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from the
Office of Community Services
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MESSAGE FROM JEFF BLUBAUGH...
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Pawnee Street crossing the Arkansas River |
Mr. Ron Becker sent me an email recently that had detailed accounting of the dedication ceremony for what is commonly known as the Pawnee Street Bridge from August 3,1962, almost 55 years ago. Mr. Becker has given us permission to share this with our residents.
Bridge Opening Honors W. C. Coleman
Ceremony Held On August 3rd
Official opening of the new W. C. Coleman Bridge, linking Greenway Blvd. on the east bank of the big Arkansas River with Pawnee Ave. on the west, took place Aug. 3, at 11:00 a.m.
The guest of honor was Mrs. W. C. Coleman. In the official party were Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Coleman, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Coleman and members of their family. The Mayor, City Manager, City Commissioners, and representatives from the project engineering and construction firms were also in attendance.
The motor-cade transporting the official party approached from the north on Greenway Blvd. to the east end of the bridge. An honor guard from McConnell Air Force Base escorted the lead car west across the bridge to the location of the dedication plaque.
Mrs. Coleman left the car by her two sons, Sheldon and Clarence to take part in the ceremony. Sheldon Coleman made a short acceptance speech on behalf of Mrs. W. C. Coleman and the family.
Following is the context of Sheldon Coleman's remarks at the dedication:
It is both an honor and privilege to accept the naming of the W. C. Coleman Bridge for my father. The bridge was named for a man because of the life he led and the example he set through nearly 60 years of active participation in all phases of community activity.
We look upon this splendid structure bridging the Arkansas River and connecting important arteries of traffic as symbolic of the progress being made by the City of Wichita. We are proud of Wichita. We believe in her future. We commend present and past City Government for the many contributions they have made to the growth of our city.
It is my purpose here today to say "thank you" simply and sincerely. Our appreciation is warm and deep. We express the appreciation of the entire Coleman family, most of whom are assembled here today for this occasion.
Particularly, we want to thank the men and women that make up the Coleman Company. Substantially over 1,000 of them petitioned the City Commission to name and dedicate this bridge to the memory of W. C. Coleman. It should be known that this was a spontaneous employee action; that while management approved, management had no part in it. The rank and file men and women of the Coleman Company, because of their love and respect for a great man, initiated the request that led to our being here today. Thank you!
Following several other speeches, Mrs. Coleman cut the ribbon, officially opening the bridge and the dedication plaque was unveiled.
All of the family and other officials then returned to their cars. With Mrs. W. C. Coleman in the lead car, the motor-cade moved west across the bridge, turned and proceeded back across the bridge to the east so that Mrs. Coleman was in the first car to cross the bridge in both directions. As her car passed by on both sides of the bridge, the crowd applauded to show both their admiration for her and the approval of the dedication.
It was a simple, yet impressive ceremony; one that will not be forgotten by those who were there. Every Coleman employee who attended felt a great pride tinged with certain sadness for his honor, the most recent of many bestowed upon our founder, Mr. William Coffin Coleman.
Thank you Mr. Becker for this great piece of history. And as Paul Harvey would say, "...now you know the rest of the story".
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FEATURED DISTRICT IV COMPANY
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VIRGINIA & GEORGE ABLAH FAMILY HEALTH CLINIC
3417 S MERIDIAN
Wichita's south side has had too few health clinics for too long. As a result, the residents of that area have had more health issues than are typical of other Wichita neighborhoods.
GraceMed has changed that reality with the opening of their 12th clinic on the grounds of the Devore South YMCA.
Thanks to the generosity of contributors to their Project Oasis capital campaign, the 15,600 square-foot Virginia & George Ablah Family Clinic was able to open its doors on April 12th. The clinic provides primary medical and dental care for thousands of uninsured and underinsured Wichitans as well as privately insured and Medicare/Medicaid patients. To know more about GraceMed resources,
Read More
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| The beautiful new GraceMed facility at 3417 S Meridian (near the South YMCA) |
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| Mayor Jeff Longwell congratulating honoree Russ Meyer at the GraceMed Open House |
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| Russ Meyer was honored for his many contributions to GraceMed's growth and success |
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| The official ribbon cutting that included those who made it all happen along with young patients |
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| Mayor Jeff Longwell and Councilman Jeff Blubaugh talk about the success of GraceMed |
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| Dave Sanford, CEO of GraceMed, is presenting a statue of the Good Samaritan to Russ Meyer |
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GraceMed serves the insured, the under-insured, and those without any insurance. To make an appointment call 316-866-2000.
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DISTRICT IV EVENTS & NEWS
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MAY 4th - GOVERNOR'S PROCLAMATION EXCHANGE!
