ANNANDALE
The Crossroads of Northern Virginia TMRead Annandale's News Magazine,
ENDEAVOR
Annandale News & Latest Articles
Annandale News: Soothing Strings Calm Covid Anxiety
Annandale News: Meet the Artisan Gail Robin
Annandale News: Meet the Artisan Bob Simoniz
Annandale News: Land Mis-Use in Annandale
Annandale Real Estate: Escape to the Country
Annandale History: Grange Halls
History: What a Difference a Century Makes 1921
History: The Contents of a Lady's Handbag
History: The Curious Tale of a Jacket with No Tails
VIEW ON NATURE: Different Feathers Flock Together
ANNANDALE News, Events & Networking
The ENDEAVOR News Magazine is the Chamber's quarterly online publication and the must read magazine in Annandale.
Acquaint yourself with local businesses, community history, revitalization efforts, and issues that concern Annandale: The Crossroads of Northern Virginia TM.
It’s ok. While these symptoms may seem worrisome, they are normal and will go away in a few days.
To reduce pain and discomfort at the injection site, apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area and consider using or exercising your arm. To reduce discomfort from fever, drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly. You can also take over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve these symptoms.
In most cases, discomfort from fever or pain is mild. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider:
Please note: Severe allergic reactions have been reported following the Pfizer vaccine during vaccination outside of clinical trials. Individuals with a known history of severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) should consult with their medical provider before getting the vaccine.
Vaccines work because they cause the body to produce an immune response against a disease. In the case of the Pfizer vaccine, it gives instructions to our cells to make a harmless piece of what is called the “spike protein.” Our immune system recognizes that these spike proteins don’t belong in our bodies so it begins building an immune response by making antibodies. The antibodies help protect you from getting COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccine is a long-anticipated tool that will help slow the spread of illness and end the pandemic. Getting vaccinated will protect you and people around you, including those at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. If you don’t become infected, you can’t spread it to others.
In the meantime, we must continue to wear a mask, social distance, avoid crowds, wash hands and stay home when sick to help us slow the spread of illness.
NEW COVID GUIDELINES REQUIRED
AS CASE NUMBERS RISE DRAMATICALLY
Nationally, regionally and here in Fairfax County, we’ve witnessed an exponential rise in positive cases in the past 4 weeks. Our daily case counts now top 700 – to put that number in perspective, over the summer we would see 70 cases daily. We expect the trend to continue into February and there are several factors fueling it – cooler weather, private gatherings, holiday travel, fatigue from 24/7 COVID news, and letting our guard down at work and when out in the community.
Initially, vaccine will be made available to health care personnel and residents of long term care facilities. Over the coming months, VDH and the Health Department will implement a plan to vaccinate essential workers and eventually, the general population (subject to vaccine availability). We will engage the business community to help drive home the message with employees and patrons that the vaccines are safe and effective. There are many benefits to getting the vaccine once it is available, including keeping folks from getting the disease, protecting loved ones and helping to stop the pandemic. Here is a simple blog post with the facts. I’ll share more information as it becomes available.
Last week, Governor Northam announced new virus mitigation measures, (see below) which take effect December 14th through January 31, 2021. In a nutshell, gatherings in Virginia are capped at 10 people and the state’s mask mandate is expanded to include outdoor settings where social distancing isn’t possible. There is also a modified stay at home order from midnight to 5am, with some exceptions. The state’s ban on alcohol sales at restaurants, breweries, and other dining establishments past 10 p.m. — and a midnight curfew for the same businesses – continues. Details of the announcement may be found here.
And finally, the County has set up a webpage with regard to vaccines. The information can be found here and will be updated regularly
The media release of Governor Northam's announcement can be found here and the new Executive Order can be found here.
Lake Barcroft Dental Group Celebrates Anniversary
Special Offering in Celebration
This month, Lake Barcroft Dental Group celebrates its one-year anniversary as part of the local community. As part of this celebration Dr. Aseel Mukbel and the team are offering 50% off in-office whitening and $200 off CEREC – in-office -- crowns through January 2021.
