Senior Services of Alexandria https://seniorservicesalex.org/ Fostering independence and self-sufficiency, enabling seniors within the City of Alexandria to age with dignity. Fri, 08 Aug 2025 18:28:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://i0.wp.com/seniorservicesalex.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/cropped-SSA_favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Senior Services of Alexandria https://seniorservicesalex.org/ 32 32 92479436 SSA in the August Zebra! https://seniorservicesalex.org/ssa-in-the-august-zebra-3/ Fri, 08 Aug 2025 18:28:18 +0000 https://seniorservicesalex.org/?p=13097 Click here to check out the August Zebra! There are 2 SSA events coming up: The September Senior Academy (starting September 3) – Page 62 Honoring the City’s Centenarians (September 9): Page 62 and continued on page 65.

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]]> Click here to check out the August Zebra! There are 2 SSA events coming up:

The September Senior Academy (starting September 3) – Page 62

Honoring the City’s Centenarians (September 9): Page 62 and continued on page 65.

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]]> 13097 SSA Connection – August 7th! https://seniorservicesalex.org/ssa-connection-august-7th/ Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:00:19 +0000 https://seniorservicesalex.org/?p=13066 Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy! How to spot fake AI photos How do you know if that shocking photo in your feed is real, or just another AI fake? Digital forensics expert Hany Farid explains how he helps journalists, courts and governments

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Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy!

How to spot fake AI photos

How do you know if that shocking photo in your feed is real, or just another AI fake? Digital forensics expert Hany Farid explains how he helps journalists, courts and governments find structural errors in AI-generated images, offering four practical tips everyday individuals can use when facing the internet’s war on reality.
Click here.

Incredibly Delicious Sicilian Eggplants!

Discover how to make authentic Sicilian-style baked stuffed eggplant — a simple, flavorful, and healthy Mediterranean dish! In this recipe, we fill tender oven-roasted eggplant with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy buffalo mozzarella, briny olives, and fresh basil for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Click here.

 

 

 

Energy Boost Cardio Dance

Check out this easy-to-learn cardio dance routine to keep you moving all day!
Click here.

The Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum

The Smithsonian Natural History Museum is the nation’s storehouse of its greatest national treasures. It has well over 100 million specimens. Only a very small percentage of it is on display.
Click here.

Upcoming Alexandria Library and Other Events

Stitcher’s Space – Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wednesday, August 13: 10:30am – 12:30pm – Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library – Meeting Room

Enjoy weekly sessions with other fiber artists. Bring and share your projects, and see others. Quilting tutorials will be provided on the first Wednesday of every month. No registration is required.
Click here.

Register Now for the Fall Senior Academy – Wednesday, September 3 and every Wednesday morning during the month of September.

Senior Services of Alexandria’s Senior Academy is taking place this fall during the month of September. it is a 4-week class for residents who are 60 or above to learn about how the city operates, what programs and services are available to older adults in the City of Alexandria, and how you can become engaged in your community. The Wednesday morning sessions are from 10 am to Noon. It a free program for those residing or working in the City of Alexandria.
To learn more and to register click here. If you have questions, call 703-836-4414, ext. 110.

RUN!GEEK!RUN! Family-Friendly Race to Support Senior Services of Alexandria
Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 8:30 am
Potomac Yards Neighborhood

This fun, family-friendly race supports SSA’s mission to help older adults in Alexandria age with dignity, connection, and purpose. Proceeds will directly support vital programs like Meals on Wheels, Groceries to Go, DOT transportation assistance, our Friendly Visitor and AniMeals programs, and much more—including outreach, education, and the Senior Ambassador Program.
To register or sponsor click here.

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]]> 13066 SSA Connection – July 31st! https://seniorservicesalex.org/ssa-connection-july-31st/ Thu, 31 Jul 2025 16:00:21 +0000 https://seniorservicesalex.org/?p=12894 Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy! How books can open your mind What happens when a dream you’ve held since childhood … doesn’t come true? As Lisa Bu adjusted to a new life in the United States, she turned to books to expand

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Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy!

How books can open your mind

What happens when a dream you’ve held since childhood … doesn’t come true? As Lisa Bu adjusted to a new life in the United States, she turned to books to expand her mind and create a new path for herself. She shares her unique approach to reading in this lovely, personal talk about the magic of books.
Click here.

Ina Garten’s Skillet-Roasted Chicken & Potatoes

Ina cooks up a perfectly comforting weeknight dinner using buttermilk-marinated chicken thighs and garlic potatoes!
Click here.

 

 

Hip Exercises for Seniors

Check out this short video to get your hips in gear!
Click here.

 

Vincent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night: Great Art Explained

Check out this video on Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” painting.
Click here.

