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Hurricane Francine Update – 9/12/24, 6:30 a.m.

Good morning, Slidell!
Last night, there were reports of street flooding and some fallen trees and limbs in the roadways. Palm Lake, Camellia Drive, Chamalé and Heritage Park areas still have standing water.
We don’t have any reports of any homes or businesses flooding.
CLECO reports that 9235 customers are without power in the Slidell area. We will give updates when we get them.
Please stay off the roads so that the linemen can start working on restoring power, city crews can remove debris, and first responders can move throughout the city.
May be an image of body of water
May be an image of body of water and road
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Sandbag Depot opens at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10 near Heritage Park

UPDATE (9/10/24, 2 p.m.): The self-serve sandbag depot will be open from 1 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, and will reopen on Wednesday, Sept. 11 from 7 a.m.  to 12 p.m. 
In preparation for Tropical Storm Francine, the City of Slidell will open a self-service sandbag depot on Tuesday, September 10, starting at 1 p.m. at the parking lot on the corner of Bayou Lane and Pennsylvania Avenue near Heritage Park.
 
St. Tammany Parish Government had also has self-service sandbag locations open at these following locations near Slidell:
• Airport Road Public Works Barn (34783 Grantham College Drive, Slidell)
• Fritchie Public Works Barn (63119 LA-1090, Pearl River)
 
“I want to assure our citizens that Team Slidell is ready for Francine,” said Mayor Cromer. “All of our pumping stations are working and will be monitored around the clock. City crews are cleaning out storm drains and catch basins and making sure that drainage around the city is clear.”
 
Citizens are encouraged to check their storm drains near their homes to make sure they are cleared of debris and to clear their yards of any items that could be blown around by heavy winds. 
 
Stay tuned for updates on the City of Slidell’s website at MySlidell.com More information can also be found on the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” Facebook page and on the “Slidell Police Department” Facebook page.
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UPDATE: ‘Mixed Media’ exhibit on display through Oct. 24 at Slidell Cultural Center

UPDATE: The following artists were recognized with awards at the Mixed Media opening reception:

  • 1st Place – “3D Geometric Study, No. 9” by Charles Gudaitis
  • 2nd Place – “Chameleon” by Solange Ledwith
  • 3rd Place – “Blow, Louis, Blow!” by Dustin Young
  • Honorable Mentions – “#D Wall Hanging No. 17” by Charles Gudaitis and “White Hole” by Kelly Landrum Hammell

Congratulations to all the artists!

 

The works of artists from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas will soon be on display in the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall when the City of Slidell’s 31st annual Mixed Media juried exhibition opens on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, with an artist’s reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is free.

Mixed Media is open to artists from ten southeastern states. This year, 19 artists submitted 43 entries and of those entries, a total of 29 works by 15 different artists were selected for the exhibit by this year’s juror, Charlotte Lowry Collins.

A practicing artist and lifelong learner, Collins has earned two undergraduate degrees in art, as well as a Masters of Fine Arts from Memphis College of Art. She has been awarded both Assistant Professor and Associate Professor status from Kennesaw State University and a Directorship for arts programs at Southeastern Louisiana University. Within her hometown community of Slidell, she is the Director of the Olde Towne Arts Commission (OTAC), and a founder and board member for the arts krewe, the Krewe of Mona Lisa and MoonPie. She believes “each artist has their own unique style and brings a distinct viewpoint for their viewer to appreciate.”

The artworks featured in Mixed Media are as varied as the media they are comprised of. To qualify as mixed media, each artist must use a minimum of two mediums to create their work. This year’s selections include traditional media such as paint, pastel, clay, pen, paper, glass, wood, metal and fabric, plus a wide assortment of other atypical media, including nails, jewelry, found objects, foam, balloons, clay, beads, seashells, silk,  and stained glass.

Artists selected to display their works include Elsa Baker, Lacombe; Kim Bergeron, Slidell; Connie Born, Slidell; Mary Christopher, Slidell; Kelly Dellsperger, Slidell; Charles Gudaitis, Slidell; Rita Huie, Clifton, TX; Kelly Landrum-Hammell, Carriere, MS; Solange Ledwith, Slidell; Andree Maduell, Lacombe; Kylah Odle, Helena, AL; C.J. Sheriff, Slidell; Cindy Strecker, Slidell; Kevin Walgamotte, Slidell; and Dustin Young, Slidell.

The Mixed Media opening reception and awards presentation will be held on Friday, Sept. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the George Dunbar Gallery in the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall, located at 2055 Second Street in Olde Towne Slidell. The award presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through Thursday, October 24. Gallery hours are Mondays through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by appointment only. Please call the Department of Cultural Affairs at 985-646-4375 to schedule a viewing. Same day appointments usually available. Admission is free.

