Local resident named Hero in Long Term Care for 2013

More than 90 individuals honored for their commitment, caring

The Health Care Council of Illinois, Illinois Health Care Association and the Illinois Council on Long Term Care recently announced their 2013 selection of Heroes in Long Term Care at nursing facilities throughout the state. Ramiro Macario has been honored as a Hero in Long Term Care for his dedication to providing the highest quality of life for nursing home residents at Alden Village North in Chicago.

The annual program highlights the hard work of nursing home staff in Illinois, such as nurses, administrators, building maintenance workers, laundry attendants and activity staff, as well as the contributions of facility residents and volunteers.

“From the minute residents wake up to when they go to bed at night, nursing home staff work to make their days brighter,” Pat Comstock, executive director of Health Care Council of Illinois, said. “Many residents aren’t able to get out in the community, so staff becomes a part of the resident’s family.”

In the four years since Ramiro Macario began working at Alden Village North in Chicago, he has proven himself to be a tremendous asset to the facility, according to Kris Walski, facility administrator. With an obvious devotion to facility residents, Macario can always be counted on to help out wherever needed.

 “His care and love for his residents are over the top,” Walski said.

Macario has also shown himself to be dedicated to his fellow staff members, and to making the facility run as smoothly as possible. When new staff joins the team, he helps with their training, making sure that they feel comfortable with their work and within the facility.

“Nursing home staff truly represent the heart and soul of long term care in Illinois,” David Voepel, executive director of the Illinois Health Care Association, said. “Heroes in Long Term Care are people who go above and beyond to make sure nursing home residents have the best possible quality of life.”

Nursing home professionals work in a unique environment that demands technical skills along with incredible amounts of compassion. They care for frail, vulnerable and elderly citizens who not only need around-the-clock medical care, but also a place to call home.

“These individuals are committed to optimizing the health, outlook and well-being of the residents we serve,” Susan Duda-Gardiner, interim director of the Illinois Council on Long Term Care,said. “For that, we’re deeply grateful and hopeful their communities will celebrate their dedication.”

The Health Care Council of Illinois (HCCI) is a professional association of more than 500 skilled nursing facilities committed to quality residential health care in Illinois through a productive and responsible partnership between the private and public sectors. HCCI represents nursing homes serving more than 80,000 residents. HCCI serves as the political and media relations arm of both the Illinois Health Care Association and the Illinois Council on Long Term Care.

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Today in Rogers Park - May 15th, 2013

Today in Rogers Park is a series to inform our community of relevant daily events, including the arts, entertainment, presentations and community meetings. - Bill Morton 



Clark-Devon Hardware - Lead Safe Renovations class
6401 N. CLARK STREET Chicago, IL 60626

WEBSITE | PHONE: (773) 764-3575



Lead Safe Renovations class at Clark-Devon Hardware at noon. Precautions to protect yourself, co-workers, & family from lead poisoning.

HEADS UP

Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce Fresh Start Monday at Alden Village North (7464 N. Sheridan Road)

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce was founded in April of 2009 with one goal: to help struggling small businesses, and in fact, all businesses, to become successful. Chamber founder Bill Morton wasn't sure how exactly to do this, but he knew that he would do what it takes to succeed. 
The Chamber struggled it's first two years, but in December of 2011, the Chamber and all of it's members started taking large strides to turn the Chamber into the vision they saw. 
Chamber Founder and President Bill Morton came up with the idea of a neighborhood clean-up in support of the businesses. Eventually, the program that was created was Fresh Start Monday, an event that occurs the first and third Monday of the month from April through to November, weather pending.

