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A Unitarian Universalist Church | 1800 Bell Ave. Des Moines, IA 50315
515-244-8603
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Sunday, November 30, 2025
9:30 a.m.
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Found family can show up in some pretty unique ways. Finding your people not only helps you feel belonging, it can also lead you to sincere gratitude.
Join our Livestream!
| | Service Volunteers - November 30 | | |
Celebrant: Elizabeth Williams and Barbara Martin
Song Leader: Ren Culliney
Musicians: Julie Murphy
AV Volunteer: Oge Nnadi
Pastoral Care Associate: Ellen Taylor
Hospitality Lead: Sue Huber
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No Forum This Week
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
| | Our Congregation: Spotlights | | As a reminder, the Sunday spotlights on Our Congregation are reserved for information from a church-recognized group (e.g., committee, Faith in Action partner) about church wide events and activities, or topics of urgency to the congregation. Spotlights should be written out and no longer than 2 minutes (approximately 250 words). To submit a Spotlight request please complete the Spotlight Request Form. Questions? Reach out to celebrants@ucdsm.org. | | |
Visit the Caring Community Webpage for the following options:
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Caring Ministry – for temporary assistance, such as meals or rides, or to volunteer (515) 423-0847 or email caring@ucdsm.org.
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Pastoral care - for support through a difficult time email pastoralcareteam@ucdsm.org.
Check the news feed in Realm if you missed last Sunday's Joys & Sorrows.
| | | Singing Our UU Gratitude! | | Please take a moment to share a thank you or kudos. Submissions will be shared on the board in Griffin Hall and in upcoming worship services. Please click the button below to fill out the form. | | |
The Dare to Dream Steering Committee is filled with gratitude for the generosity of so many people in our church. Donors, committee members, project volunteers, and office staff are making contributions of their time, talents, and treasure in so many ways. Here are just some examples:
- Nearly 50 members have participated on various D2D subcommittees.
- Half a dozen volunteers have shown up on a workday.
- Church Administrator Tracy Aukes and Communications Coordinator Jamie Seitz have helped develop our D2D communications.
- 163 individual pledgers have put our dreams within reach!
In this season of giving thanks, we’re grateful for the UUs who came before us with their vision of a church home in Des Moines. And we extend our gratitude to all of you, our church family today, for supporting a new vision for our UU home. You’ve dared to dream!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
D2D Steering Committee:
Ann Mowery, Co-Chair, Karen Kraemer, Co-Chair, Steve Evans, Diane Ford, Kerry George, Sarah Guenther, Katherine Lyons, Mary Ellen Miller, Kent Ohms, Al Powers
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Week of December 1st:
Story Construction will continue preparing the lower level for upcoming work. This week, their team will be installing temporary lighting and removing outlets to ensure the area is safe for construction. Some of the preparation will include demolition of concrete block, so you may notice increased noise throughout the week.
| | CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS & NEWS | | |
Last Chance for Poinsettia Orders!
Due December 1
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Brighten the Season with a Poinsettia!
Let’s fill the auditorium with festive color this holiday season! You’re invited to order a poinsettia in honor or memory of a special person or event. Forms will be available this weekend during Sunday service, or you can order online using the button below.
Enjoy the beautiful display during our December services and then take your poinsettia home the week of December 21 to continue the celebration.
Each flower will feature vibrant red blooms wrapped in gold foil—a perfect touch of holiday cheer!
Order Details:
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Orders due: December 1st
- Prices: $6.50 for a 4.5-inch pot or $12.00 for a 6.5-inch pot
- Please make checks payable to: First Unitarian Church of Des Moines (Include “Flowers” in the memo line.)
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Or pay online using this link and choose Flowers for the fund.
Let’s celebrate the season together with beauty, remembrance, and joy!
| | Thank You for Your Generosity! | | |
Thank you for your incredible generosity! The special basket offering received on November 23rd raised $1,743 to support DMARC and their vital work providing food assistance in our community.
