Uncategorized – Page 10 – Rockland NY Mom

DIY Valentines

Posted on February 9, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Crafts, Uncategorized, Valentines Day .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. Links may contain affiliate links where we would earn a little for your purchase.

I like to make my own Valentines. Its not the only thing I prefer to do myself and makes me a little nutty. I am working on this years, but thought you might like to see some of the things we have done in the past. Simply click the links underneath each photo to see the process, follow links to products, or download the (free) printables. Please don’t sell them, since I spent such a long time making them :o)

Valentine I’m Sweet on You

Luigi O’Grady’s Expands Offerings!

Posted on January 17, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Events, Food, Party, Reviews, RNYM Events, RNYM's Picks, Uncategorized, We're Having a Party .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

If you are anything like me you ADORE Luigi O’Grady’s. In fact, when I had my children my “push present” both times was a roast beef sandwich from then, brought to the hospital (yep). I cater everything with Michelle’s help. I’ve done Superbowl, Birthday Parties, Christmas, Breakfast- you name it Michelle and her crew have cooked it for me. What’s better? It’s all been done to rave reviews.

Well, now you can have you WHOLE EVENT planned and taken care of by Michelle and her staff at the Sons of Italy Blauvelt. Yep that’s right they have become the exclusive caterers for the hall.

The Sons of Italy is a full service catering hall. Fully staffed events, high quality food and service, bar service is all included.

There are different packages to choose from and Michelle will work with you to meet all your needs as well as work with budgets.

She offers valuable insights with her extensive experience as well. I will never forget planning my first at home birthday party, I sent what I wanted over to Michelle and her response was, that’s all great choices, but its a lot of chicken, lets offer a little more variety. She was SO right. The guests adored the options available, and always ask where I got the food from.

I am so excited about this new development I could SCREAM!! From what I understand dates are filling up fast, so if you have something coming up reach out sooner than later. I know because am looking to plan some fun stuff there for you all too ;o).

To speak to Michelle about an event you can email her at info@luigiogradys.com or give a call at 845-735-9110.

STAY TUNED!!!

A’s First “Gig”- New City School of Music

Posted on January 8, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Well, as you may remember, (A) has been taking lessons with Andrew at The New City School of Music now since October. I was surprised to find that he was to perform this December in his first concert wit the school. After speaking to Andrew and hearing about how it helps with performance anxiety and goal setting I was all for it.

(A) was able to choose a piece that Andrew tweaked to make a bit more interesting and they were off to the races. In fact, Andrew made a few different versions so that (A) could work to his best potential.

For the concert Sam and the Music School make life easier to parents by having several different smaller concerts on the day of the performance. You get to see other students of varying instruments and levels, but you are not committed to an entire day of it. You sign up for the one that is most convenient for you and that’s your time. Also, unlike many other performances that your child will be in over their lifetime, these are FREE. Yep, our entourage of of 7 were able to come free and see him perform.

The venue was intimate, and upon entering there was a comfortable place to wait for the previous session to end. The school also puts up a school backdrop to take “red carpet ” photos, which of course I love. We received a program with the order when we entered and learned that (A) was to go toward the end. Very cool since he was able to sit with us until it was close to his time when they came and got him to get ready. He was able to see the others perform and cheer them on. He saw how hard everyone was working and appreciated it.

I am very pleased to say that the majority of the families stayed the whole time, they didn’t leave after their child performed. This is IMPORTANT as it shows that you appreciate all the hard work the students are putting into their music, and since New City School of Music keeps the numbers of the performance lower, its manageable.

When it was (A)’s turn to perform I think I was more nervous than he did. I honestly had to hold back tears. He did an amazing job, kept time and even hit the “fill” that Andrew created for him without difficulty. It was a truly memorable first performance. He was a little nervous and had some difficulty hearing the music at first, and didn’t let it phase him. I couldn’t be more proud.

Afterwards there was plenty of time for photos with Andrew and at the drums so I could get my mom-tog on. (A) was even more hyped to get back into lessons, and Andrew has him working on the song with some harder “fills”.