The next Fresh Start Monday will be on May 20th, 2013 at Alden Village North (7464 N. Sheridan Road).  This is a public event from 6 pm - 7 pm. RSVP calls to (773) 850-0049 and walk-ins are OK. This is a free community event.
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Today in Rogers Park - May 11th, 2013

Today in Rogers Park is a series to inform our community of relevant daily events, including the arts, entertainment, presentations and community meetings. - Bill Morton


United Church of Rogers Park - Spring Plant Sale (9 AM - 2 PM)
1545 W. MORSE AVENUE CHICAGO, IL. 60626

WEBSITE | Phone: (773) 761-2500

Let's Go Chicago presents a Spring Plant Sale to benefit the Westwood Manor Nursing Home's greenhouse and garden education programs.

United Church of Rogers Park, a reconciling United Methodist church in the heart of Rogers Park. All are welcome to the  11 a.m.  Sunday Service.  Please enter the sanctuary using the Ashland Blvd. entrance (handicap accessible). For other programs, please use the Morse Avenue entrance.
United Church is located at the southeast corner of Ashland and Morse Avenues, two blocks west of the Morse Avenue L stop and right at a Devon-Ashland (#155) bus stop. Limited parking is available next to the church on Ashland Avenue for seniors and the disabled.  Additional parking is available in the First Commercial Bank parking lot, two blocks west of the church at the northwest corner of Clark and Morse.




Taste Food & Wine - Special Tasting from the Man O' War winery from the Waiheke Island of New Zealand 4 pm -7 pm
1506 W. JARVIS AVENUE CHICAGO, IL. 60626

WEBSITE | PHONE: (773) 761-3663

Taste is a wine shop and European-style grocery in the heart of the burgeoning Jarvis Square neighborhood of Rogers Park. Owned and operated by a close-knit group who is deeply rooted in the European tradition, this little shop maintains a friendly and accessible attitude towards wine. Wine should not intimidate, it should be enjoyed. Taste offers good wine at a good price and a knowledgeable staff of good people.

"Over two hundred years after Cook first sighted Man O’ War we were convinced that world class wine could be grown here. Throwing caution to the wind we began planting our first vines in 1993. Today Man O’ War consists of 150 acres of vines planted in 76 individual hillside blocks, each with a distinct soil profile and microclimate. Every single block bears the footprints, and sometimes the names, of those who transformed Man O’ War’s rugged hillsides into a spectacular patchwork of vines. Each block has been meticulously designed with different rootstocks, clones and planting densities to best match the specific terroir on offer. Driven by this blueprint our white varieties have been carefully placed high on the exposed volcanic hilltops of Man O’ War so that they benefit from cooling sea breezes, extending their growing season and giving them great concentration and minerality. While our red varieties are draped down precipitously steep sheltered clay hillsides enjoying the heat and drainage provided, promoting serious intensity and depth."
- ManOWarvineyards.co.nz 

Red Line Tap - The Rogers Park All Stars, The Reunion and Bear with Hawk Fist Celebrating Brettly’s 40th Birthday 7006 N. GLENWOOD AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60626

The Red Line Tap hosts music up to 7 nights a week featuring local and national acts on stage, from their resident band the Mudflapps, to Micki’s open mic and all sorts of great shows daily, Red Line Tap has something  for everyone!
The Kevin Leeds Band at 9pm.
312 Presents The Rogers Park All Stars, The Reunion and Bear with Hawk Fist during a Celebration of Brettly’s 40th Birthday. 9 PM

HEADS UP

Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce Fresh Start Monday at Alden Village North (7464 N. Sheridan Road)

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce was founded in April of 2009 with one goal: to help struggling small businesses, and in fact, all businesses, to become successful. Chamber founder Bill Morton wasn't sure how exactly to do this, but he knew that he would do what it takes to succeed. 
The Chamber struggled it's first two years, but in December of 2011, the Chamber and all of it's members started taking large strides to turn the Chamber into the vision they saw. 
Chamber Founder and President Bill Morton came up with the idea of a neighborhood clean-up in support of the businesses. Eventually, the program that was created was Fresh Start Monday, an event that occurs the first and third Monday of the month from April through to November, weather pending.

