This is the official blog for the Town of Abingdon, VA. This blog is another tool for the town staff to share information with the citizens and surrounding community. We hope you find it useful.
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
LIVING HISTORY AT THE ABINGDON MUSTER GROUNDS
LIVING HISTORY AT THE ABINGDON MUSTER GROUNDS
Celebrating 50 years of the National Trail System
Hear ye! Hear ye! Overmountain Men and their families will come to life at the Abingdon Muster Grounds, June 23, 2018 from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm. This event will highlight the importance of the Washington County, Virginia militia and the Revolutionary War Battle of Kings Mountain, 1780. There will be demonstrations related to life in backcountry Virginia during colonial times. This event has activities for the whole family! Join the Overmountain Victory Trail Association, Blacks Fort Chapter-DAR, and General William Campbell Chapter-SAR as we bring history to life.
Certified by the National Park Service as the northern trailhead of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, the Abingdon Muster Grounds is a picturesque 9-acre park with significant history. When a call was issued for militia to respond to British Major Patrick Ferguson’s threat that, “he would march his army over the mountains, hang their leaders, and lay their country waste with fire and sword,” men from all over the region moved into action. Under the leadership of Colonel William Campbell, 400 Virginians set out to join patriot militia from modern-day Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. After a two week campaign, the Overmountain Men fought the Battle of Kings Mountain with overwhelming success. Thomas Jefferson said it was “the turn of the tide of success which terminated the Revolutionary War, with the seal of our independence”.
The Keller Interpretive Center, located at the Abingdon Muster Grounds, houses southwest Virginia’s premier Revolutionary War exhibits. Artifacts associated with backcountry Virginia and the Battle of Kings Mountain are on display.
If you would like more information about this topic, please call 276-525-1050 or email lhunter@abingdon-va.gov
BACKCOUNTRY COLONIAL DAY CAMP 2018
BACKCOUNTRY COLONIAL DAY CAMP 2018
Life in Backcountry Colonial Virginia and the Battle of
Kings Mountain
The
Abingdon Muster Grounds will host a free day camp, June 25-29, 2018 from 9:00
am to 1:30 pm, for children ages 9-11.
Come learn about life in the Backcountry of Virginia in 1780 from
interpreters in period dress! Activities
will include educational presentations, fun and games, and hands-on crafts. Only 25 spots are available so sign-up
today! Snacks and lunches will be
provided.
Registration
forms can be picked up at the Keller Interpretive Center at the Abingdon Muster
Grounds. They can also be found online
at www.abingdonmustergrounds.com.
If you would like more information about this topic, please
call 276-525-1050 or email lhunter@abingdon-va.gov
PUBLIC FEEDBACK INVITED ON INTERSTATE 81 CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT PLAN
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Comments will be accepted at the meeting or by contacting Ben
Mannell, study manager, at VA81CorridorPlan@OIPI.Virginia .gov
or by mail to 1401 E. Broad St., Richmond, Virginia 23219, or by phone at
804-786-2971. The first comment period will end July 31, 2018. Additional
comment opportunities will be available throughout the study.
For more information about the study, or to view meeting
materials, visit http://www.VA81Corridor.org.
For
additional information about the CTB, visit http://www.CTB.Virginia.gov/.
Friday, May 25, 2018
Thursday, May 24, 2018
2018 “Best of Abingdon” Winners
2018
“Best of Abingdon” Winners
On Monday, May 7, 2018, Mayor Cathy Lowe designated
May as Business Appreciation Month. As part of showing her appreciation to the
businesses, who have invested in Abingdon, she collaborated with the Town of
Abingdon Community Development Coordinator, Community Relations Coordinator,
and IT Specialist, to create the “BEST OF ABINGDON” initiative.
From May 8-14, 2018, Mayor Cathy Lowe, Community
Development Coordinator, Tonya Triplett; Community Relations Coordinator,
Tenille Montgomery; and IT Specialist, Jon Phelps, delivered the “Best of
Abingdon” awards to twenty-eight (28) businesses. Each winner received a framed
certificate, a garden flag, window cling, and Town of Abingdon pins. In
addition, each winner was announced live on the Town of Abingdon, VA Mayor
Facebook page.
