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Say No to the Wardrobe Police: Don’t Criminalise Millions of Fur Wearers

British Fur Trade Association

The body that represents the fur sector in the UK has warned that the Government risks introducing measures in potentially outlawing the sale and wearing of fur that would see it effectively policing people’s wardrobes and criminalising millions of Brits who wear natural fur. The warning comes following the launch of a call for evidence launched by the Environment Department, Defra, that seeks to understand the nature of the UK fur sector. The move could be seen as the first step to introducing measures that could restrict the import, sale or wearing of natural furs in the UK. A Spokesman for the British Fur Trade Association said: “If the Government decided to introduce restrictions on the sale or wearing on fur it would effectively be telling us what we could and could not wear and what we should have in our wardrobes. We would have the unpalatable prospect of the police checking whether the coat or hat that someone was wearing was real or fake. This is a step too far and is a draconian gross invasion of consumer choice. There is no support for ban on ethically produced fur in the UK and individuals should be free to make up their own minds. “It is also clear that restrictions on fur would be the thin end of the wedge and would simply open the door for restrictions and bans on other animal products including wool, leather and silk as well as modern farming methods. Animal rights activists want to see an end to all use of all products or materials from animal entirely. Their views do not represent the majority of the people of this country. "There are exacting standards and rules in place governing the fur sector, banning natural fur would therefore do nothing to improve standards in animal welfare and is a purely symbolic move pushed by animal rights activists. It would lead to thousands of job losses and closed businesses. It would also damage London as a global fashion hub with many designers and brands using fur and would be the start of a slippery slope to other restrictions on animal products including leather, wool and silk. Fur remains popular with sales increasing over the last decade, it is also a natural, sustainable material, far better for the environment than oil based non-synthetic fast fashions." Contact Details Giles Roca +44 7747 486479 groca@iftf.com Company Website https://britishfur.co.uk/

June 02, 2021 03:32 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Osmo Announces New Retail Partnership: Families Traveling Through U.S. Airports Memorial Day Weekend Can Purchase Osmo’s STEAM Products at InMotion Stores

