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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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The Olympics begin! Courtesy Todd Selig
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The Winter Olympics opening ceremony kicked off at 1614 GMT today at Sochi's beautiful new Fisht Stadium on the shores of the Black Sea. Organizers promised viewers around the world a journey through Russian history. The state-of-the-art arena holds 40,000 people and the audience will include President Vladimir Putin and more than 40 world leaders.
And ... fifty years ago on Sunday, Feb. 9, 1964, America met the Beatles on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
[Be sure to read the humorous story regarding Wednesday's snowstorm at the very end of the "Friday Upates" as well.]
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PARKING FOR SLEDDING AT WAGON HILL FARM
Residents utilizing Wagon Hill Farm should not utilize Route 4 for parking as parking there is prohibited for safety reasons.
The Town has plowed the lower orchard (the typical parking area for Durham Day on the drive to the water) and adequate parking exists in that location to accommodate sledders.
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PLEASE DRIVE SLOWLY IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS
A resident stopped in this past week to express concern about vehicle speed within her neighborhood. Unfortunately, because the neighborhood is not one that generates through traffic, it is the residents themselves who are likely the speeding culprits.
This note is intended to serve as a reminder to be mindful of local speed limits, typically 25 MPH, within the central core of town. And in snowy, winter conditions, slowing down a few miles per hour will make the roadways safer for other vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and children playing alike.
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A shard of glass protrudes through the heavy leather boot of a Durham firefighter who was injured during a recent mutual aid response. Courtesy Durham Fire
DURHAM FIREFIGHTER INJURED AS PART OF MUTUAL AID RESPONSE TO ROCHESTER
A Durham firefighter was injured in a fire on Academy Street in Rochester, NH a week ago Wednesday night during a Durham mutual aid response to the Lilac City. The firefighter was transported to Frisbie Memorial Hospital after his foot was impaled by a 6-inch shard of glass.
The Durham firefighter is recovering.
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NEW ORCSD TELEVISION CHANNEL COMING ON LINE
After more than two years of work and planning, DCAT Coordinator Craig Stevens received word from Comcast this week that we have a firm launch date for the new television channel for the Oyster River Cooperative School District: February 26, 2014! The ORCSD channel number will be: 97.
Comcast has a moratorium on any channel launches until after the Olympics are completed. As you may know, Comcast owns NBC and they don’t want anything to cause an issue while the Olympics are underway. So, we wait until the 26th.
Craig Stevens will be in contact with the head end tech from Comcast in the next couple of weeks to answer any questions and will be available for any equipment that may need to be installed at the Town Offices as part of the channel launch.
Channel 97 will air the ORCSD channel through Durham, Lee, Madbury, and Newmarket because not all Durham residents receive their cable signal through the Durham cable plant; some residents receive their signal through the adjoining communities.
Channel 22 will remain unchanged.
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Lobster pots on the Oyster River. Courtesy Jim Lawson
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DURHAM TO POTENTIALLY WORK WITH UNH TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER CENTER ON TRANSPORTATION PILOT PROJECT
Administrator Selig received a call this week from Charlie Goodspeed, the Director of the Transportation Technology Transfer Center at UNH, to ask whether Durham would have an interest in working with the Center on a pilot project in the coming months looking at state and local transportation dollars generated through the NH gas tax. Given that there are an increasing number of fuel efficient vehicles coming on line, a new methodology will likely need to be developed at some point to replace or supplement existing gas tax dollars. The effort would likely involve the Durham Town Clerk's office. Mr. Selig will continue to dialogue with Dr. Goodspeed relative to the initiative.
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DURHAM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION CANDIDATES FORUM
On Monday, February 24, 2014, beginning at 7:00 PM, a Candidates Forum for Town Council and Library Trustee candidates will be held in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall located at 15 Newmarket Road. The forum is being planned and hosted by the Durham Business Association, moderated by Chris Regan, and will be broadcast on the Durham Cable Access Television (DCAT) channel, Channel 22.
DBA members and the public are invited to attend and to participate by submitting questions for Town Council candidates who are running for these elected offices at the March 11, 2014 Town Election.
Questions may be submitted by email to the Durham Business Association at durhambusinessassociation@gmail.com by Friday, February 14, 2014.