“It
was an honor and a pleasure to have the opportunity to meet with all of the
winners in their business and give them a small token of our appreciation,”
said Mayor Cathy Lowe. “Our goal with this and other forthcoming initiatives is
to highlight the many outstanding businesses located in Abingdon.”
Below is a list of all the winners and their
categories:
Best Abingdon Breakfast Spot- Chick-N-Little
Best Abingdon Lunch Spot- 128 Pecan
Best Abingdon Dinner Establishment- The Tavern
Best Sweet Shop/Dessert Place- 149 Sweets
Best Supermarket/Grocery Store- Food City
Best Retail Shop- Necessities
Entertainment Venue- Barter Theatre
Abingdon Best Clothing Store- Forget-Me-Not
Best Antique Store- Zephyr’s Antiques
Best B&B/Hotel/Cottage- The Martha Washington
Hotel & Spa
Best Art Gallery/Museum- William King Museum
Best Medical Provider- Abingdon Internal Medicine
Best Dentist- Brown Dental Associates
Best Pharmacy- Walgreen’s Pharmacy
Best Chiropractic- Boothe Chiropractic
Best Law Firm- Wayne Austin
Best Financial Advisor- Lopez Wealth Management
Best Realtor- Highlands Realty
Best Bank/Credit Union- First Bank & Trust
Best CPA/Bookkeeper- Hicok & Fern
Best Insurance- Wampler’s Insurance
Best Flower Shop- Humphrey’s Flowers
Best Dry Cleaners- Abingdon Dry Cleaners
Best Auto Service Center- Don’s Garage
Best Auto Dealer- Pioneer Chevrolet
Best Hair Salon- Cuttin’ Up
Best Spa- The Martha Washington Hotel & Spa
Best Fitness/Gym- Dyna Body By Lee
*Check out the YouTube video with all the winners’
here- https://youtu.be/vx8xAhKiHtY
Thank you to everyone who voted for these businesses,
tuned in to Facebook live, and showed support for this campaign. The Town of
Abingdon hopes to continue this positive initiative for years to come.
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Friday, May 18, 2018
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Media alert: Thursday Jams moved to Wolf Hills Brewing due to inclement weather
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2018 SAM LEWIS CONCERT MOVES TO WOLF HILLS BREWING TONIGHT DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
Abingdon, VA – Due to the forecast of thunder and lighting, tonight’s Thursday Jams concert has been relocated to Wolf Hills Brewing (350 Park Street in Abingdon). Nashville artist Sam Lewis headlines the show, with opening act K.T. Vandyke. The brewery opens at 5:00pm, and music starts at 7:00pm. Food vendors will still be on hand, and the concert is still free and all ages.
Country singer Sam Lewis has collaborated with everyone from John Prine and Kacey Musgraves to The Wood Brothers. Chris Stapleton dubbed him "a modern Townes Van Zandt". And while he's often labeled with some form of the word 'soulful' (some have even compared his voice to molasses), Lewis' style meets at a juncture of many different genres.
Born and raised deep in the black diamond hills of southwestern Virginia, K.T. Vandyke is a unique and gripping song-smith, who wields folk songs and prose that reflect his vibrant and tempestuous life. His songs tell the story of growing up in the coalfields of Buchanan County, Virginia and the trials of being young vagabond musician devoted to honing his craft and experiencing all that life has to offer.
For more information on the venue, visit https://wolfhillsbrewing.com/
For more information on the musical lineup, visit https://www.abingdonmusicexperience.com/sam-lewis-may-17
May 17, 2018 SAM LEWIS CONCERT MOVES TO WOLF HILLS BREWING TONIGHT DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
Abingdon, VA – Due to the forecast of thunder and lighting, tonight’s Thursday Jams concert has been relocated to Wolf Hills Brewing (350 Park Street in Abingdon). Nashville artist Sam Lewis headlines the show, with opening act K.T. Vandyke. The brewery opens at 5:00pm, and music starts at 7:00pm. Food vendors will still be on hand, and the concert is still free and all ages.