For more information about Mixed Media, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646‐4375 or visit the city’s website at www.myslidell.com. For the latest city news updates and information about upcoming events, sign up for our newsletter on our website and follow the official “City of Slidell, Louisiana” pages on Facebook and Twitter.

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Slidell breaks ground on new multi-use fields at Duckworth Park

On Monday, September 9, 2024, Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer was joined by members of the Slidell City Council and city administrators to break ground on the Ducksworth Park Multi-Use Fields Project. This project involves the reconstruction of an existing multi-use field (325’x370’) at Ducksworth Park as well as the addition of a new multi-use field (150’x200’).

All South Consulting Engineers is serving as the design consultant and Warner Construction, Inc. is the contractor for this project.

The estimated cost of this project is $676,466 and it is funded with a 50/50 grant between Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism’s Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Barring any weather delays or unforeseen circumstances, it should take roughly 130 days for construction with an anticipated completion date of January 2025.

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UPDATED: Big Al and the Heavyweights Bayou Jam Concert Cancelled Due to Weather

 

UPDATED:

***The Bayou Jam concert scheduled for, Friday, Sept. 13, has been cancelled due to Hurricane Francine and possible electrical issues caused by the flooding of Heritage Park. The concert will be rescheduled for a later date.***

 

Get ready for another exciting season of live music at Heritage Park as the City of Slidell’s popular Bayou Jam fall concert series kicks off on Friday, September 13, with a performance by Big Al and the Heavyweights. The concert begins at 5 p.m., and admission is free.

“Bayou Jam concerts are a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “We encourage everyone to bring their families and friends to enjoy a night of great music in Heritage Park. It’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend right here in Slidell.”

The schedule for the 2024 fall Bayou Jam concert series:
• Friday, Sept. 13 – Big Al and the Heavyweights
• Friday, Sept. 27 – Typically Booked
• Friday, Oct. 11 – The New Orleans Mystics

Big Al and the Heavyweights, originally known as the Unknown Blues Band, began performing in 1996. The founding members included Al Lauro, renowned guitarist Warren Haynes, and pianist Rick Gergen. Over the years, while some of the original members have changed, Big Al has maintained a strong lineup featuring Gergen, guitarist and vocalist Marcel Anton, Dennis Cedeno, and harp player and vocalist Dale Robinson. The band has been spreading the blues across the country, with their latest album, “Love One Another,” recorded at Suite Mix Studios in Slidell. Their live performances are known for being family-friendly, energetic, and full of fun. For more details, you can visit their website at BigAl.net.

Typically Booked is a dynamic six-piece cover band known for their high-energy performances, featuring captivating vocals, layered harmonies, and engaging saxophone solos. Their versatility spans a wide variety of genres and dance favorites, from the 1950s to today’s hits. While they cover multiple generations, the band focuses on upbeat millennial classics from the ’90s and ’00s, making them a favorite at celebrations throughout the New Orleans area. They’ve performed for notable organizations such as Ochsner, the American Cancer Society, and even for the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans on game day. For more information, visit TypicallyBooked.com.

The New Orleans Mystics are a versatile singing group that performs a wide range of genres, including oldies, Motown, Top 40, R&B, disco, jazz, rock, and more, while staying true to their rhythm and blues roots. Formed in 1972, they have captivated audiences worldwide with their energetic choreography, powerful vocals, and dazzling outfits. Their performances continue to entertain crowds with their timeless appeal. For more information, visit theneworleansmystics.com.

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, ice chests, and picnic baskets to enjoy these free, family-friendly events in the beautiful setting of Heritage Park.

The Bayou Jam Concert Series is produced by the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs with support from the Parks & Recreation and Public Operations departments. These concerts are part of Olde Towne Slidell Main Street and the Louisiana Cultural District, sponsored by the City’s Cultural Season Sponsors, including Edge of the Lake Magazine, Inside Northside, The Slidell Independent, Slidell Savings Magazine, and Sophisticated Woman.

For more information about the Bayou Jam concert series, please contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. Stay updated on City of Slidell news and events by visiting MySlidell.com and following us on the “City of Slidell” Facebook page.

In case of inclement weather, please check the city’s website or Facebook page for the latest updates. Cancellation decisions will be made by 1 p.m. on the day of the event.

