Weber Retreat and Conference Center

LO C AT E D O N T H E C A M P U S O F T H E A D R I A N D O M I N I C A N S I S T E R S

JANUARY 2020 APRIL 2020

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We have exciting developments as we plan to celebrate our 50th anniversary on May 7, 2020.

One of the highlights of the celebration is a concert by singer-songwriter Sara Thomsen. Her performance style is easygoing and

full of humor and depth, capturing the audience’s engagement. Sara’s music gently enfolds and unfolds the listener.

With a half-century of use, Weber Retreat and Conference Center is undergoing some renovations inside and out. After years of repairs to the

heating and cooling system, the rooftop chillers are being replaced. The inside lighting system on the main floor and garden level are being rewired and the lights are being replaced with energy-saving LED lights and dimmers.

The Auditorium and two of the smaller meeting rooms also are being restructured to accommodate interactive Zoom conferencing capabilities.

The grounds surrounding Weber Center are also getting a facelift. With funds from a special retreat center grant, the labyrinth is being refurbished and new signage will make it easier to find. In addition, the Cosmic Walk

is being re-routed to an area that will avoid some of the wetter areas.

Be sure to mark your calendar for May 7, 2020 and join us in celebrating Weber’s anniversary. Watch webercenter.org for all the details.

C E L E B R AT E O U R W I T H U S !

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Lunch & Learn 4

Solstice & Equinox 5

Days of Mindfulness Meditation 6-7

INAI Gallery 7

2020 Election Issues 8-9

Understanding Islam 10-11

Webinar: Seeking Wholeness in an Age of Fragments 11

Painting the Stars 12

Repenting of the Sin of White Supremacy 13

Writing Workshop: Creating a Memoir 14

“The Poor, the Widow, the Orphan, and the Stranger in your Land” 15

Ethical Issues at the Beginning and End of Life 15

Dine & Discuss Book Club 16

Hosted Groups 17

2020 Retreats 18-19

Retreat Dates At - a - Glance 20-23

Weber Center Brochure | January - April 2020

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Bring your lunch and learn about a variety of topics. These programs are free and registration is not required. Dessert and drinks are provided.

“Oh, My Aching Feet!”Monday January 13, 2020Dr. Chip Arbanas reveals the secrets for keeping your feet happy and comfortable.

The Life of a CoachTuesday, February 11, 2020Fred Smith, recently retired coach and Athletic Director for Siena Heights University, shares the highs and lows of his 42 years working in college sports.

Sustainability Begins at HomeTuesday, March 10, 2020Corinne Sanders, OP, offers practical ways to make our homes zero-waste – or close to it!

Prose, Poetry, and PotpourriFriday, April 21, 2020We extend our celebration of Poetry Month to include prose, rap, and other creative expression: songs, music, and more. Come to listen and contribute.

LearnL U N C H &

S E R I E S

12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Program RegistrationOnline: Visit www.webercenter.org and click on “Programs.” Find the program you’re

registering for and click on the blue “Register” button in the bottom right corner. Enter all information and then click “Add to Cart” to proceed to payment.

Phone or Email: 517-266-4000 webercenter@adriandominicans.org

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Spring Equinox Ritual - Possibility and PromiseSunday, March 22, 20203:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Though spring begins slowly and tentatively, it grows with a tenacity that never fails to touch me.– Parker J. Palmer, Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation

From the winter stillness, we eek our way into spring seeking the smallest and most tender shoots coming up through ground. Glimpses of snowdrops and crocuses invite us to look carefully for new life, there, even under snow. This season of equal day and night in the Northern Hemisphere draws us into the realm of hope, possibility and promise. The ritual unfolds in song, prayer and dance. We look forward to the pleasure of your company!

Summer Solstice - Ring of FireSunday, June 21, 20203:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

At Summer Solstice, the sun is at its highest point and takes longer to rise and to set. In the Northern Hemisphere, we enjoy the longest hours of sunlight. This Summer Solstice 2020 is marked by an annular solar eclipse, which happens when the moon covers the sun’s center, leaving the sun’s visible outer edges to form a “ring of fire” around the moon. Since we humans are of Earth, this solar eclipse can provide energy for us to bring our physical well-being, inner peace and purpose in living into greater alignment. Come, share in lighting the Solstice Fire!

Free and open to all. Registration not required.