I really am so impressed with the New City School of Music. They have exceeded our expectations in every way. I can’t wait to see how this continues to develop.

The music school is currently running a special: Sign up for lessons before January 12th and you get $100.00 in savings- which is FREE registration and a FREE first lesson (mention you heard it here)!!! They teach piano, guitar, drums, vocals, violin, saxophone, flute and clarinet to BOTH children and adults. For more information visit www.NewCityMusicSchool.com email office@newcitymusicschool.com or call 845-709-8383

Fair Lending for Families with Children: Know Your Rights!

Posted on January 2, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in In the Home, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

Fair Lending for Families with Children: Know Your Rights!

For moms and expectant mothers: The federal Fair Housing Act generally prohibits discrimination in any type of home lending transaction (like getting a mortgage) on the basis of a protected class, including Familial Status. Familial Status means:

Families with children under the age of 18 in the household
Pregnant women
Any adult seeking legal custody of a child under 18
Both traditional and non-traditional family structures

Discrimination can come in many forms. Any of the following may be discriminatory:

Denying a loan because the borrower is pregnant or on maternity leave
Advising a borrower on maternity leave to wait until she is back at work before buying a home
Advising someone considering adoption to hold off on adopting until after they have closed on their home purchase
Telling a parent on parental leave that the only income that counts toward qualifying for a loan is the income actually being received while on leave

Here at Westchester Residential Opportunities, our fair lending group investigates discrimination in home mortgage transactions. If you suspect you or someone you know has been the victim of discrimination, or you just want to understand your rights under the fair lending laws, please call us at 914-428-4507 extension 339, or visit us at www.wroinc.org.

Holiday Events List

Posted on December 5, 2017 by Catherine Sheridan Posted in Christmas 2017, Day Trips, Opportunities, Out and about..., Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. All opinions expressed are our own.

-Cat Sheridan

There is SO much to see and do during the holiday season!!! We have compiled a list for you all here!!! As always you can check our calendar as well. If you have something cool to check out please send us a note at RocklandNYMom@yahoo.com or comment on this thread. Let us know your favorites!!

ROCKLAND

Tree Lighting and Open House- Historic Traphagen- Dec 6, 2017 6:30-8:30 PM 131 Germonds Rd West Nyack NY

The Nutcracker Rockland Youth Dance Ensamble Dec 7/9 SUNY RCC

http://rocklandyouthdanceensemble.org/productions/tickets

The Polar Express Story Time Barnes and Noble Palisades Center Dec 7, 7 PM

https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/event/9780061896993-0

Breakfast with Santa Dec 9 10 AM Blue Hill Golf Course https://www.bluehillgolfcourse.com

Breakfast with Santa Dec 10 11 AM At Dave and Busters Palisades Center

http://www.hvmag.com/Hudson-Valley-Magazine/Calendar/index.php/name/Breakfast-with-Santa-December-10-2017-Palisades-Mall-West-Nyack/event/25427/

The Polar Express Lafayette Theater http://lafayettetheatersuffern.com/9214/Polar-Express-Dec-10

Breakfast with Santa Dec 10 American Legion 9-10:30 AM 11AM-12:30PM http://www.hudsonvalleyscouting.org/OpenRosters/View_Homepage.aspx?orgkey=2368

Community Candle Lighting Dec 13 JCC Rockland https://jccrockland.org

Winter Wonderland- http://www.eventsinusa.net/event-winter-wonderland-opening-night-congers-12341703

Holiday Crafts Michaels Craft Store- https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/dateView?storeId=6750&zipCode=10965

NORTHERN JERSEY

Skylands Stadium Christmas Lights http://skylandsstadium.com/events/christmas-light-show-120316/

Bergen County Winter Wonderland https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bergen-county-winter-wonderland-2017-2018-tickets-38669370127