The next Fresh Start Monday will be on May 20th, 2013 at Alden Village North (7464 N. Sheridan Road).  This is a public event from 6 pm - 7 pm. RSVP calls to (773) 850-0049 and walk-ups are OK. This is a free community event.
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Today in Rogers Park - May 10th, 2013

Today in Rogers Park is a series to inform our community of relevant daily events, including the arts, entertainment, presentations and community meetings. - Bill Morton 


Greenleaf Arts Center - Spring Thing '13 1806 W. GREENLEAF AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60626

The Greenleaf Art Center provides studio and exhibition space for over fifty area artists and is home to five business enterprises. Since its inception in 1990 by Kathie and Denis Paluch, it has grown to become a vibrant part of the Rogers Park arts community. The center hosts a variety of exhibitions, open studio events, art salons and creative workshops throughout the year.

Spring Thing '13 is the Greenleaf Arts Center Spring Group Exhibition and Open Studios event. Artists Reception one night only! 6pm - 10 pm.

Featuring 80 local artists with all new work, enjoy art, snacks and shopping all in one creative space. 20,000 sq ft of artistic energy.



Taste Food & Wine - Complimentary Wine Tasting
1506 W. JARVIS AVENUE CHICAGO, IL. 60626

WEBSITE | PHONE: (773) 761-3663

Taste is a wine shop and European-style grocery in the heart of the burgeoning Jarvis Square neighborhood of Rogers Park. Owned and operated by a close-knit group who is deeply rooted in the European tradition, this little shop maintains a friendly and accessible attitude towards wine. Wine should not intimidate, it should be enjoyed. Taste offers good wine at a good price and a knowledgeable staff of good people.

"Taste Food and Wine has one of the most beautiful, romantic atmosphere's I've ever encountered. I can take myself out of Rogers Park and imagine myself in another country, tasting a wine at a vineyard. It has such a unique charm, I can't help but be enamored with the place. The people are very helpful, answering calls and questions non-stop, and assisting you the moment you walk in their door". - Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce on Taste
Complimentary wine tasting are hosted every Monday and Friday of the month at Taste Food & Wine from 6pm - 8pm. Purchase of a bottle of wine is highly recommended to support this great local business.

Quest Network Services - Retro Video Game Night
7301 N. SHERIDAN ROAD CHICAGO, IL. 60626

WEBSITE | PHONE: (773) 761-3555

Quest Network Services specializes in computer technical support, computer repair, computer networking, computer sales, wireless internet services from Clear, and offers in home or business computer services too. Quest also offers cassette tape to CD transfer, VCR tape to DVD transfer, 8mm movie to DVD transfer, record to CD and Reel to Reel to CD transfer. Rogers Park residents and businesses alike have also utilized Quest's "Virtual Office", (copy, fax, internet, and computer rental service), for everything from homework, art projects, legal issues, and business start-up.
Every Friday at 7pm, Quest hosts Retro Video Game Night in it's 1920's Parlor. Choose from retro entertainment systems including Nintendo and Super Nintendo or the original arcade versions of classics including Pac Man, Donkey Kong, Centipede, Q*Bert, Arkanoid, Super Mario Brothers and more.



Mayne Stage - James Cotton with Rob Stone
1328 W. MORSE AVENUE CHICAGO, IL. 60626

