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Match Activity Calendar of Events
December 2016
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ACTIVITY OF THE MONTH
Festival of Lights
Join Worcester in the Annual Festival of Lights celebration! This year's event will be headlined by Sam James, whose debut EP "It Never Happens" reached #5 on the US Singer/Songwriter Chart on iTunes. Sam is a Worcester native who was featured on Season 3 of NBC's The Voice. Additionally, a visit from Santa Claus, children's choral performances, a holiday tree lighting, concessions, free hot cocoa, horse-drawn wagon rides and public ice skating. For more info visit the website.
Friday, December 2,
5 PM - 9 PM, City Hall Common
455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608
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Franklin's Holiday Stroll
This family-favorite holiday celebration will include a tree-lighting ceremony, visits from Santa, his elves and Mrs. Claus, gift shopping, holiday crafts for kids, live entertainment, and food and drink specials.
Thursday, December 1, 4 PM - 7 PM, Downtown Franklin
East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038
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Stowe Farms Christmas Fun
Christmas time at Stowe Farm! Bring your Little to enjoy Christmas music, hot coco, baked goods, gifts and crafts. Large assortment of trees to choose from, wreaths, swags and a whole lot more. Free petting zoo all weekend!
Friday-Sundays, December 2 - December 11, 10 AM - 5 PM, Stowe Farm
15 Stowe Road, Stowe, MA 01527
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Old Sturbridge Village: Christmas by Candlelight
Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village is an evening filled with New England holiday traditions, live musical performances, storytelling, sleigh rides, festive foods, a roaring bonfire, and strolls around the decorated Village Common. New this year is the North Pole Village where families will find Santa and his whimsical elves, Mrs. Claus' Bake Shop, a magical talking Christmas tree, a kids' holiday craft workshop, and an expanded G-scale train display. And do not miss the nightly tree lighting and the ever-popular gingerbread house contest! Adults $22, Children $14.
Friday- Sundays, December 2 - December 23, 3 PM - 9 PM, Old Sturbridge Village
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566
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Worcester Youth Orchestra Performance
Founded in 1947, the Worcester Youth Orchestras, WYO, under the direction of Jonathan Brennand, have maintained a presence in Central Massachusetts, offering musical training and orchestral experiences for aspiring young musicians. Now in its 68th Season, WYO continues to maintain a strong presence in Central Massachusetts, enriching the lives of its students and the many communities that it serves. Free.
Friday, December 2, 7 PM - 9 PM, Birches Auditorium
65 Briarwood Circle, Worcester, MA 01606
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Experience the magic of the season at the EcoTarium's popular holiday program, A Christmas Journey. Enjoy a reading of Chris Van Allburg's classic "The Polar Express," a ride on the Explorer Express Train, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit with Santa. Tickets for A Christmas Journey are limited and must be purchased in advance online, at the EcoTarium's Tickets and Information Desk, or by calling 508.929.2700
Saturdays, December 3 - December 10, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM, 12:30 AM - 1:30 PM, 2:30 Pm - 3:30 PM, EcoTarium
222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA 01604
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Craft Fair and World Marketplace
Local artisans - holistic arts professionals - fair trade products - basket raffles- Food - And more!
Saturday, December 3, 9 AM - 3 PM, Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester
90 Holden St, Worcester, MA 01606
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This event will feature raffles, children's activities, crafts, jewelry, flea market, nativity displays, model trains and more! Bring along a donation of a new toy for Toys for Tots and enter to win a prize! Bring along your appetite and enjoy a delicious lunch! No admission fee, come enjoy the festivities, including live music to get you in the Christmas spirit!
Saturday, December 3, 9 AM - 3 PM, St. Christopher Church
950 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606
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Lowe's Workshop: Christmas Ornaments
Lowe's Build and Grow programs are free (but register early as they often fill up). This month, make picture frame holiday ornaments.
