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HELP US REACH OUR GOAL
$1,550 to go!
Thanks to a generous donor when you donate to Thames River Heritage Park Foundation your donation is doubled through a $10,000 fund they established. So, when you donate $50, $100 will be added to the annual campaign total. If you donate $100, it becomes $200. $8,450 has been raised to date. Please donate to help maximize the $10,000 matching gift.
Additionally, with a minimum individual donation of $35, you become a member of Thames River Heritage Park. See THRP Membership for benefits of membership levels and benefits.
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Bound for Desolation:
New London "Whalers" and Isles of the Southern Ocean
WED, APR 3 | 6PM-8PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Although citizens refer to New London, with pride, as “The Whaling City,” in fact much of its 19th century whaling business was that of “elephanting” or harvesting oil from the massive elephant seals that inhabit the islands of the Southern Ocean. This often forgotten or glossed over business can appear less adventurous, dangerous, profitable or widespread as whaling, but take a deeper look. Come join us to explore the oil business – including those of local firms which brought large fortunes home to New London. Deborah Donovan has a strong background in history and the business and cultural heritage of New London and Southeastern Connecticut. You will not want to miss this storied presentation!
Tickets include a 6PM reception with wine and hors d'oeuvres followed by the 7PM lecture. Grab your friends and family for this evening of fellowship and engaging conversation!
Island Affairs of the Thames is made possible thanks to grants from CT Humanities and Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.
RSVP & MORE INFO
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Annual Spring Clean Up
Friends of Fort Trumbull
SAT, APR 6 | 9AM-2PM
Fort Trumbull State Park, New London
With the arrival of spring, the Friends of Fort Trumbull are looking for volunteers for their annual clean-up event. The park will open Memorial Day weekend and any kind of help is welcomed. Donate your time with a mixed group of volunteers including USCG cadets and park staff. Snacks and tools will be provided. All you need to do is show up in your work clothes. No pre-registration is required for this rain or shine gathering!
MORE INFO
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The Crossing
Annual Juried Show
Drop-Off: APR 25-26 | 12PM-7PM
Hygienic Art Gallery, New London
All artists and mediums welcome! This is an opportunity for new artists from across other bridges and geographical barriers to get involved with Hygienic Art and downtown New London. Artists can submit up to 3 works for consideration and all accepted artworks are eligible for cash prizes. Opening reception for selected artists will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024. More information regarding dimensions, drop-off and submission details can be found on the HYG website.
MORE INFO
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Coastal Perspective Lecture Series
Shadows in the Water
TUES, APR 2 | 7:30PM
Avery Point Campus, Groton
To unravel the complex history of humans and sharks, Michaela J. Thompson, examines a series of case studies in the U.S. and South Africa, nested within a larger narrative about the evolving human attitudes and responses to sharks that continue to this day. In doing so, it touches upon issues of knowledge production, contestation and collaboration between stakeholder groups, cultural narratives regarding
man-eating animals, and human perceptions of the ocean.
MORE INFO / FREE ADMISSION
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Student Led Performances
Disney's Finding Nemo KIDS
THU, APR 4 | 7PM
FRI, APR 5 | 7PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Two captivating performances will be led by Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School students. This high-energy 60-minute musical, designed for elementary school-aged performers, is a musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo. The grade 4/5 cast and crew includes 60+ students led by a dedicated support staff.
MORE INFO / FREE ADMISSION
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April Break Kick-Off
Family Game Night
FRI, APR 5 | 6-8PM
City Municipal Building, Groton
Join the Parks & Recreation crew at the City Municipal Building Auditorium for some good family fun! Enjoy playing Corn Hole, Giant Jenga, Giant Tic Tac Toe, Giant Connect 4, Apples to Apples, Giant Memory, Farkle and more. Popcorn and drinks will be provided complimentary. This is a FREE Family Night but pre-registration is required by Tuesday, April 2nd. Play, punch your card and enter to win prizes. All families are welcome!
