Mike T. is an affectionate nickname given to Michael Tolbert by the student staff on campus at Rutgers, the State University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Tolbert said, “I like being called Mike T...it makes me feel young.”
Having a youthful and joyful disposition has always been Tolbert’s ‘modus operandi.’ He's one of those people that makes you feel 'seen'. Tolbert said, "God has blessed me with a loving and kind spirit. I never had much to give except what God has given to me." In a life of humble beginnings, Tolbert has always found a way to see the good in all people. Tolbert is a graduate of Paducah Tighman High School and a beloved member of the class of ‘81. He grew up on the southside of town and was raised by his aunt and uncle. “There’s a story there,” said Tolbert. “I grew up with five brothers and 10 sisters, yes, that’s 16 of us children. My mom and dad are really my aunt and uncle,” said Tolbert. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Tolbert had three biological sisters, one has since passed. His biological mother died when he was six years old and the children didn’t know their father. His aunt, a pastor, didn’t want Tolbert and his sisters to go into ‘the system’ or foster care and preferred the siblings stay together. So, she took them in as her own. “My aunt and uncle didn’t have to rescue me, but they did and that was a sign.” A sign that would encourage and reassure Tolbert that God didn't desert him. “I felt God was looking over me and after me at an early age.” said Tolbert. After moving to Paducah one of Tolbert’s first encounters and most memorable was meeting his friend for life, Joe Patterson, another PTHS alumni. He said, “I know this sounds strange but when Joe and I met in first grade, we never forgot that first moment. We’ve been best friends ever since.” The two talk regularly on the phone and call each other on their birthdays. It’s a friendship that has lasted over 50 years. One of the big influences on Tolbert’s life was the Boys Club of Paducah. The family lived on Jackson Street, now Oscar Cross Blvd., and the Boys Club was only a few blocks from the family home. It was here that many young men living on the southside of town sought friendship and refuge. “Mr. Oscar Cross was a huge influence on many of us young boys,” said Tolbert. The Boys Club, now Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club, was the dream of Oscar M. Cross, a probation officer, that saw a need for young men to set higher standards for themselves and prepare for the future. He made a commitment to keep them off the streets, out of the juvenile system, and provide educational experiences not taught in the classroom. His dream has played a huge role in many of the lives of young men and women introducing them to the idea of good character, academic achievement, and citizenship. That influence set Tolbert on a trajectory. In high school, Tolbert was a wide receiver on the football team, ran track both high and low hurdles, and wrestled. One of his true passions was his membership in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) where he enjoyed the company of other fellow Christian athletes. In fact, Tolbert has a photo on his Facebook page of a prayer vigil that he and other student athletes participated in during the Iran hostage crisis in 1979. After graduating high school, Tolbert attended Western Kentucky University and received his degree in social work. He said, “I wanted to save the world.” Tolbert continued with his higher education courses and earned a Master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Iowa State University. Tolbert’s first career job was as a Residence Director at Illinois State University. There he was responsible for 900 students, 18 resident assistants, and two grad students. For three years he held this position at the university in Bloomington/Normal, Illinois. As one can see, Tolbert’s career choice was heavily influenced by his early interactions with the Boys Club of Paducah, now Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club. In his next career move, Tolbert finds clarity and direction to tackle issues that affect so many young people today, the right and need for higher education. Twenty-seven years ago, Tolbert accepted a position at Rutgers, the State University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Rutgers is a leading national public research university and is considered one of the top 100 colleges. Tolbert has held several positions in the 27 years at Rutgers. Currently, he’s the Director of Student Support and said, “I’m still trying to save the world.” Tolbert is responsible for crises that happen on campus. He deals with incidents, makes sure protocols are in place, and helps to keep Rutgers’ community safe. If students are experiencing a psychological issue and talk about hurting themselves or possibly others, Tolbert is the first person called. He’s the liaison between the