Calendar

The week's events

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Mar 31(1 event)

8:30 am: Two-Day Storytelling Workshop with Author M. Leona Godin (in-person)

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Mar 31

Where: Lighthouse HQ, 1155 Market, San Francisco, 11th Floor
Cost: $100

Saturday, March 30 & Sunday, March 31

During this intensive weekend workshop, writer and performer Leona Godin will guide students through writing and performance exercises to craft personal narratives. We’ll consider creative non-fiction for the page and for the stage, for example the personal essay, Moth-style storytelling, and memoir. Students will also be encouraged to prepare a short piece for performance during the public story slam Saturday afternoon.

About the Instructor: Dr. M. Leona Godin is the author of There Plant Eyes: A Personal and Cultural History of Blindness (Pantheon, 2021), and the founder of Aromatica Poetica, an arts and culture laboratory for the advancement of smell and taste. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, O Magazine, Literary Hub, and others. Her storytelling appearances include: RISK!; Story Collider; The MOTH Mainstage; TALE; and Turn Me Into Gold (Back Pocket Media). Her first storytelling solo show, “SIGHTED PEOPLE SUCK!,” Debuted at Under St. Marks Theater in November 2023 and she’s currently performing “Becoming Blind (as a Bat)” at Olfactory Art Keller. As a New York Public Library 2023-24 Diamonstein-Spielvogel Fellow, she’s working on a series of essays about image description and photography.

Saturday Schedule:
• 10:00 AM: check-in, introductions, and notes on short, personal narrative. Beginning, middle, and end, sure, but what else makes a compelling story? How do you make the personal universal? We’ll talk about elements that can guide your choices when crafting a story. What’s the difference between an anecdote and a story? A premise and a story? How do I show, not tell?
• 12:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Writing is a solitary business, except when it’s not! Oftentimes authors are called upon to read their work. This may present some challenges to some newly low-vision writers. However, whether you are a seasoned public reader or brand-new, whether you’ll be reading your own work or asking someone else to read for you, we’ll talk about how to select and prepare an excerpt. For those who would like to try their hand at Moth-style storytelling, we’ll talk about how to remain loose while still being mindful of the time. Storytelling in front of a live audience is also a great way to gain reader fans. We’ll listen to and discuss some examples.
• 4:00 - 6:00 PM: Storytelling Slam (see below)
• 6:30 PM: Dinner

Sunday Schedule:
• 8:30 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM: Spinning out the story. We’ll consider strategies for connecting stories to create longer narratives. We’ll discuss nonfiction forms such as the lyric essay and memoir and consider how different genres allow different facets of a story to emerge. We’ll also talk about publishing: how to submit your work; where to submit your work; how not to be crushed by disappointment. And finally, we’ll talk about how to develop a sustainable and sustaining daily writing practice.
• 11:30 AM: Pack up and check out of rooms
• 12:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00 PM: Workshop ends

RSVP online for Two-Day Storytelling Workshop with Author M. Leona Godin or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.
Apr 1(5 events)

9:00 am: AARP Tax-Aide Program (in-person)

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Apr 1

LightHouse is again partnering with AARP’s Tax-Aide Program to provide free tax filing support at 1155 Market Street this tax filing season. AARP will be at LightHouse HQ on Mondays and Thursdays from February 5 – April 11, 2024 and Wednesdays February 21 and 28 & March 13 and 27. 

Appointments are required and they can be made for 9:30 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a voicemail at 415-694-7648 or completing the AARP Tax-Aide at LightHouse RSVP form.

This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we will only be completing 2023 tax returns in February). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or San Francisco residency.

Please bring with you:

  • Your tax paperwork you’ve received in the mail
  • A copy of your social security card
  • A copy of your photo ID
  • If you are eligible for a refund and would like it deposited directly into your account, please bring a voided check. If you do not have a voided check, your refund check will be mailed to you via USPS.

Out of Scope:

If any of these situations apply to you, you may be out of scope for AARP. If you think that you are out of scope, please feel free to call us so that we can confirm.

