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Developmental Disabilities Newsletter
JANUARY 2026 EDITION
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 Happy New Year!
We wish you a healthy and joyful year ahead! Our team is dedicated to fostering inclusive communities that support people with developmental disabilities to fully participate in and contribute to all aspects of community life. Each month, we share valuable information and resources to support people in living inclusively.
Save the Date: 26th Annual Transition Resource Fair
Join us for the 26th Annual Transition Resource Fair on March 10, 2026 at the Lynnwood Event Center. This free community event is open to individuals with developmental disabilities (ages 12 and older), along with their families, caregivers, teachers, and community members.
The fair will feature a variety of community agencies and offer a range of free workshops focused on services, community resources, and tools to support employment and career goals. It’s a great opportunity to connect with others and discover valuable resources to help navigate the transition to a fulfilling future.
Mark your calendars – we look forward to seeing you there!
When: March 10, 2026
Time: 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: Lynnwood Event Center
3711 196th St SW
Lynnwood, WA 98036
*Please note the location has changed for this year!
Join the Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board!
Are you passionate about helping to create a community where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families are respected, valued, and fully engaged? Snohomish County’s Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board is now accepting applications for new members.
As a board member, you will:
- Learn about issues related to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
- Share ideas about what makes our community a great place to live.
- Connect with others who are excited about making a difference and change in the community.
- Provide recommendations on how County money could be spent.
- Share ideas on County Programs that support individuals and families with developmental disabilities.
The Board meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month, 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm (meetings are hybrid – attend in Everett or join via Zoom).
DO-IT Scholars: Seeking WA High School Students with Disabilities for College Prep Program
The DO-IT Scholars program prepares high school students with disabilities for college and careers through two summer sessions at the University of Washington, where scholars participate in hands-on labs, lectures, and college life while receiving support for technology needs and self-advocacy. The program provides free housing, meals, and accommodations, and applications are open to Washington state high school sophomores and juniors, with priority given to those received by January 30, 2026.
- To request a printed application, please email - doit@uw.edu.
Lifespan Respite Washington (LRW) and Lifespan Respite Coalition supports Unpaid and Underserved Family Caregivers of All Ages Across Washington State
Lifespan Respite Washington (LRW) began in 2002 as a statewide coalition known as the Respite & Crisis Care Coalition of Washington (RCCCWA). In 2010, RCCCWA received its first federal Lifespan Respite Grant to expand the program and to pursue sustainability. The RCCCWA coalition was renamed in 2012 to Lifespan Respite Washington (LRW). In September 2017, LRW was awarded its fifth grant funding for three years through the U.S. Administration on Aging, Administration for Community Living. Lifespan Respite Coalition members include family caregivers, public and private agency staff, and advocates across the state. It aims to support individuals from a cross-section of ages, cultural or ethnic background, or need/disability of the individual needing care. The next coalition meeting will take place 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Learn more here.
Cold Weather Shelters Open Across Snohomish County
As temperatures drop, overnight cold weather shelters across Snohomish County are open to provide safe, warm places to stay when the forecast falls to 34°F or below between November 1 and March 31. The Snohomish County Public Safety Hub is updated daily to show which shelters are open each night. Shelters are operated by Everett Gospel Mission, LINC NW, and Volunteers of America Western Washington, with funding and coordination provided by Snohomish County. Host locations, often local faith communities, are located in Everett, Marysville, Monroe, Snohomish, and Lynnwood. In addition, Community Transit and Everett Transit offer free rides to and from shelters on nights they are open, and multiple libraries and senior centers throughout the county serve as daytime warming centers during normal business hours.
Applications Open for $2.5M in Washington State Disaster Assistance
Governor Bob Ferguson is urging people whose homes were damaged December’s historic flooding to apply for $2.5 million in state assistance to help with their immediate needs.
Those who may be eligible for a Household Needs Grants must:
- Live in an eligible county – Currently King, Snohomish, Skagit, or Whatcom;
- Earn 80 percent or less of the area median gross income, as defined by the S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and
- Show that their primary residence was destroyed or seriously damaged (water has reached the electrical outlets on the home’s first floor) by flooding events between December 5 and December 22, 2025.
