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LIFESTYLE LETTER

From My Home to Yours

March 2023 PUBLISHER

Kimberly Janowicz | kimberly.janowicz@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Amy Niezur | amy.niezur@citylifestyle.com

The founder of our City, Christian Clemens, first came to this area in 1796 as part of a surveying venture into the wilderness. At the time the area was known as “High Banks” or “Big Springs” along the river. Clemens, intrigued with the area, purchased property. He built a two-story log home about where the County Court Building is today and opened a distillery. There are a few surviving written anecdotes by travelers who stayed with the Clemenses, and I imagine a home filled with cozy fires, the laughter of family and friends, and the cheerful sound of a fiddle. Home. So much contained in that little word. Home is our grounding. Our base. It’s where we start and end each day. It’s where we spend precious time with our family, friends, and pets. A place to dream and create memories. A vessel to express our unique identity. And while the details look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable. As we thought about our 2023 HOMES issue - we wanted to highlight what we think makes it special to our readers. That of course includes the history, the aesthetic and design, but most importantly - the people. We feel like the lucky ones as we grew to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise this city and hope the small lens into their lives and work inspires you. Thank you for letting us be a part of your home.

CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

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Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Mount Clemens City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Mount Clemens area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Mount Clemens City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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MARCH 2023

inside the issue The Home Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

12 Coming Home

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Open House HO ME + DES I GN

Trend Setter HO ME + DES I GN

Decor Trends HO ME + DES I GN

Money Matters FI NA NC E + LEGA L SE RV IC E S

Expert Help HO ME S ERV I C ES

Realty Report R EA L ESTAT E

A Look at Hope and Ian Cole’s Historic Queen Anne on Lincoln Street

24 All in the Family

Vertical Vic’s Designs Custom Window Treatments with a Family Touch

28 From Rumrunning to Financial Coaching First Financial Coaching Shares the History of 144 South Main Street

32 A Breath of Fresh Air

Inside Cheryl Pittiglio’s Mission to Bring Healthy Indoor Environments to Macomb County

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Kelly Hughes of Winterlayne Photography / 586.610.6399 This Victorian Queen Anne Style home was built by the Hubarth & Schott Company in 1905 as a private residence for John W. Jarchow, a Mount Clemens coal and lumber dealer.

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MARCH 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

KELLY HUGHES

1: Russ Hilgendorf, co-owner of Delightful Donuts & Cupcakes celebrated their Grand Opening on Cherry Street. 2: Cellar 59 Speakeasy Cocktail Night: Barb, Carlton, guest bartender, Tracey, and co-owner, Dan Kedziorek. 3: Cellar 59 Speakeasy Night: Giselle and Terra celebrating with a Whiskey Sour and Pink Lady. 4: Hearts for Homes Euchre Tournament Fundraiser Volunteers: Doris Moy, Jack Moy, Sharon Moy, Karen Yee 5: Hearts for Homes Euchre Tournament raised $1,560. Matt Davey, Christa Carpenter, Nancy Goodchild, Anna Palazzolo. 6: Artist Mary Jane Lopez at the Anton Art Center "Small Works" Exhibition opening reception. 7: Photographer Wendy Kohlmann at the Anton Art Center "Small Works" Exhibition opening reception.

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MARCH 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

A Passion for Health With over 30 years of experience in the health care field, Marilyn McGee brings her passion for all-natural products to the area through her business, MKPADS. MKPADS sells premium sanitary napkins free of chemicals, inks, and dyes. Avoiding chemicals became a personal mission for Marilyn after experiencing negative side effects. She adds, “My focus is to reach tweens, teens, and their parents about choosing all-natural products for their bodies.” Find out more at mkpads.jewelpads.com. Photography by Marilyn McGee

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Pooch Playoffs Charity Event

Run Your Business Like Clockwork

Jen Dera and Angela Bilen, owners of Capture a Moment Photography, will hold a Pooch Playoff charity event. The competition bracket will be revealed in March with 16 pooches competing for prizes. Each week’s winner advances until the Ulti-Mutt Cutie is revealed! Jen and Angela will photograph 16 dogs on March 4-5. The $99 session fee includes a metal print of the pup and a goodie bag of treats. Contact 586-646-8189 for details.

