ModiInfo: Coping with Transition - How to Encourage Your Children to Express Themselves through Art. By: Jodi Wachspress, Art Therapist. See ad on page 9.

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Classifieds • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

August 13/26 Av

Parshat ReehShabbat MevarchinCandle lighting 19:04Shabbat ends 20:04

August 20/3 Elul

Parshat ShoftimCandle lighting 18:56Shabbat ends 19:56

July 30/12 Av

Parshat VeetchananShabbat NachamuCandle lighting 19:17Shabbat ends 20:18

August 6/19 Av

Parshat EkevCandle lighting 19:11Shabbat ends 20:11


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By: Allen Rosen

Summer is always a good time to enjoy light and refreshing pasta salads. With an endless assortment of available pastas and fresh vegetables, all you need is a little creativity to whip up tasty and colorful dishes. This recipe combines a colorful assortment of vegetables with flavorful and easily prepared seasonings.

Ingredients:

250 grams of tri-color spiral pasta

15 broccoli florets

15 cauliflower florets

1 large onion cut into large slices

2 carrots cut into medallions

15 zucchinis battonet (2 zucchinis cut into 15 spears)

15 sun-dried tomatoes (reconstituted in water for 5-10 minutes, drained, and sliced into thin strips)

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 large bunch of fresh basil (first remove, wash and dry the leaves, then chop finely)

Juice of 1 lemon

4 large cloves of garlic (put through a garlic press or chopped finely)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2-1 teaspoon of sugar to taste

Preparation time: 30 minutes (includes preparation of the vegetables). Vegetables are sautéed in stages to allow for their varying consistencies.

• Wash and cut the vegetables per the individual instructions above.

• Cook pasta, drain and rinse with cold water.

• Coat a wok or skillet with olive oil and heat on medium flame.

• Sauté basil for 5 minutes.

• Add the broccoli, cauliflower and carrots and sauté for 5 minutes.

• Add the onions and zucchini and sauté for another 3 minutes.

• Add the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic and sauté for another 3 minutes.

• Once the vegetables are cooked until al dante (following these timing instructions), add the mixture to the cooked and drained pasta.

• Add salt and pepper to taste, the sugar and the lemon juice.

• Mix thoroughly.

This dish is delicious by itself or as the perfect accompaniment to any type of grilled or baked fish.

Allen Rosen is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and has worked in the food service industry for over 15 years, most recently as a manager at the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem and in many fine food establishments both here and in the United States. You will soon be able to sample Allen’s culinary skills when he becomes the new managing partner of Modiin’s very own ParCafe, located on the top floor of the Country Center shopping area. Look forward to enjoying their expanded menu and full catering services.

Summer Pasta Salad

16To Advertise n 052-4665-881 n 052-3868-768 n [email protected] n www.modiinfo.com

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