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<P><FONT style="LETTER-SPACING: 3pt" face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2><STRONG>NCTC E-News</STRONG></FONT></P>
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<FONT style="LETTER-SPACING: 3pt" face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2><STRONG>January 2005</STRONG></FONT>
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<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ff6600><STRONG>IN THIS ISSUE:</STRONG></FONT></P>
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<A HREF="#articles_1"><STRONG><FONT face=verdana,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ff9900>Happy New Year from the Artistic Director</FONT></STRONG></a>
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<A HREF="#articles_2"><P><STRONG><FONT face=verdana,helvetica,sans-serif color=#66ff00><EM>Rescue and Recovery</EM> Examines the Reality of Love</FONT></STRONG></P></a>
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<A HREF="#articles_3"><STRONG><FONT face=verdana,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffff00>New Theatre Classes for Adults Begin in February</FONT></STRONG></a>
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<A HREF="#articles_4"><P><STRONG><FONT face=verdana,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ff0099>NCTC YouthAware Gets Real</FONT></STRONG></P></a>
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<A HREF="#articles_5"><P><STRONG><FONT face=verdana,helvetica,sans-serif color=#00ccff>Behind the Scenes with Conservatory Director Andrew Nance</FONT></STRONG></P></a>
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<A HREF="#articles_6"><P><FONT face=verdana,helvetica,sans-serif color=#99ccff><STRONG>At a Glance with Lance Lookout</STRONG></FONT></P></a>
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<FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ff3333><STRONG>HOT LINKS:</STRONG></FONT>
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<A HREF="http://nctcsf.pmail.biz/pmailweb/ct?id=-48+49209248+47+1+18407" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank"><P><STRONG><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#009900 size=2><FONT color=#009900>Save on Preview Tickets for <EM>Mambo Italiano</EM></FONT></FONT></STRONG></P></A>
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<A HREF="http://nctcsf.pmail.biz/pmailweb/ct?id=-44+49209248+47+5+18407" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank"><P><STRONG><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#663300 size=2>New Theatre Classes for Adults</FONT></STRONG></P></A>
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<STRONG><FONT face=verdana,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ff9900>Happy New Year from the Artistic Director</FONT></STRONG>
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<P align=left><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>The <EM>We Are Family</EM> Pride Season train has left the station and is chugging right along. I am so grateful that you're all aboard for the journey and so far, you seem to be enjoying the ride. We still have some mighty exciting shows coming your way, so it ain't over till we all say <EM>Whoop-Dee-Doo!</EM></FONT></P>
<P align=left><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>It was wonderful to talk with so many of you at the Subscriber Appreciation Party at the Savoy Hotel in November. I was especially delighted to hear how happy you are with the seating upgrade in the Decker Theatre. Truthfully, I thought I was going to lose my mind during what should have been a very simple renovation project. But as I now know, simple renovations exist only in our imaginations.</FONT></P>
<P align=left><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>I remain heartened by your loyal patronage and generous spirit. Attendance is up this season, thanks to you inviting your friends to join the NCTC family. What's more, your generous donations have resulted in a very successful annual campaign. </FONT></P>
<P align=left><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>I and the NCTC team are hard at work putting together a new season and laying the groundwork of our upcoming <STRONG>Silver Anniversary</STRONG>. Yes, twenty-five years ago I had hair, an hour glass figure and I was innocent as the day is long. Those things are all gone now but in there place I have wisdom, health, and good fortune. All great reasons to keep marching forward arm-in-arm with my friends and family.</FONT></P>
<P align=left><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>All of you inspire us to look ahead to 2005 with great anticipation and enthusiasm. The new Terrence McNally play continues to take shape. Additional sound and lighting upgrades are in the works for all of our theatres. The Conservatory and YouthAware programs are expanding. Pride Season 11 will be announced soon and our second annual <EM>Ticket to the Tony's</EM> event will be a bash to remember -- all plenty to keep us busy for the months to come.</FONT></P>
<P align=left><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>So, from our family to your family, the very best wishes. May the New Year bring us all joy and prosperity.</FONT></P><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif size=2>
<P align=left><BR><FONT color=#ffffff>Ed Decker<BR>Artistic Director</FONT></FONT></P>
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<P><STRONG><FONT face=verdana,helvetica,sans-serif color=#66ff00><EM>Rescue and Recovery</EM> Examines the Reality of Love</FONT></STRONG></P>
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<FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt" face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#33ff00>Jennifer Dean and Bill Olson</FONT>