Lake Barcroft Dental Group is a one-stop spot for all of your dental needs – it’s located in Barcroft Plaza at the intersection of Columbia Pike and Linconia Road. The practice offers Invisalign and same-day crowns. The practice has an in-house oral surgeon to take care of any extraction needs including wisdom teeth; and endodontist to handle dreaded root canals with a gentle touch; and a periodontist to care for any gum issues.
In addition to Lake Barcroft Dental Group’s robust services, the practice also offers a slew of financing and payment options to ensure the dentistry fits comfortable in your budget, especially during these unprecedented times.
While patient’s budgets are a huge concern during this pandemic, safety is an even bigger concern. At Lake Barcroft Dental Group, that is the team’s top priority. A study by the American Dental Association revealed dentists have less than a 1% COVID-19 positive rate and at Lake Barcroft Dental Group we are taking extra precautions. Patients are taken to their room with no waiting time in the lobby, the clinical team wears multiple masks and face shields during procedures, along with a bevy of other precautions.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
BARCROFT PLAZA . 6464 A1, Lincolnia Rd
703-876-6700 lakebarcroftdentalgroup.com + smilegeneration.com
Connect with the Made in Fairfax Network
Who says we don’t make anything in Northern Virginia? Just in Fairfax County are dozens of small manufacturers making a variety of products including custom furniture, baked goods, personal care products, jewelry — and of course beer and wine. In fact, the county is home to more than 150 small manufacturers. To help them grow, and to encourage more entrepreneurial activity, Fairfax County has created a Made in Fairfax directory to connect local small-production manufacturers to networking groups, marketing opportunities and potential customers. The directory is also a great resource for ordering unique locally made gifts
The directory is a one-stop shop for maker businesses and the people who want to support them and provides a new way for makers to raise their visibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. The makers listed in the directory represent the rich diversity of cultures and people who call Fairfax County home, such as 344 Frost, an artisan stained glass and ceramics company in Fairfax; Dan Burke Designs, a furniture maker and member of the Annandale Chamber and Artisans United Gallery; Semicolon Craft and Forgeworks, a hand-forged blacksmith-goods business in Reston; and Thulisa Naturals, bath and body products manufacturer in the Falls Church area.
The Power of Just One StreetYesterday, the neighbors on Merrimac Trail in Annandale pooled their efforts and collected food for the ACCA Food Pantry on Columbia Pike. They filled the truck as seen in this photo. It really warms the heart to see people coming together to help those in need. This is the power of just one small street! Thanks go to Eric Kinneman of Kinneman Insurance for spearheading this effort.
Many scout troops and schoolrooms are looking for community service projects. This is one that can easily be organized by parents and teachers. The food pantry is always in need of donations especially now when far more members of our community are out of work and desperately need assistance.
Besides food, paper towels, toothbrushes & toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, and toilet paper are always in short supply.
The Annandale Food Pantry run by ACCA has an outdoor drop off just to the left of the main building. For more information including times donations are received: www.accacares.org
UnCovered
The Curious Tales of a Jacket with No Tail—1820’s
This ladies’ spencer was found in a closet at the home of a Lee family descendant and, according to the donor, the family had used it as a dress-up and costume piece for decades. It was donated to the Fairfax County Park Authority in 1994.
The garment was conserved and stabilized in 2012 due to its fragility. It was analyzed at that time and was dated to around 1820. The outer fabric is mauve silk with a woven pattern of vines and leaves. The neckline, which is U-shaped in the front and V-shaped in the back, is trimmed with a wide, pleated and ruched band. The inner lining of the spencer is a mixture of beige linen for the bodice and wool for the sleeves. It is fully handstitched.
The spencer, a waist-length jacket with no tails, is a unique clothing item from the Regency Era. Its creation is credited to George John Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer (1758-1834), though there are many versions of the origin story.
The Contents of a Lady’s Handbag
The Year Was 1854
In the early 19th century, women began to use small ornamental handbags in which personal items were carried. A purse was something quite different. A purse was simply a satchel in which only coins were carried since they were heavy and would soon wear holes in any pocket. Consequently, coins were often contained within their own case made of metal, leather or reinforced fabric.