Saturday, December 3, 10 AM, Lowe's Framingham
350 Cochituate Road, Framingham, MA 01701
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Malik is a full-time comedy magician with over 20 years of experience.Malik has performed his unique comedy magic all over the United States and is a regular at Amazing Things. In 2013, Malik was the featured magician for the 2013 Rhode Island Summer Reading program, performing over 30 shows in Rhode Island alone. $5 kids, $8 adults.
Saturday, December 3, 10:30 AM, Amazing Things Art Center
160 Hollis Street, Framingham, MA 01702
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Matches - Stay after your family tour (starting time 10:30 am), or drop-in for this fun intergenerational time in the galleries. Get inspired by our art and try making something uniquely yours. Materials will be provided. Come recover your childlike sense of free spirited play! Museum admission is free the first Saturday of the month from 10:00am - 12:00pm.
Saturday, December 3, 11 AM, Worcester Art Museum
55 Salisbury St, Worcester, MA 01609
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Holiday Boutique Exhibit and Sale
The public is invited to the annual Holiday Boutique exhibit and sale. This year the boutique coincides with the performances of selected scenes from "The Nutcracker" and a Festival of Trees exhibit by local artists. The boutique is free to the public and guests can purchase handcrafted gifts and wares from the artists. Free admission.
Saturday, December 3, 11 AM, Hopkinton Center for the Arts
98 Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748
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Santa Arrives by Helicopter
Santa arrives in St. Mark's field (Route 30/Route 85) by helicopter, and then visit with Santa at the Community House
Saturday, December 3, 12 PM - 3 PM, Southborough Community House
17 Common Street, Southborough, MA 01772
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Hot Chocolate, Tree Lighting, Visit from Santa. Bring an unwrapped toy for Toys For Tots and a new cold winter item for Project Just Because.
Saturday, December 3, 4 PM, Hopkinton Common
1 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748
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Mayard's Holiday Sip and Stroll
The Maynard Business Alliance's 5th Annual "Holiday Sip & Stroll" begins with the lighting of Memorial Park at 6 p.m. Then see Santa ride by in a fire truck on his way to Berkshire Hathaway on 58 Main St. where the kids can meet him. Stop at the "Hot Chocolate House" at 42 Summer Street and then stroll downtown to visit retailers offering light refreshments and holiday shopping specials!
Saturday, December 3, 6 PM, Downtown Maynard
58 Main Street, Maynard, MA 01754
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Annual New England Model Train Expo
The region's largest holiday season train show with operating layouts in multiple scales, over 220 dealer tables, new and used model trains and supplies, manufacturer displays, railroadiana, books, collectibles, white elephant table, and more. Meet Santa! Free parking, food service, and door prizes. $10 covers both days.
Saturday, December 3 - Sunday, December 4, 10 AM - 4 PM, Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center
181 Boston Post Road, W Marlborough, MA 01752
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"A Worcester Holiday"
with the Worcester Children's Chorus
Join the Worcester Children's Chorus as the celebrate the holiday season in song. Adults $12, Children $5. Click the photo to see a video!
Sunday, December 4, 2:30 PM - 4 PM, Assumption College Chapel of the Holy Spirit
500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609
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50th Annual Maynard Christmas Parade
Sponsored by the Maynard Rotary Club, the parade starts at 2 PM at the Mill & Main parking lot off Sudbury Street, travels down Main Street, turns left up Summer Street, left onto Nason Street, and back to Main Street.
Sunday, December 4, 2 PM, Maynard
Sudbury, Street, Maynard, MA
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Browse through 100 Artists and Crafters in the Grand Hall and then take a stroll around the Concourse where 35 more Artists and Crafters will be selling their wares. As with all stART events, artists and crafters create only handmade goods. Wares will range from textiles, pottery, stained glass, and fine jewelry to photography, pet wares, holiday cards, ornaments, terrariums and so much more. Admission is free after 11 am for free. Shop before the crowds beginning at 9AM for an entry fee of $15. Parking is available for $1 at the Union Station garage and free in municipal lots, and there is an ATM on site.
