April is STEM Month with Girl Scouts of Oregon and SW Washington, Sponsored by First Tech Federal Credit Union
Signature STEM Event Spotlight: OMSI Family Science Night, April 15, 2019
Portland, Ore. – March 21, 2019 – Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington (GSOSW) kicks off science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) Month in April. STEM Month is sponsored by First Tech Federal Credit Union.
Throughout the month of April, GSOSW will offer more than 25 STEM workshops, creating a capacity for over 600 Girl Scouts to participate in specialized STEM activities in the areas of:
- Astronomy
- Building Robotics
- Computer Programming
- Digital Storytelling
- Ecosystems
- Chemistry
- Habitat
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Science
- Sustainability
- Technology
- Wildlife
- Citizen Science
- Women Engineers
“First Tech is an enthusiastic supporter of Girl Scouts’ efforts to empower and elevate young women everywhere,” says Nicole Frisch, Senior Director for Community Engagement at First Tech Federal Credit Union. “We’re delighted to support STEM Month and the development of our community’s next generation of thinkers, leaders, and innovators.”
STEM Month Challenge and STEM Month Patch
By participating in STEM Month activities, including OMSI Family Science Night and STEM Day, Girl Scouts will have completed part of the STEM Month Challenge and can earn a STEM Month fun patch. Girls can complete the STEM Month challenge by filling out a survey on the GSOSW website to tell us more about how they participated in Girl Scout STEM Month and how they will use what they’ve learned to make a difference in their community.
Featured Event: OMSI Family Science Night for Girl Scouts
On April 15, 2019, Girl Scouts—as well as their family members and friends—have the opportunity to enjoy a signature STEM event: OMSI Family Science Night. Attendees can explore popular exhibit halls, visit the physics and life science labs and see OMSI's featured exhibit, the Science Behind Pixar.
“OMSI Family Science Night is our largest Girl Scout STEM event of the year! It’s an opportunity for girls to immerse themselves in STEM with hundreds of other Girl Scouts and learn new skills,” says Shannon Joseph, STEM Specialist for Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington. “Girl Scouts can complete steps toward earning badges based on the exhibits, ranging in topics from resource conservation, like saving water and energy, to bug diversity to digital movie making. While girls are having fun exploring new STEM interests in OMSI’s exhibits, this event also helps them develop confidence in their STEM skills and abilities which in turn helps them understand the importance and relevance of STEM to people and society.”
OMSI Family Science Night is generously sponsored by First Tech Federal Credit Union and the Epping Family Foundation.
NEW This Year
New STEM opportunities this year include a way for Girl Scouts to participate in National Citizen Science Day with our new partners at NASA GLOBE Observer. Girl Scouts can explore STEM in the outdoors on one of GSOSW’s properties at the foothills of Mt. Hood, by learning how to collect and submit data about clouds, land cover and mosquito habitat mapping.
About OMSI Family Science Night for Girl Scouts
WHO: Up to 1,000 girls in kindergarten through grade 12 and their family members and friends; Troop Leaders | Volunteers | STEM Professionals
WHAT: Fourth Annual Oregon Museum of Science and Industry-OMSI Family Science Night with Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington; Sponsored by First Tech Federal Credit Union and the Epping Family Foundation
WHEN: Monday, April 15, 2019, 6 - 8 p.m.
WHERE: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry–OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland, Ore. 97214
REGISTRATION: Community event open to registered Girl Scouts, their family members and friends. All attendees must register for this event. Please visit http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/en/sf-events-repository/2019/oregon-museum-of-science-and-industry--omsi--family-science-nigh.html to register.
PARKING: There is limited parking at the facility and street parking nearby. Parking cost is included in admission. Carpooling is encouraged.
Interested Media—Please R.S.V.P.
Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington’s STEM Program Specialist, Shannon Joseph and Director of Communications, Sarah Shipe, as well as Girl Scouts, will be available on-site for media interviews at OMSI Family Science Night.