Fashion of the 1850s for both men and women were colorful, sumptuous in style with luxurious fabrics. Sewing machines were increasingly available and the cage crinoline underpinned the dress silhouette.
Women’s dresses were made of lush fabrics often obtained from overseas markets. Silk and velvet were favorites along with beautiful polished cottons loomed largely in England for wear in warmer weather. Dress shapes consisted of fitted bodices to the waist and full bell skirts that were accessorized with ruffles, multiple trims, flowers, and layered flounces. Tight boned corsets narrowed the appearance of the waist but often reduced the natural breathing ability of the women laced within. Fainting,, especially in hot weather, was not unusual. Smelling salts were kept close at hand.
Changing Weather Patterns Require a Coverage Re-Think
Severe Flooding Plagues the Metro Area with Greater Frequency
Standard homeowner policies provide reimbursement coverage for a loss from many causes such as theft, fire, and water damage due to burst pipes & leaking appliances, stopped up sinks and broken toilets. It does not cover damage caused by environmental floods. If water comes over the ground through rainstorms that flood your yard or from lakes - streams that overflow their banks, a homeowner’s policy does not cover you, but flood insurance will add that extra layer of protection for just these occurrences. Protecting you from a devastating financial loss necessitates the correct home insurance coverage. Do you have that coverage?
Flooding is defined by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), “as a temporary overflow of water on normally dry land brought on by landslides, hurricanes, earthquakes or other natural disasters.” According to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), even one inch of water can cause $25,000 worth of damage; that all 50 states have experienced floods; and, that more than 20% of claims come from moderate to low risk areas. Clearly, flood insurance is not simply for high-risk locals. Start your research on FEMA’s website where you will easily find their Flood Map Service Center showing if your address is in a flood zone and what risk level your home/business face.
(https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home)
READ MORE
Soothing Strings Calm Covid Anxiety
The Reunion Music Society
At the Beginning
It’s 1994. Gladys Watkins and Herb Smith, Professors of Music at the NVCC Annandale campus, propose an idea to their friend and colleague, Dr. Claiborne Richardson, eminent music educator and member of the NVCC Board. Your community music association, the Reunion Music Society, has a mission of serving the community through music, but it is too small to form a symphony orchestra. NVCC needs an orchestra ensemble class, but there aren’t enough student musicians to make one viable. How about a collaboration between RMS and the NOVA Annandale campus? Students would get college credit for playing alongside experienced community instrumentalists. Everyone gets a chance to play in a full symphony orchestra. Dr. Richardson agrees wholeheartedly, and with support from Dr. Richard Ernst, NVCC President, the NOVA Annandale Symphony Orchestra is launched.
Cut to 2018. Dr. Richardson, now in frail health, is beaming with pride. The orchestra has just given a sparkling performance of Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez and other substantial works. The collaboration has paid off in spades.
It didn’t take 24 years to reach that level, though. At the very first concert on April 15, 1994, conducted in part by Dr. Richardson, the orchestra presented Samuel Barber’s Serenade for Strings, Copland’s Lincoln Portrait (narrated by Dr Ernst himself) and Fanfare for the Common Man, and other substantial pieces. The orchestra began a long-standing tradition of major concerts in the fall and spring and pops concerts in the summers. The current Music Director, Christopher Johnston, joined the orchestra not long after its founding
UPDATE:
Methods we are using for socially-distanced ensemble playing:
Pupusas Express -- NOW OPEN
In the Annandale Shopping Center on Columbia Pike at Gallows
Now Open in the Annandale Shopping Center is a much awaited new dining experience known as Pupusas Express. (7042 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003) Delicious, spotlessly clean and friendly, this eatery will delight the young and the young at heart. The menu reflects the traditional Salvadoran dishes offered at affordable prices certain to please every budget.
Known for their warm hospitality and exceptionally quick and courteous service, they have now expanded to four locations. If you are unfamiliar with Salvadoran cuisine, the staff will be happy to discuss ingredients and walk you through the menu offerings.
