Preschool Screenings for Fall 2017
Preschool screenings will take place at James A. Garfield Elementary on Friday, April 21 for children age 3 through 5 years of age that will not attend Kindergarten. The appointment will take approximately 60 minutes. Please call 330-527-5524 to schedule an appointment.

Camp Invention
Register Today!
Camp Invention will take place at JAG Elementary School June 26th – 30th from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. for students entering grades K – 6th grade next school year. If you are interested in having your child attend, contact Mr. Hatcher by emailing him at dhatcher@jagschools.org or calling the school at 330-527-2184.

Families Anonymous Meeting
Mondays
Families Anonymous meetings for families dealing with drug addicted members meet every Monday from 7-8 pm at Coleman Behavioral Services Sue Hetrick Building, 3922 Lovers Lane/Loomis Parkway in Ravenna. For more info call Heather 330-569-4367 or Peggy 330-760-7670.

Men on Mondays
Mondays
“Men on Mondays” a men’s Bible study is held every Monday from 6:45 – 8 pm at the “Cellar Door Coffee Shop in Garrettsville. Coffee and pastry will be provided at no charge.

BINGO
Every Tuesday
ST AMBROSE CHURCH 10692 Freedom St. Garrettsville– “Early bird” at 6:45p and first game at 7pm. Also featuring instant tickets, coverall jackpots, and other fun games. Doors open 5:45p. Great refreshments!

BINGO At St Michael’s
Every Thursday
St. Michael’s Church Weekly Bingo at 7pm every Thursday at 9736 East Center Street Windham, OH 44288.

TOPS Meetings
Thursdays
TOPS OH#1941, Ravenna meets Thursday mornings in the fellowship hall of the Maplewood Christian Church, 7300 State Route 88, Ravenna with weigh-in from 9-9:45 a.m. and a meeting/program following at 10:00 a.m. TOPS Club, Inc. is an affordable, nonprofit, weight-loss support and wellness education organization.

American Legion Fish Fry
Fridays
Fish fry dinners will be held at the American Legion Post 674, 9960 East Center St., Windham from 4-7:30 pm. Cost $8. Choice of fish, chicken, shrimp or a combo dinner. Open to public. Carryout available.

American Legion Fish Fry
Through April 14
The Lake Milton American Legion Fish Fry is back! Serving every Friday beginning Feb 3 through April 14 from 3-7 pm at the 737 Legion Post, Milton Ave.Haddock Fish Dinner or enjoy Chicken or Shrimp, french fries, cole slaw & roll $10. Perogies – $4

Lenten Fish Fry
Through April 14
Lenten Fish Fry will be held at Newton Falls VFW, 433 Arlington Blvd. every Friday during Lent – March 3 – April 14 from 4-8 pm. Dinners include fried or baked fish, bread, & 3 sides of your choice. $10 each; 10 and under $5. Proceeds benefit Newton Falls Athletic Booster Club.

God Provides Free Meal
March 31
God provides a free meal on March 31 at Nelson United Methodist Church, 9367 SR 305 from 4 to 6:00 pm. Pulled pork sandwich – salad – chips – dessert.

Garrettsville Eagles Fish Fry
March 31
Fish Dinner serving Fish, Shrimp, Chicken Tenders from 4 – 7:30pm on March 31. Open to the Public. 8149 Water Street
Garrettsville. Carryout is Available Call 330-527-2330

Easter Egg Hunt
April 1
Easter Egg Hunt at Pixley Park
Saturday, April 1st 10:00 am
Ages 3-11 Don’t forget your Easter baskets to collect your eggs. Pixley Park, 9231 St. Rt. 305, Nelson Township. Alternate weather location Nelson Township Community House Please donate individually wrapped candy to support this event – please contact Dawn at 440-227-8064.

