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Pittsfield NH News

September 3, 2008


 

Celebrating Birthdays are: September 3, Norman Gagnon, Jacob Gray; September 4, Abigail Mousseau; Sylvia Wallace, Nathan Kennedy; September 5, Tonia Snedeker, Angie Spradling; September 7, Arthur Harnden, Jr., Shane Boudreau; September 9, Todd Drew, Dennis W. Chagnon, Ashley Stearns.


A Very Happy Birthday  to one and all.
 



Celebrating Anniversaries are: September 3, Tom and Ruth Huckins; September 7, John and Leha Varney.
Best Wishes.
 



Andrew William Bartrum-Follansbee of Alton has been accepted to the Fall session at Seacoast Career School in Sanford, ME. Andrew will be studying to be a Professional Medical Assistant. Andrew who is the son of Leslie (Boudreau) Canney of Alton and the late Wayne Bartrum of Pittsfield attended Pittsfield schools, and graduated from JobCorp in Westover, Mass. After graduation, Andrew hopes to specialize in the field of Occupational Health.
 



Lionel and Kerianne (Hast) St. Laurent are parents of their first child and daughter, Jocelyn Rose, born on July 23, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Nashua. Sharing grandparents honors are Fred and Elizabeth Hast of Pittsfield and Henri and Rose St. Laurent of Londonderry.
 


 

New Toy Store To Open In Pittsfield!

Owners James and Michelle Trovato, have been working hard this summer renovating the building on the corner of Depot and Carroll Street. The corner now has a bright and pleasing appearance to people, as they are entering downtown Pittsfield.


We are very excited to announce the newly renovated space will be a toy stored named The Toy Box and Kids’ Korner. The store will carry value priced products such as toys, games and puzzles for all ages. We will also carry balloons, kites, party supplies, baby items, and greeting cards.


We hope to have our store open by mid-September. Please look for our grand-opening ad in The Suncook Sun. Hope to see you there!

 


 

Cub Scout Pack #84

Cub Scout Pack 84 of Pittsfield would like to thank the Pittsfield Rotary for a great balloon rally. We would also like to thank all those who graciously volunteered to get dunked and were great sports about it. The weather wasn’t that great, but we still had a great time and the people from town came to do some “dunkin” to their “favorite” people.


Scouts is a great program for boys. If you have a son or know of a boy who is 6 years old and up who would like to join we will be having sign-ups at the Elementary school on September 3. Look for our signs and come and join.

 


 

Officer Clint Cassavaugh Joins the Pittsfield Police Department

 

Officer Clint Cassavaugh has joined the ranks as a full-time police officer at the Pittsfield Police Department. Cassavaugh joined the Pittsfield Police Department because he likes the small town atmosphere of Pittsfield where “everybody knows one another.”


 Cassavaugh is married and has two children. The Pittsfield Police Department is proud to have Officer Cassavaugh as a police officer.

 


 

Letter To The Editor

Where does a resignation and the concerned efforts of the governing body equal the immediate down fall of a town and the immediate increase in our taxes?


According to a select few, who refuse to let go of the idea of the Town Manager form of government, it must be here in Pittsfield.


Wake up Pittsfield, our governing body is doing a good job. Yes, it was unfortunate that the soon former Town Administrator chose to turn in his resignation, but that was his choice.


But the good news is that our Select Board has done their job and already has a new Town Administrator who will be stepping up to the plate by the end of September. Not only that,  he is some one who knows our town because he was the person a former board used to fill this slot until the now outgoing administrator could come on board. So he knows what to expect! He already has a working relationship with our department heads and their crews.


And let’s remember we have voted down the Town Manager four or is it five times?
If the people who feel so strongly about our current board think about it, maybe they could come up with the dollar in March to run for one of the three open seats. Then they too can realize it takes more than angry words to do the job.


Paul Penney
Pittsfield, NH

 


 

WiFi Coming To Pittsfield

This Update Is From Your Economic
Development Committee (EDC)


What is WiFi? WiFi is a wireless connection to the internet (the signal travels through the air). Who can use it? Anyone who has a laptop computer that is setup to receive a wireless signal. What area is this available in? For now it’s going to be available on Main Street from the Library, out towards Dustin Park and the Masonic Building (the Masons are helping out on this by letting us use the bell tower for placement of a signal antenna). The total area covered has not yet been tested. Also the area can be enlarged by adding more antennas.