Holiday Model Train Show Barron Arts Center Woodbridge NJ https://etrigg.com/event/the-2017-barron-arts-center-holiday-model-train-show/57889927/

Williams Sanoma Kids Class https://www.williams-sonoma.com/pages/store-events/store-events/junior-chef-classes.html

Christmas Under Water https://www.adventureaquarium.com/What-To-Do-In-New-Jersey/Special-Events/Christmas-Underwater

Cranbury Christmas Lights http://www.cranburychristmaslights.com

Breakfast with Santa- Applebees Montvale NJ Dec 9, 8:30 AM all proceeds will benefit Toys for Tots http://www.forkedrivergazette.com/applebees-annual-breakfast-with-santa-benefitting-toys-for-tots/

Christmas shows at Papermill Playhouse https://papermill.org/shows-tickets/childrens-shows/

Breakfast with Santa https://iplayamerica.com/event/breakfast-with-santa/

Holiday with the Animals Dec 16 Bergen County Zoo http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/437/Bergen-County-Zoo

Holiday Lights Spectacular http://turtlebackzoo.com/events/holiday-light-spectacular-5/

WESTCHESTER

The Christmas Voyager https://www.broadwaytheatre.com/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=The%20Christmas%20Voyager

Westchester Winter Wonderland http://www.wwinterwonderland.com

Greenburgh Nature Center Train Show http://greenburghnaturecenter.org/event/holiday-train-show/

Menorah Lighting Celebration Dec 14, 5:30 PM Stew Leonard’s Yonkers NY https://www.eventbrite.com/e/menorah-lighting-celebration-at-stews-in-yonkers-tickets-39526386486

Brunch with Santa Dec 16/17 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM Stew Leonard’s Yonkers NY https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brunch-with-santa-at-stew-leonards-in-yonkers-tickets-39560455387

The Great Westchester Toy and Train Show http://westchestertoytrain.com

Bring in the Light https://www.theinsidepress.com/rosenthal-jccs-hanukkah-celebration-bring-in-the-light/

ORANGE

Ice Skating Bear Mountain http://www.bearmountainicerink.com

A Charlie Browns Christmas http://countyplayers.org/shows/a-charlie-brown-christmas/

Holiday Lights in Bloom http://www.orangecountynyparks.com

Frosty Fest https://frostyfest.com/attractions

Breakfast with Santa https://www.facebook.com/orangetourism/photos/pb.115913605119371.-2207520000.1511481712./1706284546082261/?type=3&theater

NYC

Gingerbread Lane – NY Hall of Science https://nysci.org/visit/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhMrhj5LQ1wIV14qzCh10zwW6EAAYASAAEgLURfD_BwE

Holiday Train Show NY Botanical Gardens https://www.nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show/holiday-train-show/

Union Square Holiday Market https://www.nycgo.com/shopping/union-square-holiday-market

Dyker Heights- Holiday Lights https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/dyker-heights-christmas-lights

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree https://www.rockefellercenter.com/whats-happening/2017/11/29/2017-rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-lighting/

Ice skating- Wollman Rink Central Park http://www.wollmanskatingrink.com

5th Avenue Holiday Window Displays https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/holiday-windows-in-new-york-city

Radio City Christmas Spectacular https://www.rockettes.com/christmas/

Elf the Musical- MSG http://madisonsquare.garden-ny.com/Events.php?search_text=elf+musical+madison+square+garden&msclkid=a30a1fa7ec451464215645b3b79430dc&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Madison%20Square%20Garden%20%20EQT&utm_term=Elf%20the%20Musical&utm_content=Elf%20The%20Musical%20New%20York%2012%2F13%2F2017%2012%2F29%2F2017

Celebrate Kwanza- American Museum of Natural History Dec 30 http://mcny.org/event/kwanzaa-family-celebration-0?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInOi8y5LQ1wIVUFcNCh1VnwfHEAAYAiAAEgIpHvD_BwE

Something you WANT- 5 Gift Challenge

Posted on November 29, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2017, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post, all opinions expressed are my own. Article contains affiliate links.