Interested media should R.S.V.P. to communications@girlscoutsosw.org.
Featured Event: Girl Scout STEM Day (Medford, Ore.)
On April 27, 2019, Girl Scout STEM Day will take place at GSOSW’s Medford Service Center. This expo-style event will highlight STEM opportunities and careers for local Girl Scouts throughout Southern Oregon by inviting community partners, including Wildlife Images and the Southern Oregon Skywatchers, to host a table with an interactive STEM activity. The event includes a show put on by Wildlife Safari, to showcase careers in wildlife and highlight the importance of wildlife conservation.
Full List of STEM Month Activities
LEGO EV3 Robotics: Mission to Mars, April 6
Race Car Challenge with Rebel Bricks, April 6
Super Sticky Stuff with Mad Science, April 6
Girls Engage Technology with Saturday Academy, April 6
Tech Expert with Microsoft, April 6
Zoo Evening Safari at the Oregon Zoo, April 6
Entertainment Technology with Saturday Academy, April 7
Super Sticky Stuff with Mad Science, April 10
Zoo Snooze at the Oregon Zoo, April 12-13
STREAM Girls Cadette Spring Day Trip, April 13
Digital Media Studio: Movie Maker, April 13
Raptors of the Gorge at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, April 13
Scent-sational Animals at Wildlife Safari, April 13
Minecraft Build Challenge with Microsoft, April 13
Girl Scout Citizen Science Day with NASA GLOBE Observer, April 13
Zoo Evening Safari at the Oregon Zoo, April 13
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) Family Science Night, April 15
SPICE-ing It Up: External Combustion Engines with Spice Science, April 20
Harry Potter Kano Coding with Microsoft, April 20
Entertainment Technology with Saturday Academy, April 20
Zoo Snooze at the Oregon Zoo, April 26-27
STREAM Girls Junior Covered Wagon Campout, April 26-28
Girl Scout STEM Day, April 27
Science Saturday: STEM Family Fun at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, April 27
Make your own Movies with 3D and Mixed Reality, April 27
iFLY STEM Experience, April 28
iFLY STEM Experience, April 28
Registration
Girl Scouts can register for STEM Month activities online at http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/en/activities/activities-list.html. QUESTIONS? Please email activities@girlscoutsosw.org.
Prospective community STEM partners can learn more at: http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/en/activities/program-partners.html.
About Girl Scouts’ Committment to STEM Programming
To learn more about GSOSW’s STEM programming, please see: http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/STEM.
Girl Scouts of the USA’s STEM Pledge is a multiyear initiative to put 2.5 million girls through progressive hands-on STEM programs by 2025. Donate at: https://www.girlscouts.org/en/adults/donate/STEM-pledge.html.
About Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington
In partnership with more than 8,000 adult members, Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington prepares 14,500 girls in grades K-12 for a lifetime of leadership, adventure and success. GSOSW’s programs in civic engagement, financial literacy, the outdoors and STEM serve girls in 37 counties in Oregon, and Clark, Klickitat and Skamania counties in Southwest Washington. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. For more information, please visit girlscoutsosw.org.
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Governor Kate Brown to declare Girl Scout Leadership Day in Oregon TOMORROW, Tuesday, March 12
200+ Girl Scouts and High Profile Women Leaders to Convene at Capitol
Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown will proclaim Tuesday, March 12, 2019 as Girl Scout Leadership Day in Oregon. The date marks the 107th anniversary of Girl Scouts of the USA, which began March 12, 1912 when Juliette Gordon Low first assembled 18 girls from Savannah, Georgia.
“Girl Scouts empowers generations of girls and women, showing you are never too young to get involved, make a difference, and have your voice heard,” said Governor Kate Brown, who was inducted as a lifetime Girl Scout last year. “By encouraging and mentoring girls at such a pivotal stage, we are showing them a pathway to pursue their dreams and grow into tomorrow’s leaders. I am proud to welcome our Girl Scouts to the Capitol to celebrate their Leadership Day.”