Annual Easter Candy Sale
April 1
Homemade Chocolate Candies – Chinese Auction – Sloppy Joes
April 1, 1-4 pm at the Lordstown Scope, 1776 Salt Springs Rd.
Lordstown, Ohio. Back door of Elementary School. Questions call 330-824-2173. Come and support our center

2nd Annual Safety Forces Fundraiser
April 1
On Saturday, April 1st, 2017, we are having our 2nd Annual Safety Forces Fundraiser. It is a fundraiser for the Garrettsville-Freedom-Nelson Fire Department, Community EMS Association and the Garrettsville Police K-9 fund. We have 34 crafters/vendors so far. There will also be refreshments, a 50/50 raffle and a Chinese Auction. The event will be held at the Garrettsville Fire Station, 8035 Elm St. Garrettsville, Ohio from 1:00pm until 4:00pm. Information can be requested from pamisue48@hotmail.com

Easter Egg Hunt
April 1
Easter egg hunt sponsored by Portage Faith United Methodist Church will be hld on April 1 at 11 am. Portage Faith United Methodist Church 9922 St Rt 44 Mantua. Dress appropriately for an outdoor egg hunt; rain, snow or shine! Suggested participant age: 10 yrs and under.

Spring Into Fitness Trail Run
April 1
Experience the Preserve in a totally unique and healthy way. This event will combine fitness with nature. Wear appropriate shoes to run approximately 3 miles on semi-unimproved trails at Eagle Creek State Nature Preserve, 11027 Hopkins Rd. April 1st 10am to12. More information call Adam at 330/257-5118

Soup Supper
April 1
The American Legion Post 193 soup supper will be April 1 at 6 p.m. at the Mantua Center School gym. A variety of homemade soups, salads and desserts will be available for $7 for adults; $3 for children.

Parents Without Partners Spaghetti Dinner
April 1
Enjoy a spaghetti dinner hosted by Portage Co Chapter #600 of Parents Without Partners on April 1st at the Ritchie Memorial Shelter House, 109 West Ave. Tallmadge. $7.00 per dinner. Afterwards the chapter will have its monthly dance, themed “Spring Is Here” from 7:30 to 11:30pm. Ticket for dance $6.00/members, $8.00/non-members. Call Warrine at 330/322-9559 for event or membership information.

SS Mary & Joseph’s Ladies Guild Kolache Bake
Order by April 1
SS Mary & Joseph’s Ladies Guild of Newton Falls will be baking homemade Kolache for the Easter holiday. You may purchase this taste of eastern Europe at the low cost of $10 each. The filling offered are: apricot, nut, and poppy seed. To order, call Patty at 330-980-8560 or Barbara at 330-872-1951. Pick up times will be April 4 from 10 am – 4 pm and April 5 from 10 am – 6 pm. The last day to order is April 1.

Spaghetti Dinner
April 2
Boy Scout Troop 8 is holdiing a spaghetti dinner on April 2 at the First Church of God, 426 W. Broad St. Newton Falls from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. $8 – Adults
$4 – Children 3-11. This includes all you can eat spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread, drink and dessert. **Carry-out will be available**

Sweet Harmonies
April 2
Come and enjoy the music of “Sweet Harmonies,” a brother & sister duo presenting the Gospel by way of Southern Gospel music. This free gospel concert will be presented at Faith Evangelical Free Church, 10585 Windham-Parkman Road, Garrettsville, Ohio on April 2nd @ 11 AM. You are invited to stay for a potluck dinner following the concert.

Quail Hollow Herb Society Meeting
April 2
Sunday, April 2, 2:00-4:00 pm (program begins at 2:00 pm), Would you like to enjoy fresh vegetables from your own garden through Thanksgiving and possibly beyond? Master Gardener, Geoff Kennedy, will help demystify gardening issues and show you what succession gardening is all about. You will soon be on your way to enjoying a long growing season! Refreshments served. Free and open to the public. Quail Hollow State Park Manor House, 13480 Congress Lake Road, Hartville, OH For more information, please contact Mary Lovin 330-325-3028.

Lenten Presentations
April 2 – 4
“Called to Know, Love & Live Jesus”—- at St. Ambrose Church 10692 Freedom St. Garrettsville on April 2, April 3 and April 4 at 7pm in the church. Fr. John Petrikovic OFM, Capuchin will present a different topic each evening. Come be refreshed & renewed!

Kids Party and Egg Hunt
April 2
The Windham Church of Christ, 9837 Wolf Rd. Windham will be having a kids’ party and egg hunt on April 2 from 3-5 pm. We will make chocolate suckers, decorate cookies and have a cake walk. Hot dogs and punch will be served after the egg hunt. This is a free event – please plan to attend.

