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Old Colony Elder Services

Greater Brockton CHNA Awards Grant to Old Colony Elder Services

Greater Brockton Community Health Network Area (CHNA) has recently awarded a $3,000 grant to Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) the Brockton based regional elder services agency.

The grant will be used to help fund the My Life, My Health Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) for the 10 communities served by CHNA.

The My Life, My Health CDSMP is a community workshop designed to give seniors and others with chronic conditions (such as arthritis, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma, etc.) and/or their caregivers the knowledge and skills needed to take a more active role in their health care. It is facilitated by OCES staff members who are certified leaders of the program.

Three programs in English and three programs in Spanish will be offered to seniors residing in Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Holbrook, Stoughton, West Bridgewater and Whitman. There are five English speaking trained program leaders and two Spanish speaking trained leaders. (Additional Spanish speaking volunteers who would like to become trained leaders are needed.)

According to Dorothy Slack, who is a certified leader of CDSMP, “We would like to thank Greater Brockton CHNA for their generous grant which will enable us to run this essential program. We’re really excited to offer the program in both English and Spanish. The grant will help pay for program supplies, books and lunch for attendees.”

Each program runs for six consecutive weeks. The first Spanish speaking session will be held at the Neighborhood Health Center in Brockton on September 14th. The first English speaking session will be held at the Abington Council on Aging in Abington on Tuesday, September 20th.

“It is through the generous support of organizations and individuals that we can continue to provide programs that better enable elders to remain independent and living in their own homes throughout the 23 communities we serve,” said Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director.

About Greater Brockton CHNA
Greater Brockton Community Health Network Area (CHNA) was established in 1992 by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. It is a local coalition of public, non-profit, and private sectors working together to build healthier communities in Massachusetts through community-based prevention planning and health promotion. It is in the mission of the Greater Brockton CHNA to use funding to support local programs and initiatives that meet the CHNA’s guiding principles. The Greater Brockton CHNA serves the communities of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Holbrook, Stoughton, West Bridgewater and Whitman. For more information, visit the website at www.preventionworks.org.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is a private, non-profit corporation designated as one of 27 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 Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:
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 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

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Old Colony Elder Services Offers two Family Caregiver series beginning in July

Old Colony Elder Services, the regional elder services agency headquartered in Brockton and serving 23 towns in the South Shore and Brockton area, has announced two free Family Caregiver series beginning in July to be held at the Brockton Council on Aging located at 10 Father Kenney Way.

Old Colony Elder Services’ Family Caregiver Support Program will be holding two events of interest to caregivers at the Brockton Council on Aging, 10 Father Kenney Way, Brockton. The Powerful Tools for Caregivers series, a six week educational series will begin on July 12th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This program is designed to give family caregivers the skills and tools to better cope with the demands of caregiving. Caregivers will learn methods to reduce stress, anger and depression, while improving communication skills, decision making and self care. The series is free for family caregivers and a copy of the Caregiver Handbook will be provided. Participants are asked to bring a bag lunch. Registration is required; please call Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor, to register or for more information. 508-584-1561, extension 312.

A new Grandparent Support Group will be held at the Brockton Council on Aging, 10 Father Kenney Way, Brockton on Wednesday, July 20th from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This is a monthly support group for grandparents raising grandchildren and will offer grandparents a time and place to share information as well as successes and strategies for handling this very challenging responsibility. A permanent schedule will be established at the second meeting. Interested grandparents are asked to call Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor, for more information. 508-584-1561, extension 312.

The Powerful Tools for Caregivers series and Grandparent Support Group are presented by Old Colony Elder Services Family Caregiver Support Program. Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor and Christine McLaren will facilitate both groups.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is a private, non-profit corporation designated as one of 27 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 Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:

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 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

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Treasurer Steve Grossman, Representative Steve Walsh Keynote Mass Home Care’s 28th Annual Lunch

On Monday, two prominent “Steves” will address a crowd of elder and disability rights advocates at the 28th Annual Meeting of the Mass Home Care Association. State Treasurer Steve Grossman will be talking about his new “financial literacy” initiative, and House Health Care Financing Chairman Rep. Steve Walsh will be talking about health care reform and global payments.

12 staff members from Old Colony Elder Services, the regional elder services agency headquartered in Brockton, including Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi and Assistant Executive Director Tim Valentine, will be among the 250+ expected guests at the Burlington Marriot hotel beginning at 11:30 AM.

Treasurer Grossman will speak first at 11:45 AM, and Chairman Walsh will speak after lunch around 1 pm.