This one is a BIGGIE for us, not so much in cost as in decision making. Of course kids have wants- MANY wants. Its the easiest for them to tell you, and the hardest for you to weed out. In the past, this is where it ALL went. We have made lists, and know what the kids are asking for. We have also paid REALLY close attention to what the kids talk about, things that they really seem to love. Maybe even something the wouldn’t DARE ask for.

This is where (A)’s gift comes in. We know he has been wanting video games for quite some time. We have NONE. He won’t even ask because he knows we are wary of their effects. WE have VERY strict rules about screen time on the IPAD (what he can do and watch as well as length of time). ALL of his friends play them, and we know they do, because I am a teacher I hear it all. I even questioned why he didn’t ask for video games, and he said it was because Santa knows we don’t like them.

So, despite the fact that he will tell you that he wants spy gear (he’d love that too) we decided to make the leap and purchase a console and ask family members for a game or two (non-violent).

After speaking to gaming experts (my students and a special friend or two) we decided on the Nintendo Switch. We didn’t stress the cost too much because we knew that although its his gift, both kiddos will use it.

Click Here to see the Switch

Click Games to see which we requested: Mario Kart, Mario Odyssey

(E) was a little different. She has so many barbies, and princesses, and is really happy with a coloring book and a pen (yep she prefers a pen to crayons). So we tried to pay attention to things that she mentioned. That’s why her gift is a bit different, not something that many parents of a 4 year old girl would consider a real “want”.

She LOVES my hoop earrings. She tells me 247 times a week that she would like circle earrings. So, we found some that we thought she could handle.

Click Here to see her Claddagh Hoop Earrings

This post is a continuation of our 5 Gift Challenge incentive for this year. We are enjoying it so much that I am pretty sure this is how it will stay in our household from now on :o) to read about it CLICK HERE.

Something to Read- 5 Gift Challenge

Posted on November 28, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2017, RNYM's Picks, Thoughts.., Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post, all opinions expressed are my own. Links included are affiliate links.

Something to Read poses a real issue. Although there are kids (and adults like myself) who love to receive books as gifts, they are pretty few and far between. Let’s face it though, for the kids its a necessary part of life. We as parents are constantly reminded to read to with, or listen to them on a daily basis, and for good reason.

(A) is really a good reader now, but doesn’t really do it for “fun” yet. He has learned that it is the key to accessing information and reads his LEGO and Lacrosse magazines, but not “books”. RNYD and I are looking to change that. Any teacher, reading expert, or child will tell you that the key to getting someone to read is to find something that they are interested in. So we looked and hunted and then found the perfect set. All the kids in his grade (including him) love and play Minecraft. While looking around we found this 6 book series dedicated to the game that doesn’t require you to actually play (we don’t give him a lot of time to do it).

To take a look at this set CLICK HERE

(E) is another story entirely. She does love to read but at 4 she doesn’t do it on her own yet. I am looking for shorter stories that keep her invested and something that aligns with her ever changing and totally widespread interests. She has girl superhero books she loves, and she also has princess books galore. Thanks to a good friend she is not loving my little ponies so we got her this set.

To take a look at this set CLICK HERE

Something you “Need”- 5 Gift Challenge

Posted on November 28, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2017, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own. The links in this article are affiliate links.

Well on our way to completing our 5 Gift Challenge RNYD and I are spending lots of time talking about the kids and what they would like this holiday season. It is certainly less hectic this year.

This one was actually one of the easiest to complete although we really did try to make it fun. What do the kids need? On one hand we didn’t want to purchase socks and underwear because it isn’t that exciting to open, but we wanted to stay true to the challenges purpose.

For (A) our 7 year old boy we went with Lacrosse cleats. He has played soccer for years, but just this summer he decided he wanted to try lacrosse. He asked for all of the equipment for his birthday and attended a week long camp. He enjoyed it and asked us if he could play this spring. His soccer cleats are getting a bit tight, and instead of purchasing another pair of those that he may not be able to wear by next soccer season we decided on a pair of special lacrosse cleats.