Celebrate E A R T H ’ S H O L Y D A Y S

Equinox & Solstice

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Join our mindfulness community as we deepen our understanding and commitment to daily meditation practice. Reflecting upon our relationships with honesty and courage,

we amplify our capacity to be love within family, neighborhood, city, and world.

meditationDAYS OF MINDFULNESS

SATURDAYS 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Training in TendernessSaturday, January 4, 2020

We have to consciously study how to be tender with each other until it becomes a habit.- Audre Lorde

As we humans cross the threshold into this New Year, may it be with a heightened sense of our relationship with the whole Earth community. Our world, our country, our family and friends are increasingly fragmented, often due to religious and political differences. As life situations confound us, mindfulness meditation helps train the heart to be fearless in the face of suffering, vulnerability, and complexities of life.

Drawn by LoveSaturday, February 1, 2020

You must love in a way that the person feels free.- Thich Nhat Hanh

What really is the place and meaning of love in our lives and in our culture. In All About Love, Bell Hooks writes, “… from childhood to adulthood we are often taught misguided and false assumptions about the nature of love … that love means we will not be challenged or changed.”As a human community, are we letting love slip away from us as we look for it outside of ourselves? Are we loving ourselves with enough honesty, care and kindness? Love requires strength and courage and flourishes when offered freely.

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Becoming WonderSaturday, March 7, 2020

Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement. … To be spiritual is to be amazed.- Rabbi Abraham Heschel

Spirituality and science are two very unique yet complementary ways of knowing. “Spiritual ecology” says K. Lauren de Boer, “is a practice that keeps our wonder alive.” Ecology tells the story of how things work on planet Earth, both the flourishing and the dying necessary for the continuance of life. Spirituality energizes us and awakens us to the deep reality that we are Earth. Notice what fascinates you. As you give yourself to what deeply moves you, embody wonder!

There is no Day of Mindfulness in April.

Esther Kennedy, OP, a Dominican Sister of Adrian, Michigan, is a retreat leader and spiritual director. She conducts a monthly Day of Mindfulness at Weber Center.

Cost (includes lunch): $30 per sessionRegistration required.

March 6, 2020 – Sunday, June 21, 2020

Quiet Places, Sacred SpacesPhotography of Suzanne Schreiber, OP

Glimpses of Grace Photography and Poetry of Rev. Cathy Johnson, Adrian Dominican Associate

Artists reception: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2020

INAI Gallery is open every day 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

ON EXHIBIT AT THE INAI GALLERY

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Tuesday, January 28, 2020Be an Informed Voter Doug Spade and Mike ClementDoug Spade was elected Michigan’s second blind state representative in 1998 and went on to serve the maximum three terms. Mike Clement joined Doug’s legislative office, eventually becoming Chief of Staff. The two host Lenawee County’s original telephone talk show, “Talk Back.”

Tuesday, February 25, 2020Sensible Gun LegislationClaire Robinson and Ella RumseyClaire Robinson and Ella Rumsey are active in Washtenaw County Chapter of March for Our Lives, an organization with a mission to harness the power of young people across the country to fight for sensible gun violence prevention policies that save lives.

March 31 Green New DealAndrew SarpolisAndrew Sarpolis is an environmentalist and organizer with the Sierra Club. He organized the March for Justice in 2015, which drew more than 1,000 participants. Andrew advises organizations on grassroots strategy, with a focus on the environment.

April 28 Campaign FinanceMichigan Campaign Finance NetworkThe Michigan Campaign Finance Network is a nonprofit organization that has worked to follow the money in state politics for two decades.

V TE!2020 Election Issues Series

Learn more about the issues before heading to the polls this year. Experts

present and discuss a different topic every month.

All programs are 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

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May 26Poverty IssuesValerie Jean BlakelyValerie Jean Blakely is a representative of the Michigan Chapter of the Poor People’s Campaign, which strives to unite people across the country to challenge the evils of systemic racism, poverty, the war economy, ecological devastation, and the nation’s distorted morality.

June 30 Voter’s RightsJan Salsberry and Carolyn VertinJan Salsberry is the Chair and Carolyn Vertin is an active member of League of Women Voters Ann Arbor: Tecumseh/Lenawee County Unit. The League of Women Voters of the United States encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

July 28 Justice for ImmigrantsAntonio CubéAntonio Cubé is the National Manager of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Justice for Immigrants Campaign.

August 25 EducationMitchell Robinson, PhDMitchell Robinson is associate professor of music education, coordinator of the Music Student Teaching Program, and area chair of music education at the Michigan State University College of Music. He was awarded the 1997 Reston Prize from Arts Education Policy Review for his analysis of arts education policy, and the 1999 Research Award from the International Network of Performing and Visual Arts Schools.