  • If you do not have health insurance, we cannot prepare your tax return. Apologies, but this is due to the California mandate that requires everybody to have health insurance, which results in tax complications.
  • If you have tax deductible contributions to an HSA account, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law and is complicated.
  • If you have rental income, we cannot prepare your tax return.
  • If you are in a civil union or married filing separately, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law.
  • If you’re self-employed, and want to declare your health insurance premiums as an expense, and are receiving premium tax credits (via CoveredCA), we cannot prepare your tax return.
  • If you have rental property, we cannot prepare your return.
  • If you have a dependent child with unearned income subject to the “Kiddie Tax”, we cannot prepare your return.
  • If you are self-employed and, due to the pandemic, you deferred paying your Self-Employment tax, have a PPP loan, or took Covid sick leave, we cannot prepare your return.
  • If you own a business with employees and/or inventory, we cannot prepare your return.  You would be wise to hire a professional tax preparer.
  • If you have hobby income or not for profit activity, we cannot prepare your return.

There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers; these will be addressed when the appointments are made.

If you have any questions, please call 415-694-7648 or email info@lighthouse-sf.org

9:00 am: Introduction to Mind/Body Meditation at Earle Baum Center (online)

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Apr 1

Meditation truly is a way to nurture oneself. It provides a sacred time to pause, destress and realign oneself with one’s true inner dialogue. There is no wrong or right way to meditate and it is very simple! Meditation stimulates the brains parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest and reset” system in our body. In pausing together we can find abundance in our stillness, and relaxation in the permission to let go.

Meditation class at EBC is presented by Patricia Jefferson, Vision Rehabilitation Instructor, who has a lifelong passion for meditation along with emerging meditation coach, Mini Sage.

Meditation class at EBC is presented by Patricia Jefferson, Vision Rehabilitation Instructor, who has a lifelong passion for meditation along with emerging meditation coach, Mini Sage. For more information, contact Patricia Jefferson at jefferson@earlebaum.org or 707-479-832,

9:30 am: The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike (online)

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Apr 1

What does it mean to be blind or low vision? Mike Cole, a veteran of all things blindness, leads this call-in forum to discuss the day-to-day ins and outs of blindness—from daily living in your home environment to navigating the vast expanse of bureaucracies.

RSVP for The Business of Blindness online or contact Andrew Martinez at AMartinez@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7642.

11:00 am: Tech Club @ Earle Baum Center: Apple Vision Pro (hybrid)

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Apr 1

LightHouse students are invited check out the Apple Vision Pro wearable, a mixed reality device, including accessibility features in an online or in-person demonstration at the Earle Baum Center. See how it integrates with the iPhone, iPad and Mac.

RSVP to Cathy Mulhern mulhern@earlebaum.org at or 707-206-8486.

Zoom information for the meeting:

Dial in number: 1-669-900-9128
Meeting ID:  349 007 8376 pound key

Participants code: press pound key
Passcode: 448 27333 pound key
You are now in the meeting

Or use this for the  Zoom link to the Earle Baum Apple Vision Pro demonstration.

Or enter Meeting ID: 349 007 8376 and passcode 448 27333

6:00 pm: Vision, Peer-led Support Group (online)

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Apr 1

Vision is a peer-led drop-in support group that runs on a 12-week cycle of topics based on Hannah Fairbairn’s 2019 book, “When You Can't Believe Your Eyes: Vision Loss and Personal Recovery”. Every first and third Monday of the month, we meet to discuss different topics and share our experiences, thoughts, and knowledge. We are people with similar experiences who genuinely want to support one another in all aspects of living independently with our changing vision. Each week the topics are independent, so you can join the group at any week. Reading is not required. However, if you would like topic details beyond our discussions, please refer to the book which is available on BARD (DBC11619).

April 1 Chapter 2 delves into the challenges individuals face upon returning home after experiencing sudden or gradual sight loss, particularly focusing on financial, employment, and housing aspects.

April 15: Chapter 3 explores the journey of rebuilding self-trust after experiencing sight loss, touching on the dislocation of identity, challenges in perception, and the importance of personal agency.

RSVP online for Vision Peer-Led Support Group to Sabrina Bolus at Sbolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.
Apr 2(2 events)

1:00 pm: The Blind Telephone Network (dial-in)

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Apr 2

Announcing the Blind Telephone Network 2024 program

The Blind Telephone network, originally founded by blind veterans, now is pleased to welcome all blind and low vision folks to join in phone calls will be held on Tuesday and Thursday of each week.

Tuesdays programs are what we call chit chat and chew the fat. During these sessions, most topics are acceptable; however, we refrain from discussing politics and religion. Prayer requests are acceptable, but will not be done during the call. This is a time for socializing, and sharing our experiences with blindness, in order to help others develop independence and self-confidence.

