24th Sunday in Ordinary Time - September 13, 2020

“The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in kindness.”

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Fr. Rony Fabien, Pastor ...... Ext. 302 PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL ([email protected])

Cheryl Nicholson...... Ext. 301 U.S. Air Force: Parish Assistant (email: [email protected]) Staff Sgt. Andrew D. Simpson Master Sergeant Scott Moller Mrs. Kathy Day ...... Ext. 304 Tech. Sgt. Francisco J. Velasquez Bookkeeper Master Sgt. Jeremy Salaver

Mrs. Marlene Jean-Baptiste U.S. Army: Director of Social Ministry Outreach Chief Warren Officer Carlos J. Perez II 292-1603 or 481-2550, Ext. 320 Private Angelique J. Rosado Master Sergeant Jill Agront Cheryl Nicholson...... Ext. 301 Sgt. Hisnard Cadet, Jr. Bulletin Editor (email: [email protected]) Staff Sgt. Misael Exantus PFC Zaymery Villalobos

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Deacon Hernst Bellevue ...... Ext. 346 Captain Gavin Campbell McMahon Director of Adult Faith Formation LTC Douglas Boltuc English/Creole Baptismal Program Sgt. Andrew Gandolfo PFC Francisco Fuentes Melinium

Mr. Alvin Ingram ...... Ext. 347 PFC Stefan Saindoux Liturgy Chairperson PFC Luc-Ambert Saindoux, Jr. PFC Betty Piquion Sgt. Henry Pazmino Mr. Tom Gould ...... Ext. 348

Plant Manager U.S. Marines: 1st Battalion Carlos Fuentes Elissa Hanson ...... Ext.350 CPL C. Monroe Choir Director & Organist RCT Eric Vazquez INDEPENDENCE Sergeant W. Jason Ferris STRENGTH FREEDOM Ms. Lisette Joachim...... Ext 351 L. Cpl. Alfonso Rodriquez Ministry of Consolation Oswaldo Pazmino

Deacon Evenou -Louis U.S. Navy: Parochial Archivist ...... Ext. 352 Airman Herbert J. Alvarado JE-4/CS3 Jesus Ron RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Lt. Joseph A. Baugh Deacon Hernst Bellevue, Lt. John R. Esposito Director of Religious Education ...... Ext. 311 AG2/Petty Officer 2nd Class McGee RCIA Gordy Garcia

Lectio Divina

A Prayerful Reading of Sacred Scripture The Gospel for the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 18:21-35

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many times as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.”

Peter is thinking in limited, legalistic terms: “At what point am I justified in saying ‘enough is enough’? What are the pre- cise requirements expected of me? I will do that, but nothing more.” This line of thinking fails to recognize that we have a new identity in Christ, that we are no longer only our weak and fallen selves. The Lord’s response invites us to believe in our union with Christ and what he makes possible. Saint : “When He says seventy-seven times he does not limit a definite number within which forgiveness must be kept; he signifies something endless and ever enduring.” Do we believe that what Saint Paul says is really true? I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me (Phil 4:13). We find the strength to be endlessly forgiving by our own endless recourse to the mercy of God.

“That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan.”

Notice that the kingdom of heaven is likened in the first place to a king. Why is this important? Living in the Kingdom of heaven is essentially a relationship with a Person. We are only equipped to fulfill what is asked of us—all the moral de- mands of the Christian life—by first recognizing the goodness of Christ the King and what he accomplishes in our minds and hearts. The terrible threat of being sold manifests that sin is like a captivity and slavery. For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery (Gal 5:1). For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body (1 Cor 6:20; cf. 7:22-23). Since the Church is the Body of Christ, united to her Head in heaven, what Saint Remigius says is also true: “By the kingdom of heaven is reasonably understood the holy Church, in which the Lord causes what he speaks of in this parable.” We receive Christ’s forgiveness by our living membership in his Body.

“When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he had him put in prison until he paid back the debt.”

Perhaps that servant had grown so accustomed to thinking of himself as on the brink of financial ruin that he believed what had just happened to him was too good to be true. Had he only stopped to consider his own newfound security, he would have realized that he had ample resources to forgive the tiny debt of his fellow servant! And we—do we truly believe that the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us (Rom 5:5)? Unless we do, we will never believe that we have the real capacity to forgive others. We will always respond from our own poor, lim- ited, vindictive tendencies.

“Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their masters and report- ed the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?”

