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News

Ottawa Gee-Gees work the courts with Spikes players

Members of the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees Women’s Volleyball team were at Seaway District High School on Sunday, where they worked with local players (grades 8-12) who are participating in the second annual Spikes Volleyball program organized by Andy Lee. 

The Spikes program, this year, has attracted 26 local volleyball players intent on improving their skills.

Sunday’s number for the Gee-Gees clinic, presented by GeeGees Myriam English, Stephanie Theiler, Kira Tome and Katherine Weihrer, grew to 31 girls from South and North Dundas, Brockville and Cornwall. 

“The Gee-Gees were able to send us out the best of the best in university volleyball,” said Lee. “The girls did a marvelous job instructing both our kids and the numerous coaches who attended. I hope the girls realized the skilled company they were in.”

 Stephanie Theiler is the Gee-Gees co-captain with Myriam English. She is currently ninth in Ontario for digs while English is the highest point getter in Canada University ball. Kira Tome is the Gee-Gees starting setter, currently fifth in Ontario in assists, and Katherine Weihrer was last year’s captain and starting middle player.  

The Gee-Gees are currently in first place in the OUA East with nine wins and one loss. They are ranked eighth in Canada.

The eight week Spikes Volleyball program, developed by the Ontario Volleyball Association, began at Seaway in early November and runs every Thursday night. 

“We will continue to build our core skills,” said Lee following Sunday’s clinic. “Clinics like these go a long way to achieving that.”

“Our Spikes group took in a game at Ottawa U a few weeks ago, and it was nice to be on the courts with these same players today. They were excellent ambassadors for both their school and their sport. We hope to build on this relationship in the years to come.”

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Sports

Senior Game Curling

The Ontario Senior Games curling division, the Zone 8 Playdowns were held at our club over the weekend. Four teams, one from Winchester, one from Alexandria and two from Morrisburg, competed. 

In the Saturday morning game, Morrisburg’s Andy Patenaude, Sue McIntosh, Neil Williams and Betty Locke defeated Alexandria’s Brian and Joy Clinton, Bob Youmelle (who filled in for an ailing Graham Vickers) and Linda Vickers. 

In their first, our other Morrisburg team, Raymond Benoit, Cheryl Thompson, Pete Zeran and Ruth Kelly played Winchester’s Gary Price, Janet Thompson, Don McMillan and Ann Cook. Winchester, which has been to the provincial finals on several occasions, prevailed.

In their second matches, our two Morrisburg teams met in the round robin, while the Winchester and Alexandria foursomes squared off. Alexandria upset Winchester, while Raymond Benoit’s foursome won out over Andy Patenaude. This left the four teams with identical win/loss records, and set the stage for Sunday morning’s final round robin games.

In case of a tie, the gold, silver and bronze medal winners were to be determined by wins against opponents, ends, etc. 

Graham Vickers was back in the mix for Alexandria, so our “Bad Bob” Youmelle retired with thanks from “his” team. The matches were hard-fought, with some crucial missed shots from all teams.

Winchester’s Price rink managed to eke out a win over our Patenaude foursome, while Alexandria defeated the Raymond Benoit quartet, also from our club. This set the statisticians to work, and they awarded the gold medals to Alexandria, because of their win over Winchester, who took silver. 

Raymond Benoit, Cheryl Thompson, Pete Zeran and Ruth Kelly, because of their win over Andy Patenaude, Sue McIntosh, Neil Williams and Betty Locke in the round robin, earned bronze medals.

Special thanks to Monique Patenaude, the Zone 8 coordinator for the Ontario Sr. Games. She watched over the stats, presented medals, and with her committee, put on a fine lunch on Saturday for the curlers. 

All Ontario residents 55 and over are eligible to compete in the games. Winter games in the near future are in Billiards, Pickleball, Duplicate Bridge, Skating, Nordic Skiing (Prediction and Time Trials), and Alpine Skiing. Categories and further details are available from www.ontarioseniorgames.ca.>>District>>8.

