Senior Services of Alexandria https://seniorservicesalex.org/ Fostering independence and self-sufficiency, enabling seniors within the City of Alexandria to age with dignity. Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:59:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://i0.wp.com/seniorservicesalex.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/cropped-SSA_favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Senior Services of Alexandria https://seniorservicesalex.org/ 32 32 92479436 SSA in the February Zebra! https://seniorservicesalex.org/ssa-in-the-february-zebra-2/ Mon, 03 Feb 2025 15:46:56 +0000 https://seniorservicesalex.org/?p=12162 Click here to see the terrific article (page 58) about SSA’s upcoming Annual Gala!  The article finishes on page 61.. For more information and to purchase sponsorships and tickets, go to the SSA Web Site by clicking here. 

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]]> Click here to see the terrific article (page 58) about SSA’s upcoming Annual Gala!  The article finishes on page 61..
For more information and to purchase sponsorships and tickets, go to the SSA Web Site by clicking here. 

The post SSA in the February Zebra! appeared first on Senior Services of Alexandria.

]]> 12162 SSA Connection – January 30th! https://seniorservicesalex.org/ssa-connection-january-30th/ Thu, 30 Jan 2025 17:16:55 +0000 https://seniorservicesalex.org/?p=12148 Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy! What Reality are you Creating for Yourself Reality isn’t something you perceive; it’s something you create in your mind. Isaac Lidsky learned this profound lesson firsthand, when unexpected life circumstances yielded valuable insights. In this introspective, personal

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Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy!

What Reality are you Creating for Yourself

Reality isn’t something you perceive; it’s something you create in your mind. Isaac Lidsky learned this profound lesson firsthand, when unexpected life circumstances yielded valuable insights. In this introspective, personal talk, he challenges us to let go of excuses, assumptions and fears, and accept the awesome responsibility of being the creators of our own reality.
Click here.

Perfect Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Check out Martha Stewart’s recipe for mashed sweet potatoes that taste good and are good for you!
Click here.

 

 

 

 

Tai Chi to help with Fall Prevention

Check out this video on how incorporating Tai Chi can help with fall prevention.
Click here.

 

 

Meditation with the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Click on this guided meditation with the Moon Jellies from the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Click here.
Upcoming Alexandria Library and Other Events

The African American Cowboy and the Forgotten Creators of Country Music
When: Saturday, February 1, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM – Where: The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street – free

Explore the significant contributions of African Americans to country and western music and culture, from legendary cowboy Bill Pickett to modern icons like Beyoncé Knowles. Hosted by the NAACP in partnership with the Alexandria Black History Museum.
Click here.

The National African American Read-In
Saturday, February 1: 2:00pm – 4:00pm – Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library – Second Floor

Join us in honoring the legacy of African American writers. Participants can sign up to read an excerpt from a work by a favorite author, poet or essayist. Reading times are limited to 3-5 minutes.
Click here.

Strategies for Addressing Solo Aging, Social Isolation and Mental Health for Seniors
Wednesday, February 19, 1:00 pm – Beatley Library, 5005 Duke Street

Senior Services of Alexandria and At Home in Alexandria (AHA) are bringing together experts to explore strategies for supporting older adults as they navigate solo aging, combatting social isolation and learn how to prioritize one’s mental health as we age. Speakers include Steve Gurney with the Positive Aging Community, and Rhonda Williams, Director of the city’s Older Adult Mental Health Department. Local organizations will provide local resources and programs. The event is free, but please rsvp by emailing events@seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 110.

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]]> 12148 SSA Connection – January 23rd! https://seniorservicesalex.org/ssa-connection-january-23rd/ Thu, 23 Jan 2025 17:00:59 +0000 https://seniorservicesalex.org/?p=12106 Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy! The Art of Marketing — for good Can marketing transcend traditional business goals and actually be a force for good? Mastercard CMO Raja Rajamannar shares how purpose-driven initiatives — like “touch cards” for the visually impaired and

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Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy!

The Art of Marketing — for good

Can marketing transcend traditional business goals and actually be a force for good? Mastercard CMO Raja Rajamannar shares how purpose-driven initiatives — like “touch cards” for the visually impaired and debit cards that let people choose how their names appear — align profit with purpose and position businesses to create meaningful, positive change.
Click here.

Ina Garten’s Meatloaf

 Try Ina’s easy fan-favorite meatloaf. Perfect comfort food!
Click here.