Why do we want to have WiFi? The idea for the WiFi location is to bring traveling business people and others into the downtown area.


Hopefully they will stop and shop for other things from local merchants. We will have WiFi signs out on Rte. 28. This is not for people to use as an unlimited source of free internet connections, but for travelers and business people to help bring them to the downtown area.


If we find this being abused we can put limiting restriction on the WiFi. How is this being paid for? With help from Matt Monaham at CNHRPC we were able to find a state matching grant, $4500 from the state and $4500 from the EDC. This would pay for the installation of equipment and web page. The day to day operations we hope to pay for by businesses taking out ads on our start up page. This is one of many ideas to help pull into the downtown, more people and more business.


The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will follow very soon. If you would like to see what the EDC is working on now check with town hall for dates and times.


All are welcome to our meetings. Thanks and watch for more updates.
Ed Vien,
Chair EDC

 


 

School Lunch Menus
Sept. 8th-12th
 

PMHS
Monday - Mac & cheese, hot dogs/roll, veggies, fruit, milk.
Tuesday - Chicken, veggies, fruit, milk.
Wednesday - Shepherd’s pie, potato, bread, milk, baked dessert.
Thursday - Sloppy Joes, roll, veggies, fruit, milk.
Friday - Grilled cheese, tomato soup, fruit, milk.
 

PES
Monday - Taco salad, tortilla chips, lettuce/tomato, salsa, milk.
Tuesday - Popcorn chicken, veggie, fruit, milk.
Wednesday - Burgers, veggie, fruit, milk.
Thursday - Spaghetti with tomato sauce, salad, fruit, milk.
Friday - Fun fish, veggie, fruit, milk.


Chichester
Monday - Chicken nuggets, baked fries, carrots with dip, pears, milk.
Tuesday - Fish sticks with tartar sauce, mashed potatoes, peas, pineapple, milk.
Wednesday - Spaghetti with meatsauce, green beans, garlic bread, fruit cocktail, milk.
Thursday - Shepherd’s pie, celery & cucumber sticks, chocolate cake, milk.
Friday - Sloppy Joes, chips, veggie, peaches, milk.

 


 

Pittsfield Circle of Home & Family Raffle Winners

The Pittsfield Circle of Home and Family group would like to thank everyone who purchased tickets for the Balloon Quilt Raffle. The raffle is our only fund raiser for the entire year. We appreciate everyone’s support and generosity.


The winners of the raffle were:
Hot Air Balloon Quilt -  Stephen Fife, Pittsfield; Hand Woven Basket -  Michelle Parker, Pittsfield; Quilted Pillow - Jean Jelley, Pittsfield; Knitted Baby Afghan - Bev Moore, Pittsfield; Quilted Wall Hanging - Bob Ferguson, Belmont; Crocheted Afghan - Kelsey Coffey, Chichester; Quilted Pot Holders - Lynn Lamy, Pittsfield; 4 Piece Annalee Doll Set - Brad Friedman, NYC; 3 Piece Set Beanie Buddies - Sandra Adams, Barnstead; Maple Syrup and Honey Gift Set - Junie Boyd, Pittsfield; Knitted Slippers - Catherine Tuttle, Barnstead; and Balloon T-Shirt - Ruth Kimball, Epsom.
Anyone interested in joining or learning more about the Circle of Home and Family Group, please contact Andi Riel at 435-6346.

 


 

Concord, Music, Open Sing

The Suncook Valley Chorale will begin its 27th fall season with two non audition, open sings for new and current members on Monday, September 8th, and Monday, September 15th, 7 PM, at the Pleasant View Retirement Center Auditorium, 227 Pleasant Street in Concord.


If you love to sing, come and join us in singing well known pieces by Handel, Bach, Mozart, as well as popular non-holiday winter songs. Call 774-3751 or 774-1919 for additional information.

