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Michael Carroll Named Office Manager at Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Michael Carroll, a Gloucester resident, has been named Office Manager at Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling of Cambridge.

Carroll, who joined Winters Company in October of 2008, has been promoted to Office Manager. He started his career with Winters as a Customer Service Representative and worked his way up to Service Manager and then Call Center Manager before becoming the Office Manager. In his new role, Carroll will oversee office operations, accounts receivable, dispatch management, customer service and inside sales management. He’ll also be responsible for all sales and service reporting. Carroll has been trained in “The Winters Way” as well as at the Nexstar CSR/DSR and Service Systems programs.

Previous to Winters, Carroll was employed at Ski Market, the specialty sporting goods store, for seven years. Carroll served as Ski Market’s General Manager in Woburn MA and previous to that, he was the General Manager of Nashua and Manchester NH stores. Prior to that, he was the Assistant Manager in the Danvers store. Carroll won a number National and regional sales awards of awards.

Carroll graduated from Christian Brothers Academy high school in Albany, NY which participates in U.S. Army’s JROTC program. He holds an Associate in Applied Science in Business Administration from Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY and a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in finance from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY.

He is a native of Albany, NY.

“Mike has worn just about every hat at our corporate office and this promotion is well-deserved,” noted Tim Flynn, president of Winters Company.

About Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Since 1994, Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has specialized in providing home services of plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and kitchen and bath remodeling projects to thousands of homeowners throughout Eastern Massachusetts.

Winters Company is the largest residential plumbing company in the state, with 20 trucks on the road and a full staff of licensed and insured plumbers and technicians. In addition to 24 hour service and lifetime guarantees on many of their services, Winters Company has standardized their services, which ensures that every customer receives the same high quality workmanship delivered in the same professional and courteous manner.

Winter Company’s trusted professionals are trained to care for a home ‘s systems as well as the home and homeowner. All of Winter’s technicians undergo drug-testing and background checks, ensuring that only first-rate providers comprise Winter’s team.

Winters Company has been honored with a number of awards over the years including the Local Torch Award for Excellence from the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List Super Service Award. Winters Company is headquartered in Cambridge, MA. For more information, call (617) 484-2121 or visit the website at www.wintersplumbing.com.

Michael Carroll, Office Manager at Winters Company

Michael Carroll Named Office Manager at Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & CoolingRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Offers Tips for Stretching Food Dollars

Many families are concerned about the rising costs of food.

Shawn Smith, Registered Dietician and Nutrition Program Director at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) serving 23 towns in the greater Brockton and Plymouth areas, shares tips from the USDA: Food and Nutrition Service on stretching your food dollars through budgeting and food selection.

According to Smith, “You have to know your food budget. Make a shopping list based on how much you have to spend and buy only the amounts of fresh foods you can use before they spoil. Consider frozen or shelf stable items that last longer and try to plan meals around what’s on sale”.

Smith offers insight on a few of the best buys for cost and nutrition:

Breads and Grains. Look for bargains on day old bread. It costs less but is still nutritious. Buy regular rice, oatmeal and grits instead of instant to save money, sugar and calories.

Vegetables and Salad. Buy large bags of frozen vegetables. Seal tightly in the freezer between uses. Avoid pre-bagged salad mixes. They are usually more expensive and spoil faster.

Fruits. Buy fresh fruits in season, when they generally cost less. Frozen and canned fruits are a smart choice all year round.

Low-Fat Milk Products. Buy fresh, low-fat milk in the largest size that can be used before spoiling. Larger containers cost less than smaller sizes. Ultra-pasteurized milk has a longer expiration date and won’t spoil as fast

Meat and Beans. Chuck or bottom round roast has less fat and is cheaper than sirloin.

Dried beans and peas are a good source of protein and fiber. They last a long time without spoiling.

Look for specials at the meat counter. Buy meat on sale for big savings. Buy meat in large bulk packages to save money. Freeze portions you won’t use right away to prevent spoiling.

