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ENGAGE WITH ME

CAREGIVER MONTHLY COMPANION  

OCTOBER 2024

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Welcome to the ENGAGE WITH ME activity book for October 2024! This book is designed to help you as a caregiver spend quality time together while stimulating your memory and creativity. You will find a variety of activities, such as trivia, tips, games, and conversation starters, related to the theme of October. There are also tips to help you engage.  You can do these activities at your own pace and choose the ones that interest you the most. The activities are intentionally simple and designed to be easily implemented.  Take your time and consider spreading the activities around the month.  It's ok to repeat the activities.  You can expand on the activities with your creativity. If you need help printing, go to a local print store and ask for help to print.  At Staples, you can use Printme Services.      

 

 

October Trivia

How much do you know about the tenth month of the year? Try to answer these easy trivia questions and check your answers at the end of the book. You can also use them as conversation starters with your care partner!

  • What is the birthstone for October?

  • What are the two zodiac signs for October?

  • What is the name of the holiday celebrated on October 31?

  • What is the name of the full moon that occurs in October?

  • What famous explorer's birthday is celebrated in the United States on the second Monday of October?

  • What is the name of the pink ribbon campaign that raises awareness for breast cancer in October?

  • What is the name of the German festival that usually starts in late September and ends in early October?

  • What sport has its World Series in October?

  • What is the name of the musical instrument typically played during Oktoberfest?

  • What are the two colors most associated with Halloween?

ANSWERS

The birthstone for October is opal.

- The two zodiac signs for October are Libra and Scorpio.

- The holiday celebrated on October 31 is Halloween.

- The name of the full moon that occurs in October is the Hunter's Moon or the Harvest Moon.

- The famous explorer's birthday, celebrated on the second Monday of October in the United States, is the birthday of Christopher Columbus.

- The name of the pink ribbon campaign that raises awareness for breast cancer in October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

- The name of the German festival that usually starts in late September and ends in early October is Oktoberfest.

- The sport that has its World Series in October is baseball.

- The accordion is the name of the musical instrument typically played during Oktoberfest.

- The two colors most associated with Halloween are black and orange.

 

Historical events that happened in October are:

- On October 1, 1908, Henry Ford introduced the Model T car, revolutionizing the automobile industry and making cars affordable for many Americans.

- On October 2, 1959, The Twilight Zone, a landmark television series created by Rod Serling, premiered on CBS. The show featured science fiction, fantasy, horror, and suspense stories, often with a twist ending.

- On October 3, 1990, Germany was officially reunified after being divided into East and West Germany since the end of World War II. The Berlin Wall, which had symbolized the Cold War division, was torn down by jubilant crowds.

- On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth. This event sparked the Space Race between the US and the USSR and ushered in the era of space exploration.

- On October 11, 1984, Kathryn D. Sullivan became the first American woman to perform a spacewalk as part of the Challenger shuttle mission. She spent over three hours outside the spacecraft, working on a satellite.

- On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus reached the Bahamas, marking the first encounter between Europeans and Native Americans. Although he was looking for a westward route to Asia, he mistakenly believed he had landed in the Indies and called the natives "Indians."

- On October 16, 1854, Oscar Wilde, one of the most famous writers and playwrights of the 19th century, was born in Dublin, Ireland. He is known for his witty and flamboyant style and his works such as The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest.

- On October 19, 1781, the British army under General Charles Cornwallis surrendered to the American and French forces at Yorktown, Virginia, ending the American Revolution and securing independence for the United States.

- On October 24, 1945, the United Nations was officially established to promote international cooperation and peace. The UN has 193 member states and specialized agencies, such as UNESCO, WHO, and UNICEF.

- On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther, a German monk and theologian, nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle church, sparking the Protestant Reformation. His theses criticized the corruption and abuses of the Catholic Church, especially the practice of selling indulgences.

 

 

 

 

​Did you Know?

