The Stanley Report
Lexington, Volume 6, No. 7July 2011
In This Issue
News from Beacon Hill
Lexington Corner
Upcoming Events

Tom Picture

Rep. Thomas M. Stanley
9th Middlesex District 
 
Find me on Facebook
  
Judiciary Hearing
  
Rep. Stanley speaking at Judiciary Committee hearing on behalf of his underage drinking legislation.
  
Jud Hearing
  

Chief Justice Mulligan of the Administrative Office of the Trial Court and Rep. Tom Stanley preparing to testify in a public hearing before the Judiciary Committee.

 

Trophy
  
The Stanley Cup! 
    
Bruins Banner1
  

State House celebrates the Bruins

  

Bruins1
  
Congratulations Bruins!

 

Cape Cod baseball

 

Cape Cod Baseball League

 

baseball
  
 Batter up!
  
Dennis, MA
  
Sesuit Harbor, Dennis, MA
  
York Harbor
  
York, ME
  
Bass River
  
Bass River
  
Ptown
  
Boats in Provincetown
  
Lake George3
  
Red and Orange
  
revere1
  
Sand Castles
  
Cahoons Hallow
  
Cahoon's Hallow Beach
   
John Adams Court House   

 

John Adams Court House
  
Tomatoes  
  

Cherry tomatoes

  

Farm2

  

Farmer's Market

 

Sunflowers

  

 Sunflowers

 

 Canobie 

 

 Canobie Lake Park 

 

 

Chamber3 

 

House Chamber

   

Great Hall2009 

 

Great Hall

   
State House Tour
  
If you'd like to arrange a State House tour, please call (617) 727-3676.
  
Rep. Stanley Reads1 
  
If you'd like Rep. Stanley to visit your classroom, call
(617) 722-2310

Contact Information:

 

State Representative

Thomas M. Stanley

State House, Room 167

Boston, MA 02133

(617) 722-2810

 [email protected]

Dear Friend, 


It is my pleasure to deliver July's edition of The Stanley Report, my monthly update from Beacon Hill. Please feel free to pass this e-mail along to your friends, family and co-workers and let them know they can subscribe to receive my monthly newsletter by emailing me.  If you are interested in following me on Facebook, please click here and become a fan.

Thanks for reading, and for giving me the opportunity to represent you in the legislature.  As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (617) 722-2310. 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Signature 

Thomas M. Stanley

News from Beacon Hill

 

Rep. Stanley testifies on behalf of his bill to create pilot program to discourage underage drinking by creating a non-criminal disposition process

Representative Stanley testified before the Judiciary Committee in support of a bill he filed to discourage underage drinking. The legislation will deter underage drinking and provide education to individuals who have been charged for the first time with violating laws relating to procurement, possession or use of alcoholic beverages. Rep. Stanley and Sen. Jack Hart filed the legislation, which was co-sponsored by 40 legislators.

Rep. Stanley's legislation will establish a pilot program designed to deter underage drinking by providing a new method of dealing with minor caught with alcohol, aside from criminal charges. The program only applies to first time offenders under the age of 21 and includes a non-criminal penalty of $300 for each violation during the first offense, notification of the violator's parents, a four- hour alcohol awareness program and 10 hours of community service.

According to a report issued by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), it is estimated that underage drinking cost the citizens of Massachusetts $1.5 billion in 2007, which translates to a cost of $2,440 per year for each youth in the state (includes medical care, work loss, pain and suffering). The direct costs of underage drinking incurred through medical care and loss of work cost Massachusetts $445 million each year.

House and Senate Pass Balanced FY12 Budget

The Massachusetts Legislature passed a $30.59 billion spending plan for fiscal year 2012 aimed at increasing government efficiency, cutting costs and shielding essential services. The budget reduces the state's FY12 Stabilization Fund draw by $15 million and closes a $1.9 billion budget gap with funding reductions, ongoing revenue initiatives and one-time revenues.