Leonard Nieman, of Systematic Leadership Consulting, has coached many small business owners. He now offers to come into your business and actually do the work of managing employees, hiring vendors, improving systems, and helping increase your profit margins. The Part-Time Executive Program, says Leonard, allows you, the owner, to focus on what needs to be done while the behind-the-scenes work is done for you. For more information, contact Leonard at 586-315-5323.

Photography by Capture a Moment Photography

Photography by Systematic Leadership Consulting

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Mount Clemens is Open for Business We’re making small business a priority Choosing a business location and space is a crucial step. Mount Clemens has a great mix of prime retail and office space in the heart of Macomb County. Want to join a group of passionate business leaders? Contact the Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority to learn more.

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Coming Home A Look at Hope and Ian Cole’s Historic Queen Anne on Lincoln Street

ARTICLE BY AMY NIEZUR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY HUGHES

“My family has been in Mount Clemens since my great-great grandma owned a hat shop in the Olympia Building,” says Hope Cole. “I grew up here and never thought I would move back until I learned this house was being sold by the bank. I thought back to when it was canary yellow in the 90s— every day on my way to elementary school I would look at it, and I never would’ve imagined I’d live in it someday.” The house, located on Lincoln Street, was built in 1905 by Hubarth & Schott for John W. Jarchow, a coal and lumber dealer who immigrated to the United States in 1870 and later served on the Mount Clemens Common Council as alderman for the Second Ward. An elaborate Queen Anne house, Mr. Jarchow’s eldest son, John C. Jarchow, moved into the home in

the early 1940s. The younger Mr. Jarchow owned a paint and wallpaper store at 79 Macomb Street since 1910 and was a prominent local merchant. Members of the Jarchow family lived in the home until 1983. After this point, the house was sold several times, ending up as a commercial property divided into small offices. When the Coles bought the home a little over six years ago, the process of restoring it to its former glory was begun. “We did a lot of detective work,” says Ian Cole, Hope’s husband, “figuring out what was original and what was not. All the work we’ve done has been to either restore or maintain the essence of the house, including restoring 46 original windows, replicating crown molding, restoring original flooring, and more.” While doing demo in

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O PE N H OU SE | HOM E + DE S I GN

The Jarchow home remained in the family for nearly 80 years.

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"Tea Time" with the Coles

One of the home's best features are the 46 newly restored windows.

O PE N H OU SE | HOM E + DE S I GN

A cozy attic guest bedroom.

the house, Ian found an piece of original wallpaper. “We can only assume it was from Jarchow’s wallpaper shop,” he says. “I had it framed and it is hanging in our house.” Both Ian and Hope have their personal favorite parts of the house. For Ian, it is the front porch. Although local historians believe it is original to the house, the Coles believe, after examining the foundation, that it was a later addition—possibly built by the younger John Jarchow. Says Ian, “[The porch] was nearly falling down when we bought it. It was also transformed into an ADA ramp, since it was a business, and it was an eyesore. We have since rebuilt it and made a beautiful outdoor space.” In addition to his fondness for the porch, Ian also loves the turret on the third floor with its charming domed ceiling. For Hope, she loves the way the house’s gingerbread windows “flood the house with warm light in winter. We forbade that the house would lose this feature and it set us on a four-year journey of working to restore them—all 46. We finally hung the last three freshly glazed windows last month… It was a labor of love (and war sometimes). We laugh now about coming home from the hospital with our first baby to a house boarded up with plywood.” Hope is happy to be back in Mount Clemens. “Living on a bustling corner of downtown in fun,” she says, “especially in the summer. Every day, come rain or shine, Ian walks to his office on Macomb—it’s quaint. I received a good pair of binoculars last Christmas so I could watch the peregrine falcons nesting in their corner of the Old Country Building. And that building, from the vantage point of our house, always anchors the end of a rainbow after a sunny rain.” Adds Ian, who joined Hope’s family’s financial advising business downtown, “We fell in love with the community here. We have strong bonds with neighbors. We bought our first home and started a family here in the Clem.

Move-in day for the Coles.

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5 Hot Trends

in Kitchen Design A peek at what’s ahead: bold cabinet colors, statement hardware and swaths of stone.

When designing your dream kitchen, it’s important to balance timeless features with elements that reflect your personality and design aesthetic. You may not plan to remodel your kitchen each year (does anyone do that?), but that doesn’t mean there aren’t creative ways to keep your space feeling modern and fresh. We spoke with interior designer Brooke Cover about the trends in kitchen design she’s seeing this year, touching on everything from cabinet colors and lighting to tile and countertop combos she’s loving.