Osmo

According to parents, kids love playing Osmo at school, at home, and even while they are on vacation. To reach families with school-aged kids (3-10 years) who love to shop while traveling, award-winning STEAM brand Osmo announces a new exclusive partnership with the country’s largest airport-based electronics retailer, InMotion, plus its sister venues iStore and Soundbalance, which offer cutting-edge and diverse premium electronics for tech-savvy business and leisure travelers. Starting May 29, 2021, four of Osmo’s best-selling kits will be available for purchase at InMotion, Soundbalance and iStore airport and resort locations across the country. “We’re thrilled to be launching our best-selling STEM/STEAM kits for iPad at so many InMotion locations across the country, during one of the busiest and most anticipated travel holidays, and this pivotal reopening time,” says Richard Ryan, Senior Director of U.S. Omnichannel Sales at Osmo. “Today’s parents feel that traveling with technology is a must, even for their kids, who are looking for the best products and entertainment to use while on the road. And, with tablet technology being easier to operate while in flight, kids can easily play with Osmo’s engaging array of learning games.” “The travel industry’s resilience is clear, and we are ready for the pent up demand for travel. The toy industry is experiencing a 16% increase over last year and InMotion is intent on delivering gaming technology to all ages. Osmo is the ideal kids’ system for engagement and happiness while traveling and we’re elated to introduce our exclusive partnership to the traveling consumers. Families are traveling more as virtual education is more readily available. Families look to toys to help keep their children engaged, active, and delighted,” says Eden Goldberg, Divisional Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at InMotion Entertainment Group, LLC. Almost half of the retail locations will feature Osmo’s STEAM kits stacked in floor displays, while over half of the locations will showcase a powered display with video, interactive display, and all four Osmo kits. Orlando, Detroit and New York City/LaGuardia airport locations will soon offer interactive displays that allow families to sit and test out products, while shopping. The four Osmo products currently offered by InMotion, Soundbalance and iStore, are: Little Genius Starter Kit for iPad (retail $79) Genius Starter Kit for iPad (retail $99) Creative Starter Kit for iPad (retail $69) Coding Starter Kit for iPad (retail $99) InMotion, Soundbalance, and iStore airport locations currently carrying Osmo include: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Dallas, Detroit, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Seattle, San Diego, San Francisco, Windsor Locks (CT), Baltimore, Washington D.C./Dulles, Washington D.C./Reagan, and New York City/LaGuardia. InMotion casino locations carrying Osmo include: Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas. About InMotion InMotion Entertainment Group is the largest airport-based electronics retailer with more than 120 locations throughout the United States. Together with Marshall Retail Group, InMotion is a part of world-renowned retailer WH Smith. InMotion operates in 44 of the top performing U.S. airports as InMotion, Soundbalance, Headphone Hub, and iStore. With access and insight into the latest technologies for business and leisure travelers, InMotion offers lifestyle products and electronics that include a wide breadth of headphones, mobile power, Bluetooth speakers and travel accessories. InMotion has been the recipient of numerous industry awards that include recognition by Airport Experience News for "Best Specialty Retailer" and "Best Concessions, Highest Regard for Customer Service" for four years running. It has been acknowledged by USA Today as one of the "10 Best" Airport Concession Stores nationwide. InMotion Entertainment Group also remains the only airport retailer to appear in the two industry indexes: Dealerscope's Top 101 Consumer Electronics Retailer List for nine consecutive years, along with ranking in the Top 50 of Twice Magazine's Top 100 CE Retailers. The award-winning, knowledgeable sales associates