“He is infallibly declared wicked by a just and merciful king, not because the servant owed his monarch an astronomical debt, but because he refused to allow the mercy he received from his Lord to flow through him and gladden the heart of his fellow servant. Nor does God expect extraordinary forgiveness and compassion to come forth automatically from fallen human nature. For this reason the king stresses the fact that he, the powerful ruler, has first set the example of how one is to behave in his kingdom and that the event itself bestows on its beneficiary the same ability to forgive (Erasmo Leiva- Merikakis).

“Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.”

Let us be encouraged that from our hearts does not mean from our feelings. Forgiveness does not mean that wounds disap- pear and no longer hurt. Rather, forgiveness is a simple and sincere act of the will, with confidence that the love of God is in us: “It is there, in fact, ‘in the depths of the heart,’ that everything is bound and loosed. It is not in our power not to feel or forget an offense; but the heart that offers itself to the Holy Spirit turns injury into compassion and purifies the memory in transforming the hurt into intercession” (CCC 2843).

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Forgiveness from the Heart

The mercy we practice in family life takes many forms. We encourage, we support, we carry one another. But the most necessary form of mercy is the ability to forgive. It’s not always easy to forgive, but it is necessary. If there is no forgiveness in a couple’s relationship, if there is no forgiveness among family members, problems start to multiply. Sufferings of all kinds develop and create walls that separate us from each other. On the other hand, if day after day we forgive, ordinary relations remain possible and love can always be reborn. For- giveness is not always easy; it is one of the most unselfish acts of love. Forgiveness can also be one of the greatest acts of freedom—the freedom to love even the one who has done you wrong.

When it is hard to forgive, this is a grace we must ask for. Sometimes our human strength is not enough and we must ask God in humility and prayer. Sometimes it takes time to receive this grace, and this is normal. When we’re very deeply wounded, receiving this grace can take time and a lot of prayer, patience, and humili- ty…. It is difficult to say, “I forgive you.” It is easier to forgive the way Jesus does. When Jesus forgave his enemies on the cross, he turned to the Father and said, Father, forgive them. They know not what they do. When we find it too hard to say, “I forgive you,” we too must turn to the Father, because in the end only God can really forgive. We have to turn to the Father and say those words of Jesus, “Father, forgive him—or for- give her—because he (or she) doesn’t know what he (or she) is doing.”… To forgive, we have to go through the heart of the Father. This is the source of forgiveness. It is not in me; it’s the heart of God, and that’s where I have to go looking for forgiveness.

Father Jacques Philippe is a French priest, a member of the Community of the Beatitudes, and a renowned spiritual director.

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Scripture Readings MASS INTENTIONS: September 14 - September 19 During the next few months, we will sometimes have Monday, September 14 multiple intentions on weekdays and weekends. You Numbers 21:4b-9 may be sharing the day for a mass intentions. We ask Psalm 78 that you be patient and understanding when making your requests. Philippians 2:6-11 John 3:13-17 Thank you Tuesday, September 15 Hebrews 5:7-9 Psalm 31 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31a John 19:25-27

Wednesday, September 16 9-13-2020 - 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13 Psalm 33 September 14, 2020 Luke 7:31-35

Thursday, September 17 Monday September 14-The Exaltation of the Holy Cross 8:30 AM ...... Desmond Wardrop 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Psalm 139 Tuesday September 15-Our Lady of Sorrows Luke 7:36-50 8:30 AM ...... In Thanksgiving for Johana Hernandez

Friday, September 18 Wednesday September 16-St. Cornelius, Pope, and OBL , Bishop, Martyrs 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 8:30 AM ...... In Thanksgiving for Barbara Powell Psalm 17 9:00 PM ...... Open

Luke 8:1-3 Thursday September 17-St. , Bishop and

Saturday, September 19 8:30 AM ...... Jose Rene Hernandez 1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49 Psalm 56 Friday September 18 8:30 AM ...... Wilson Almonor, Jacque Almonor, Luke 8:4-15 ...... Leonne Almonor, Aniel Almonor ...... and Carlo Almonor

Saturday September 19 5:00 PM ...... Dora Accurso 7:00 PM ...... Transito Hernandez

Sunday September 20 7:30 AM ...... Parishioners of St. Martha 9:00 AM ...... Rosa Elsy Lopez 11:00 AM ..... Ruben Mena & Carlos Llanes 12:30 PM ..... In Thanksgiving for Germitte Saint Rose Vocation Prayer

Merciful Father, you sent your Son into the world to free us from the power of sin and evil. Grant that, through the in- tercession of the Mary, our Mother of Mercy, many young men will respond to your call to give of themselves SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR in imitation of Christ the Redeemer. Fill them with the light 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time of your Holy Spirit that they may renounce the power of September 20, 2020 the world, proclaim truth and freedom, and bring consola- tion and relief to oppressed Christians. Bless our family of 55:6-9 Mercy with numerous holy priests and brothers who will Psalm 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18 offer our world the testimony of your faith and love. We Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN Matthew 20:1-16a 8 Celebrating Our Young Parishioners

• Award Recipients

• Confirmation Candidates

Thank You!