police department, counselors, and staff. As the ‘go between,’ Tolbert makes sure students are treated fairly when there’s police involvement and advocates for good communication between the police and students. With the pandemic, it’s been necessary for Tolbert to participate more closely with the Health Center. Tolbert said, “The pandemic is running rampant, especially on college campuses.” He’s the person to help coordinate the efforts between students and the Health Center. In addition to crisis management, Tolbert oversees the EOF, Education Opportunity Fund. He works with low income students of all races who attended Abbott District Schools in New Jersey. The designation of Abbott Schools is determined by criteria and process. These districts are extremely poor and have been identified based on poverty and educational inadequacies that are so substantial that they cannot possibly compete. “poorer disadvantaged students must be given a chance to compete with relatively advantaged students." As Tolbert said, “saving the world one student at a time.” Tolbert has been married to his wife Tina for 13 years. They have one daughter and are very happy and blessed to live in New Brunswick. He said it’s a small urban city with the University attached. There’s a large black and Hispanic population. New Jersey is very diverse as is Rutgers. Tolbert said, “Even with the diversity, New Jersey is one of the most segregated states in the union.” When discussing future career plans or ‘big’ moves, Tolbert said he plans to retire with the university but possibly move to Maryland after retiring. He said, “Living close to New York City is very expensive.” Traveling is one of life’s pleasures for the Tolberts. Before the pandemic upended the world, the couple had recently traveled to Paris and Canada. They've enjoyed other adventures around the globe including other European countries and Africa. Photography is another of Tolbert’s passions. His creative side deserves an honorable mention. He also enjoys working out and martial arts. “At 58, I’m blessed.” The family endured a tragic event 20 years ago. Tolbert’s biological sister was murdered. He said, “It still hurts today.” His other siblings live scattered throughout several different states but six still live in Paducah. Tolbert said he really enjoyed his high school years. “It was the best of times and I miss my mates.” He tried to reach out to different friends through Facebook but said, “Many have moved on.” As he reminisces about days gone by, he remembers the classes of ‘81, ‘82, and ‘83 quite vividly. The classes were a tight-knit bunch, even in a school with over 1,000 students. Friendships that we form while attending our years in secondary education and college should never be squandered. Tolbert said, “I really hope I made a positive impact on the lives of a few if not many.” There’s no doubt that he did and will continue throughout his life.
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David Guess is a bit of a self-made man. He’s a graduate of Paducah Tilghman High School and former student at Reidland Elementary and Middle Schools. Guess transferred to Paducah City Schools in the ninth grade. He said, “We moved to the city when my mother got a job at the plant. She told me we needed to be closer because it was too far to drive to Reidland.”
“Moving to another school in the ninth grade was tough.” said Guess. “I still remember the first person I met was Evan Miller when he came and sat by me in the gym. Evan was everyone’s friend.” This encounter with Miller may be one of the reasons everyone likes Guess. He’s that friend that will come sit by your side if you’re sitting on the bench alone. He’s ‘the buddy bench’ guy. He's one of those people that never meets a stranger. To this day, Guess has friends from the playgrounds at Reidland Elementary School to his years at Murray State University. He's fast friends with everyone he meets. Today, Guess is a successful business owner with both residential and commercial properties. In fact, in 2017 Guess and his wife Sandra purchased the Hipp Building from Dick Walker and the Gene Hipp Estate. Guess said, “I didn’t realize how big it was.” The 55,000 sq. ft. building is located on Jackson Street across the road from Red’s Donuts. As of 2020, the couple completed renovations on 10,000 sq. ft. of the building for the Kentucky Transportation Regional Real ID office and Children’s with Special Healthcare Needs. Both organizations are very important to our community. Beginning October 1, 2020, all US citizens will need a ‘real I.D. compliant’ driver’s license, US passport, US military ID, or other accepted identification to fly within the United States. The Children’s with Special Healthcare Needs, formerly located in downtown Paducah has since moved to the Hipp Building. The Kentucky government program helps children with needs such as hearing loss, autism, or other health-related issues. Guess’ entrepreneurial spirit