In other news, a correction: in last week’s Winchester bonspiel, Sid Morrell had Bud Perry with him and not Andy Patenaude. With Neil Williams and Don O’Brien, the fellows won both of their matches in Winchester and finished second on the day.

In another correction, in the first of the season’s Parnells last week, Lancaster was the champion team. The next match will be held in Cornwall on January 3. For this one we are allowed two teams, so playoffs, if needed, will be held this month to determine our finalists.

In the Alzheimer Society bonspiel last Saturday, curlers, along with Scotiabank, raised $4,280. In the late draw, the winners were Sam Locke, Greta McGann, Dave McIntosh and Linda Murphy. It was a great bonspiel for a worthy cause. Thanks to all who made it such a success.

Congratulations again to the club’s little rockers, who competed last Saturday in the Kemptville Bonspiel, and whose results were covered last week. 

Good curling to all!

 

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News

Ho! Ho! Ho! Parade ready to go, go, go

Santa, Mrs. Claus and all their helpers are ready to ring in the festive season this Saturday, December 7, with the annual Morrisburg Santa Parade. 

This is the 20th year that Santa’s local right hand man, George Davies, has organized the parade, which year after year delights all who attend.

Davies expects to see about four dozen floats, six bands and 40 walkers participate in this year’s event. 

“That’s a little bigger than last year,” said Davies. 

This year the participating bands are coming from Brockville, Ottawa, Montreal West, Kemptville and two from Cornwall.

He also mentioned that Morrisburg Public School will have students travelling the parade route with shopping carts collecting food donations for the Dundas County Food Bank. 

He urges everyone to support their efforts by bringing a food item for the collection. (The Morrisburg location of the food bank is especially in need of cold cereal, crackers and vegetables.)

The floats will gather in the Canadian Tire and Upper Canada Playhouse parking lots around 10:30 a.m. The parade sets off along the route promptly at 11 a.m.

The route winds through town along St. Lawrence, to Fifth, to Augusta, to First, to Ottawa, to Maud, to Sir James Morris to Fifth and then along Dairy to Main Street, where it travels the length of the Morrisburg Village Plaza and then on to the Morrisburg Fire Station, where it ends up. There kids can have a snack and greet Santa after the parade.

“I’m hoping to get a really good crowd of spectators out this year,” said Davies. 

“More support allows us to increase the calibre of the parade next year,” said Davies who is working to get a special entry from the Toronto area to join next year’s event.    

While George and his wife look after organizing the event themselves, on the big day George has many “elves” who come out to help him ensure that everything runs smoothly. He is very appreciative of the efforts of the elves who include both family and friends.

This year, Davies has been a little more worried about the parade logistics than other years, because he has lost one of the parking lots always used as a staging area to construction. On top of that,  First Street has been under construction, but Davies said Monday, that the road patch work is supposed to be finished this week, allowing the parade to stick to its traditional route.

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Obituaries

Patricia “Patty” MacKenzie

August 20, 1952-November 27, 2013

Beloved of Neville Vincent, yesterday, today and forever as my best friend, my pillar of strength, my partner and my wife. Thank you for all the joy, love and laughter. I will miss you so. 

Their little sister will be sorely missed, long loved and remembered by Nora (Mickey), Alan (Gloria) and all of their children and grand-children. She will be deeply missed as well by Marcia, stepson Ian (Tanya,) our granddaughter Jessica and all of her friends.

Patty and I would like to send special thanks to Gloria, our nieces Kerri and Erin (and their families) as well as all of our friends for their close, loving support through our journey. You each, in your own way, made our trouble so much easier to bear.

There will be no visitation or funeral service.  In memory of Patty, please support the Winchester District Memorial Hospital or the Oncology program of the Ottawa Hospital.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.  

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Obituaries

Irene Shirley Swerdfeger

Irene Shirley (nee Thompson) Swerdfeger of Iroquois passed away peacefully at Winchester  District Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, November 27, 2013. She was in her 74th year. 

Irene was the beloved wife of Carl Swerdfeger of Iroquois.  and loving mother of Brian (Morgan) Swerdfeger of Long Sault.  