Did you know that Lake County, Florida, is named after the more than 1,000 lakes within its borders? The largest and most popular lakes include Lake Harris, Lake Dora, Lake Eustis, and Lake Griffin. These lakes offer a variety of recreational activities, such as fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming. They also provide habitat for many wildlife species, such as alligators, turtles, birds, and fish. Lake County is an excellent destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

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Some easy activities for seniors to do together in Lake County, Florida, are:

  • Join a guided lakes tour and learn about their history, ecology, and wildlife. You can choose from different modes of transportation, such as boats, kayaks, or bikes.

  • Visit some of the museums and cultural centers in the area, such as the Lake County Historical Museum, the Mount Dora Center for the Arts, or the Eustis Historical Museum and Preservation Society. You can discover the region's local heritage, art, and architecture.

  • Enjoy a picnic or a barbecue at one of the many parks and gardens around the lakes. You can relax, socialize, and admire the views of the water.

  • Check out the Harvest Festival in Clermont, Florida, if you want a fun and family-friendly event in October. The festival will occur on Friday, October 19, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Clermont Historic Village Museum.

  • The Harvest Festival is a celebration of the agricultural heritage and history of Lake County, which was once known as the "Orange Capital of the World." You can enjoy live music, crafts, games, food, and old-fashioned skills and crafts demonstrations, such as quilting, soap making, and blacksmithing.

  • The festival will also feature a farmers market, where you can buy fresh produce, honey, jams, and other local products. You can also visit the museum's exhibits and learn more about the history and culture of Clermont and Lake County, from the Native Americans to the pioneers of the citrus industry.

  • The Harvest Festival is free and open to the public, but donations are welcome and appreciated. All proceeds will benefit the South Lake Historical Society, which operates and maintains the Clermont Historic Village Museum. The museum is located at 490 West Avenue, Clermont, FL 34711.

 

 

October Conversation Starters

- What are some of your favorite Halloween memories or traditions from when you were younger?

- Do you have a favorite Halloween candy or treat? Why do you like it so much?

- If you could dress up as any character or person for Halloween, who would you choose and why?

- What are some things that make you happy or grateful in October? How do you like to celebrate them?

- How do you feel about the changing colors of the leaves and the weather in October? Do you have a favorite place to enjoy the fall scenery?

- Do you like to watch scary movies or read scary books? What are some of the ones that scared you the most or the least?

- How do you feel about carving pumpkins? Do you enjoy it or find it messy? What kind of designs or faces do you like to carve?

- Do you know any jokes or riddles related to Halloween or October? Can you share them with me?

- What are some things you are curious or excited about in October? Is there anything you want to learn more about or try for the first time?

- What activities do you like to do in October with your friends or family? Do you have any plans or invitations for this month?

 

 OCTOBER RIDDLERS

Here are some riddles for October.  Have fun and enjoy the Halloween spirit!

- I have a face but no eyes; I have hands but no fingers. I can tell you when it's time for tricks or treats. What am I? (A clock)

- I am orange and round, and I have a stem. You can carve me and light me up. What am I? (A pumpkin)

- I am black, and I have wings. I like to fly at night and hang out with witches. What am I? (A bat)

- I am white, and I have bones, but I am not alive. You can see me in graveyards or haunted houses. What am I? (A skeleton)

- I am green, and I have a long nose. I like to cast spells and ride on a broomstick. What am I? (A witch)

- I am red and sweet, and I have a stick. You can lick me or crunch me. What am I? (A candy apple)

- I am brown, and I have a stem. I fall from trees when it's windy. What am I? (An acorn)

- I am yellow, and I have a shape. I can be a star, a moon, or a jack-o-lantern. What am I? (A candy corn)

- I am white, and I have a body, but I am not human. I am made of snow, and I wear a hat. What am I? (A snowman)

- I am purple, and I have fangs. I like to drink blood and sleep in a coffin. What am I? (A vampire)

 

 

REMINISCING STARTERS

Take this and consider stories with your partner.  It's a starter for reminiscing

- Remember when we went to the pumpkin patch and picked out the biggest one we could find? We had so much fun carving it and roasting the seeds.