HISTORIC DELANO CLOCK TOWER, 599 W DOUGLAS
T
he Kansas Governor's proclamation declaring 2017 the Year of the Chisholm Trail will be carried by horseback from Abilene to Caldwell along the Chisholm Trail. Various Kansas Saddle Clubs, Mounted Police Units, and Team Ropers will participate, and they will be stopping in Wichita at the Delano Clock Tower along the way. Be part of this historic "pony express" and participate on May 4th, HIGH NOON. The proclamation will then be exchanged with riders from Oklahoma who will be bringing a proclamation from their Governor.
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MAY THE FIFTH BE WITH YOU!
Cinco de Mayo (or the 5th of May) is a holiday commemorating the date of the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations. So get the tacos and tostadas ready or find your favorite Mexican restaurant on Friday, May 5th. There are plenty of great Mexican restaurants in District 4 that make authentic dishes, and it's also a great time of year to have a party at home.
Either way you go, hot or mild, don't drink and drive! Viva la Mexico!
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SENIOR SERVICES OF WICHITA, 200 S WALNUT
This valuable resource in Wichita not only has multiple senior centers that have many amenities for recreation and classes, but can also help with senior employment, senior mentors, Meals on Wheels, Roving Pantry, In-Home Respite Care, In-Home Support Services, lots of information and outreach, and more. Do you alive alone, or not knowing who to call for a particular service? Worry no more. Just pick up the phone and dial
316-267-0302.
Help is just a phone call away. And if you want to know about the proposed building expansion project that Senior Services is planning, feel free to attend the next District 4 Advisory Board meeting on May 1st, 6:30 pm, at the Alford Branch Library, 3447 S Meridian.
Read More
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REMINDER THAT MAY 13th IS THE NEXT SECOND SATURDAY
IN DELANO, DOUGLAS, AND OLD TOWN
Mark your calendar, start in Delano on Douglas Avenue and work your way east for the best shopping in all of Wichita. If you don't already have your 2nd Saturday shopping bag or wallet card, you can pick up one for $5.00 from any merchant listed
here
.
And every month thereafter on the 2nd Saturday, you can reuse the same bag or card indefinitely. Not only will you find some wonderful independently owned businesses, but great bargains as well. Happy shopping!
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Start
Neighborhood Night Out Planning Now
Wichita will celebrate Neighborhood Night Out from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 8.
Neighborhood Night Out is an annual event that promotes public safety. It combats crime by encouraging neighbors to get to know one another through neighborhood parties, picnics, cookouts and other social gatherings over one designated evening. Formerly celebrated as National Night Out and Celebrate Safe Communities, Neighborhood Night Out is in its second year. Elected officials, police officers, firefighters and other City staff will attend neighborhood parties.
To encourage participation, the City will waive park fees for groups that want to hold their gathering in a neighborhood park. While supplies last, the City also will provide barricades at no charge to groups that want to block off a portion of the street for their event. The registration form for parties is available online, as well as the form for street closures. Register by visiting www.wichita.gov:
- Click on the "Government" tab and then "Police;"
- Click on the "Forms" button and a drop down menu will appear; and
- Click the last item on the drop down menu and fill out the Neighborhood Night Out registration form.
The City is encouraging neighborhoods to start planning now. It's up to neighborhoods to decide how to celebrate. Options include holding a block party, picnic, ice cream social, cookout, and more. For more information, please contact the Wichita Police Department at (316) 268-4165.
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District IV Advisory Board and Neighborhood Associations
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The District IV Advisory Board meets the
first Monday of the month at the Lional Alford Library, 3447 S. Meridian, Wichita KS 67217. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. For a listing of the 2017 meeting schedule,
click here
To find DAB IV agendas and minutes
click here
To see a listing of the meeting schedule for District IV's neighborhood associations,
click here
District IV and the City of Wichita are looking for board members! To see what's available,
click here
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DISTRICT IV FACEBOOK PAGE
Do you ever wonder what District IV is currently up to? Click here to join the action, leave a request, or simply "like" our posts.
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DISTRICT IV SAFETY REPORTS
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IS LOCAL ROAD CONSTRUCTION MAKING YOU LOSE YOUR COOL?
At a recent meeting we learned that aggravated assaults are up by 60%. And just having a gun pointed at you (loaded or not) is an aggravated assault. So if the driver next to you, or in front of you, loses his/her cool, just stay calm and remember you have no idea who might have a loaded gun laying next to them. Even if something is not your fault, it is better to simply say sorry, or at the very least keep your eyes on the road and not on the offender. If possible, get a good description including a vehicle tag, or better yet a photo, and then call 911 to report it. But don't jeopardize your own safety by doing this. Keep telling yourself "There's no place like home. There's no place like home." Ultimately the goal is to get safely home and be with those who depend on you. Keep your cool and stay safe!