She was cherished grandmother of Jarrett, Rachel, Jessica and Nolan Swerdfeger, Robbie and Benjamin Henderson, and dear sister of Audrey (Raymond) Hough of Maynard and Helen Thompson of Iroquois. 

Irene will be sadly missed by nephew Philip (Marion) Thompson of Iroquois and his family, Bradley (Melissa) of Iroquois, Penny (Tom) Bailey of Roebuck, Brittany (Cory Evans) of Iroquois and by other nieces and nephews.  

She was predeceased by her parents Hazel (nee Johnston) and Carman Thompson and one son Kevin Henderson (2013).  

A private visitation and funeral service will be held at the Parker Funeral Home, 28 Sir James Morris Drive, Morrisburg.  Interment will be at Maynard Cemetery, Maynard.  

Memorial donations to the Morrisburg Pentecostal Tabernacle are gratefully acknowledged.  

Condolences may be made at www.parkerofmorrisburg.com

 

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Obituaries

Roy Guse

A resident of Morrisburg for the past 46 years, Roy Guse passed away suddenly at home on Tuesday, November 26, 2013. He was in his 80th year.  

Roy Clifford Guse was born on December 14, 1933, in Desboro, Ontario, one of seven children born to William and Minnie Guse. Roy had five brothers, Arnold, Leonard, Ross, Earl and Charles, and a sister Doreen. 

Roy began his career working on the big freighters that navigate the Great Lakes. In 1957, he attended the Police Academy in Toronto, and upon graduating he was assigned to serve a one year position in Morrisburg. 

Meanwhile, back in Owen Sound, Roy’s fiancée Cathy Warmington awaited the day the two would marry and be able to be together. The joyful couple exchanged wedding vows on May 14, 1960, and were happily married for over 53 wonderful years.  

Roy and Cathy were blessed with two daughters Bonnie and Carol Ann.

Roy’s life revolved around his family and his work as a police officer. The one year assignment turned into a 34 year tenure with the Morrisburg detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police, serving this community faithfully from April 1958, until his retirement from the force in December 1992.

Roy was member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where he served as a Church Councillor.  

During his life in Morrisburg, Roy was a member of the Masonic Lodge, coached minor hockey, was a member as well as served as president of the Morrisburg Golf Club, and still had time to enjoy his hobbies: golfing, woodworking and travelling.

During their wonderful marriage, Roy and Cathy journeyed to Florida, Nashville, Vancouver and even took a Caribbean Cruise.

Roy will be remembered and celebrated as an honourable man, straightforward, honest and ever so patient, a loyal husband, father, grandpa, a dedicated and hardworking colleague, a caring friend and above all loving. 

Roy is survived by his wife Cathy, his daughters Bonnie Van Moorsel (David) of Morrisburg and Carol Ann Byvelds (Jim) of Chesterville and  his siblings Earl (Patricia) of Wiarton, Charles (Naomi) of Guelph and Doreen Stroeder of Mount Forest.  

Roy will be fondly remembered  and dearly missed by grandchildren Andrew Van Moorsel (Becky), Stephanie Dafoe (Brody), Matthew Van Moorsel (Marcie), Dan Byvelds (Jennifer), Joshua Byvelds (Maggie) and by his great-grandchildren Peyton and Maddison.

He was a dear brother-in-law of Marjorie Guse of Owen Sound, and he is also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

Roy was predeceased by his brothers Arnold, Leonard and Ross, his brother-in-law Robert Fenton and his sisters-in-law Joan Guse, Wilma Fenton and Angela Guse.        

Roy’s many friends, family and colleagues called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Friday, November 29.  A Masonic Memorial Service was held on Friday evening, and the funeral service was held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Riverside Heights, on Saturday, November 30th, with Rev. Jo Barkley-Probst officiating.

Cremation  followed.  Inurnment of cremated remains will be at Iroquois Point Cemetery. 