 


 

Canney-Boudreau

Mr. and Mrs. James Canney


Leslie Jean Boudreau and Jerry James Canney were joined in marriage at the Great Island Commons in New Castle on June 28, 2008, by William A. Boudreau, Esquire, Justice of the Peace and father of the bride. The bride was given away by her three sons, Andrew, CJ and Dustin Follansbee. A reception followed with 60 guests in attendance.


Maid of honor was Christina Austin of Pittsfield, lifelong friend of the bride. Bridesmaids were Jean Williams of Pittsfield, friend of the bride; Carole Otash of Farmington, sister of the bride; and Tiffani Rowell of Farmington, niece of the bride.


Best man was Gordon Westgate of Penacook, friend of the groom. Ushers were Ronald Rowell of Loudon, brother-in-law of the bride; Wayne Otash of Farmington, brother-in-law of the bride and Aaron Rowell of Farmington, nephew of the bride. Ring bearer was Joseph Boudreau of Barnstead, nephew of the bride.


The bride is the daughter of William and Sandra Boudreau of Pittsfield. She graduated from Pittsfield schools and Northeast Career School Medical Assistant Program. She is currently an Instructor for Drug and Alcohol Testing.


The groom is the son of Mervale and Sheila Canney of Farmington. He attended Rochester schools and is currently employed as a foreman with Asplundh Tree Company.


The couple traveled to Colebrook for their honeymoon.


They reside in Alton.


The dresses for the wedding party were made by Sandra Boudreau, Mother of the Bride.

 


 

Mountain Bike Group I


by Kyle Clark
Fourteen riders gathered at the Pittsfield Community Center on Wednesday, August 20, 2008. The air was crisp and cool, perfect weather for riding. Glenn’s wife, Colleen, decided to give the Wednesday Night rides a try.


We headed out of town via 28-A, a new road that runs through The Governor Psznoswsky Mansion on Watson St. The Governor thought we were there to help stack cordwood, but unfortunately that wasn’t our mission. We then took a trail off of Cameron Dr. that took us up to Old Colony Rd. From there we took a side trail over to Taylor Clark’s where Bob Foster met us. We continued our way up Old Colony where no one dared ride through the bottomless pits we called mud holes. The end of the road was quite washed out and rocky. Colleen managed to go over her handlebars, a little trick she must have learned from her husband. We then made our way to Range Rd. where Jim fell over for the 28th time of the night and managed to knock over a few other riders. We all flew down Range Rd., including Rosemary James, who left the group in a heaping dust storm. We finished out our 11 mile ride by heading back to town via Shaw Rd. After that we enjoyed quite the feast and conversation at The Clarks. Check out the group photo album website


This coming Wednesday, September 3, 2008, we will be biking at Bear Brook State Park. Plans are to take Sentinel Pine to Cascade to Bear Brook Trail. We will then hook onto Pitch Pine and take the new trail behind the sandpit. There will be plenty of bail out points, so all are encouraged to join. We will meet at Hayes Field at 5:40. Carpoolers from Pittsfield can meet at the community center at 5:20. Any questions email [email protected] or call 848-7822.

 


 

Letter To The Editor

Concerning The Suncook Sun Letter from Susan Willoughby dated August 27th. Susan would like you to believe that due to the resignation of our Town Administrator Leon Kenison, we should, as a town, hire a Town Manager.


Stop beating a dead horse. Look around you, the taxpayers are not going to vote an increase in the Town Hall’s budget for a Town Manager.


You and your gang are done coming up with more ordinances and more restrictive zoning. You are also done raising our tax rates.


A new day is dawning, that includes less restrictive zoning, and no new tax increases, for the taxpayers of Pittsfield. You have lost your grip. I know you will try to sabotage this plan by writing lies based on rumor.


If you think you can do a better job, why don’t you run for Selectman or Planning Board, but remember, a new day is dawning.


Dan Schroth
Pittsfield, NH

 


 

Susan C. Auger and Jeffrey W. Fellows exchanged marriage vows on June 14, 2008. Keagen, son of the bride and groom, was the ring bearer for his mom and dad’s double ring ceremony. Their celebration of love was shared with family and friends. The family resides in Manchester, NH.
 


 

Letter

Hats Off To Our Elected And Appointed Officials

With this being a national election year with the mandatory lowering of the price of gas at the pump, I am reminded of our locally elected officials. Our Pittsfield officials, unlike the ones at the national conventions, have to actually work to make a living. We have so many in our community who have made significant contributions especially in the capacity of our town Selectmen.