Please Note: The Durham Business Association is a 501 (c) (6) nonprofit and does not promote, endorse any specific political candidates.
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INN KEEPER AT THE THREE CHIMNEYS INN NAMED CHAIR OF THE NH LODGING AND RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION – KAREN MEYER
Durham’s own Karen Meyer, Inn Keeper at The Three Chimneys Inn, has been named Chair of the Board of the NH Lodging and Restaurant Association (NHLRA). NHLRA is the state-wide trade association for the hospitality and tourism industry in New Hampshire. The organization lobbies in Concord on behalf of the industry focusing on small business issues. The NHLRA also offers programs and services designed to give small businesses greater buying power, and the organization markets its members direct to consumers. Congratulations Karen Meyer!
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DPW employee Dwight Richard, our Water Superintendent, plows Durham's streets
during Wednesday's snowstorm. This photo is on Nobel K. Peterson Dr.
Courtesy Todd Selig
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DURHAM NAMED BY PRESIDENT OBAMA AS ONE OF 7 COMMUNITIES IN AMERICA TO BECOME A CLIMATE HUB
On Wednesday of this week, President Barack Obama announced the formation of seven “climate hubs” to help farmers and rural communities adapt to extreme weather conditions and other effects of climate change.
One of them will be at the Northern Research Station, Forest Service, Durham, N.H.
The hubs will act as information centers and aim to help farmers and ranchers handle risks, including fires, pests, floods and droughts, that are exacerbated by global warming.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has indicated the country’s experience with extreme weather patterns recently underscores the need for taking steps now to address the impact of climate change on agriculture and forestry.
The hubs are an example of executive actions President Obama has promised to take to fight climate change.
The president has made the issue a top priority for 2014 and has the authority to take many measures that address it without congressional approval.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the effects of climate change have led to a longer crop growing season in the Midwest, a fire season that is 60 days longer than it was three decades ago, and droughts that cost the United States $50 billion from 2011-2013.
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ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING OF THE 2014 WAGON HILL FARM COMMUNITY GARDENS will be held Sunday, February 16 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm. at the Durham Parks and Recreation Building (the Old brick court house on the corner of Route 108 and Main Street, next to the gas station). You can park your car at the town office parking lot. All current and prospective members should come to apply for a 2014 garden, learn about the garden schedule, and meet other gardeners. For more information about the gardens see our website: http://communitygardensforall.org/ If weather forces postponement of the meeting, the snow date is Sunday, March 2 at the same time.
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Foundation work continues at the Town Hall project. Courtesy Craig Stevens
TOWN HALL PROJECT
Public Works staff continue installing footer drain piping, embedded in stone, along one of the new exterior walls at the Town Hall construction site today. This drainage piping will call ground water away from the new Town Hall building.
Public Works began to backfill around the new foundation at the front of the building. Framing is expected to begin in the next few weeks.
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2014 DOG LICENSES/TAGS NOW AVAILABLE!
2014 dog licenses/tags are now available at the Town Clerk's Office.
New Hampshire law states “any owner or keeper” of a dog must register the dog annually in the month of April. A penalty of $1/month will be added to the registration fee beginning in June. If the dog(s) remain unlicensed, the law requires the issuance of a Civil Forfeiture which carries a $25 fine/dog. If the dog(s) continue to remain unlicensed, a summons to court will be issued. Prompt attention to licensing your dog(s) eliminates the need to pursue further action.
As always, you can register at the Town Clerk’s office M-F, 8-5. If your dog’s rabies vaccination is up-to-date you can register on-line, or register by mail and include a copy of the new rabies expiration date.
If you have received a notice from the Town Clerk's Office, and you no longer have the dog, please call 603-868-5577 as the Town has no other way to obtain this information.
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CHURCHILL RINK AT JACKSON'S LANDING SKATE SCHEDULE
For details on the schedule, please go to https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/churchillrink or call the rink at 868-3907.