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City Offices Closed Sept. 2 for Labor Day

In observance of Labor Day, city offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, and will reopen during regular hours on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
 
Essential personnel will remain on duty. If Slidell residents experience problems with their water or sewer service, they should call the City Services 24-hour emergency hotline at (985) 643-6140.
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UPDATE: Boil Water Notice lifted for Lakewood area of Slidell

8/10/24, 9:50 AM UPDATE: The Boil Water Notice has been lifted.

The City of Slidell has issued a Boil Water Advisory as a precaution due to a loss of pressure from repairing a water main for the following addresses:

• 1210-1701 Fremaux
• 1503-1593 Eastridge
• 1503-1593 Ridgecrest
• 302-368 Gwen

  • Gwen to Cousin on Possum Hollow

Notices have been posted for the affected addresses by the City of Slidell. The Boil Water Advisory will be in effect until the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals analyzes all the water samples. It usually takes several days. Everyone will be notified once the advisory has been lifted.

For more information on what to do during a Boil Water Advisory: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/drinking/drinking-water-advisories/boil-water-advisory.html

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UPDATED: Join the Festivities at the 8th Annual White Linen and Lagniappe on Saturday, August 3

Pull out your favorite white shirt and get ready for a night of fun and excitement in Olde Towne Slidell! Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer is thrilled to invite you to the eighth annual White Linen and Lagniappe on Saturday, August 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. This family-friendly event promises an evening filled with art, live entertainment, delicious food, refreshing drinks, unique shopping, and a whole lot of lagniappe (that means “a little something extra” for those not in the know).

“I invite you to come out to Olde Towne Slidell for White Linen and Lagniappe on Saturday, August 3, from 6 to 9 p.m.,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “This event is a great opportunity to explore Slidell’s downtown area while shopping at antique and boutique stores, listening to live music, browsing artwork, eating hot food and enjoying cold drinks all throughout Olde Towne Slidell.”

Slidell Magazine’s Final Page Farewell Party

Start the night at the Slidell Auditorium at 5 p.m. for Slidell Magazine’s Final Page Farewell Party. Join editor Kendra Davis as she celebrates 165 editions and 14 years of Slidell Magazine in our community. With over 30 artists and organizations showcasing their work and Uke Box Hereauxs and Fat City Swing Band providing the tunes, there will be plenty of free food and drinks to keep the party going. Don’t miss this special celebration!

Live Entertainment

Several bands will be performing throughout the event, including:

  • Audio Beach – Restaurant Cotè/The Maple Room
  • Stephen Authement – Olde Towne Main Street area on First and Bouscaren streets
  • Bayou Stampede – Brass Monkey
  • Christy and the Rascals – Borchert Law
  • Fat City Swing Band – Slidell Auditorium
  • Northshore Community Orchestra Jazz Ensemble – Green Oaks Apothecary
  • Over Board – Roots Plants + Coffee
  • Uke Box Hereauxs – Slidell Auditorium

Hot Food and Cold Drinks

Olde Towne’s restaurants and bars will be serving up hot food and cold drinks all night long, including:

  • American Legion – WL Drink Specials
  • The Arcade on Carey – WL Drink Special Pineapple Margaritas
  • Bistro 55 – WL Drink Specials
  • Brass Monkey – WL Drink Special White Peach Pina Colada
  • Camellia City Pizza – WL Drink Specials
  • Electric Avenue – WL Drink Special Paloma
  • Fresco – New food menu, plus smoothies, juices and other goodies
  • Heidelbergs – WL Drink Specials
  • KY’s
  • Luna Tequila – WL Drink Special People’s Margarita
  • Old Town Soda Shop – ice cream, food and other goodies
  • Olde Towne Pizza – WL Special Cocktails and hand-filled cannolis
  • Olde Towne Tavern – WL Drink Specials
  • Restaurant Cotè/The Maple Room – WL Drink Specials, special kids menu and live menu
  • Roots Plants + Coffee – WLHouse Specials
  • Tacos & Beer – WL Drink Special $5 Sangrias
  • Triangle Square – WL Drink Specials
  • Whiskey and Ashe – WL Drink Special Coconut Mojito
  • Olde Towne Slidell Main Street will have a boiled shrimp fundraiser on First Street
  • Plus, food vendors will be serving all throughout Olde Towne

Participating Businesses, Artists and Vendors

Many of Olde Towne’s businesses will be open and offering special Lagniappe discounts during the event. Many stores will also feature artists and vendors both inside and outside their businesses, giving you a chance to find one-of-a-kind treasures. Participating locations include:

