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For the HEALTH of it...
Greg Cochran
A junk food addiction is a lot more like a drug addiction than researchers previously thought. They now claim sugar is eight times more addictive than cocaine.
Dr. Nicole Avena of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai tells The Huffington Post that pizza is the most addictive food by far due to the hidden sugar you'll find in just once slice. The tomato sauce on the pizza, for example, can have more sugar than a few Oreos. Other extremely addictive foods are chips, cookies and ice cream.
Cucumbers are the least addictive food, followed by carrots and beans.
Dr. Avena found behaviors and attitudes toward some foods closely mirror addiction patterns. The most addictive foods are the ones which are high on the glycemic index.
"Several studies really do suggest that highly-palatable, highly-processed foods can produce behaviors and changes in the brain that one would use to diagnose an addiction, like drugs and alcohol," Avena says.
Cardiologist Dr. James O'Keefe says sugar contributes to cardiovascular disease, as well as liver disease, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and Alzheimer's disease.
"When we eat wheat flour and sugar in processed foods, spikes our sugar, then insulin. Those are the hormonal disturbances that make you store belly fat, and then you are hungry for more sweets and starchy junk food," O'Keefe told KCTV. O'Keefe says it can take six weeks to kick a sugar addiction, and you can experience strong cravings almost like a drug withdrawal. But he says the long term benefits are worth it.
"Blood pressure comes down, diabetes goes away, obesity goes away, complexion clears up, mood clears up, sleep improves. It is really, really striking," O'Keefe told KCTV. So what should you eat? O'Keefe recommends a "back to the basics" diet.
"Lots of vegetables, lots of fruits and nuts, berries and fish, chicken breast and water and sparkling water," O'Keefe said. "I'll tell you they are not happy. Had to get rid of cereal, Pop Tarts and crackers."
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Customer Service in a Government Organization will be offered Wednesday, March 4. This class will be held from 9:00 a.m. until Noon. Participants in this class will learn to refine and develop key customer service skills for serving the tax payer/citizen. Topics of discussion will include the unique culture of working in public service, expectations of the tax payer, serving internal customers, key customer skills, handling angry customers, and developing a workplace that promotes and encourages customer service values. Supervisory staff as well as non-supervisory staff are encouraged to attend this program. Customer Service is a required training class for all newly hired employees.
Harassment in the Workplace will be offered Tuesday, March 17. This class will be held from 9:00 - 11:00. Participants in this class will learn to recognize harassing behaviors in the workplace. Topics of discussion will include various types of harassment, hostile work environment, the impact harassment has on the victim and the employer, and the laws preventing harassment. Participants will also discuss Hall County's policies regarding harassment in the workplace. Supervisory staff as well as non-supervisory staff are encouraged to attend this program. Harassment in the Workplace is a required training class for all newly hired employees.
Effective Interviewing Techniques will be offered on Wednesday, April 8. This class will be held from 9:00 until Noon. Participants in this class will learn to develop effective interview questions, effectively assess the resume/application, and review the job description. Also covered in this course are effective questioning techniques, avoiding common selection mistakes, and the hiring process. Participants will become familiar with illegal interview questions and the laws surrounding the interviewing and hiring process. Employees who participate in interviews and hiring decisions are encouraged to attend this program.
Performance Management will be offered on Tuesday, April 21. This is a one day class, being held from 9:00 - 4:00. Participants in this class will learn and discuss methods for managing and supervising employees for maximum performance. Concepts such as Coaching, Motivation, Feedback, and Performance Evaluation will be discussed. This class also includes ideas on conflict management and the disciplinary process, to include employee counseling and documentation. Also introduced in this class is the newly developed Corrective Action Form, and how to use the form effectively. Employees with supervisory or management responsibilities are encouraged to attend this program.
Computer Training: Computer training classes are held in the MIS Computer Lab, located at the Hall County Emergency Services Complex, 470 Crescent Drive, Gainesville.