Public Skate Schedule:
Sundays: 12:00 - 1:45pm
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 2:00 - 3:20pm
Tuesdays:12:00 - 4:20pm
Thursdays: 12:00 - 1:50pm
Saturday: 2:00 - 3:45pm
Open Stick & Puck (unstructured hockey)
Sunday thru Friday: 11:00 - 11:50am
Adult Drop In
Sundays: 9:30 - 10:50am
Monday & Wednesday: 12:00 - 1:20 pm
Fridays: 12:00 - 1:20pm AND 8:00 - 9:20pm
Family Pond Hockey (Helmet required)
Saturday nights, 7:00 - 8:30 pm (except for Dec 28th)
For more information, contact Gary at Rink Services Group, 603-868-3907, gary@rinkservicesgroup.com.
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THE LATEST PRODUCTIONS FROM DCAT STUDIOS
ATTENTION
Starting February 26, 2014, ORCSD will be moving to a new channel number. “Cable Channel 97” From that date forward all ORCSD programming will only be available for viewing on Cable Channel 97. ORCSD programming will no longer be available on DCAT Cable Channel 22. This is the culmination of a long process with Comcast to activate the ORCSD broadcast signal. If you have any questions please contact: Craig Stevens, DCAT Coordinator @ 868-5571 or dcat@ci.durham.nh.us
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Strafford Regional Planning Commission presents: Mills Scenic Byway -Run time: 1:02 - Sunday’s @ 8:30 PM
Join your hosts, Kyle Pimental, Senior Regional Planner & Todd Selig, Durham Administrator for a presentation on the Mills Scenic Byway. The proposed Mills Scenic Byway is a 12.1 mile route that travels through the Towns of Newmarket, Durham, Madbury and Rollinsford. This route offers a clear depiction of small, yet vital communities, located along the coastal shores of the Lamprey, Oyster, Bellamy, Salmon Falls, and Cocheco Rivers. This public hearing is required in order for the Cultural Byway Council to officially designate the Mills Scenic Byway as a state byway. This video will also be available on the towns On Demand site. This is a production of DCAT 22 Studios.
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Mill Pond Dam Centennial Celebration - Sunday’s @ 10:30 AM & 7:30 PM - Run time: 30 Minutes
Sit back and enjoy the latest production from DCAT 22 Studios. Enjoy some of Durham’s beautiful scenery, hear a this history of the Mill Pond Dam. Who is Congreve Hamilton Quniby? Did Humpty Dumpty actually make an appearance at the celebration? You’ll only find the answers to these questions by watching the video.
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An afternoon with “Big Nate” author Lincoln Peirce - Sunday’s @ 2:30 PM & 5:55 PM - Run time: 1:04
If you weren’t available to make it to the Library for Durham’s own author Lincoln Peirce, then no worries, DCAT 22 Studios was there to record and capture all of the cool stuff he talked about and his demonstration on how he illustrates. Hear a some of his Durham history, his humble comic strip beginnings and learn how “Nate” got his name.
These videos are also available for viewing on the Town’s On Demand site.
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Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer Tom Johnson taking advantage of Wednesday's
snowstorm. Mr. Johnson is an avid snowmobiler. Courtesy Tom Johnson
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MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND
The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below.
Agricultural Commission - Monday, February 10, 2014. To view agenda and other information, click HERE.
Zoning Board of Adjustment - Tuesday, February 11, 2014. To view agenda and other information, click HERE.
Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee - Tuesday, February 11, 2014 (7-9PM, DPD Community Room). To view agenda and other information, click HERE.
Planning Board - Wednesday, February 12, 2014. To view agenda and other information, click HERE.
Conservation Commission - Thursday, February 13, 2014. To view agenda and other information, click HERE.
All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing.
VIDEO ON DEMAND: Meetings can also be viewed via Video on Demand. Interested viewers can access the streaming site from the Town’s website at http://ci.durham.nh.us/ by clicking the DCAT on demand logo, or directly at http://dcat.pegcentral.com/.
Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule, please click HERE.
DCAT Programming Schedule, please click HERE.
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PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
Yoga for Seniors - Find out more HERE.
Archery - NEW! - We’re excited to offer this new 8-week, instructional program for ages 10-15. All equipment, setup, and training will be provided. Archers will learn the basics of target practice and safety, while also being introduced to both vintage and Olympic competition equipment!
Email: sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us to put your name on the mailing list.
Family Fun Day at Wagon Hill Farm – NEW! - Join us on Friday, February 28th for a day of sledding FUN! Enter our FREE raffle for your chance to win some WILD WINTER prizes! Warm up with some complimentary hot chocolate, shoot a family photo by the wagon, and take a hike around the property rated New England’s “Best Hilly Retreat” by Yankee Magazine.