 

 

 

 

Beginner Cardio Workout

Want to add cardio to your routine but don’t know where to start? Join Sharlyn in this beginner session designed to get your heart pumping and burn calories fast, making it perfect for any fitness level!
Click here.

 

 

The Case of the Missing Painting

The Tate Museum’s curatorial and conservation teams share the fascinating discovering they made while restoring Arthur Devis’ painting, Portrait of a Man. What happened next tested their detective skills!
Click here.
Upcoming Alexandria Library and Other Events

Eco-City Homes: A Money and Energy Saving Hands-On Workshop
Wednesday, January 29: 6:00pm – 7:30pm – Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library – Large Meeting Room

Enjoy hands-on demos (plus some materials to take home) to help make your home energy-efficient and warm this winter – and apply for recognition as an Eco-City Home while you’re at it!
Click here.

Line dancing – Thursday, January 30: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library – Meeting Room

Learn basic line dance steps while you workout to Golden Oldies music. This is a great class for beginners. Bring a friend or come alone. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
Click here.

Strategies for Addressing Solo Aging, Social Isolation and Mental Health for Seniors, Wednesday, February 19, 1:00 pm – Beatley Library,
5005 Duke Street

Senior Services of Alexandria and At Home in Alexandria (AHA) are bringing together experts to explore strategies for supporting older adults as they navigate solo aging, combatting social isolation and learn how to prioritize one’s mental health as we age. Speakers include Steve Gurney with the Positive Aging Community. The event is free, but please rsvp by emailing events@seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 110.

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]]> 12106 2025 Annual Gala https://seniorservicesalex.org/2025-annual-gala/ Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:40:23 +0000 https://seniorservicesalex.org/?p=12094 2025 Annual Gala Senior Services of Alexandria is pleased to announce that sponsorships are now available for our 2025 Annual Gala to be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the Westin Alexandria Old Town. We invite you to join us, Alexandria City officials, and other community leaders,

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]]> 2025 Annual Gala
Senior Services of Alexandria is pleased to announce that sponsorships are now available for our 2025 Annual Gala to be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the Westin Alexandria Old Town. We invite you to join us, Alexandria City officials, and other community leaders, along with our Presenting Sponsor, Benchmark at Alexandria, for this exciting evening, featuring dinner, games, a live raffle, and a silent auction.
The evening’s program will highlight SSA’s vital work in the city as well as honor individuals who have made a profound and lasting impact on the lives of Alexandria’s older adults. Our evening’s honorees will be:
Community Service Award
Jack Fannon
Jane King
Col. Jim Paige (ret)
Community Spirit Award
 Lucelle O’Flaherty
Sponsorships and tickets are now available by clicking here

2025 Gala Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Alan & Barbara Anderson
Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home
Goodwin Living
The Landing Alexandria
H. Arthur Sauer

Gold Sponsors

Alexandria Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center
Assisting Hands Home Care
Leona & Lynnwood Campbell
Cogir Senior Living
Griswold HomeCare
Vanessa & Warner Moore
The Hon. Redella S. Pepper
Shannon & Wright, LLP
Woodbine Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center


Silver Sponsors
Alate Old Town
Alexandria Toyota
Barbara Brenman
Brightview Alexandria
Comfort Keepers
Corcoran McEnearney
Friedman, Grimes, Meinken & Leischner. PLLC
INOVA Alexandria
KWC, CPAs
Retirement Unlimited Inc.
Reunions
Silverado Alexandria Memory Care
SYNERGY HomeCare
Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh
Bronze Sponsors
MaryAnne Beatty and Tom Collelo
Susan & Carl Behnke
Belleview Medical Partners, P.C.
Capital City Nurses
Caring Considerations
Clarke & Sampson Insurance
Family First Law Group, PLLC
Mary Ellis Fannon
Focus Data Solutions
The Goodhart Group, LLC
Jeanne Jacob and Gerry Frank
John Marshall Bank
Claudia Kostel
Gordon Kromberg
LionHeart Eldercare & Consulting
Erik and Beth Milito
Monument Title Company, Inc.
Arthur Peabody
Kitty Porterfield
Norma & Tom Roberts
Simpson Development Co., Inc.
Tilden Memory Care
Roland & Carolyn Wilder
Loren Yates

Click here to access the 2024 Gala photos!