The budget increases Chapter 70 funding by $140 million and SPED Circuit Breaker funding by $80 million over their FY11 appropriations. The budget includes a plan to reform municipal health insurance that provides savings for cities and towns while ensuring that employees and retirees have a strong voice without a veto. The spending plan also includes no new taxes while preserving services for some of the neediest residents of the Commonwealth by focusing limited resources for the Department of Mental Health, early intervention services and public safety initiatives.

Selected highlights of the budget agreement include $213 million for special education circuit breaker funding, an increase of $80 million over FY11; Full funding for the state's inpatient mental health beds, club houses and mental health community services; Full funding for the Early Intervention program that addresses developmental delays in children ages 0-3; A $4.5 million increase in funding from FY11 for District Attorneys; Increased funding for the State's Veteran Outreach Centers and Veterans homeless shelters by 10% at $1.91 million and $2.29 million, respectively; Regional School Transportation was funded at $43.52 million, an increase of $3 million from FY11, allowing school districts to receive a reimbursement rate of 61%; $2 million in funding for a new State Police Class; $525 million to the Department of Correction, which will prevent any facility closures; and $6 million in funding for Regional Tourism Councils.

Patrick Admin Supports $100 Million Borrowing Program to Fund Research

Leaders in scientific research and economic development lobbied for the creation of a $100 million borrowing program that would use state funds to leverage federal research dollars and help Massachusetts compete with other states. Rep. Thomas Sannicandro, the co-chair of the Committee on Higher Education, and officials from the University of Massachusetts and the American Cancer Society informed legislators that the creation of a matching grant fund in MA would allow the state compete with Texas, Ohio, Maine, Florida and West Virginia, where similar programs already exist.

Interest Free Loan Program for Unemployed Homeowners

Lieutenant Governor Murray launched a new public service campaign to inform struggling homeowners about the availability of interest free loans through the Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program (EHLP). Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) in conjunction with NeighborWorks America, Massachusetts homeowners are eligible for a total of $61 million in EHLP assistance, and must apply by July 22, 2011.

The PSA will be distributed statewide through traditional and social media in an effort to raise awareness about EHLP. To qualify for an interest free loan of up to two years or $50,000, homeowners must have experienced a 15% reduction in income due to involuntary unemployment, underemployment or medical emergency, are at least three months delinquent on a first mortgage and are facing foreclosure. Additional eligibility requirements apply and income requirements differ by region.

EHLP counseling agencies will evaluate applications to make a pre-determination of household eligibility. Selected homeowners will then be asked to meet with an EHLP counselor to submit required documentation. To find out more and complete the pre-applicant screening documents, visit http://www.nw.org/ehlp or call 855-346-3345.

New Health Insurance Open Enrollment Period Starts

July 1

The Patrick Administration's Division of Insurance is reminding individuals who purchase their own health care that the annual open enrollment period starts July 1, and going forward individuals will be able to change their insurance policies only on an annual basis. The open enrollment periods are part of the effort to reduce health-care costs for small businesses and working families, and are part of legislation passed in 2010. In the past individuals could purchase insurance at any time of the year, and in some cases were purchasing expensive policies for a short period of time, using a large amount of costly services, and then moving back into a lower-cost plan.

The open enrollment period, which runs from July 1-Aug. 15, gives consumers the opportunity to review their health insurance plans and consider changes that may be appropriate. Once in a plan, consumers will have to stay in those plans until the next open enrollment period, which starts July 1, 2012. Under the new law, there were two open enrollment periods in 2011, one that ran from Jan. 1-Feb. 15, and the new period starting on July 1. Starting in 2012, however, there will be one annual open period, from July 1-Aug. 15.

Individuals who are without coverage because of lost employment-sponsored coverage or government-sponsored coverage, or are self-employed, or for other limited circumstances, can purchase insurance at any time. However, after purchasing coverage, changes can be made only during open enrollment periods. The Division of Insurance is available to help individuals with questions about the new enrollment rules or any other health insurance issue. Consumers can call (617) 521-7794, or visit www.mass.gov/doi.