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY J.A. STENGER PHOTOGRAPHY

T R E N D SE T T E R | HOM E + DE S I GN

TA K I N G T H E C O U N T E R M AT E R I A L U P THE BACKSPLASH Although the iconic subway tile backsplash is timeless in its own right, Brooke says she is seeing a big shift toward marble slab backsplashes — which add drama and depth to the kitchen. Not only is it easier to clean than tile, but a marble backsplash and countertop also sets the tone for the entire space and makes a big statement. CONTINUED >

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WA R M I N G U P THE WHITE We doubt the classic white kitchen will ever completely go out of style, but trends show people are going away from the white kitchen and gray cabinets. They’re opting for white mixed with warmer wood tones, dark greens and blues. Some homeowners are mixing vintage in with the new and modern through butcher block islands or other unique cabinetry choices. Black is making a bold comeback in some kitchens, while

T R E N D SE T T E R | HOM E + DE S I GN

others usher in warmth through painted islands or other darker contrast tiles in the bar area. You don’t have to leave behind the timelessness when you warm up your space if you opt for equally timeless black and wood-stained accents. If you want a quick refresh, consider adding pops of wood through cutting boards or other decor accents on countertops or open shelves.

HIDDEN STORAGE, VISIBLE APPLIANCES Gone are the days of it being a given to hide the fridge behind custom cabinets. Many brands of appliances are so beautiful and sleek these days, homeowners want to see them rather than hide them behind a cabinet facade. Small appliances, however, are another story. Custom cabinets and “appliance garages” aren’t going away anytime soon. Form and function make them a desirable addition to any kitchen.

BOLD H A R D WA R E Mixed metals and sizes are having a moment in kitchens across America. Brooke says not to shy away from a variety of sizes of pulls and handles, depending on the drawer and door size. For instance, you may see a mixture of longer pulls on larger drawers and square knobs on smaller glassware cabinets - and that’s more than just ok - that’s recommended. As the heart of the home, kitchens shouldn’t feel sterile and hyper-coordinated - they should feel inviting and tailored to the space. Since no two kitchens will be exactly alike, feel free to boldly mix the hardware sizes and styles to the needs of your kitchen. CONTINUED >

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C O N T R A S T, C O N T R A S T, CONTRAST!

Brooke’s Pro Tip: I suggest viewing countertop slabs in person vs. a small sample piece because each slab has unique movement and colors. They are all so beautiful and works of art. Taking a trip to the warehouse will really help a client to understand the different types available and see the difference in the look of the material.

SCAN QR CODE FOR BROOKE’S FAV O R I T E C O U N T E R T O P S T H I S Y E A R .

T R E N D SE T T E R | HOM E + DE S I GN

From painted and stained islands to dark lower cabinetry with bright white uppers and mixed lighting fixtures, contrast is the name of the game this year. You’ll see this juxtaposition between clean white and darker colors or even this year’s favorite - greens and blues - all over newly designed kitchens. You’re not breaking any rules by coordinating sculptural pendants over the kitchen island with more vintage-inspired gooseneck sconces over the standalone bar or a chandelier over the eat-in kitchen.

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ARTICLE BY AMY NIEZUR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN SHEA

Owner Rebecca Bazinski with daughter-in-law & co-worker, Christa.

All in the Family VERTICAL VIC’S DESIGNS CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS WITH A FAMILY TOUCH

D E C OR T R E N D S | HOM E + DE S I GN

Rebecca Bazinski came to Mount Clemens years ago. “As a young married couple with a toddler,” she says, “we purchased a beautiful older home in Mount Clemens.” Having a background in design, Rebecca enjoyed making her home reflect her personal style. “I loved the house,” she says. “Large rooms, great features—fun to decorate.” Her husband, Vic, was somewhat less enthusiastic about owning an older home. “Something was always broken,” notes Rebecca, and adds that historic homes can be challenging to repair.

Custom designed blinds + drapery by Vertical Vic's.