- Remember when we dressed as our favorite characters and went trick-or-treating around the neighborhood? We got so much candy and swapped our favorites at night's end.

- Remember when we watched a scary movie marathon and got spooked by every little noise? We cuddled under the blanket and ate popcorn until we fell asleep.

- Remember when we baked apple pies and cinnamon rolls with the apples we picked from the orchard? The whole house smelled amazing, and we enjoyed our treats with some hot cider.

- Remember when we went on a hayride and saw all the beautiful fall colors? We sang along to the songs and laughed at the jokes the driver told us.

- Remember the time we made our costumes and decorations for the Halloween party? We were so creative, and everyone admired our work. We won the best costume prize and danced the night away.

- Remember when we visited the haunted house and got scared by all the actors and props? We screamed and ran and held each other's hands. We laughed at ourselves afterward and took pictures with the monsters.

- Remember the time we carved jack-o-lanterns and put them on the porch? We lit candles inside them and watched them glow in the dark. We told each other spooky stories and tried to scare each other.

- Remember when we went to the corn maze and got lost for an hour? We tried to follow the clues and the map but kept going in circles. We finally found our way out and celebrated with some hot chocolate.

 

 

October 1950s Tune Trivia

  • Which song by Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers, released in 1962, became a Halloween staple and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in October of that year? (Answer: Monster Mash)

  • Which rock and roll pioneer, known for his wild stage antics and flamboyant outfits, recorded "Tutti Frutti" in 1955 and "Long Tall Sally" in 1956, which topped the R&B charts in October of those years? (Answer: Little Richard)

  • Which doo-wop group, formed by five teenagers from Harlem, had their first and biggest hit with "Why Do Fools Fall in Love," which peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in October 1956? (Answer: The Teenagers)

  • Which song by Elvis Presley, released in 1957, was banned by some radio stations for being too suggestive and controversial but still reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in October of that year? (Answer: Jailhouse Rock)

  • Which song by Chuck Berry, released in 1958, was inspired by his travels across the US and became his first top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, reaching number six in October of that year? (Answer: Johnny B. Goode)

  • Which song by Buddy Holly and the Crickets, released in 1957, was covered by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and many other artists and reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in October of that year? (Answer: Not Fade Away)

  • Which song by Bill Haley and His Comets, released in 1954, is considered one of the first rock and roll songs and sparked a worldwide dance craze, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in October of that year? (Answer: Rock Around the Clock)

  • Which song by The Platters, released in 1958, was their last number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped it for six weeks, starting in October of that year? (Answer: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes)

  • Which song by Ritchie Valens, released in 1958, was a tribute to his high school sweetheart and became a posthumous hit after he died in a plane crash in 1959, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in October of that year? (Answer: Donna)

  • Which song by Ray Charles, released in 1959, was a fusion of gospel and rhythm and blues and became his first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, topping the chart for five weeks, starting in October of that year? (Answer: What'd I Say)

 

OCTOBER LAUGHTER

 - What do you call a fish that wears a bowtie in October? Sophisticated.

- Why did the skeleton go to the Halloween party alone? He had nobody to go with.

- How do you fix a broken jack-o-lantern? With a pumpkin patch.

- What do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire in October? Frostbite.

- What do you call a witch who likes to swim in October? A pool-hag.

- How do you make a werewolf laugh in October? By tickling his funny bone.

- What do you call a spider that can dance in October? A jitterbug.

- What do ghosts eat for breakfast in October? Boo-berry cereal.

- What do you call a snake that works for the government in October? A civil serpent.

- What do you say to a cow that dresses up as a ghost in October? Moody Halloween.

- Why did the chicken cross the road in October? To get to the other fright.

- What do you call a dog that likes to dig up bones in October? A gravehound.

- What do you get when you cross a mummy and a vampire in October? A blood wrap.

- What do you call a bear with bad hair days in October? A scared bear.