comes naturally. His dad and stepmom. Paul and Alice Guess owned Paducah Supply. After Guess graduated from Murray State University with a degree in business, he worked in the family business, as well as built houses until his dad sold it and retired at the age of 52. After which, Guess expanded his part-time business, David Guess Heating and Air, into a full-time, prosperous endeavor in 1992. In addition to Guess’ thriving heating and air business, he owns numerous properties including an apartment complex with 30 apartments all within Paducah city limits. He also has rental property in Reidland and around Kentucky Lake. Guess said, “Sandra and I like to buy 100 year old properties with brick exterior, original hardwood flooring, and wide crown molding that may need to be completely stripped-down during the renovation process or just need only minor repairs.” The couple really enjoys working together on these projects. They’ve been told they “make a great team.” Another venture that Guess started was an online business for contact lenses. He’s the owner of clearviewcontacts.com and has the help of his mother and stepdad to run the business. Guess’ mother manages the day-to-day operations and his stepdad, Dr. John Strakal, a retired optometrist, helps in his specialized area. A businessman is Guess’ profession but his true love is his family. Guess has two children that are both accomplished and a joy to be around. His son Josh works for the Paducah Fire Department and is married to Lindsey, a dental asisstant. His daughter Shannon is a doctor of pharmacy and is married to Daniel, also a pharmacist. Shannon and Daniel live in Bowling Green, Kentucky. In a few days, Guess and his wife Sandra will be celebrating their sixth anniversary. Out of the devastating yet historical ice storm 2009, a budding romance started. Amidst the chaotic natural disaster, the two were introduced for the first time. Sandra made the statement that she wasn’t on Facebook but found out Guess had a Facebook page and went home that evening and created her first page. The couple married on October 25, 2014. “God has blessed us more than we deserve,” said Guess. Guess is an advocate for animals. He has a rescue Yorkie named “Bentley'' that appears to go with him everywhere, including boating trips on the lake. In addition to his dog, the family has two outside cats, Winston and Riley. The couple has a several outside interests. They do like to travel. Adventures range from tropical paradise locations to snow-covered mountaintops. Taking lake trips with friends or 'hanging out at each others’ homes' is one of their most favorite activities. It’s simple and Guess said, “maybe boring” but “God has blessed us with great friends. The Tilghman guys I talk to almost daily are Mike and Gary Leneave and Gil Arterburn. We’ve been friends for 35 years. We have each other’s backs.” said Guess. In addition to the vacations, Guess is an avid golfer, in fact, he said, “If I could play golf each morning and finish at dark, seven days a week, stopping only to eat, I would...but that’s not happening.” He does get to play with his regular group of golf buddies most weeks and he and Sandra participate in couples tournaments. It’s definitely one of his passions. Early January, Guess made a commitment to run for another term in the Paducah City Commissioners’ race. He is a former two-term commissioner and is ready to throw his hat in the ring once again. “I have been the one working on the inside of government operations and also the guy on the other side of the counter attempting to get things done with meeting roadblocks.” Guess sees this election as one that he can invoke change and make a difference in the lives of Paducah citizens. Guess said he wants to bring more jobs to our area and streamline government operations. He wants to make Paducah ‘business friendly.’ Guess’ background fits nicely with his goals for Paducah. He has several solid businesses and lots of properties. It makes sense that this would be his platform. Go with what you know. If you’ve been interested in city government over the last 20 years, Guess served two terms in 2002 and 2006. He said, “My first run for city commission was at the age of 38. Some remember me as the guy that won by ONE vote one term. So yes, every vote does count.” Having Guess as a friend is a true treasure. He’s the guy that you can always count on to help out a friend, neighbor, or complete stranger. It’s those golden boy looks with the ocean blue eyes. He’s the guy that will sit by you on the ‘buddy bench’ if you’re alone. Everyone needs a friend like Guess. He's the guy you can count on in a storm..even an ice storm. Today marks the 48th Anniversary of the Andes Flight Disaster that was carrying 45 passengers, 19 of which were members of the Old Christian Club rugby union team. Friends and former Paducah business owners, Nestor and Laura Arredondo recall the unbelievable event that happened on October 13, 1972.