Country singer Sam Lewis has collaborated with everyone from John Prine and Kacey Musgraves to The Wood Brothers. Chris Stapleton dubbed him "a modern Townes Van Zandt". And while he's often labeled with some form of the word 'soulful' (some have even compared his voice to molasses), Lewis' style meets at a juncture of many different genres.
Born and raised deep in the black diamond hills of southwestern Virginia, K.T. Vandyke is a unique and gripping song-smith, who wields folk songs and prose that reflect his vibrant and tempestuous life. His songs tell the story of growing up in the coalfields of Buchanan County, Virginia and the trials of being young vagabond musician devoted to honing his craft and experiencing all that life has to offer.
For more information on the venue, visit https://wolfhillsbrewing.com/
For more information on the musical lineup, visit https://www.abingdonmusicexperience.com/sam-lewis-may-17
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Commonwealth Transportation Board/VDOT Meeting
Follow
up information from the Commonwealth Transportation Board/VDOT Meeting held on
Monday, May 14, 2018:
Already
funded or under construction
Exit
14 – complete in Fall 2018
Park
Street – under design, start construction in Spring 2019
Green
Springs Road – complete in October 2018
Abingdon
Urban Trail – complete in September 2018
VCT
@ Watauga Road - underway
Upcoming
East
Main Street sidewalks – FY2023
West
Main/Jonesboro Road intersection improvements – Design FY2021, Construction
FY2023
Additional
Maintenance Funds (Cummings Street, Porterfield Hwy, Jonesboro Road) – Fall
2018
West
Main/Porterfield Hwy intersection improvements – Design FY2020, Construction
FY2022-23
Exit
17 – FY2021
Exit
19 – FY2023
VCT
@ Meade Meadows – FY2019/20
Future
Applications
East
Main Street Widening from Exit 19 to Hillman Highway – Smart Scale
French
Moore Blvd. Extension – Smart Scale
Clark
Street Sidewalks - HSIP
Urban
Trail, Phase 2 – Transportation Alternative (TA)
For
questions or more information, please call Matt Bolick, Director of Public
Works, at 276-628-3167.
Monday, May 14, 2018
ABINGDON’S THURSDAY JAMS BEGIN THIS WEEK; NOW ANNOUNCING THE FULL LINEUP OF OPENING ACTS
ABINGDON’S
THURSDAY JAMS BEGIN THIS WEEK;
NOW ANNOUNCING THE
FULL LINEUP OF OPENING ACTS
Abingdon,
VA – Now in its 6th year, Abingdon’s Thursday Jams series is
one of the region’s most popular summer events. The shows start this
Thursday May 17th with rising country artist Sam Lewis and special
opener KT Vandyke, a rising star from Southwest VA. Thursday Jams has
added some surprising new opening acts to the series, adding even more excitement
to the schedule of nationally acclaimed artists. Thursday Jams kick
off each Thursday evening at 7:00pm; headliners go on at 8:00pm.
Presented
by Blue Ridge Beverages and the Abingdon Music Experience, Thursday Jams
continues each Thursday for 10 weeks, closing July 19; a beer garden is
provided by Abingdon Main Street, and local food vendors are on hand each week.
Visitors and locals alike turn out for these free, family-friendly events.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the shows.
“We
have been overwhelmed with the requests from artists to play this series, and
there just aren’t enough days to showcase all of the talent we’d like to,”
according to Event Coordinator Sara Saavedra. “This has created a situation
where each concert date not only has a fantastic headlining band, but often has
openers who are also booked at big festivals like Merle Fest and Floyd Fest. We
have so many openers this year that are nationally touring acts themselves.”
Other
opening acts include Trongone Band (June 14), Cicada Rhythm (July 12) and Songs
from the Road (June 28) a NC bluegrass super-band, made up of members who have
shared the stage with Bela Fleck, Larry Keel, Steve Martin, Bobby McFerrin and
have received numerous IBMA and Grammy awards. For a full listing of musical
acts and dates, visit www.abingdonmusicexperience.com.