provide an exceptional experience, with live demonstrations of every product in the store to help travelers choose the best products for their journey. For more information and real-time updates, visit InMotion online at InMotionStores.com. Follow the conversations on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. About Osmo Osmo is an award-winning STEAM brand whose products are used in over 50,000 classrooms and 2.5 million homes. It is building a universe of hands-on play experiences that nourish the minds of children by unleashing the power of imagination. The company brings physical tools into the digital world through augmented reality and its proprietary reflective artificial intelligence. Founded in 2013 by ex-Google engineers Pramod Sharma and Jerome Scholler, the Osmo Play System fuses digital gameplay and physical interaction to create fun and nutritious play experiences designed for all kids. Osmo is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. Learn more at playosmo.com. Contact Details Carolyn Kamii PR Carolyn Kamii carolynkpr@gmail.com Osmo Karen O'Dell karen@playosmo.com Company Website http://www.playosmo.com

May 26, 2021 04:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Faith for All Premier Collection Revolutionizes Fashion Through Faith

Faith for All

The first collection of its kind, Faith For All, is an inspiring showcase at the intersection of fashion and faith. Faith For All magnifies the things closest to your heart, allowing you to hold on to your faith wherever life takes you. Irwin Sternberg is an award-winning creator of the iconic Jerry Garcia Neckwear. He presents a lifestyle company, Faith For All. Capturing brilliant, never-before-seen images of authentic faith-based symbols and icons, Sternberg redesigns limited-edition collections of bracelets, masks, apparel, and lighting fixtures. These unique and beautiful designs, microscopic images, of faith-based symbolic icons contain verses such as the Masada Rock, The Dead Sea, Holy Water, Frankincense, Wine, and more. Stunning and subtle, these images emphasize the universal nature of spirituality. It’s worth noting that Sternberg, a marketing visionary and philanthropist, has generated millions of dollars over the years for such dynamic charities as The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Mothers Against Drunk Driving - MADD, The Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research (founded by Jim Valvano) and many other. Sternberg’s life highlight occurred alongside the Dalai Lama, who presented Sternberg with a Tibetan prayer scarf. Together they honored the contributions toward Tibetan health care through Sternberg’s Ties for Tibet collections. "This blending of fashion and faith has been running through my mind for the better part of my life, and it's glorious to see it come to fruition," Sternberg reflected. “Faith for All will empower people to wear and surround themselves with their faith...” The use of photomicrography to capture beautiful abstract explosions of crystallized patterns and colors from authentic images of spiritual icons unite science, education, and health. "I've known Irwin for over 20 years. He has a wonderful knack for creating the unique to energize people, drawing them in and inspiring them," says Martin Savage, longtime CNN broadcaster. "His latest breakthrough merging fashion and spirituality comes at a time when many in the world need to feel uplifted. It's a great idea, and I'm not surprised - Irwin's got a million of them." Faith For All tells unique stories that re-contextualize how people express their beliefs, showing each spiritual icon’s universal relevance. And how the meaning of each spiritual icon holds. These subtle, understated expressions of faith allow the wearer to feel the beauty of their spirituality. Each new Faith for All collection will honor different religions with their meaningful icons. Of course, Faith For All products also raise funds for worthy causes, the Covid-19 response fund and Biobus, a mobile laboratory that helps students discover, explore and pursue the field of science. Contact Details Faith For All Paul Wortley +1 201-819-5427 Paul@FaithforAll.com Company Website http://www.faithforall.com/