Pallbearers were Roy’s grandchildren Andrew VanMoorsel, Matthew VanMoorsel, Stephanie Byvelds, Joshua Byvelds, Dan Byvelds and Brody Dafoe.  Honorary pallbearers were retired police officers who worked with Roy; Frank Albert, Bill Renshaw, Lee McCaslin, Fred Langlotz.  

Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or C.H.E.O. would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com. 

 

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Obituaries

Clare Brown

A lifetime resident of the Iroquois area, Clare Brown passed away at the Kingston General Hospital on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, following a brief illness. He was in his 75th year.

As a young boy growing up in Iroquois, Clare attended the local public and high schools, and enjoyed all school activities, particularly football, basketball and cadets.  

It was during a high school Sadie Hawkins dance that a certain girl asked him to go with her, and that started a lifelong love story.  He and Cay Locke married in 1959, and were blessed with their two daughters, Laurie and Terry.  

Clare went to work at Canada Starch in shipping and moved quickly into distribution. He enjoyed the relationships developed with the drivers. 

Later he moved to buying corn, and the creation of his office team of girls that were jokingly referred to as Charlie’s angels, Ann, Lisa and Deb. 

His final position in commodities allowed him to do what he loved best, taking off in the afternoon behind the wheel of a car, driving those country roads he loved and kibitzing with the farmers about the latest corn prices and futures.

Clare and Cay enjoyed their early married life with endless activities with their friends, Friday night card games, snowmobiling, dancing at the Haddo school house and Legion and just plain old house parties that ended when the sun came up. 

Their girls were raised in a way that made them feel that their family did not end at their doorstep but rather was always open to include extended family, friends and neighbours at all times of day and night.  

Their friends were always welcome and the games continued for the next generation along with the endless cookie jar.  And, the car was always ready to go to friends Junior B hockey games, ball games or latest teen event.  

Clare had a wide variety of interests and community commitments.  He was a 52 year member of Friendly Brother Masonic Lodge and 30 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star and he served in many positions within each fraternity.  

He served as chairman of the Winchester District Memorial Hospital board and served three terms on the Iroquois town council. He worked on numerous Legion fastball tournaments, served on the Canadian Industrial traffic league and was a valued member of the Iroquois United Church Board. Lately he served on the Iroquois Marina Association.   

Clare was the kind of dad that never said no to his kids or grandkids when they asked for help.  He enjoyed boating, fishing and particularly his hunting group in Cardinal.

In later years, he and Cay enjoyed travelling taking in an Alaskan cruise, Banff, Arizona, Florida, Mexico, Barbados and Myrtle Beach.

After retiring, Clare and Kay purchased a camper and joined the Masonic Camping Group, which they enjoyed so very much, making many new friends and travelling through Ontario and New York State for rallies. 

Last March, they sold their Iroquois home and moved to the Marriners Building in Prescott.  From the vantage point of their new waterfront condominium, Clare enjoyed watching the boaters, divers, swimmers and the concerts in the park.  New friends and neighbours were made and the old friends in Iroquois cherished. 

Clare was a devoted son to Ambert and Nelda of Morrisburg, who are left to mourn him, along with his brother Ron and his wife Connie of Iroquois, a sister-in-law Isabelle Locke of Prescott and many dear nieces and nephews. 

Clare is survived and sadly missed by his wife Cay (Locke), his daughters Laurie (John) Kolff of Denver, North Carolina and Terry (Jim) Grimes of Brockville. He will be sadly missed by his grandchildren Lyndsey, Andrew, Jaime, Aaron and Ryan. 

A Masonic Memorial Service was held at the Iroquois United Church on Saturday, November 16th at 2 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life, which was conducted by Rev. Valerie Vande Wiele, assisted by Rev. Doug Carnegie.  Music was provided by the Masonic Men’s Choir, of which Clare was a member. They were accompanied by Margaret Whisselle. 

Donations to the Frederick Eaton Bursary Fund or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.  

 

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Opinion

Perspectives by Rev. Sue McCullough

About two weeks ago, I received an invitation from the Reverend Tracey Lloyd Smith to share a message at the annual “Blue Christmas Memorial Service” at the Church of St. John the Evangelist in Prescott. 