YMCA Book Review & Discussion Club
April 3
April 3rd, at 10:30am the Garrettsville YMCA invites you to join us at 8233 Park Ave for the following FREE event: Dr J Patella presents Author Annie Kagan’s book: THE AFTERLIFE OF BILLY FINGERS. One of the most detailed after-death communications ever recorded takes you on an unprecedented journey into the mysteries of life beyond death. (You do not need your own book.) If interested in a stimulating exchange of impressions and opinions, please join us at the YMCA.Questions – call (330)469-2044.

Freedom Community & Park Boosters Meeting
April 3
The Freedom Community & Park Boosters will be having their monthly meeting on Monday, April 3, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Freedom Town Hall. Please contact Tom Mesaros at 330-245-6061 for more information. Hope to see everyone there.

Freedom Twp. Brush Pick-up
April 4
The first brush pickup of the season will be on April 4 beginning at 8 am for Freedom Twp. Residents. Call 330-527-7414 to arrange for pick up.

Chamber Meeting & Tour
April 5
On Wednesday, April 5, the Garrettsville Area Chamber will be meeting at Diskin Enterprises (Durajoint). Mike E Diskin the owner plans on giving a facility tour to anyone who would like to participate after the meeting. If you would like to find out more about the Garrettsville Area Chamber and Diskin Enterprises, join us at 7:30 am at 10421 Industrial Drive, Garrettsville.

Chicken Dinner
April 5
Southington UMC, SR 305 & 534, Southington, will be holding a Chicken Dinner, on April 5, 3:30 to 6:00. The menu includes: one fourth of a chicken, scalloped potatoes, green beans, applesauce, cole slaw, homemade desserts, beverage. Price: Adults $9.00, Child (Chicken Tenders dinner) ages 4-10 $4.50, Children 3 and under free. Carry Outs available. Call 330-898-2156.

A Matter Of Balance
begins April 5
Are you concerned about falling? Interested in improving balance, flexibility, and strength? Falls are preventable, and this class can make a difference! Matter of Balance Classes will be held on Wednesdays, 1 pm to 3 pm starting on April 5 for 8 weeks at the Hiram Christian Church, 6868 Wakefield Road
Hiram. To register please call Crystal Shanley at (330) 877-2495 This class is free for registered seniors!

Dinner & Silent Auction
April 6
On April 6th, 2017, the Salvation Army is having a dinner and silent auction. Our theme for the event is Showers of Blessings and will be held at the Maplewood Career Center, 7075 State Route 88, Ravenna, OH, 44266. The doors will be open at 5:30pm for the silent auction and dinner will begin at 6:30pm with program to follow.

Rummage Sale
April 6-7
Rummage Sale, Christ Covenant Church, Rte. 87, Middlefield, to benefit the charity Children’s Ministry Thurs & Fri, April 6-7, 9 a m to 3 p m.; Sat. April 8, 9 a m till Noon. Door prizes, bake sale and Easter Candy. Donations welcome (440) 632-9510

Garrettsville Eagles Fish Fry
April 7
Fish Dinner serving Fish, Shrimp, Chicken Tenders from 4 – 7:30pm on April 7. Open to the Public. 8149 Water Street
Garrettsville. Carryout is Available Call 330-527-2330

Chili Bowl 5K Walk & Run
April 7
Starts at 4707 Mill Street Mantua, OH 44255 at 6 pm and goes east on Headwaters Trail. Pre-Registration (Customized ceramic mug for 1st 72) – $20; Students – $10; Day of Race – $22(if mugs left); Day of Race – $15(if no mugs left); Registration opens at 5:15PM. Please stay after to try all the delicious chili and vote for your favorite bowl. There will be prizes for the winners of the Vegetable, and the Meat Chili Contest. Enter your own favorite chili for a chance to be the 2017 Chili Bowl cook-off winner. Call us by March 30th at 330-274-2747 to enter into the cook-off. Register by coming in to the office.

Pancake Brunch
April 8
The Kiwanis of the Western Reserve invites you to a Pancake Brunch in partnership with The Little Learning Village on April 8 from 9:30 am – 1 pm at the Hiram Christian Church. There will also be an Open House at Little Village.