Your kindness makes a real impact, and we are grateful for the many ways you continue to live out our mission together.
| | Upcoming Green Sanctuary Event and Book Information | | |
In the spirit of truth and reconciliation The First Unitarian Green Sanctuary Team and IUUWAN Environmental Justice Team are inviting you to attend by zoom the Decorah UU Fellowship Community Book Read, "Red Earth Nation" by Eric Zimmer and Meskwaki Historians, Johnathan L. Buffalo and Dawn Suzanne Wanatee Buffalo.
Discussion of the book will be held on Tuesdays February 10, 17, and 24 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in person at Luther College Student Union or on zoom, but you can purchase the book now to read before the discussions.
"In 1857, the Meskwaki Nation purchased an eighty-acre parcel of land along the Iowa River. With that modest plot secured as a place to rest and rebuild after centuries of devastation and dispossession, the Meskwaki, or "Red Earth People," began to reclaim their homeland—an effort that Native nations continue to this day in what has recently come to be called the #Landback movement. Red Earth Nation explores the long history of #Landback through the Meskwaki Nation’s story, one of the oldest and clearest examples of direct-purchase Indigenous land reclamation in American history." - synopsis from the website of "Red Earth Nation", University of Oklahoma Press.
This book was recommended by Shelley Buffalo from the Meskwaki Settlement. This is an important history of Iowans to know. Red Earth Nation can be purchased at Dragonfly Books for a 10% discount, at University of Oklahoma Press, or Amazon. If you or a friend wishes to join the discussions of Red Earth Nation, please email decorahuu.contact@gmail.com to obtain the zoom link.
| | Additional Parking on Sundays | | |
We are thrilled to announce additional parking located behind 1963 Bell Avenue (that's the building across the street, just north of us).
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How to find it: Just turn at 1963 Bell Avenue and go around back.
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Is it "fabulous"? Look, it’s a parking lot, not a luxury spa. But it is empty on Sundays and, more importantly, it's closer than that spot you found near the next county line.
Save your steps for your Fitbit, not the sidewalk! Enjoy the extra few minutes of sleep, and park like a pro.
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A big thank you to all who are bringing food items for our food pantry. Each week food is taken to Des Moines library branches and to the Urbandale Public Library where there are free food pantries. Times are tough for many, and every donated item is greatly appreciated. Besides shelf staple food items, please consider personal care products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, bar soap and shampoo.
| | REACH Grant Awards for 2025 | | |
In October the Endowment Committee granted $14,474.47 to three projects.
To support the Congregation’s online presence, the Endowment committee authorized $10.439.87 to purchase a new video camera system for the auditorium. The Canon CR-N100 system includes three cameras, wall mounts, a joystick camera controller and a “managed switch” that handles network connectivity. Each Sunday, about 20-40 church members “attend” church service via livestream. These include shut-ins, and those with limited ability to come in person. Keeping long-time members involved when they can't physically attend is important. Additionally, livestreaming is a low-pressure way for “church shoppers” to sample our services (either live or via recordings). There's also a possibility that a robust system can be used to live stream community events (candidate forums, etc.).
To support the children of our congregation, the Endowment Committee has authorized $2.834.60 to assist the childcare room after the recent mold infestation in the lower level as all soft furniture, books, toys, or childcare equipment must be thrown out. Replacing these items is not on the D2D campaign project list or in the D2D budget. The following items have been identified at this time to make the childcare room functional: 2 adult rocker chairs, one baby bouncer, one baby swing, and one changing table. Other items are likely to be added to this list once it is clear whether hard plastic toys and shelves can be safely cleaned and kept.
To improve the playing and listening experience of the piano, $1,200 has been authorized to repair the grand piano in the Auditorium. Although quite old--perhaps a century in age--the auditorium piano is still quite playable and has several years left. However, anyone playing the piano encounters a sense of things not being quite right--not so much in terms of tuning or sonority as of unevenness of delivery (mechanical shortcomings). For this reason, the following modest improvements are proposed:
- rebushing of the keys--would correct wobbly and sticky keys
- regulation of whippens (mechanism by which the strings are struck by the hammers) --would improve action and general playability
- balancing of keys--would increase uniformity of touch and response
In January the Endowment Committee will announce the total available for REACH Grants in 2026 with the date for the two funding cycles in 2026 expected to be approximately February and August.
| | New Door Access System Now in Use! | | |
We’ve upgraded to a new door access system!