If you are struggling to put food on the table, the USDA’s nutrition assistance programs may help. You may qualify for more than Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

OCES can help. Contact the Nutrition Department at OCES (508) 584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES offers these programs in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Kitchen makeover ideas—without the makeover

 CHICAGO, GURNEE, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

Looking to make an impact on your kitchen but don’t have the budget for a complete makeover? There are many mini-makeover ideas homeowners can use to give their kitchens a bit of a different look without a major undertaking.

“Because the kitchen is such a focal point in a home, the perception is that to give it a new look requires a major undertaking,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County. “Truth be told, there are several small, do-it-yourself projects that can have a very significant impact with only modest effort and very little investment required.”

One such technique is taking the doors off your kitchen cabinets. “Open shelving” allows you to display dishes, stemware, antique bowls, small appliances and more.  Open shelving can also make your kitchen appear larger and more open.

This option also offers the opportunity to experiment. You can remove certain cabinet doors and leave others, creating your own pattern. Or, you might consider painting the back of the cabinet that is viewable from the front a different color to add a little pizzazz to your kitchen. 

Another kitchen mini-makeover idea that’s a bit more labor and cost-intensive is redoing your kitchen’s backsplash. While there are many choices available, the three most popular materials used for kitchen backsplashes are:

  • Stone mosaics
  • Glass mosaics
  • Glazed ceramic

There are simply thousands of colors and designs you can use in any of these formats.  You can even use them as inserts in conjunction with another material such as stainless steel. 

“A lot of homeowners feel that how their kitchen looks is how it looks unless they want to completely remodel,” said Vest. “These ideas give homeowners a chance to liven up their kitchen without committing to a major renovation.”

DirectBuy Club offers home furnishings and items and materials for home improvement projects to help all homeowners create their dream homes—all at direct insider prices. DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if you need some assistance in selecting products or taking on a home improvement project, you have seasoned professionals at your service.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, you can visit directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 150 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuy.com. 

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Northern Illinois, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

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A 10 in the Valley! DirectBuy of Delaware Valley celebrates 10 years in business.

BOOTHWYN, PA…

For 10 years, DirectBuy Club has been offering consumers in greater Delaware Valley a brand new way to save on home improvement projects, furnishings and accessories.

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy of Delaware Valley offers products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers.

“Our 10 years  have been particularly rewarding because DirectBuy has been able to help its members save literally thousands of dollars on their home improvement projects and home furnishings in what’s been a very difficult economy for many people,” said Dave Jennings, owner of DirectBuy of Delaware Valley. “As the economy improves, we’re looking forward to what the next 10 years brings.”

In addition to tremendous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories, DirectBuy Club also offers design and delivery services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer services, such as installation, many times at a discounted rate.

“That’s another beautiful thing about DirectBuy. We not only help members save on products, but can put them in touch with very capable installers who offer discounted rates,” said Jennings. “That’s quite a load off your mind when you’re undertaking a renovation or remodeling project that the installers are from a trusted, reliable source.”

Conveniently located at 102 Chelsea Parkway in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania, DirectBuy Club offers consumers a comfortable setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement, and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the U.S. and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada. Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service, and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

A 10 in the Valley! DirectBuy of Delaware Valley celebrates 10 years in business.Read More

Surviving the Cost of College Seminar on Sept. 28th in Braintree at Rodman & Rodman

Rodman & Rodman P.C., of Braintree will hold a “Surviving the Cost of College” seminar on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at their office located at 50 Braintree Hill Park. There is no cost to attend this seminar. Attendance is limited. A continental breakfast will be served. RSVP by calling (617) 965-5959 or go online to register through their website calendar – www.Rodmancpa.com.

Stan Ezekiel, CCPS of The College Planning Group (Canton, MA) will be on hand to share the best strategies available to help students get the most out of the benefit programs that exist. He will also be available to answer any specific questions you may have. If you have children of any age, take the time to get some straight talk from an expert. It is never too early to plan for college.

