Category: Education

Creative Montco to launch 10-year plan this Thursday

After a year-long effort to gather information, opinions and ideas about arts and culture in Montgomery County, Creative MontCo will unveil its 10-year plan during a launch party on Sept. 13 in the Parkhouse Hall Atrium at Montgomery County Community College’s Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell.

The celebration begins with networking from 4-4:30 p.m., followed by a presentation from 4:30-5:15 p.m. and a reception from 5:15-6 p.m. Artists, creative entrepreneurs, civic leaders, government officials and anyone who lives or works in Montgomery County is welcome to attend. To RSVP, visit http://creativemontco.eventbrite.com or call 610-313-9836.

Supported in part by a major grant from the William Penn Foundation, along with support from the Montgomery County Foundation, Creative MontCo is based on the belief that culture and creativity are among a community’s most powerful assets.  The initiative, chaired by MCCC President Dr. Karen A. Stout, looks to leverage the County’s cultural and creative resources to enhance economic development through implementation of a 10-year comprehensive plan.

“Creative MontCo reflects the growing trend to integrate cultural and economic development,” said Dr. Stout. “By recognizing the link between non-profit and for-profit creative activity and combining them under the creative sector umbrella, we acknowledge their common interests and often-overlooked role within regional economies.”

To date, more than 1,900 individuals representing all 62 municipalities in Montgomery County have participated in the initiative through a series of town hall meetings, community conversations, survey responses, interviews and discussion groups, and social media and website feedback.

For more information about CreativeMontCo and to learn how to get involved, visit www.creativemontco.org.

Steel River Playhouse holds open house this weekend

This comes to us from the effervescent marketeer and harpist Betsy Chapman!

Steel River Playhouse, formerly Tri-County Performing Arts Center (Tri-PAC), is holding an open house this weekend to showcase their educational offerings. Steel River seeks to strengthen community, inspire creative exploration, educate, and entertain, through the presentation of quality performing arts events and education for diverse audiences. Each year, the Steel River Playhouse produces more than 90 performances and hosts more than 10,000 people as audiences, students, artists, donors and volunteers from throughout the region. They offer performance opportunities through open auditions; theater technical training; acting, voice, and instrumental lessons; classes and workshops for all ages; summer camp programs; and educational outreach including scholarships, artists in the classroom, traveling children’s shows, and other initiatives. Steel River is located at 245 E. High Street in the heart of downtown Pottstown. For further information, visit www.steelriver.org, or call 610-970-1199.

 

Classes & Private Lessons

STUDENT OPEN HOUSE & REGISTRATION

Saturday, Sept 8th & Sunday, Sept 9th (11 am – 3 pm)

FREE Trial lessons, mini classes, refreshments, tours, and giveaways!

ALL ages

See our NEW marquee and take a tour!

Saturday, Sept 8th

Sunday, Sept 9th

Free Trial Lessons

Voice, Guitar & Acting

11am to 3pm

Free Trial Lessons

Voice, Guitar, Acting & Piano  

11am to 3pm

Free Mini-Classes

11:30am – Comedy/Improv (Grade 5 – 7)

12N – Acting (Grade 5 – 7)

12:30pm – Comedy/Improv (Grade 8 – Adult)

1pm – Comedy/Improv (Grade K – 4)

1:30pm – Acting (Grade 8 – Adult)

Free Mini-Classes

11:30am – Acting (Grade K – 4)

12N – Acting (Grade K – 4)

12:30pm – Acting (Grade 5 – 7)

1pm – Comedy/Improv (Grade 8 – Adult)

1:30 – Comedy/Improv (Grade 5 – 7)

Classes – Sept 17th thru Nov 18th

 Character in Song, Comedy/Improv, Acting for the Stage

Performance Troupes (Grades 2 – 4, 5 – 7, 8 – 12)