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]]> 12094 Strategies for Addressing Solo Aging, Social Isolation, and Mental Health for Seniors https://seniorservicesalex.org/https-seniorservicesalex-org-wp-content-uploads-2025-01-2025-social-isolation-and-mental-health-for-seniors-speaker-series4-png/ Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:51:47 +0000 https://seniorservicesalex.org/?p=12115 Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Location: Beatley Central Library 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria Time: 1 pm Join us for an engaging presentation in partnership with At Home in Alexandria (AHA) to explore practical strategies for supporting seniors as they navigate solo aging, combat social isolation, and prioritize

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]]> Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Location: Beatley Central Library 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria

Time: 1 pm

Join us for an engaging presentation in partnership with At Home in Alexandria (AHA) to explore practical strategies for supporting seniors as they navigate solo aging, combat social isolation, and prioritize mental health. Gain valuable insights from Steve Gurney of the Positive Aging Community on solo aging and Rhonda Williams from DAAS Older Adult Clinical Services, discover tips for staying mentally fit, and learn about local resources to stay connected. Don’t miss this opportunity to uncover tools and strategies to enhance the well-being and quality of life for older adults in your community!

This event is free. Please RSVP by email at events@seniorservicesalex.org or call (703) 836 4414 ext. 110.

Click here for flyer.

The post Strategies for Addressing Solo Aging, Social Isolation, and Mental Health for Seniors appeared first on Senior Services of Alexandria.

]]> 12115 SSA Connection – January 16th! https://seniorservicesalex.org/ssa-connection-january-16th/ Thu, 16 Jan 2025 17:00:29 +0000 https://seniorservicesalex.org/?p=12086 Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy! Does your heartbeat shape your sense of time? Do you ever feel like time slows down when you’re bored but flies when you’re having fun? Cognitive neuroscientist Irena Arslanova explores the ways your brain and heart shape

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Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy!

Does your heartbeat shape your sense of time?

Do you ever feel like time slows down when you’re bored but flies when you’re having fun? Cognitive neuroscientist Irena Arslanova explores the ways your brain and heart shape your perception of time, revealing how your heartbeat doesn’t just keep you alive — it also influences whether moments feel fleeting or stretched.
Click here.

Preppy Kitchen’s Mexican Hot Chocolate

Creamy, rich, and cozy, this Mexican Hot Chocolate is spiced with a hint of cinnamon and cayenne, so it’ll warm you from the inside out!
Click here.

Unlock Your Flexibility and Mobility

Ease tight muscles and improve joint function with these anytime, anywhere moves.
Click here.

 

 

Martin Luther King, Jr. “I Have a Dream” Speech

I Have a Dream” is a public speech that was delivered by American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963, in which he called for civil and economic rights and an end to racism in the United States.
Click here.
Upcoming Alexandria Library and Other Events

Community Walk – Saturday, January 18 – 11 am to 1 pm – Charles Houston Recreation – 901 Wythe Street

Be part of the Community Health Assesment and join a team for a community walk and conversation on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Charles Houston Recreation Center – 901 Wythe Street. This event is an opportunity to connect with neighbors, share your thoughts on how our neighborhood influences health, and provide feedback to city staff about shaping a healthier future for our community. Enjoy hot cocoa, coffee, sweet treats, and hand warmers as we walk and talk! This event is free and open to all. RSVP by calling 703-255-5654.

VETOGA Yoga Series – hosted by Adam Shaw, of Spiro Spero Yoga
Saturday, January 18: 10:30am – 11:30am
 James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library – Beth Patridge Meeting Room

Are you new to yoga or want to continue your practice? Join us every Saturday morning for a free hour session with certified instructor, Adam Shaw. All levels welcome!
Click here.

Presidential Transitions Lecture – Saturday, January 18th, 12 noon – Mt Vernon

Come learn about the history of presidential transitions with Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library, Dr. Lindsay M. Chervinsky. We’ll explore George Washington’s precedents, the first transitions, the rockiest moments in our elections, and what it means today.
Click here.

 

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]]> 12086 SSA in this week’s Gazette! https://seniorservicesalex.org/ssa-in-this-weeks-gazette-8/ Mon, 13 Jan 2025 15:21:26 +0000 https://seniorservicesalex.org/?p=12072 Click here to check out the article about this week’s speaker series!  It’s on page 2 of this week’s Gazette. If you would like to attend, please RSVP by email at events@seniorservicesalex.org or call 703.836.4414 ext. 110.  