Newsletter Committee: Merlene Fray, Karleine Graham, Beverly Gray, Kathleen Lyons, Gloria Maffettone

Preparing for Confirmation Candidates Participate in Retreat Days The 2020 confirmation candidates were re- her to bear a son, Jesus. In the time that she would quired to attend one afternoon retreat, scheduled for rd th be carrying this child, an unwed mother would be Thursday and Friday, September 3 and 4 , to pre- stoned to death. She did not question the plan that pare for the confirmation ceremony on Friday, th God had for her, although this would not have been September 13 . the journey that as a young girl she The retreat was held in order might have anticipated. to collect the remainder of class as- Next Father moved through the signments, have the students go to centuries to France, where confession, and to reawaken the reli- the “Maid of Orleans” was born in gious component of their faith which 1412. At the time, France had been at may have become a bit dormant due war with Britain since 1337. The Hun- to the COVD-19 pandemic. dred Years War involved a dispute Fr. Rony Fabien welcomed over the rightful inheritance of the the students with an opening prayer. throne of France. Joan claimed to have He then blessed the rosaries each can- Rev. Daniel O’Brien, SJ received visions of the archangel Mi- didate would receive and the luncheon chael, Saint food which was individually boxed. Margaret, and Fr. Daniel O’Brien, SJ gave a Saint Catherine short talk and Deacon Hernst Bellevue led the stu- of Alexandria instructing her dents in praying the rosary. To their credit, the stu- to support France and elimi- dents were attentive, and Fr. O’Brien commented nate English domination and that he saw only one cell phone during his talk…a bring an end to the Hundred definite positive. Years' War. Joan is credited Fr. O’Brien stated that he did not want to with several victories that give them a sermon as, having had years of teaching eventually ended with the experience, he knew that they were at the age where coronation of a new King of decisions that would impact their lives were being France. Joan was captured by made. Instead, he drew on the history of the church, the British and was burned at and told a series of short stories where, in each, a the stake on May 30, 1431, young man or woman in their teens made a difficult dying at nineteen years of age. choice in their lives. In Poland in 1550, St. Stanislaus Kostka was First he spoke of Mary, the Mother of God, born. At the age of 14, he was a student in Vienna. who did not hesitate to accept God’s invitation to After a serious illness, he decided that he wanted to Continued on the next page Confirmation Retreat continued fused to reject his savior. Five days later, again refus- ing to renounce his faith, the 14 year old join the Jesuits, but the priests in Vienna was shot to death. rejected his application knowing Stani- Hollywood has made several films slaus’s father was op- about the life of Joan of Arc, and the posed. The young boy 2012 film, “For the Greater Glory,” de- then walked to Rome, picts the story of the young martyr, Jo- where he was admitted sé ,who was canonized in 2016. but, now 17, was no long- The last story Fr. O’Brien related was er in good health. He died his own path to the Society of Jesus. He after only a few months said that he knew during his middle but lived a life of great school years that he wanted to be a priest sanctity but feared the wrath of classmates if they Father then moved the story to a Fr. Rony blesses the knew this. He equated the potential of more modern time. José Luis Sánchez luncheon food. his being “picked on” to the bullying that del Río was born on March 28, 1913, in is prevalent in schools today. Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico. The Cristero move- Deacon Hernst introduced the Prayer of the Ro- ment was fighting for religious freedom sary with a Rose. He equated the beautiful flower, a as the Mexican government was severe- symbol of Mary, to the Seven Virtutes of prudence, ly restricting the activities of the Catho- justice, fortitude and temperance, faith, hope and lic Church. The young boy desired to charity. The church teaches that the Grace of God, follow his older brothers in becoming a the Holy Spirit, is what allows humans to attain the member of the Cristeros. His mother last three-faith, hope and love. objected because of his age. José stood Over the course of the history of the Church, the his ground saying “do not let me lose Rose became the symbol of holy women, especially the opportunity to gain heaven so easily Mary. The Rosary, “Crown of Roses”, is the prayer and so soon.” she encouraged the children of Fatima to On February 5, 1928, the young boy share with the world. Deacon Hernst was captured, imprisoned, tortured and asked three students at each retreat day to tempted with freedom if he renounced his say a decade of the Rosary and he led the faith. The boy prayed the rosary and re- first and last decades. The students who volunteered took home a beautiful Rose as well as the crimson rosary beads all received as a memento of their confirma- tion. Deacon Hernst Bellevue Award Recipients Haitian Community and African Ministry Recognize Young Scholars In spite of the pandemic, some parish traditions are still being followed. Each summer, the Haitian Community has recognized young members of the congregation for their commitment to the parish, their school and their community. The parish Ministry to Catholics of African Ancestry has also presented young people who will be attending Catholic High Schools with a monetary award in appreciation of their continuing commitment of faith. Both awards are possible through fundraising efforts and small grants from the Diocesan Office of Multicultural Di- versity. The Office of Multicultural Diversity consists of the Ministries to Catholics of African Ancestry, the Haitian American Apostolate Ministry and the Nigerian (Igbo) Apostolate; therefore, allowing for all three ministries to continue their separate missions as well as participate together in pursuit of the kingdom of God. Jiovhannah Janae James was the 2020 recipi- ent of the Academic Achievement award presented by the Ministry to Catholics of African Ancestry (MCAA). Jiovhannah recently graduated from St. Marianist School and will be attending Kellen- berg Memorial HS this fall. In addition to attending a Catholic school, this young lady has also been a student in the parish’s Reli- gious Education program in preparation for receiving the sacraments of first communion, penance and confir- mation. Jiovhannah. the daughter of Ronald and Hannah James, loves music, volley ball, traveling and making new friends. She hopes to one day be a member of MCAA, like her mother. The Haitian Apostolate was able to make four Book Awards this year, three to students moving from the Middle School level to High School and one to a High School graduate. The Book Awards provide a way to acknowledge young people for using their talents to serve their parish and live out their faith. Not only are this year’s awardees active in the church community, they are also very involved in their school’s extracurricular activities. Their talents and efforts are valued and the parish celebrates this milestone in these young lives.