And more!  Financial Aid is Available     

Private Lessons begin September 10th  

Acting, Monologue Coaching, Voice, Piano, Guitar, Flute, and Trumpet

Special Guest Instructor – Ken Kaissar – Private Acting

Wednesdays and Sundays, starting in October

BFA Theatre (Directing), Carnegie Mellon University; MFA Theatre (Playwriting), Columbia University. Ken’s directing work has been seen in New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. His work on new plays has been seen at the Culture Project’s Women’s Center Stage Festival and the Philly Fringe Festival. His productions of THE TRUE AUTHOR REVEALED and THE MYSTERIES OF THE MONK OF FALCONARA led to publication of both plays in the BEST PLAYS ANTHOLOGY published by Applause. His play A MODEST SUGGESTION just finished a very successful Off-Broadway run; and CEASEFIRE was an official selection for Fusion Theatre Company’s New Works Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ken teaches playwriting and theatre history at Rider University and Stockton College.

Questions? Email Steve Reazor, Education Director, at steve@steelriver.org or call 610.970.1199.

 

 

One Day Only!

ANN GILLETTE – PRIVATE ON-CAMERA COACHING

Saturday, Oct 6th (10 am – 3 pm by appt)

Specializing in commercial, TV, and film audition and acting techniques

Ann Gillette has created a following as one of the top on-camera acting coaches on the East Coast. She coaches actors on a weekly basis for major television, film and commercial auditions. She is a ‘first call’ of top agents and managers who need their actors to push themselves to a bookable level. Ann has worked in casting and as a producer for the past 16 years, on hundreds of television, film and commercial projects. She began her career with Wickline Casting in Philadelphia in the early ‘90s, where she worked on nationwide talent searches for Spelling Television and NBC Daytime, movies like “The Long Kiss Goodnight” with Geena Davis and Sam Jackson, and “Broadway Brawler” with Bruce Willis, and national commercials for “Best Buy”, “McDonalds” and “Verizon”. After leaving Wickline, she freelanced as a producer and worked on national media pieces for shows like “Hard Copy” and “Access Hollywood”, and produced regional TV shows like “The Fretz Kitchen” and “Scene 8. She has continued her work with many production companies and ad agencies with credits such as commercials for GIANT, Thermador and Lancaster County Tourism.

One-hour private sessions: $75

To register, email Steve Reazor, Education Director, at steve@steelriver.org or call 610.970.1199.

36th Annual Hay Creek Festival on tap this weekend

I’m posting this on behalf of my neighbor Jack, who is a volunteer with the Hay Creek Valley Historical Association. They’re holding their annual Hay Creek Festival beginning today and running through this weekend, and it looks awesome!

From their website: “Our Association was organized in 1975 with an objective  to support and demonstrate, to foster interest in and appreciation for our local heritage, and to provide a living experience of Berks County’s rich agricultural and technological past. In 1979 Bethlehem Steel donated historic Joanna Furnace to the Hay Creek Valley Association and our organization took on a new challenge of preserving a treasured piece of America’s past. Today the organization is 1,000 members strong and relies on volunteer efforts and donations to preserve the history of Joanna Furnace.”

Experience early American life at historic Joanna Furnace. The Hay Creek Festival runs from today, September 7 through September 9 (rain or shine). Attractions run from 10 am to 5 pm – Shuttle runs 7 am to 6 pm.

The Festival includes a Civil War Encampment , Home Craft & Antique Market, Children’s Hands-On Activities,
Mechanical Technology Exhibits, Early American Crafts, Entertainment, Homemade Food (Mabel’s kettle soups, Schnitz Un Knepp/Apples & Ham, Ice Cream Floats, Apple Butter, Mint Tea, and Hamburgers & Hot Dogs. Visitors can start their day at the Hay Creek Festival with an Ironmaster’s Pancake & Sausage Breakfast. This “rise and shine” breakfast is served Saturday and Sunday morning from 7 to 10 am in the Joanna Furnace Mule Stable. Please note: Food Tickets are needed to purchase food items. Ticket booths are placed conveniently throughout the festival grounds and can be redeemed prior to leaving the event. Check out the website for many more details!

Event Information

Admission:
Adults: $10.00
Children(6-12): $2.00
Children 5 and under: FREE
Click here to receive a discount admission coupon.  Each coupon is good for two adults.