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CRIME STOPPERS OF WICHITA/SEDGWICK COUNTY INTRODUCES NEW MOBILE APP
The new software will allow submission of tips by phone, the web, and by way of the new free P3 Tips mobile app available on the iOS and Android platforms, greatly enhancing the mobile tip submission process. Still completely anonymous, tips submitted through the P3 mobile app, unlike SMS text tips, have no length limitations and allow images, video and documents to be uploaded with the tip. Anderson Software's sophisticated encryption processes obscure any and all identifying information and provides assured anonymity for tipsters.
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FRAUD ALERTS
from the OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
There are many scams and frauds going on now days, so be alert when answering your phone or responding to an email from an unknown sender. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, has all of the latest tips and reporting phone numbers if you suspect you have been a victim of a scam or some type of fraud. Be prepared and be aware! Learn more by clicking on their
link.
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Wichita Report app
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WANT TO REPORT POTHOLES OR OTHER STREET ISSUES?
THERE'S A FREE APP FOR THAT!
Or are you tired of electronics? Then contact the City of Wichita the old fashioned way. Simply pick up your phone and dial 942-4482 to get connected to the correct department/person. This number is operational from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).
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Don't be left in the
dark
If
you notice outages within
your neighborhood, fill out
Westar Energy's website
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Saturday, May 6, 2017 7:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Sedgwick County Extension Education Center
7001 W. 21st Street North, Wichita, KS 67205
Sponsored by Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers and Herb Society of South Central Kansas.
The 23rd Annual Herb Day will be held on Saturday May 6,2017 from 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in 4-H Hall at the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center at 21st Street North and Ridge Road in Wichita. You will learn about selecting, planting, maintaining, and cooking with herbs! The National Herb of the Year for 2017 is Cilantro / Coriander, which will be featured in the demonstrations and seminars.
The featured chef is Charlott Knapic of Beautiful Day Café.
In addition, seminars by members of the Herb Society, Extension Master Gardeners, and Extension Agents will cover topics relating to growing and cooking with herbs. Plant vendors from around the region will have herbs and other plants for sale.
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MAY 11th
Vote for Wichita's Best Bloody Mary
Stroll the beautiful gardens at Botanica and taste Bloody Mary's and small bites from local restaurants. Also, enjoy local beer from some of our favorite breweries in town. Help celebrate Botanica's 30th Anniversary and drop by the WOW Cakes table and sample some delicious birthday cake.
To purchase tickets, click
here.
701 Amidon St, Wichita
316-264-0448
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Is
your
home
ready
for
a
fresh
coat
of
paint?
This program provides assistance to homeowners to update and preserve their property with a fresh coat of paint. The paint is free and homeowners can choose the color of paint from a wide selection. The paint is available on a first-come, first-served basis, between April 1 and September 15, subject to funding availability. To qualify for the free paint the house must be located within the city limits of Wichita.
- Eligible household income must not exceed eighty percent (80%) of median income.
- The house must be owner-occupied, and real estate taxes must be paid current.
- The owner must apply the paint to the structure within six months of receiving it.
- Senior citizens, 62 years of age or older, may qualify for labor grants, provided they are owner-occupants and provided funding is available.
For more information or to apply for paint, call (316) 462-3713 during the paint program period.
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IT'S TIME FOR SPRING CLEANING
AND MAKING SOME EXTRA CASH!
Only two sales are allowed in a calendar year (January 1 through December 31) for a maximum of three consecutive days. A minimum of six months must have passed since your last sale.
Holding more than two sales per household in a calendar year and/or not allowing six months between sales is punishable by a maximum fine of $100 PER DAY OF VIOLATION. (City Code Chapter 3.44) (Penalty Section 3.04.110)
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Are you tired of renting? Find out how you can own a Habitat home!
Come to an information meeting and learn about owning an affordable Wichita Habitat for Humanity home. We will have a meeting on Wednesday, May 10, at 5:30 p.m. We also will have a meeting on Saturday, May 20, at 10 a.m. A meeting in Spanish also will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 20. Meetings are held at our offices at 130 E. Murdock St., between Main and Market streets.
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COMING SOON SO SAVE THE DATE!
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STEAMPUNK DAY AT OLD COWTOWN MUSEUM
MAY 27, 10 am - 5 pm
1865 W MUSEUM BLVD.
When visitors travel to the days of future past!
Encounter the spectacle of pirate comedians, live steampunk music, and performers of the steampunk variety. Gentlemen, shine your fancy facial hair for the beard and mustache contest. Ladies, now is your time to strut your wardrobe fantasies with an "anything goes" imagination. This event grows every year with more participants and fabulous attire.
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WICHITA RIVER FESTIVAL
IN THE TOP 25 FESTIVALS IN THE COUNTRY!
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Wichita Dwight D Eisenhower National Airport has a magazine just for you travelers.
Check it out!
And are you looking for a get-away?
HOT FARES can help you get there.