Jeannuella Fede is an Altar Server, Lec- tor and a member of Haitian Youth Choir. Jean- nuella was the recipient The President Gold Award for Outstanding Excellence as a student at Turtle Hook Middle School where she was a member of the Drama Club, Junior Honor Socie- ty, Bowling team, Select Chorale and District chorus. Jeannuella served as a leader on the rhythm X step team and the manager of the swim team. She is on the school’s High Honor Roll.

Edwin Louis XVI Junior was a drumline Section leader for two years and also was- Band Trumpet Section Leader. Selected to the High Honor Roll, he was a member of the Drama Club, theChess Club and was the recipient of a Certificate of Merit at Turtle Hook Middle School. At St. Martha’s Edwin is an altar server, a lector and a member of the Haitian Youth Choir.

Continued on the Next Page. Thank You! Volunteer Cleaning Crews The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our daily lives in many ways. Once the churches were able to open, the reality immediately became evident—-sanitizing pews after each Mass was required. As usual, the parishioners of St. Martha’s stepped up! Thanks to those wonderful volunteers, the church is sanitized after each Mass, ensuring the safety of those who choose to attend Mass in person.

A sampling of the many volunteers who are keeping the church free of COVID-19 germs while dressed for Mass in Sunday best!

Book Awards continued Jonathan Philius is an altar server usually seen at the Haitian Masses. At Turtle Hook, he was a member of the middle school basketball team. We lookEnglish forward Mass to seeing—1pm Jonathan contin- ue with both activities as he progresses through his High School career.

Magdaly Exantus, a recent HS graduate, is an Altar server in the parish and in the fall will attend Nassau Community College where she will major in Criminal Justice. At Freeport HS, she par- ticipated in the Class of 2020 fundraising activities, was a member of the Afri- can American Club and par- ticipated in Mock Trials. Magdaly was involved in Human Relations and served as the ESL intern to new Haitians Students.

CHILD ABUSE National Statistics**

It is estimated there are 60 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse in America today Approximately 31% of women in prison state that they were abused as children Approximately 95% of teen prostitutes were sexually abused as a child Children with disabilities are 4 to 10 times more vulnerable to sexual abuse than their non-disabled peers One of every seven victims of sexual assault is under the age of seven. 40% of offenders who victimize children under the age of six are juveniles 15 victims per 1,000 were from birth through age three 60% of convicted sex offenders are on parole or probation Half of the women raped in the United States in 1992 were younger than age 18 One in four females and one in six males are molested by age 18 80-90% of offenders are family members or close family friends Child abuse kills more children than choking on food, home fires or falls

** Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention courtesy of: www.http://barbarasinatrachildrenscenter.org

DIOCESE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE Confidential Hotline Number: 516-594-9063