May 18, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Minuteman Press Franchise in Richmond, Kentucky Adapts and Grows During Pandemic as Essential Local Business

Minuteman Press International Inc

Pete Cummings and Chuck Bentley have owned their Minuteman Press printing and marketing franchise in Richmond since May 2014. While the COVID-19 pandemic was certainly the biggest challenge for people and local businesses everywhere, Pete and Chuck managed to remain open as an essential business, adapt their products and services to what local businesses needed during the pandemic, and position themselves for sales growth both during and after the pandemic as a result of their hard work. Pete says, “At the outset of the pandemic we were as alarmed as anyone else over not only what this could do to our business but our community and even the country as a whole. The prospect of slogging through months of economic slowdowns did cause us some anxiety in the beginning. However, we remained optimistic and determined to take advantage of any unique opportunities that the pandemic presented to those of us in the print world.” He continues, “It quickly became apparent that those businesses allowed to remain open would need COVID-related printing and signs in order to both safely assist customers as well as stay in compliance with state and local ordinances. We discovered that some organizations had been allotted grant money from the Federal Government to help with pandemic-related safety requirements. We honed in on those agencies to let them know we were open as essential business and local to them. They responded well to our outreach efforts and we ended up doing a considerable volume of business printing floor decals, signs, logo-imprinted face masks, and other safety-related products. Almost every business that chose to remain open had similar pandemic-related printing needs and we wanted to do everything possible, especially for our local small businesses, to provide them everything we could to help them navigate these unchartered waters.” “We primarily grew our business in 2020 through the expanded offering of signage, floor decals, posters, direct mail, and other essential printed items. We are anticipating that 2021 will see continued growth as more and more local businesses reopen and come back online.” -Pete Cummings, co-owner, Minuteman Press franchise, Richmond, Kentucky Supporting Local Businesses During and After the Pandemic Over the past year, Minuteman Press in Richmond has continued to reach out to local businesses as they reopen. Pete says, “We’ve seen a positive response from local business owners. Many of them seem as glad to see that we are still operating and succeeding as we are trying to help them achieve their own successes through these challenging times. I think in some ways we have had a galvanizing effect for local businesses as we are all in this together. It’s that ‘can-do spirit’ that can really lift others up and we are thankful to be a part of it.” As more restrictions continue to be lifted and other local businesses reopen and recover, Pete and Chuck are ready to help them with custom printing products and marketing services. Pete says, “Because we have stayed open the entire time, Minuteman Press has the experience of helping all different types of businesses at all different phases of the pandemic. We have proven to be a valuable partner and we are excited to provide our business community with as many resources as possible to enhance their marketing and sales efforts.” Pete continues, “Now that the tide is turning on the pandemic, we are encouraging clients to resume their direct marketing efforts. As conferences and events resume, we are promoting all of our capabilities including imprinted table throws, retractable banners, trade show displays, conference-related signage, and promotional products.” Direct mail was another key area of growth that Minuteman Press in Richmond experienced during the pandemic. Pete is excited about the future prospects of direct mail as well. He says, “Surviving and flourishing during the past year has required some adaptation. Last year, direct marketing became very challenging with social distancing becoming the norm. To continue growing we looked to direct mailings as an additional revenue stream. Based on the success we saw from these efforts, we have decided to fully embrace direct mail. We would certainly encourage other businesses to utilize direct mailings as a way to ‘connect’ with potential customers as they ramp up and reopen.” “ Contrary to what some would have one believe, printing is not dead. The increased demand for direct mailings can partly be explained by the ‘contact-free’ environment of the pandemic era. With that said, I believe it also underscores how printed advertising campaigns, when utilized effectively, can yield significant results for our customers. We have also diversified our offerings with signs, promotional items, and apparel. This provides our customers with the convenience of getting everything done under one roof through someone they trust will give them the level of service and quality they expect. So, the printing industry has evolved but those who evolve with the industry will see continued success.” -Pete Cummings Meet the People Behind the Business As Pete and Chuck celebrate seven years in business this month, they reflect on their journey as well as their experiences as Minuteman Press franchise owners. One interesting thing to note is that Pete and Chuck come from two very different backgrounds and did not have any printing experience until joining the Minuteman Press family. Pete explains, “I worked at a bank for roughly ten years after graduating from college and then owned/operated an outpatient pediatric rehabilitation center, offering Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy to children. We were out of our home state of Kentucky at this time and once we had children we decided to return home. The same opportunities did not exist to operate a rehab center but I had small business ownership in my blood at that point and was actively looking for a good opportunity.” He continues, “Chuck was a school teacher for ten years and he was growing restless. He began looking for a business opportunity that would allow for more financial freedom for his family. He mentioned this to his uncle, Garry Conley, who just so happened to own a Minuteman Press franchise in London, Kentucky along with Chuck’s Aunt, Amy Conley. We sat down with Garry and he did a pretty good job explaining the benefits. It was evident he was running a profitable operation so we listened intently and after meeting with our Regional Vice President Gary Nowak, we decided to take the plunge.” “We opened in 2014 with zero customers and have seen steady growth every year since. Our rate of jobs quoted to jobs earned is very strong. We built the business, especially in the early years, heavily using direct marketing along with the Minuteman Press Internet Marketing program. Sometimes asking people for the opportunity to earn their business is all it takes to open the door to that first job. And once we get that first opportunity, we will almost always turn that person into a repeat customer either in the near future or somewhere down the road. Providing a quality product along with good, friendly service goes a long way.” -Pete Cummings As Pete reflects on the past seven years and especially 2020 when the pandemic first hit, he is thankful to be part of the Minuteman Press franchise family. He says, “We are very grateful for the efforts Minuteman Press International made fairly early on in the pandemic to help keep franchisees flourishing. There’s no question that things could have turned out differently. From continued guidance on how to operate as an essential business to initiating the free Bounce Back program to support local businesses, it was all instrumental in helping us navigate this unprecedented time.” When asked about the rewards of owning a business, Pete answers, “Financial freedom and the feeling that we can control our own destinies for us are the biggest rewards to business ownership. We can’t be the victim of a company downsize or see our jobs shipped overseas. We certainly work hard to achieve success but those efforts are going towards building something that directly benefits our families.” As for what advice he would give to local businesses right now, Pete sums it up best by saying, “Don’t lose heart. I know it has been a tough year but as more and more sectors of the economy ramp things up again, economic opportunities will return.” Pete Cummings and Chuck Bentley’s Minuteman Press franchise is located at 202 Wayne Dr., Ste. A; Richmond, KY 40475. For more information, call 859-314-1172 or visit their website: https://www.richmondky.minutemanpress.com. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

May 17, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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LevLane Announces Multiple Promotions and Role Changes

