In the aftermath of the shooting of 11 Jewish Hanukkah celebrants at Bondi Beach in Australia, Chabad of Westport Rabbi Yehuda Kantor and his wife Dina say:
The news out of Sydney has us shocked to the core.
As you may know I was born in Sydney, in the Bondi region. I’m personally familiar with many of those who were injured, and the Chabad rabbi to boot. It’s truly shocking. A very dark day.
Yet whilst it’s a dark day — tonight we usher in a night of light. The Festival of Light.
At times, it’s difficult to reconcile the evil that exists in this world with the inherent good that underpins this world. The heaviness and despondency that accompanies evil acts shatters our sense of security and balance which leaves us reeling.
Ironically, yet not so ironic, the very message of Chanukah is the counterbalance — setting the record straight. Eight days that imparts and empowers the truth of life. Light prevails over darkness. Goodness trounces every element of darkness at the core.
Tonight we will gather to light the menorah. We must do it with even greater strength. We must do so with a sense of purpose and mission. We must recognize that evil has no place and the only way to confront it is with strength, joy and determination.
Effectively, we are the ambassadors of this message to the world, and Chanukah is the headquarters of this message. It’s therefore imperative to stand tall and proud, resolute and fearless with a message to the world — light and goodness will always prevail!!
If you’re available come out, join us tonight as we light a 6-foot ice menorah and celebrate, dance, cry and laugh (5:30 p.m. ice carving will take place; 6 p.m. will be the lighting).
But if you’re up to it, let’s go even one step further: join our car menorah parade (5 p.m. around Westport, with police accompaniment) — telling the message in a proud and loud manner.
Please let us know you’ll be joining — email mendel@chabadofwestport.com, or click here and scroll down.
Together we shall prevail, and we shall prosper!
“Light the World With Hope” (Diane Yormark’s handmade ceramic menorah).
The Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum is one of Westport’s hidden jewels.
The 12-acre site on Woodside Lane, adjacent to Earthplace, is a tranquil spot with woods, trails, and a couple of picnic tables.
There’s a small wooden shed there too, with black shutters. Like the park, it too may be overlooked.
But Lou Mall, Andrew Colabella, Amy Schneider and Tony McDowell all knew it was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see Susan Garment’s image.)
The first 3 of those readers must be Wadsworth Arboretum fans. McDowell of course is the recently retired executive director of Earthplace. So he’s definitely walked that property.
Congrats to that quartet. As for everyone else: Check out the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum. It’s worth a visit, any time of year.
We’re outdoors again, for the next Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this intriguing sign, click “Comments” below.
And if you know the “beagle” in the back story, please include that too. You don’t see signs like this every day.
Basso — the tapas-and-more restaurant that moved to Westport from Norwalk in the middle of the pandemic — is closing.
An email sent yesterday from the Jesup Road spot that replaced Matsu Sushi says: “After nearly 19 wonderful years of serving our community, it is with mixed emotions that we announce the closing of Basso on Thursday, December 18.
“This decision was not made lightly; we have truly cherished every moment shared with you, our loyal guests and friends.
“We want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support, kindness, and the many memories we’ve created together. It has been an honor to be part of your lives—celebrating milestones, hosting your special occasions, and sharing countless meals and conversations.
“As we prepare to close this chapter, we warmly invite you to visit us one last time to reminisce and enjoy your favorite dishes. Thank you for being such an essential part of our story. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
I’ve long held a special place in my heart for Basso. The food has been delicious and creative; the hospitality is warm and genuine; the vibe has been great for the town.
Thank you, Renato, Ela, and all who made Basso a favorite destination.
Along with tapas, Basso featured pizzas, from its great wood-fired oven (rear).
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One (restaurant) door closes, and another opens: Westport will soon have another fast-casual, create-your-own-bowl-or-salad dining spot.
Naya arrives Wednesday (December 17), in the Gold’s half of Compo Shopping Center.