Swiss Steak Dinner
April 8
The Nelson United Methodist Church will be hosting their Swiss Steak Dinner at the Nelson Community House on Nelson Circle in Garrettsville, on April 8. Dinner is served from 4:00-6:00 PM. The price is $10.00 for adults and $6.00 for children age 6-12,children 5 and under, free. The dinner consists of: Swiss Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Green Beans, Corn Casserole, Drinks, and Dessert. Carry-Out is also available at the same location.

Girl Scout Easter Egg Hunt
April 8
The 64th Annual Newton Falls Girl Scout Easter Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 1pm at the Comm. Ctr. basketball courts. Children ages 2 through 10 years of age are invited to attend. There will be a visit by the Easter Bunny, Big Top the Clown, Shelly the Good Egg, and a couple of other friends. Please bring a basket to pick up the thousands of eggs filled with prizes Many businesses and community organizations have donated prizes and money for prizes. There will be a Grand Prize winner in each of the four age groups who will also get their picture in the paper with the Easter Bunny. Anyone who has questions or who would like to donate or help with the prize give-out, please call Shara Sullivan, Event Coordinator at 330-872-7333.

Eggstravaganza
April 8
Join us for fun at Hiram Christian Church Little Village Early Learning Center on Saturday, April 8 from 11:30 to 1:00. Children from ages 18 months to 12 years will participate in an Easter Egg Hunt and crafts and activities. Come early or stay late and share pancakes with the Kiwanis at their pancake breakfast.

Quarter Auction Fundraiser- Newton Falls
April 8
Parents of Troop #124 will be holding their 3rd annual Quarter Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, April 8 at the United Methodist Church, Ridge Rd., Newton Falls. Admission is $6.00 per person. Doors open at 5:00 pm. Refreshments are available. The Auction begins at 6:00 pm. For tickets or information call Louanne 330-872-1353 or Teresa 330-503-9388.

Park Clean Up Day
April 8
The Freedom Community & Park Boosters will be holding a park clean-up day on Saturday, April 8th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the park on State Route 700. If you are interested in helping out, please show up or give Tom Mesaros a call at 3330-245-6061.

Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast!
April 8
Every young one is invited to the St. Ambrose annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8. The Youth Ministry Group will provide a delicious breakfast at 9 a.m. with the Easter Egg Hunt starting at around 10 a.m. Cost for the breakfast is $5 for adults, $4 for Seniors and children under 6, and $15 max for family. Come Rain, Snow or Shine!

All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast
April 8
On April 8,2017 Kiwanis of the Western Reserve and Hiram’s Little ‘Village Early Learning Center are co-hosting an all you-can-eat pancake breakfast, featuring Goodell’s
recipes and syrup, sausage, juice, coffee and tea at Hiram Christian Church’s fellowship Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Pay at the door, $7.00 per adult, children 8 and under eat free !

American Legion Meetings
April 8 & 11
American Legion Post 193 will hold its monthly meeting at 7 pm on Thursday, April 8 at the post home. The Legion Post 193 Auxiliary will meet Monday, April 11 at 1 pm. Members are encouraged to attend.

Woodlands Fundraiser
April 9
On April 9th from 2 to 4 pm, The Woodlands Health and Rehab will be hosting a fundraiser event at 6831 N Chestnut St. Ravenna. The event will feature a speaker talking about dementia , tours of the new memory care unit, raffle baskets and a 3 pm performance by Christopher Milo. Christopher Milo is an in internationally renowned concert pianist and motivational speaker. The event is free and open to the public. The funds raised will help fund additional programming for The Alzheimer’s/ dementia patients on Comfort Corner.

Palm Sunday Breakfast
April 9
Don’t miss St. Joseph’s Annual Palm Sunday Pancake Breakfast featuring “All You Can Eat” buttermilk pancakes in Hughes Hall, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This delicious meal is served with homemade toppings and/or syrup, sausage patty, oj, coffee, tea, or milk. Great family prices, theme basket raffles, and children’s attendance drawings are all a part of the fun. The Women’s Auxiliary of the Mantua Knights of Columbus Council #3766 will be hosting this year’s event.
Please don’t forget about the Appalachian Experience Bake Sale that will also take place in the hallway during this event (and in the Narthex on Saturday). Plenty of baked goods are needed to keep them well supplied.