When: Friday, February 28th (12-3PM)
Where: Top of the Hill - Wagon Hill Farm
DPR Climbing Club - Back by popular demand, and filling up fast! Find out more HERE.
Jumpstart Your Week with Yoga - Every Monday from 6-7AM. Fill out a registration form HERE.
Senior Trips – Are you interested in taking a trip to places like Boston, New York, Foxwoods, etc.? Email: sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us to put your name on the mailing list.
Tai Chi – Beginners - Find out more HERE.
Fitness Close to Home - Pick a class that FITS your schedule HERE.
Volunteer With DPR - Do you like being outdoors? Do you have a group looking for ways to be more involved and give back to the community? Contact: sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us to learn about local volunteer opportunities. Find out more HERE.
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John Adams, second President of the United States
The Active Retirement Association's February General Meeting will feature Dr. James M. Farrell of the UNH Communications Department, speaking on "Public Education: John Adams and the New Hampshire Constitution". See more information below.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Support Oyster River High School 2014 Project Graduation. Raffle tickets are being sold for a month-long calendar of donations from local businesses, as well as raffle tickets for two tickets to a pre-season Patriots game or two tickets to a Red Sox game. Contact Fran Mandeville (nhpanda@yahoo.com) or any ORHS senior parent for more information.
Winter White Sale going on now at Echo Thrift Shop, Community Church of Durham. All white items are 50% off.
UNH Museum of Art Exhibitions Opening Soon, January 24-March 30, 2014. For more information, visit http://cola.unh.edu/moa
UNH Celebrity Series, Duo Versus, Abraham McWilliams, violin and Martynas Levickis, accordian, Saturday, Feb 1, 2014, &PM, Johnson Theatre. For more information, visit http://cola.unh.edu/celebrity-series
Active Retirement Association General Meeting, Monday, Feb 10, 2014, 1:30 PM, Durham Evangelical Church, 114 Dover Road. Program will feature Dr. James M. Farrell of the UNH Communications Department, speaking on "Public Education: John Adams and the New Hampshire Constitution".
Active Retirement Association - “Curiosity Never Retires!" ARA Announces its Winter program series. For more information, click HERE.
OR Middle School Drama Club presents "Who's Dying to be a Millionaire, Thursday & Friday, Feb 13 & 14, 2014, 7PM, OR High School. Contestants are dropping as fast as the wisecracks in a wild, riotous lampoon of quiz shows, politics, and basic human nature.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Baby Lap-Sit! For infants to age 2 with their caregiver, Sat. Feb. 8th at 10:30 a.m. - Join us for stories, fingerplays and songs. There will be a time after for you and your baby to play and socialize with other parents and babies. This program is geared to ages 2 and under with their parent/caregiver. All are welcome.
If Valentine's Day makes you think of romance, be sure not to miss the super sale of romance books in The Friends' Bookstore next to the cafe in the library. February 5-February 15.
Chess and Board Game Afternoon (ages 10 & up), Monday Feb. 10th 3:00-4:00 p.m. – Join us every Monday afternoon now in the Young Adult room for a game of chess (or other board games).
Pre-school Storytimes: Tues. Feb. 11th and Thurs. Feb. 13th at 10:30 a.m. – The theme is: Valentines!
McGregor EMS CPR Course, Tues. Feb. 11th, 6:00-8:15 p.m. - McGregor Memorial EMS is proud to offer a CPR Course at the library. The cost for the Community CPR Class is $20, and payment is due the night of the class. Please register at www.mcgregorems.org
Bookeaters, Middle School Book Group, Weds. Feb. 12th, 2:45-4:00 p.m. – Join us for this middle school book group. This month’s book is “Captain Nobody” by Dean Pitchford. Walk from the middle school. Ruth Wharton McDonald is the facilitator. Pizza is served and all are welcome. Books are available at the library.
Lego Club, Thurs. Feb. 13th at 3:45-4:45 p.m. – Join us Thursdays to make Lego creations. Lego Club is in need of Lego Donations! Have any Legos that you would like to donate to the library? They will be put to good use at our very popular Lego Club.