With a nod to the historic past of this grand facility, Mayne Stage features a restaurant (Act One Pub) and performance space that reflects the unique and diverse history of Rogers Park. Mayne Stage is happy to present a variety of terrific acts in its 230-seat multipurpose entertainment venue.
WXRT BLUES BREAKERS WELCOMES: JAMES COTTON “The blues is all about feeling,” says Grammy Award-winning harmonica legend James “Mr. Superharp” Cotton. “If I don’t feel it, I can’t play it.” Now in his 69th year as a professional musician (starting at age nine), James Cotton not only feels it, he lives it. His overwhelmingly powerful harmonica is one of the iconic sounds of the blues. His skills are unrivaled, his story the stuff of legend. Born on a cotton plantation in Tunica, Mississippi on July 1, 1935, Cotton learned harmonica directly from Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller) as a small child. He toured with Williamson and Howlin’ Wolf, recorded for Sun Records, and spent 12 years with Muddy Waters before stepping out on his own. Leading his own band, he earned his reputation as one of the most commanding live blues performers in the world—a man who could literally suck the reeds out of his harmonica from the pure force of his playing—one high-energy performance at a time.
His new Alligator album, COTTON MOUTH MAN, is a joyous celebration of his life in the blues. Recorded in Nashville and produced by Grammy-winning producer / songwriter / drummer Tom Hambridge (Buddy Guy, Joe Louis Walker, Susan Tedeschi), the album is a riveting, good-time musical journey through sounds and scenes from Cotton’s long and storied career. With seven songs co-written by Cotton (more originals than he’s ever included on one release) and Hambridge (who co-wrote five additional tracks), the stories the album tells are Cotton’s own, inspired by his colorful and sometimes perilous life. Throughout the CD Cotton’s blast-furnace harmonica sound and larger-than-life personality are front and center.



Red Line Tap - The Kevin Leeds Band 7006 N. GLENWOOD AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60626

The Red Line Tap hosts music up to 7 nights a week featuring local and national acts on stage, from their resident band the Mudflapps, to Micki’s open mic and all sorts of great shows daily, Red Line Tap has something  for everyone!
The Kevin Leeds Band at 9pm.

HEADS UP

Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce Fresh Start Monday at Alden Village North (7464 N. Sheridan Road)

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce was founded in April of 2009 with one goal: to help struggling small businesses, and in fact, all businesses, to become successful. Chamber founder Bill Morton wasn't sure how exactly to do this, but he knew that he would do what it takes to succeed. 
The Chamber struggled it's first two years, but in December of 2011, the Chamber and all of it's members started taking large strides to turn the Chamber into the vision they saw. 
Chamber Founder and President Bill Morton came up with the idea of a neighborhood clean-up in support of the businesses. Eventually, the program that was created was Fresh Start Monday, an event that occurs the first and third Monday of the month from April through to November, weather pending.

The next Fresh Start Monday will be on May 20th, 2013 at Alden Village North (7464 N. Sheridan Road).  This is a public event from 6 pm - 7 pm. RSVP calls to (773) 850-0049 and walk-ups are OK. This is a free community event.
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Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce- Silent Auction

On June 22nd, from 6-8pm, the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce will have it's first annual Silent Auction, hosted by Alden Village North.

Alden has it's own chef, who will be putting together food for the event.

This event is open to local businesses, organizations, and institutions.

 If you'd like more information, please contact the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce at 773 998 2014 or rogersparkchamberofcommerce@gmail.com

Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce April 2012 Newsletter

Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 

April 2012 | Issue No.4 

Our mission is to provide leadership and representation in order to benefit the members operating businesses in the Rogers Park community.

Our vision is to guide businesses, service organizations and individuals to establish new businesses and promote existing businesses within the Rogers Park community. To create and stimulate an orderly economic growth, thereby enriching Rogers Park's diverse population.

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce supports the economic development of Rogers Park businesses by encouraging residents to spend their money in our stores and restaurants through our Shop Local campaign.

We encourage visitors to dine and shop Rogers Park via tourism with our many events at local restaurants, cafes and independently owned shops. We are cultivating tradition, which is a major factor in community-building, with our Annual events including our Chamber Art Auction, Anniversary celebrations and the upcoming annual Taste of Rogers Park.

 You can call or stop by anytime to join us in making Rogers Park a better place to live, work and visit. 

Sincerely,

Bill Morton
Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce
(773) 850-0049



2012 Networking Kick-Off event
Rogers Park Chamber Spring networking event

On April 27th, 2012 We will be kicking off our networking events at Quest Network Services with guest speakers: 

Ines Kinchen from Send Out Cards will speak about appreciation marketing for your business.

Anwar Thomas of Northstar Lottery Group will speak about how the Illinois State Lottery can benefit your storefront business.