Goldberg Named Tech Collaborative Director

Pamela Goldberg, director of entrepreneurial leadership at Tufts University, will be the new executive director of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, becoming the first woman to lead the organization in its 30-year history. Goldberg has 25 years of experience in the areas of start-up ventures, academia, finance and strategic planning.

State Sees Significant Energy Savings for First Year of Statewide Energy Efficiency Plans

The Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. announced that ambitious energy efficiency improvements undertaken by businesses, homeowners, and state and local agencies across the state in 2010 resulted in significant electric, natural gas, and greenhouse gas emission reductions. These savings - accomplished under three-year energy efficiency plans authorized by the Green Communities Act of 2008 - are equivalent to the annual electricity usage of 85,000 households, the annual natural gas usage of 14,000 homes and the annual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from over 74,000 cars.

The results are outlined in a report filed with the Legislature by the Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Advisory Council (EEAC), a panel established to guide the development and monitor the implementation of the three-year energy efficiency plans authorized by the Green Communities Act signed into law by Governor Patrick in 2008. The year-one results indicate the state is meeting 98 percent of its electric and 103 percent of its natural gas savings goals.

The Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Advisory Council is chaired by EEA's Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and made up of 11 voting members representing the energy and environmental communities as well as consumer, labor and industry groups.

State Awards Conservation Partnership Grants to Protect 136 Acres

State officials announced $602,525 in Conservation Partnership Grants that will enable nine nonprofit organizations to preserve 136 acres of open space throughout the state, including 57 acres of working forest.

Conservation Partnership grants are designed to help nonprofit organizations purchase land or interests in land for conservation or recreation. Proposed projects are evaluated and selected based on their ability to conserve biodiversity, protect water quality, promote recreation, and preserve working farms and forests. Projects this year include properties that enlarge or connect to other conservation land, increase opportunity for hiking and other outdoor recreation, or contain prime agricultural soils or important fish and wildlife habitats. The awards will fund projects in Brewster, Concord, Falmouth, Fitchburg, Mendon, Wellfleet, Westhampton, Westport and Worcester

Bullying Commission Recommends Annual Reporting Mechanism to Improve Bullying Prevention Efforts

Annual reporting data should be compiled and submitted by schools in order to improve bullying prevention efforts in the Commonwealth, according to a report from a Commission convened in the wake of the passage of the state's anti-bullying law last year. The Commission to Review Statutes Relative to Implementation of the School Bullying Law (The Commission), chaired by AG Coakley, was charged with reviewing the Massachusetts General Laws to consider whether any laws needed to be amended or created in order to more effectively address bullying and cyber-bullying. The Commission held public hearings in Boston and Springfield, and gathered testimony from more than 50 people including educators, parents, civil rights advocates, law enforcement, and bullying prevention experts.

The Committee submitted recommendations to the Legislature, including the implementation of annual reporting. The recommendations include establishing a mechanism for annually reporting data regarding bullying to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; requiring that schools make explicit in school anti-bullying plans that certain enumerated categories of students are particularly vulnerable to bullying and harassment; continuing to emphasize and publicize the Department's problem resolution system; considering additional funding sources for training initiatives and for DESE's work and working to foster parental involvement to stop bullying and resolve incidents of bullying.

MassDOT Orders Development of Plan to Address Boston Tunnels Maintenance

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Mullan ordered development of a comprehensive, five-year Capital Maintenance Program (CMP) to coordinate and enhance current ongoing maintenance procedures involving the tunnels of the Metropolitan Highway System in Boston. MassDOT has secured the services of infrastructure firm HNTB Corporation to develop the CMP by fall 2011, which will identify existing and future expected maintenance needs and estimate the costs necessary to implement solutions that ensure the tunnels remain safe. The CMP will address coordination of response to recent tunnel issues, including securing and the ultimate replacement of light fixtures, recommendations for the maintenance safety/emergency egress railing, and the ongoing water infiltration mitigation efforts. The plan will also incorporate remaining long-term maintenance items identified in the 2008 Stem-to-Stern Safety Review.

Renew Your Boat, Recreation Vehicle and Snowmobile Registration Online!