September 29 Living WagePete FargasPete Fargas is the Michigan Organizing Director at Restaurant Opportunities Center, an organization dedicated to winning improved working conditions and opportunities for advancement for Southeast Michigan’s 134,000 restaurant workers.

Free and open to all. Registration not required.

INAI now offers an Art Room, a quiet place to reflect and create: drawing, painting, calligraphy, ceramics, sculpture, weaving, and crafts. The Art Room is available to Weber guests, groups, individual artists, Sisters and Associates. Call 517-266-4000 for details.N

EW A

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January 21 Introduction to Sunni and Shia Muslims and Ethnic KurdsAfter a brief review of the pillars of Islam, learn the differences in beliefs and practices of Sunni and Shia Muslims in global Islam, in the U.S., and in the Midwestern U. S. Ethnic Kurds are also introduced.

January 28 Geo-Political IslamAn understanding of geography and politics changes our view of Islam as a monolithic system. Become acquainted with Islam in several countries and understand how geography, economics and politics shape the Islamic world.

February 4 Exactly Who Are American Muslims? The population of Islam in America is perhaps the most diverse expression of global Islam. Sunni, Shia ,and Sufi are familiar expressions of Islam. Lesser known are Amadiyyas, Allawites, and a wide umbrella embracing many uniquely American “Black Muslim” groups. This session identifies the common characteristics of U.S. Muslims and the richness of their diverse beliefs and practices.

1:30-3:30 p.m. | Tuesdays, January 21-February 11, 2020A F O U R - P A R T S E R I E S

IslamIslamIslamUnderstanding

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February 11 Islamic ExtremismExtremism within Islam is much more closely rooted in geopolitics than in religion, yet it finds its expression in religious bigotry and hatred. Become acquainted with the Wahhabi and Salafiya traditions within Sunni Islam, including the Islamic State (ISIS), al-Qaeda, Muslim Brotherhood, and the Taliban. The session also explores Shia extremism identified as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard.

Susan Van Baalen,OP, PhD, is a Dominican Sister of Adrian, Michigan. Her particular interest in world religions developed while creating and implementing policies and procedures to accommodate the religious beliefs and practices of more than 100,000 prisoners throughout the country.

Cost: $30 (series) | $10 (individual sessions)Registration preferred.

Webinar: Seeking Wholeness in an Age of FragmentsJanuary 22, 20201:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. repeated 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

By permission, we are able to view a recent webinar presented by Ilia Delio and the Omega Center:

The news distracts us from our true reality; yet nature teaches us that we emerge out of dynamic wholeness and we are created for wholeness. Discuss how Pierre Teilhard de Chardin saw evolution as filled with conflicting forces of resistance, and how contemplation may be the most radical choice we can make for a world struggling toward unity in love.

Ilia Delio, OSF, PhD, is a Franciscan Sister of Washington, D.C., and American theologian specializing in the area of science and religion, with interests in evolution, physics and neuroscience and the import of these for theology.

Cost: Goodwill offering for the Omega Center.Registration not required.

Present this coupon to receive

on your purchase of gift items at the Weber Shop

Coupon Code W2019

10% DISCOUNT

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Painting the Stars is an introduction to how our recent scientific knowledge informs and enriches our faith. With the help of Catholic theologians and Christian thinkers, explore the relationship between science and religion and discover a spirituality for our times. Participants read selected materials prior to each session, then together watch a 20-minute video presentation and join in a guided discussion. All materials for study are provided.

Monday, February 17, 2020 Toward Healing the Rift

Monday, February 24, 2020 A Renaissance of Wonder

Monday, March 2, 2020 Getting Genesis Wrong

Monday, March 9, 2020 An Evolving Faith

Monday, March 16, 2020 Evolutionary Christianity

Monday, March 23, 2020 Imagining a Future

Monday, March 30, 2020 An Evolving Spirituality: Mysticism

Esther Kennedy, OP, a Dominican Sister of Adrian, Michigan, is a retreat leader and spiritual director. She conducts a monthly Day of Mindfulness at Weber Center.

Cost Series: $30 | Individual sessions: $5 Registration required.

Painting the Stars SCIENCE , RELIG ION AND AN EVOLVING FAITH

Due to its popularity, this seven-part series in being repeated. Mondays in February and March, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

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The Challenge of Racial (In)Justice: Racial injustice has been woven into the fabric of our nation. See the history of racism and the ideology of White supremacy as it is manifest in legislation, personal encounter, and even faith communities. Interactive workshops provide an opportunity to situate our personal stories within the national and institutional histories of racial (in)justice, and to work together to envision and enact

faith-based transformation.