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If the doors are locked while staff are present: Press the person button located in the top right corner of the keypad. A staff member will unlock the door and let you in.
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If you have a new access card: Simply hold your card near the bottom of the keypad where it says “CARD.” The system will recognize your card and grant you access.
Please note: the old access system will be removed in the next few weeks once all old cards have been collected.
Thank you for your cooperation as we transition to the new system!
| | No Youth Classes November 30 | | There will be no youth classes on Sunday, November 30 over the Thanksgiving weekend. Childcare will still be available during service. | | |
To submit an announcement or event for publication, send an email to Communications@ucdsm.org.
Deadline: Wednesday by noon
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The Chosen Table: Community Holiday Meal with QTAG
Sunday, November 30 from 5-7 p.m. at Mickle Center
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Come as you are and pull up a chair. The Chosen Table is back! Join us for a free, family-friendly, and LGBTQ+-affirming holiday gathering centered on community, connection, and good food.
We’ll provide meat and vegan main dishes, and we invite you to bring a side, dessert, or dish to share. Or just bring your appetite and good vibes! Doors open at 5pm, meal begins at 5:30pm.
Expect an evening of warmth, chosen family, and new friendships, with activities, laughter, and celebration for all.
This event is open to everyone. LGBTQ+ folks, allies, families, and friends. Come connect, reflect, and share in the spirit of community this season. Click here for more information.
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Politics and Policy Study Group
Monday, December 1 at 7 p.m.
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Join the Politics and Policy study group as we meet on Monday, December 8 at 7 p.m. to begin our discussion of David Leonhardt's new book, Ours Was the Shining Future.
We'll be discussing chapter 10 and the conclusion. Contact Walt Pearson with any questions.
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Talk of Iowa Bookclub
Tuesday, December 2 at 7 p.m.
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Join our church’s version of Iowa Public Radio’s Talk of Iowa Book Club! Hilary Hippen will facilitate the December 2 at 7:00 p.m. meeting. Join her and your fellow UU book lovers in Griffin Hall to discuss the themes, characters, and big-picture questions raised by “Nothing to See Here” by Kevin Wilson — a story about Lillian, age 28, who is frustrated by living at home with her mom and is unfulfilled at her job. An opportunity arises to become the governess of two kids who are very rambunctious. The book is humorous and heartwarming — just what we all need more of in our lives. See you at the book club!
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Friday Night Out!
Friday, December 5, from 5-8 p.m.
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The Congregational Life Team knows how hard it can be to find time for yourself — whether that’s a quiet dinner, holiday shopping, or simply relaxing at home. So, we’re giving you a night off!
Drop your kiddos off at church from 5–8 PM on Friday, December 5, and enjoy a kid-free evening while they have a fun night with their church family. We’ll keep them entertained with games, crafts, and more, and we’ll also provide dinner.
Please RSVP using the button below so we can plan for enough volunteers, food, and snacks.
If you need some fun date night ideas of things happening in Des Moines on Friday, December 5, we've made you a list of some great events!
New artist exhibit at Moberg Gallery
First Friday at Mainframe Studios
East Village Promenade
Live Music Friday at Bevy's Tavern
K Pop Demon Hunters Skate night at Skateland
Ice skating at Brenton Skating Plaza
Live music at Lefty's
Dome for the Holidays- Botanical Center
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Love on Fire: UCDSM, You and Social Justice
Saturday, December 6, from 9-11 a.m.
| | Join Rev. Steve and the Social Justice Support Team for a conversation on issues, passion, our UU values, and how to manage the emotional toll of working to create a just and equitable community. We'll explore ways we can support ourselves and one another, prepare for the work ahead, and keep Love at the center of all we do. Whether you are part of our justice ministry already, or curious about what it means to be a UU in the world, join us! | | |
Espresso Yourself Coffeehouse
Saturday, December 6, from 6-8 p.m.