One person who comes to mind is our Selectman, Larry Konopka. Larry’s contributions, like so many others, have significantly added to the betterment of our community. As Chairman of the Pittsfield Board of Selectmen, Larry is or has served as the Deputy Building Inspector, Deputy Welfare Director, and Deputy Code Enforcement. His service includes town liaison to the Police Department and Fire Department.


Larry is constantly helping local citizens with issues. A few winters back, I personally had an issue with a parking problem by my Pittsfield home. After a quick phone call and a short letter to Larry, the issue was quickly resolved. Unlike my experience with those Washington people, our locals, like Larry, actually listen to our concerns and get back to us if and when resolutions can take place.


I know there are many of us in our Pittsfield town community who have had positive experiences with our town officials. I would look forward to see comments here in our local paper from others concerning these dedicated people.


Tom Adamson
Pittsfield citizen

 


 

Letter To The Editor

I’m not “Disappointed in Pittsfield” as some people and I am very proud of the fine work our Selectmen are doing. My Mother always told me if I didn’t have anything good to say then keep quiet. She was right then and now. Some people haven’t been as lucky in mothers as I have. I have enjoyed opening the paper without seeing negative articles about Pittsfield, but here we go again. I do not believe for a second that hiring a Town Manager would save any money for taxpayers. I would like to know how trying to keep expenses as low as possible for the taxpayers translates to “micromanaging.” Most taxpayers would agree to the selectmen doing whatever it takes to keep expenses down. I think it’s safe to say that more of us wisely manage what we get and how we spend it.


I believe our selectmen are doing the same thing. I’m proud of our selectmen and the job they are doing. I’m glad they have the courage and dedication to take on the tremendous job of leading Pittsfield into the future. I want to say thank you to the selectmen for their hard work. If you don’t have anything nice to say, then please be quiet and let the people who are willing to make the tough choices do their jobs.
Colleen Laro
Pittsfield, NH

 


 

Town of Pittsfield Board of Selectmen

The Town of Pittsfield Board of Selectmen Chairman, Larry Konopka, wishes to announce that the Selectmen have appointed Paul J. Skowron to the position of Town Administrator for the Town of Pittsfield effective September 28, 2008.  Mr. Skowron will succeed Leon S. Kenison, who has recently resigned from the position.


Mr. Skowron has been serving as the part time Town Administrator for the town of Middleton since his retirement from the town of Wolfeboro, where he had served as Town Manager from 1993 to 2006.  He had also recently served as the part time Town Administrator for the town of Barnstead.  Prior to being the Town Manager for the town of Wolfeboro, Mr. Skowron served in similar municipal management positions in Connecticut and Rhode Island.


Mr. Skowron, has had previous experience in the town of Pittsfield as a result of an assignment by the governmental consulting firm, Municipal Resources, Inc., serving as the Town Administrator in Pittsfield from the fall of 2006 through July 2007, following the departure of the then Town Administrator, Jeremy Lamson.

 


 

Letter To The Editor

Dear Pittsfield Readers;
The resignation on the Town Administrator, Mr. Leon Kenison is going to leave mighty big shoes to be filled.  In the short time I have been here, I have only seen three (if you count the temporary one before Mr. Kenison was hired.  However, in all the places I have live in, I have to say that his outlook for our town was on the positive side. After all, he was the one to put the button on the door to the Town Hall.  This small act meant a lot to people that had problems going inside Town Hall to do business or sit on a meeting, etc.  To most of you, the button is a “lazy way to open a door” but to those of us that have problems pulling open a heavy door, it means a lot.  One other change he did for the positive of the town was to change the stop sign at Carroll and Main St.  It makes more sense the way it is now.

 

As to the comments of Ms. Willoughby pertaining to the fact of moving forward for a Town Manager style of governing, I have to disagree with her, just as I disagreed last year.  Pittsfield is not ready for a Town Manager at this time.  Maybe in the future, but not right now and not on the heels of Mr. Kenison’s leaving, lest we make a sudden move that is not carefully thought out but in the heat of the situation.