- How do you greet a monster in October? Happy Howl-o-ween.

- What do you call a ghost that likes to cook in October? A gastronome.

- What do you get when you cross a witch and a frog in October? A hex hopper.

- What do you call a candy that is good at math in October? A Smartie.

- What do you call a bird scared of heights in October? A chicken.

- What do you call a zombie that likes to knit in October? A zom-baa.

- What do you call a cat that likes to dress up in October? A purr-tender.

- What do you call a flower that grows in a haunted house in October? A scare-denia.

- What do you call a bat that likes to tell jokes in October? A punster.

- What do you call a pirate that goes trick-or-treating in October? A candy buccaneer.

- What do you call a ghost that likes to play chess in October? A phantom gambit.

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How to Make a Paper Pumpkin for October

If you want an easy and fun October craft, you can make a paper pumpkin with just a few materials. Paper pumpkins are great for decorating your home, classroom, or office for Halloween or autumn. Here are the steps to make a paper pumpkin.

  • Cut out eight circles of orange construction paper. You can use a plate or a bowl as a template. The size of the circles will determine the size of your pumpkin.

  • Fold each circle in half and glue them together along the edges. It would help if you had a stack of four folded circles. Leave one side unglued.

  • Cut out a stem and a leaf from green construction paper. Glue them to the top of one of the folded circles.

  • Open up the stack of circles and glue the unglued sides together. It would help to have a round shape with a stem and a leaf on top.

  • Fluff up the paper pumpkin and adjust the shape as needed.

  • Enjoy your paper pumpkin! You can make more in different sizes and colors if you like.

 

 

Simple Delights Together

- Apple pie bites: Cut a small apple into thin slices and sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar. Cut a sheet of puff pastry into squares and place an apple slice on each one. Fold the corners of the pastry over the apple and press them together. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until golden. Enjoy with some whipped cream or ice cream.

- Pumpkin spice granola bars: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup of chocolate chips, and one teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Press the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until firm. Cut into bars and store in an airtight container.

Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars (Nut-Free) - Crumb Top Baking. https://www.crumbtopbaking.com/cranberry-pumpkin-spice-granola-bars/

 

 

October Movements

 

1. Warm up with some spooky stretches. Sit on the edge of your chair and reach your arms overhead. Then, lower them to your sides and twist your torso to the left and right. Repeat this ten times. Next, extend your legs in front of you and point and flex your toes. Do this ten times for each foot. Finally, roll your shoulders forward and backward ten times each.

2. Get your heart rate up with some monster moves. Put on some upbeat music that matches the Halloween mood. You can choose songs like "Thriller" by Michael Jackson, "Monster Mash" by Bobby Pickett, or "Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr. Then do some of these moves in sync with the music:

- Mummy march: Lift your knees as high as possible and swing your arms like a mummy.

- Frankenstein kicks: Extend your legs and kick them alternately. Keep your arms straight at your sides like Frankenstein's monster.

- Zombie shuffle: Slide your feet to the side and back while keeping your upper body still. Move your arms like a zombie.

- Witch cackle: Laugh out loud and clap your hands above your head. Then, lower your hands and tap your knees.

- Jack-o-lantern smile: Make a big smile and open your mouth wide. Then close your mouth and make a small smile. Repeat this several times.

3. Cool down with some autumn breaths. Slow down your music and your movements. Take some deep breaths and relax your muscles. You can choose songs like "Autumn Leaves" by Nat King Cole, "October" by U2, or "Sweater Weather" by The Neighborhood. Then do some of these moves to end your exercise:

- Leaf fall: Raise your arms over your head and wiggle your fingers. Then, lower your arms slowly to your sides like falling leaves.

- Pumpkin squeeze: Make fists with your hands and squeeze them tight. Then, release them and spread your fingers wide. Repeat this several times.

- Apple pick: Reach your arms up and pretend to pick an apple from a tree. Then lower your arm and pretend to take a bite. Do this for both arms.