Mass Home Care, which was founded in 1986, is one of the most visible statewide groups fighting for the rights of elderly and disabled individuals. Mass Home Care wrote the Equal Choice law, which was signed by Governor Mitt Romney in 2006. This law says that people on MassHealth have the right to be cared for in the ‘least restrictive setting” appropriate to their needs. Mass Home Care, and its members, is also responsible for securing hundreds of millions in state and federal funding to help keep people living at home; the 30 member agencies provided care management, coordination and monitoring of services for more than 64,000 individuals last year.

According to Mass Home Care, because of community-based programs, MassHealth’s use of nursing facility days has decreased by 29% since 2001; in 2011 this will save state taxpayers almost $600 million in institutional costs. Nursing facility care still comprises 64 percent of all long term care spending by MassHealth. The group says its goal is to reach the point where two-thirds of MassHealth funding goes into community care, where consumers want to be.

For more event details, contact: info@masshomecare.org, or call Mass Home Care at 978-502-3794.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is a private, non-profit corporation designated as one of 27 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 Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:
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 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

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Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes 450 Volunteers at Appreciation Luncheon

Mother and daughter team - Korin Kane (an Old Colony Elder Services employee) and her mother Mae Nicoli attend Old Colony Elder Services recent Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.

Old Colony Elder Services, an elder services agency providing supportive resources to seniors living in greater Plymouth county and the Brockton area, recently recognized 450 volunteers who generously dedicate themselves to Old Colony Elder Services and to helping elders in the community.

Old Colony Elder Services’ Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon was several weeks ago at the agency’s expansive conference center in Brockton. Volunteers from the Nutrition Program, Money Management Program and it’s Advisory Board, Senior Options Cable Program, Fundraising Events, and the Board of Directors were invited in recognition for their service to Old Colony Elder Services and seniors in the community. Jodie Gilson of J. Gilson Greenhouses in Groton MA was the special guest speaker at the event. Fresh flower centerpieces were given to winners of drawings. All volunteers were given plants donated by Home Depot and Lowes.
Old Colony Elder Services Nutrition volunteers participate in the Meals on Wheels program and deliver meals to elders’ homes or they may volunteer as a food server at one of Old Colony Elder Services congregate meal sites. Money Management volunteers are assigned to assist elders by providing a personalized money management service. They make home visits at least once a month to help seniors keep track of income and expenses. Senior Options is a cable television program for the city of Brockton. Senior Options is a collaboration between Old Colony Elder Services and the Brockton Council on Aging. Programs focus on addressing the needs and resources available to Brockton’s seniors. Old Colony Elder Services Board of Directors and the Money Management Program Advisory Board are also comprised entirely of volunteers.
“Our volunteers are very valuable and this recognition is well-deserved. We cannot run our programs without them. We are extremely grateful to those who tirelessly dedicate their time and expertise in volunteering for programs to help elders,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services.

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

Old Colony Elder Services serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts: 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, Old Colony Elder Services was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

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Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Elder Abuse Awareness Event on June 8th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Steven V. Dubin, PR Works, (781) 582-1061, sdubin@prworkzone.com

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Elder Abuse Awareness Event on June 8th

DATELINE: BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA.
Old Colony Elder Services, an elder services agency providing supportive resources to seniors living in greater Plymouth county and the Brockton area, will hold an Elder Abuse Awareness Event on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 2 pm at the Conference Center in their Brockton office located at 144 Main Street. This event is open to the public and there is no cost to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15th), Old Colony Elder Services will be showing the documentary film “An Age for Justice – Confronting Elder Abuse in America” produced by the Elder Justice Now campaign. In the video, older Americans share their personal stories of neglect, physical or emotional abuse and exploitation. Along with the video, a number of guest speakers will also address the subject. Educational material will be distributed during the event.

Last year alone, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) assisted 800 abused or neglected elders within the Plymouth county and Brockton area. OCES’ Protective Services department helps elders who have been victims of abuse by providing resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.

Elder abuse ranges from physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse to neglect. OCES has outlined some warning signs of abuse from the National Center for Elder Abuse:

Physical Abuse ‐ Slap marks, unexplained bruises, most pressure marks, and certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette burns
Sexual Abuse ‐ Bruises around the breasts or genital area and unexplained sexually transmitted diseases
Emotional Abuse ‐ Withdrawal from normal activities, unexplained changes in alertness, or other unusual behavioral changes
Financial Abuse/Exploitation ‐ Sudden change in finances and accounts, altered wills and trusts, unusual bank withdrawals, checks written as “loans” or “gifts,” and loss of property
Neglect ‐ Pressure ulcers, filth, lack of medical care, malnutrition or dehydration

“To help create greater awareness of what constitutes elder abuse; how to recognize it and assist elders in need, we’re holding this event on June 8th at our Conference Center,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services. “As Baby Boomers age and the elder population increases, raising awareness about this growing problem is imperative.”