Through the Massachusetts Environmental Police Online Registration System, you can now renew your motorboat, snowmobile, or recreation vehicle registration online. Please click here for more information

 

State Announces Massachusetts Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program

 

The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Mark Sylvia announced the Massachusetts Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program will launch on July 28, 2011.

A follow-up to last year's Great Appliance Exchange, the new program is open to Massachusetts households. Customers who purchase a new ENERGY STAR� refrigerator and/or room air conditioner to replace an inefficient model may qualify for rebates of $150 and $50, respectively.

 

The program is funded by a combination of a US Department of Energy American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant, funding from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and funds available to promote energy efficiency from a nitrogen oxides (NOx) cap and trade program established to reduce ozone pollution. The program is expected to fund approximately 20,000 rebates worth $2 million and is estimated to save around 1.8 million kilowatt hours in a year, enough to power 250 homes for a year.

 

Rebates will be available on all ENERGY STAR� qualified refrigerators and room air conditioners, purchased on or after July 28, and each purchaser must replace an existing refrigerator or room air conditioner to receive a rebate. Customers who participate and who are eligible will receive a $150 rebate for refrigerators and $50 for room air conditioners. Those households served by the Cape Light Compact, National Grid Electric, NSTAR Electric, Unitil, and Western Massachusetts Electric Company are also eligible for an already existing $50 Mass Save rebate on their ENERGY STAR� refrigerator purchase. (The Mass Save refrigerator rebate is available only through www.MassSave.com, not through this program.)

   

I-93 Fast 14 Project - Summer Traffic Alert
 
 
This summer, MassDOT will replace 14 bridge superstructures on I-93 in Medford over weekends in June, July and August (except for the 4th of July weekend). Plan ahead for weekend travel. Visit
www.mass.gov/massdot/93fast14 for more information and weekly construction updates.

 

State Announces New Internship Opportunities Website

The state launched a website featuring internship opportunities across Massachusetts. The new website, promoted by the Commonwealth Marketing Office, aims to convince college students and recent graduates to stay in the state. Companies are allowed to post opportunities at no charge and serves as a "a one-stop shop" for students searching for internships. Currently, the site features more than 100 internship opportunities.

Drivers Encouraged to "Donate Life"

Massachusetts drivers can register as organ donors on their driver's license or online through the Donate Life New England registry. About 99 percent of all Massachusetts residents who designate themselves as organ and tissue donors do so through the Registry of Motor Vehicles at RMV branches and on its website.

Registering as a donor can save the life of someone desperately in need of a transplant. More than 110,000 Americans, including about 3,000 Massachusetts residents, are awaiting a life-saving organ transplant that may not come in time. In 2009, the RMV became the first state agency in New England to create an on-line application to allow an individual to register to be a donor. New England Organ Bank is the federally-designated, non-profit procurement organization responsible for the surgical recovery of organs and tissues for transplant throughout the New England region. Donate Life New England is a joint project of two federally designated organ procurement organizations that serve New England - LifeChoice Donor Services and New England Organ Bank. They have come together to create a fast and easy way for citizens of New England to register as organ and tissue donors in a secure and confidential manner. For more information, visit www.donatelifenewengland.org.

Improved Benefits and Discounts for Drivers

Drivers around the state are able to take advantage of more discounts and expanded benefits as the competitive marketplace continues to mature. Managed competition went into effect April 1, 2008, ending the fixed-and-established system under which the state set auto insurance rates. The new system created a marketplace that allows companies to compete for consumers through rates, discounts, and benefits. Since the start of the reform, 13 new companies have entered the state, including three of four biggest carriers in the country (Allstate, Progressive and GEICO).

To shop for a better auto insurance policy, visit www.mass.gov/autorates, research carriers' websites, and meet with insurance agents. For more info, visit the Massachusetts Division of Insurance's website, (www.mass.gov/doi) an agency within the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Follow the Office at www.mass.gov/consumer.