According to Larry Rice, CPA and Director at Rodman & Rodman P.C., “The cost of college has been increasing at a rate far exceeding the rate of inflation and the average rate of growth in wages. This means that college is a greater burden on families, and it is getting worse. The world of college finance is confusing and complex. It is critical to have expert advice that can help you take advantage of every possible benefit program your child (children) may be eligible for.”

This seminar is one of a number of free seminars offered by Rodman & Rodman at their Brainree and Newton offices. To learn about upcoming seminars, visit Rodmancpa.com.

The College Planning Group

Led by Stan Ezekiel, Certified College Planning Specialist, the College Planning Group is located in Canton, MA. College Planning Group is a member of the National Institute of Certified College Planners. For more information, visit their website at www.thecollegeplanninggroup.com.

Rodman & Rodman, P.C.

Founded in 1961, Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies throughout New England. With a focus on strategic planning, Rodman & Rodman goes beyond traditional accounting services and takes a proactive approach when serving clients to increase, preserve and sustain clients’ financial net worth.

Rodman & Rodman P.C has been listed in the Top 50 Firms by the Boston Business Journal. From business valuations, taxation, audits, fraud detection and prevention services and succession planning to a variety of accounting IT services including software selection, implementation and training, the team at Rodman & Rodman serves as comprehensive advisors to clients. For individual clients, the company offers personal advisory services such as planning for real estate transactions, obtaining financing, estate planning and retirement planning as well as planning for college education. Rodman & Rodman Certified Public Accountants are located at 3 Newton Executive Park in Newton and 25 Braintree Hill Office Park in Braintree, Mass. For more information, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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Rodman & Rodman CPAs of Newton to Hold “Surviving the Cost of College” Seminar on September 14th

Rodman & Rodman P.C., of Newton will hold a “Surviving the Cost of College” seminar on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at their office located at 3 Newton Executive Park, Suite 101. There is no cost to attend this seminar. Attendance is limited. A continental breakfast will be served. RSVP by calling (617) 965-5959 or go online to register through their website calendar – www.Rodmancpa.com.

Stan Ezekiel, CCPS of The College Planning Group (Canton, MA) will be on hand to share the best strategies available to help students get the most out of the benefit programs that exist. He will also be available to answer any specific questions you may have. If you have children of any age, take the time to get some straight talk from an expert. It is never too early to plan for college.

According to Larry Rice, CPA and Director at Rodman & Rodman P.C., “The cost of college has been increasing at a rate far exceeding the rate of inflation and the average rate of growth in wages. This means that college is a greater burden on families, and it is getting worse. The world of college finance is confusing and complex. It is critical to have expert advice that can help you take advantage of every possible benefit program your child (children) may be eligible for.”

This seminar is one of a number of free seminars offered by Rodman & Rodman at their Brainree and Newton offices. To learn about upcoming seminars, visit Rodmancpa.com.

The College Planning Group

Led by Stan Ezekiel, Certified College Planning Specialist, the College Planning Group is located in Canton, MA. College Planning Group is a member of the National Institute of Certified College Planners. For more information, visit their website at www.thecollegeplanninggroup.com.

Rodman & Rodman, P.C.

Founded in 1961, Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies throughout New England. With offices in Newton and Braintree, Rodman & Rodman focuses on strategic planning – going beyond traditional accounting services and taking a proactive approach when serving clients to increase, preserve and sustain clients’ financial net worth.

Rodman & Rodman P.C has been listed in the Top 50 Firms by the Boston Business Journal. From business valuations, taxation, audits, fraud detection and prevention services and succession planning to a variety of accounting IT services including software selection, implementation and training, the team at Rodman & Rodman serves as comprehensive advisors to clients. For individual clients, the company offers personal advisory services such as planning for real estate transactions, obtaining financing, estate planning and retirement planning as well as planning for college education. Rodman & Rodman Certified Public Accountants are located at 3 Newton Executive Park in Newton and 25 Braintree Hill Office Park in Braintree, Mass. For more information, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

Rodman & Rodman CPAs of Newton to Hold “Surviving the Cost of College” Seminar on September 14thRead More

What to buy once you’ve bought your first home

MERRILLVILLE, IN …

The U.S. government’s recent first-time home buyer’s tax credit paved the way for a number of individuals and couples to experience the joy of owning a home. With the excitement of purchasing your first home comes the reality of “what now” in terms of furnishing, decorating, and fixing up that new home. And that’s an expense many first-time home buyers do not plan for ahead of time.