 

Leon, THANK YOU for all you have done for the Town of Pittsfield.  You WILL be missed.


Merrill Vaughan
Pittsfield

 


 

New Hampshire Prostate Cancer Coalition

Prostate Cancer Rally

 

A Prostate Cancer Awareness Rally will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 9-11 A.M. on the State House steps in Concord, sponsored by the NH Prostate Cancer Coalition.
Prostate Cancer is the greatest cancer killer of New Hampshire men over 50, reports Robert Dedrick of Nashua, Rally chair. Some 1,200 New Hampshire men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year and another 140 will die from it says the American Cancer Society. More New Hampshire men will get prostate cancer this year than women will get breast cancer.


Featured at the Rally will be repeated demonstrations of the da Vinci robot by leading urologist Dr. John Heaney of Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. Prostate cancer survivors and Coalition directors will be available to answer questions and provide information. Prostate cancer pamphlets from several national organizations will be distributed.


Well known women speakers will urge New Hampshire women to persuade the men in their life to visit their doctor and discuss getting screened for prostate cancer.
Gov. John Lynch has proclaimed September to be Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in New Hampshire.

 


          

American Legion Peterson-Cram Post 75

The men and women of The American Legion Peterson-Cram Post 75 would like to urge everyone to vote on September 9 for our Primary Election.  Let us not forget that voting is one of our precious benefits that have been protected by our men and women in uniform both in war and in peace.


Still serving proudly, Men and women of our community, veterans in their own right, some serving in war zones at this time.


The American Legion Peterson-Cram Post 75, 3 Loudon Rd., Pittsfield, NH 03263 meets the first Monday of each month at 7:30 P.M.

 


 

Letter to the Editor

Dear Pittsfield Citizen,
In recognizing the rumors taking place in the media and throughout town, I believe it is time to touch base with you. Although some details cannot and others should not be openly shared, please be assured that members of the Board of Selectmen continue to make great strides toward some well needed improvements of town operations. As I’m sure you understand, oftentimes with change comes resistance. However, our goal is to ensure the utmost efficiency as stewards of your tax dollars. Having said this, I personally beseech your continued confidence and support as I press on in carrying out my commitment to impartially protect the interests of the citizens of Pittsfield. “Let me not, I pray you, show partiality to anyone; Nor let me flatter any man” (Job 32:21). In the meantime, I would urge you to call or visit a Board meeting (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Town Hall) with your questions, concerns or doubts.
Your servant,
Linda Small

 


 

Pittsfield Went “South Of The Border” Old Home Day 2008

Our Mexican Fiesta for Old Home Day was a great success.  The weather did not cooperate for ALL of the events, but we made the best of it!  The Movie Night, “E.T”, was cancelled, but the Parks and Recreation Commission plan to show the movie at a later date.  “Wicked Songs by Wicked People”, the Pittsfield Players’ Encore 2008! Presentation was a great start to the festivities for Old Home Day.


Saturday morning started with a delicious breakfast at the Park Street Baptist Church. Dustin Park was bustling with activity all morning.  Many THANKS to Tammy Colby for organizing the craft fair each year. We appreciate all your hard work in doing so!  The free craft table was a hit again this year. THANK YOU to Michele Karwocki, Lisa Fries, Carol Grainger, Sheila Fries and Paula Beliveau for helping at the craft table. A huge THANK YOU to Gary Gadoury for providing music and announcements all morning.  The Jump Tent, the Pinata game (thanks to PYW), and Face Painting were all fun events for kids of all ages.


Main Street was blocked off (Thank you to all the local businesses on Main St. for your cooperation) and the Concord Coach Square Dancers strutted their stuff.  A magic show and balloon characters for everyone was done by JuJuBee the Clown.


The annual cookoff was a Salsa Cookoff this year.  Many THANKS to the seven wonderful cooks that participated. The winners, by popular vote, were: 1st- “Captain America” (Salsa #5), 2nd – Kellie Woodside (Salsa #1) and 3rd- Shelby Paradise (Salsa #2).  A very special THANK YOU to the Victory Workers 4-H Club for organizing and manning the booth.


Pastor, Roy Menefee gave the invocation before the parade.  A special Thank you to Ms. Stephanie Joyce who performed a few songs prior to the parade and also sang the Star Spangled Banner.