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<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>The New Conservatory Theatre Center presents the West Coast premiere of Steve Murray's <EM>Rescue and Recovery</EM>, on Saturday, February 5, 2005, in the Walker Theatre at 8:00 PM. Directed by NCTC favorite Christopher Jenkins (<EM>You Should Be So Lucky</EM> and <EM>Avow</EM>), this unique dark comedy takes a deep look at the complexities of love and what it takes to get over it. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2><EM>Rescue and Recovery</EM> begins as recovering drug and alcohol addict Cameron learns to deal with life outside the closet, trying desperately to maintain a close relationship with his ex-wife Janie, for the sake of their young son. Then into his life walks Timothy along with his partner Jay and their special friend Mark. And before Janie can stop the madness, Cameron falls head-over-heels for Mark, and thus begins the struggle between his heart and his head. <BR> <BR>Full of sharp wit and insightful social satire, <EM>Rescue and Recovery</EM> explores the complications of being in love with someone we can't have and having something we don't want, all against the teetering backdrop of addiction recovery. And with every twist and turn, Cameron comes closer to realizing the meaning of true love and the value of his bond with Janie.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2><EM>Rescue and Recovery</EM> features the outstanding talents of Bill Olson as Cameron and Jennifer Dean as Janie, along with solid support from NCTC regular Javier Galito-Cava (<EM>Breakfast with Scot</EM>), Noah Kelly (<EM>Heartbreak</EM>) and newcomer Joseph Barham as Mark. The intriguing and provocative set was designed by NCTC Technical Director Cat Stevans<EM> (Pageant</EM> and <EM>Really Rosie</EM>), with lighting design by Ted Crimy (<EM>Significant Others</EM>), sound design by Famara Sock, stage management by the amazing Emilio Racinez and costume design by Prem Lathi. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>Previews for <EM>Rescue and Recovery</EM> begin on Friday, January 28 and the show then runs Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM through March 6, 2005. Sunday, March 6th, will feature a special post-show panel discussion about addiction recovery with the cast and members of the community.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2><BR></FONT> </P>
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<P><FONT face=verdana,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ff3333 size=2><STRONG>Buy Tickets for <EM>Rescue and Recovery</EM></STRONG></FONT></P>
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<STRONG><FONT face=verdana,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffff00>New Theatre Classes for Adults Begin in February</FONT></STRONG>
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<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>After 25-years of offering quality theatre education to young people, the theatre Conservatory Department is premiering classes specifically designed for adults beginning February 1st. Hey, why should the kids have all the fun? The program will debut with two classes, one focusing on acting, and the second exploring the basics of musical theatre.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2><EM><STRONG>Act Out!</STRONG></EM> will introduce you to the basics of acting via improvisational games and scripted work. You'll explore character development and expression in a safe, trusting, no-pressure environment -- perfect for the beginner or for those who just want to have a bit of fun.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>Gwen Loeb, the instructor for <EM>Act Out!</EM>, has taught extensively for theatres all over the country including NCTC and the Marin Theatre Company. In addition, Gwen has been a private acting coach for over 20-years.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>Running concurrently, <EM><STRONG>Sing Out!</STRONG></EM> (Musical Theatre Basics) will be a wild and fun romp through the world of cabaret and the American musical. Whether you were in the school choir years ago, or just like to sing in the shower, this class will nurture your inner-Broadway muse. Each week the class will alternate between solo and group work to give students the best of both worlds.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>Leading the class, Richard "Scrumbly" Koldewyn has been on the NCTC stage many times (<EM>Sex Kittens in HiFi</EM> and <EM>Goldfield & Koldewyn</EM>) and has taught musical theatre to Conservatory students for many years here. He is also a founding member of the infamous Cockettes, and an all-around musical genius.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif size=2><FONT color=#ffffff>To enroll in either of these classes, please contact Andrew Nance, Conservatory Director at (415) 861-4914, or drop him an email at </FONT><A href="mailto:andrew@nctcsf.org" target=_blank><FONT color=#ffffff>andrew@nctcsf.org</FONT><FONT color=#ffffff>.</FONT></A></FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2><STRONG>Act Out! & Sing Out!<BR>Tuesdays, February 1 - March 22 (8-weeks)<BR>6:30-9:30 pm Fee: $200</STRONG></FONT></P>
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<FONT face=verdana,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ff3333 size=2><STRONG>Read More About Adult Theatre Classes</STRONG></FONT>
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<P><STRONG><FONT face=verdana,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ff0099>NCTC YouthAware Gets Real</FONT></STRONG></P>
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<P><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt" face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif><FONT color=#ff33cc>The original cast of <EM>Buzz!</EM></FONT></FONT></P>