Crescent Chapter Meeting
April 11
Garrettsville Crescent Chapter No. 7 OES will meet Monday, April 11 beginiing at 6:30 pm with a pot luck dinner according to Lou Ann Kilgore, Worthy Matron. The meeting is at the Masonic Temple in Garrettsville.

Garrettsville Eagles Fish Fry
April 14
Fish Dinner serving Fish, Shrimp, Chicken Tenders from 4 – 7:30pm on April 14. Open to the Public. 8149 Water Street
Garrettsville. Carryout is Available Call 330-527-2330

Birding In The Bog
April 15
Ring in the spring migration of new-tropical migrants as well as our year round bird friends April 15th at 7:30 – 10:30am at the Kent Bog State Nature Preserve, 1028 Meloy Rd. No registration is required. More information call Adam at 330/527-5118

Portage County Retired Teachers Hold Workshop
April 19
The Portage County Retired Teachers Association (PCRTA) is sponsoring a Preretirement Workshop, Tuesday, April 19 from 5-7 pm at the Channels 45/49 building, 1750 Campus Road right off SR 261 in Kent, Ohio. The event is free, refreshments will be served. A STRS representative will be available to discuss pensions and insurance benefits with the attendees. Other matters pertinent to retirement will also be addressed. ALL TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS THINKING OF RETIREMENT ARE URGED TO ATTEND. For reservations, contact: Mary Ann Brockett at brockettma@hiram.edu; mabrockett@gmail.com or 330-527-8049. Attendees are urged to make reservations as soon as possible!

Altar & Rosary Rummage and Bake Sale
April 21-22
St. Ambrose Church Altar and Rosary Society is sponsoring a Rummage and Bake Sale April 21, 9am to 5pm and April 22, 9am to 1pm in the church hall – 10692 Freedom St. Garrettsville. Clothes, housewares, books and more! Something for everyone! Saturday is $2.00 bag day!

Brick by Brick Auction
April 23
Windham Brick by Brick Scholarship fund 3rd annual kitchen and bath cabinets charity auction will be held April 23 at the Windham Hardware. View at 9 am Auction at 10:30 am. Additional cabinets can be bought at Home Depot. Details at McGuire GMC website.

Rummage Sale
April 21-22
The Portage County Gardeners are hosting a Rummage Sale at 5154 S. prospect St. Ravenna, Ohio 44240 -The PC Garden Center on April 21-22 from 9-2p.m. Join in and find those bargains on books, clothing, accessories, home décor, housewares, linens, craft supplies, garden items, knick-knacks, and more. Hot dogs and beverages will be available

Vernal Pool Exploration
April 22
Vernal pools are seasonally water-filled depressions found in the forest providing habitat for many plants and animals. Explore the fascinating plant and animal communities April 22, 10am – 12 at Eagle Creek State Nature Preserve, 11027 Hopkins Rd. No registration is required. Muck boots are recommended. More information call Adam 330/527-5118

Spring Round Up Meeting
April 25
Please join Parkman Pack 4076 on April 25th, 2017 for our Spring Round Up. We will meet at Parkman Congregational Church at 6-8 pm. This is an informative meeting about joining Cub Scouts. If you have questions, are interested or just want to see what we are about, please come. There will be snow cones, pop bottle rockets and a whole lot of fun for your son. We are an active Pack and believe in learning while having fun! See ya then!

Crescent Chapter Inspection
April 25
Crescent Chapter No. 7 OES will hold its annual inspection on Monday, April 25 at 7:30 pm at the Mantua Masonic Temple on John Edward Drive.