  

Free program to help veterans & their families quit smoking

A free, statewide smoking cessation program is designed to help Massachusetts veterans and their families live healthier and longer lives. Massachusetts veterans and their family members can now call the Massachusetts Smokers Helpline at 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or click here to receive free telephone support and a two-week supply of nicotine patches to help them quit smoking.

 

Learn more about Mass 2-1-1

 

Mass 2-1-1 online directory is an information resource for emergency food, rent, help paying your heating and utility bills, mental health counseling, health programs, public health and safety services, child care referrals, job resources, and other help for individuals, parents and families. Click here to learn more about Mass 2-1-1.

MA 2011 Fishing and Hunting Licenses for Sale Online

 
Hunting and fishing licenses for the 2011 season are now available through a new online licensing system for fishing and hunting licenses and permits - including the new recreational saltwater fishing permit. The system, known as MassFishHunt, allows hunters and anglers to order and print licenses online for use on the same day they place an order. In addition, the new system will enable the nine DFG field offices across the state to issue licenses electronically beginning in January 2011. MassFishHunt will process licenses for inland fishing, hunting, and trapping and permits for recreational saltwater fishing and lobstering. Prior to this new system, hunters and anglers could order licenses online but most hunters would have to wait to receive their license in the mail before hunting.


Job Opportunities with the Commonwealth of MA

There are a number of job listings posted on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts home page. For more information, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Lexington Corner 

 

Lexington Concerts in the Park

Free band concerts Thursday nights at 7:30pm in July at Hastings Park, Mass. Ave. and Worthen Road, Lexington. For more information, please click visit http://www.mws-boston.org/events/.

Lexington Arts and Crafts Society

The Lexington Arts & Crafts Society is a non-profit regional education center dedicated to the preservation and promotion of excellence in both the traditional and contemporary arts and crafts. Registration is now open for new classes and workshops in all arts and crafts offered by its guilds. To learn more about its exhibits, classes and workshops and much more, please visit http://www.lacsma.org/.
 

Lexington Farmers' Market

The Lexington Farmers' Market will be held Tuesdays, 2pm -6:30pm through October 25, rain or shine. The market is located at the corner of Massachusetts Ave, Woburn St, and Fletcher Ave in Lexington Center. The market features locally grown produce, a variety of meats, fish, baked goods and other prepared foods and artisans' tent. Admission is free. For more information, or to subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit www.lexingtonfarmersmarket.org.

 

Volunteer Drivers Needed One Day per Month
 
If you are retired, have a flexible work schedule, or have available time during the day, please consider becoming a volunteer one day a month for Lexington's F.I.S.H. (Friendly Independent Sympathetic Help), a community-service organization.  F.I.S.H. has been providing free rides to medical appointments for over 30 years for Lexington residents, but our 130 volunteer drivers and phone callers cannot meet the current client demand.  Drivers typically volunteer to drive for one day a month and can choose to provide round-trip rides to destinations either in Lexington and vicinity or in the greater-Boston area. "Phone F.I.S.H." volunteers make calls from their homes for a few hours on a given day to assign F.I.S.H. clients needing a ride to the volunteer drivers.  Being a F.I.S.H. driver or Phone F.I.S.H. is a very rewarding experience and we hope you will consider helping out your fellow Lexingtonians who have become very dependent on this unique service. For more information about volunteering for F.I.S.H., please call F.I.S.H. President David Horton at 781-862-3293.  
 
Stanley Report to highlight Lexington non-profit orgs 

If you'd like your organization highlighted in the Stanley Report, please let Rep. Stanley know!  To allow more members of our community to hear about your organization's good work, please submit your upcoming community events, announcements and any other information about your organization.  If interested, please email Tara Conklin.

 

Lexington Food Pantry
 
In November 1990, the Lexington Food Pantry opened its doors to distribute non-perishable food to residents in need of food assistance.  Open on Saturday mornings, the Food Pantry is currently distributing food to 60-65 families from Lexington, Lincoln, and Winchester.  For more information, please click here.
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Lexington Calendar & Events (as announced in the Lexington Minuteman)


Chess club, Starbucks, 60 Bedford St., Lexington, Fridays, 7 to 9 p.m. Lexington Chess Club meets every Friday when school is held that day and on the following Monday. Free, children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information visit

Needle arts guild Lexington Arts and Crafts Society, 130 Waltham St., Lexington, meets Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and the second, fourth and fifth Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 781-862-9696 or e-mail [email protected].