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]]> Click here to check out the article about this week’s speaker series!  It’s on page 2 of this week’s Gazette.
If you would like to attend, please RSVP by email at events@seniorservicesalex.org or call 703.836.4414 ext. 110.

 

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]]> 12072 SSA Connection – January 9th! https://seniorservicesalex.org/ssa-connection-january-9th/ Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:00:24 +0000 https://seniorservicesalex.org/?p=12061 Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy! How AI can bridge the deaf and hearing worlds Software engineer Adam Munder is on a mission to break down communication barriers between the deaf and hearing worlds. In a live demo, he introduces OmniBridge — an

The post SSA Connection – January 9th! appeared first on Senior Services of Alexandria.

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Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy!

How AI can bridge the deaf and hearing worlds

Software engineer Adam Munder is on a mission to break down communication barriers between the deaf and hearing worlds. In a live demo, he introduces OmniBridge — an AI platform that translates American Sign Language into English text in real time — and demonstrates how this tech could ensure every conversation can be fully understood, regardless of the participants’ hearing abilities.
Click here.

Martha Stewart’s Pot Roast

Here is a recipe for a hearty pot roast perfect for a cold evening.
Click here.

 

After Dinner Walk Workout

Check out this video to help digest your dinner and add a little movement.
Click here.

 

The National Archives “Inside the Vault” – The Constitution — The “Fifth Page” (Transmittal Page)

The so-called “Fifth Page” of the US Constitution — also known as the Transmittal Page — has never been publicly displayed. On the 225th anniversary of the ratification of the US Constitution the Fifth Page was displayed at the National Archives in Washington, DC. The Fifth Page has received the same care as the more famous documents in the Charters of Freedom and is encased in the same type of state-of-the-art oxygen-free encasement as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution pages one to four, and the Bill of Rights.
Click here.
Upcoming Alexandria Library and Other Events

Community Walk – Saturday, January 18 – 11 am to 1 pm – Charles Houston Recreation – 901 Wythe Street

Be part of the Community Health Assesment and join a team for a community walk and conversation on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Charles Houston Recreation Center – 901 Wythe Street. This event is an opportunity to connect with neighbors, share your thoughts on how our neighborhood influences health, and provide feedback to city staff about shaping a healthier future for our community. Enjoy hot cocoa, coffee, sweet treats, and hand warmers as we walk and talk! This event is free and open to all. RSVP by calling 703-255-5654.

Let’s Talk Books – “Harlem Shuffle” by Colson Whitehead – Monday, January 13 – 7:00pm – 8:00pm – Virtual

Please join us to read and discuss “Harlem Shuffle” by Colson Whitehead. Whitehead’s novel, set in 1960s Harlem, follows Ray Carney, a furniture salesman, trying to be on the up and up as he is drawn into the more seedier side of business.
Click here

SSA’s January 17th Event – Alexandria’s “Age Friendly Plan”
10 to 11:30 am The Lee Center – Exhibition hall (lower level)
1108 Jefferson Street, Alexandria

The Alexandria Commission on Aging and the Division of Aging & Adult Services are updating the City’s Age Friendly Strategic Plan. This updated plan will be presented to City Council and, when approved, will guide funds and services for Alexandria’s older adult population. We want to hear from you on what the priorities should be for older adults residing in Alexandria, and how to improve city services and policies. The event is free and refreshments will be served. RSVP by emailing events@seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 110.

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]]> 12061 SSA Connection – January 2nd! https://seniorservicesalex.org/ssaconnectionjan22025/ Thu, 02 Jan 2025 17:00:23 +0000 https://seniorservicesalex.org/?p=12052 Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy! How to get better at the things you care about Working hard but not improving? You’re not alone. Eduardo Briceño reveals a simple way to think about getting better at the things you do. He shares some

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Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy!

How to get better at the things you care about

Working hard but not improving? You’re not alone. Eduardo Briceño reveals a simple way to think about getting better at the things you do. He shares some useful techniques so you can keep learning and always feel like you’re moving forward.
Click here.

Chicken Noodle Soup

The Preppy Kitchen whips up a perfect soup for a cold winter event.
Click here

 

10-Minute Strength Workout

Start off the new year with a simple strength program to help with flexibility as well.
Click here.

