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Centrepoint
June/July/August 2010
ACTS Gets a New Look!
Take ACTion and Get Involved at CUMC!
Beginning on Sunday, June 6 and all during the month of June, you will have the opportunity to complete an ACTS form on-line. ACTS stands for “A Community That Serves,” and it is a tool to help you, the congregation, tell the church how you would like to serve in the coming year. CUMC wants you to take ACTion and get involved!
Copies of the revised booklet, including return forms will be available at the Welcome Table in the narthex, but the requested format is to go to the church’s website (www.centreville-umc.org) and click on the links for the adult, youth, or children’s ACTS forms. You can complete the answers on-line in a short period of time. The adult forms are for all adults, including college students and 2010 high school seniors. The youth forms are for current 6th -11th graders, and the children’s forms are for children entering kindergarten in the fall of ‘10 through current 5th graders. You do NOT have to be a member of CUMC to be a part of the life of the church or participate in the ACTS forms. Even the newest of members or those who just attend CUMC are invited to participate. There is no waiting period for hearing God’s call to service!
Watch for the possible opportunity to sign up online in the CUMC Narthex on June 6, 13 and 20th! The Technology Committee and Life Stewardship committee are working toward having a few laptops available , especially for those with no access to computers in their home! Help will be available.
Remember, even if you completed the form last year, this is a new version and must be completed again; the lists from the past year are deleted. The form is set up in sections according to the various areas of ministry, such as Missions, Music, Spiritual Formation, Children, Youth, etc. If you know the specific area in which you want to serve, you can jump to that section and respond. The name of the ministry also includes a brief description of what is required; you do not need to go to a separate link to find the descriptions.
Using this tool is very helpful to the various ministry areas, and it also allows you to consider how you will use your gifts and talents to serve God through the church in the coming year.
Celebrate Pastor Tuttle's Ministry
As you may be aware, Pastor Tuttle will be leaving CUMC in July to become the Lead Pastor of Dranesville United Methodist Church. During her seven years as an associate pastor at CUMC she has crossed many milestones in her life; she was ordained Elder, she married Mike Tuttle, and she had their son, Noah. We want to thank her for her ministry among us.
On Sunday, June 20, at 12:15 PM you are invited to attend a reception held in her honor in the Fellowship Hall. During this time you will have the opportunity to thank her personally for the impact she has had on your life, and the life of the church.
Please see inside this issue of Centrepoint for Pastor Tuttle's letter to the congregation. Also, check out the article about the changes taking place on the CUMC staff as we prepare for Pastor Tuttle's departure.
All God’s Children Camp
Children spend a week at camp, participating in activities such as boating, swimming, hiking, archery, horseback riding, music, crafts, Bible study, and conflict resolution. Partnering with Virginia United Methodist camps, the All God’s Children camp provides sanctuary for children who face so many challenges in their lives: economic poverty, temporary living conditions while their mothers, usually their only parent, is incarcerated.
You can help by volunteering to spend the week at camp! Mentors do not lead activities but provide supervision, companionship and compassion to the children during their daily activities. They serve as a reminder that the children are indeed all God’s children and that God loves and cares for them. Mentors are adults ages 17 and up. They attend training the Sunday morning prior to the week of camp. It is an intense, yet extremely rewarding experience.
Camp Highroad hosts All God’s Children camp August 1-6. For more information about the camp check out www.vaumc.org/agcc or email
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Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Luke 18:16
Missions
GRACE Ministries
GRACE Ministries offers low-income immigrant families a welcoming place to come for fellowship, worship, a play time for children, clothing, food and diapers. The guests also receive information on available services such as a free clinic, various county programs for low income families and job training opportunities that include ESL classes.
The summer dates for GRACE Ministries:
-Friday Set Up - Saturday Distribution -Receiving Donations
4 – 8:30 PM 6:45 AM – 12:30 PM
June 11 June 12 June 6 – 11
July 9 July 10 July 4 – 9
August 13 August 14 August 8 – 13
There are many ways to support GRACE Ministries:
· Ask your neighbors to donate their gently used, in season clothing, small toys, books for young children and bed and bath linens to GRACE.