CISSP Ben Pavalon will give a short presentation on internet security for your business with a Q&A afterwords

Hosted by Mark Finley, RPCC event coordinator and MC'd by Bishop James Alan Wilkowski, RPCC Treasurer.

Bill's Digital Photos and the Multi-Facet Network will be photographing and broadcasting our events live. 

Coffee and light snacks will be provided from 5 pm - 8 pm.

Quest Network Services
7301 N. Sheridan Road Chicago, IL. 60626
(773) 761-3555



Fresh Start Monday's a Success!
New RPCC program to Clean-Up Rogers Park

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce's new Fresh Start Program titled "Fresh Start Mondays" had it's first events earlier this month. The fresh start is in reference to refreshing the cleanliness and safety of our community. Neighbors gathered to pick up litter and trash...

To support local businesses Quest Network Services, Shambhala Meditation Center, Sheridan Chase Food Mart and The Lighthouse Tavern by refreshing neglected neighboring property at 7315 N. Sheridan Road. 

For the second Fresh Start Mondays event, Chamber members and volunteers cleaned up Jarvis Plaza on Jarvis Avenue.

Businesses that benefited from our second event were East View Grocery, Greenview Smart Cleaners, Goods for Less, Jarvis Coin Laundry, Jarvis/Greenview Currency Exchange, Jarvis Grill, Luzzat Restaurant and even the Alderman's office.

Fresh Start Mondays are scheduled for every first and third Monday of the month, all year long. You can join the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce in freshening Rogers Park up!... for a cleaner and safer neighborhood with less litter, debris and contaminants on our sidewalks, streets and beaches.

Just give us a call at (773) 850-0049.

Our next Fresh Start Monday event will be on Monday, May 7th, 2012 from 6 pm - 7 pm at Ravenswood Center (Devon near Ravenswood Avenue).



Quick Links

RPCC website
RPCC on facebook
RPCC twitter



Upcoming events

Spring Kick-Off event

Friday, April 27th, 2012
5pm - 8pm

Guest speakers: Ines Kinchen - Send Out Cards, Anwar Thomas - Northstar Lottery Group and CCISP Ben Pavalon

Quest Network Services
7301 N. Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL. 60626

 Fresh Start Monday

 Monday, May 7th, 2012
 6 pm - 7 pm

The fresh start is in reference to refreshing the cleanliness and safety of our community.

Gloves and cleaning materials will be supplied.

Ravenswood Center
1754 W. Devon Avenue
Chicago, IL. 60660

Complimentary Wine Tasting

Monday, April 30th, 2012
6 pm - 7:30 pm

Wine should not intimidate, it should be enjoyed. Taste offers good wine at a good price and a knowledgeable staff of good people.

Taste Food & Wine
1506 W. Jarvis Avenue
Chicago, IL. 60626



The members and board of the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce feel strongly about and believe in our organization. We personally walk our neighborhood to visit every business in Rogers Park on a regular basis. If a struggling mom-and-pop shop needs a fundraiser, If a new business needs to be introduced to our community, The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce represents and supports Rogers Park business.

Download and print our membership application to join us and enjoy our benefits.

Join Our Mailing List!

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Today in Rogers Park - October 20th, 2011

Today in Rogers Park is a series to inform our community of relevant daily events, including the arts, entertainment, presentations and community meetings. - Bill Morton

Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce
First Annual Art Auction

7464 N. Sheridan Road

Chicago, IL. 60626

We would like to invite you to join us for great food, networking and a fun auction. All are invited.

Benefits local artists. 5:30pm - 8pm - Free entrance - Please make at least one bid.


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Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce October newsletter

You can view the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce October 2011 newsletter or sign up for monthly updates here.