Festival Time:
Main Attractions 10 am to 5 pm
Shuttle Busses Run 7 am to 6 pm
The festival is held rain or shine.

Parking:
FREE Parking is available to all festival visitors. Parking is located on a large field along Route 10 just south of the festival grounds. Follow signs. Visitors will ride our Free bus service to and from the festival ground.

For your safety and by order of the local police we ask that you do not park along Route 10. As an alternative free parking is available along Furnace Road.

Handicap Parking – Located on the festival grounds. Follow signs posted on Rt. 10, exit at Furnace Rd.

Visitors will be allowed to drive on-site to pickup large purchase items. Be sure to ask the vendor where you buy your large articles for a temporary on-site parking pass.

Hay Creek Festival Parking GPS Directions:  740 Harmony Road, Morgantown PA 19543

 

National Art Tour opens at Art Fusion 19464 TODAY!

 ArtFusion 19464, formerly The Gallery School of Pottstown@ Gallery on High, is kicking off its re-branding campaign today, September 7th, with an amazing art exhibit that has been traveling throughout the south and was featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show in February 2011.

Threads of a Story: Continued features the work of artist Charlotta Janssen, who was inspired by mug shots of
famous–and non famous–people arrested during the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. The swearing in of the first black president of the United States in 2009 was a catalyst for the artist, and Threads evolved as a way to visually thank participants of the civil rights movement for their work and dedication that made the moment possible.

Janssen specifically honors Bus Boycotters from 1956 and Freedom Riders from 1961. The artist’s goals are to transport the viewer back to these moments in our country’s history, to create a living history and bring awareness to a collective
consciousness where segregation seemed normal and fighting it was a daunting task. To realize these goals, Janssen re-imagines the mug shots of her subjects using oil, acrylic, rust and collage. Mug shots are normally portraits of shame, but in those belonging to the Bus Boycotters and Freedom Riders, she sees their heroism, determination and courage.

The exhibit at the Gallery will feature eight brand new portraits in this incredible series, including new portraits of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks. Also on display will be giclee prints of 15 of her portraits from the original series. The show will open with a private reception on September 7 and then the show will be open to the public from September 8 through October 20, 2012 during normal Gallery hours. Educational field trips for local school and groups can also be arranged. Interested groups should email info@galleryonhigh.com or call 610-326-2506 for more information.

Charlotta Janssen was born in Maine to German parents living in America under the Marshall plan. In 1973, her family moved to Iran, which they fled during the revolution in 1979. Janssen studied painting at the University of Arts in Berlin from 1986-1989, dropping out to travel the world as a street musician and performance artist. To make sense of all of these experiences, she returned to painting in 1991 with a clear voice that was no longer searching but finding. She currently lives and paints augmented portraiture in Brooklyn, NY.

ArtFusion 19464 (formerly The Gallery School of Pottstown) is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art school and gallery. The School offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages. The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence. The Gallery on High hosts rotating shows featuring local artists. The Gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.  The Gallery on High is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am-4:30pm and Saturday 10am-3pm. The Gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

Art Fusion 19464
254 E. High St.
Pottstown, PA  19464
610-326-2506
info@artfusion19464.org
www.artfusion19464.org

MCCC to Host Ninth Annual Scenes of Schuylkill River Heritage Area Art Show

As with the prior two posts, this comes to us via the prolific Alana Mauger, Communications Director for Montgomery County Community College.

Montgomery County Community College will host the Ninth Annual Scenes of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area Art Show from Aug. 29 through Oct. 19 at the West Campus Art Gallery, North Hall, 16 High St., Pottstown.

An opening reception will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 19, from 5-7 p.m., and will include refreshments and live music. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

Sponsored by the Schuylkill River National & State Heritage Area, the art show features 76 original pieces of artwork done in a variety of styles and media. The artwork highlights the beauty and unique aspects of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area—a 1.2 million-acre area that includes the Schuylkill River watershed within Schuylkill, Berks, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.

Dawn at Valley Forge by Catherine Grygiel

Artist Catherine Grygiel, Souderton, won Best of Show for her pastel “Dawn at Valley Forge.” She will receive $300 and an award of distinction valued at $1,000 from North Penn Art, Lansdale, for the creation of giclee prints of her work.