Sunday, December 4, 9 AM - 5 PM, Grand Hall at Union Station
34 Washington Square, Worcester, MA 01604
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Community Worc Night #3
The WorcShop is proud to present Community Worc Nights! Come create, make art, check out our facilities. The party is bring your own supplies, and pot luck, so grab a dish and an unfinished project and come spend some time with good people in a place made to cultivate creativity. We're hoping to throw an event like this every month.
Wednesday, December 7, 6 PM - 9 PM, the WorcShop, Classroom Side B
243 Stafford Street, Worcester, MA 01603
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Yule Time Wizards' Market
Are you or your Little a fan of Harry Potter? If so, you will love this event being held at the great castle setting of The Higgins Building! Over 50 vendors, BUTTERBEER,
entertainment, crafts, games of skill, elf quests and magic will be present all in an immersive environment. $10 adults and $5 kids.
ONLINE ticket sales only
! No tickets will be sold at the door! Free Parking!
Saturday, December 10, 9 AM - 7 PM, Higgins Armory Museum
100 Barber Ave, Worcester, MA 01606
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Join the Framingham History Center's annual family holiday celebration! Sing along to your favorite carols with Voices of MetroWest inside the Historic Village Hall and enjoy delicious treats and hot chocolate. Santa will be here, so bring your camera! Fun ornament crafts for children will be available throughout the event - suggested donation only. *The first floor of the Village Hall is accessible via ramp from front parking area.
Saturday, December 10, 1 PM, Historic Village Hall
2 Oak Street, Framingham, MA 01701
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Holiday Concert at the Worcester Art Museum
Salisbury Singers will usher in the holidays with their annual Holidays at WAM concert. Free with museum admission.
Sunday, December 11, 2 PM - 3 PM, Worcester Art Museum
55 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609
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A Celebration of Trumpet, Flute, and Piano
Joy of Music Faculty Concert Series featuring a program of Ravel, Rachmaninoff, Muczynski & Faure with trumpeter Scott Daugherty and guest artists flutist Jung-Yi Alice Hsieh Daugherty and Ilya Kazantsev, piano. donation is $15, $10 seniors and students but everyone is welcome regardless of donation.
Sunday, December 11, 4 PM - 5:30 PM, Joy of Music Program, Joseph & Jordan Sharpio Concert Hall
1 Gorham Street, Worcester, MA 01605
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Saturday Scares at Abbie's Book Shop
Authors Pete Kahle and Tom Deady visit our bookstore for an afternoon bounty of scary stories, Q & A, and book signing! Free.
Saturday, December 17, 2 PM - 4 PM, Abbie's Book Shop
65 James Street, Worcester, MA 01603
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WAM celebrates the re-opening of its newly renovated Medieval Galleries with special gallery tours, lots of beautiful new Medieval-styled decorations, back-to-back events and family activities throughout the Museum. The two-day celebration is packed with programs for family and friends including art carts, arms and armor shows, combat demonstrations, musical performances, medieval dance, art making, shopping and more. Free with museum admission.
Saturday, December 17, 10 AM - 5 PM and Sunday, December 18, 11 AM - 5 PM, Worcester Art Museum
55 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609
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Holiday Help Series: Seasonal Crafting
Join us to create winter and holiday paper crafts, ideal for gift-giving, or to decorate your home. Register online. Free!
Saturday, December 17, 2:30 PM - 4 PM, Worcester Public Library Banx Room
3 Salem Square, Worcester, MA 01608
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Annual Family Holiday Concert
Worcester Youth Orchestra's most popular concert of the year! Celebrate with family & friends the festive sounds of the season. Featuring the WY Symphony Orchestra, WY Philharmonic & String Orchestra, WY Wind Ensemble & WY Jazz Band with special guests The Shepherd Hill Regional High School Choirs and Neighborhood Strings Program. New and familiar favorites will get you singing along with our talented students. Tickets online $15 advanced, $20 at the door.
Sunday, December 18, 3 PM - 6 PM, Mechanics Hall
321 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608
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Winter Workshop: Snow Globes
Who knows what Mother Nature will bring this year, but guarantee a little "snow" for the holidays with a homemade snow globe. A sprinkle of "snow" and a dash of creativity is all you need to make and take your very own mini snow globe. Free for all BBBS Matches!