Microsoft WORD (Intro) Tues. March 3 9:00 - Noon
Microsoft EXCEL (Intro) Wed. April 1 9:00 - Noon
Seating is limited in all classes, and registration is required for each class. For additional information, or to register to attend a training class, please contact Becky Ruffner in Human Resources via email at bruffner@hallcounty.org or by phone at 770-297-5500.
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Healthy Hall County
  
For 8 weeks there will be a fitness class offered Tuesdays, Thursdays and on Saturday for all Hall County Employees.
Tuesdays - Each Tuesday will alternate between Zumba and Yoga.
Hall County Government Center, 4th Floor (get off elevator, go through double doors, first room on the right)
5:30pm-6:30pm
Thursdays - Boot Camp
Hall County Government Center, 4th Floor (get off elevator, go through double doors, first room on the right)
5:30pm-6:30pm
Saturdays - Boot Camp and Yoga or Zumba
30 minutes of Yoga or Zumba and then 30 minutes of Boot Camp
East Hall Community Center
10:00am-11:00am
There will be a raffle drawing every Saturday during this 8 week program!!
(You must have attended at least one of the 30 minutes classes on that Saturday to win.)
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Join Sheriff Gerald Couch and the crew at the Hall County Sheriff's Office in saying "Congratulations" to the recipients of our latest round of promotions at the Hall County Jail!
Lisa Collett was hired-on at the Jail in April 2013. She has over 18 years of law enforcement experience, including work for the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office. She left there as a Court Services Lieutenant to join the staff at the Hall County Jail, where she has since made 1st Lieutenant!
Jeff Shoemaker has over 23 years of experience and a number of specialized certifications. Jeff has also coordinated a number of important programs for the Hall County Sheriff's Office. Shoemaker has undergone a number of transformations throughout his career with us... From Deputy in Patrol to Sergeant in our Training Division... Instructor in all aspects of law enforcement to his latest post and promotion to 1st Lieutenant in the Hall County Jail!
Donald McDuffie was hired-on in the Summer of 1990 as a Jailer at the Hall County Jail. He also has worked in Patrol, Investigations and a s a Community Service Officer with the Crime Prevention Unit. Donald McDuffie now proudly takes on his new role as a Lieutenant at the Hall County Jail!
Casey Ivey has over 16 years of law enforcement experience under his belt. In addition, he was deployed to Afghanistan as a law enforcement professional in March of 2013. Shortly after he returned, Casey Ivey joined us once again... Where he now moves up to the rank of Lieutenant in the Hall County Jail!
Scott Simpkins brings a wealth of experience into the job, with his service in the United States Army and as Captain for the Savannah-Chatham Metro Police Department. After retiring as a Captain, Simpkins was hired-on at the Hall County Jail in 2012... There he has now attained the rank of Lieutenant!
A very well-deserved "CONGRATULATIONS" to all!!! We look forward to more great things in the near future from our staff at the Hall County Jail!
(Pictured L-R: 1st Lieutenant Lisa Collett, Sheriff Gerald Couch, 1st Lieutenant Jeff Shoemaker, Lieutenant Donald McDuffie, Lieutenant Casey Ivey and Lieutenant Scott Simpkins)
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The weather outside might be frightful, but the calls to our Crime Prevention Unit weekly regarding the IRS scam is "burning up" our phone lines... Not literally. We have, however, received no less than ten phone calls per week (since the beginning of the year) regarding the scam.
Our citizens have called to inform us that they have been told by someone claiming to be an Internal Revenue Service "representative" that they owe a large amount of money in back-taxes. In each case, the phony "representative" tells our citizen that it must be paid promptly through a pre-loaded debit card (Green Dot MoneyPak) or wire transfer.
If the citizen refuses to cooperate, the phony "representative" then threatens them with arrest, deportation or suspension of a business or driver's license. In many cases, the phony "representative" becomes hostile, demanding and insulting. THIS IS A SCAM that has affected citizens in nearly every state.