Second place with a $200 prize went to Jonathan Bond, Kempton, Berks County, for his oil on wood panel, “Carousel,” and third place with a $100 prize went to Materese Roche, Buckingham, Bucks County, for her oil on canvas, “Sunset Over the Grasslands.”

Four honorable mentions were awarded to: Rich Sassaman for his acrylic, “High School Runner;” Sherry McVickar for her oil, “English Style Schuylkill River Barn;” Lori Quinque-Quinn for the oil painting “Hunsberger’s Used Cars;” and David W. Thomas for his silver gel photograph “Foundation.”

 This year’s juror, Ross L. Mitchell, executive director of the Violette de Mazia Foundation, Wayne, selected the winning entries.

“It was a pleasure judging the Schuylkill River Heritage Area Art Show this year,” said Mitchell, who started his career as a painter and studied at the Barnes Foundation with Violette de Mazia. “The final selections were all of high quality and portrayed a wonderful cross-section of views of the diversity of the Schuylkill River area. Artists reinterpret our surrounding environment and let us see it anew through their unique and individual lens.”

Mitchell previously served as the Gallery Director at the Barnes Foundation in Merion Station where he led the $13 million renovation of the gallery. He was also Senior Associate for Viart Corporation, a Manhattan based art-consulting firm. Currently, he is the president of the Philadelphia Sketch Club, serves as a commissioner on the Lower Merion Historical Commission and as a board member of the Lower Merion Historical Society.

Most works are available for sale, and a portion of all proceeds benefits the Schuylkill River Heritage Area.      

Gallery hours are: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For more information contact, the SRHA at 484-945-0200 or MCCC Galleries Director Holly Cairns at 215-619-7349, hcairns@mc3.edu.

The Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area, managed by the non-profit Schuylkill River Greenway Association, uses conservation, education, recreation, cultural and historic preservation and tourism as tools for community revitalization and economic development. For more information about the SRHA visit www.schuylkillriver.org.

MCCC to Host Fall Career Fairs in Blue Bell and Pottstown

Montgomery County Community College will hold career fairs at both its Central Campus in Blue Bell and West Campus in Pottstown this fall. The career fairs are free of charge and are open to the public, and will feature up to 15 area businesses and organizations that are looking to recruit for part-time, full-time, temporary and seasonal employment, as well as for internships. 

At the Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, career fairs will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Sept. 12, Oct. 9, Nov. 13 and Dec. 5. The fairs will be held in the Parkhouse Hall Atrium with the exception of the Nov. 13 fair, which will be held in the Advanced Technology Center Atrium.

At the West Campus, 101 College Drive, Pottstown, career fairs will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Sept. 12, Nov. 14 and Dec. 5 in the South Hall second floor lobby. In addition, the Annual West Campus Career Expo, featuring up to 50 employers, will be held in the South Hall Community Room from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Oct. 17.

Businesses and organizations that wish to participate in the career fairs can register at http://tinyurl.com/MC3JobFairReg or by contacting Cindy Cerruti in the Office of Career Services at 610-718-1802 or ccerruti@mc3.edu.

MCCC Opens New University Center in Downtown Pottstown

There is plenty of great news coming out of Montgomery County Community College in recent weeks. In the next few posts, I will be passing it along. There are many different reasons to check out what Montco is offering to residents of the region – education, the arts, a leg up in a job search, and major contributions to Pottstown’s revitalization. You name it, Montco is doing it.~Sue Repko

Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) celebrated the opening of its new University Center on Aug. 21, expanding its West Campus to the former AAA East Penn building at 95 South Hanover St., and building on its vision to create a thriving urban campus in downtown Pottstown.

First introduced in 2006, MCCC’s University Center offers an entrepreneurial approach to expanding higher education opportunities for residents of the Tri-County region. Through partnerships with four-year institutions – Albright College, Chestnut Hill College, Temple University and Villanova University – students can choose from eight bachelor’s degrees, two master’s degrees and one graduate certificate.