Important Information About Applying:
- Unmet Needs Assessment Forms are submitted through SAHelp.org, by phone, or in person at Disaster Assistance Centers (DACs) in local areas. Submitting the form does not automatically mean an individual or household will receive state funding. Additional verification will be required.
- After the form is submitted, a Salvation Army Disaster Case Manager will contact the resident to review their situation and identify available recovery assistance. This support may include local, state, federal, nonprofit, and donated resources.
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Online: Salvation Army website at SAHelp.org
- By phone: 833-719-4981
- In person: visit a Disaster Assistance Center in the county in which a resident lives
Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOA-WW) and Snohomish County are hosting a disaster assistance and resource center.
- Where: VOA-WW Sky Valley Center (617 1st St, Sultan, 98294)
- When: Sunday, January 11 (10:00 am to 3:00 pm); Tuesday, January 13 (2:00 pm to 8:00 pm); Wednesday, January 14 (2:00 pm to 8:00 pm)
- Learn more here
Legislative and Advocacy News
The Washington State Legislature will convene for the 2026 regular session on January 12, 2026, and is expected to last 60 days, ending in mid-March. It is currently projected that there is a $2.3 billion budget deficit. Here are ways you can learn more about how this session could impact those with developmental disabilities and services.
The Arc of Washington State advocates for quality services and necessary funding to meet the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families including birth to three services, special education, employment and residential supports, health care, transportation, respite and inclusion in the community.
Check out the Arc of Washington’s Legislative Notebook. It includes public policy ideas that community members are working on and information to help you understand how health, education and social services affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Attend Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council Meetings. The Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) advocates for better services and supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Learn more here.
Attend Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board Meetings. This board provides recommendations to the County Developmental Disabilities team on how County funds are used and help shape programs that support individuals and families. The board is made up of 15 members, who serve three-year terms and may not serve more than three consecutive terms. Board members are appointed by the County Council on recommendation of the executive. Learn more here.
The Arc of Snohomish County is a family driven organization that recognizes each family is diverse and their supports and needs are unique. The Arc is an information hub for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and offers ongoing monthly support groups, parent meetings and information regarding community services and resources available in the community.
The Arc of Snohomish County hosts the Parent Family Coalition. This is a membership-driven organization made up of families, siblings, foster parents, grandparents, kinships, individuals, guardians and other interested community members. The Coalition provides information and education about legislative policies, disseminates information and teaches families about the social service system, resources in their community, and how their participation in their local community builds integration and inclusion of all people with developmental disabilities. To get involved in the Parent Family Coalition, or to find out more about leadership training, reach out to Rachel Kube, Public Policy & Advocacy Coordinator at 425-258-2459 x107 or Rachel@arcsno.org.
Register for Advocacy Days with The Arc of Snohomish County and The Arc of Washington. The Arc of Snohomish County will also host selected streamed advocacy events in their conference room at their office in Everett. Reach out to Courtney@arcsno.org for RSVP and more information. Get additional information here.
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Helpful Websites
Click on the links below to view websites.
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Greater Everett MLK Jr. Community Celebration 2026
The Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee invites you to participate in the 2026 Greater Everett Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration. This year’s theme is “Building Community: The Dream & The Work.” The celebration will be a two-day event, taking place as follows:
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Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 4:00 pm – Worship Experience at First Presbyterian Church, Everett
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Monday, January 19, 2026 at 11:00 am – Community March beginning at Everett Memorial Stadium, followed by a Rally at the VOAWW Carl Gipson Center, Everett
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In addition to celebrating the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., committee continues to honor the memory of the Honorable Judge Eric Lucas through the Prodigies for Peace Art and Essay Contest. Dr. Yvonne Terrell-Powell, of Edmonds College and the Snohomish County NAACP will be this year’s keynote speaker. Learn more here.