The traditional Salvadoran foods are a mix of Native American cuisines from indigenous groups and influences from European (Spanish) cuisine. Many of the dishes are made with maize (corn) in one form or another. There is also a heavy use of pork, chicken, and seafood.
El Salvador's most notable dish is the pupusa, a thick handmade corn flour or rice flour flatbread stuffed with cheese, cooked ground pork, chicken, refried beans, or vegetables.
Since most are only $2.40 each, you can afford to try a few combinations. Condiments accompanying the pupusas are pickled-cabbage (a cole slaw known as curitido) and tomato sauce.
A favorite Salvadoran specialty is pupusa stuffed with cheese and the loroco flower. Fernaldia pandurate is a vine with edible flowers known as loroco flowers grown throughout Mexico and Central America and is an important source of food in El Salvador and Guatemala. The plant's buds and flowers are used for cooking in a variety of ways, including in pupusas. At Pupusas Express a special pupusa is stuffed with cheese and the loroco flower.
Other well-known Salvadoran dishes include carne guisada (a saucy beef stew with potatoes and carrots), carne asada (grilled steak), Camarones a la Crema (Sauteed shrimp mixed with onions, green peppers and cream), Ceviche de Camaron (lime cooked shrimp), various Tacos, Quesadillas, and Fajitas.
SOUP-SOUP, YOU MUST TRY THE SOUP
Don’t overlook their four soup offerings as they are of special note.
In the Annandale Shopping Center
on Columbia Pike at Gallows Road
7042 Columbia Pike
Annandale, VA 22003
571-378-0018
www.pupusasexpress.com
Open Monday thru Saturday 11 am
to 10 pm, closed on Sunday
Free delivery within 4 miles and a minimum $12.00 order.
Dr. Mudd's House & Museum
Explore Local History
Dr. Mudd’s 19th century farmhouse in Waldorf, MD became an historic site when president Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. At Dr. Mudd’s, Booth received medical treatment for a broken fibula received when Booth jumped from the President’s theatre box to the stage at Ford’s Theatre in Washington. Booth had just shot the President..
This farmhouse is cozy and bright, and very typical of farmhouse architecture of the mid 19th century. The house features wide plank floors, small bedrooms with multiple beds, fireplaces in each room, well lit from multiple windows and white painted walls. Empire furnishings of fine craftsmanship and an impressive array of tableware and accoutrements adorn a gracious dining room table and sideboards. In the parlor, many Mudd family antiques remain including the sofa where Booth’s broken leg was examined.
Only a fifty minute drive brings you to this historic site and a rather fascinating tour. Docents, in period dress, provide a thorough and friendly tour of both floors and a captivating 1860’s kitchen filled with period pots, jars, utensils, cooking stoves and fires. This kitchen equipment was characteristic of the time and had been in use for centuries but only remained operational for another 50 years. After electricity reached the rural communities kitchens changed forever.
READ MORE
MEET THE ARTISAN: Bob Simoniz
Ye Old Toymaker and Wood Carver
Bob Simoniz first started in crafts after graduating from Virginia Tech and marring his wife Maureen in 1968. He began with leathercraft and placed items in a consignment store in Crystal City near where he worked for the Naval Sea Systems Command. One day the owner asked if he could make wooden toys since she was having problems with her current artisan. That set Bob on the path to creating numerous toys over a period of several years.
During this period he made furniture for his family and eventually for friends. When he bought their current home in 1976, he finished off the lower level adding a family room and two bedrooms managing the construction and wiring himself. Later he added a garage and built a 14x16 addition. With the exception of pouring the foundation, Bob and his wife designed and provided all the labor. When Bob was in college, he worked summers as a helper for an Electrical Construction Company in Lynchburg, VA where he learned the electrical trade.
Over the years of building furniture, Bob always wanted to try wood carving. In 1989, he finally bought a kit and carved a very rough Santa which he still has. Until about 15 years ago, his main carvings were Santa's and snowmen for personal Christmas gifts (usually between 11-15 gifts a year). After taking a class on chip carving with Barry McKenzie, Bob began carving icicles as Christmas gifts. His next door neighbor was ordering 35 for gifts each Christmas.