LevLane

LevLane, a full-service, award-winning ad agency, now in its 37th year, has announced multiple promotions as the agency continues to see strong growth. “We are so proud of this team. Over the past year we have experienced challenges we never anticipated and despite that our team has continued to deliver,” said Josh Lev, SVP | Brand Engagement of LevLane. “As we emerge from one of the most difficult times in memory, we are excited to look to the future and the team who will help to get us there.” Web Development Megan Hegarty has been promoted to Vice President, Digital Services. Senior Living Beth Simos has been promoted to Vice President, Director of Client Engagement. Creative Taylor Irwin has been promoted to Associate Creative Director. Steven Graziano has been promoted to Senior Art Director. Joe Schoppy has been promoted to Senior Copywriter. Digital Media Ed Stec has been promoted to Vice President, Paid Search Director. Sarita Shinde has been promoted to Digital Analytics Manager. Life Sciences MaryPat Siwak has been promoted to Account Director. Gina Gattis has been promoted to Account Supervisor. Samantha Spurrier has been promoted to Account Executive. Content & Digital Strategy Gabrielle Costello has been promoted to Director of Content. Michele Burns has moved into the role of Content Project Manager. Tyler Heileman has moved into the role of Digital Content Writer. Emily Glorioso has moved into the role of Social Media Specialist. About LevLane LevLane is an award-winning, full-service, independent advertising agency in Philadelphia, PA that has been building brands that people love for nearly 40 years. Contact Details LevLane Liz Weir +1 610-401-4825 lweir@levlane.com Company Website https://www.levlane.com

May 13, 2021 07:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Probiotic Skincare Start Up, Layers, Enters Burgeoning Microbiome-Focused Category With Holistic Inside + Out Beauty Approach

Layers Probiotic Skincare

Layers, a new probiotic skincare company, officially debuted four SKUs of synergistic high-performance products in the beauty and wellness category. With the understanding that superior skincare results are ultimately achieved by respecting our microbiome, Layers formulated their products with effective hard-hitting ingredients that work to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, enhance skin brightness, and improve elasticity while protecting and supporting the skin barrier. The result is dramatically improved skin without irritation. Microbiome and probiotic skincare are poised to be a large and enduring category, slated to grow to be 13% of the overall skincare market by 2030, as stated by Mintel. According to market research consultancy Verify Markets, microbiome skincare sales are projected to rise in double-digit percentages through 2023 across several countries, including United States (24.8%), Germany (22.2%) and Japan (19.8%). Layers inside + outside approach to healthy skin lies in the science-based Human Microbiome Project which illustrates the symbiotic relationship between our gut and skin, called the gut-skin axis. These two seemingly separate systems talk to one another through your microbiome, the trillions of good bacteria whose micro-language is responsible for everything from releasing natural antibiotics to supporting our immune system to improving hydration and supporting collagen production. Ignored by the skin care industry for decades, these bacteria dramatically impact skin health; imbalances can manifest as accelerated aging, extreme dryness, and even skin conditions such as eczema. On a mission to educate consumers, Layers believes in addressing the two holistically by providing effective, scientifically-proven, power-packed ingredients to improve skin health and appearance. “We continue to learn more every day about how our body’s systems are connected with one another and with our microbiome. Layers harnesses the power of probiotics to bolster these connections and bring your best, glowing skin to the surface.” - Rachel Behm, Founder of Layers With almost a decade of corporate experience in big beauty, Layers Founder Rachel Behm is a former Johnson & Johnson executive who worked on brands like Neutrogena, Clean & Clear, Aveeno, Lubriderm, and ultimately oversaw the Johnson & Johnson Incubator Program. Layers and Behm are backed by Ignite Venture Studio, an accelerator of new and existing brands co-founded by CPG veterans Josh Ghaim and Jeff B. Smith. Behm’s personal interest in the microbiome stems from the work she did as a lab technician on The Human Genome Project, which underscored the importance of the more recent Human Microbiome Project. Layers debut assortment includes an ingestible, Daily Glow Probiotic Supplements, a dual-sided formula with a potent 5-strain probiotic on one side and a ceramide extract on the other, along with a complementary three step skincare regimen; Balancing Milky Cleanser, Probiotic Serum, and Immunity Moisturizer, that repairs the skin while strengthening the barrier. Prices range from $29-$89. Behm believes that the self-care experience should be indulgent as it is effective, which is why she chose beautiful glass packaging, a complex yet subtle fragrance, and highly efficacious active ingredients. Available initially for pre-sale, the products can now be purchased on the brand’s direct-to-consumer website, with retail expansion expected by late 2021. Founded in 2021 by ex-Johnson & Johnson executive Rachel Behm, Layers Skincare recognizes beautiful skin begins with a thriving microbiome and harnesses the power of probiotics to boost the body’s natural ability to bring your best skin to the surface. Potent supplements + science-backed topicals, developed by industry experts, fuel the gut–skin connection to reveal dramatically renewed skin that glows from the inside out. Contact Details Amanda Smeal Consulting, Inc. Amanda Smeal amanda@amandasmeal.com Aimee Moss aimee@aimeemoss.net Company Website https://mylayers.com