On Thursdays, we emphasize education, travel, technology, history, entertainment, and innovative role-models, etc.. These sessions will feature presenters on such topics as: Lewis and Clark expedition, Mt. Rushmore, railroad history and the mob museum in Las Vegas, Nevada.We encourage suggestions for topics or locations from our participants.

All sessions last for one (1) hour and start on time.

The call in number is: 605-475-5620, and the access code is: 3789127#. If you plan to save these numbers in your contacts, I recommend inserting two (2) commas between the main number and the access code.

Those wishing to receive an e-mail reminder for upcoming sessions or links provided by the presenter, should:

Send an e-mail to Doc Eudaly at deteacha@sbcglobal.net. Please put your full name, phone number, and email address in the body of your e-mail.

Calls for 2024 will begin on Tuesday, January 9.

For Thursday, January 11, our initial program will be on the FDR Memorial in Washington, DC.  We hope to hear you on these free telephone calls, where you can both learn and contribute

On behalf of the founding members,

Douglas “Doc” Eudaly, PH,D

1-559-999-2625

 

2:00 pm: Tech Together April 2024: (online)

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Apr 2

Join the Access Technology team for a series of informal conversations on technology topics relevant to these current times.

April 2: What's New in the World of Access Technology: Updates from CSUN
Join the Access Technology team and we'll share updates and insights after the 39th annual CSUN Assistive Technology conference.
RSVP online for What's New in the World of Access Technology: Updates from CSUN, or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7684.

April 9: All About iPads
The Access Technology team will discuss all iPad offerings from the iPad, to the Pro, to the Air, to the Mini. Join Tech Together and let's talk about these fantastic tablets!
RSVP online for All About iPads, or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7684.

April 16: The Envision Glasses, Featuring Ian Ramos
The LightHouse Access Technology team is honored and delighted to welcome back Ian Ramos of Access Ingenuity. Ian will be joining us to discuss features of the Envision glasses.
RSVP online for The Envision Glasses, Featuring Ian Ramos, or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7684.

April 23: What's Up With Watches
Smartwatches are becoming a prolific and popular option for health tracking and communication. Join the Access Technology team and we'll discuss the features and accessibility enhancements available on these wonderful wearables.
RSVP online for What's Up With Watches, or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7684.

April 30: Open Forum
Do you have a favorite tech tip or trick to share? Do you have questions about your tech setup? Do you have ideas about future Tech Together events? Join the Access Technology team for a fun and freeform discussion where we can all nerd out and learn about tech, together.
RSVP online for Open Forum, or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7684.
Apr 3(4 events)

9:30 am: Stress Reduction & Meditation (online)

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Apr 3

We offer a series of short, meditation-based practices each Wednesday morning for relaxation and stress reduction. The group is appropriate for beginners and advanced practitioners, and instruction is provided in all aspects of the practice. Instructor Ellen Simpson will be leading. Everyone is welcome as little or often as they like. Dial in, find a comfortable position, breathe deeply, clear your head, and de-stress.

RSVP online for Stress Reduction & Meditation or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

1:00 pm: Gratitude VIBES (April 2024)

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Apr 3

Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Please join us for an inspiring series of student presentations, individual check-ins, and gratitude-closers.

April 3: Sharing Tips for Decluttering Our Spaces

April 10: Adult Program Coordinator, Maia Scott shares a favorite writing by Pixie LightHouse honoring change and letting go.

April17: It's Music Appreciation Week, where we celebrate the power of music to evoke gratitude. Share your special song and the reasons behind your gratitude as we elevate spirits in our Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions.

April 24: The Tao of Pooh, the book offers a refreshing and lighthearted perspective on life's journey. The Tao of Pooh is about “how to stay happy and calm in all circumstances.” Benjamin Hoff uses the characters and stories from Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner to explain this concept. This week, we will discuss Pooh.

RSVP online to Gratitude VIBES or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

6:30 pm: Goalball with BORP (in-person)

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Apr 3

Bay Are Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) Goalball Practice is a fun way to get exercise and meet new people. The practice is designed for beginners and experienced players. If you do not have your own equipment, we can provide you with both elbow and knee pads and eyeshades.

When: Wednesdays, from 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Where: The gym is located at 2100 Browning St. Berkeley

For more details, please contact Brandon Young brandon@borp.org

Please note - Proof of full vaccination is required and will be checked for new participants.