Then he added Welsh Lovespoons. Lovespoons have been made and given for about 350 years. The earliest example dates to 1667 and can be seen in the Welch Museum in Cardiff although the majority on exhibit date to the 18th and 19th century. They are ornately carved spoons made from a single piece of wood and given by a young suitor as a love token to show his intentions. Tradition has it that the spoon was equivalent to a proposal of marriage. Numerous symbols can be carved into a single spoon expressing the entwining of lives forever, the intention to support her, the number of children envisioned, fidelity, and eternal happiness are but a few. Bob says that he has carved some complex love spoons just for the challenge. Now they are a labor of love.
READ MORE
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MEET THE ARTISAN: Paul Gesalman
I could say I was born with a camera in my hand because my parents were into photography and having my own camera was part of my earliest memories. I grew up in the Laurel Highlands of Southwestern Pennsylvania with three quarters of my aunts, uncles and cousins living within a stone's throw. We could have a family reunion at a moment's notice. All this meant I had a lot of nature and family to photograph. My first camera was an Ansco Cadet, which I still own. It was a very basic camera, but with four-square-inch negatives it actually took pretty good pictures. I remember trying to be artistic and creative, but there's only so much a nine-year-old can do.
My progress was slow until I married into a family of photography buffs, primarily my wife and father-in-law. My father-in-law introduced me to the photography of mushrooms and fungi. The diversity is amazing, and it is a good excuse to spend time in the woods. I have always had the goal of photographing wildlife, but that can be frustrating. In contrast, mushrooms don't run away and hide when you try to take their picture. Another benefit of being out of school was being able to upgrade equipment to allow more creativity.
Chamber Membership is an Effective Business Strategy
According to a recent study conducted by the Shapiro Group:
“When consumers know a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 49% more likely to think favorably of that business, and 80% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.” For more information on benefits when joining the Annandale Chamber of Commerce please see......
Membership Information.
Trust Properties
Trust Properties was founded in 1994 and is committed to providing a broad range of Commercial Real Estate Services throughout the Greater Washington Metropolitan area. Staffed by knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated career professionals, Trust Properties takes pride in delivering impeccable levels of service and exceptional results to their clients and customers.
Greg McGillicuddy is a Vice President and Principal Broker at Trust Properties. Greg grew up in Arlington and returned here after completing his studies at Harvard and Hopkins. Greg is one of the most knowledgeable brokers in local real estate, with more than 27 years of experience in the sales and leasing of office, retail and industrial properties and has managed more than two million square feet of properties in the Greater Metro area, including numerous properties here in Annandale. READ MORE
LAMBROS GOLDSMITH AND FINE JEWELRY
Sparkling, even inspiring are the jewelry designs exhibited in abundance at this charming retailer. Lambros and Jayne Magiafas, goldsmith and geologist, are a team made in Jewelers Heaven. Lambros began his goldsmith apprenticeship at the age of 12 in his native Greece while Jayne started her career in the US at the age of 16.
Lambros Goldsmiths is a family owned and operated, full service Fine Jewelry retailer. Founded in 1987, Lambros Goldsmiths has been serving the Fine Jewelry needs of people from around the country. Nestled in our friendly town of Annandale, Lambros Goldsmiths offers uniquely handcrafted Fine Jewelry at competitive prices. READ MORE
RECOVERY PROGRAM SOLUTIONS OF VIRGINIA OFFERS AREA BUSINESSES FREE FACILITATED (MENTAL HEALTH)
SUPPORT GROUP SESSIONS
Sessions are designed to help staff address their concerns related to returning to work during COVID-19
Today, 1/3 of Americans are experiencing clinical anxiety or depression due to COVID-19. As companies develop their potential reopening plans, it is important to gauge the mental state of employees related to the pandemic and returning to the workplace. For example, most working adults are concerned about their personal safety regarding COVID-19, for their children or elderly loved ones while at work during the pandemic, safely traveling to work, and staying safe in a work setting. Recovery Program Solutions of Virginia (RPSV) now offers customized virtual support sessions designed specifically for area businesses. The sessions are facilitated by peer specialists who will help team members work through the concerns they are having individually and as a collective. RPSV’s services are free to the public.