REGISTER TODAY/ FREE ADMISSION
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Weeding 101
Tame Your Garden
SAT, APR 6 | 1PM
Bill Memorial Library, Groton
Weeds got you down? Master Gardener Patricia Mandell will share tips to help you tame your overgrown garden or yard during this in-person program. Topics include how to identify weeds, the difference between weeds and invasive plants, how to control weeds without pesticides and more. Registration is free, but program size is limited. Please call the library to register and for questions.
RSVP / MORE INFO
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Hygienic Health & Wellness
Community Yoga
SUN, APR 7, 14, 21, 28 | 9AM
Hygienic Art, New London
Join Kim Abraham from The Yoga School at the Kitchen Gallery every Sunday for Hygienic Art's Health and Wellness Community Yoga. All levels are welcome. Sponsored by YaleNewHavenHealth Lawrence+Memorial Hospital.
"It is my yoga practice, found in a period of chaos, that keeps me healthy and strong." Kim Abraham, The Guardian 11/4/16
ADMISSION - FREE
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Humorist & Best Selling Author
David Sedaris
WED, APR 3 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
One of America’s pre-eminent humor writers, Davis Sedaris does it all. He is a master of satire and one of today’s most observant writers. Beloved for his personal essays and short stories, his pieces regularly appear in The New Yorker. There are over 16 million copies of his books in print and his award list goes on for miles. Be prepared for on-stage storytelling and audience interactions!
BUY TICKETS
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First Thursday
Scenic Watercolors
THU, APR 4 | 5PM-8PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Grab your friends and join LAAM for evening hours and drop-in artmaking on the first Thursday of every month! Enjoy discounted admission while exploring the galleries and getting creative. Each activity is inspired by a different exhibition, theme, or artwork. Art supplies are provided. No registration is required. Stop by our art table for 5 minutes or two hours and make something to bring home!
MORE INFO
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Month of the Military Child
Family Day | Submarine Birthday
SAT, APR 6 | 10AM-2PM
Submarine Force Museum, Groton
April is the Month of the Military Child and Birthday of the Submarine! Visit the Museum and NAUTILUS to enjoy an array of guest vendors and family-friendly tabletop activities available for all ages.
Submarine Force and Nautilus Museums will be closed for annual spring maintenance from April 15 through April 26.
MORE INFO
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Free First Saturday
Tiffany Dragonflies
SAT, APR 6 | 11AM-1PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Make a dragonfly work of art inspired by our Tiffany Lamp. Visit with special guests from Bee Me Up Apiary and Wild Ones Mountain Laurel to learn about bees, bugs, and our local ecology. Explore the Museum and enjoy ongoing exhibits. Walk-ins for the art project are welcome as capacity allows. Sponsored by Chelsea Groton Bank.
MORE INFO
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Monthly Gallery Talk
Norma Morgan in Context
SAT, APR 6 | 2PM-4PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Join LAAM for a special gallery talk with curators Kerry Davis and Donnell Walker to explore Norma Morgan in Context. Davis and Walker, both art collectors, were friends of Norma Morgan. Hear their stories about the Connecticut-born artist and explore the works they loaned to the exhibition. A reception will follow the walk around the featured gallery.
MORE INFO
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Eagles Tribute Band
Another Tequila Sunrise
SAT, APR 6 | 8PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Since 2001, this New England based tribute band has wowed audiences with sweet vocal harmonies and jangling guitars. They capture the LIVE experience of the Eagles and beyond and have been performing to sell-out crowds all over the country. Transport yourself back to a warm night in the summer of ’77, on a dark desert highway and cool wind in your hair.
MORE INFO
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Portrait of New London
Dr. Barbara Zabel
WED, APR 10 | 5:30PM-7PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Dr. Barbara Zabel will explore Beatrice Cuming’s depictions of the region during her time in New London. Artist Beatrice Cuming (American 1903-1974) celebrated modernity in her dynamic depictions of urban life in the 1930s, ‘40s, and early ‘50s. Cuming was part of the WPA Federal Art Project in the 1930s, and she received commissions from General Dynamics Electric Boat and Standard Oil in the 1940s.