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Musicians, Poets, and Storytellers!
It’s time to start making your plans for the next coffeehouse! The "Espresso Yourself" event will be held on Saturday, December 6, from 6-8 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines. Please mark your calendars!
Come to listen, perform, or simply enjoy the evening—everyone is welcome! This is a BYOB event, so feel free to bring your favorite drinks, and if you'd like, bring a treat or snack to share. A few snacks will also be provided.
We’re excited to come together for another fun and inspiring evening of creativity and community!
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cUUriosity Conversations
Sunday, December 7 following the Service
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Join us after the service for cUUriosity Conversations! This is an open and welcoming time for visitors and friends to ask questions, share thoughts, and learn from one another about Unitarian Universalism and our congregation. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Grief Support Circle
Monday, December 8 at 5:30 p.m.
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The Grief Support Circle meets monthly on the 2nd Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the Minister's Office. Our society is not great at confronting grief. As a result, there is abundant unhelpful advice, platitudes, and reactions out there. Perhaps even more unsettling, though, are the things we can’t talk about. What if you feel relief after someone dies? What if losing them also means losing a way of life for you? Let’s lay it all out on the table in a safe, judgment-free zone. Beyond losing a person, what else are you dealing with? What do you wish people would ask you? What do you wish they’d stop saying? We’ll extend ourselves – and others – a hefty dose of grace as we talk through this sticky topic.
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Women Around the Table
Wednesday, December 10 at 11:30 a.m. at Noah's Ark Ristorante- Change in date, time and location!
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The December meeting of Women Around the Table will meet at Noah's Ark Ristorante on Ingersoll in Des Moines for lunch together on Wednesday, December 10 at 11:30 a.m.
Please note, this is a date, time, and location change for the December meeting! Please RSVP to Lynne George at womenstable@ucdsm.org.
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ROOT: Rising Our Own Tribe
Wednesday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m. in Griffin Hall
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If you're an emerging adult (ages 18-29ish) come join us at ROOT, our new UU community just for emerging adults—whether you’re studying, working, exploring, or rebuilding. Come grab some food and meet others who want to grow deep roots in real community.
ROOT is a space for connection, curiosity, and belonging for folks ages 18 to 29. Join us for free food, games, and a chill community!
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Winter Solstice Hike at Brown's Woods
Saturday, December 13, at 9 a.m.
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Our December nature walk is a hike! We are hiking the three-mile loop at Brown’s Woods in West Des Moines. We’ll meet at 9:00 AM at Brown’s Woods, 465 Brown's Woods Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50265. There is parking at the trailhead and additional parking along the road just west of the main lot.
The theme for our hike is “Winter Solstice,” since it takes place about a week before the official start of winter. As the days grow shorter, we’ll embrace the beauty of the changing seasons, and think of it as a time of rest and inner transformation - for the natural world and for ourselves.
Brown’s Woods is considered a moderate trail; you can view the trail map here. We will hike the outer loop, which totals three miles, including a few moderate hills. We expect the hike to take between 1½ - 2 hours.
During the hike, we’ll have the opportunity for conversation, reflection, and moments of quiet. We’ll walk a bit faster than we do on our nature walks, but we will still find some time to identify plants, trees, and bird species, and to connect to the ancient land in which we live.
This nature walk is co-led by the Centering Nature Leadership Team from First Unitarian Church of Des Moines and is funded by the REACH program (Radical Engagement And Creative Happenings) through the church.
We appreciate knowing if you are planning on attending. To RSVP, please email centeringnature@ucdsm.org. Bring comfortable walking shoes, binoculars if you have them, and water and nourishment as needed. Please do not attend if you are ill.
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Hospitality Open House Orientation
Saturday, December 13, from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
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All new and returning hospitality team members are invited to a drop-in orientation to get familiar with our updated safety protocols and refresh practical skills on Saturday, December 13 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
We’ll have stations set up so you can visit only the areas you want or need including:
- New safety procedures
- How to use the dishwasher
- Operating the lift
- Location of tools and supplies (shovels, etc.)