Homeschoolers Activity Hour, Friday Feb. 14th, 10:30 a.m. – This week: Valentines and Poetry! We will hear books, play some games, do some puzzles and make a craft. This group is geared to home-schoolers but all are welcome.
Crafternoon – Fri. Feb. 14th 3:00-4:30 p.m. – Stop by the Children’s craft room on Fridays for a fun craft.
Embracing Physical and Emotional Pains, Sat. Feb. 15th, 10:30-11:30 a.m. - Everyone experiences pains, physically and emotionally, at different time of life: aging, a serious medical diagnosis, the sudden loss of a loved one, the breakup of a relation, financial loss, loss of home, loss of job or simply from stress... Pain is unavoidable. But do you know suffering isn't? Come and sit with us to explore how meditation of Mindfulness and Compassion can bring hope of peace and freedom. Experience yourself.
Family Movie Afternoon, “Enchanted”, Sat. Feb. 15th, 2:00 p.m. – Join us for this month’s family movie: “Enchanted”. All are welcome and popcorn is served.
Pajama story times are once a month sponsored by Oyster River Parents and Preschoolers (ORPP). All are welcome! The next one is on Tuesday, Feb. 18th at 6:30 pm and this month: Pirates! Come and hear stories about Pirates, make a pirate craft and have a treasure hunt. Come wearing your pajamas. We read stories, do fingerplays, songs, feltboard and make a craft. ORPP supplies a snack. All are welcome.
Libros Lovers, High School Book Group, Weds. Feb. 19th, 2:45-4:00 p.m. - This month's book is "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman. Ruth Wharton McDonald is the facilitator. Pizza is served.
XBOX Kinect Gaming Night (ages 10 and up), Weds. Feb. 19th, 6:00-7:30 p.m. – Come out and test your skills with our Xbox Kinect in the Young Adult Room. Pizza is served and all are welcome.
Author Appearance: The Quotable Eleanor Roosevelt, Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. - Come learn about one of the most fascinating first ladies this country has ever had: Eleanor Roosevelt. Author Michele Albion will bring Mrs. Roosevelt to life in an interactive discussion about the inspirational and aspirational woman. Albion is the author of The Quotable Eleanor Roosevelt. "Eleanor’s bold opinions on political, social and racial issues took many by surprise. She held press conferences and wrote a syndicated column. She spoke at national conventions, granted interviews, and often made appearances on her husband’s behalf. Her own influence lasted years beyond his death. She advocated for human rights, worked with the United Nations, and supported what later became the civil rights movement."
Make-it-take-it craft week of Feb. 22nd through March 1st - Stop by the Children’s room all week during February vacation to make a craft.
McAdams Magic Show! Special Joint Library Vacation Program, Thursday, February 27th, 10:30 a.m. at the Durham Public Library! Join us for this fun joint library (Durham, Lee and Madbury) vacation performance by a very talented magician and his dog. All are welcome. Get ready to see some magic!
Tales for Tails sign-ups happening now. Contact the Children’s desk to register.
Patch Club! Earn patches and a library bag for your reading time. Register at the children’s desk.
Visit the DPL website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more information.
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FROM "HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A BRIEF HISTORY OF DURHAM, NH, 1600 - 1976 written by Philip A. Wilcox and members of the Durham Historic Association
1743 - "Mr. Hugh Adams shall have 20 pounds yearly provided he set down satiesfied and Preach no more but if he preach this vote to be voide." Dismissed in 1739, having been hired in 1717 for 100 pounds, this is believed to be the only historical instance when a minister was paid to stop preaching.
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And finally, a humorous story...
A staff member at a physician's office in Durham relayed a humorous story from Wednesday’s snowstorm to Administrator Selig. The individual came out of her home later in the day on Wednesday and thought it was strange that even through there was about a foot of snow everywhere she looked, there was no snow on the top of her car! Upon looking more closely, she realized that her sun roof was ... open.
When she opened her car door, the vehicle was FULL of snow from door-to-door, and from floor to the top of the dashboard. Only the top of her steering wheel was visible!
It took quite an effort to clear out the vehicle. The individual was able to laugh about the experience by Thursday afternoon.
Have a nice weekend.
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
T: 603-868-5571 F: 603-868-5572
tselig@ci.durham.nh.us http://www.ci.durham.nh.us
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
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