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For more information, contact DanVo'nique Bletson-Reed, President, Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee: SCBHCWA@gmail.com
DO-IT Scholars: Seeking WA High School Students with Disabilities for College Prep Program
- The DO-IT Scholars program prepares high school students with disabilities for college and careers through two summer sessions at the University of Washington. Scholars engage in hands-on labs, lectures, and college life, while receiving support for technology needs and self-advocacy.
- The program offers free housing, meals, and accommodations.
- Applications are open to high school sophomores and juniors in Washington state. Priority is given to applications received by January 30, 2026.
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Click here to learn more, attend an info session or visit the program website to apply.
- Info Session Times:
- To request a printed application, please email - doit@uw.edu.
In-Person Workshop and Assistive Technology Event with Roots2Wings Family Group
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January 23, 2026, at Highline College, Building 8, 2400 S 240th St, Des Moines, 98198
- Roots2Wing Family Group works to empower families, caregivers, and professionals to support neurodiverse individuals of all abilities – including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down syndrome, learning differences, co-occurring diagnoses, and complex medical needs.
- This event will include representatives from DDCS, DVR, Open Doors for Multicultural Families, NW Justice Project, Partners4Housing, and more. Learn about Medicare/Medicaid, Social Security, legal and financial planning, housing, and assistive technology.
- Visit the Tech Immersive Lab to sample devices, explore resources, and talk with experts – and the Education Immersive Lab to experience “A Day at College.”
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Learn more and register here.
Snohomish County Transition Resource Fair
When: March 10, 2026
Time: 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: Lynnwood Event Center
3711 196th St SW
Lynnwood, WA 98036
*Please note the location has changed for this year!
To learn more, please visit the Transition Resource Fair web page.
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Club Independence
- Meets the first Wednesday of the month from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm via Zoom, September to June.
- A monthly group that The Arc of Snohomish County facilitates and is a place for young adult self-advocates to discuss topics for successful independent
- For information contact Brandi Piecora - Brandi@arcsno.org/425-258-2459 x113
- Learn more about Club Independence
Transition Clubs
- The Arc of Snohomish County facilitates monthly clubs in partnership with local school districts and community.
- Transition Clubs use the Charting the Life Course tool in order to teach participants and practice the skills for Self-Determination, Self- Awareness and Self-Advocacy.
- If you are interested in partnering with The Arc for the 2024/2025 school year, please contact: Jessie Moore - Jessie@arcsno.org/425-258-2459 x109
- Learn more about Transition Club
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DO-IT Scholars: Seeking WA High School Students with Disabilities for College Prep Program
- The DO-IT Scholars program prepares high school students with disabilities for college and careers through two summer sessions at the University of Washington. Scholars engage in hands-on labs, lectures, and college life, while receiving support for technology needs and self-advocacy.
- The program offers free housing, meals, and accommodations.
- Applications are open to high school sophomores and juniors in Washington state. Priority is given to applications received by January 30, 2026.
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Visit the DO-IT Scholars program website to learn more, attend an information session, or apply.
- Info Session Times:
- To request a printed application, please email - doit@uw.edu.
Edmonds College: Pursuit Lab – College and Career Prep for Students with Disabilities
- The Pursuit Lab is a pre-employment transition service for students transitioning out of high school or looking for jobs/careers
Trade School Guide for Students with Disabilities
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Washington Medical Legal Partnership/Seattle Children’s Hospital: Your child with Disabilities is Turning 18
- On-Demand classes for parents and caregivers of youths in their late teens who will need ongoing support as adults or help with legal decision making. Classes include Supported decision-making; Durable power of attorney; Legal guardianship; and Conservatorship.
- Access videos of the presentations (also available in Spanish and Vietnamese)
- Watch the presentation videos (available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese)
Dementia Friends WA
- Dementia Friends is a global movement changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia.
- We offer free, 60-minute information sessions to anyone in the community who would like to attend.
- At these sessions, we share information about dementia, communication tips, ways to take action, resources and support that are available.
- We have adapted versions of our materials, and one adaptation is for the IDD community. The focus is dementia and IDD.