The National Association of Home Builders projects that most homeowners will spend $7,400 on their home, with more than half being spent during their first year of ownership. Even with a tax credit, that’s a mighty hefty price tag. So how do first-time homeowners go about making their new house a home without maxing out their bank account or credit cards?

“There’s a natural tendency when you buy a house to want to do everything right away. What you really need to do is prioritize what you want to buy and do, and then develop a plan,” said Mike Georgeff of DirectBuy. “What’s truly important in developing your plan is taking care of the essentials before making new furniture purchases.”

DirectBuy’s experts recommend:

  • Tools for home improvement projects: Make sure to have a well-stocked toolbox that includes a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, a tape measure, and a staple gun. The more you are able to do on your own, the easier it will be to keep costs down.
  • Purchasing “ready-to-assemble” furniture: Ready-to-assemble or “flat pack” furniture offers several advantages. First, you don’t have to wait for delivery. Since the furniture is in boxes, you can load it in your car and bring it home the very same day. More importantly, since you, not the store or manufacturer, will be assembling the furniture, it costs less.
  • Accounting for window coverings in your budget: One consideration that is often overlooked by new homeowners is the increased number of windows in a house compared to an apartment. Be sure to budget appropriately for proper window coverings for your home. This has value from an aesthetic viewpoint (look and privacy), as well as from a cost perspective (e.g. thermal curtains can keep the heat/cold out, reducing energy costs and protecting your furniture from depreciating faster due to sunlight exposure).
  • Garden tools: If you’re moving from an apartment into your first home, chances are a lawn mower, rake, and other garden tools were not in your closet. As a new homeowner, you want to maintain the curb appeal of your home. That starts by caring for the exterior of your home from Day One., which means you should have the basics on hand: lawnmower, garden hose, sprinkler, and a shovel (for winter weather).
  • Basic appliances: While many existing homes usually come with appliances, a new homeowner needs to take inventory of whether or not they will need to purchase big-ticket items like a refrigerator, stove, and a washer/dryer before spending on less critical items, like a home theater system.

“That doesn’t mean everything you do or purchase has to be an essential. It’s just that some new homeowners can get caught up in doing everything at once and digging a financial hole that prohibits them from taking on more improvements,” said Georgeff. “By taking it slow, one room at a time, new homeowners can make their house a home without being house poor in the first year.”

DirectBuy Club offers home furnishings and items and materials for home improvement projects to help all homeowners create their dream homes—all at direct insider prices. DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if you need some assistance in selecting products or taking on a home improvement project, you have seasoned professionals at your service.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, you can visit directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting directbuy.com or directbuycares.com.

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Mary Rico Named Medical Assistant and Medical Aesthetics Specialist at South Shore Skin Center

Mary Rico, a Middleboro resident, has recently been named Medical Assistant and Medical Aesthetics Specialist at South Shore Skin Center, one of the most progressive dermatology practices in Massachusetts with offices in Cohasset and Plymouth.

Ms. Rico is a Medical Assistant with more than 12 years experience who has specialized in dermatology for the past six years. She will care for patients at South Shore Skin Center’s Plymouth office and cosmetic dermatology spa. As an Aesthetician, Ms. Rico’s primary focus will be Thermage, laser hair removal, facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and cosmetic consultation. Ms. Rico holds a Medical Assistant certificate from Massasoit Community College in Canton, MA. She is a licensed aesthetician.