· Children can help by collecting used children’s books and small toys.
· Having a summer party? Ask people to bring a package of diapers in lieu of a hostess gift.
Come be a part of GRACE by helping on Friday afternoon to set up or on Saturday morning during the distribution.
Food For All
Helping To Feed Children
The Centreville UMC Food For All program helps to supply the Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM) pantry with food throughout the year. During the summer months families rely on the food pantry more than ever. Children from low-income homes receive breakfast and lunch meals during the school year, however during the summer months these meals are not available. At the same time, during the summer months many families are busy with summer activities and vacations and don’t think as much about food donations. When the need is the greatest, the donations are the smallest. CUMC can help. If EACH person brings at least ONE non-perishable food item EACH week, CUMC can make a real difference in keeping the food pantry shelves full.
CUMC in Mission: Local, National and International
95 Year Old Homeowner Finds New Hope Through Rebuilding Together
Mr. Boland has lived in his Arlington home since 1946. At 95, he has not been able to maintain his home, as both the interior and exterior of the house were in desparate need of renovation and repair. His niece learned of Rebuilding Together and made the arrangements for Mr. Boland to receive the help he needed. The job was so large that another church, St Peter’s Episcopal, joined with CUMC to get the work done over two weeks.
Years of overgrown vines, weeds and lawn debris were cleared; the kitchen and bath were gutted and renovated; rooms were painted; screens replaced; steps and fencing were built; walkways were repaired; and windows were painted and cleaned. Mr. Boland just could not believe that so many people would come to do so much work for someone they did not even know. As the work came to an end and he looked around, Mr. Boland said “I am rich! I can’t believe how wonderful my house looks. I may just live another 100 years!”
CUMC in Mission in Sneedville, TN
Sneedville, the county seat of Hancock County, TN, is a small town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of northeast Tennessee. In 2008, the median household income in Hancock County was $19,760. In Fairfax County, the median household income was $107,448. Many families live in homes/trailers/shacks with no running water. Over the last 18 years, Centreville UMC and the people of Sneedville have developed a close bond of friendship.
The 2010 Sneedville Mission Team will depart for Sneedville on June 26 and return on July 3. The team will serve in ministries all over the county making home improvements; delivering food to families living in poverty; working with children through several Vacation Bible School programs; and working with teens, women and the elderly in a variety of programs.
The Sneedville mission has been possible due to the generous support of the CUMC church family. Financial donations, donations of items for the ministries, Christmas gifts and the support of team fundraisers make the ministry possible year round.
During the months of May and June a donation board will be located in the Narthex with tags showing items needed for the ministries that are reaching out to children, teens, women and nursing home residents. Items are needed for personal care packages and craft and art supplies. Donations need to be received by June 13.
The annual Sneedville yard sale will be held on Saturday, June 5 from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Donations of furniture, books, sports equipment, lawn equipment, electronics, toys, baby items, household and kitchen items are all needed. Donations can be dropped off beginning on Monday, May 31 through Friday, June 4. Donation receipts will be available.
As the team prepares to go to Sneedville to serve, they ask for your prayers in their preparation, in their travels and in their service.
CUMC in Mission in Lithuania
“In Mission Together” is a church partnership program of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. The program assists churches like CUMC to engage in shared mission and ministry with a developing or struggling congregation. CUMC and Siauliai (Show-lay) UMC in Lithuania joined into a partnership in 2009. Partner churches commit to supporting each other through regular prayer, communications and visitations.
CUMC has sent mission teams to Siauliai UMC since 2006 through the UM Volunteers in Mission program to assist the church in building their new sanctuary. It seemed natural to formalize the commitment between the churches under the “In Mission Together” program. CUMC and Siauliai UMC have committed to a three year partnership. The relationship has now expanded beyond the construction of the sanctuary into a ministry for women of the church and to local school children in Lithuania.
