Let’s Do Something — April 11, 2024

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/04/2024 (724 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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TODAY

• 10 a.m. — Ten Thousand Villages (829 Rosser Ave.) is excited to host Bunyaad rugs in-store during the Bunyaad Rugs cross-Canada rug tour. The rugs will remain in our community until April 22. These fair-trade, hand-knotted, heirloom quality rugs from Pakistan will be on display and for sale during the Fair-Trade Rug Event. We have approximately three hundred rugs on-site during this event. These rugs vary in size from two feet by three feet to nine feet by 12 feet and feature classic to contemporary style rugs.

• 10:15 to 11 a.m. — Story and Song Circle with Michelle at the Brandon Public Library. Preschoolers can join Michelle for stories, songs and crafts. The presence of a caregiver or parent is required. No registration necessary.

• 6 p.m. — Come join us for a Spring Fashion Show and Dinner at Lady of the Lake. Doors open at 6 p.m.; dinner at 6:30 p.m.; show at 7 p.m.; shop until 9 p.m. Tickets are available online at ladyofthelake.ca, with proceeds to Women’s Resource Centre Brandon.

FRIDAY

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Brandon Farmers’ Market at The Town Centre (800 Rosser Ave.). Baking, jams and jellies, pickling, yarn, bison, beef, beeswax candles, crafts and more. This event runs year-round.

• Noon — The Brandon Troyanda School of Ukrainian Dance is hosting its dance festival/competition this weekend at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium and will showcase the artistic and cultural expressions of a beautiful culture that is alive and well in Canada. This year there are more than 900 dancers and instructors from 26 clubs showcasing more than 350 performances. Tickets available at the door only. Day pass $15; weekend pass $25.

• 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. — Senior dance at Central Community Centre (529 Fourth St.) with lunch to follow. Music provided by Prairie Fire. Dances will be held weekly, with last dance May 10. Cost is $15 per person. For more information, call Ken at 204-726-4822.

• 7:30 p.m. — “Nyad” is playing at the Evans Theatre at Brandon University (270 18th St.). All seats $6, cash only. For more information, visit evanstheatre.ca.

• 8 p.m. — The season’s final Konektis choir concert will take place at Knox United Church (451 18th St.) Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $15 at the door.

SATURDAY

• 8:15 a.m. — The Brandon Troyanda School of Ukrainian Dance is hosting its dance festival/competition this weekend at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium and will showcase the artistic and cultural expressions of a beautiful culture that is alive and well in Canada. This year, there are more than 900 dancers and instructors from 26 clubs showcasing more than 350 performances. Tickets available at the door only. Day pass $15; weekend pass $25.

• 9 a.m. — Knox United Church’s (451 18th St.) annual spring indoor garage (rummage) sale will be held until 1 p.m. Please use 17th Street entrance. Clean, reasonably priced items including household, outdoor, sport, clothing, books, collectibles etc. Something for everyone.

• 11 a.m. — The Assiniboine Food Forest is hosting its annual Maple Syrup Tour at 1735 Rosser Ave. E. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be tours of the maple woods, sampling the local syrup and a pancake brunch around the bonfire. Also an Indigenous ceremony, musical entertainment and lots of great learning for the whole family. Brunch served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. AFFI orchard manager Doug McGregor of Oak Summit Nursery will be conducting tours of the tree propagation sites in the community orchard and along the riverside trail on a first-come, first-served basis. Two different concurrent tours will depart on the hour at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. (3 p.m. optional, if attendance warrants). We will not be harvesting maple sap as the trees need a year off, but we do have saved syrup from 2023 freshly bottled and on sale for $15 a bottle. To support the local food forest, a $5 donation at the entry table is suggested. $5 brunch tickets get you pancakes, hotdog and a drink. For further information, call Dave Barnes at 204-728-6278.

• 1 to 5 p.m. — The City of Brandon Parks and Recreation presents The Great Brandon Mystery First Edition (April 13 or June 1) and Second Edition (May 18 or June 15) from 1 to 5 p.m. This is a competitive mystery-solving program for adults. Inspired by Explorer’s Club, teams of two to five will race against time to solve one of Brandon’s greatest mysteries. Participants will be required to travel around solving challenging clues and puzzles and even completing challenges. The first team to solve the mystery will receive a prize. Cost is $25 for individual spot or $100 for the team. Visit brandon.ca/rec-programs to register or call 204-729-2471.