I had never preached at such a service in the past. In fact, I had never attended a “Blue Christmas” service. I was somewhat perplexed at my response. I told Rev. Tracey that I would be happy to accept her invitation.

In subsequent e-mails, I found out what she was hoping for in my homily, and would I select a reading that would speak to what I was going to share.

Today (Sunday, December-01-13) was the day of the service. Dave and I went to Prescott not knowing quite what to expect. I didn’t know what the order of service would be (we Anglicans do love our liturgy), whether or not it would be appropriate to wear robes (we Anglicans do like to dress up), or how many people would be in attendance (we Anglicans do seem to be ‘numbers’ conscious). 

This was one of those moments in my life when I did not have any answers to any of my questions – it was one of those “wait and see” moments.

The passage I chose to preach from was John 11:1-44 – the death and resurrection of Lazarus. What struck me was the comment from both Mary and Martha, “If you had been here my brother would not have died.” And this was reiterated by the mourners who surrounded them. 

How did I relate that? Well, I shared the story of the death of Dave’s dad, Frank, in 1993. Frank’s tradition, after Mildred (Dave’s mom) died in 1991, was to spend Christmas Eve with his daughter-in-law in Clinton and then come to us for Christmas dinner the next day. Only in 1993, instead of coming to dinner Frank died. 

All that went through my head was if he had come to dinner he would not have died – rather like the sisters telling Jesus that if he had shown up on time Lazarus wouldn’t have died. 

And, in all honesty, those thoughts rattle through my gray matter every year at this time.

But regardless of the thoughts that I have, I know the truth. God had called Frank, and it didn’t matter how many dinners were planned for that day at my house, Frank was going to have dinner with God that night.

Back to today. Funnily enough, over dinner Dave asked me if I felt that what I shared with the thirty-some people who were in attendance this afternoon was helpful in any way. My response was, yes. 

After the service people came and told me they appreciated hearing my story, and then they told me theirs. When someone can share the stories of their pain and sadness, it is a time of healing. It is a time of knowing that God is present in their lives.

This Advent season, if you feel burdened by sadness or pain over the loss of someone you love, leave it with God. God has more strength than you or I will ever have. 

Share your story with someone, so you can feel the healing power of God touch you in the relating of memories and stories that are so special to you and the loved one you miss.

Blessings,

Sue+

Rev. Sue McCullough

Anglican Parish of Morrisburg, Iroquois & Riverside Heights 

 

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News

Village to be Alight at Night, this Friday

The pumpkin displays have been put away and Upper Canada Village is preparing to light up for Alight at Night on Friday, December 6.  

The Alight at Night Festival at Upper Canada Village is one of Ontario’s premiere winter events where over a million lights transform this 60 acre heritage site into a magical winter wonderland that you can explore by foot, horse-drawn wagon or by romantic carriage ride.  

“Alight at Night is Eastern Ontario’s largest outdoor winter light festival,” said Darren Dalgleish, General Manager/CEO, St. Lawrence Parks Commission. “This year we certainly seem to have Mother Nature on our side with a fresh blanket of snow.”

 “We try to add to the visitor experience and with new technology on the market each year we are able to enhance our lighting displays to bring out the best of the beautiful backdrops and vistas that the Village and surrounding grounds provide.  We are making some exciting lighting enhancements to the Toy Train experience this year and I think families will love it”

The Festival is open on select nights from Friday, December 6 through Saturday, January 4, 2014, from 5-9 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

Upper Canada Village continues to impress visitors by introducing state-of-the art, innovative lighting during its Alight at Night Festival.  

Over a decade ago, the Village switched over all of its incandescent stringed lights to energy-saving LED Christmas lights, now over a million in total. 

 In 2010, new Wallwasher technology provided a rainbow of alternating colours that illuminate the facades of the Village’s historic architecture and paint a dramatic effect on many of the site’s majestic trees.  