The offerings are similar to Sweetgreen, Just Salad, and the very similarly named Cava (click here for the menu). Naya, though, positions itself as “Middle Eastern.”
They’ve got more than a dozen locations in New York City and Long Island. This will be Naya’s second restaurant in Connecticut, after Darien — and its northernmost and easternmost site.
Sticking with today’s food theme, there’s news from Pop-Up Bagels.
Like Basso, they popped up in Westport during the pandemic. In just a few years, Adam Goldberg turned his COVID hobby into a full-blown, award-winning business.
Outlets sprouted in Fairfield, Greenwich and Newtown. Then came New York — a bold (and winning) move — followed by Massachusetts, North Carolina, Florida and California.
The latest Pop-up Bagels is in Portland, Maine. Chip Stephens — a 1973 Staples High School graduate and former Planning & Zoning commissioner, now chief enforcement officer for two Maine towns — spotted this on yesterday’s news:
They’re not stopping now. The next Pop-Up Bagels is planned for Wailea-Makena, Hawaii.
Which means they may need to rethink their motto: “Not famous, but known.”
From coast to coast — and beyond — everyone is learning about (and loving) Pop-Up Bagels.
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Also on the move — though this one is up, not out: a house on Danbury Avenue, near Soundview Drive.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
Like many in the oft-flooded neighborhood, it is being raised to become FEMA-compliant.
Which is a lot better than being razed, to become bigger, taller and broader.
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The first snowfall of the season was perfect: overnight, not overpowering, light and lovely.
Westport celebrated National Wreaths Across America Day yesterday.
VFW Post 399 quartermaster Phil Delgado, Post 399 Auxiliary vice commander Patty Kondub, Joan Polayes, and Scout Troops 39 and 139 honored veterans with a tribute at Assumption Church’s Greens Farms Cemetery.
Post 399 members and volunteers lay remembrance wreaths on over 400 graves. Each wreath symbolized the community’s gratitude, respect and commitment to never forget those who served.
Scouts participating in National Wreaths Across America day (from left): Blake Schuler Ashley Charise, Preston DeRosa, Austin Charise, Will Bernard, Will Manes, Sam Pollack and Alec Mraz. Not pictured: Jacob Luna and Ian Curran.
“A Sherlock Carol” — the family-friendly holiday show written and directed by Mark Shanahan, Westport Country Playhouse artistic director, opened last night for its third annual run there. Click here for tickets, and more information.
The cast of “A Sherlock Carol” takes their bows …
… and writer/director Mark Shanahan is thanked by audience members, after the show. (Photos/Dave Matlow)
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Hanukkah begins tonight, at sundown.
Steve Stein welcomed some early visitors yesterday:
More times than not, I’ve had good interactions with Optimum’s customer service.
Yesterday was one of those “not” times.
The (very) short version: I called the “retention” department to ask for a lower rate. I’ve been a customer since 1993 — I was one of the first dozen or so in Westport to sign up for a cable modem — and this is a ritual I now go through every few months.
The first question — after giving the same information twice, to a bot and a human — was “if we get disconnected, what’s the best callback number?”
(I’ve always found it odd that a company that provides phone service worries about disconnected calls, but whatever.)
I provided my cell number. She read it back to me. On we went.
She spent 15 minutes (supposedly) researching the best retention option. I’m sure she was juggling 3 or 4 other calls at the same time.
Then we got disconnected.
I expected a call back.
It never came.
I finally called again. This time, the customer service representative may have asked again for a callback number. I could not tell though, because whatever language he was speaking, it was not English.
Finally — a full 1 hour and 12 minutes after I began — I got a (middling) retention offer. I’m saving about $30 a month, and will have to go through the same dance again next year.
Was it worth it? I bill my writing clients $200 an hour, so 12 months to save $360 is a bit of a savings.
Weighing in the agita factor, though … probably not.