The IRS stated that they are aware of the scam. The Hall County Sheriff's Office and IRS remind you that you can be proactive in protecting yourself from becoming a victim to this and many other scams, by simply following a few guidelines (below):
1. NEVER give your personal identity out to anyone over the phone, and DO NOT confirm your personal or financial information to anyone over the phone! Legitimate institutions, agencies and organizations will not demand that you do so in this manner. So, be skeptical of anyone asking for your PIN, password or similar confidential access information for credit card, bank or other financial accounts.
2. If you are ever threatened by someone who states that you need to pay up, or go to jail... Hang up! Especially, if the person calling you gets irate, curses at you or threatens you in any other manner. Threats of a physical nature are taken very seriously by law enforcement. Most legitimate businesses utilize our court system in a civil manner, while seeking any outstanding debts which they claim they are owed.
3. If you know you owe taxes, or you think you might owe taxes, call the IRS at 1.800.829.1040. The IRS employees at that line can help you with a payment issue - if there really is such an issue.
You may call the Crime Prevention Unit of the Hall County Sheriff's Office, during normal business hours (Mon-Fri, between 8 am - 5 pm), in order to inquire about scams that we are aware of... Or, to confirm suspicions you may have regarding a phone call, email or visit you received at (770)533-7659.
Finally, the IRS encourages you to visit them at http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/Scam-Phone-Calls-Continue;-IRS-Identifies-Five-Easy-Ways-to-Spot-Suspicious-
Calls for ways to recognize the scam in which phony
representatives pretend to be from their agency.
Visit the Federal Trade Commission to report a scam in which someone pretends to be a government representative at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/GettingStarted?NextQID=216&Selected=t#crnt
You may also call (770)536-8812 to make a report with the Hall County Sheriff's Office, if you feel you have fallen victim to this or any other type of scam. We are here for you!
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Advertising
Weddings By Design -(Wedding Planning)- also decorate for holidays, Showers and Parties. Sheila Williams 706-362-7134
Interested in losing weight and/or improving your Health? Then ADVOCARE is for you! - Beverley Walker 706-957-0253
Thirty-One Consultant - Christy Brookshire - 706-892-7900
Pics By Wanda - Wanda Sutton 770-503-0870 or 770-540-0342
The Loaded Glue Gun - Various handmade items, crafts and figts like mason jar tumblers, hand stitched koozies, faux deer, chalk board signs, upcycled home decor and more. www.theloadedgluegun.com
Origami Owl Custom Jewelry - Rashelle Edwards, Independent Designer
Paracord Bracelets, Lanyards, Necklaces, Keychains and Monkey Fist - Tony Roberts paracordsurvivalinstincts.com or facebook at the same name (paracordsurvivalinstincts)
706-809-9100
Mann for all Occasions - Chad Mann - Having a party? Car show? Wedding? Reunion? Grand Opening? Or, any other event? We can make the occasion and unforgettable celebration! Call for more inforamtion: 706-594-2084
The Cutting Edge Salon - Owner Gail Palmer - Men's/Womens's Haircuts, Color, Perms, Facials, Body Wraps adn Specialty Services. Public Safety, Veterans and CCW holders get 10% off any service - 706-348-6477
Georiga Mountain Krav Maga - Israeli Krav International - Discipline-Technique-Aggressive-Survival Based Self Defense 770-561-0812
Butterfly Kisses Boutiquee - Custom designed gift baskets by Jill Casper
Rustic Birdhouses - Unique, one-of-a-kind birdhouses. Only $10 each!! Great to give as gifts!! Contact Kelly Hairston for info or pics at: kmhairston9@gmail.com or 678-826-4731
Need lawn maintenance? - Mitch at 678-997-8008
Ava Anderson Non Toxic Independent Consultant