While the mission teams travel to Lithuania to serve the people and congregation of Siauliai UMC, they return home transformed – and with many stories of the people they have met. Some tell stories of recent Soviet times and hardships they have endured and others tell stories that reach back to Nazi times. Siauliai UMC is reaching out into their community to share the hope and love of Christ. One young woman, Evelina, was drawn to Christ and the church in Siauliai. She eventually brought her sister, then her parents and now the family is a strong pillar of the church. Evelina is now contemplating ministry in the United Methodist Church.
This year the Lithuania mission team will support women in Lithuania in a broader context as they help to sponsor a nationwide “Women’s Health Retreat”. The retreat will draw from all the United Methodist Churches in Lithuania to address chronic problems in the aftermath of Soviet and Nazi occupation such as depression, abuse and suicide. For additional information on the Lithuania mission contact Dan and Kitty Stapleton at
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CUMC Children
Summer Sunday School
Summer time is just around the corner! The last Sunday of regular Sunday School will be June 20th. Then, the Summer Sunday School schedule will be as follows:
Infant and Toddler Nurseries
at 8:15, 9:30, and 11:00 services all summer
Preschool-Kindergarten Sunday School
at 9:30 and 11:00 services all summer
Elementary Sunday School
at 9:30 June 27 – July 25
Classes will be 1st&2nd Grades,
3rd&4th Grades, and 5th&6th Grades.
The month of August (and September 5) will be Family Worship Sundays when elementary children are encouraged to worship with their families.
Summer Sunday School Teachers
As CUMC’s regular Children’s Sunday School Teachers take a break during the summer, the Children’s Ministry needs parents and other church family members to sign up and share their time with the children to ensure Sunday School classes are available during the summer months. No experience is necessary, only the willingness to share your time with God’s children. All supplies and an easy-to-use lesson plan will be provided. Please contact Patricia Granberg,
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, or Susan Petersen,
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or sign up in the Narthex on the Summer Sunday School board available in June to share your love for Christ with the children!
What is happening in Sunday school classrooms this summer?
The preschool and elementary Sunday school classes will switch over to use the All-in-One Bible Fun curriculum this summer, where the Bible comes to life. This summer children will have fun learning about Heroes of the Bible! Each lesson is filled with games and activities that will make learning fun for you and your child!
The Rainbows (young two’s) class will continue to use the Rock-a-Bye, Toddlers and Twos curriculum through the summer months. They will study Mary and Martha in June, Jonah in July, and Noah and the Ark in August.
CUMC celebrates Family Worship Month in August! Worship with your child in August!
Centreville Day School
Centreville Day School will not be in session during June, July, and August. You can reach Laurie Dzierzynski, Director, at the preschool office, at 571-522-1875, or email her at
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. Have a great summer vacation, and we’ll see you in September!
Galactic Blast
A Cosmic Adventure Praising God!
Vacation Bible School
July 19 – 23 from 9:30– 12:30 PM
Volunteers are still needed to make VBS fabulous! Volunteer’s children are invited to attend nursery or preschool VBS. Registration forms for volunteers and their children can be found in the narthex or on the CUMC website at www.centreville-umc.org.
Planting Seeds, Tending Sprouts
The Ministry of Sunday School Teachers
Are you feeling led to help nurture the faith of children as they develop their own walk with God? Are you interested in learning and laughing with them as you all experience Bible stories in a new way? Find out more about teaching or helping with preschool or elementary children’s Sunday School this fall. Contact Patricia Granberg or Susan Petersen in the church office to learn more.
Kids With A Mission

The June, July and August Kids With a Mission project will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Food For All campaign. Items can be brought to the church on Sundays or during CUMC business hours 9:00 - 4:00 PM and placed in the Food For All baskets around the church or in the red Kids With a Mission boxes.
It’s Time to Register for Music Camp!!