PS: If anyone at Cablevision is reading this and wants to contact me — well, someone there has my number.
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Years ago, the group below would spend weekday mornings teaching, writing lesson plans, meeting with students, and dealing with administrators and parents.
These days, they do none of that.
And every so often, these ROMEOs — Retired Old Men Eating Out, all of whom spend decades in the Westport schools — get together for breakfast at the Monroe Diner.
How many can you name? Answers below the photo.
From left: Jim Wheeler, Al Jolley, Jim Honeycutt, Bruce McFadden, Toby Watson, Steve Rexford, Bob Selverstone, Werner Liepolt, Ed Bludnicki, Pete Van Hagen, Stan Rhodes.
Yesterday’ Roundup story on the Eartha Kitt/”Santa Baby” composer connection left out one key detail: That it happened at WEST, the Post Road East store owned by the singer’s daughter, Kitt Shapiro.
Here it is again. Hopefully it makes more sense this time:
More than 70 years after its release, “Santa Baby” remains one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time.
Eartha Kitt sang it in 1953. She later moved to Weston, where she died of colon cancer on — coincidentally — Christmas Day, in 2008.
Her daughter Kitt Shapiro now owns WEST, a very popular women’s shop, on Post Road East.
An older woman came into the store on Thursday. Her name was Joan Javits — and she co-wrote “Santa Baby,” all those years ago. (She’s 97 years old — though she sure doesn’t look it!)
Kitt Shapiro and Joan Javits, at WEST.
It may not be the Christmas miracle of 2,000 years ago.
But it’s still pretty amazing.
PS: Among the lyrics Eartha Kitt sang were:
Come and trim my Christmas tree
With some decorations bought at Tiffany’s.
I wonder if after leaving WEST, Joan Javits crossed the street and walked a few yards west.
To buy some decorations at — you know the rest.
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Nancy Vener was up early yesterday. She photographed the fiery sunrise over Burritt Cove, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:
And finally … to all the customer service agents at Optimum (story above):
(Your favorite restaurant may be closing. Your internet service provider may drop your call. But “06880” will always be here for you — so long as you click here to support our work. Thanks!)
“Students Speak” offers Westport teenagers a chance to share their thoughts and insights with the broader “06880” community.
Emme Dorfman is a junior at Staples High School. She is a member of the varsity soccer, ski and lacrosse teams. While working on a speech for her Rhetoric and Persuasion class, she realized she could actually make this idea happen.
She’s launched a survey (link at the bottom of this story). Emme writes:
I technically only have one sibling. But in my heart, I have three.
One is a freshman. The other two have 4 legs. They spend their days chasing tennis balls and begging for food. Their names are Bode and Ozzie.
Emme Dorfman, and “siblings.”
As much as I love my dog Bode, if he sees a squirrel, I’m done for. In fact, I almost broke my arm while chasing after him at Winslow Park because there was no fence to stop him.
While I did get some good cardio in, it was one of the scariest days of my life. Ever since, I’ve been very distrustful of letting Bode off leash anywhere in Westport.
According to the Animal Humane Society, about 10 million pets run away from their owners each year. That’s millions of families facing horrible moments that could be prevented.
If there were more places for dogs to safely run around and play, this number would drop drastically. For a town that prides itself on being safe, family friendly and community-oriented, it’s bizarre that Westport doesn’t have a single fenced-in dog park.
Although we have public areas for dogs to run around, like Winslow Park, Sherwood Island and Compo Beach, there isn’t one secure, fenced-in dog park, which almost every town around us has.
Dogs love Compo Beach. But they can’t be fenced in there. (Photo/JC Martin)
Weston has one, New Canaan has one, Trumbull has one. It’s time Westport has one too.
Just like humans, dogs love their social time. They need to be able to run around freely to get the mental and physical stimulation they need to stay happy.
Without it they can develop bad behavioral patterns like barking, leash-pulling or anxiety. Not only would this space be amazing for dogs, but it would also be creating a place for residents to connect and bond with one another.