 

Auld Lang Syne

Listen to Nathan Edwards perform Auld Lang Syne to ring in the new year!
Click her

Upcoming Alexandria Library and Other Events

VETOGA Yoga Series – hosted by Adam Shaw, of Spiro Spero Yoga
Saturday, January 4: 10:30am – 11:30am – James M. Duncan Branch Library – Beth Patridge Meeting Room

Are you new to yoga or want to continue your practice? Join us every Saturday morning for a free hour session with certified instructor, Adam Shaw. All levels welcome!
Click here.

Stillness in January: A Psychic Development Workshop – Saturday, January 4: 1:00pm – 3:00pm – James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library Beth Patridge Meeting Room

Through guided meditations and practical sessions, discover tips and techniques to seamlessly weave moments of tranquility into your daily routine throughout the month of January and beyond.
Click here.

Oddball Cinema – Lost in America – Wednesday, January 8: 6:00pm – 8:00pm – James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library Beth Patridge Meeting Room

A husband and wife in their 30s decide to quit their jobs, live as free spirits and cruise America in a Winnebago.
Click here.

SSA’s January 17th Event – Alexandria’s “Age Friendly Plan”
10 to 11:30 am The Lee Center – Exhibition hall (lower level)
1108 Jefferson Street, Alexandria

The Alexandria Commission on Aging and the Division of Aging & Adult Services are updating the City’s Age Friendly Strategic Plan. This updated plan will be presented to City Council and, when approved, will guide funds and services for Alexandria’s older adult population. We want to hear from you on what the priorities should be for older adults residing in Alexandria, and how to improve city services and policies. We ask that you complete a short survey on aging services and needs before the January 17th event. Click here to complete. If you need assistance, please call 703.726.3339. The event is free, but ask that you RSVP by emailing events@seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 110.

The post SSA Connection – January 2nd! appeared first on Senior Services of Alexandria.

]]> 12052 SSA Connection – December 26th! https://seniorservicesalex.org/ssa-connection-december-26th/ Thu, 26 Dec 2024 18:48:23 +0000 https://seniorservicesalex.org/?p=12044 Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy! How Language Shapes the way we Think There are about 7,000 languages spoken around the world — and they all have different sounds, vocabularies and structures. But do they shape the way we think? Cognitive scientist Lera

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Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy!

How Language Shapes the way we Think

There are about 7,000 languages spoken around the world — and they all have different sounds, vocabularies and structures. But do they shape the way we think? Cognitive scientist Lera Boroditsky shares examples of language — from an Aboriginal community in Australia that uses cardinal directions instead of left and right to the multiple words for blue in Russian — that suggest the answer is a resounding yes. “The beauty of linguistic diversity is that it reveals to us just how ingenious and how flexible the human mind is.”
Click here.

Potato Latkes Recipe for Hanukkah

Try this simple recipe for holiday latkes.
Click here.

 

 

Two-Minute Meditation for Winter

A short meditation by the Johns Hopkins Mindfulness Program.
Click here.

 

History of the Holidays: Hanukkah

This short video talks about the traditions of Hanukkah.
Click here.

Upcoming Alexandria Library and Other Events

Grand Gaming Melee – Alexandria-Arlington Regional Gaming Group (AARGGH) – Saturday, December 28: 10:30am – 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library – Large Meeting Room

Grand Gaming Melee: The Alexandria-Arlington Regional Gaming Group (AARGGH) invites you to play dice games, card games, tile games, and just about any other kind of tabletop game.
Click here.

Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion – “The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon, Thursday, January 2: 1:30pm – 2:30pm –  James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library – Beth Patridge Meeting Room

Do you have afternoons available? Join us at the library for some coffee, confections, and conversation about the titles chosen by fellow book club members!
Click here.

SSA’s January 17th Event – Alexandria’s “Age Friendly Plan”
10 to 11:30 am The Lee Center – Exhibition hall (lower level)
1108 Jefferson Street, Alexandria

The Alexandria Commission on Aging and the Division of Aging & Adult Services are updating the City’s Age Friendly Strategic Plan. This updated plan will be presented to City Council and, when approved, will guide funds and services for Alexandria’s older adult population. We want to hear from you on what the priorities should be for older adults residing in Alexandria, and how to improve city services and policies. We ask that you complete a short survey on aging services and needs before the January 17th event. Click here to complete. If you need assistance, please call 703.726.3339. The event is free, but ask that you RSVP by emailing events@seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 110.

 

 

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