Music campers, get your gear ready! 2010 Music Camp will be held August 9 – 13 from 9:30-12:30. Children who will be in grades 2 through 6 (2010-2011) are invited to participate in a week of fun music activities. Campers will be learning the musical, “The Rich Man, the Builder, and the Feast” during the week, which will be presented on Friday afternoon. Each day will include singing, handbell ringing, crafts, movement and snacks. There will also be guests demonstrating a variety of instruments. The cost per camper will be $20 with a $50 family maximum. Registration forms for campers and helpers will be available in the narthex on June 6. Please contact Becky Jackson at
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with questions.
Music Camp Volunteers
There are many opportunities for congregation members and friends to be involved in music camp. Adults are needed to help in a variety of ways, including crafts and movement. Youth (grades 7 and up) will serve as group leaders, shepherding children to and from activities and assisting the adult leaders. Music experience is not necessary for either adults or youth – just a desire to be with children and have a fun week. Childcare will be provided for children of volunteers. Volunteer registrations will be available in June or volunteers can contact Becky Jackson at
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August Is Family Worship Month!
To Help a Child Prepare for Worship…
1. Do not rush prior to worship. Your presence is more important than combed hair or frilly dresses. Your child will reflect your relaxed mood.
2. Allow time for a drink and bathroom visit before worship. Choose a seat in the front of the sanctuary so children can see well.
3. Practice the Lord’s Prayer at bedtime – read it from Luke 11. Use the “Doxology” and “Gloria Patri” as mealtime blessings.
4. Bring “quiet” toys that are reserved especially for Sunday worship. Ask children to be aware that others seated nearby are trying to worship God.
5. Always invite children to receive communion with you. Don’t feel you must explain its symbolism. They will enjoy taking part as members of the family of faith.
6. Emphasize the positive, happy things in worship. Positively reinforce behavior with your attention to your child. Give hugs and have physical contact. Let him/her ask questions in a whisper.
7. After the service, discuss what happened. Listen to your child’s comments and questions.
8. Do not let worship be a Sunday-only experience. Look for and find God’s love in your everyday life.
To Help a Child Experience Worship…
1. Upon entering the sanctuary, take a bulletin for your child. Special children’s bulletins also are available at most services.
2. Before the service begins, help your child locate prayers and responses in the bulletin. (Bring markers: color the hymns one color, the prayers another, the anthems another, etc.)
3. As the worship service proceeds, ask your child to check off each item in the bulletin to help him/her follow the order of worship.
4. Assist your child in the responsive readings and hymns by using a card to follow stanzas. Correct reading is not important; the goal is participation by the child. Allow little children to stand on the pew so they can see the hymnal.
5. Help children further participate by making sure they have their own offering—no matter how small. Pass offering plates to children, not over their heads. Allow them to sign their names in the red pew pad.
6. Sit close to your child, put your arm around him/her or hold hands. Allow your child to ask questions in a whisper.
Come and Celebrate Independence Day with a Potluck Picnic!
Sunday, July 4th, 2010
Come to church in casual attire! Show your patriot spirit!
Potluck will follow the 11:00 services.
Lunch will be outside!
Hamburgers, Hotdogs and drinks will be provided.
Please bring an appetizer, salad, side dish or dessert to share!
Apple Pie Baking Contest to be judged by Pastor Felumlee!
A Letter from Pastor Tuttle
Dear Centreville Brothers and Sisters,
Saying goodbye to those you love is one of the hardest things to do, and I find that to be doubly true as I face the task of saying goodbye to you at Centreville United Methodist Church. After seven fruitful years of ministry at Centreville, I have been called to be the pastor of another congregation in the Virginia Conference.
My time with you at Centreville church has given me such joy and fulfillment. As I look back, I am amazed at how blessed I have been to join with you in ministry and to be able to share all the wonderful changes in my life with you. So many wonderful milestones have occurred over these seven years. It was here that I was able to finish my journey toward full ordination, it was here that I met my wonderful husband Mike, and it was here that I became a mother and had the blessing of sharing the birth of Noah with all of you.
The ministries at Centreville church have given me great joy and fulfillment! During these years, I have watched you grow tremendously and have had the joy of working with two great senior pastors, a fabulous staff, and a wonderful, dedicated, and loving congregation. I am constantly amazed at the vibrant mission work, worship, music, leadership and discipleship this church engages in on a weekly basis.