So today, I’m asking that our town representatives consider my proposal to build a fenced-in dog park in Westport.
The average size for a fenced-in dog park is about ¼ of an acre. Winslow Park is 29 acres. With all that space, doesn’t it make sense to dedicate just a small portion to something that would bring so much value to our community?
Winslow Park has fences. But not the kind that keep dogs from running wherever they want. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
To see how a project like this would move forward, I talked to Planning & Zoning commissioner Michael Cammeyer, who expressed his full support for the idea.
While you might argue that constructing it would cost the town a lot of money, the reality is that a dog park doesn’t have to be a financial burden on the town. With all the money our residents spend on dog walkers, doggy care, let alone just toys, we would be able to come up with the funds through a combination of grants from the town and community donations.
This proposal is very realistic, and it fits directly into Westport’s community goals. Two primary objectives of our town’s Plan of Conservation and Development are to enhance the development of our town, while also encouraging sustainable patterns of land use.
To add to that, part of the Parks & Recreation mission statement is to achieve the standards that Westport residents expect of parks. By building a fenced-in dog-park, Westport would be fulfilling both of these missions and prioritizing the desires of its residents.
I understand the feeling of having to stare down your dog anytime you let them off leash, and that’s why I know how relieved dog-owners would be to have a place their dogs can socialize safely.
I’m hopeful we can build Dog-Port, a place where dogs can finally play freely and owners can actually relax. It’s time that Westport takes this idea off-leash, and makes it a reality for our four-legged siblings!
(To submit a “Student Speaks” — or for questions about this feature — email 06880blog@gmail.com. We will work with students — at Staples, private schools or home-schooled — to help craft their story. Anonymity, if requested, is assured.)
The Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service’s ambulances get a lot of use. They save thousands of lives.
Now, some of those lives will be saved in a state-of-the-art, fully stocked new one.
This past week, the Westport Woman’s Club donated a brand new ambulance to WVEMS.
Funds came from a $150,000 donation to the WWC from the Lea Ruegg Foundation, and additional contributions by the Woman’s Club.
Westport Woman’s Club past president Karen Kleine hands ambulance keys to Westport Volunteer EMS president James Bairaktaris. Looking on are WWC member Donna Richardson, and 1st Selectman Kevin Christie.
The near-half-million dollar project took 3 years to complete, including designing and building.
“The custom ambulance — nicknamed ‘Lea’ — will replace one of our 10+ year-old current ambulances,” says Westport Volunteer EMS president James Bairaktaris.
“We’re blessed to have the Westport Woman’s Club as both our neighbors and supporters, and so, too, all of our EMTs and the patients we’ll help.”
HUGE thanks to the Westport Woman’s Club. But did you know that Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service pays for all their equipment they use to help all of us — from ambulances down to Band-Aids?
More than 70 years after its release, “Santa Baby” remains one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time.
Eartha Kitt sang it in 1953. She later moved to Weston, where she died of colon cancer on — coincidentally — Christmas Day, in 2008.
Her daughter Kitt Shapiro now owns WEST, a very popular women’s shop, on Post Road East.
An older woman came into the store on Thursday. Her name was Joan Javits — and she co-wrote “Santa Baby,” all those years ago. (She’s 97 years old — though she sure doesn’t look it!)
Kitt Shapiro and Joan Javits, at WEST.
It may not be the Christmas miracle of 2,000 years ago.
But it’s still pretty amazing.
PS: Among the lyrics Eartha Kitt sang were:
Come and trim my Christmas tree
With some decorations bought at Tiffany’s.
I wonder if after leaving WEST, Joan Javits crossed the street and walked a few yards west.
To buy some decorations at — you know the rest.
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Since graduating from Staples High School in 1999 — as the Gatorade National High School Player of the Year — Kyle Martino has done many things.