Thursday
Jams, which draws thousands of locals and visitors to downtown Abingdon each
year, is sponsored in part by Eastman Credit Union, Universal Fibers, First
Community Bank, Bank of Marion, Food City, and Johnston Memorial Hospital, with
media and hospitality sponsorship from WNCW 88.7, The Loafer, and JJ’s
Restaurant.
No
outside alcohol is allowed. In case of inclement weather, updates will be
posted to social media, and Wolf Hills Brewery will serve as the alternate
venue, located at 350 Park Street SE in Abingdon.
--continued--
Thursday Jams 2018
Lineup
May
17, 2018
Sam
Lewis
Opening
act: KT Vandyke
May
24, 2018
Reverend
Shawn Amos
Opening
act: Mr. Nobody & The Extras
May
31, 2018
Ruby
Velle & The Soulphonics
Opening
act: Shake it Like a Caveman
June
7, 2018
Steel
Wheels
Special
Guest Sinners & Saints
June
14, 2018
Cris
Jacobs
Special
Guest Trongone Band
June
21, 2018
Heather
Gillis Band
Opening
act: Sparks & Lazers
June
28, 2018
Acoustic
Syndicate
Opening
act: Songs from the Road
Super
Doppler
Opening
act: Okey Dokey
July
12, 2018
Eilen
Jewell
Opening
act: Cicada Rhythm
July
19, 2018
Sweet
Crude
Opening
act: TBD
####
Friday, May 11, 2018
COMMONWEALTH TRANSPORTATION BOARD INVITES PUBLIC FEEDBACK ON TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS
COMMONWEALTH TRANSPORTATION BOARD INVITES PUBLIC FEEDBACK ON TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS
Provide input on projects that are recommended for funding at public meetings, online, email and mail
RICHMOND, Va. – The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) will be hosting meetings across the commonwealth and is inviting the public to share feedback on transportation projects that have been recommended for funding. Members of the community may participate by attending public meetings or submitting comments online, by email or mail.
Public comments will be considered by the CTB as it develops the FY 2019-2024 Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP). The SYIP allocates public funds to highway, road, bridge, rail, bicycle, pedestrian, public transportation, and transportation demand management projects. The Draft FY 2019-2024 SYIP identifies projects proposed for inclusion in the final program, which will be approved at the CTB’s June meeting. All federally-eligible projects in the SYIP will be included in the federally-required Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) to document how Virginia will obligate its federal funds.
The public meetings will begin at 4 p.m. in each of the locations except as noted below (a formal comment period will be held at each meeting):
Monday, May 14, 2018
Bristol
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
One Partnership Cir.
Abingdon, VA 24210
Meeting materials will be available at http://www.ctb.virginia.gov/plan…/springmeetings/default.asp beginning April 16, 2018.
Online sources
Six-Year Improvement Program:
You can also submit your comments by email or mail by May 30, 2018:
• For roads and highways: Six-YearProgram@VDOT.Virginia.govor Infrastructure Investment Director, Virginia Department of Transportation 1401 East Broad St., Richmond, VA 23219.
• For transit and rail: DRPTPR@drpt.virginia.govor Public Information Office, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation 600 East Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond VA, 23219.
For additional information about the CTB, visit http://www.ctb.virginia.gov/.
(END)
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Monday, May 7, 2018
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
ABINGDON’S THURSDAY JAMS RETURN FOR 10 WEEKS OF FREE CONCERTS, BEGINNING MAY 17, 2018
Abingdon,
VA – For the 6th summer in a row, Abingdon hosts free outdoor
concerts at the Abingdon Market Pavilion. The popular Thursday Jams
series brings a wide range of nationally recognized artists to Abingdon, each
Thursday night for 10 weeks. The series kicks off Thursday May 17th
with the soulful modern country sound of Sam Lewis, and continues through July
19th.
Presented
by Blue Ridge Beverages and the Abingdon Music Experience, the concerts are
free and open to the public; a beer garden will be provided by Abingdon Main
Street, and local food vendors will be on hand each week.
Highlights
this year include the joyful blues of Reverend Shawn Amos, the beloved
bluegrass band Acoustic Syndicate, and Sweet Crude, a South Louisiana indie-pop
band that sings in in an enchanting mix of English and French. For a full
listing of musical acts and dates, visit www.abingdonmusicexperience.com.