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Upcoming Events:
- Hybrid – In-Person or Zoom: January 11, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. at the Redmond Library. Dementia Friends Information Session. Learn more here or if you have any questions, email: dementiafriendswa@uw.edu
- Virtual - Zoom: January 22, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Dementia Friends Information Session. Register here or if you have any questions, email: dementiafriendswa@uw.edu
- Explore the Winter '25/26 events
- Learn more about Dementia Friends WA
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Zooming Advocates - Meeting New Friends
- Monday, January 5, 2026, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Presented by the Arc of Snohomish County
- Get additional information here
- For questions or to ask for accommodations contact: Leigh Spruce Leigh@arcsno.org / 425-258-2459 Ext 103
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Zooming Advocates - Advocacy Passion
- Monday, February 2, 2026, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Presented by the Arc of Snohomish County
- Get additional information here
- For questions or to ask for accommodations contact: Leigh Spruce Leigh@arcsno.org / 425-258-2459 Ext 103
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Zooming Advocates - Self-Determination Luck
- Monday, March 2, 2026, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Presented by the Arc of Snohomish County
- Get additional information here
- For questions or to ask for accommodations contact: Leigh Spruce Leigh@arcsno.org / 425-258-2459 Ext 103
- Join the Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board!
- The Board meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month, 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm (meetings are hybrid – attend in Everett or join via Zoom).
- Are you passionate about helping to create a community where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families are respected, valued, and fully engaged? Snohomish County’s Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board is now accepting applications for new members.
- As a board member, you will:
- Learn about issues related to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
- Share ideas about what makes our community a great place to live.
- Connect with others who are excited about making a difference and change in the community.
- Provide recommendations on how County money could be spent.
- Share ideas on County Programs that support individuals and families with developmental disabilities.
- Apply online: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/3339/Apply
- For questions or accommodations, please contact: Trisa Harris - 425-388-7332, Trisa.Harris@snoco.org or ddinfo@snoco.org
- Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board Recruitment Flier: English / Spanish
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Northwest Access Fund: Navigating SSI Applications
- Bring your questions! Monthly classes are led by a Certified Benefits Planner and provide an overview of the SSI application process. Get tips and strategies for the application and redetermination process and leave with a clear idea of the next steps to take.
- These classes are recorded and shared with the people who registered.
- CLASSES ARE HELD EVERY THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH
- How to Make a Budget and Save - Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 12:00 pm via Zoom - register here
- How to Build Credit & Manage Debt - Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:00 pm via Zoom - register here
- How to Apply for SSI/SSDI Benefits for Adults - Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 12:00 pm via Zoom - register here
- Working Lunch - Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 12:00 pm via Zoom - register here
- Find more information here
Outreach Materials for those Facing Barriers
- The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program offers monthly financial assistance to individuals aged 65 or older, or those with disabilities or blindness, who have limited income and resources. SSI aids in covering essential expenses such as rent, food, clothing, and medicine. In 2026, the basic monthly payments are $994 for individuals and $1,491 for couples.
Guidance for Helping Others Apply for Social Security
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Did you Know? Social Security provides information for those who are helping young adults, and their families navigate the Social Security Application process? Whether you help a family member or friend or help someone through a group or organization, there is a Third-Party Disability Application Video Series for you. These videos offer detailed guidance for people who help claimants file a disability application, whether online or with paper forms. Specifically, the series focuses on the required forms and steps needed to file a complete third-party disability application.
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The four-part video series includes:
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Video 1: “Helping Others Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits”
- Video 2: “The Application Package” - The application package for filing a disability application online on someone’s behalf.
- Video 3: “Additional Information & Forms” - Additional information and forms for filing a disability application online on someone’s behalf.
- Video 4: “Tips & Best Practices” - Tips and best practices for filing a disability application online on someone’s behalf.