Jeannine Hill Fletcher is a constructive theologian whose research is at the

intersection of Christian systematic theology and issues of diversity (including gender, race, and religious diversity). Her most recent book is titled, The Sin of White Supremacy: Christianity, Racism and Religious Diversity in America (Orbis, 2017). She is Professor of Theology at Fordham University, Bronx, NY, and interested in mobilizing the Christian tradition in interfaith collaboration for addressing the systemic racism that infects our nation.

Cost: $70 (includes lunch and snacks)Registration required.

R EPENTING O F T H E S I N O F

WHITE SUPR EM ACY

9:30 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

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Writing a memoir enhances our lives by helping us understand more deeply the life and interactions we’ve lived, bringing with it integration, healing and inner peace in the process. Join with others for this weekly series of writing workshops that will allow you to delve into those stories that yearn to be written.

Join the group from your own home or office via the Internet. (No need to travel on snowy, icy roads in the dark!) You need only a computer or tablet connected to the Internet, a web

camera (most devices come with them), and headphones. Once registered for the workshop, details on how to connect will be will be sent to participants.Beginning and experienced writers

are always welcome.

Tarianne DeYonker, OP, a Dominican Sister of Adrian, Michigan, is a certified Amherst Writers & Artists leader and published author.

Cost: $50Registration required.

Creating a MemoirWriting Workshop Over the Airwaves

6:15 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. EST Wednesdays in February

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“The Poor, the Widow, the Orphan, and the Stranger in your Land”9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2020

What do the Scriptures say about how we are to relate to people who are most in need of compassion? Begin by examining selected texts from the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly the books of Exodus, Deuteronomy, and several prophetic works before turning to New Testament writings and select Church teachings.

Maribeth Howell, OP, PhD, STD, is a Dominican Sister

of Adrian and adjunct professor of Biblical studies at Aquinas Institute of Theology

in St. Louis. She also has taught at Kenrick

Seminary in St. Louis and St. Mary Seminary in Wickliffe, Ohio. She earned her Licentiate of Sacred Theology degree from St. Paul University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and completed her doctoral studies (PhD and Doctor of Sacred Theology) in Hebrew Scriptures at the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.

Cost: $60 (includes lunch)Registration required.

Ethical Issues at the Beginning and End of Life 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2020

Ethical challenges pervade contemporary health care. This presentation will explore the most pressing ethical issues: when it is appropriate to limit life sustaining treatment for seriously ill infants, the authority of parents to direct their child’s medical treatment, advanced care planning, and what it means to die with dignity. The presentation will be interactive and involve case discussion.

Devan Stahl, PhD, MDiv, is an Assistant Professor of Religion at Baylor University. She also has worked as a clinical ethicist in tertiary hospitals and is trained as a hospital chaplain. Her research interests include medicine and the visual arts, theological bioethics, and disability studies.

Cost: $60 (includes lunch)Registration required.

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Dine & Discuss Book Club5:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020

Mark your calendars now for the next Dine & Discuss Book Club event. The book title will be announced and copies will be available on January 6, 2020.

Cost: $15 (includes book and dinner)Registration required.

For unique gifts, books, cards, fair-trade coffee, and original art, visit the Weber Center Shop. Paintings, photographs, ceramics, jewelry, tiles, leaded glass, and even soaps and lotions

created by Sisters and others now are available as part of an expansion.

The shop is open to the public Wednesdays - Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Explore what ’s ne at Weber Center Shop

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V I S I T W E B E R C E N T E R . O R G

H O S T E D G R O U P S

Weber Center is thrilled to be hosting the following private groups and events this winter and spring:

University Christian Outreach Staff RetreatAllied Media Projects Staff Retreat

Leadership LenaweeAmerican Holistic Nurses Association

State Line Community ChurchRetrouvaille Marriage Retreat

St. Mary’s Student Parish RCIA RetreatSt. Mary’s Student Parish Grad Students of Young Professionals

Lenawee Intermediate School District – Writing WorkshopTrinity-Zion Lutheran Church Men’s Retreat

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USALeadership Conference of Women Religious Region VII Justice Promoters

Matt Talbot Men #16Synod of the Covenant

LifeCare Christian Center Women’s RetreatOur Shepherd Lutheran Church Men’s RetreatACTS Women’s Retreat – Little Flower, Toledo

Lenawee Lifelong Learning ClassesCherry Hill Church of Dearborn Women’s Retreat

National Association of Congregational Christian ChurchesSophia Retreat

Washington Church Retreat

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2020 Retreats: Holy Week Retreat: Entering the Passion of Jesus7:00 p.m. April 5, 2020 – 11:30 a.m. April 9, 2020Holy Week is the ideal time to retreat from one’s ordinary concerns and contemplate the powerful mystery of Jesus’ passion.