Ms. Rico has attended conferences at the International Esthetics Cosmetics & Spa Association in New York and received CEUs with CIDESCO (the world’s major international beauty therapy association) in facial analysis, product formula, acne and Rosacea. She is a member of the Dermatology Nurses Association.

South Shore Skin Center

South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services. Having outgrown their previous office at Resnik Road in Plymouth, South Shore Skin Center has recently relocated to the 6,600 square-foot third floor of One Scobee Circle in Plymouth.

South Shore Skin Center’s cosmetic services include Fraxel re:pair and re:store; Gentle YAG, innovative Laser, IPL, Thermage and treatments for age spots, acne scarring, birth marks, tattoos and more. The practice also offers a full range of affordable anti-aging services including Botox, Radiesse, Sculptra and other wrinkle fillers, Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels. Anti-Aging and Cosmetic treatments are both safer and more effective when administered at a physician’s office such as South Shore Skin Center and Spa.

The practice has attained and maintained an “A” rating on Angie’s List Health. South Shore Skin Center is located at One Scobee Circle in Plymouth, Mass., (508) 747-0711 and at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202 in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340. For more information, visit the website at www.southshoreskincenter.com.

Mary Rico, Medical Assistant and Medical Aesthetics Specialist, South Shore Skin Center

Mary Rico Named Medical Assistant and Medical Aesthetics Specialist at South Shore Skin CenterRead More

New Machine Tools Division Launched by Emerson Bearing

Emerson Bearing, a Boston based bearing company catering to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) markets throughout the U.S. and internationally, has recently announced a new Machine Tools division.

Emerson Bearing’s customer care representatives in the new Machine Tools division are trained to accommodate the unique needs of machine tool clients. The division was created to meet increased demand and significant growth in this market over the last couple of years.

Bob Piracini, Marketing Specialist will lead the new division. Emerson Bearing’s knowledgeable Machine Tool team assists clients in determining which bearing technologies would be most suitable by taking into consideration the specifications, recommendations, maintenance strategies, fatigue life and wear resistance of the bearing in relation to the application.

Machine Tool applications require bearings that are designed for rigid, high speed, high precision machine tool spindles. Emerson Bearing offers super precision bearings, linear motion, timing belts, adhesives and sealants, ball bearings and cylindrical roller bearings. As machine centers operate at higher speeds and demand greater levels of precision, Emerson Bearing recommends the new generation of bearings made from advanced steels. These provide extended bearing life and increased tolerances. The company offers several brands, such as Barden and NSK which provide this option. Other available options include Sealed bearings for harsh environments.

Emerson’s 24/7 service and inventory are critical to the operations of many of their clients.

Failure Analysis

As part of their customer care, Emerson’s industry experts provide clients with the unique service of “Bearing Failure Analysis” which helps them determine the cause of bearing failure so that they may prevent future failure and predict reliability. Or, if clients desire to do so, they can utilize the Bearing Failure Analysis program within the Technical Toolbox on the Emerson Bearing website.

To reach Bob Piracini in Emerson’s Marchine Tools division, contact 866-995-8764 or email bpiracini@emersonbearing.com.

The Emerson Bearing Difference

In a proud tradition, the same families that started the company in 1957 keep Emerson Bearing rolling by specializing in bearings for OEM and MRO markets across the country. Emerson Bearing has a staff of 22 and a 23,000 square foot facility to provide bearings ranging in size from 3mm to tunnel-boring 15-foot-diameter giants.

Emerson Bearing offers customers a one-stop shopping experience. With an online product catalog with over 3 million bearings; a vast inventory of bearings; worldwide sourcing; a fixed price program; a knowledgeable staff dedicated to delivering; same day shipping and 24/7 service, Emerson Bearing has become the leading provider of bearings to OEM and MRO markets in the U.S.

Emerson Bearing maintains headquarters at 201 Brighton Ave. Boston, MA. For more information, contact 617-782-1400 or toll free, 800-225-4587, email info@emersonbearing.com or visit www.emersonbearing.com

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