Quality products without harmful chemicals for your family, pet and home. Janene Rutschilling - avaandersonnontoxic.com/jrutschilling redal49@charter.net 678-977-5073 |
March Birthdays 1 Edward Adkins, Mitchell Aiken, Benjamin Dale, Matthew Wetherford 2 Billie Cormick, Katherine Greenwald, Dennis Mills, Bill Moats 3 Marcus Davenport, Richard Grimes, Charles Harper, Brandon Scott, Carl Scruggs, Christopher Spruil
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Derek Arnold, Brandon Burnett, Matthew Carney, Christopher Delong 5
Scott Collison, Jerry Dorsey, Melva Mendoza, Gabriela Roberts, William Smith, Dennis Udzinski
6
Jason Burndrett, Scotty Ginn, Emilee Phillips
7
Paul Herriott, Jasen Moore, Daniel Puckett, John Tucker
8
Brandon Bryant, Nicole Griffin, Gwinn Huff, Stacey Kerr, Betty Kersh, Dale McDuffie, Blake Poole, Billy Reed, Terrelyn Singleton, Anthony Ward
9
Jonathan Freeman, Emily Hernandez, Scott Puckett, Janice Whiten, Judith Williams 10
Kimberly Bond, Michael Flanagan
11
Kaitlin Cox, Allan Vosburgh, Frances Williams
12
Kendra Castandeda, Brenden Dougherty, Chad Mann, Jonathan Parker, Buffie Phagan, Robert Waters
13
Michael Angel, Amy Bessette, Jacob London, John Moore, Shirley Overstreet
14
Donald Head
15
Kevin Dean, Jason Edwards, Daniel Gilstrap 16
William Jones, Austin Morgan, Joel Vandiver |
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Hall County Solid Waste Department would like to  congratulate their two recent graduates from BCOT, John B. Hogsed and Tony Shackleford. They are looking forward to them rejoining the team with the same hard work and dedication that they displayed throughout their training. Mr. Hogsed will be joining the Solid Waste Division and Mr. Shackleford will be joining the Resource Recovery Division. Additionally; Josiah Davenport will be joining the Solid Waste Department, he is from Road Maintenance and they are excited to add him to their team. |
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Hall County Fire Services warns citizens about possible scam
Hall County authorities are warning residents about a possible scam involving someone pretending to be associated with Hall County Fire Services.
Hall County's Interim Deputy Fire Chief Chad Black said several residents and businesses have reported being called or visited by someone who claims to be collecting funds on behalf of the Hall County Fire Department. He said when residents have questioned the person, he or she has become very rude and aggressive.
"The only time Hall County Fire Services solicits funds from the public is during our annual Boot Drive, benefitting the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation, but our firefighters are always dressed in clearly marked uniforms during that event," Black said. "We are disturbed that someone would misrepresent us in this way, and we urge all citizens to be wary of this person or persons."
Officials are asking anyone who has witnessed this false representation or feels they have fallen victim to this scam to contact the Hall County Sheriff's Office at 770-536-8812.
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It's Time To Break Out The Clubs!
Spring time in North Georgia is THE time for golf!
Newly renovated Chicopee Woods features fast and smooth mini verde greens on all 27 holes. With a good year to mature the new greens are the best around.
There is an opportunity for all golfers at Chicopee Woods. For the beginner, or just to knock off a little rust, we offer the best practice facility in the area. Large practice tees and a total of 3 practice greens are at your disposal! Additional targets have been added to make your short game practice more fun!
Did you know that millions of dollars have been raised at Chicopee Woods for local charities? Call us for your group/church/sports team outing fundraising needs, we can help! You can be a part of raising over $5 million dollars for community interests!