• 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. — Circus Genoa is coming to town. Join us at the Provincial Exhibition grounds in the Dome Building featuring the fearless daredevil in the Globe of Death, gigantic Autobot that transforms in front of you, acrobats, jugglers and clowns. Performances at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Get tickets at circusgenoa.com

• 3:30 p.m. — The Virden Collegiate Choir is pleased to be joined by the St. James Assiniboia Senior Divisional Choir in the Virden Auditorium Theatre (228 Wellington St. West, Virden). VCI choir directed by Luke Munchinsky. SJASD Senior Choir directed by Avonlea Armstrong-Green. Tickets are $10 general admission at the door. Doors open at 3 p.m.

• 6:45 p.m. — Knox United Church (415 18th St.) presents Just Desserts and Trivia Night. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Trivia begins at 6:45 p.m. Cost: Adults, $20; under 15, $5. Teams of eight are suggested. Expect three rounds of trivia with luscious dessert between rounds. Registration in advance is required by contacting Katheryne at 204-573-6558 or email buyknoxtickets@gmail.com

• 7:30 p.m. — “Nyad” is playing at the Evans Theatre at Brandon University (270 18th St.). All seats $6, cash only. For more information, visit evanstheatre.ca.

SUNDAY

• 8 a.m. — The Brandon Troyanda School of Ukrainian Dance is hosting its dance festival/competition this weekend at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium and will showcase the artistic and cultural expressions of a beautiful culture that is alive and well in Canada. This year, there are more than 900 dancers and instructors from 26 clubs showcasing more than 350 performances. Tickets available at the door only. Day pass $15; weekend pass $25.

• 2 to 5 p.m. — Westman Jams meets at Eastside Eatery (1451 Richmond Ave.) from 2 to 4 p.m. Join the Jam and play, sing, listen or dance. Have some fun and help us raise money for the Reg Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund, which financially assists local students attending the International Music Camp at the International Peace Garden.

• 7:30 p.m. — “Nyad” is playing at the Evans Theatre at Brandon University (270 18th St.). All seats $6, cash only. For more information, visit evanstheatre.ca.

MONDAY

• 1:15 to 4 p.m. — East End Sunshine Card Club meets Mondays at the East End Community Centre (405 Park St., corner of Park and Victoria Avenue East). Coffee and snacks. Members and guests are welcome. For more information, call 204-727-3539.

• 6:30 p.m. — UCT Bingo takes place every Monday at 205 College Ave. Doors open at 4 p.m. with early bird start at 6:30 p.m. and regular games at 7:10 p.m. Canteen available. Proceeds stay in Brandon for needs in the community. Come enjoy a fun evening at minimal cost.

WEDNESDAY

• 10:15 a.m. — Drop in to the Brandon Shoppers Mall Library Branch for Wiggly Wednesday, a story time program for children ages 0-5. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a caregiver.

• 1 to 4 p.m. — Join members of the Brandon Scrabble Club for an afternoon of Scrabble, coffee and laughs at the Brandon Public Library. Scrabble boards are provided, and all levels of skill are welcome to attend. No registration is required.

• 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. — The Brandon Embroiderers meet weekly to share their love of needlework, learn new skills and stitch together. All levels and abilities are welcome to attend. Call Dianne at 204-725-1445 or Darlene at 204-727-1624 for more info.

• 6 to 8 p.m. — Wednesday Knights at Chez Angela Bakery and Café (Unit C, 29 10th St.). The Brandon Knights Chess Club meets on Wednesday evenings. All skill levels are welcome.

• 7 p.m. — The Brandon Garden Club meets at Lady of the Lake for seed starting, Shay’s Favourites and What’s New — Shea Doherty, Our Farm Greenhouse. There will be plants for sale.

AT THE CLUBS

• Lady of the Lake (135-B 17th St. North) — Spring Fashion dinner and show is being held on Thursday. Doors open at 6 p.m.; dinner at 6:30 p.m.; show at 7 p.m. and you can shop until 9 p.m. Proceeds go to Women’s Resource Centre, Brandon. Sorry, this event is sold out. Come and join us on Friday for some classic rock and folk originals with Long Shot from 8 to 10 p.m. $5 cover.

• The 40 (210 18th St. North) — Nuthin’ But Trouble plays The 40 this weekend.

• Sand Hills Casino (777 Sand Hill Dr., Carberry) — The Chris Ghidoni Band takes the stage with some classic rock, blues and R&B at the Oasis Bar & Grill Friday and Saturday nights. Live and always free.

• Georgie’s Lounge at the Keystone Motor Inn (1050 18th St.) — Every Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to midnight, there is karaoke in Georgie’s Lounge.