RPSV is an award-winning nonprofit that supports adults with mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness issues across Northern Virginia and specializes in one-on-one and peer group support programs.
Individuals are invited to join any of RPSV’s existing virtual support groups. RPSV can also work with businesses to customize a program for their team members (we can either join an existing virtual meeting or design sessions to address specific needs). Today, more than ever, taking care of your mental health is equally as important as caring for your body. Anxiety, stress, and depression can manifest itself in a variety of ways. RPSV strives to alleviate some of that burden.
For more information on RPSV’s current programming, please visit www.rpsva.org.
Recovery Program Solutions of VA
7611 Little River Turnpike
Annandale 22003
(Copyright © 2012 Annandale Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. (Photographs & images, on this page, and on this website, are not available for use by other publications, blogs, individuals, websites, or social media sites.)
Help Fill the Needs of Your Neighbors this Winter
As the COVID-19 crisis continues, the need for food donations is greater than ever before. Your support will go a long way in helping to bring relief to our most vulnerable neighbors. For more information or, to donate now, click HERE.
ACCA collects food donations on weekdays with the exception of County Holidays and other scheduled closings from 1 – 5 pm at the food pantry across from Giant Food on Columbia Pike (trailer separate from the day care center) in Annandale.See their website for Saturday donation schedule.
Annandale Christian Community for Action
7200 Columbia Pike Annandale, VA 22003
703-256-0100 info@accacares.org
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Read the Latest
ENDEAVOR News Magazine
The ENDEAVOR News Magazine is the Chamber's quarterly online publication and the must read magazine in Annandale. Acquaint yourself with local businesses, community history, revitalization efforts, and issues that concern Annandale: The Crossroads of Northern Virginia TM.
The Annandale American Legion
Post 1976 is recruiting new members. Veterans and family members welcome to join. Party hall rental is free for all members. Call 703-408-9123 and ask for Diane Ramsey.
4206 Daniels Ave, Annandale, VA 22003
(behind the Bank of America building
on Columbia Pike)
Mondays and Thursdays
The Annandale Volunteer Fire Dept. BINGO
Temporarily Halted due to Covid
Doors opening at 4:30pm – Early Birds start at 6:45pm – Regular Sessions starts 7:45pm
7128 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
Ample parking on site. www.avfd.org
American Legion Bicentennial Post 1976
4206 Daniels Ave. . Annandale, VA 22003
located directly behind the Bank of America on Columbia Pike.
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Youth Sports & Summer Camps
in Annandale are best represented by:
Annandale Boys & Girls Club
Lee's Hapmudo Martial Arts Studio
Kenwood School Summer Day Camp
Homeless & Hypothermia Shelters
in Northern Virginia through Fredericksburg (Fairfax, Loudoun, Culpepper, Arlington, Alexandria, and Prince William Counties, plus Manassas & Manassas Park, can be found at: www.novaregion.org/DocumentCenter/View/11750
Office to Prevent and End Homelessness: 703-324-9492 https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/homeless/
Families with children who need shelter must contact Coordinated Services Planning at (703) 222-0880 between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm to gain access. After business hours, families with children in need of shelter should go directly to the nearest family shelter.
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Local Web Links:
Annandale Acres
Annandale Boys & Girls Club Blog
Annandale: Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Annandale Revitalization Committee
Annandale Shopping Center
Braddock District Supervisor
Broyhill Park
Danbury Forrest
Elan Mews/Royal Court
ENDEAVOR News Magazine
Fairfax County Community Associations
Fairfax County Government
Fairfax County Schools
Falls Church News Press
Holmes Run Acres
Lafayette Village
Lake Barcroft
Leewoods
Long Branch
Mason District Supervisor
Mosaic District (Merrifield)
Oak Hill
Ravensworth-Bristow
Raymondale
Sleepy Hollow
Sleepy Hollow Woods
Tysons Corner
Washington Post
Woodburn Homes
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