- Overview of all hospitality duties
if you have questions, send an email to hospitality@ucdsm.org.
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Cookies, Crafts, & Cocoa with QTAG
Saturday, December 13, from 2-5 p.m.
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The Queer/Transgender Action Group (QTAG) is hosting a cozy, all-ages open house with hot cocoa (or tea), holiday crafts, and even a few holiday carols in Griffin Hall on Saturday, December 13, 2 - 5 p.m. Enjoy an array of toppings, from classic to decadent, as well as vegan, and gluten-free options. All ages, genders, orientations, and allies welcome! Questions or craft suggestions? Please email the Queer/Trans Action Group at qtag@ucdsm.org.
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Women's Wednesday
Wednesday, December 17 from 12:30-3 p.m.
at the Urbandale Library
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Join us for a discussion chosen by women, about women, and discussed by women. Any person interested in or curious about a female perspective is welcome to join us!
We'll meet at the Urbandale Library at 12:30 p.m.
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Unity Circle
Thursday, December 18 at 12 p.m.
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Join us Thursday, December 18, for a Christmas Sing-along with Bruce Martin on the piano! Get into the holiday spirit with good food, good music, and good friends!
Please bring a dish to share, and your own table service and a cup for your beverage. Looking forward to seeing you.
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Longest Night Service
Friday, December 19 at 5 p.m.
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A Longest Night service recognizes that for some, the holidays are a challenging time. Whether you have experienced the death of a loved one, another loss, or are struggling with a season that's supposed to be joyful, you are welcome to attend a short service of reflection and acknowledgement of all that this time of year can hold.
The service will be at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 19 in the Auditorium.
| | First Unitarian Humanist Update | | |
** Book Group
The Humanist book group will meet on Sunday, December 7th, at 12:00 p.m. in the Mary Safford room (at the back of the auditorium). We will be discussing Chapter 11 of Humanly Possible: Seven Hundred Years of Humanist Freethinking by Sarah Bakewell. Click here for information on the book group and other Humanist activities.
**Christmas Party
Yes, even Humanists like Christmas parties! You are invited to join us at 6:30 PM on Friday, December 12. Click here for more information and to sign up.
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IT'S GREAT TO MEET YOU PODCAST
with Rev. Steve Sieck
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Rev. Steve has a new podcast! Welcome to It's Great to Meet You! where he gets to know the good people of Des Moines doing the good work in our city.
It's Great to Meet You, Ep. 7- Amy Landrigan, Executive Director of The Beacon
Links from the Show:
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GRIFFIN HALL ARTIST FOR NOVEMBER
Larry Bredesen
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This is Larry's second art show here at the church. His first show was in September 2017, a joint exhibit with daughter, Chelsea. For that show, Larry displayed just shy of 200 postcard-sized images created with ink, watercolor, and colored pencil — each one reduced from an original 8½" x 11" piece to a 4" x 6" format.
In June 2024, Larry decided to return to painting with acrylics — something he hadn’t done in over 40 years. Larry began by revisiting some of his earlier works to see how they would translate into paint.
This show is an example of that exploration. Please stop by and enjoy this month.
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Faith in Action Partners for
2025-2026
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Our Faith in Action (FIA) Partners for 2025-26 are RIVA and YMCA Supportive Housing. Donations made to our FIA fund will go directly to them to help their work thrive. Donations can be made electronically through the website or on Realm, or via the specially marked envelopes during Sunday services.
We will be working on ways for the congregation to connect via service to our new partners. Click their links below to learn more.
| | | | | Steering Committee Meeting | | | | | |
Awakening Heart Sangha, Zoom
Politics & Policy Study Group
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Bent Needles
Building Team Meeting
| | | | | Congregational Life Parents' Night Out | | | | | Love on Fire: UCDSM, You and Social Justice | | | | | Faith Formation Team Meeting | | | | | Espresso Yourself Coffee House | | | | | |
Forum
7/8 OWL
cUUriosity Conversations
| | For a full list of upcoming meetings and events, please visit our church calendar. | | |
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR
TO CONTACT US:
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