• Chez Angela Bakery and Café (Unit C, 29 10th St., Brandon) — Free Music Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Come check us out.

• Section 6 Brew Company (1126 Princess Ave.) — On Saturday, it is the opening reception for Doug Derksen’s “Along the Souris” art exhibit from 7 to 10 p.m.

• Club 1202 (1202 Rosser Ave.) — Join us at Club 1202 this Saturday for an evening of toe-tappin’, knee-slappin’, hand-clappin’ classic country and rock music performed by Kalija. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Live music starts at 7 p.m. $5 gets you in the door plus one free drink. Open to all ages!

• Houstons Country Roadhouse (3130 Victoria Ave.) — Upcoming: April 20, Happy National 420 Day!

• Great Western Roadhouse (1125 18th St. at Canad Inns) — KnowleDJ is taking a night off from Ole Red Vegas to come to little Ole Brandon Roadhouse on Friday night! And we have a surprise in store for you so you don’t want to miss this one.

• The Dock on Princess (1133 Princess Ave.) — Come join us on Thursday for a live performance by Matt Cory and Cy Arthurson at 7:30 p.m. Upcoming: April 17, Space Station Murder Mystery from 6 to 9 p.m. Book a seat at 204-726-1234 or email thedockonprincess.com

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

• Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (Brandon Municipal Airport, Highway 10, 1.6 kilometres north of Brandon) — Canada’s only air museum solely dedicated to the preservation of those who trained and fought for the British Commonwealth during the Second World War. The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum has reopened seven days a week starting in honour of RCAF’s 100th anniversary, from 1 to 4 p.m. Starting in May, we will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week. Travel back to the 1940s while touring a Second World War-vintage hangar, aircraft, vehicles and hundreds of artifacts from that era. The museum’s RCAF Second World War Memorial is open to the public from sunrise to sundown. We are a Manitoba Signature Museum, a Star Attraction and a National Historic Site. Learn more at airmuseum.ca.

• Daly House Museum (122 18th St., Brandon) — Built in 1882, the Daly House was the original home of Brandon’s first mayor, Thomas Mayne Daly. Artifacts include a collection of late 19th-century and early 20th-century furnishings, First World War memorabilia, toys, dolls and women’s wear. Currently on exhibit is The Sound of History: Band and Musicians of Western Manitoba until Sept. 7. Museum hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. (September to June). Admission: $6 adults; $5 seniors and youth (6-18); family (up to two adults and three children) $12; children under five free. For more information, visit dalyhousemuseum.ca or call 204-727-1722.

• Royal Canadian Artillery Museum (Building N-118 Patricia Rd., CFB Shilo) — Our Second World War vehicle exhibit includes eight military vehicles used by Canadians during the Second World War. Military vehicles provided firepower, logistical support, mobility and protection for the Canadian Army, enhancing their effectiveness during the Second World War. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Admission: $10 adults; $5 seniors and students (6-18), children under six free. Phone 204-765-3000 (ext. 3570) or email RCAMuseum@ forces. gc.ca.

• Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba (Unit 2, 710 Rosser Ave., Brandon) — Manitoba’s oldest centre for visual art and one of Canada’s first, the AGSM boasts two art galleries, studios for youth and adult classes, a gift shop that supports more than 90 Manitoban artists and artisans. In the Community Gallery: “Young & Creative in Southwestern Manitoba,” until April 13. Upcoming in the Main Gallery: “The Problem of the Moon,” running from April 4 to June 8. Hours: 4 to 9 p.m. Monday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday; noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit agsm.ca.

• Killarney’s Heritage Home for the Arts (44 Water Ave., Killarney) — The Killarney Turtle Mountain Arts Council’s gallery is in the Heritage Home for the Arts. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. The gallery is closed all statutory holidays. Special tours can be arranged by calling the arts administrator at 204-554-0023. You can also visit Killarney-Turtle Mountain Arts Council on Facebook or @killarneyarts on Instagram or our website at killarneyarts.com

• 26th Field Regiment RCA/XII Manitoba Dragoons Museum (within the Brandon Armoury, 1116 Victoria Ave.) — The museum is open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed for lunch. Also open by appointment.

• Brandon General Museum and Archives (19 Ninth St., Unit 101) — Attractions include the Brandon History Hall, Manitoba Telephone History, the BJ Hales Natural History Collection and rotating exhibits celebrating Brandon’s roots. Guided tours and visits are Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Admission by donation. Booking in advance is strongly recommended. Phone 204-717-1514 or email bgmainfo@wcgwave.ca.