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<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>While <EM>Mambo Italiano</EM> occupies NCTC's Decker Theatre by night this month, YouthAware Educational Theatre will be performing to packed houses by day as they present two of the program's perennial favorites, <EM><STRONG>Get Real! </STRONG></EM>and <STRONG><EM>Buzz!</EM></STRONG> YouthAware, NCTC's acclaimed theatre-in-education program, presents two performances of <EM>Get Real!</EM> daily, Monday through Thursday, at 10:00 and 11:30 AM, from January 24 to February 10, 2005, and then from February 14 to March 10, 2005, we'll present <EM>Buzz!</EM> at the same times Monday through Thursday as well.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>Designed for grades four and five, <EM>Get Real!</EM>, by Doug Holsclaw, is an intelligent collection of original sketches that uses humor to present relevant HIV and AIDS prevention techniques, dispelling common misconceptions about the disease while encouraging safe behavior choices. Each performance is followed by a post-show discussion facilitated by HIV+ educator, Juan Wulff. This fast-paced show was conceived in 1987 after NCTC Founder and Artistic Director Ed Decker lost a close friend to AIDS. Since then, <EM>Get Real!</EM> has been presented to over 50,000 students in the greater Bay Area for hundreds of different schools.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2><EM>Buzz!</EM>, by Andrew Alty, is an interactive play that tells the story of Cally, a bored teenager who tries a new drug called "Buzz", personified by a treacherous character of the same name. Throughout each performance, the audience is invited to advise Cally with her struggle. Created for middle school students, <EM>Buzz!</EM> joined our repertoire YouthAware shows in 2001.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>As directed by YouthAware Program Director, Sara Staley, both <EM>Get Real! </EM>and <EM>Buzz!</EM> present a fresh and accessible take on two of the most pressing issues affecting young people today. The talented cast for both shows features John Cavellini, Wesley Cayabyab, Lisa Jenai Hernandez, Kim Medici and Patrick Moreira. Tickets for both Get Real! and Buzz! are $7 for students, $10 for adults and $5 per person for groups of 10 or more. To book you your group today, or for more information, contact Sara at (415) 861-4914 or e-mail her at <A href="mailto:sara@nctcsf.org" target=_blank>sara@nctcsf.org</A>. There will be no performances on President's Day, Monday, February 21, 2005.</FONT></P>
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<FONT face=verdana,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ff3333 size=2><STRONG>Find Out More About YouthAware</STRONG></FONT>
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<P><STRONG><FONT face=verdana,helvetica,sans-serif color=#00ccff>Behind the Scenes with Conservatory Director Andrew Nance</FONT></STRONG></P>
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<FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt" face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#0099ff>Andrew (back row, second from right) and his classmates in Umbria.</FONT>
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<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>This past summer I took a sabbatical. I highly recommend it. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>For nine weeks I traveled and studied. I wandered all around Italy and Switzerland for six weeks and then studied directing for three weeks with the well-known New York theatre Company, La MaMa. Twenty five directors from all over the world, including China, the Netherlands, Lebanon, Israel, Norway and India congregated to learn from five directors who are considered masters in our field. Our home was outside of Spoleto in a 500 year old convent surrounded by forests, vineyards and olive groves. Out in meadows, under shady trees and in studios we studied mask making, Shakespeare, political theatre, Chinese opera and traditional theatre. The feeling of community, inspiration and safety I felt at La MaMa Umbria is something I will never forget.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>Coming back to NCTC this past August, I have tried to remember those feelings. One of my main goals as the Conservatory Director has always been to create a safe place where young people can explore their most creative selves. Whether it is making sure snacks are provided on the first day of a program or when I hire an instructor that makes me laugh, fills me with confidence or talks a mile a minute - I look for a teacher who has that certain something that makes people feel safe. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>My time away also reminded me that I need to continue to grow as an artist. This year I will have directed two plays at NCTC. One, <EM>And Then They Came for Me</EM>, finished a successful run this past October to sold-out houses, and this February I direct the one-man YouthAware show <EM>Party Daze</EM>, featuring NCTC regular John Atwood in this multi-media play that examines the consequences of teen date rape. The show is aimed at students in grades 8 thru 12. Book now! In March I continue my work as an actor in the Terrence McNally project slated for an October 2005 opening.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>And if that's not enough, this winter we are increasing our programming yet again! With Stephanie Temple by my side (our fabulous new Youth Programs Associate), we are offering a teen playwriting class which will begin next Saturday, January 15th. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>Now for the BIG NEWS: for the first time we will be offering two adult theatre classes! The first is <EM>Act Out!</EM> an improvisation class for the beginner taught by acting goddess, Gwen Loeb. The second is <EM>Sing Out!</EM> is a singing class for the beginner taught by the incredible Scrumbly Koldwyn. Both are at 6:30pm until 8pm on Tuesdays beginning February 1 until March 22. Sign up now!</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>So as you can tell, I am energized and ready to bring NCTC's Conservatory into our 25th year with renewed inspiration! So my advice: take a sabbatical-you won't regret it.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif size=2><BR></FONT> </P>