Tuesday, December 20, 11 AM - 2 PM, Discovery Museums
177 Main Street, Acton, MA 01720
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Arts on the Green "Caroling on the Common"
A favorite holiday tradition in Shrewsbury, this annual carol sing with the Worcester Brass Consort and hot chocolate takes place on the town common regardless of the weather. In the event of extreme winter conditions, this event is moved into the FCC fellowship hall. Free admission, food bank donations welcome!
Friday, December 23, 7 PM - 9 PM, First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury (on the common in front of the church)
19 Church Road, Shrewsbury, MA 01545
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Light dinner, large Menorah lighting, dreidels, donuts, crafts, music, and more!
Saturday, December 24, 6:15 PM - 8:45 PM, Roller Kingdom Hudson
5 Highland Park, Ave, Hudson, MA 01749
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Holiday Vacation: Science for Wizards
Consider yourself enrolled at EcoTarium: School of Science-craft and Magical Inquiry! Explore the science behind the magic in classes such as Astronomy, Herbology, and Care of Magnificent Creatures. Use science to feel like a wizard in Charms and witness the power of chemistry in Potions! Between classes, visit with owls and explore the forbidden forest! Non-magic folk welcome. Wand and robes are encouraged but not required. Free with EcoTarium admission ($15 adults, $10 children 2-18, seniors 65+ and students with ID)
Tuesdays - Saturday, December 27 - December 31, EcoTarium
222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA 01604
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Backyard and Beyond: Lantern Light Up
Can you construct a lantern? The Discovery Museums has all the materials you'll need to make a one of a kind lantern. When you're finished, put in an LED candle and we'll light-up Fairyborough with a lantern procession at 4:15pm! Free for BBBS Matches!
Friday, December 30, 2 PM, Discovery Museums
177 Main Street, Acton, MA 01720
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Join the festivities at this annual Noon Year's Eve celebration. Watch the lighted ball drop at 12 noon and 2:00 p.m. during exciting kid-friendly countdowns. Families can also create and toast resolutions, make 2016 time capsules, take silly photos, and more! Free with EcoTarium admission ($15 adults, $10 children 2-18, seniors 65+ and students with ID)
Saturday, December 31, 12 PM - 2 PM, EcoTarium
222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA 01604
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Arms and Armor: Knight's Tale
The Knight in shining armor conjures a thousand images and captures the imagination. What were the strengths of armor? What were its weaknesses? Learn about all the different kinds of arms and armor that were used by knights and soldiers of the past in this interactive program. Follow this with a visit to the Knights! exhibition and immerse yourself in the world of chivalry!(programming subject to change) Free with museum admission.
Saturday, December 31, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Worcester Art Museum Conference Room
55 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609
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Craft of the Month: Salt Dough Ornaments
To make your very own festive ornaments you will need:
- Salt Dough Ingredients (2 cups flower, 1 cup table salt, 1 cup warm water)
- Cookie Cutters
- Acrylic Paint (metallic)
- Ornament hooks
Visit this Design Dazzle blog to see full directions!
Have a fun craft idea you would like to share? Email it to colleen.schroth@bbbscm.org and see it featured next month!
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Mall Series: Worcester Galleria by Stephen DiRado
In 1984 Worcester photographer Stephen DiRado began documenting the daily life of Worcester Galleria. Coincidentally, he late recorded the beginnings of its decline. Re-visit the mall and meet the people who shopped there. $5
Tuesdays - Saturdays through December 24, 10 AM - 4 PM, Worcester Historical Museum, Rockwell Gallery
30 Elm Street, Worcester, MA 01609
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Pearl Harbor Day Exhibit: "Why We Still Remember"
Featuring one-of-a-kind, authenticated artifacts, the exhibit chronicles the mood in the US and Japan leading up to and after the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Personal photographs and letters, propaganda and newspapers, and artifacts from the attack itself are included. Visitors must make an appointment by emailing
visit@museumofworldwarii.org
. Minimum donation $25
Now through January 7, Museum of World War II
8 Mercer Road, Natick, MA 01760
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History in the Stitches: Framingham Fashion through the Centuries
Set against a backdrop of Framingham images and artifacts, this exhibit features fashions that will both please the eye and illuminate the lives of some very special Framingham women. We've chosen pieces that reflect the social mores, economic status and the personalities behind the ever-present decision we all face daily - what to wear?