I am lucky enough to teach high school students, many of whom are lacrosse players so I asked about what brand would be good for a newbie and they recommended the Under Armour cleat.

For (E) our 4 year old daughter it was a little harder, she doesn’t need all that much, but she is growing like a weed. So much so that when we went back to our Learn to Swim lessons with the Condors last month, she had 1 swim suit that fit. I mentioned that we could get her another (they don’t go bad between lessons, summer camp, and her grandparent’s pools) and she requested some princess suits.

We decided on these adorable ones that she can use and fit the princess bill.

Frozen Click Here

Moana Click Here

This is a part of our 5 Gift Challenge that we are doing this year. To read all about it CLICK HERE.

Finding Time for Mommy

Posted on November 25, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Health and Wellness, Out and about..., Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own. Also, please be kind- its not easy to post progress pics :o)

Some of you may remember when I started my Kickboxing Journey two years ago at Fitness Kickboxing NY. I was hooked right away. I stuck to the plans and did VERY well. I was back down to my (literal) fighting weight within a few months of dedicated attendance, and adherence to meal plans. Here was my first article (CLICK HERE).

Well, not too soon did I reach my goal but life started getting in the way. During the summer I had attended the 6 am class which was perfect with our schedules and meant that I could go 5 days a week. Once school started back up I had to switch to the 7:30 pm class. This was fine except I was getting there maybe 3x a week, and it got increasingly more difficult to attend when the kids started getting homework, plus, I was missing bedtime.

Needless to say I slacked off and for a year was on-again off-again with my workout routine. I was miserable, and I started putting the weight back on. I didn’t even notice until one day I looked in the mirror. I called Amir and spoke to him about my disappointment and he agreed that I needed a routine, and that I needed to get back to my old self. Then he did the most amazing thing.

He offered to come in a half hour earlier in the mornings so that I could kick box BEFORE work every morning. This meant getting up VERY early for both of us but I was willing to give it a try. Especially because it meant I could get my workout in and not miss any Mommy time with the kids. Well, that was last March. It has worked amazingly. I begin my workout every morning at 5:30 (sometimes 5:45) and end at 6:40. I shower at the studio and head straight to work. I have lost ALL of the weight that I had regained and am feeling great. I couldn’t be happier.

See that’s one thing that so nice about working out at a SMALL studio. Personal attention. Amir listens to the problem areas that we identify and helps us to tackle them, and he encourages us without being loud or super demanding. Workouts with my fellow morning crew members are fun, we are like a family. I know everything about what is going on in their lives. WE SWEAT. The workouts are demanding, and difficult, I feel a sense of accomplishment EVERY day. Then I look in the mirror and I am SO glad that Amir was willing to take some extra time to help me out. In fact, one or two of my crew have started coming in early sometimes too.

My advice here. Find time. Go somewhere where you will get some personal attention and feel good about going. Find people to work out with that you enjoy. Speak to trainers about accessibility for your schedule. If they are any good, they will listen and find a way to accommodate you. You can’t take care of all the people in your life if you don’t take care of yourself.

If you are interested in Fitness Kickboxing NY please give Amir a call and tell him you heard about him here. Then take advantage of his $20 3 class trial. You won’t be sorry. 845-653-2488

Taking Advantage of Proximity- New York City With Kids

Posted on November 13, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Out and about..., Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

Disclaimer- This is an unsponsored post. All opinions expressed are our own.

By: Catherin Sheridan

I grew up right here in NY, my mom and grandpa are from Brooklyn, and both my parents worked in NYC. When I was younger I went to the city often. Now that I am a young adult, I travel in as much as I can, and my wallet allows. NYC is one of the greatest cities on planet earth, and as they say the city never sleeps. Here is a list I created based on my own experiences and places I love. Some of these places I went to as a kid and still enjoy them today. I would love to have included FAO Schwartz, and Toys R Us in Times Square but unfortunately they have closed. On my list I included higher end a little more pricey places, and just fun places to take the kids. Of course NYC is expensive but they have experiences for everyone!