After much prayer and discussion, Mike and I discerned that it is time for the next chapter in our ministry together. On July 1st, I will begin my work at Dranesville United Methodist Church, located in Herndon, VA. This will give me a month and a half to say goodbye and cherish the time Mike and I have had with you at Centreville.
It is said that a pastor’s first full-time ministry position sets the stage for an entire ministry career. If that is the case, I have no doubt that the ministry in which I am called will be overflowing with God’s blessings. I say this because that is exactly what Centreville is to me—an absolute, abundant blessing! Wherever God sends me in ministry, I know that my experiences at Centreville will go with me and form my future ministry in powerful ways. Mike and I cannot begin to thank you enough for all the love, support, and inspiration you give us. I continue to be excited about the future of Centreville and the many ways God is working, speaking, and moving through you. My prayers are with you as you continue to share the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. May you always be the church that takes the love of God that is within you and pour it into the lives of those around you!
With Love,
Rev. Samantha J. Tuttle
CUMC Staff Welcomes…..
The CUMC staff welcomes two full time clergy members, a part time Minister of Contemporary worship, a full time Administrative Assistant and a summer intern!
With Samantha Tuttle leaving the end of June to take an appointment at Dranesville UMC and Lorraine Brown retiring at the end of April, the SPRC requested that the Virginia Conference appoint two full time associate ministers to CUMC. Marci Huntsman, who has been on staff as a part-time local pastor, was appointed to CUMC in a full time capacity as our Minister of Congregational Care on May 1. Jennifer Coffey, who has been an intern at CUMC for the past three years, will be appointed to CUMC as a full-time local pastor on July 1 as our Minister of Spiritual Formation. Both Marci and Jennifer are 2010 graduates of Wesley Seminary. CUMC welcomes them to the church staff as full-time associate ministers, and ask that you keep them in your prayers during this time of transition.
Also joining the staff is Thomas James. Thomas is a 2010 graduate of Wesley Seminary and plans to pursue ordination in the Virginia Conference of the UMC. Thomas is a ten hour employee who will give direction to the 11:02 contemporary worship service, and will preach in that service at least twice a month. Debbie McCullen also joined the CUMC staff as the Administrative Assistant to Children, Mission & Youth. Natalie Shaw is spending her summer break from college serving as an intern here at CUMC! Please check out their bios below and make sure to welcome them to CUMC!
Marci Huntsman: Marci’s service as a volunteer in many areas of the church led to a realization of her calling to the ministry, whereupon she completed her undergraduate degree at George Mason University in 2006 and achieved her Masters of Divinity at Wesley Theological Seminary in May 2010. She was appointed as a part-time local pastor to CUMC in July 2007. In May of this year, she became a full-time associate pastor at CUMC. Prior to responding to God’s call, Marci received an AAS in Veterinary Technology from Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, PA. She continued her studies in Data Security Management at George Mason University while she was a data base manager, data security manager and trainer for GTE Telenet/Sprint and a corporate trainer for Alcatel Data Networks. Marci is married to Ken, who is an avid golfer, skier and volleyball coach at both the high school and club level. Recently retired from AOL, Ken serves on the CUMC Technology Committee, Mission Council and provides technical leadership for the 11:02 Worship Service. He is also active in CUMC Missions, traveling annually to both to Sneedville, TN and Ivanovo, Russia. Marci and Ken have two daughters, who grew up at CUMC. Stephanie is a Senior at Penn State Univ, and Nikki is a sophomore at Colorado State University. Both girls were also active members of the Sneedville Mission Team. They all love to visit Steamboat, Colorado in both the summer and winter to enjoy the many activities offered there. Marci can be reached at
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or X 1878 in the church office.