Mayfield Church Rummage Sale
April 27 – 29
A Rummage Sale will be held at the Mayfield United Methodist Church, 7747 Mayfield Rd, Chesterland, on April 27 – 29. The hours are Thursday (9 am – 4 pm), Friday (9 am – 6:30 pm) and Saturday – Bag Day (9am – noon). The sale has something for everyone. All proceeds are for missions

Sunshine Committee 5K Run
April 29
The Windham High School Student Council and Sunshine Committee will hold the 1st Annual 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, April 29th. Registration begins at 8:00 AM, and the race starts at 9:00 AM. The race will be held at the Ravenna Aresenal entrance behind the school, near the football field, by the large parking lot. Adults can pre-register for $20.00 (before April 29th) or pay $25.00 the day of the race. Students, younger than 18, can pre-register for $15.00(before April 29th), or pay $20.00 the day of the race.
You can register online at www.gopherarun.com or visit the Windham Schools facebook, website, or contact Sam Pochedly at spochedly@windham-schools.org.

Pymatuning Lake 2017 Crappie Tournament
April 30
2016 Crappie Tournament hosted by the Pymatuning Lake Association will be held April 30. Weigh-in and late registration (6am to 8am) is the Espyville Boat Launch(south east side of causeway.) Entry fee per team is $45 ($5 late fee.) Forms should be mailed by April 21 Weigh-in ends at 3:30 pm. Registration forms and rules can found at www.pymatuninglake.com e-mail pymalakeassoc@windstream.net phone 724-418-1501 All proceeds benefit the fish habitat fund.

Spring Wildflower Hike
May 6
Join us as we are treated to one of the best spring wildflower displays in NE Ohio. May 6th 10am – 12 at Eagle Creek State Nature Preserve, 11027 Hopkins Rd. No registration is required. More information call Adam 330/527-5118

Auditions For GodSpell
May 16 & 17
The Curtains up Theatre is holding auditions for their production of GodSpell on May 16 and 17 at 7pm in the James A. Garfield High School. Please have a memorized monologue (1 minute minimum) prepared – preferably a comedy or drama one, and a song to be sung a-cappella. The show runs July 21, 22, 23, 28 and 29. Rehearsals begin June 5, 2017 – please bring any conflict dates to the audition. For more information contact Director, Justin Steck at 216-310-1913. Please notify the music director during your audition if there is a specific character you are auditioning for. James A. Garfield High School is located at 10235 State Route 88, Garrettsville, Ohio 44231
Parts available for age groups 15 years to adults over 60.

River Days Tours
May 20
Enjoy a guided tour on May 20th of the National Natural Landmark preserve, normally by permit only, and/or visit Ohio’s first scenic river preserve designated in 1986. Mantua Bog State Nature Preserve tour will meet 11am – Peck Rd and E. High St. The Tummonds Scenic River tour will meet 1:30pm at 4466 Mats Rd. More information call Adam 330/527-5118

Where In The Woods Am I?
May 27
Spring is a busy time for hikers. Have you ever wondered what you would do if you got lost while hiking? Join us May 27th at 1pm – 3 for a basic overview of orienteering with a map and compass at Eagle Creek State Nature Preserve, 11027 Hopkins Rd. A short classroom session will be followed by a practical exercise. No registration is required. More information call Adam 330/527-5118

Miracle Network Fun Ride
May 28
The 8th Annual Children’s Miracle Network Fun Ride & Poker Run will be May 28. Route maps and rules will be available at registration starting at 10AM at BikeTown Harley-Davidson in Austintown, Ohio. Ride will begin at noon which includes three card stops along a scenic route of approx 75 miles. Route ends at Social 45, Lisbon, OH where there will be food and refreshments, two Live bands, and Chinese Auction. Cost is $15 per bike; $5 per passenger. In case of rain, go to Social 45 at 3:30PM. Motorcycles are not mandatory to participate. Call 330-502-9813 for more information.

“Save the date” for a fantastic bus trip, Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10, 2017, that is planned for a visit to NOAH’S ARK in Willianstown,KY. Also, included are several activities in the Renfro Valley.
If interested, please call now for more information – MaryLee Herron, #330-398-2126

Gott Fen Showy Lady’s Slipper Hike
June 17
Join ODNR staff on June 17th, from 10am – 12, as we offer a special opportunity to view state threatened Lady’s Slipper orchids at Gott Fen State Nature Preserve, State Rte 303, Streetsboro. Space is limited to the first 15 registrants. To register call Adam 330/527-5118 or email adam.wohlever@dnr.state.oh.us

Staff Reporter

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