He earned MLS Rookie of the Year honors, played alongside David Beckham, and made 8 appearances with the US men’s national team.
He was an NBC Sports analyst for the Premier League, and ran for US Soccer president.
Now Martino — who recently moved back to Westport — is a staunch advocate for bringing soccer to underserved communities and neighborhoods around the country.
He’s got a staunch ally: New York City’s next mayor, Zohran Mamdani. (He’s a huge soccer fan — and former player — himself. Click here for a cool story.)
The other day, Martino and Mamdani chatted about the city’s role in the world game — from access to all, to the upcoming World Cup. It was an intriguing discussion. Click here or below to listen in.
What’s better than the weekly Westport Farmers’ Market?
Two in a week!
Today (Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center) is their annual Holiday Artist Market.
Over 30 local vendors — jewelers, woodworkers, potters — offer handcrafted gifts.
There’s coffee, carolers and more.
Including, of course, the usual farm favorites.
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Westport’s annual Holiday Giving Program supported more than 80 households and 154 children last year.
This year the need is greater: 167 children from over 90 households qualify for support.
Many Westport families struggle quietly with job loss, rising living costs, and unexpected hardships.
Many local parents work 2 jobs, while caring for young children without reliable childcare. After rent, utilities, babysitting and medical expenses, there is often nothing left for presents.
The Family-to-Family Holiday Giving Program provides modest gift cards that allow parents to choose gifts, and bring comfort and joy back into their homes.
Longtime Westport resident Hymie Malbin died peacefully on Tuesday, surrounded by his family. He was 98 years old.
At age 2, the native of Poland emigrated with his family to South Africa. Though he did not finish high school, his lack of formal education did not preclude his success.
Most family members still in Poland were killed in the Holocaust. Hymie joined the South African Zionist movement. In 1948 he joined volunteers and war refugees bound for the new state of Israel, a defining chapter in his life. Years later, on the 50th anniversary of Israel’s independence, he was honored by the IDF.
Hymie returned home to South Africa. In 1958 he founded a brassiere company, Charmfit. It expanded into companies that manufactured lingerie, dresses, handbags, leather goods and plastics, and became the largest toy manufacturer in South Africa. Charmfit went public in 1968.
In the late 1970s Hymie and his wife Marge made the difficult decision to emigrate to London, then several years later to Westport where their children and grandchildren thrived.
Their home was an anchor, welcoming friends and family from around the world.
While Hymie formally retired in his 50s, he never stopped working. He developed interests in real estate, building and flipping homes, and was actively engaged in the markets.
He learned to sculpt, and was an avid bridge and tennis player and golfer, and swam into his 90s.
Hymie is survived by Marge, his wife of 75 years; daughters Rochelle Malbin and Hazel Malbin Shulman (Stephen), son Peter, and grandchildren and great- grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Jonathan Malbin.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Leigh Gage. She spotted this “large German shepherd-sized” creature mid-afternoon yesterday, on Manitou Road.
And finally … in honor of that amazing Eartha Kitt/Kitt Shapiro/Joan Javits/ WEST story (above):
(Joan Javits didn’t write it, so we will: “Santa baby, bring me readers who will click this link, and donate to this blog, wink wink … Of course, all the elves at “06880” thank you!)
A little more brass and percussion in “Sing We Noel.”
Classical works, longtime favorites, plus selections from around the world, played and sung with skill, passion and joy.
Staples High School’s 85th annual Candlelight Concert — the first of 3 weekend shows — thrilled and inspired a full house last night.
As always, it was the Music Department’s gift to the town.
As always, it was the greatest gift of the holiday season.
“06880” photographer Lynn Untermeyer Miller — a former Candlelight Concert performer herself — shares these images, from a night of wonder.
Staples Class of 1961 graduate Lucy Weberling (above) and her sister Janet (SHS ’63) traveled from Oklahoma, just for this year’s Candlelight Concert. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Longtime Candlelight stalwarts: former Staples principal John Dodig, and Jackie-of-all-trades Alice Addicks.