Girl Scout Leadership Day celebrates and recognizes Girl Scouts throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington who positively impact their communities and prepare for a lifetime of leadership, by taking civic action. The advocacy day is part of Girl Scouts’ “G.I.R.L. Agenda”, a nonpartisan initiative to inspire, prepare, and mobilize girls to lead positive change through civic action.
Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington will convene over 200 Girl Scouts as well as more than 100 adult members for their 2019 advocacy day. “Girls benefit so much from connecting with women like Governor Kate Brown, Labor Commissioner Val Hoyle, Justice Adrienne Nelson and House Majority Leader Jennifer Williamson¾women in the highest leadership positions in Oregon,” says Karen Hill, Chief Executive Officer for Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington (GSOSW). “Exposure to role models like these¾and understanding the importance of women in these roles¾enables girls to envision themselves in similar roles in the future.”
Throughout the day, Girl Scouts will have the opportunity to meet the Governor and Oregon legislators; attend and participate in activities and workshops to earn citizen-themed badges; learn about law-making; and be inspired by prominent women leaders including Oregon Supreme Court Justice Adrienne Nelson and Labor Commissioner Val Hoyle.
Girl Scout Leadership Day is co-sponsored by House Majority Leader Jennifer Williamson (District 36 - Portland) and Senator Kathleen Taylor (District 21 - Milwaukie).
“As a Co-Sponsor for Girl Scout Leadership Day, I am excited to welcome more than 200 Girl Scouts to the Capitol during Women’s History Month,” says House Majority Leader Jennifer Williamson. “These girls indeed represent our state’s future female legislators, business executives, and community leaders. We hope they leave the Capitol inspired and ready to take action!”
“As a former Troop Leader, I can tell you first-hand that Girl Scouts play valuable roles in their communities,” says Senator Kathleen Taylor, Co-Sponsor for the 2019 Girl Scout Leadership Day. “Through their participation in community service projects, Girl Scout programming and experiences like Girl Scout Leadership Day, girls are developing important insights and skills that will help them succeed in life, while continuing to grow as leaders.”
2019 GIRL SCOUT LEADERSHIP DAY AT THE CAPITOL
- GUBERNATORIAL PROCLAMATION (Rotunda, 10:45-11 a.m.)—Welcome and Opening Flag Ceremony w/ Gubernatorial Proclamation. Governor Kate Brown will declare March 12, 2019 as Girl Scout Leadership Day in Oregon.
- ADVOCACY DAY—Throughout the day, Girl Scouts will be able to attend and participate in:
- Welcome with GSOSW CEO, Karen Hill, Opening Flag Ceremony and Proclamation w/ Governor Kate Brown (10:45-11 a.m., Rotunda, Oregon State Capitol)
- Guided Tours of the Capitol for Girl Scouts (10-10:30 a.m.; 2-2:30 p.m.; and, 4-4:30 p.m.)