Join other guests during a reception prior to the lecture.
MORE INFO
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An Evening of Improv
Whose Live Anyway?
THU, APR 11 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
The current cast members of the Emmy-nominated TV show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” have taken their live improv on tour highlighting audience participation, games and more. Prepare yourself for 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray will leave you gasping
with the very witty scenes they invent before your eyes.
MORE INFO
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A Solo Showcase
Colin Hay
FRI, APR 12 | 8PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Beloved for his intimate, confessional live shows, Colin Hay will perform alongside his band of LA based musicians playing songs from both the Grammy winning Men at Work catalog and Hay’s solo catalog. Special Guest, American alt-band Lazlo Blane, will open the evening! This concert will be filled with talented musicians across multiple genres.
MORE INFO
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Documentary Screening
Silence on the Streets
SAT, APR 13 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
Join nonprofit organization, Community Speaks Out, to explore the journey of addiction through the perspective of inner-city minorities and Native Americans. The documentary’s intent is to invite community members to have meaningful conversations and to serve as a catalyst for change in how we perceive and address addiction within marginalized communities. Following the screening there will be a Question and Answer panel including award-winning playwright Sharece Sellem-Hannah and representatives from HIDTA and Community Speaks Out.
MORE INFO / FREE ADMISSION
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Monthly Pop-Up
Farmers Market
SUN, ARP 14 | 11AM-2PM
City of Groton Municipal Building
On the second Sunday of the month from November through May, the City of Groton welcomes crafters, businesses, authors and food vendors to its indoor Farmer's Market. EBT will be accepted. The Municipal Building can be found at 295 Meridan Street in Groton.
VENDOR INFO
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Conversation and Comedy
Mandy Patinkin & Kathryn Grody
SUN, APR 14 | 3PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
He’s a star of TV, stage, and film. She’s an award-winning actress and writer. Together on social media, Mandy Patinkin & Kathryn Grody shared hilarious nuggets of their “uninterrupted togetherness,” thoughts on marriage, and 100s of other topics, entertaining millions during the COVID shutdown. Now they are hitting the road with a live in-person evening full of family stories, professional anecdotes, and
glimpses into their 40+ years of mostly marital bliss.
MORE INFO
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Foodies Unite
New London Restaurant Week
MON, APR 15 - SAT, APR 20
For 1 week only, participating restaurants offer a special menu with meals for $20.24. Perfect for foodies and locals alike. The current restaurant list includes: Mr. G’s, Jake’s Diner, Woodfellas Pizza, La Luna Ristorante, The Social Bar & Kitchen and the Blue Duck. Check MORE INFO for new restaurant additions!
MORE INFO
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Coastal Perspective Lecture Series
Spineless
TUES, APR 16 | 7:30PM
Avery Point Campus, Groton
Join Krystal Rose and Dr. James T. Carlton to learn about one of the latest exhibitions at Mystic Seaport Museum, Spineless: A Glass Menagerie of Blaschka Marine Invertebrates. The exhibit explores some of the inspiring ways that people have recorded the ocean’s mesmerizing marine invertebrates, an abundant, diverse, and ubiquitous group of sea creatures including sponges, jellyfish, sea anemones, crustaceans, mollusks (such as sea slugs and octopuses), sea squirts, and many more.
MORE INFO / FREE ADMISSION
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The Laughs Continue
Golden Girls
TUES, APR 16 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
The Golden Girls are back! Miami’s sassiest seniors have returned for one more hurrah. 2024 finds Sophia out on bail, after being busted by the DEA for running a drug ring for retirees. Blanche and Rose have founded CreakN, a thriving sex app for seniors. And Dorothy is trying to hold it all together, with help from her much younger, sex-crazed love interest. Relive the heartfelt hilarity of four ladies
who never stopped being your friends!
MORE INFO
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Friends of Fort Griswold Meeting
Lloyd Whitman Plaque Dedication
THU, APR 18 | 7PM
Virtual - Zoom
Friends of Fort Griswold meets monthly to support its mission to preserve, restore, maintain, and promote the historic value, earthworks, buildings, and grounds, known as Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in cooperation with the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. New members welcome. Email Friends of Fort Griswold to learn how to get involved!