The Sound & Light Show, featuring seasonal music accompanied by dancing lights, will be offered with shows playing every half hour on the grounds around Crysler Hall.  A video clip of the show has seen over 100,000 views on YouTube. 

And this year, visitors will delight in the addition of laser beam technology, where over 100 new projectors will shower tiny laser beams that will create a starry, firefly effect … watch for the dazzling results of this new technology along the Toy Train ride!  Toy Train rides are included with admission.

The Festival brings together many family favourite holiday traditions.  Carolling takes place in Christ Church at select times led by a keyboard player and vocalist.  

Christmas carol song books are provided in the church and visitors are encouraged to sing along or just soak up the holiday ambience.

Strolling through the site is a great way to see the lights at your own pace, or you can relax and take a horse-drawn wagon ride.  

For a more intimate and exclusive experience, romantic carriage rides for two are available in the Village’s Pommier Carriages.  It’s an ideal way to make engagements, anniversaries, or your visit extra-special!  Advance reservation is required. 

The Pommier Carriage ride is $80(tax extra) which includes admission for two, half hour romantic tour of the lights, gourmet departing gift and a 20 percent off discount for Pommier Jewellers in Cornwall.  

Carriage rides are very popular and book up quickly.  

Call 1-800-437-2233 or locally 613-543-4328 to make a reservation.

Follow the tantalizing smell of fresh bread and cinnamon rolls baking in the wood-fired oven at the Bakery.   You can find the fresh baked cinnamon buns and bread for purchase at the Village Store and the buns for purchase in Cook’s Tavern or at the Snack Shack next to the Bakery.

Visitors can also relax over a heartier meal, full service dining at Willard’s Hotel or cafeteria style service at the Harvest Barn.  

Alight at Night has been named one of Ontario’s Top 100 Events three times by Festivals & Events Ontario.  

Advance ticket purchase, particularly during the holidays, is strongly recommended to speed entry into the Festival and reduce time waiting in line.  

Streamlined pricing provides one price for all activities including entry to the Festival, horse-drawn wagon rides and a ride on the Toy Train – Adults (13 to 64 years of age) $13; Seniors (65+ years of age) and Youth (6 to 12 years of age) $10; Children 5 years of age under are FREE.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.AlightatNight.ca.

 

 

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News

Two Creeks Forest upgrades complete

Some 25 outdoor enthusiasts gathered recently at Two Creeks Forest Conservation Area to celebrate final implementation of improvement projects provided under the Great Lakes Community Guardian Fund.

The $25,000 GLGF grant permitted upgrading part of the four km hiking trail that runs through the South Dundas site operated by South Nation Conservation, installation of interpretive signage, and publication of a self-guided brochure.

Both SNC chairman Bill Smirle and South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds – a member of the SNC board – were on hand to welcome visitors and to publicly thank the Community Guardian Fund for its generous contribution.

“Because of the funding, we were able to move ahead with improvements to Two Creeks that otherwise would have been postponed, perhaps indefinitely,” Smirle observed. “The park is much more inviting and accessible thanks to the assistance.”

Sponsored by the Ontario Ministry of Environment, the GLGF is intended to help communities and organizations take action on restoring their section of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin. Successful projects must contribute to the goals of protecting water quality, improving wetlands, and/or enhancing habitat and species.

“We met the criteria and received the maximum allowable grant,” Smirle noted. “It’s another clear indication that SNC is on the right track with its conservation projects.”

The chairman said he was pleased to see Two Creeks added to SNC’s network of natural parks, forests and trails throughout the 4,200 square-km drainage basin extending from the Ottawa River at Plantagenet to the St. Lawrence River at Prescott.

Comprising about 500 acres, Two Creeks is located along County Road 2 between Morrisburg and Iroquois. 

Features include two tributaries of the St. Lawrence running through it – hence the name – provincially significant wetland, and more than 300 recorded plant and animal species.

While motorized vehicles are prohibited, area residents are invited to enjoy the conservation area free of charge right through the winter. Ample parking is available at the entrance.

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