Directors (from left) Carrie Mascaro (orchestra), Caitlin Serpliss an Kevin Mazzarella (band), Jeri Brima (orchestra) and Lauren Pine (choral), after the “Hallelujah Chorus.” (Photo/Dan Woog)
(All photos/Lynn Untermeyer Miller unless otherwise noted)
Winter and water highlight this week’s online art gallery.
And, of course, several other random themes. Taken together, all make for another intriguing Saturday session.
Thanks, as always, to all our artists. No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Please email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
“Children Reading by Firelight” (Mary Madelyn Attanasio)
Untitled — watercolor and colored pencil (Frazer Benton, One River student)
“Burying Hill Kingfisher” — watercolor (Eric Bosch)
“Mill Pond Buoy” (John Maloney)
“Wakeman Town Farm” (Dayle Brownstein)
“Grand Central, NYC” — oil on canvas, 30×40 (R. Castellon — Available for purchase; click here)
“Sun Rise” — acrylic (Dorothy Robertshaw)
“Snow’s Gonna Fall and the Frost Gonna Bite” (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
“Last Full Moon of 2025” (Karen Weingarten)
“A Little Wispy” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)
“Surfside Beach, Outside Miami” (Wendy Levy)
“Bowl of Winesaps” — oil on panel, 11×14 (Werner Liepolt — Available for purchase; click here)
“Grace” (Bill Fellah — Available for purchase; click here)
“Wreath” (Jalna Jaeger)
“Snowy Hoops” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
The world is getting hotter. Sea levels keep rising. President Trump has removed the US from the Paris Agreement on climate change.
Here in Westport, we’re conflicted. We are conscientious about composting — in the back yards of super-sized homes. We park electric vehicles in our 3- and 4-car garages. We fill reusable water bottles — and water our lawns religiously.
Through it all, Sustainable Westport nudges the needle ever closer to the town’s goal — codified by the Representative Town Meeting in 2017 — to be Net Zero by 2050.
How are they/we doing?
The other day, Sustainable Westport — the town’s non-profit organization, focusing on reducing waste, conserving water, promoting biodiversity and more — looked back on 2025.
And ahead to both 2026, and 2050 — now just a quarter century away.
Among the achievements this year:
“Your Yard, Our Climate” launched. Ten partners sponsored 13 events, focused on supporting biodiversity in yards. Among them: a “Magic of Meadows” webinar (click here or below).
“HeatSmart Westport” mobilized over 200 residents to take the first step toward more efficient, sustainable homes. Free Home Energy Solutions assessments continue through Mach. Click here to sign up.
“Restaurant Champions” celebrate the sustainability efforts of local food businesses. Restaurants will be recognized for success in 4 categories: complying with Westport’s single-use plastic ordinance; sourcing ingredients sustainably; engaging in responsible waste management, and prioritizing energy efficiency.
Sustainable Westport held 24 events in 2025 — that’s one every 2 weeks. For example:
Over 100 Westporters listened to the 3 first selectman candidates perspectives on top climate concerns. All spoke strongly in favor of ongoing initiatives. Click here for details.
Collection drives gave new life to these goods — and kept them out of the waste stream:
Over 150 sports gear items
71 mattresses and box springs
750 pounds of Lego bricks
120 medical equipment items.
This holiday season, Sustainable Westport suggests “small but meaningful shifts in the way we give,” to show “deeper care for our friends, families and planet.”
They include:
Giving tickets for experiences, rather than consumer products.
Choosing “slow shipping,” instead of overnight.
Contributing locally to a worthy cause, in someone’s name.
Skipping the wrapping paper.
Waste we seldom think about.
What’s ahead for the new year?
More programs and events; the announcement of the first group of Restaurant Champions; more households exploring energy-efficient solutions, and “new ambitious goals, to bring actionable solutions to Westport.”
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
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