- “How a Bill Becomes a Law” Presentation by Sergeant at Arms (Oregon House of Representatives), Brian McKinley (1:15-1:45 p.m., Senate Democratic Caucus Conference Room, S-223)
- Citizen-Themed Badge Activities and Workshops with local Girl Scout partners and Color Guard Training (Willamette Heritage Center, throughout the day 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
- Speaker Panels--three (3) robust speaker panels in the areas of civic engagement, government and leadership (with very prominent Oregon women leaders)
- “Behind the Scenes of the Oregon Legislature” Speaker Panel with staff from various legislative offices, including such key offices as the Office of Governor Kate Brown, the Office of the Speaker of the House, the House Majority Office and the Senate Majority Office (11:15-11:45 a.m., Senate Democratic Caucus Conference Room, S-223)
- “Girls Who Make a Difference” Speaker Panel moderated by Gold Award Girl Scout, Victoria Thornton, featuring Girl Scouts who have impacted positive social change, including Girl Scouts who proposed HB 2732 (now a law) and Girl Scouts who advocated before Portland Public Schools for a troop member who experiences disabilities (12-12:30 p.m., Willamette Heritage Center); and,
- “Oregon Women in Leadership” Speaker Panel with prominent Oregon women leaders (3:15-3:45 p.m., Willamette University, Hallie Ford Museum 215 - Roger Hull Lecture Hall)--panelists include:
-
- Labor Commissioner Val Hoyle, Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries
- Justice Adrienne Nelson, Oregon Supreme Court
- Kelly Fitzpatrick, Director, Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs
- Emily Evans, Executive Director, Women’s Foundation of Oregon (Panelist and Moderator)
- Paige Walker, Chief Operational Officer, Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington
-
- Closing Reception with Oregon Legislators
- CLOSING RECEPTION with Oregon Legislators (4:15-4:45 p.m., Senate Lobby, 2nd Floor, Oregon State Capitol)—a reception with light refreshments, hosted by Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington, with Oregon legislators as invited guests, will immediately follow the “Oregon Women in Leadership” Speaker Panel. The Closing Reception will feature remarks and a “Call to Action” by Gold Award Girl Scout, Victoria Thornton.
VISUALS: 200+ Girl Scouts and 100+ adult members, staff and volunteers from GSOSW, Governor Kate Brown, prominent women leaders, legislators (and their staff) and media will be in attendance.
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS:
- Labor Commissioner Val Hoyle—Val Hoyle is Commissioner of Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries and former Girl Scout leader/volunteer.
- Justice Adrienne Nelson—Oregon Supreme Court Justice Adrienne Nelson is a Girl Scout alumna, 2015 Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington Marie Lamfrom Woman of Distinction and former member of the Girl Scouts Beyond Bars advisory board.
Both of these women will be panelists on the “Oregon Women in Leadership” Speaker Panel (3:15-3:45 p.m., Willamette University, Hallie Ford Museum 215 - Roger Hull Lecture Hall) and both plan to attend the Closing Reception (4:15-4:45 p.m.).
ON-SITE INTERVIEWS: Media are invited to interview GSOSW’s spokespeople throughout the day:
- Chief Executive Officer, Karen Hill (Welcome in the Rotunda, 10:45-11 a.m.)
- Chief Operations Officer, Paige Walker (“Oregon Women in Leadership”, 3:15-3:45 p.m.)
- Director of Communications, Sarah Shipe (available throughout the day)
- Gold Award Girl Scout, Victoria Thornton (moderates “Girls Who Make a Difference” Speaker Panel, 12-12:30 p.m., and delivers a “Call to Action” at the Closing Reception, 3:15-3:45 p.m.)
INTERESTED MEDIA:
Before Girl Scout Leadership Day
Please confirm attendance in advance with Maureen Kenney at mkenney@girlscoutsosw.org.
Day of Girl Scout Leadership Day (March 12, 2019)
On March 12, contact Sarah Shipe, Director of Communications, at 503-930-5275 (mobile).
G.I.R.L. AGENDA—GIRLS SCOUTS’ CIVIC ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM
G.I.R.L. Agenda, a nonpartisan initiative powered by Girl Scouts to inspire, prepare, and mobilize girls to lead positive change through civic action. To learn more, please visit: girlscouts.org/girlagenda.
GIRLS SCOUTS’ HISTORY OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Since its founding in 1912, Girl Scouts has emphasized the importance of being civically engaged, by teaching and encouraging girls to create positive change in their communities through advocacy and action. Girl Scouts learn to stand up for what they believe in, identify issues they care about, and develop leadership skills to make the world a better place. Girl Scouts has a century of success which is reflected in the realm of public service by the fact that 74 percent of female U.S. Senators and 100 percent of U.S. Secretaries of State are Girl Scout alumnae.
ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF OREGON AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON
In partnership with more than 8,000 adult members, Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington prepares 14,500 girls in grades K-12 for a lifetime of leadership, adventure and success. GSOSW’s programs in civic engagement, financial literacy, the outdoors and STEM serve girls in 37 counties in Oregon, and Clark, Klickitat and Skamania counties in Southwest Washington. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. For more information, please visit girlscoutsosw.org.
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For Immediate Release
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
TODAY and Tomorrow, Wed., 3/6-Thurs., 3/7 (Previously rescheduled due to inclement weather)
Local Girl Scouts Have a Sweet Spot for Portland-Metro Seniors -- Customers Donate Cookies through "Gift of Caring" (Photo)
Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington Media Contacts
Sarah Shipe, Director of Communications
(503) 977-6861, Office | 503-930-5275, Cell | sshipe@girlscoutsosw.org
Maureen A. Kenney, Public Relations and Advocacy Manager
(503) 977-6817, Office | mkenney@girlscoutsosw.org
Meals on Wheels People Media Contact
Julie Piper Finley, ABC, Director of Marketing & Communications
(503) 953-8136, Office | (503) 318-1362, Cell
finley@mowp.org">julie.piperfinley@mowp.org
Girl Scouts of Oregon and SW WA Have a Sweet Spot for Portland-Metro Seniors
Customers Donate Cookies through Girl Scouts’ Gift of Caring Program and Local Girl Scouts Serve Seniors
PORTLAND, OR. – March 6, 2019
Wednesday, March 6, and Thursday, March 7, local Girl Scouts will take to senior dining rooms in Beaverton, Southeast Portland and Hillsboro to share their famed cookies and spread cheer among older adults from the Portland metro area. The activity is part of a larger distribution of donated Girl Scout Cookies made possible through Girl Scouts’ “Gift of Caring” program and a longstanding community partnership between Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington (GSOSW) and Meals on Wheels People.
“Major tenets of Girl Scouting include giving back to the community and making the world a better place,” says Karen Hill, GSOSW’s CEO. “We’re delighted that local Girl Scouts are spreading cheer and practicing people skills as they visit with elders in their communities.”
Overall, GSOSW will donate approximately 12,000 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies to homebound elderly and people in need throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. The longstanding tradition with Meals on Wheels People is a bright spot for so many older adults throughout the Portland metro area.
“We are thrilled to receive this donation of cookies from Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington,” said Meals on Wheels People Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Washington. “Our participants, many of whom are unable to leave their homes, do not have the opportunity to purchase these cookies and love to receive them as part of their daily meal. We will put these to good use in the more than 5,000 meals we serve and deliver every weekday.”
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY
Who | What: Girl Scouts and volunteers from Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington will serve Girl Scout Cookies to seniors from the Portland metro area at three (3) Meal on Wheels People community dining rooms located in Beaverton, Southeast Portland and Hillsboro.
Where: Meals on Wheels People Community Dining Rooms (3): located in Beaverton and Southeast Portland and Hillsboro
Media Opportunities (1-2 of 3): Wednesday, March 6, 2019, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. (RESCHEDULED DATE)
- Beaverton Center, https://www.mowp.org/dining-center-locati…/beaverton-center/, located at 5550 SW Hall Blvd Beaverton OR 97005 [#100-to-#150 senior diners expected]
- Cherry Blossom Center (Southeast Portland), https://www.mowp.org/dining-center-l…/cherry-blossom-center/, located at 740 SE 106th Avenue Portland OR 97216 [#100-to-#150 senior diners expected]
Media Opportunity (3 of 3): Thursday, March 7, 2019, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. (RESCHEDULED DATE)
- Hillsboro Center, https://www.mowp.org/dining-center.../hillsboro-center/, located at 6701 NE Campus Way Hillsboro OR 97124 [A dozen/more senior diners expected]
Visuals: Seniors having lunch in community dining rooms and local Girl Scouts serving Girl Scout Cookies to senior diners
We anticipate #100-to-#150 senior diners at the Beaverton and SE Portland locations on March 6.