- Corn maze: Turn your head to the left and look over your shoulder. Then, turn your head to the right and look over your other shoulder. Repeat this several times.

- Scarecrow wave: Lift your arms to the sides and bend your elbows at 90 degrees. Then, wave your hands from side to side like a scarecrow.

You have completed your chair exercise for October. Congratulations! You can do this exercise as often as you like and enjoy it. Remember to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Happy Halloween!

 

 

Candy Corn In A Jar Game

For a fun game, you can try to guess how many candy corns are in a jar. You will need a clear jar, some candy corn, a piece of paper, and a pen. Often, people with early dementia enjoy this over some time.  Don't do this in one sitting.  Take the jar when you go somewhere with friends. Engage together.   

- Fill the jar with candy corn and count how many you put in. Don't tell anyone the answer.

- Write down your name and guess on the paper and fold them.

- Ask your friends or family members to do the same. They can look at the jar but not touch it or shake it.

- Collect all the papers and open them one by one. The person who guessed the closest number to the actual number wins the jar of candy corn.

- You can also play this game online by photographing the jar and sending it to your friends. Then, they can text you their guesses, and you can reveal the answer.

- ADL Magazine âž¡. https://adlmag.net/how-do-you-guess-the-number-of-mms-in-a-jar/

 

 

 

Word Jumbles

Another fun activity you can do in October is to solve some word jumbles. The word jumble is a scrambled word that requires you to unscramble and find the original word.

- You can make your word jumbles or use the ones below. Write them on a piece of paper and try to figure them out. You can also ask your friends or family members to help you or challenge them to a friendly competition.

- The words below relate to October, Halloween, or fall. Can you unscramble them? The answers are at the end of the text, but don't peek until you finish!

- Here are the word jumbles:

1. TMOBERCO (a month)

2. NACPIMKU (something you carve)

3. EALF (something that falls from a tree)

4. LANCYDE RCON (a sweet treat)

5. CISTOMUE (something you wear on Halloween)

6. CKATROR TEART (something you say at the door)

7. AUTNEUMN (another name for fall)

8. HGOSTT (a spooky creature)

9. AISDY (a type of flower that blooms in fall)

10. QUIRESRL (a type of animal that collects nuts)

 

 

- How did you do? Check your answers below and see how many you got right. If you enjoyed this game, you can make more word jumbles with other words or themes. Have fun, and keep your mind active!

- Answers:

1. OCTOBER

2. PUMPKIN

3. LEAF

4. CANDY CORN

5. COSTUME

6. TRICK OR TREAT

7. AUTUMN

8. GHOST

9. DAISIES

10. SQUIRREL

 

 

 Reading Together

Lila loved pumpkins. She loved their bright orange color, round, bumpy shape, and sweet and spicy flavor. She loved carving them into funny or scary faces, roasting their seeds for a crunchy snack, and baking them into pies, muffins, and breads. Every year, she looked forward to October, when she could go pumpkin hunting with her best friend, Jake.

Jake was Lila's neighbor and classmate. They had been friends since kindergarten when they discovered their love for pumpkins. They had a tradition of visiting different pumpkin patches every year, searching for the perfect pumpkins to take home and decorate. They also liked to compare notes on their favorite pumpkin recipes, swap stories about their Halloween costumes, and plan their trick-or-treating route.

This year, they decided to go pumpkin hunting in Groveland and Clermont, two towns near their home in Lake County, Florida. They had heard that these towns had some of the best pumpkin patches in the state, with various shapes, sizes, and colors. They also had other attractions, such as hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos, and farmer's markets.

Lila's mom drove them to Groveland first, where they found a vast pumpkin patch that stretched for acres. They grabbed a wheelbarrow and started exploring, looking for the most giant and beautiful pumpkins they could find. Lila picked one almost as big as her, with smooth and glossy skin. Jake picked one that was slightly smaller but had an exciting ridge pattern. They also found some smaller ones, in shades of white, green, and yellow, to add variety to their collection.