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<FONT face=verdana,helvetica,sans-serif color=#0066ff size=2><STRONG>More About La MaMa</STRONG></FONT>
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<P><FONT face=verdana,helvetica,sans-serif color=#99ccff><STRONG>At a Glance with Lance Lookout</STRONG></FONT></P>
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<P><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt" face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#99ccff>NCTC Twister Champion, Andrew Nance</FONT></P>
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<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>Lance's New Year's Resolutions:</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>1. Learn to tango. Because really, why not?<BR>2. Limit alcohol consumption to after 6 p.m. While the mid-day cocktail has its merits, I think it shows extreme strength and resolve to wait until the sun has begun to set.<BR>3. A lad's got to have standards. What better time to have them kick in.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>That done and said, I'm sure you, my gentle readers, were expecting that old column standby, the year in review. And so I say, such standards are so passé. Plus, due to pre- number two resolution, it's all a bit of a haze to Lance I'm afraid. December's a tad clearer to me though. Some memorable events:</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>The Great NCTC Blackout of 2004. Who was there when the lights went out at NCTC? It seems to be a bit of an annual tradition around that time of year. While the Kinsey Sicks entertained the sold-out crowds with some fabulous impromptu stand-up comedy, the intrepid cast of <EM>Significant Others</EM> continued to perform with nothing but flash lights and emergency lighting. The show must go on! Unfortunately, emergency lighting only lasts so long, and both shows had to be rescheduled for later dates. The drama!</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>Also an annual event at NCTC: our yearly religious right phone message, urging us to give up our "preaching and teaching of the homosexyism". Got to love that mastering of the English language. To which I must add to my first item:</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>4. Preach and teach the homosexyism.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>Thanks for reminding me, guys.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>Another memorable event was the opening of skies in the Decker Theatre. Our dear newly refurbished theatre was flooded by a sinkhole in the above Hickory Alley. It's raining, men! Thanks to our fearless leader, Ed Decker, who took immediate action to save his namesake, the City and County of SF had it all fixed by 10 p.m. Don't fret boys and girls; it's begun to dry up, and sets for the upcoming <EM>Mambo Italiano</EM> go in as scheduled this week.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>Speaking of <EM>Mambo Italiano</EM> (which smells like a blockbuster to Lance), my spies tell me of an exciting special affair for the show. The February 13th matinee will be followed by a special wine tasting event and post-show reception. Now, Lance trusts it'll take place after 6 p.m., kids. What an exceptional way to start off Valentine's Day activities. For many of us, it might even be a special anniversary as well. How romantic! Oenephiles and wine novices alike will enjoy some wonderful Italian wines and schmooze with the Mambo cast. Book your tickets now at the box office for this free event.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>And finally, with three shows running and lots of work to do, the oh-so-busy staff at NCTC had no time at all to take a break for office holiday festivities this year. See what we do for art? I do hear reports, however, of a spectacularly epic game of Twister that took place in the lobby on the 23rd. Congratulations to the NCTC Twister Champion of 2004, Andrew Nance (beloved Conservatory Director and frequent actor). I trust a fair game was played by all.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>Best wishes for 2005 to one and all. That's tricks for now. Over and out. Now, only seven hours 'till cocktails...<BR></FONT></P>
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<P><FONT face=verdana,helvetica,sans-serif color=#99ccff size=2>READ ABOUT GENIUS MILTON BRADLEY</FONT></P>
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<P align=center><STRONG><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif size=2><FONT color=#ffffff>For more information on any of the articles in this month's edition of the E-News, please call (415) 861-8972 or visit our website: </FONT><A href="http://www.nctcsf.org" target=_blank><FONT color=#ffffff>www.nctcsf.org</FONT></A></FONT></STRONG></P>
<P align=left><STRONG><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>E-NEWS CONTRIBUTORS: Lauren Elaine Davidson, </FONT></STRONG><STRONG><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>D. Robert Foster, Mark Gagne & Andrew Nance</FONT></STRONG></P>
<P align=left><STRONG><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>E-NEWS STAFF: </FONT></STRONG><STRONG><FONT face=arial,helvetica,sans-serif color=#ffffff size=2>Scott Cox, Lauren Elaine Davidson, D. Robert Foster, Mark Gagne, Jackie Jordan & Sara Staley</FONT></STRONG></P>
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