- Watch the videos and explore more information
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Arc of Snohomish Events (virtual setting)
- ABC's of Legislative Advocacy 2026: Understanding Disability Issues in WA State
- Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
- Presentation by Cathy Murahashi, Advocacy and Policy Specialist, The Arc of Washington State
- Get additional information here
- Register here
- Housing Workshop: The Dignity of Risk
- Thursday, January 15, 2026, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
- Get additional information here
- Register here
- Wills and Estate Planning
- Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 11:00 am to 12:30 am
- Presentation by Angela Macey-Cushman and JD Macey-Cushman
- Get additional information here
- Register here
- Special Needs Trusts and WA state ABLE Savings Plan
- Monday, January 26, 2026, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
- Presentation by Angela Macey-Cushman and JD Macey-Cushman
- Get additional information here
- Register here
- Special Education Space
- Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm via Zoom
- Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm via Zoom
- Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm via Zoom
- Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm via Zoom
- Wednesday, May 14, 2026, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm via Zoom
- Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm via Zoom
- Get additional information here
- Register here
- View Arc's Event Calendar
Wise Webinar Series (virtual setting and geared towards Employment
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Job Foundation Application: Accepting 2028 Grad Cohort Applications Now!
School to Work Application: Accepting 2027 Grad Cohort Applications Now!
- Learn more about School to Work and how it works.
- Please note, if you have participated in Job Foundation, you do not need to fill out a separate application for School to Work. If you completed a Job Foundation application but were unable to participate due to not meeting the eligibility criteria with Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCS) (formally Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)) but have since become eligible before your third year of Transition, you do not need to fill out another application.
Front Door Events
- Mukilteo School District
- Tuesday, February 14, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Empowering your Transition to Life After High School
The Washington State Rehabilitation Council has collaborated with the agencies named within this resource to support the development and publication of the Washington Transition Partnership Map. This resource provides a high-level summary to help individuals and families learn about and connect to transition services for which they may be eligible as students plan for their transition from high school. Additionally, it serves as a valuable tool for disability support resources and agencies to establish meaningful connections with transition services, thereby supporting individuals with disabilities in securing and maintaining employment. It is not intended to include all transition resources, many of which are available through local counties.
School-Based Behavioral Health Services
The Northwest Educational Service District (NWESD) is a licensed Behavioral Health Agency that provides school-based outpatient mental health treatment services in partnership with participating school districts. Services are accessible at specific locations and to the students directly served by that school. Student–clients receive a mental health assessment and individualized treatment to meet their mental health goals. Treatment is provided for most diagnoses including anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD and other common youth mental health conditions. Their therapists are trained in and utilize evidence-based treatment modalities appropriate for the student-clients. These services comply with applicable health care law. Students under 13 must have consent and participation in treatment by their parent/guardians. Students 13 and over may access services independently, however, coordination and participation with parents/guardians is always strongly encouraged. For more information contact Natalie Gustafson, ngustafson@nwesd.org or go here.
Mental Health Professionals are located in Arlington, Granite Falls (Telehealth), Lakewood, Marysville (Telehealth), Snohomish, Stanwood-Camano, Sultan. Contact your school district for more questions and/or if you don’t see your district listed.
Project SEARCH Connects Education and Employment Opportunities for Local Transition Students
Transition students with Developmental Disabilities in the Everett and Edmonds School Districts are gaining new opportunities through the Project SEARCH program, which provides hands-on work experience at locations such as Providence Regional Medical Center Everett to help participants prepare for post-school employment. The initiative connects classroom learning with real-world job tasks – such as organizing linens for hospital floors – and supports individuals as they transition from school to the workforce. Programs like Project SEARCH help students build confidence, develop professional skills, and take meaningful steps toward independence and future careers.
Read more from the Everett Herald about how Project SEARCH is helping local Transition students prepare for meaningful careers.
Transition Supports and Services: Summary for Students, Families and Caregivers
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction developed a resource is to support students and families to learn more about how the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Transition Plan and aligned High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) support a student to be ready for their goals for post-secondary goals. Employment providers, community members, and other agency providers can benefit in their work with supporting students and families.
Find more information here.
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Everett Transit Free Youth Transit Pass
SNOTRAC
- Snotrac works with the public and decision-makers to create and connect affordable, age- and ability-friendly communities for all people.
- Learn more about Snotrac transportation services.
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Click on the links below to quickly access one of the many helpful DD webpages!
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If you have any questions, comments, concerns or topic/content ideas for this Developmental Disabilities Newsletter, please email us at ddinfo@snoco.org
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