A quick list of events includes:


Thursday, October 20th - 1st Annual Rogers Park Chamber Art Auction at Alden Village North 7464 N. Sheridan Road Chicago, IL. 60626 | 5:30pm - 8pm All invited/Free

Friday, October 21st - Halloween Lore at Charmers Cafe 1500 W. Jarvis Avenue Chicago, IL. 60626 | 7pm All invited/$10

Friday, October 21st - Viewing of The Ghost Adventures at Quest Network Services 7301 N. Sheridan Road Chicago, IL. 60626 | 8:30pm All invited/Free

Saturday, October 29th - Halloween Party at Quest Network Services 7301 N. Sheridan Road Chicago, IL. 60626 | 5pm - midnight All invited/bring a treat to share

Saturday, November 5th - Bishop's Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony at Church of the Atonement 5749 N. Kenmore Avenue Chicago, IL. 60660 | 4pm - 10pm RSVP required/$50 per person

Monday, November 7th - Wine Tasting at Taste Food & Wine 1506 W. Jarvis Avenue Chicago, IL. 60626 | 6 - 7:30pm All invited/Free



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RPCC Art Auction at Alden Village North

Thursday, October 20th, 2011

Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce
First Annual Art Auction

Alden Village North
7464 N. Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL. 60626

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce will host an art auction that will benefit local artists. Tastes by a local restaurant will be provided by Alden Village North.

5:30pm - 8pm All invited/Free



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Successful two year anniversary

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce two-year anniversary celebration!




The Board and Directors of the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce
Without the support of the entire Board, this event would not have been as successful as it was.

Back in the Days BBQ
Mark Finley was our guest speaker, presenting the Multi-Facet Network and the business plan and investment plan to bring Back in the Days BBQ to Rogers Park.

Bill's Digital Photos
Official photographer of the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce two-year anniversary event.

Caribbean American Bakery
Thank you for your tasty donation!

Charmers Cafe
Thank you for your tasty donation!

Quest Network Services
Thank you for hosting our event at your business!

Premier Signs & Awnings
Thank you for providing our new Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce banner.
Dex for being our Official Grill Master.

Fred of LifeStorage for contributing to our networking event.

Mary Ellen and Kris of Alden Village North for contributing to our networking event.

Laini of Comcast Business Class Service for contributing to our networking event.

And everyone who attended, celebrated and made connections during our annual anniversary event.

















Thank you,


Bill Morton, President
Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce
(773) 850-0049


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Alden Village North

CHICAGO BULLS’ SIDNEY GREEN VISITS DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED


Chicago, Ill. – Chicago Bulls’ Sidney Green recently visited developmentally disabled children and young adults in Chicago’s Rogers Park community. Green passed out t-shirts and autographed photos to several fans at Alden Village North Health Facility for children and young adults. A power forward, Green played on the Bulls from 1983-1986.

“We have a group of seven guys who watch every Bulls game together and get so excited when cheering on their favorite players. They talk about the good and bad plays for days after,” says Mary Ellen Schweitzer, community liaison.

“When Sidney came in, I knew who he was right away. I told the guys, we should have known the staff was planning something special for us because they kept asking us about the Bulls and our favorite players,” says Lorne Mackey, 31, resident.

“The Bulls are my favorite team, and it was great to have Sidney come and visit on my birthday. It was a great day,” says Sam Galloway, 35, resident.


Recently, Alden Village North underwent a total top-to-bottom renovation. The updated facility provides nearly 100 special needs children and adults with larger bedrooms, increased bathing rooms as well as classroom and programming spaces.


“We try and do lots of outings and trips with our residents; they go to Cubs games, the movies, the Shedd Aquarium and museums, shopping, out to eat, and even the beach. But most of all, our residents love watching Chicago sports. They know the teams, stats and when all the games are on. Basketball playoffs are one of the best times of year here because they get really into the games,” says Janine Ciemny, Administrator, Alden Village North.

Alden Village North offers specialized programs to address the needs of developmentally disabled children and young adults and is located at 7464 N. Sheridan Rd. in Chicago. For more information, call 773.338.0200 or visit http://www.aldenvillagenorth.com/ .

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