Wednesdays - Saturdays, through April 29, Edgell Memorial Library
3 Oak Street, Framingham, MA 01701
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Stickwork: Just off the Beaten Track
Arts Transcending Borders (ATB), hosted environmental artist Patrick Dougherty as Fall '16 artist-in-residence at the College of the Ho
ly Cross. For the past 30 years, Dougherty has combined elemental building techniques and a deep knowledge of nature to create his organic sculptures. As part of his residency, Dougherty created "Just Off the Beaten Track" with the help of over three hundred volunteers on the lawn by Linden Lane.
Thursday, October 13 - Sunday, December 31, 9 AM - 6 PM, College of the Holy Cross, Linden Lane, Main Campus Entrance
1 College Street, Worcester, MA 01610
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Picket Fence to Picket Line: Visions of American Citizenship
Picket Fence to Picket Line will foster meaningful dialogue surrounding this year's presidential election and connect to our active population of voters. It will inspire visitors to confront one of the most highly charged questions in contemporary political discourse: What is citizenship? Free for Bigs and their Littles!
Through Sunday, February 5, Worcester Art Museum
55 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609
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Danforth Art Museum - Drop into Art
Begin your visit exploring works of art through hands-on activities with the teen and Adult Docents in the Children's Gallery and other exhibits. Next, visit the studios to create art of your own inspired by what you saw in the galleries. Different projects are offered each month in a variety of media, such as paint, charcoal, collage, and found objects.
Perfect for all ages. FREE for children and their accompanying adults.
Please register in the Museum Lobby on the day of the program. Click
here for more information.
First Sunday of Every Month, 2 PM to 4 PM, Danforth Art Museum
123 Union Ave, Framingham, MA 01702
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KAHBAHBLOOOM: The Art and Storytelling of Ed Emberley
The first comprehensive retrospective for artist Ed Emberley, among the most prolific and respected illustrators of children's literature of the last 60 years. The exhibition draws on the Massachusetts-based artist's personal archive of original hand-drawn sketches, woodblock prints, final proofs, and first edition books. KAHBAHBLOOOM will include interactive areas throughout the exhibition.
Opening Wednesday, November 16 through September 2017, Worcester Art Museum
55 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609
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Canal District Farmers Market
A stalk of corn waiting for harvest started as a seed; our community's the same. We're planting the seed of brighter tomorrows today. The Canal District Farmers' Market gives Massachusetts food vendors and farmers a place to come together and celebrate good, hard, honest work - the work done by the hands of our neighbors. Come out, support local businesses and help us grow this local food movement!
Saturdays through December 30, 9 AM - 12 PM, Crompton Collective
138 Green Street, Worcester, MA 01604
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EcoTarium Fun: Turtle Travels!
Turtles take amazing journeys and they need your help along the way. Have you ever spied a Swiss Army Turtle? Or tracked a turtle with radio telemetry? Wander through a life-size board game and see firsthand what it's like to travel through a turtles terrain. This fun-filled, interactive exhibit provides a turtles eye-view of life in the slow lane.
Tuesdays-Sundays, 10 AM - 5 PM, EcoTarium
222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA 01604
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Volunteer Day at Broad Meadow Brook
Help care for the sanctuary and enjoy a few hours of fresh air, fun and fulfillment. Put up signs and markers, look for wildlife tracks, pick up branches, fill bird feeders, tend the gardens, and distribute program information. Ability to work without supervision required; carpentry skills welcome; nature lovers appreciated.
Wednesdays, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM at Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Avenue, Worcester, MA 01604
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