Les invitamos el domingo 20 de septiembre a las 9h00 a.m. que se unan a la misa en hispana, que será celebrada por el P. Gregory J. Semeniuk, C.M., S.T.D., en memoria de † P. Arthur Kolinsky, C.M, quien descansó en la paz del Señor el 20 de septiembre del 2011. Muchos le conocían como “Padre Arturo”. A principios de septiembre de 1993 el Padre Arturo inició de nuevo las misas en español en Santa Marta. Padre Arturo junto con el P. John Kennedy, C.M. (fallecido el 26 de diciembre 2011) organizó misiones populares en toda la Diócesis de Rockville Center. Esta misa memorial será una semana antes de la fiesta de San Vicente de Paul que es el 27 de septiembre.

On Sunday, September 20, Fr. Gregory J. Semeniuk, C.M., S.T.D. will celebrate the Spanish Mass at 9:00 a.m. in memoriam for the life of +Fr. Arthur Kolinsky, C.M. (d. Sept. 20, 2011). He was known by many as "Padre Arturo." In early September 1993, Padre Arturo helped to restart the Spanish language Mass and ministry at St. Martha's. He and Fr. John Kennedy, C.M. (d. Dec. 26, 2011) also organized popular missions throughout the Diocese of Rockville Centre. You are all invited to join in remembering Padre Arturo at the Mass, a week ahead of the feast day of St. Vincent de Paul (Sept. 27th).

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Information and Referral (non-emergency) For an assessment of your situation call: (516) 733-7045 or visit their website: www.catholiccharities.cc Bulletin Reflection:

We are all sinners who have offended God and our Living Stewardship neighbors. However, God forgives us our trespasses when we ask for His mercy and forgiveness. The We have all been wronged and hurt by someone else. Gospel message today is about a man who, having However, as Catholics, we should learn to forgive. owed a large debt, was forgiven by his master but This week pray for someone who has hurt you and did not forgive his fellow man. forgive them.

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THANK YOU to everyone who has donated to my med- ical fund thus far. I found out my initial campaign (not run by me) has been shut down for an unknown rea- son. The first campaign helped cover my household bills from missed work, as well as smaller hospital bills. This new campaign is set up in hopes of paying back some of the $90k+ I owe as of now. (This is only one of the two surgeries I have had so far.) It is very possible I will have to Dear Lord, claim bankruptcy if I cannot make a good dent. That is a very As my life declines and my energies decrease, frightening thought as a single parent. For those of you who more than ever hold me by either have donated already, or cannot afford to, please do not Your Power, that I may not offend You, feel obligated. I ask for prayers for myself and for my family. It but daily increase in Your Love. Give me strength to work in Your Service has been a very rough couple of months. The new link is till the last day of my life. www.gofundme.com/lishanson. You can also leave donations Help me to ever have an increasing at the Parish Center. Every little bit helps, and has helped. God dread of venial sin, bless and thank you so much. St. Martha’s has been incredible or whatever would cause the with your generosity. slightest withdrawal of Your Love; ~Elissa Hanson, Music Director all day long, and at night keep me close to Your Heart; and should I die, ere the morning breaks, may I go rejoicing

in that vision of Your entrancing beauty, he list of names that will appear under this column never to be separated from You. Amen. will reflect ONLY those who are CRITICALLY ILL. The individual or family member must contact the Parish Cen- ter in order to be placed on the Sick List. Please note the For everything you need to know new email address the Parish Center at [email protected] (“PRAY FOR THE SICK” in faith formation, MUST APPEAR IN YOUR EMAIL’S SUBJECT LINE); or Visit WWW.DRVC-FAITH.ORG come by the Parish Center with your request in writing, no later than Monday.

Omnipotent and Eternal God, Ellen Mertens Barbara MacMelville the everlasting Salvation of Mass Book is open: Claude Myrthil Sally Boyer those who believe, hear us on through December 31, 2020 Eddie Gonzalez Paul Massey behalf of Thy pitying mercy, Anthony LaMuro that, with their bodily health The Bread and Wine Calendar... restored, they may give is now open until the end of December thanks to Thee in Thy church. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Gladys Deleon ...... +May 4, 2020 Ivono Stintug ...... +July 29, 2020 Marie Mercie Bien-Aime Joachim ...... +July 29,2020

Ruben Mena ...... +August 15,2020 Carrol R. Delaney ...... +August 16, 2020 Memorialize a loved one with a leaf on our parish’s Tree of Life, located in the Church Lobby. If you would like more information about this lovely memorial, please contact the Parish Office at (516) 481-2550 Ext 301

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