May 11, 2021 08:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Seen #TeacherTok? Osmo For Schools Gifts 4 Lucky Teachers $500 Gift Cards For TikTok Videos, For National Teacher Appreciation Week

Osmo for Schools

Osmo for Schools, a division of Tangible Play, Inc., focuses on building in-classroom usage of Osmo’s award-winning educational systems. Using proprietary AI technology, these systems help teachers foster collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, and increased engagement in learning, in students. Osmo is used in more than 30,000 schools in North America. Tangible Play is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. For more information about Osmo for Schools and its products, visit schools.playosmo.com. Osmo for Schools, the educational division of Tangible Play, Inc. and part of the award-winning consumer STEAM brand Osmo, announces it has selected 4 lucky teachers on TikTok to each receive a $500 gift card, for their creative and inspiring videos, in honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 1-7, 2021). “Throughout this past year, we were thrilled to see so many teachers who used their creativity to the max to get kids to learn during this challenging time, and we loved the heartwarming videos they posted on social media, to tell the world what they did and how,” says Jan Richards, head of education sales and marketing at Osmo for Schools, which promotes in-classroom usage of Osmo’s tools and recently received the 2021 EdTech Award for Curriculum and Instruction Solution. “We laughed a lot when the videos were funny, admired their dedication, and got inspired by so many. Osmo for Schools selected 4 teachers who present themselves as heroes going the extra mile during the pandemic.” The 4 winning teachers are: Tristan Campbell @trissssss10 Clamentia Hall, Jr. @mrclementineteach Mandy Curley @mandycurley1 Claudine James @iamthatenglishteacher Says kindergarten teacher Clamentia Hall, Jr., “Osmo has taken educational technology and teacher appreciation to an unprecedented level! It has been an absolute pleasure to share a bit of humor and joy with educators who could use a little morale boost. Osmo has affirmed that educators everywhere deserve an incredible amount of appreciation for the hard work they do.” On July 1, 2021, Osmo for Schools, in partnership with Osmo Cares, the charitable arm of Osmo, will begin accepting applications for its first-ever mini-grant consisting of $2000 worth of Osmo for Schools’ educational technology. A total of 20 in-kind, mini-grants will be awarded to U.S. public schools in time for the fall semester. The mini-grant is intended to help schools which lack needed funding to purchase educational technology. Mini-grant recipients, who will be announced Aug. 9, 2021, will be able to choose from a selection of Osmo for Schools products; only one recipient will be selected per school. Schools must already have appropriate tablets on hand, or a plan to purchase tablets--they are not included. For further details about the mini-grant and application process, visit here: schools.playosmo.com/grants. About Osmo for Schools Osmo for Schools, a division of Tangible Play, Inc., focuses on building in-classroom usage of Osmo’s award-winning educational systems. Using proprietary AI technology, these systems help teachers foster collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, and increased engagement in learning, in students. Osmo is used in more than 30,000 schools in North America. Tangible Play is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. For more information about Osmo for Schools and its products, visit schools.playosmo.com. Contact Details Carolyn Kamii PR +1 310-251-0550 carolynkpr@gmail.com Company Website http://schools.playosmo.com

May 03, 2021 04:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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