MORE INFO
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The Ultimate Tribute
Fab Four
THU, APR 18 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
The Emmy Award Winning Fab Four is elevated far above every other Beatles Tribute due to their precise attention to detail. With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles’ classics, the Fab Four will make you think you are watching the real thing. Their incredible stage performances include three costume changes representing every era of the Beatles ever-changing career, and this loving tribute to the Beatles has amazed audiences in countries around the world.
MORE INFO
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Science Saturday
Super Subs
SAT, APR 20 | 11AM-1PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Be inspired by Beatrice Cuming’s 1944 painting of Chubb, a submarine being built at area company Electric Boat. Learn about the functions of submarines and design your own super, or silly sub. Science Saturdays are made possible by Pfizer Inc. and Groton Laboratories.
MORE INFO
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Michael Jackson Tribute
Invincible
SAT, APR 20 | 8PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
INVINCIBLE is hailed the #1 MJ tribute show in the world. They searched all over the world to find people that could sing and dance like Michael and worked closely with them to perfect the vision of a one of a kind theatrical spectacular experience. If you are a fan, you will not want to miss this one!
MORE INFO
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Around the Neighborhood Series Capt. Wes Pulver, USCG Ret.
THU, 25 | 7PM
Fort Trumbull State Park, New London
Hosted by the Friends of Fort Trumbull, the 2024 “Around the Neighborhood” program series will feature a litany of voices that bring stories of the region together. Capt. Wes Pulver, USCG Ret., Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Barque EAGLE from 2012 to 2015 and Executive Director of The National Coast Guard Museum Association since 2015, will be the first presenter. Refreshments will be served following the presentation. Come early, seating is limited. Lecture will be held in Conference Center.
ADMISSION - FREE
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The Power of Spoken Word
CT Storytelling Festival
SAT, APR 26 - SUN, APR 27
Garde Arts Center, New London
Gear up for a weekend of enchantment and enlightenment as many explore the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and unite us all. Prepare to be captivated as stories come to life through the performing arts, weaving narratives of diversity, joy, empathy, and connection. The festival will be held in several downtown locations: All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation (Jay Street), The Thames Club
(State Street), and the Public Library of New London (Huntington Street).
MORE INFO / REGISTER
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Eastern CT Symphony Orchestra
Hayden & Stravinsky Finale
SAT, APR 27 | 7:30PM
Garde Arts Center, New London
With the rise of Christianity, the phoenix became a symbol of the resurrection. In this connection, the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Chorus, led by Music Director Dr. Daniel McDavitt, will perform Joseph Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass. This is the final outing at Garde Arts Center for the ECSO 2023-2024 season!
BUY TICKETS
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Monthly Meet-Up
Open Mic Night
SUN, APR 28 | 6PM
Custom House, New London
Open Mic meets on the last Sunday of the month at the beautiful Custom House Maritime Museum. Co-hosted by Kenny "Doc" Frazier and Christina Corcoran, the monthly open mic welcomes music, poetry, prose, stand-up or just say what is on your mind. Open to all ages and abilities for fun and camaraderie!
FREE ADMISSION
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Stories from the Park
Whaling, Religion and Royalty: New London and Lahaina
WED, MAY 1 | 6PM
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
New London, the “Whaling City” was the third largest whaling port in the country during the height of whaling in the United States and for a short time, the second largest whaling port in the world. In 1850 alone, over one million dollars in whale goods passed over the docks at New London. Lahaina was one of the most significant whaling ports in the Pacific and used by New London and whalers from throughout New England for re-supplying their ships. The final lecture of this 5-part series will not disappoint. Historical lecture will be led by Stephen Manuel, Executive Director of New London County Historical Society. 6PM Reception | 7PM Lecture
BUY TICKETS
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Power Boothe Exhibit
Nothing, Then Everything
SAT, MAY 11
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
More than a dozen of Power Boothe’s large-scale abstract paintings in dialogue with his smaller canvases and works on paper, will be on display at LAAM in May. Using a grid structure as a starting point, Boothe engages color, line, shape, texture, and rhythm in his paintings, seeing each piece as a poetic event. One section focuses on the artist’s drawings, showing framed works on paper as well as sketchbooks full of vivid compositions that visitors can see firsthand.