As a college student, Vic worked for a cleaners, taking down and reinstalling drapery. He learned to install new drapes as well and ended up opening his own drapery installation business. Vic’s business “handled J.C. Penney, Hudson’s, and other large retailers in southeast Michigan,” says Rebecca. Eventually, Rebecca says, her expertise in interior design and Vic’s knowledge of drapery installation merged into Vertical Vic’s Custom Drapery and Blinds. “We started off working from our home,” explains Rebecca. “We moved to Cass Ave in January of 1992, by the railroad tracks. We moved to 150 North Groesbeck in August of 2001,” where they have been ever since. Over the years, Vertical Vic’s has remained a family business, says Rebecca. As their two sons grew, they began working with them. As they married, their wives and families became “an integral part of Vertical Vic’s as well.”

Vertical Vic’s offers custom blinds and drapery, and many of the products they sell are manufactured in their own factory. “We also have our own drapery workroom,” notes Rebecca. With the ability to create custom designs to suit a customer’s needs, they are able to handle challenging jobs. “The jobs that require thinking out of the box and offering solutions for interesting situations are the most fun to accomplish,” she says. Rebecca is proud of the business she and her family have built. “We are more concerned with satisfying our clientele than filling our pockets,” she says. “We have been in business many years, and our clients come back over and over as well as send their friends and family. We are proud to service our customers with the best products available to us at a reasonable price.” CONTINUED >

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Vertical Vic’s offers custom design in their Mount Clemens showroom.

D E C OR T R E N D S | HOM E + DE S I GN

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From Rumrunning

TO FINANCIAL COAC H I NG FIRST FINANCIAL COACHING SHARES THE HISTORY OF 144 SOUTH MAIN STREET

ARTICLE BY AMY NIEZUR PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY HUGHES

M ON E Y M AT T E R S | FINANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

1912 Arts and Crafts home built by John S. Paganetti, founder of Paganetti Lumber.

From rumrunning to financial coaching? Sounds hard to believe, but the 1912 Arts and Crafts home at 144 South Main Street has had an interesting history. Built by John S. Paganetti, founder of Paganetti Lumber (National Lumber Company), Mount Clemens Bank, and Mount Clemens Pottery Company at a cost of $25,000, the home took two years to build. Mr. Paganetti designed the home and selected the lumber and finishing materials himself, with details such as African mahogany box paneling, full depth coffer box ceilings, and even custom furniture for his den—including a roll top banker’s desk in Birdseye maple. Throughout the home, Mr. Paganetti chose hand cut leaded glass windows in the “tulip and lily” style, which was popular at the time. Many of the home’s fixtures remain to this day, including pearl push button switches, brass door hardware, and even a central vacuum system! The home stands at nearly 4000 square feet, with imposing doors on the main level standing nearly eight feet high. The fireplace in the living room was built from reclaimed brick from Mr. Paganetti’s hometown in Italy, along with rare red Pewabic tile accents. The original front door weighed over 500 lbs, made of mahogany with 4” thick leaded glass. Mary Paganetti, John’s second wife, was an avid gardener. The grounds of the house were a veritable botanical garden, containing many varieties of roses and other flowers. Mary even hosted field trips for Mount Clemens High School students in her garden. Over the years, rumors spread that Mr. Paganetti had been a rumrunner during Prohibition. As the story goes, a tunnel connected 144 South Main to the Clinton River 250 yards away. According to the eldest great nephew of Mr. Paganetti, “Uncle John made his first million in lumber and his second million in liquor.” When asked if the rumors of a tunnel were true, he pointed out the spot where the tunnel entrance

CONTINUED >

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had been in the basement, covered with a cinderblock cap! What is truly behind the cinderblock remains a mystery. Smuggling rum may be in the past, but the house continues today as the home of First Financial Coaching. According to Jeffrey Furest and Michael Sarcheck, President and Vice President of First Financial Coaching, the house maintains its original architecture and look today. In the 1980s, the previous owners refinished much of the original wood, rebuilt the porch, and updated the electric and heating—and improvement projects have continued since. Most recently, the back porch was completely rebuilt, and new windows, carpet, and wallpaper were added in 2022.

Hand cut leaded glass windows.

At First Financial Coaching, says Michael, “Our clients allow us to work with their behavior and their money.” Jeffrey and Michael focus on educating their clients on how investing works, and are not afraid to say no to investment decisions that are not in a client’s best interest. They describe their approach as applying “academic investing principles” with a goal of helping families find financial peace of mind. Notes Jeffrey, “The financial industry has done a terrible job of creating a default world of investing that is predicated on forecasts and predictions. We are focused on transforming the investing experience from a short-term transactional mindset to a lifelong pursuit of fulfilling an investor’s purpose in life.” Learn more about First Financial Coaching at firstfinancialcoach.com.