There are a small number of senior diners (approximately a dozen or more) expected at the Hillsboro site on March 7.
On-Site Interviews:
- On March 6, in Beaverton, Meals on Wheels People’s Chief Development Officer, Tony Staser, and, GSOSW’s Director of Communications, Sarah Shipe, will be available on-site for media interviews.
- On March 6, in Southeast Portland, Meals on Wheels People’s Director of Marketing & Communications, Julie Piper Finley, and, GSOSW’s Public Relations and Advocacy Manager, Maureen Kenney, and will be available on-site for media interviews.
- On March 7, in Hillsboro, GSOSW’s Director of Communications, Sarah Shipe, will be available on-site for media interviews. [Meals on Wheels representative T.B.D.]
MEDIA: Please confirm your attendance with:
Sarah Shipe, Director of Communications, Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington
503-930-5275, Cell
ABOUT THE GIFT OF CARING PROGRAM
All throughout the Girl Scout Cookie season (through March 10, 2019), customers can opt to donate their purchased cookies through the Girl Scout Gift of Caring program. Purchases of cookies donated through this program are tax deductible. Most of the donated cookies are distributed to seniors and people in need throughout the region via several partnerships with social service agencies, including the Meals on Wheels People, Marion-Polk Food Share and Clark County Food Bank.
“The Gift of Caring program is one of the many ways in which GSOSW Girl Scouts give back to their local communities,” said Paige Walker, GSOSW’s Chief Operations Officer. “The Girl Scout Cookie Program helps develop business and leadership skills in girls and fosters a lifelong commitment to serving others.”
Girl Scout troops can elect to choose their own Gift of Caring recipient, making the philanthropic effort of the program even more personal for their troop. Girls have chosen fire stations, military personnel, shelters, veterans and many other groups and organizations in their communities.
Throughout the 2019 cookie season, nearly 9,000 Girl Scouts, representing areas within 40 counties, will participate in this special program to donate Girl Scout Cookies which will be distributed to a variety of social service agencies throughout the region.
COOKIE BOOTH SALES AND COOKIE FINDER
Girl Scouts will sell cookies at booths in front of local retailers throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington from February 15 through March 10, 2019. Purchases of cookies that are donated through the Girl Scouts Gift of Caring program are tax deductible.
Signature Girl Scout Cookies, including Thin Mints®, Samoas® and Trefoils® will be offered among the eight Girl Scout Cookie varieties at all cookie booths. Back by popular demand are Girl Scout S’mores™ cookies! Girl Scout S’mores™ and gluten free Toffee-tastic™ specialty cookies are available at select cookie booths while supplies last. Customers can find a Girl Scout Cookie booth near their location with the Cookie Finder at girlscoutsosw.org or use the Girl Scout Cookie Finder app available for iPhone or Android.
ABOUT THE GIRL SCOUT COOKIE PROGRAM
A little more than a century ago, girls began participating in what would evolve into the largest entrepreneurial training program for girls in the world: the Girl Scout Cookie Program. To learn more about the history of the Girl Scout Cookie Program, please visit girlscoutcookies.org.
ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF OREGON AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON
In partnership with more than 8,000 adult members, Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington prepares 14,500 girls in grades K-12 for a lifetime of leadership, adventure and success. GSOSW’s programs in civic engagement, financial literacy, the outdoors and STEM serve girls in 37 counties in Oregon, and Clark, Klickitat and Skamania counties in Southwest Washington. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. For more information, please visit girlscoutsosw.org.
ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS PEOPLE
Meals on Wheels People has been changing lives, one meal at a time, since 1970. We provide more than a meal to thousands of older adults in the greater Portland metro area. Our service not only alleviates hunger and social isolation, but allows seniors to live independently with dignity in their own homes. Aging in place reduces depression, falls and hospitalization as well as the high cost of institutional care. For more information, please visit: mowp.org.
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