The
series, which draws thousands of locals and visitors to downtown Abingdon each
year, is sponsored in part by Eastman Credit Union, Universal Fibers, First
Community Bank, Bank of Marion, Food City, and Johnston Memorial Hospital, with
media and hospitality sponsorship from WNCW 88.7, The Loafer, and JJ’s
Restaurant.
Music
will begin 7:00 pm each Thursday at the Abingdon Market Pavilion, with a beer
garden benefitting Abingdon Main Street opening at 6:30 pm. A variety of food
truck and local vendors will be on hand offering concessions. The events
are family-friendly, and attendees are encouraged to bring their chairs and or
blankets to enjoy the shows. No outside alcohol is allowed. In case of
inclement weather, updates will be posted to social media, and Wolf Hills
Brewery will serve as the alternate venue, located at 350 Park Street SE in
Abingdon.
The
series will host a variety of musical genres including Americana, southern rock,
bluegrass, indie folk, soul and roots. Bands performing during Thursday
Jams have also appeared at internationally-recognized festivals like Willie
Nelson’s Luck Reunion, SXSW, Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Floyd Fest, and
Bonnaroo as well as NPR’s Tiny Desk and Music City Roots. Local talent will
open each Thursday for the headliners, who will start their sets at 8pm.
For
a full listing of musical acts and dates, visit www.abingdonmusicexperience.com. For more
information, call 276-676-2282 or email ssaavedra@abingdon-va.gov.
--continued—
Thursday Jams 2018
Lineup
Sam
Lewis
May
17, 2018
For
Fans of: Parker Millsap, Anderson East, Townes van Zandt
Like
many before him, Sam Lewis came to Nashville to make music. But unlike the
majority, Lewis managed to hop on one of the most successful tours that country
music has seen as of late. He's collaborated with everyone from John Prine and
Kacey Musgraves to The Wood Brothers. Chris Stapleton dubbed him "a modern
Townes Van Zandt". And while he's often labeled with some form of the word
'soulful' (some have even compared his voice to molasses), Lewis' style meets
at a juncture of many different genres. There's something about Sam Lewis that
is indescribably different -- and with his newest project, he's discovered what
most musicians spend lifetimes working for -- the place where feel-good music
meets vital social commentary.
Reverend
Shawn Amos
May
24, 2018
For
fans of: Keb Mo, Gary Clark, Jr., Jonny Lang “modern blues with a nod to the
past”
From
West Coast clubs, to Deep South joints, to European festivals, to YouTube, to
the podcast universe, the Reverend Shawn Amos’ message of joyful blues is
reaching an ever-increasing flock. The Rev’s distinctive blend of black roots
music, R & B, and stripped down rock n’ roll brings a bracing, soul-deep
musical experience to audiences starved for authenticity, for connection. “I derive
a lot of satisfaction bringing people joy,” he says.
Ruby
Velle & The Soulphonics
May
31, 2018
For
Fans of: Amy Winehouse, The Broadcast, Charles Bradley
Deep,raw
funk…stax-style Southern soul…positively uplifting &
ORIGINAL…Motown-channeling anthems. Atlanta’s Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics
are the heirs to the thrones of the old-school masters. But they’re much more
than just a group of revivalists trying to create a period piece. Powerhouse
singer Velle and her band will settle for nothing less than bringing these
classic sounds glimmering into the now with a fresh, new contemporary sheen.
Steel
Wheels with Special Guest Sinners & Saints
June
7, 2018
For
Fans of: Mandolin Orange, Mipso, Black Lillies
Hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, The Steel Wheels are
familiar with the traditions of folk music and how a string band is supposed to
sound. In fact, they’ve been drawing on those steadfast traditions for more
than a decade. Yet, their name also evokes a sense of forward motion, which is
clearly reflected in their latest album, Wild As We Came Here. Their musical
style weaves through Americana and bluegrass, folk and old-time music, and the
acoustic poetry of the finest singer-songwriters.