  • American Legion – artist Erika Lehrmann. WL Drink Specials
  • Antiques and Art
  • Arcade on Carey – WL Drink Special Pineapple Margaritas
  • Bistro 55 – artists Linda Bickel and Ryan Miller, WL Drink Specials
  • Blanc & Brick – Cake Walk and Bake Sale Fundraiser for Slidell High School Girls Basketball Team
  • Borchert Law at Notting Hill – artists Randy Carminita and John Paul Duet
  • Brass Monkey – WL Drink Special White Peach Pina Colada
  • Bridge Street Ink – Free Limited Edition WL T-Shirt Free with Purchase
  • Camellia City Pizza – WL Drink Specials
  • Camellia Well Being – artists Lily Breaux, Chelsi Canhoto, Ginger Erp, Katharin Mistretta and Unkept Palace
  • Carolyn’s Wonderland –
  • Christina’s Therapeutic Touch – artists Vivian Hava and Gabi Mussack
  • Comfort and Joy Florals –
  • Electric Avenue – WL Drink Special Paloma, artists Jessica McDaniel and Ashley West
  • Fresco Olde Towne – Wild Lily Artist
  • Grace Midwifery Birth Center – Promotional items and 10% off services
  • Green Oaks Apothecary – artists Jill Anderson, Ty Anderson, Brittany & Maleigh Ballard, Elizabeth Burge, Ella Cawyer, Darlene Williams Chatham, Jenny Creel, Rylie Dellsperger, David Guastella, Cassie Guidry, Rachel Hendrick, Mandi Jackson, Makena Johnson, Bri Miller, Brittany Naquin, Roseann Piazza, Ernest Robert, Tristen Rolling, Desiree Rousse, Amber Ryan, Donna Sadler, Alexis Steele, Anita Westmoland, Alicia White and David Winstine
  • Heidelbergs Bar – artists Kate Fusilier Troy Galatas. WL Drink Specials
  • Hidden Tattoo Collective
  • Hingle Boys TCG & Hobby – Pokemon and Anime Art Display
  • KY’s – Book Signing with Comedian and Author Mike Strecker
  • Lori’s Art Depot- Paint & Sip Event
  • Luna Tequila – WL Drink Special People’s Margarita
  • Magnolia House Antique Mall
  • Northlake Outfitters – artists Lindsay Guillory, Delacia Jackson, Dustin Young
  • Old Town Soda Shop
  • Olde Towne Book Shop – Artist Bayli Hickson. Special WL Discounts
  • Olde Towne Pizza – WL Special Cocktails and hand-filled cannolis
  • Olde Towne Slidell Main Street area (corner of First and Bouscaren streets) – Live music by Stephen Authement. Artists Paige DeBell, Sarah Fuster, Jamee Gornor, Tanee Janusz, Felix Matos, Joy E. Rancatore, Patrick Ruiz, K.L. Smith Fine Art, Aubrey Stewart, Willa Sumrall, Jamie Walker, Rachel Word, and Olivia Yi. Ambeli Wine Imports samples; Camellia Church – kids games; Fire Dept. – fire truck display and fire safety; Kona Ice, Main Street Boiled Shrimp Fundraiser, Misting Tent, Shana’s Kitchen; Wicked Bayou Brewing Co. samples
  • Olde Towne Tattoo – Ticket raffle for 3 winners to receive free flash tattoo. BOGO piercings
  • Purple Elephant Bath & Body LLC – WL Special Juice and Kombucha flights
  • Restaurant Cotè/The Maple Room – WL Drink Specials, special kids menu and live menu
  • Roots Plants + Coffee – WLHouse Specials, 360° Photo Booth, antique car display
  • Saint August Maison – WL Special Cocktails and sneak peak of Saint August Maison
  • Slidell Auditorium – Slidell Magazine’s Final Page Farewell Party from 5 to 9 p.m. featuring free food and drinks, live music by Fat City Swing Band and Uke Box Hereauxs, artists Jane Aucoin Photography, Elsa Baker, Kim Bergeron, William Blackwell Photography, Connie Born, Maria & Anna Braud, Donna Bush Photography, Connor Carollo, Author John S. Case, Mary Christopher, Claire Bear Art, Charlotte Collins, Keith Dellsperger, Amanda Poole Douglas, Eclectic Finds by ArtDecoGirl, Susan Erikson, Oksana Fogg, Carol Hallock, Author Suzie Hunt, Matt Litchliter, Mandie Manzano, Nancy Pratt, M.H. Reed, STARC Art, Cindy Strecker and her art students, and Joshua Wichterich
  • Slidell Museum – Museum Tours
  • Tacos & Beer – WL Drink Special $5 Sangrias
  • The Venue – Cultivating Culture and Luxe Permanent Jewelry Bar
  • Tres Companies/Monarch Beauty/Beauty in Bloom – WL Sip ’n’ Shop with small bites and beverages. 30% of entire store
  • Triangle Square Cocktail Lounge – WL Drink Specials, Hat Artist, Michelle Patrick
  • Whiskey and Ashe – WL Drink Special Coconut Mojito

This event is hosted by the City of Slidell, Olde Towne Slidell Main Street, Slidell Historic Antique Association, and the Olde Towne Merchants Association.