I thought it would be really fun to have a kids point of view on their take of NYC. I was able to be in contact with Cate Elefante, who plays Lulu in the show Waitress, and is an frequent traveler to the Big Apple. I asked her what her favorite places to eat, and things to do in the city is and here are her picks! (Sorry for repeats but as they say great minds think alike!)

Restaurants:

Junior’s
Times Square Diner
American Girl Café
Latanzzi
Tratorria Trecolori

Broadway Shows

Anastasia
School of Rock
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Aladdin
Wicked
Lion King

Shows

Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Nutcracker

Here were MY “must do” places to take kids in the city.

Food/Deserts/Food stores

Action Burger- 292 GRAHAM AVE BROOKLYN, NY 11211
Cookie DŌ NYC- 550 LaGuardia Pl, New York, NY 10012
American Girl Café – 609 5th Ave, New York, NY 10017
Barking Dog Luncheonette- 1678 Third Ave New York 10128
Junior’s Restaurant- multiple locations
Serendipity 3- 225 E 60th St New York 10022
Baked By Melissa- multiple locations
Dylan’s Candy Bar- 1011 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10065,
33 Union Square W, New York, NY 10003
M&M’s World- 1600 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
Planet Hollywood-1540 Broadway
Hard Rock Café-1501 Broadway
Mcdonald’s-1560 Broadway @ 46^th St (world famous)

Stores

LEGO Flagship Store-620 5th Ave, New York, NY 10020
American Girl Doll-609 5th Ave, New York, NY 10017
Disney Store- 1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
Nintendo NY- 10 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020
Hershey Store- 20 Times Square Building 701 7^th Ave

Places

Radio City Music Hall- Christmas Show, many other shows throughout the year 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020
Madison Square Garden- sports, concerts 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001
Times Square
Plaza Hotel- High Tea
Rockefeller Center
American Museum of Natural History
Intrepid- Pier 86, W 46th St & 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036
NYC Fire Museum- 278 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013
NY Transit Museum- Boerum Pl & Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Children’s Museum of Manhattan- 212 W 83rd St, New York, NY 10024n-4901
Madame Tussauds 234 W 42^nd St
Ripley’s Believe It or Not 234W 42^nd St
Central Park
Yankee Stadium
Citi Field
Milk and Cookies Kids Spa- 1196 First Avenue (Between 64th & 65th st.) New York, New York 10065

Helpful Tips–

I thought I would add in tips because sometimes we can forget the simplest things. NYC is a fun place, and is a whole new world for kids. But of course safety is the number one thing. I find the best way into NYC is train. I take the NJ transit, I usually take it from Peal River but most towns have a train stop. I get off at Secaucus and then from there transfer trains to Penn station (10 minutes). Then from Penn walk to my destination.

Driving to Secaucus is also great because you park your car and leave it (do pay hourly) and then just take the train straight to NYC.

You can also download the UBER app, saves a ton of money and safest mode of transportation especially with kids.

Money wise I bring cash, and cards. I hold a small amount in my pocket and the rest in a wallet under all the items I brought. Keep a bag that is close to your body, using a backpack I put a lock on it and hold the key on a chain in my pocket.

Wear comfortable shoes, bring extra clothes etc, depending on weather, also snacks and drinks.

As much fun as it can be grabbing a snack in NYC it is expensive, so to bring your own snacks is best. Also be sure to plan out the day and do things relatively close to each other. Kids tire out easily and you don’t need a melt down in the middle of NYC.

I find the best way to fit things in is to plan things that are close or on the top of my list for one trip, and the stuff I missed on the next. Once a year my friend and I travel in to the city and stay over night, its great because if were tired we can just go back to the room and then go back out when we want.

My friend and I stay at the Manhattan at Times Square, not too expensive considering NYC and right near the action. I hope you all have a great time in NYC!

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