During the event, MCCC President Dr. Karen A. Stout addressed the importance of expanding access to higher education opportunities for the region.

“Before we introduced the innovative University Center model, our graduates had to travel to the greater Reading and Philadelphia areas to continue their education in baccalaureate and graduate degree programs. However, for many of our students and community members in the Tri-County region, this commute simply isn’t possible,” she said. “Therefore, the University Center becomes more than a place where our partner institutions lease space to teach their classes on our campus. It becomes part of a much larger pipeline in terms of building student access to higher education.”

Charles Roberts, alumnus of both MCCC and Albright College, shared his personal educational journey through the University Center.

“I cannot begin to tell you where I would be without having the University Center. I was able me to attend class as a working adult and as someone who could not attend class the traditional college way.  I may never have attempted a bachelor’s program unless the University Center existed,” said Roberts, who has since earned a master’s degree from Gwynedd-Mercy College and who works in MCCC’s Enrollment Services department.

Dr. Lex O. McMillan III, president of Albright College in Reading spoke about the longstanding relationship with MCCC, describing it as a “thriving, healthy partnership.”

“Montgomery County Community College has the largest onsite degree completion programs of our satellite campuses,” he told the roomful of attendees. “In the 2011-12 year, 6,135 credits were transferred from MCCC, and 130 Albright students are enrolled in the degree completion program (at the University Center).”

The University Center project is made possible through a public-private partnership and lease agreement with Vesper Property Group, the building’s owner and developer. The new 10,500 square foot facility includes six classrooms with smart and videoconference technology, a student lounge and reception area. The entire facility is secured through electronic card access, and a front desk concierge is available to greet students and answer questions.

In addition to creating a new home and identity for the University Center, the new facility frees up existing classroom space at MCCC’s North and South halls – space that is greatly needed to accommodate an unprecedented 60 percent enrollment growth at the West Campus over the past five years.

For more information about the University Center, visit here.

#          #          #

Photo above provided by MCCC:  MCCC President Dr. Karen A. Stout (center) cuts the ribbon for the new University Center facility. She is joined by (from left) MCCC and Albright alumnus Charles Roberts; Representative Marcy Toepel; MCCC Board of Trustees Chairman Michael D’Aniello; Albright College President Dr. Lex O. McMillan III; Senator John Rafferty; Representative Tom Quigley; Montgomery County Commissioners Vice Chairman Leslie Richards; and Vice President of MCCC’s West Campus Dr. Steady Moono.

Gallery School & Pottstown Regional Public Library team up for Beef ‘n Beer fundraiser

Join us on 

Saturday, August 11

from 6-9pm
BBBBII logo

A joint fundraiser benefiting the non-profit Gallery School  

and the Pottstown Regional Public Library

Great music from DJ Pete LaRosa

Win amazing door prizes 

Try your luck with a 50/50 raffle

Food by Grumpy’s:  Hot roast beef sandwiches  * green salad  * pasta salad w/ sundried tomato dressing  *  black bean & barley salad  *  vegetarian wraps

Sly Fox beer, water, and soda

Homemade desserts 
$20 per person

Or stop by 254 E. High St!
Tickets are also available at the Library.

4th annual Stop the Drugs/Stop the Violence Crusade to be held this Saturday

This press release contains updated information about this Saturday’s event.

Harris Family Ministries
Stop the Drugs Stop the Violence: “Love can Build a Bridge”

The fourth annual Stop the Drugs Stop the Violence Crusade will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 28 at Riverfront Park in Pottstown. The theme of this year’s campaign, conducted by The Harris Family Ministries, Inc., is “Love Can Build a Bridge.” The love of Jesus Christ can help those suffering from violence and addictions and unite the entire community. Crusade sponsors are Mt. Herman Missionary Church, Bethel AME Community Church and the Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority.

This free event is open to the public. All church groups, community groups, businesses and individuals interested in the fight against drugs and violence are invited to attend and network.