Want a deal? Bring your Hall County employee ID for a $5 discount on any adult regular rate in the month of March! Thank you for your service to our community! |
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Defensive Driving
Get signed up for the upcoming Defensive Driving class on March 11th. Any county employee who drives a county vehicle is required to attend a defensive driving class. This class is for Hall County employees only. If you do not drive a county vehicle and would like to take this class, with supervisor approval, you may sign up. This is an all-day class and certificates will be given upon completion.
When: Wednesday March 11th
Location: North Hall Complex - 4175 Nopone Road Gainesville, 30506
To sign up, please email Michelle Hopkins at mhopkins@hallcounty.org
Spaces are limited
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Sheriff Gerald Couch and everyone at the Hall County Sheriff's Office would like to welcome our newest group into the Neighborhood Watch program: The Mill Creek subdivision (North Hall).
It will soon be Spring, and visible signs of the program will soon be seen throughout Hall County. You'll notice our street signs, view the posts on social media, partake in a community block party and partner up in one of the various community service projects undertaken by our Hall County neighborhoods. If you have been looking to formally organize your block into a neighborhood watch group, or if you have a group already in place, let us hear from you. Email Community Service Officer, Deputy Chad Mann, at cmann@hallcounty.org
The Hall County Sheriff's Office can assist in many phases of your ongoing planning... From the start up phase, through setting up your regularly appointed meetings, to addressing the issues that affect your entire neighborhood. We would love to hear from you! Together, we can continue to make Hall County a safe place to live, work and play for everyone! Thank you for being our "Eyes and Ears". |
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On the download...
MIS
How To Change Your Hall County Password
There are two easy ways to change your Hall County e-mail/network password. The first method is easiest for County employees who work on a computer. The second method is for those employees who primarily access their County e-mail.
Method One: Change Your Password After Login
- After you have successfully logged into your computer, press the "Control" (Ctrl), "Alternate" (Alt), and "Delete" (Del) keys on your keyboard at the same time.
 - The screen should change and you'll see a list of several options. One of those options will read "Change a password..." Click that option.
- You will be presented with another screen that asks for your information. It will automatically choose the account you are currently logged into
 the computer as. Simply fill in your old password, and then type your new password twice and hit the Enter key or click the arrow button. You will receive a confirmation that your password has been changed successfully.
Method Two: Change Your Password With Webmail
- Login to your County e-mail at webmail.hallcounty.org.
- Once the page has fully loaded, click "Options" at the top right corner of the webmail screen.
- Next you will click "Change Password" on the left hand menu.
- The final screen asks you to enter your old password once and to enter your new password twice. Once you have entered this information, click the Save button near the top of the window. You will receive a confirmation that your password has been changed successfully.
Your first call should be the Hall County Help Desk at 770-531-6704. The Help Desk is available for any County computer work-related issue Monday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
If your need is less urgent, you can also email the Help Desk, and a technician will contact you. |
Please join Sheriff Gerald Couch in congratulating the Hall County Jail's Officer of the Year, Lisa Harris on her outstanding daily performance and dedicated work ethic!
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For Sale
Automobiles/Parts
15 inch drop hitch for lifted truck. 100.00 OBO 770 530 5258 Steve
David's Bridal mermaid white wedding dress size 4 with extra length added. Custom 3-ribbon bustle. White custom-designed floral hair piece by Heirbloom owner, Ahndea May with birdcage veil. For prices please contact Mikhail Conner at missmikhail@yahoo.com
Size 10, Oleg Cassini strapless, champagne wedding dress with a ball gown silhouette is for sale. Dress has beaded bodice with champagne and ivory design that is also on the train. The dress also has an attached tulle slip. For price and pictures, please contact Michelle Norman at michellecoxnorman@gmail.com
MISC
Used Lap-Traveler Mobile Laptop Stand. Regular Price $239.00. Asking $100.00 Firm. Please contact Gene Joy at 770-530-0152
New O'BRIEN 142 Wake Board $150
New Joker Kneeboard $100
Lightly used Cyclone HydroSlide Kneeboad $50
contact Tammy Edge tedge@hallcounty.org
2007 Yamah YF Z450 Four Wheeler, only has 25 total hours riding time on it, electric start, Like new $3500. Contact Michele at 678-997-5324
Table Saw (Sears) $100
Older model heavy 10" saw on stand. All steel, no aluminum. Works great! Email Russ: russbellemail@gmail.com
Unicoi Springs membership for sale. Unicoi Springs Camp is located adjacent to Unicoi State Park.