Nestor had friends on the plane. One in particular, Francisco Pancho Abal was a close friend. He didn’t survive the crash. He was a friend that would spend summer vacations in a house down the street from Nestor as a young boy. “Alvaro Mangino was one of the survivors and he and I had friends in common,” said Nestor. Mangino would be haunted by events that transpired during his time on the mountain. Times that would be recollected in conversation with Nestor. The South American rugby team was heading from Montvideo, Uruguay to Santiago, Chile to play a rugby match. The passengers on board the plane were friends, family, and supporters of the team. The plane was chartered and being flown by an inexperienced co-pilot. He mistakenly misjudged their location and started to descend coming too close to the mountain and crashed the plane into the side of the Andes. In the short documentary narrated by Dr. Roberto Canessa, he recalls the events of the crash and the 72 days leading up to the rescue. He said after the plane slid down the side of the mountain to its resting place he thought to himself, “my legs are here, my arms are here, my head is here,” realizing that he had survived. There had been 33 plane crashes into the Andes Mountains with no survivors. Nobody believed there would be any survivors from this plane crash either. After approximately a week, the search and rescue was called off and a recovery mission was initiated. The survivors of the crash knew the rescue had been abandoned due to access to the world through the battery powered radio. It was time to face the fact that ‘they were on their own.” Nestor said he spoke with Alvaro several times through the years following the crash and Alvaro told him about his depression. Nestor said he discussed, “how difficult it was to eat human meat.” He told Nestor how they were able to do the unthinkable to survive. If you’ve seen the movie “Alive” Dr. Canessa said they did a very good job sharing the story with the world. The movie was produced 20 years ago and is still watched today. Canessa said, “The depth of what happened is deeper inside.” Implying that there’s really no true way to represent the events that transpired those 72 days. Canessa said in the documentary that the only reason they survived was because of 'team work'. All decisions were unanimous and each had a specific job to do. One of the survivors with broken legs melted ice to produce water. Others were in charge of building a radio while some sewed gloves and clothes from the upholstery of the seats. After weeks and months, the survivors realized that no one was looking for them so they made a decision. Two from the group would go for help. The trek would consist of a 35 mile walk through the mountain range with temperatures minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, blistering winds, lack of proper clothing, gear, nutrition, and in an unknown terrain. This was their only hope. Dr. Roberto Canessa and Nando Parrado were the two that went for help. As part of the preparation for the rescue mission, the group started feeding them more, letting them sleep in the best places and making special clothes to withstand the cold. It was discovered that special insulation designed for the plane's pipes would make good sleeping bags for the trip. After walking for 10 days and climbing 15,000 ft. mountains, Canessa and Parrodo made it through and returned to the group with helicopters to rescue the remaining survivors. All in all, there were 16 out of 45 that survived that Andes Mountain plane crash. Nestor said, “They were 160 pounds and came back weighing 80 pounds.” The survivors were gaunt and weak but they were ‘Alive.’ As we go about our lives today, remember the perseverance shown by the survivors of Air Force Flight 571 and the lives lost. It’s a story not easily forgotten. Laura Arredondo said the event really made an impression on the lives of those from Uruguay. She said, “This was the only accident in the history of humanity that a plane falls in the Andes and there were survivors.” Lone Oak First Baptist Church in Paducah, Kentucky provided local families with a good ole' fashion outdoor, socially distanced, pumpkin patch pickin' fun day. It's the little things and the simple things that will keep Americans from calling 'uncle' through these troubled times.
As we witness the coronavirus swiftly making it's way across our country once again in a second wave of positive cases, one may wonder when it might end. The resurgence of CoV-2 around the world is happening in countries like France and Spain that had, until September, seen a flattening of the curve. India's cases have risen quickly and there's no sign of a slow down. Increases in cases in South America find a continent already hit hard by starvation and other mysterious diseases at a crossroad. The emotional toll is gripping. All the sadness, disparity, divisiveness, and uncertainty burdens our hearts. And the physical reality of death, job loss, food insecurity, and street violence compresses our minds. Today was a day to forget your troubles. The pumpkin patch event at Lone Oak First Baptist Church in Paducah was mega miles away from the hurt and pain happening in the world. For a brief moment, church families came together and climbed hay stacks, slid down hills on folded moving boxes and enjoyed picking a pumpkin out of the church soccer field turned pumpkin patch. The youth group at the church entertained families with a couple of mini-plays. The first was 'Three little Christian piggies.' Yes, it sounds corny and it was, however, everybody was sitting around on their socially-distanced individual bales of hay, eating popcorn from a bag and drinking apple cider. The children laughed and the parents smiled. There was food. There's always food at a church gathering. Food trucks were brought in to feed hungry pumpkin lovin' folks. The selection was crispy fried chicken in a waffle cone, Coney dogs, BBQ pork, and flavored shaved ice. The hot, sunny afternoon had everyone in good spirits. The fresh air was invigorating. Once you climbed the big hill leading up to the soccer field on the church property, pumpkins were as abundant as seashells by the seashore. The children were free as birds to run through the rows and rows of pumpkins until they found the perfect one for them. Cost of a huge carving pumpkin was $1. It's hard to believe that some of the nurseries in town charge $12 per pumpkin. Impossible you might think. After each child picked the perfect pumpkin, anyone that wanted or needed a ride back to their car on a tractor trailer covered in bales of hay, could do so. However, it was tough to social distance in this environment. All and all, it was a pretty great day. Look for the little things to do during these unimaginable times. It will give you a new appreciation for all things moving forward. Randy and Teresa Grimes with their children and grandchildren in Cumming, GA “Red and yellow, black and white. They are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.” In a world that’s upside down, turned around, full of hurt and loss hearing these words and humming the melody is a haunting reminder that we’re doing something wrong. The world isn’t meant for division and racial bias.