Congratulations to Richard and Lois Foss on being named Citizen of the Year. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our community.


Thanks to Dick Patten for providing announcing duties for the parade again this year. We truly appreciate you coming back to our town to join in the Old Home Day Celebration. We would also like to THANK Granite Image for providing all the posters and program printing for the day.  Thank you to The Suncook Valley Sun for printing all of our articles, ads and the day’s schedule.


THANK YOU to all that participated in the parade.  YOU are the ones that make the parade great!  The OHD Committee would like to thank Judy and Ray Webber for designing, constructing and decorating our parade entry and thanks to Steven Miner for hauling the float.  Thank you to Peter Osborne for the use of the flatbed trailers for the parade.


Parade Winners:
Floats: Division I:  1st – Pittsfield Players, 2nd – Blue Star Mothers, 3rd – YMCA KydStop.


Division II:  1st – Women of Rotary, 2nd – Victory Workers 4-H Club, 3rd – Girl Scouts


Division III:  1st – 59th NH Ranger Brigade, 2nd – Cub Scouts Pack 84, 3rd – Forrest B. Argue Rec. Area, HM- Linda Freese and Company.


Vehicles: Best Pre War – John Hodgdon, Best Post War – Zach Thoroughgood, Best Truck – Carroll Hodgdon, and Best Street Rod – Ray Meserve


Once again, the weather forced a change in plans, the Dinner was moved to the Community Center and a delicious meal was enjoyed by all. A huge THANK YOU to the Pittsfield Fire Department and ALL that helped sponsor the Chili – Pulled Pork – Cornbread Fiesta. Chips and salsa were provided by Margaritas Restaurant of Concord. Thanks to “Chase Café” (aka Rick and Beth Chase) for the delicious “virgin” margaritas!  Wonderful Latin music by Jose Lezcano and Jennifer Yeaton-Parris from the Concord Music School was performed during dinner and really added to the ambiance!  A thrilling hot pepper eating contest was held with Rick Chase being crowned as the winner.


After dinner, everyone moved to Drake Field to listen to the music of Route  ’56.  As dusk fell, the Spectacular Fireworks show started. The weather made it a bit difficult to see the finale from Drake Field but we heard that from other parts of town it was a SPECTACULAR sight! Thank you to ALL that made the show possible.

 

The Old Home Day committee would like to thank the Pittsfield Police, Fire and Highway Departments and the many extra volunteers that helped at any of the events.

 

We hope you enjoyed the day!  Please feel free to call Andi Riel at 435-6346 or Louie Houle at 435-6938 if you have any suggestions, comments or would like to volunteer next year!

 


Obituaries


 

Patricia Joan DePriest

Patricia DePriest, 78, died on August 25, 2008, at the Merrimack County Nursing Home after a long illness.


She was born November 29, 1930, in Penacook, NH, the daughter of James and Alice Hayes. She attended and graduated from Penacook High School and was a life long resident of the Penacook area.


Pat worked for Blue Cross-Blue Shield of New Hampshire for 26 years and later retired from the New Hampshire Department of Labor after many years of service.


During her lifetime, she was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. She was also a devoted member of the American Legion and VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She loved sports and was an avid Boston Celtics fan who would frequently make more moves from her seat in front of the TV than the players did on the court.


She is survived by her sister, Francis Dunbar of Boscawen; her daughter, Maureen Welcome-Smith and her husband, Alan Smith of Concord; her son, Don Chase and his wife, Donna Swain of Pittsfield; grandchildren, Sean Chase of Florida, Shelby Meade of Winston Salem, NC, Cherie Anderson of Boscawen, Jennifer Welcome of Penacook, Marshall Welcome of Boscawen; along with 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.


She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 20 years, William M. DePriest of Penacook, as well as her sister, Alice Messier, also of Penacook.


Funeral services were held Saturday, August 30, 2008, at the Wendell Butt Funeral Home in Penacook.


Burial followed in Penacook.


The family has expressed  that flowers will be accepted, however, in lieu of  flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Secure Care Unit at the Merrimack County Nursing Home, DW Highway, Boscawen, NH, 03303.

 


 
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