MORE INFO
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Exhibits, Tours and Library Programs | |
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Leo Jensen
Art in Play
Through APR 14
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Recognized for his dynamic contributions to pop art, Connecticut artist Leo Jensen (American, 1926–2019) drew on his experiences growing up in the circus and the rodeo to bring the excitement and allure of that world into his art. Best known for his large-scale bronze frog sculptures on the Thread City Crossing bridge in Willimantic, Leo Jensen brought humor, nuance, and insight into his work. This exhibition is organized in conjunction with the Florence Griswold Museum.
MORE INFO
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Gallery One Collective
Through APR 20
Hygienic Art, New London
The “Inside Narrative and Storytelling” exhibition features work by accomplished Gallery One CT artists whose art takes you on visual journeys -- from environmental, to historical, to lyrical. This multi-media exhibition features paintings, printmaking, collage, watercolors, and photography and will be on display through April 20th.
LEARN MORE
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Stoimen Stoilov Redux
Through APR 20
Hygienic Art, New London
Stoimen Stoilov Redux, is curated by Johnes Ruta and Richard Harteis. Stoilov’s work has been housed at numerous galleries in the New London area, including the Slater Memorial Museum, the Norwich Arts Council, the Alva Gallery, York Square Cinema Gallery, the Hygenic Gallery, and the Branford Art Gallery among others. He has contributed to community life in New London on several important occasions and is a world-class artist.
LEARN MORE
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Student Pop-Up Exhibition
Through MAY 26
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Artwork by students from area schools will be on display in the Lehman Auditorium. A celebration of learning and artistic excellence, this exhibit showcases student talent, creativity, and critical thinking. Art enthusiasts of all ages are invited to explore artwork created by students, grades K-12, from Interdistrict School for Arts & Communications (ISAAC), Winthrop Elementary, C.B. Jennings Elementary, The Williams School, Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School, New London Arts Magnet Middle School, and New London High School. There will be a rotating schedule and multiple receptions for each school represented.
MORE INFO / NL RESIDENTS FREE
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Beatrice Cuming
Connecticut Precisionist
Through MAY 26
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London
Beatrice Cuming (1903-1974) celebrated modernity in her dynamic depictions of urban life in the 1930s, ‘40s, and early ‘50s. Painting in a Precisionist mode, she merged elements of European modernism with American subject matter to explore and elevate regional industry and the built landscape. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Beatrice Cuming studied art in New York and Paris before moving to New London in 1934. She depicted New London’s streets, docks and railroads, as well as industrial and maritime sites - subjects she described in 1937 as “obviously beautiful, powerful, dramatic, [and] exciting. They stir my imagination.”
MORE INFO / NL RESIDENTS FREE
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Visit the Park's Heritage Sites | Thames River Heritage Park Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization committed to connecting, preserving, supporting and promoting the history and heritage sites along the Thames River estuary today and for generations to come. | |
Thames River Heritage Park Institutional Partners are organizations committed to preserving and promoting our culture and history but may not have a site to welcome visitors. They are historic or cultural associations, “friends” organizations, and educational institutions. | |
- Connecticut Maritime Heritage Fest
- Connecticut Sea Grant
- Downtown New London Assoc.
- Friends of Fort Griswold
- Friends of Fort Trumbull
- Groton Bank Historical Assoc.
- Ledge Light Foundation
- National Coast Guard Museum
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- New London County Historical Society
- New London Landmarks
- New London Maritime Society
- Southeastern CT Cultural Coalition
- Southeastern CT Enterprise Region
- UCONN Avery Point Maritime Studies
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Thank you to our Sponsors and Grantors
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