7:00 pm: EHC Virtual Campfire (online)

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Apr 3

These fun-filled evenings will consist of Enchanted Hills Camp updates, songs, alumni check-ins and LightHouse information and resources. All are welcome to join.

RSVP to Andrew Martinez at AMartinez@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7642.
Apr 4(6 events)

9:00 am: AARP Tax-Aide Program (in-person)

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Apr 4

LightHouse is again partnering with AARP’s Tax-Aide Program to provide free tax filing support at 1155 Market Street this tax filing season. AARP will be at LightHouse HQ on Mondays and Thursdays from February 5 – April 11, 2024 and Wednesdays February 21 and 28 & March 13 and 27. 

Appointments are required and they can be made for 9:30 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a voicemail at 415-694-7648 or completing the AARP Tax-Aide at LightHouse RSVP form.

This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we will only be completing 2023 tax returns in February). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or San Francisco residency.

Please bring with you:

  • Your tax paperwork you’ve received in the mail
  • A copy of your social security card
  • A copy of your photo ID
  • If you are eligible for a refund and would like it deposited directly into your account, please bring a voided check. If you do not have a voided check, your refund check will be mailed to you via USPS.

Out of Scope:

If any of these situations apply to you, you may be out of scope for AARP. If you think that you are out of scope, please feel free to call us so that we can confirm.

  • If you do not have health insurance, we cannot prepare your tax return. Apologies, but this is due to the California mandate that requires everybody to have health insurance, which results in tax complications.
  • If you have tax deductible contributions to an HSA account, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law and is complicated.
  • If you have rental income, we cannot prepare your tax return.
  • If you are in a civil union or married filing separately, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law.
  • If you’re self-employed, and want to declare your health insurance premiums as an expense, and are receiving premium tax credits (via CoveredCA), we cannot prepare your tax return.
  • If you have rental property, we cannot prepare your return.
  • If you have a dependent child with unearned income subject to the “Kiddie Tax”, we cannot prepare your return.
  • If you are self-employed and, due to the pandemic, you deferred paying your Self-Employment tax, have a PPP loan, or took Covid sick leave, we cannot prepare your return.
  • If you own a business with employees and/or inventory, we cannot prepare your return.  You would be wise to hire a professional tax preparer.
  • If you have hobby income or not for profit activity, we cannot prepare your return.

There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers; these will be addressed when the appointments are made.

If you have any questions, please call 415-694-7648 or email info@lighthouse-sf.org

9:30 am: Little Learners Playgroup (online)

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Apr 4

Bring your giggles and wiggles to Little Learners weekly Zoom Playgroup, Thursdays from 9:30am - 10:15am. Enjoy fun activities with your little one, ages 0-6, while learning strategies to support your child's visual, sensory, motor and concept development. Connect with other families who understand and share your experience raising a child who is blind, has low vision, or Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI). Weekly activities are designed to be accessible for all, and to build upon monthly themes that you can integrate into your family routines. All are welcome!

For more information or to register, please email Jacqueline Barden at littlelearners@lighthouse-sf.org or call 415-694-7657. Meet you in the Zoom Room!

11:00 am: EBC Vision Group at Earle Baum Center (hybrid)

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Apr 4

EBC Vision Group meets on EBC campus in Room 3 and via your phone on the first and third Thursday of the month.

In the instructor-led class we introduce ourselves to each other and share information or ask questions about our experiences with sight loss. Examples of topics of interest for our group discussion include accessible equipment such as the BTBL player or BARD, CTAP free phone services; NFB news line phone number services; shopping from catalogs such as Maxi aids and LSS for vision and hearing loss; food shopping online at local stores and arranging for deliveries.

The group may also discuss topics including how to remain independent in our homes; use of the latest adaptable technology and magnification devices such as hand-held optical lenses, and electronic portable and electronic desktop models. We may want to understand the local Paratransit system or ride share programs such as Uber or Lyft driver programs. In addition, we regularly review the schedule of other classes, activities and events available at EBC that may be of interest to our group members.

We welcome anyone with sight loss to attend our support groups, you do not need to be a current client of EBC. We value our connections with each other and the lively discussions. Each group is led by an EBC instructor.

Please contact our main office at 707-523-3222 for more information.