Kathie Budesky, IHM, MA, a Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, is the director of her congregation’s Visitation Spirituality

Center. She was a Fulbright Scholar studying

in Israel in 1987. A graduate of the Institute in Creation-Centered Spirituality, she was a staff associate in the Ignatian Program in Spiritual Direction and Retreat Ministry at Guelph, Ontario.

Summer Retreat: A Woman’s Journey (for women only)7:00 p.m. June 16, 2020 – 11:30 a.m. June 20, 2020Celebrate a woman’s beauty, power, and her important gift to the world as a voice for peace. Women of all ages are encouraged to attend.

Paula D’Arcy is the author of 13 books, a world recognized retreat leader, and the Founder and President of Red Bird Foundation, a non-profit that ministers to those in need of healing and hope.

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Private Directed RetreatsJuly 13, 2020 – July 17, 2020Private Directed Retreats are designed for those looking for solitude and guidance. They offer time and space for prayer, quiet reflection, and participation in campus liturgies. Each participant meets daily with a spiritual director of his/her choice.

Advent Retreat: Supportive Companions for our Advent Journey7:00 p.m. December 6, 2020 – 11:30 a.m. December 10, 2020Throughout the Scriptures of the Advent season, we read of many dedicated (and sometimes confused and fearful) people. Their stories are familiar. This retreat time of prayer, input, conversation, liturgy, and quiet invites us to reflect with fresh eyes, discovering faithful people living with the same questions, worries, joys, and challenges we experience today.

Janet Schaeffler, OP, is a Dominican Sister of Adrian who has spent many years in parish and archdiocesan catechetical ministry. Janet currently accompanies others on their faith journey through days of reflection, retreats, parish missions, and workshops.

Mark your calendar now for these enriching retreats. Details will be posted at www.webercenter.org and in the next mailed brochure.

LEARN MOREabout our six

Spiritual Directors at webercenter.org. Click on Other Opportuntities>

Spiritual Direction

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January 4: Day of Mindfulness Meditation: Training in TendernessJanuary 13: Lunch & Learn: “Oh My Aching Feet”January 21: Understanding Islam: Sunni and Shia Muslims and Ethnic KurdsJanuary 22: Webinar: Seeking Wholeness in an Age of FragmentsJanuary 28: 2020 Election Issues Series: Be an Informed VoterJanuary 28: Understanding Islam: Geo-political Islam

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February 1: Day of Mindfulness Meditation: Drawn by LoveFebruary 4: Understanding Islam: Exactly Who Are American Muslims?February 11: Lunch & Learn: Life of a CoachFebruary 11: Understanding Islam: Islamic ExtremismFebruary 17: Painting the Stars: Toward the Healing RiftFebruary 24: Painting the Stars: A Renaissance of WonderFebruary 25: 2020 Election Issues Series: Sensible Gun LegislationFebruary 29: Repenting of the Sin of White SupremacyWednesdays in February: Writing Workshop: Creating a Memoir

March 2: Painting the Stars: Getting Genesis WrongMarch 6: New INAI Exhibit OpensMarch 7: Day of Mindfulness Meditation: Becoming WonderMarch 9: Painting the Stars: An Evolving EarthMarch 10: Lunch & Learn: Sustainability Starts at HomeMarch 15: INAI Gallery Artists ReceptionMarch 16: Painting the Stars: Evolutionary ChristianityMarch 21: “The Poor, the Widow, the Orphan, and the Stranger in Your Land”March 22: Spring Equinox Ritual: Possibility and PromiseMarch 23: Painting the Stars: Imagining a FutureMarch 24: Dine and Discuss Book ClubMarch 30: Painting the Stars: An Evolving Spirituality: MysticismMarch 31: 2020 Election Issues Series: New Green Deal

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April 4: Ethical Issues at the Beginning and End of LifeApril 5 - 9: Holy Week Retreat: Entering the Passion of JesusApril 21: Lunch & Learn: Prose, Poetry and PotpourriApril 28: 2020 Election Issues Series: Campaign Finance

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