Randy and Teresa Grimes heard the words ‘Red and yellow, black and white’ and hummed the tune until the inertia of it all demanded an answer to God’s calling and each replied, “Here am I, send me.” Isaiah 6:8. This is a love story. A true love story between two high school students that met, fell in love, pursued careers, birthed children, and offered one of the greatest gifts to another human being...a home. Both Randy and Teresa are graduates of Paducah Tilghman High School. If you don’t know their story, it’s time to catch up. Randy Grimes and Teresa started ‘talking’ at a football game. Grimes was a senior football player and Teresa was a high school junior cheerleader. Fate had its sights on two kids at the same place, same time, same sports program, and same high school choir. “Our first date was at a sorority Christmas Dance on December 18, 1980,” recalls Grimes. After that date, the two were inseparable. After graduation, Grimes received a full football scholarship to Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky majoring in biology with career plans to teach and coach. Since Teresa was a year behind Grimes in school, she fast-tracked her education and graduated a semester early to join Grimes at WKU on an academic scholarship. Again, smart, athletic, ‘glee club’ couple entering the college scene with big plans ahead. Neither Grimes’ could wait until graduation to say their forever vowels. They united in marriage on December 30, 1983 just three years shy of their first date. “We were still in college when we got married and thought that love paid the bills.” Grimes said. “We were so poor, we were each other’s entertainment. And to this day, we still entertain one another.” Teresa pursued a career in Broadcast Journalism while Grimes pursued a career in teaching and coaching. After graduation, Teresa started working at a Bowling Green radio station and later was offered a job in marketing at the local hospital. While Teresa continued her career trajectory, Grimes received the opportunity of a lifetime, to assist former coach and mentor Dan Haley. Haley played football at the University of Kentucky and coached for Paducah Tilghman from 1973 to 1980. Grimes played for Coach Haley during his sophomore and junior year at Tilghman. In 1984, Haley became head coach at Bowling Green High School. After Grimes graduated college, he coached alongside Haley for five years. Here’s where ‘the dream’ shifts into fifth gear. Opportunity knocked and Grimes earned his first head coaching job and moved the family to Hancock County in Kentucky. Teresa took a job at the Owensboro Hospital as marketing director. During this move, the Grimes have their first two children, Chris and Derek, born in 1985 and 1989, respectively. It was this stint in Hancock County that changed the Grimes’ lives forever. The couple have two perfect boys and it was time to complete the family. The Grimes’ were ready for a girl. “Teresa had a lot of difficulties with the two pregnancies and was advised by medical professionals to have no more children.” said Grimes. They always wanted three children, at least that was the plan. Grimes said, “We didn’t start adopting for very deep or spiritual reasons.” The simple truth is the couple wanted another baby. They found an organization in Owensboro that worked with a Korean adoption agency. From start to finish, the adoption process took eleven months. Their daughter was born in Seoul, Korea and made her way to the U.S. at four months old. Today, Erica is 30 years old and recently married Cris from El Salvador. While the Grimes were going through adoption care, they started fostering children. “This opened our eyes and our hearts to what God was leading us to do.” said Grimes. Once the Grimes began adopting, each child was an added blessing to their family. The children are Chris, Derek, Erica, Marcus 18, Ian 16, Noah 15, Teairra 14, Jeremiah 13, Isaiah 12, Alexa 10, and Isaac 9. If you're counting, that’s 11 children. The oldest son is married to Lezlie and Derek is married to Chelsea. In addition to 11 children, they have three grandchildren, two of which are adopted. The Grimes have been ministering to other families that hoped to adopt children for 25 years. Teresa has never worked for an adoption agency but has helped hundreds of U.S. families adopt children from around the world. Grimes said, “She’s an adoption expert”. Part of their ministry includes helping churches start