Jennifer Coffey: Jennifer grew up in Roanoke, Virginia and was born and raised in the United Methodist Church. She graduated from Virginia Tech in 2004, where she met her husband Stephen. Stephen works as a project manager at Computer Sciences Corporation in Chantilly. They have been married for 6 years and have a daughter, Rebecca, who will be 3 in August. They are expecting a son in early June and are looking forward to both of their children being a part of the church family here at Centreville. Jennifer completed her M.Div at Wesley Theological Seminary in May and is seeking ordination as an elder in the United Methodist Church. She and her husband have been worshiping at Centreville UMC since 2006, and over the past three years Jennifer served as a seminary intern and completed an internship for her clinical pastoral education. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys scrapbooking, organizing, watching movies and playing games with family and friends. She and her family are very excited about this newest opportunity to be in ministry at Centreville UMC as the minister of Spiritual Formation.
Thomas James: Thomas grew up in the suburbs of northeast Atlanta. He attended college at Ferrum College, in Ferrum, VA, where he earned his B.S. in psychology. For his graduate work, Thomas attended Wesley Theological Seminary. He graduated this year with Marci, Jennifer, and Deborah with his Masters of Divinity. Thomas has served the United Methodist Church for a number of years, serving as a youth pastor, a campus minister, and a worship leader. He has extensive experience in contemporary worship services, has been a member of a worship team, or a director of a worship team for the last 13 years. Thomas also works for the Lewis Center for Church Leadership in Washington, DC. The Lewis Center is a non-profit subsidiary of Wesley Seminary. He is to be married on August 7 to Jen Reiff, who serves as the Director of Family and Adult ministries at Bush Hill Presbyterian Church in Alexandria.
Debbie McCullen: Debbie joined CUMC staff full-time on Monday, May 24 as Administrative Assistant to Children, Mission and Youth Ministries. Debbie brings many years of administrative experience to CUMC . She is also an artist who most enjoys creating murals for children. Debbie has lived in the Centreville area for the past 18 years. She has three grown children who are all in college. She is very excited to be a part of the CUMC community. Debbie can be reached at
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or X 1872 in the church office.
Natalie Shaw: Natalie is a senior Journalism major at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. On Monday, May 17 she joined the CUMC staff as a summer intern. She is so excited to work with CUMC and give back to this church after growing up in many of their wonderful children’s programs. Natalie can be reached at
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. or X 1870 in the church office.
CUMC Points of Interest
The Centreville United Methodist Women invite all women to join us for our annual Salad Supper on Wednesday, June 9, at 7:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring a salad or dessert to share. It is a time to relax from your daily routine and enjoy a meal and conversation with other women. Contact Blair Robertson for information: phone (after 6:00 p.m.) 703-753-2060 or
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. We look forward to having you join us!
Gettysburg Battlefield Tour Saturday, June 19: Walk the terrain of one of our country’s most popular tourist spots, hear the story of how the events of three days changed the course of US history, gain an understanding of why the war was fought as it was, and learn the religious and moral issues that tormented the participants. Enjoy a memorable summer day in the fellowship of friends on a tour led by John Taylor. Contact Chris Granberg at
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or 703. 266.6215 for additional information.
CUMC is Hosting Life Line Screening in July! Life Line Screening, the nation’s leading provider of preventive health screenings, will offer their affordable, non-invasive, painless health screenings on Wednesday, July 14 from 8:00 AM– 5:30 PM. Five screenings will be offered that scan for potential health problems related to: blocked arteries, which is a leading cause of stroke; abdominal aortic aneurysms, which can lead to a ruptured aorta; hardening of the arteries in the legs, which is a strong predictor of heart disease; atrial fibrillation or irregular heart beat, which is closely tied to stroke risk; and a bone density screening, for men and women, used to assess the risk of osteoporosis. Register for a Wellness Package with Heart Rhythm for $ 149 . Add Disease Risk Assessment with blood testing & biometrics for $ 90 more. Screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. Call 1-800-324-851 (code HSC3549) to pre-register.
The Centrepoint is published monthly, except in July & August, for families and friends of Centreville United Methodist Church. The deadline for monthly submissions is the FIRST FRIDAY of every month. For information or article submissions please contact Kellie Burns Peterson at
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or (703)830-2684 x 1873.
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