11:00 am: Museum of Craft & Design MAKE Art Activation (in-person)

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Apr 4

Nearly every month, the Museum of Craft and Design brings their Mobile Make Art programming direct to Lighthouse HQ, at 1155 Market, 11th floor in San Francisco, featuring projects inspired by their latest exhibition on view at their Third Street museum and adapted for eyes-free crafting. This season, two new exhibits will be on view, including one exploring robot assisted art and artworks from the Pacific Northwest. Visit each month’s MAKE activation to discover a new project every time.

RSVP to Maia Scott at MScott@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7608.

1:00 pm: The Blind Telephone Network (dial-in)

–
Apr 4

Announcing the Blind Telephone Network 2024 program

The Blind Telephone network, originally founded by blind veterans, now is pleased to welcome all blind and low vision folks to join in phone calls will be held on Tuesday and Thursday of each week.

Tuesdays programs are what we call chit chat and chew the fat. During these sessions, most topics are acceptable; however, we refrain from discussing politics and religion. Prayer requests are acceptable, but will not be done during the call. This is a time for socializing, and sharing our experiences with blindness, in order to help others develop independence and self-confidence.

On Thursdays, we emphasize education, travel, technology, history, entertainment, and innovative role-models, etc.. These sessions will feature presenters on such topics as: Lewis and Clark expedition, Mt. Rushmore, railroad history and the mob museum in Las Vegas, Nevada.We encourage suggestions for topics or locations from our participants.

All sessions last for one (1) hour and start on time.

The call in number is: 605-475-5620, and the access code is: 3789127#. If you plan to save these numbers in your contacts, I recommend inserting two (2) commas between the main number and the access code.

Those wishing to receive an e-mail reminder for upcoming sessions or links provided by the presenter, should:

Send an e-mail to Doc Eudaly at deteacha@sbcglobal.net. Please put your full name, phone number, and email address in the body of your e-mail.

Calls for 2024 will begin on Tuesday, January 9.

For Thursday, January 11, our initial program will be on the FDR Memorial in Washington, DC.  We hope to hear you on these free telephone calls, where you can both learn and contribute

On behalf of the founding members,

Douglas “Doc” Eudaly, PH,D

1-559-999-2625

 

2:00 pm: Tecnologia para Todos (online)

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Apr 4

Join the LightHouse’s monthly access Technology Spanish meeting. Tecnología para todos is a space where users share their knowledge and experience. Each month, we talk about services, applications and devices available for blind and low vision users.

This event will be conducted using the Zoom platform. You can connect to Zoom using a computer, an app, or by dialing in from any phone. Zoom meeting details will be provided when you RSVP to Fernando Macias at FMacias@lighthouse-sf.org or 1-415-694-7670.
Apr 5(1 event)

10:00 am: Seeing AI Training for Seniors 65+ at Earle Baum Center (in-person)

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Apr 5

Attention to Sonoma County Residents who have low vision and are 65 or older.

Interested in learning more about using Al apps on your iPhone or Android?

The Earle Baum Center is offering a free phone stand and two hours of training on how to use the Seeing Al App on iPhone and Android.

Cathy Mulhern will be teaching you how to use the Seeing Al App to:

    • Read mail
    • Read a bill
    • Read a letter on your own without someone else knowing your business
    • Identify what you have in the pantry (is the can beans or dog food?
    • Identify what currency you are handing a cashierCathy Mulhern will be teaching you how to use the Seeing Al App to:

What you need: Bring your phone and materials you want to be able to read and that you currently rely on others to read for you such as mail, a can of food etc.

Where: Earle Baum Center  at 4539 Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95401

When: Fridays from 10:00 am to noon or 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in Room 3.

Prerequisites:

  • Have Seeing Al app downloaded on iPhone or Android.
  • Know how to use Siri and have it set up for iPhone users.
  • Have not received a phone stand from Earle Baum Center.

RSVP: To Cathy Mulhern at 707-206-8486 by calling Monday – Friday between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Apr 6

The events for the upcoming week are read aloud on our event hotline every Friday, which can be accessed by calling 415-694-7325. For more information about visiting the Adaptations Store, head to our shop page.

The LightHouse is scent-free. Please abstain from wearing colognes, perfumes, or other scented products. Additionally, coffee must be securely lidded at all times and citrus should not be peeled on the premises. Thanks for supporting our efforts to respect chemical sensitivities!

SDS safety dataClick here for our cleaning product safety data sheets (SDS) and ingredient information.

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