• ArtsForward (293 Mountain Ave., Neepawa) — ArtsForward is the central arts venue in Neepawa in visual, literary, performing and material arts. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays to Thursdays; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays; closed on weekends.

• Virden Pioneer Home Museum (390 King St. West, Virden) — The museum house was built in 1888 by James F. Frame, a hardware merchant and prominent citizen in the community. We are now closed for the season and will open again in the spring of 2024. For more information, email virdenpioneermuseum@gmail.com.

• Arts West Travelling Gallery — The gallery featuring work by Westman regional artists is on display until April 30 at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (205 20th St., Brandon), Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. The Travelling Gallery was selected from work entered in the Westman Juried Art Show held last April in Carberry.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• April 18-21 — The Brandon Psychic and Crystal Fair will take place at the Victoria Inn (3550 Victoria Ave.), featuring some of Canada’s top psychics, mediums, astrologers, rune reading, healers, tea leaf, palm readers and aura photo booth. Lots of beautiful crystals and handmade jewelry. Tickets are $10 (good for the entire weekend); children 12 and under are free. Featuring $3,000 in door prizes. April 18, 2 to 10 p.m.; April 19, 2 to 10 p.m.; April 20, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; April 21, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• April 19 — The Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (205 20th St.) welcomes dancers from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Anna McCowan-Johnson Aspirant Program for a performance of both classical and contemporary dance, “On the Edge,” at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

• April 20 — Club 77 Dance will be held at the Shriners Hall (1110 McTavish Ave. East) at 7:30 p.m. with music by Len Gadica. Admission is $15 and lunch will be served. For more information, call 204-729-9301.

• April 20 — The 26th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, XII Manitoba Dragoons Museum and Friends of the Museum Inc. (FOMI) present the 43rd annual Vimy & Beyond Fundraiser “Operation Overload,” D-Day 80th Anniversary at the Brandon Armoury (1116 Victoria Ave.). Please use the 11th Street entrance. Dinner from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. No reserved seating. Chinese food with cash bar. Choir, Pipes and Drums, auctions and 50/50 draw. Cost is $25 per person. RSVP by April 16 to Jacquie at 204-724-7530 or email 26fomi@gmail.com Payment must be made by April 16. Cheques can be mailed to FOMI, 1116 Victoria Ave., Brandon, MB R7A 1B2 or etransfer: 1116fldmuseum@gmail.com. Virtual Vimy via ZOOM, register: 26fdregmuseum@wcgwave.ca. All proceeds directed to the museum.

• April 20 — Come and celebrate the 30th annual Cerebral Palsy Westman stationary bike race in the UCT Pavilion at the Keystone Centre (#1-1175 18th St.) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. First riders start at 10 a.m. To sign up: bikerace@cerebralpalsy.mc.ca. Each 25-minute ride enriches the lives of Manitobans living with CP.

• April 20 — Mini Pop Kids 2024, a concert by kids, for kids and adults too, takes place at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (205 20th St.) at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

• April 20-21 — The 22nd annual Keystone Alpaca Classic will be held at the Westoba Credit Union Agricultural Centre of Excellence. Alpacas from across the Prairies come to compete for supreme male and female alpaca.

• April 23 — The 22nd annual Preschool Wellness Fair is being held at the Keystone Centre on the Upper Concourse from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event offers free professional screening for pre-school aged children (3 to 5) in speech and language, hearing and general development. This year, we are adding optical screening to our list. Public Health will be present to offer optional vaccinations and each child will be given a book courtesy of Sunset Rotary. There will be a children’s play area as well as a healthy snack for each child. Registrations are accepted until 5 p.m. Screening ends at 6 p.m.

• April 25 — Parkinsons Social Group is a support group that is meeting at the Aaltos Restaurant in the Canad Inns (1125 18th St.) at 11:30 a.m. This is a lunch meeting. All people with Parkinsons, care partners, family and friends are welcome. Our speaker this month is Parkinsons Canada. For more information, call Val at 204-761-6196.

• April 26 — Brandon Conservatory Chorale presents the Spring Sing Concert at First Presbyterian Church (339 12th St.) at 7 p.m. This concert features Marla Fontaine, youth choir director; Deanna Ginn, bel canto director; Kara Dixon and Davis Placatka and collaborative pianists. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $10; 12 and under are free.

• April 27 — Brandon’s Largest Garage Sale (Spring edition) takes place at the Keystone Centre from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults; children 12 and under are free.

• April 27 — Prairie 21 is hosting a dance at Seniors for Seniors (311 Park Ave. East) from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Cost is $20 at the door, dry bar, evening lunch. Band is Country Edge. For more information, call Lorraine 204-725-2389.