adoption and foster care ministries. Grimes affectionately expressed his thoughts about Teresa’s work. He said, “Her heart “for the least of these (Matthew 25:40, James 1:27)” never tires’. From 1992 to 1997, Grimes spent five years in Paducah as head coach for the Lone Oak Purple Flash. The next move transferred the family to Cumming, Georgia. Grimes switched careers and worked in the pharmaceutical industry and the family has remained in Georgia for the last 20 years. For a period of time, Grimes was in pharmaceutical management but in 2003, decided to get back in the field and work as a pharmaceutical representative. As time permitted, the family became increasingly involved in church and adopting more children. Grimes said, “Having a biracial family isn’t tough. The looks and stares don’t necessarily come from the ‘different’ kids but what are these ‘different’ kids doing with these old white people.” The looks lead to discussions with strangers about love for others and the great need for adoption and foster care. Grimes admitted that the ‘tough stuff’ comes from the needs of the children. Social, academic, and medical issues are the challenges. Conversations involve appropriate behavior and inappropriate behavior. Also, academic struggles experienced by a few of the children. “Three of the children could barely read or write and weren’t doing grade level work,” said Grimes. And some have major health issues with extensive out-of-pocket costs. Dinner time is interesting at the Grimes’ household. “We go to the kitchen in shifts to fill plates.” said Grimes. The typical grocery bill is $400 a week and that’s keeping cost at less than four dollars a meal per person. Most of the children share bedrooms. The Grimes have converted a den into sleeping quarters for the two middle school boys. The three oldest boys share a bedroom. The two youngest share a room and sleep in bunk beds and their oldest daughter has a room to herself. It may cross your mind, how do they keep the love alive? Grimes said, “We love to date. We love to get a cup of coffee together or go to dinner. We truly are lovers and best friends.” The couple try to take a vacation once a year for some one-on-one time. Less than a year ago, Grimes left corporate America to return to the classroom teaching teenage students. He said, “I’ve coached for 36 years and it’s always been near and dear to my heart but for the first time, I’m not coaching. I’m just being a dad.” Just as Grimes switched careers, COVID-19 shuttered America. The family has coped by keeping consistent routines. Taking short day trips, watching sports, and having Bible study has helped fill the days. Bedtimes remained intact as well as mealtime and chores. Now, they’re back in school. Grimes said, “They’ve missed their friends.” One might wonder the secret to managing a large household and maintaining sanity. Grimes said, ‘“They watch me and Teresa and see how we treat one another.” he continued, “The best advice I can give is to remember your kids are always watching how you treat each other.” Grimes said he didn’t graduate from a seminary but has taken classes. His work is more of a calling. “We use the adoption ministry to share the gospel.” In 2004, the Grimes planted a church and ministered for eleven years. In 2015, the children’s needs demanded greater attention and a decision was made to end the full time ministry. Since the coronavirus, Grimes has been sharing the gospel Sunday mornings online. He tries to reach those whose churches are closed or folks that are older and don’t want to go back to in-person meetings. Also, he fills in for pastors when they’re on vacation or are unavailable. The family makes it home to Paducah a few times a year. Grimes said Teresa will go back with a few kids a couple of times a year and he does the same. He said his parents and Teresa’s mother are older. “Facetime is amazing,” said Grimes. “God has given Teresa and I a clear calling for our lives. We are asked often, are you done adopting? I used to say yes, and then God placed more in our life. We love to laugh at our crazy life because most don't understand. But to wake up each and every day and say as Isaiah said in Isaiah 6:8 ``Here am I, send me.” Grimes said that he doesn’t know what tomorrow holds but is excited to see God’s plan. |
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Liz Latta Archives
July 2021
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