The City of Slidell would like to extend a big thank you to its media sponsors for supporting the arts in Slidell, including Edge of the Lake Magazine, Inside Northside, Lake 94.7, Plus Publications, The Slidell Independent, Slidell Savings Magazine, and Sophisticated Woman Magazine.

For more information about this event, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For the latest updates on City of Slidell news and events, visit MySlidell.com or follow the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook.

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Street Closures in Olde Towne on Saturday, August 3, for White Linen and Lagniappe

In preparation for White Linen and Lagniappe on Saturday, August 3, 2024, the City of Slidell is announcing that several streets in Olde Towne Slidell will be closed to traffic for this event.

On August 3, some Olde Towne streets will begin closing  at 1 p.m. Streets affected include areas of Carey Street, First Street, Second Street, Erlanger Avenue, Bouscaren Street, Cousin Street and Robert Street. Access to the U.S. Post Office in Olde Towne will not be obstructed. At 2 p.m. all street will be closed so that artists, businesses and bands can start setting up for White Linen and Lagniappe. Signs will be posted throughout Olde Towne Slidell.

Citizens should not park within the White Linen and Lagniappe street closure area on Saturday, August 3 from 1 to 10 p.m. For public safety, bollards will be placed throughout Olde Towne and any vehicles left inside the bollards will not be able to leave Olde Towne until the bollards are removed by 10 p.m.

Many Olde Towne business will be open for business on Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening for White Linen and Lagniappe. Citizens should be prepared to park and walk to get to their favorite business.

Mayor Greg Cromer invites citizens to come view the works of over 100 artists, vendors, and arts organizations that will be on display at over 40 locations throughout Olde Towne during White Linen and Lagniappe, plus live entertainment, hot food and cold drinks, antique and boutique shopping, and lots of lagniappe.

For more information about White Linen and Lagniappe, please visit the city’s website at MySlidell.com or call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375.

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City of Slidell’s Mixed Media 2024 Call For Artists

DOWNLOAD THE PROSPECTUS HERE 

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer and the City of Slidell’s Commission on the Arts are inviting artists from the Gulf Coast region to submit their works for the upcoming Mixed Media juried exhibition.

This annual competition always proves to be a unique exhibit. To qualify as mixed media, artists must use two or more mediums to create their art.

Charlotte Lowry Collins, an art educator and artist, will serve as the juror for this year’s exhibition. A practicing artist and lifelong learner, Collins has earned two undergraduate degrees in art, as well as a Masters of Fine Arts from Memphis College of Art. She has been awarded both Assistant Professor and Associate Professor status from Kennesaw State University and a Directorship for arts programs at Southeastern Louisiana University. Within her hometown community of Slidell, she is the Director of the Olde Towne Arts Commission (OTAC), and a founder and board member for the arts krewe, the Krewe of Mona Lisa and MoonPie. She believes “each artist has their own unique style and brings a distinct viewpoint for their viewer to appreciate.”

All artists 18 years or older and residing in the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas are eligible for entry in the City of Slidell’s Mixed Media exhibit. Up to three works may be submitted by each artist, with a flat rate entry fee of $25.00. A total of $600 in awards will be given to artists selected by the juror for first, second and third place. Entries must be submitted no later than Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Artists will be notified of acceptance into the exhibit by Thursday, Sept. 12. Complete entry details are available in the prospectus, which can be obtained from the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs (250 Bouscaren Street, Ste. 304) or downloaded under the Cultural & Public Affairs’ section on the city’s website, MySlidell.com.

Mixed Media will be displayed in the George Dunbar Gallery in Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall located at 2055 Second Street, in Olde Towne Slidell. The exhibit opens on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, with an opening reception and awards presentation from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit will remain on display through Oct. 24, 2024. Gallery hours are Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only. Same day appointments are available. Call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 to schedule a viewing.

For more information about Mixed Media, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646‐4375 or visit the city’s website at www.myslidell.com. For the latest city news updates and information about upcoming events, follow the official “City of Slidell, Louisiana” page on Facebook and Twitter.

DOWNLOAD THE PROSPECTUS HERE 

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