• April 27 — Sunset Rotary Club of Brandon and Sunrise Credit Union present the 12th annual Brandon Beer Tasting Festival in the Imperial Ballroom at the Victoria Inn from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $35 each and include all samples, a light lunch and a souvenir beer stein sponsored by Sunrise Credit Union and CKLQ/STAR FM (Pattison Media). Proceeds to support the Westman Women’s Shelter and other local charities. Tickets are available at all four Brandon Liquor Marts and from Sunset Rotary members. The draw for the Sunset Rotary Staycation raffle will be made at this event. The Staycation first prize is valued at $1,000. And the second, third and fourth prizes are gift baskets worth $250 each. Tickets are $5 each and are available from Sunset Rotary members and online at presidentSRCB@hotmail.com

• April 27 — Jaedyns Tributes presents A Re-Creation of The Johnny Cash TV Show, starring multi-award winning tribute artist Jaedyn Pilon and the Flashback band with special guests “Waylon Jennings, Glen Campbell, Dusty Springfield, Linda Ronstadt” and more. Show takes place at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the WMCA box office 204-728-9510 and at the door.

• April 27 — The City of Brandon Parks and Recreation Services is offering Explorers Club Chapter 2: Daly’s Lost Key on Saturdays from April 27 to May 11, 1 to 3 p.m. The Explorers Club is for young adventurers aged 8 to 12 who enjoy solving riddles and puzzles. Each week, the treasure hunters will find one of many treasure stashes. Participants learn problem-solving skills, outdoor survival skills and how to read a GPS as well as a map. Cost is $55. Call 204-729-2471 to register or go to brandon.ca/rec-programs.

• April 27 — The annual Spring Bike Auction for the Kiwanis Club of Brandon will be held at the Brandon Curling Club (1175 18th St.) in the Keystone Centre with more than 100 bicycles recovered in conjunction with the Brandon City Police will be up for auction. This is a sold “as is” sale, but many bikes in the auction are in “like new” condition. Presale viewing starts at 9 a.m., with the actual sale at 10 a.m.

• April 28 — The Brandon Community Orchestra presents its spring concert, “Old World & New World,” at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (205 20th St.) at 3 p.m. This concert will feature music from Europe and the Americas, including movements from Dvorak’s “New World Symphony.” Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for seniors and students; children 12 and under are free. Tickets available at the WMCA box office 204-728-9510 and at the door.

• April 28 — The Arts West Council and the Hamiota Mid-West Art Club will host the 45th annual Westman Juried Art Show at the Kenton Community Hall (219 Cornwall St.). The show features work of Westman Region amateur and emerging adult and youth artists. Jurors Ben Davis of Brandon and Leona Herzog of Winnipeg will select 20 pieces for the Travelling Gallery, which will tour communities in the Westman region for the next year. The show will be open to the public from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. with the opening ceremony at 2 p.m. Silver collection. For further information, call 204-726-0493.

• May 1 — Cupid’s Heart – Pick Me Up Tour with Hansel and Anastasia Jane will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Brandon No. 3 (560 13th St. East) at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. A mix of the unruly and refined, Cupid’s Heart blends cells, electric guitar, drum machine and dynamic female vocals for what has been called “Chrissie Hynde Pretender vibes with a pinch of Nirvana.” Anastasia Jane is a singer-songwriter from Brandon who has actively performed in the Manitoba area since the late 1980s.

• May 2 — The City of Brandon Parks and Recreation Services is offering Ninja Warrior Training at the Sportsplex Track (30 Knowlton Dr.) running from May 2 to June 6, 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. every Thursday. Cost is $60. Test your endurance and agility in this fitness-based program for kids aged 7 to 12. There is also a Mini Ninja Warriors program for children aged 5 to 7. Build strength through completing a series of obstacle courses and tasks.

• May 2-4 — The Assiniboine Theatre Company presents “Amadeus,” a play by Peter Shaffer, at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium nightly at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at the WMCA box office 204-728-9510 and at the door.

• May 15 — The YMCA’s Women of Distinction Gala will be held at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. Reception at 6 p.m.; showtime at 7 p.m. Join us to celebrate the magnificent Women of Westman. Proceeds go toward YWCA programs. Tickets available at Women of Distinction – YWCA Westman

• May 18 — Team Onix Angel is proud to announce its first Brain Tumour Walk at the Riverbank Discovery Centre from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be costume guest and entertainment, bouncy castle, barbecue fundraiser, and a 2.5-kilometre walk around the Riverbank grounds.

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