They paid for their pumpkins and loaded them in the car, then headed to the farmers market, where they bought some fresh apple cider, homemade jam, and honey. They also sampled some pumpkin fudge, cookies, and bread and agreed they were delicious. They thanked the friendly vendors and returned to the car, ready to go to Clermont.

Clermont was about twenty minutes away from Groveland, and they arrived at another pumpkin patch surrounded by sunflowers and cornstalks. They got another wheelbarrow and resumed their hunt, looking for the most unusual and quirky pumpkins. Lila found one shaped like a star, with five pointed lobes. Jake found one covered in warts, giving it a creepy and cool texture. They also found gourds, squash, and melons in different colors and patterns to complement their pumpkins.

They paid for their produce, loaded them in the car, and then headed to the corn maze, where they had fun getting lost and finding their way out. They also went on a hayride, seeing some cows, horses, and chickens. They fed goats and sheep at the petting zoo and laughed at their antics. They ended their visit with some hot chocolate and donuts and thanked the friendly staff>

They returned to the car, happy and satisfied with their pumpkin-hunting adventure. They had found some fantastic pumpkins and had much fun along the way. They couldn't wait to get home and start carving, baking, and eating them. They also couldn't wait for Halloween, when they could show off their pumpkins and costumes and collect some candy. They agreed that it was the best October ever.

 

Engage With Me Tip for October: Enjoying Halloween

Halloween is a fun and festive occasion that can bring joy and excitement to people of all ages. However, for some people living with dementia, Halloween can also be a source of confusion, anxiety, or fear. That's why it's essential to plan and find ways to celebrate Halloween that are suitable and enjoyable for both care partners and people living with dementia. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this spooky season:

- Choose activities that match the preferences and abilities of the person with dementia. For example, if they like arts and crafts, you can decorate pumpkins together, make masks or costumes, or create Halloween-themed cards or ornaments. If they enjoy music, you can sing along to some Halloween songs or watch a musical movie with a Halloween theme. If you like games, you can play bingo, trivia, or memory games with Halloween words or images.

- Avoid activities that might trigger negative emotions or memories for the person living with dementia. For example, if they fear the dark, loud noises, or strangers, skip trick-or-treating, haunted houses, or scary movies. Instead, you can opt for a cozy night in, watching a comedy or a classic film or reading a book or a magazine.

Be mindful of the environment and the atmosphere. Ensure the lighting is adequate and comfortable, the temperature is moderate, and the noise level is low. You can also use aromatherapy, such as lavender or vanilla, to create a relaxing and soothing mood. To make the space homier and inviting, you can decorate it with familiar and positive items, such as photos, paintings, or flowers.

- Be flexible and adaptable. Remember that the person with dementia may have changing moods, needs, and interests. Be prepared to adjust your plans or switch activities if they show signs of boredom, frustration, or distress. Please don't force them to do something they don't want to do or don't enjoy. The goal is to have fun and share quality time, not to follow a rigid schedule or agenda.

- Be respectful and supportive. Treat the person living with dementia with dignity and kindness and avoid infantilizing or patronizing them. Please encourage them to express their opinions, preferences, and feelings and listen to them attentively. Praise them for their efforts and achievements and reassure them if they make mistakes or encounter difficulties. Show them that you appreciate and value their presence and participation.

Halloween can be an excellent opportunity to engage with the person living with dementia and create meaningful and memorable experiences. By following these tips, you can ensure that both of you have a safe and happy Halloween.

ABOUT US

God loves everyone, and God calls everyone. Everyone has a place and purpose in the Body of Christ church. 
Here at Edge UMC, we welcome you with open arms to a loving community where you can find and use your gifts. 

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ADDRESS

Location
441 S. Main Avenue
Groveland, FL 34736

Mailing address:
P.O. Box 87
Groveland, FL 34736

Office Hours Monday-Thursday 8am-12pm

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edgememorial@gmail.com

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(352) 429-2572

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