Amenities include:
Two pools
Clubhouse with wireless internet
Pond
Tennis/basketball courts
Camper hookups include electric, water/sewer, and cable.
Shower houses and restrooms located throughout the campgrounds.
$1500 lifetime membership. Yearly maintenance fees of $410.00.
Call Eddie Skelton at 706-768-9147 for information.
Vacation Rental
Daytona Beach Vacation Home Rental, Sleeps 8-10 comfortably, 2 min walkto the beach with cean view, 3 Bed 2.5 Baths with bsmt. $800/week. $150 cleaning fee. Perfect for 4 couples, 1 mile North of Boardwalk, Contact David Corry for details and availability 770-654-6188
Wanted
Please email items that you have for sale or items you are currently looking to buy to sadamson@hallcounty.org.
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Welcome to Hall County Government
February New Hires
Mary Sweat - Buildings
Garren Harris - Correctional Institute
Tikonblah Dargbeh - Detention Center
Timothy kilpatrick - Detention Center
Lisa Altman - Detention Center
Drake Barnes - Detention Center
Zachary Brannon - E.M.S.
Kyle Powers - E.M.S.
Michael Huffstetler - E.M.S.
Tari Anderson - E-911
Victioria Beverly - E-911
Christy Burgess - E-911
Keith Garrett - E-911
Emily Hystad - E-911
Jessica Robertson - E-911
Jeremy Thompson - E-911
Valerie Long - E-911
Elizabeth Jones - Elections
Marvin Montgomery - Elections
Ker Vang - Finance
Daniel Morrison - Fire Department
Eladio Santamaria - Resource Recovery
Juan Serna - Resource Recovery
Blakeley Farr - Sheriff's Office
Michelle Myers - Solicitor
Nancy Butcher - Solicitor
Daniel Sanmiguel - Solicitor
Wilbur Turner - Tax Assessors |
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Christy Burgess, Michael Lusk, Jose Roque
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Scott Goss, Johnny Manley, James Mooney, Jerry Riley, Gary Zerban
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Christopher Farmer
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George Coley, Michael Hand, Diane Jacobson, James Long, Michele Parden, Robert Smith
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Jackie Byers, David Cobb, Alexis Cronic, Nancy Del Rio Parra, Kirsten Fowler, Scotty Roberts, Christopher Williamson
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George Abel, Cinnamon Malone, Donald Scalia, James Thomas
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April Allen, Michael McClellan, Joshua Oliver Barbara Roberts, Douglas Shadburn, Scott Simpkins, Angela Stanley, Lisa Westmorland
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Richard Forrest, Frances Forrester
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John Estelle, Melissa Marlow, Eddie Skelton, Juan Tafoya, Jerome Winfrey
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Heather Bing, Randy Greathouse, Charles Gregory, Johanna Kiehl, Trinity Senter
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Christopher Burnett, Austin Herring, Deidra Stephens, Tasi Suaava, Jose Tapia, Pamela Taylor
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Sharon Couch, Myra Evans, Patches Hilts, Edward Pittman, Mixilinette Schultz, Jason Skarda
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Katrina Adams, Clinton Coley, William Griffin, Cynthia Mustachio, Danny Nguyen, Michelle Smith, April Stone, Barbara Turner
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Christy Brookshire, Jeff Hubbard, Laurie Melonja-Seall, Yasmine Villatoro
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Margaret Bown, Eddie Ray, Caleb Rumbaugh, Scott Ware |
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