Special
Guest: Sinners & Saints. Perry Fowler and Mark Baran infuse their
acoustic, country-tinged tunes with compelling harmonies and foot-powered
percussion on repurposed drums from an abandoned kit.
Cris
Jacobs with Special Guest Trongone Band
June
14, 2018
For
fans of: Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Ray LaMontagne
“Outlaw
swagger meets blue-eyed soul, with evocative, heartfelt songwriting thrown in
for good measure” ~Rolling Stone
Whether
alone with just the guitar and his voice or surrounded by a full band, Cris
Jacobs enchants listeners with his inspired, poignant songwriting, virtuous
guitar playing, and soulfully transcendent voice. Artists across the board have
discovered Jacobs’ musicianship and supple versatility, resulting in an
impressive variety of formats in which he has played over the last few years.
Special
Guest: Trongone Band. Rapidly gaining momentum with a sound that falls
perfectly between Southern Rock ’n Soul and Americana Jam, The Trongone band is
turning heads and making an impact on the east coast.
Heather
Gillis Band
June
21, 2018
For
fans of: Butch Trucks, Allman Brothers, Samantha Fish
Heather
Gillis is the TOTAL package as a guitar player, lap steel player, singer,
songwriter, and arranger. You may not know her yet BUT listen up, as you are
going to hear a lot about this young lady in the next few years! Heather is an
amazingly versatile player and performer. She and her band have the stage
presence and confidence to appeal to a variety of musical tastes be it rock,
blues, soul, jazz, roots or gospel. At 22 years old, Heather has not only
formed a strong southeastern following but has played alongside and befriended
the likes of The Allman Brothers Band, Col Bruce Hampton, North Mississippi
All-Stars and Damon Fowler just to name a few.
Acoustic
Syndicate
June
28, 2018
For
fans of: Keller Williams, Mountain Heart, Town Mountain
Acoustic
Syndicate is a musical institution. Since 1994, their unique blend of bluegrass
instruments, rock sensibilities, and conscious songwriting has inspired a
generation of musicians. Through seven albums, thousands of performances, and
tens-of-thousands of miles, Acoustic Syndicate has long been heralded as one of
the important influences on the modern roots-music revival.
Super
Doppler
July
5, 2018
For
fans of: Charles Bradley, Antibalas, The Beatles
Produced
by fellow Virginia wunderkind Matthew E. White, Super Doppler’s new album
‘Moonlight Anthems’ is a raucous blend of soul, roots, and rock that tips its
cap equally to Levon and Lennon. The album is the debut under the band’s new
name “Super Doppler”, and it finds them building off the wave of critical
success garnered by their eponymous ‘Major and the Monbacks’ 2015 debut. Pop
Matters hailed that album’s “propulsive soul energy,” while The Huffington Post
described its sound as “Chicago meets the Grateful Dead meets The Band,” and
RVA Magazine raved that it had “not only revived, but given a psychedelic
face-lift to the soundtrack of the dancehalls of the ’50s and ’60s.” The record
offered but a taste of Super Dopplers’ ecstatic live show, which began to draw
sell-out crowds across the region and earned the band a slew of high profile
festival slots everywhere from Firefly to Floyd Fest in addition to support
dates with Charles Bradley, Os Mutantes, Antibalas, and more.
Eilen
Jewell
July
12, 2018
For
fans of: Tift Merritt, Gillian Welch, The Be Good Tanyas
Sweet
Crude
July
19, 2018
For
fans of: Tank & the Bangas, The Revivalists, Rebirth Brass Band
“Sweet
Crude is an extremely exciting new group with haunting and mesmerizing
vocals
sung in Louisiana French and English.”
–
PopMatters
Over
the past few years, Sweet Crude has managed to take the music and language of
Louisiana and produce a completely fresh music that thrusts century-old
traditions into the present. The six-piece band consistently delivers exciting
shows featuring enough drums for a small marching band, exuberantly bellowed
harmonies, and lyrics that jump from English to Louisiana French in a single
verse. Boasting surnames like Marceaux and Chachere, Sweet Crude seeks to reconnect
with their lineage in a way that draws on their own modern influences, while
nodding to the music and language of their ancestors.
####
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