To report suspected elder abuse or neglect, contact OCES’ Protective Services at (508) 584-1561, or the statewide Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.

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

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts: 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, Old Colony Elder Services was honored with the Metro South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

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Old Colony Elder Services Names Zirka Ferreira Depina as Supportive Housing Specialist

Old Colony Elder Services, one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) serving elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts, has recently named Zirka Ferreira Depina as Supportive Housing Specialist for the Healthy Living at Home Supportive Housing Program.

In her new position as Supportive Housing Specialist, Ms. Depina will assess and review the needs of elderly and disabled residents at Campello High Rise and refer them to appropriate community programs and services. She will plan and coordinate care conferences as well as structured social, educational and recreational programs for residents. Ms. Depina will also serve as a liaison between the Brockton Housing Authority and Old Colony Elder Services.

For three years previous to Old Colony Elder Services, Ms. Depina was a social worker at Brockton Adult Day Health Center where among her many responsibilities, she assessed client needs though intakes, individual and group counseling and provided referrals to available community services. Prior to that, Ms. Depina was a Housing Specialist at ABCD Programs, which is a homeless shelter, in Boston.

Ms. Depina holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Bridgewater State College. She is a resident of Brockton, MA and a native of Praia, Cape Verde.

“Zirka is knowledgeable and experienced and we’re delighted to have her on our talented team,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services.

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

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts: 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.

The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

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Old Colony Elder Services Donates Caregiving Books to 23 Local Libraries

Old Colony Elder Services, an agency that serves elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers, recently donated caregiving books to the libraries in 23 towns the agency serves in the South Shore, Plymouth and Brockton areas.

The Family Caregiver Support Program at Old Colony Elder Services donated Quick Tips for Caregivers by Marion Karpinski, RN; New Times, New Challenges, Law and Advice for Savvy Seniors and Their Families by Kenney Hegland & Robert Fleming and To Survive Caregiving by Cheryl Woodson, MD. More than one title was donated to provide a greater choice for readers, especially with interlibrary loan available between the individual towns.

Through this donation, Old Colony Elder Services’ Family Caregiver Support Program celebrates the nation’s more than 65 million family caregivers and strives to build greater awareness of the Family Caregiver Support Program and all that it offers. The goal of the program is to help strengthen caregivers’ knowledge and their ability to provide care. One of the most effective ways of doing so is through the provision of educational materials.

According to Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor at Old Colony Elder Services, “The Family Caregiver Support Program is for anyone caring for an adult age 60 and older, grandparents and relative caregivers age 55 or over caring for children up to age 18, grandparents and relative caregivers age 55 or over caring for disabled adults age 19-59 and caregivers of adults of any age with Alzheimer’s disease. We are here to provide resources, answers, direction and/or emotional support.”

For more information about seminars or to speak with Rochelle Sugarman, call 508-584-1561 ext. 312 or email Rsugarman@oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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 Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:
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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Old Colony Elder Services Announces Elder Care Expo on April 12th

Old Colony Elder Services, an agency that serves elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in the Brockton and South Shore area, will hold an Elder Care Expo on Tuesday, April 12, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Brockton Council on Aging located at 10 Father Kenney Way.

Elders, families and caregivers are invited to attend this free event which is sponsored by Old Colony Elder Services’ Family Caregiver Support Program (which is funded in part by The Older Americans Act, Title IIIE with support from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Old Colony Planning Council) and Elder Education and Community Outreach (EECO).

The event will feature health screenings, resource exhibits, refreshments, give-a-ways and raffles. Educational sessions include:

Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Supervisor at Old Colony Elder Services, will lead a seminar for caregivers on techniques for coping while caring for yourself and your loved ones.

Debra Bunszel, Certified Reflexologist, Reiki Master of Touch The Sole, will discuss the benefits of stress reduction and relaxation with a focus on the complementary techniques of reflexology and Reiki.

Deborah Ribak, LSW, of New England Sinai Adult Day Health, will provide One-on-One Consultation regarding Alzheimer’s disease issues and communication strategies.

For more information call Old Colony Elder Services 508-584-1561 ext. 272.

About Elder Education and Community Outreach (EECO)

EECO is dedicated to increasing public knowledge of programs and services available to elders and their caregivers thereby enabling them to make the best possible choices in meeting their individual needs. For more information about this group of Brockton-based providers, please contact Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Supervisor at Old Colony Elder Services 508-584-1561.

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

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:

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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