John S. Paganetti designed the home and selected the material himself.

M ON E Y M AT T E R S | FINANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

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Daniel Schooley // CGC Water Treatment & Plumbing 810.207.1388 | b cgcmichigan v kineticocgc

www.kraatzﬂowers.com MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MOU N TC L E M E N S

A Bre ath of Fre sh A i r 22 years ago, Cheryl Pittiglio unknowingly moved herself and her two baby boys into a home infested with toxigenic mold. “Throughout the next few months,” she says, “my health worsened to the point that I could barely hold down a job. My tipping point was hearing my oldest son, 3 years old, start coughing in his sleep.” Cheryl’s doctor recommended they leave the home, which was later gutted. This experience led Cheryl, along with her sons Cole and Dalton, to later start Pure Air Mold Removal Macomb. Pure Air’s dry-fog vapor differs greatly from traditional mold remediation, says Cheryl. “Pure Maintenance developed the technology to vaporize a solution that will kill any mold spore, along with any virus, bacteria, or pathogen.” The result is a wholehome sterilizing treatment. Adds Cheryl, “The patented fog-like vapor is completely dry. Without the need for ripping out drywall and other building materials, our pricing is usually a fraction of the old way

EXP E RT H E LP | HOM E SE RVI CE S

of removing mold and allows you to save your furniture and precious belongings.” Cheryl has been able to help others as well. A church in downtown Mount Clemens, after over 100 years of leaks and floods, showed evidence of mold when the air quality was tested. Employees and volunteers, after spending hours in the church, often suffered health complaints. “We created a treatment plan,” says Cheryl, “with the goal of making the church a healthy environment, including for kids and the elderly, to worship. Post-treatment air sampling verified that the treatment was successful.” In a local construction company office, black mold lurked in the attic, sickening the secretary, Kim. After treatment, Cheryl says, Kim no longer needed her air purifiers. “So many people are living in homes with mold issues,” says Cheryl. “We are more than happy to help make their homes (and offices) healthy again!” Find out more at pureairmacomb.com.

ARTICLE BY AMY NIEZUR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PURE AIR MOLD REMOVAL MACOMB

Inside Cheryl Pittiglio’s Mission to Bring Healthy Indoor Environments to Macomb County

Compressors activate the dry-vapor in the home or business to kill the mold.

Family picture of Pure Air Macomb & Oakland. Cheryl’s brother Dominic and his wife Lisa own Pure Air Oakland. Cheryl with her sons Cole and Dalton.

Pure Air makes homes healthy again.

MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MOU N TC L E M E N S

MARCH 2 0 2 3

realty report A sample of recently sold properties in Mount Clemens. N E I GH BO RH O O D

ORIGIN AL PRICE

SO L D P RIC E

%SO L D/ O RIG

DO M

B DRM S

B AT H S

Seminole Hills

$199,900

$212,000

106%

1.5

Seminole Hills

$309,900

$245,000

79%

2.5

Ingleside Farms

$200,000

$190,000

95%

Seminole School

$194,900

$195,000

100%

Bridgewood

$299,900

$300,000

100%

1.5

Edinburgh East

$329,000

$285,900

87%

2.5

Bridgewood

$284,900

$275,000

97%

2.5

Lexington Square

$315,000

$302,500

96%

1.5

Little River Esates

$339,900

$338,000

99%

Sunfield Estates

$345,000

100%

2.5

Little River Esates

$375,000

100%

3.5

This data is a sampling of sold properties from January 2023. Source: IRES MLS system.

I’m not just a REALTOR® I’m your neighbor.

Kathleen Kelchner, REALTOR®

586.709.7538 kathleen@sellwithkathleen.com sellwithkathleen.com 59 North Walnut St, Suite #200, Mount Clemens, MI 48043

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You find the house, we’ll handle the rest. When it comes to getting a mortgage, having the right partner matters. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, or you’ve been around the block before, First State Bank is with you every step of the way with a loan solution that’s right for you and expert lenders who are there to help and advise you. From application to closing, First State Bank delivers competitive rates, great service, and a smooth mortgage experience. If you’re looking to buy or build a new home, we’re here for you. Give us a call today to get prequalified or to start your application! When you’re looking for a home, look to your Hometown Bank.

866-372-1275 | www.fsb.bank/mortgage

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