In addition to free food, beverages and entertainment, there will be plenty of resource information available for attendees to take. Representatives of various organizations will be on hand for any questions people may have.
This year’s program participants include panelists Dr. Rocio Nell, Executive Director of Montgomery County Emergency services; Dr. Reed Lindley, Pottstown School District Superintendent; Rev. Joseph Bishop of Victory Outreach International; Heather Levandoski, Assistant District Attorney of Montgomery County narcotics Unit; and Richard Dodridge, Executive Director of Philadelphia Teen Challenge, who will also be the keynote speaker.

Music will be provided by the 40-voice First Baptist Church of Indian Trail, NC choir, directed by Jonathan Schallmo; the Victory Outreach International band and choir; and the 20-voice Teen Challenge combined Men’s & Women’s choir, directed by Sister Sherry. Face painting and other arts and crafts will be available to entertain the whole family.

Information tables will be hosted by: Debbie Tellis – Pure Love Works; Andrea Primus-YWCA Tri-County Area; Tri-County Network (TCN); Richard Dodridge-Teen Challenge; Dr. Rocio Nell- Montgomery County Emergency Services; Victory Outreach International- Brother Joseph Bishop; Heather Levandoski- Montgomery County District Attorney’s office; Gail Cooper- Pottstown School District; Cecily Nixon-Hearts of Harmony; Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department; and Sheila Dugan- Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority; Guardian Angels Youth Division; Laura Washington-Community L.E.A.N (Loving exercise and appropriate nutrition).

Other sponsors are Jeffery Jackson Enterprises, Inc.; The Hill School; Coles Tobacco; McDonald’s High Street; Ink & Essence; Wegmans of Collegeville; Giant of Pottstown; Empire Hook & Ladder Fire Company; D & C Short Landscaping; Grumpy’s and SBX Entertainment.

Anyone looking to volunteer or donate goods or services, especially signage and food items is invited to call 610-323-8718 or e-mail gharris@harrisfamilyministries.org or you can visit our website at http://www.harrisfamilyministries.org and click the PayPal link for cash donations. All donations are tax deductible.

Riverfront Park is located on College Drive across the street from Montgomery County Community College’s West campus.

Register Now for SCORE Small Business Workshops in September

This just in from Pottstown SCORE…

Pottstown SCORE is offering to local entrepreneurs a fall workshop series, “How to Start and Operate a Small Business.” This seminar is scheduled to be presented from 7:00 to 9:30 pm on four consecutive evenings beginning on Monday, September 10.  All classes will be held in Suite 102 in the New York Plaza Building, 244 High Street, Pottstown. There is ample free parking in the lot behind the building.  Use the entrance from the parking lot to reach the SCORE office.

This workshop series, presented by SCORE, Counselors to America’s Small Business, is for those who are considering starting a business as well as those who are currently operating a small business. 

The workshop sessions are as follows:

  1. Sources of Information and the Tax and Legal Implications of the Different Legal Structures, September 10
  2. The Business Plan and The Business Loan, September 17
  3. Sources of Market Information, Marketing, September 24
  4. It’s All About Profit, October 1

The instructors for this workshop series are local business partners and experienced SCORE counselors.  Tap into their expertise to gain practical, real-life information on how to start and operate a small business.  The instructors are as follows: Ralph Clemmer, former Chairman of the Board of Evans-Houseman & Richard, Inc.; Don Havas, President of Applied Technology and Sciences, Inc; James Hufford, Business Services Manager at Diamond Credit Union; Jeff Kofsky, President of Higher Vision Coaching and Counseling; David Megay, Esq., Attorney with O’Donnell, Weiss & Mattei, PC; Scott Rakowski, CPA, of Rakowski and Company, and Carolyn Wiker, Head of Adult Services at the Pottstown Public Library.

Registration begins at 6:45 pm, and all classes start promptly at 7:00 pm.

Each session costs $25.  A manual on preparing a business plan will be available for $20.  A special price of $100 is offered for the 4 classes as a package, and this includes the manual.  As an added bonus, there is a 50% discount off the workshop fee for each additional person.

This has been an extremely successful and well-attended workshop.  Early paid reservations guarantee a seat.  For more information or to register, call the Pottstown SCORE office at 610-327-2673 or register online at www.pottstownscore.org.

 

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