Photo exhibit 'Treasured Lands: The Fifty-Eight National Parks in Focus' photos by Quang Tran. National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington, Feb. 20-Oct. 17. Free. Hours Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am-4:30 pm, and Sunday, noon-4:30 pm. Free. For more information, call 781-861-6559 or visit www.nationalheritagemuseum.org.

La leche league    
The La League provides breastfeeding support and information through monthly meetings with accredited leaders and mother-to-mother support.  The Lexington group meets the second Thursday of each month at the Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Ave. The Lexington group attracts women from Lexington and surrounding towns.  For more information, call Francesca at 781.862.4762, Ann Marie at 781.863.1689, or Shari at 781.270.0944. 

Moving On Church of Our Redeemer, 6 Merriam St., Lexington. Thursdays, 7:30-9 p.m. Moving On is a nondenominational, on-going conversation and social group which provides a comfortable environment for now single adults to re-enter a fuller life after the loss of a partner through death, divorce or relationship termination. A $2 per person donation covers the room rental. For more information about this nonprofit group, contact John, 781.790.1708 (Waltham), [email protected]; Marti at 978.256.5872 (Chelmsford); or Phil at 978.922.3690 (Beverly). 

Fix It Shop Lexington Senior Center, 1475 Mass Ave., Lexington. Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon. A Fix it Shop is held for the repair of small items. Drop-off and pick up only during the above times. Labor is free, repair parts at cost. Donations accepted. 

Volunteers sought Lexington Senior Center, 1475 Mass Ave., Lexington. The Friend to Friend Program at the Lexington Senior Center is looking for volunteers to spend a few hours a month to help isolated seniors keep in touch with everyday activities. Volunteers could help a senior with vision impairment pick up some groceries or a prescription, get a haircut, attend a special luncheon, or just have a cup of coffee and chat. People are carefully matched according to the time they have available and what they would like to do. Currently, there are several seniors looking for a friendly volunteer. Call Charlotte Rodgers, 781.861.0194, for more information. 

Newcomers Club Lexington Newcomers Club welcomes new residents to town. Consider joining the Lexington Newcomer's Club, a non-profit social organization, to meet friends and learn about the town. Visit lexington-newcomers. Org for more information or call Marjoleine, membership chair, 781.274.9822, to join.
 
Exhibit
National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington. Ongoing. The National Heritage Museum opens "Sowing the Seeds of Liberty: Lexington and the American Revolution," its new cornerstone exhibition. The new long-term installation is designed to stimulate new ways of thinking about the battle at Lexington on April 19, 1775. In addition to describing the battle and events that led up to it, the exhibition will explain why members of this small farming community were willing to take arms against their own government to protect a way of life, Through an engaging mix of objects, documents, images, re-creations of historic environments, and interactive elements, people of all ages will be able to learn about the roots of the American Revolutions. "Sowing the Seeds of Liberty" will replace "Lexington Alarm'd," the museum's current exhibition on colonial life that has been on view since April 19, 1995. Free and open to the public. Call 781.861.6559 or visit nationalheritagemuseum.org for further information.

NAMI Support Groups The Central Middlesex affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts, serving Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Burlington, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, and Stow offers daytime and evening support groups for families and friends: Bedford, last Tuesday of each month, 7:30-9:30 pm, First Church of Christ, 25 Great Road, Routes 4, 62 and 225, Bedford; West Concord, first Thursday of each month, 12:30-2:00 pm, West Concord Union Church, 1317 Main Street, West Concord; Stow, -third Saturday of every month, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Fellowship Hall, First Parish Church in Stow, near the intersection of Rt. 117 and Rt. 62. Call 781.982.3318.
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