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DISTRICT IV STREET CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
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TO SEE THE LATEST NEWS FROM KDOT ON WICHITA PROGRAMS, CLICK ON
WICHWAY
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MERIDIAN STREET CONSTRUCTION UPDATE!
The east side of Meridian is now underway and halfway completed, but remember that Harry is still closed at Meridian for all west bound traffic. Kudos to Greg Baalman, City of Wichita, for keeping this project on course and looking forward to completion this coming summer!
Traffic Impact:
Meridian is complete on the west side, and the east side to Harry is almost completed. Hang in there everyone. The end is in sight!
PAWNEE BRIDGE OVER THE ARKANSAS RIVER
Pawnee Bridge over Arkansas River
. The existing bridge will undergo structural repairs. The project will also include bike path improvements along the west side of the Arkansas River.
Traffic Impact:
Pawnee is closed at the Arkansas River. Traffic is detoured to 31st St. at Broadway and McLean.. Northbound
McLean is reduced to one lane at Pawnee.
Estimated Completion: Summer 2017
KDOT - I-235 & Kellogg (U.S. 54) Interchange
Five Bridge replacements on I-235
:
Project will create two crossovers between Zoo Blvd. and the I-235/Meridian area.
Traffic Impact:
Southbound I-235 ramp to WB US 54 is CLOSED until late summer 2017. An official signed detour uses SB I-235 to K-42, then NB on I-235 to WB US 54 ramp.
NEW:
The West St. Entrance Ramp to EB US 54 is closed. West St. traffic from Irving to Taft is single lane each direction. Bridge widening on I-235 above Maple St. continues and traffic on Maple is reduced to one lane in each direction. Elder St. at Maple is closed for reconstruction of a short section of Elder. Bridge work at US 54 & Hoover continues and Hoover is closed under US 54. The new West St. ramp to WB US 54 is open
Contractor: Dondlinger Construction KDOT Contact: Tom Hein (660-4990 /
hein@ksdot.org
)
Estimated completion (1st phase): Late 2017
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VOLUNTEER FOR YOUR LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUPS
Starting Saturday, April 1, and going through the first Saturday of November, neighborhoods around the City of Wichita will be having their annual area cleanups on Saturday mornings. To find out if you are having one in your area, contact your local Neighborhood Association or Home Owners Association (HOA). If you are interested in volunteering at a cleanup, contact Rebecca Fields, Community Services Representative with the City of Wichita, for more information at: rfields@wichita.gov Let's keep our City looking it's best!
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TO CHECK OUT THE LATEST JOB FAIRS AND TRAINING COURSES, CLICK HERE.
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KANSASWORKS helps with job seekers, employers, training/education, and resources.
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H2O Care Fund
The City of Wichita recognizes that there are many residents who are struggling during these difficult economic times, especially during the holidays. This voluntary program provides a simple way to directly help others. Even small donations can add up and provide a way for people to maintain their water service. There are three ways to help, and you can find out how by filling out the City of Wichita H2O Care Fund Program Donation Form here.
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MORE COMMUNITY INFORMATION
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WATER CONSERVATION 2017
REBATE PROGRAM PLAN
Homeowners, renters of single-family homes, owners of multi-family rentals and owners of businesses who are City of Wichita water customers will qualify as participants. Consistent with the previous years of the program, rebates will be available to people replacing fixtures in existing buildings. Customers will continue to be limited to five rebates annually, and the program will continue until the funding is exhausted.
Qualifying HE appliance and fixtures
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April 28
April 29
April 30
National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
May 1
Law Day
May 2
National Life Insurance Day
May 3
National Textiles Day
May 4
National Star Wars Day
May 5
National Lemonade Day
May 8
May 9
National Teacher Appreciation Day
May 10
National Bike to School Day
May 11
National Take our Sons and Daughters to Work Day
May 12
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DISTRICT IV PLACES
OF INTEREST
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MORE
HELPFUL LINKS
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3447 S. Meridian
433 S. 135th St. West
1931 S. Tyler
2625 S Tyler
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City Council Agendas, Minutes and streaming video
link
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Click
here to find up-to-date information
regarding street maintenance and street sweepers in your area.
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Stay up-to-date on City events, announcements and headlines by reading our daily News Releases
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Online Reporting for
Animal Control Problems
Wichita Animal Control has launched an online form to report non-emergency animal control problems as part of an ongoing effort to improve services. The form can be accessed here.
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F
ind out about Park and Recreation WINTER Classes by clicking here!
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I
CT SOS is a project-based human trafficking organization that acts as a liaison between specific local professional groups who work with trafficked youth and the Wichita volunteers who seek ways to be involved in finding solutions to fight sex trafficking. You can help in so many ways. For additional information, read more.
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City of Wichita, Office of Community Services | 316-268-4197 |
City Hall, 455 N Main St.
Wichita, KS 67202
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