Upcoming Alexandria Library and Other Events

Yoga At The Library – with Human Kind Yoga Collective
Monday, August 4: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library – Beth Patridge Meeting Room

Our mission is to provide a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment where people can explore, learn, play, and evolve together – one breath at a time.
Click here to register.

Trivia Night at Lee Fendall House- Friday, August 8, 7pm, 614 Oronoco Street

This month’s trivia night’s topic is Baseball!
To learn more and get tickets, click here.

Centenarian Celebration – Tuesday, September 9, 5-6 pm, City Hall (301 King Street) Vola Lawson Lobby

Each year, the City of Alexandria honors those residents who are 100 or older. If you are a Centenarian or know of one, click here to learn more including the registration link. You can also print the form and email to Admin@seniorservicesalex.org or mail to Senior Services of Alexandria, Attention: Centenarian Program, 206 North Washington Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314. If you need assistance, please call 703-836-4414, ext. 110. The deadline is August 12.

Register Now for the Fall Senior Academy – Wednesday, September 3 and every Wednesday morning during the month of September.

Senior Services of Alexandria’s Senior Academy is taking place this fall during the month of September. it is a 4-week class for residents who are 60 or above to learn about how the city operates, what programs and services are available to older adults in the City of Alexandria, and how you can become engaged in your community. The Wednesday morning sessions are from 10 am to Noon. It a free program for those residing or working in the City of Alexandria.
To learn more and to register click here. If you have questions, call 703-836-4414, ext. 110.

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]]> 12894 SSA Connection – July 24th! https://seniorservicesalex.org/ssa-connection-july-24th/ Thu, 24 Jul 2025 16:00:38 +0000 https://seniorservicesalex.org/?p=12875 Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy! Laura Carstensen: Older people are happier In the 20th century we added an unprecedented number of years to our lifespans, but is the quality of life as good? Surprisingly, yes! At TEDxWomen psychologist Laura Carstensen shows research

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Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy!

Laura Carstensen: Older people are happier

In the 20th century we added an unprecedented number of years to our lifespans, but is the quality of life as good? Surprisingly, yes! At TEDxWomen psychologist Laura Carstensen shows research that demonstrates that as people get older they become happier, more content, and have a more positive outlook on the world.
Click here.

Preppy Kitchen’s Fruit Salad

You’ll love this easy fruit salad with berries, kiwis, mandarin orange slices, grapes, and pineapple, all brought together with a bright and zingy honey lime dressing. It’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, and anytime you want an easy side dish to satisfy a crowd!
Click here.

 

5 Exercises for Improved Balance

Join Trent for a quick, effective balance routine that’s perfect for any fitness level! This energizing workout is designed to help you improve your balance, ease joint pain, and boost your confidence. No equipment needed — just a few minutes to feel stronger, steadier, and ready to take on the week!
Click here.

The Secret of Aging Well

Check out this video by Jane Fonda on how to age well.
Click here.

Upcoming Alexandria Library and Other Events

Senior Bingo – Monday, July 28: 10:15am – 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library – Meeting Room

Have fun with a game of bingo served with food, prizes, and fun. Registration is required.
Click here.

Stitcher’s Space – Wednesday, July 30: 10:30am – 12:30pm
 Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library – Meeting Room

Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday! Enjoy weekly sessions with other fiber artists. Bring and share your projects, and see others. Quilting tutorials will be provided on the first Wednesday of every month. No registration is required.
Click here.

Centenarian Celebration – Tuesday, September 9, 5-6 pm
City Hall (301 King Street) Vola Lawson Lobby

It is that time of year, where the City of Alexandria honors those residents who are 100 or older, or will reach that magic number sometime this year. If you are a Centenarian or know of one, click here to learn more including the registration link. You can also print the form and email to Admin@seniorservicesalex.org or mail to Senior Services of Alexandria, Attention: Centenarian Program, 206 North Washington Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314. If you need assistance, please call 703-836-4414, ext. 110. The deadline is August 12.

Register Now for the Fall Senior Academy
Wednesday, September 3 and every Wednesday morning
during the month of September.

Senior Services of Alexandria’s Senior Academy is taking place this fall during the month of September. it is a 4-week class for residents who are 60 or above to learn about how the city operates, what programs and services are available to older adults in the City of Alexandria, and how you can become engaged in your community. The Wednesday morning sessions are from 10 am to Noon. It a free program for those residing or working in the City of Alexandria.
To learn more and to register click here. If you have questions, call 703-836-4414, ext. 110.

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]]> 12875 SSA Connection – July 17th! https://seniorservicesalex.org/ssa-connection-july-17th/ Thu, 17 Jul 2025 16:00:42 +0000 https://seniorservicesalex.org/?p=12852 Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy! The inside story of Notre-Dame’s incredible reconstruction In a moment that stunned the world in 2019, the famed Notre-Dame in Paris went up in flames, threatening the future of the centuries-old Gothic treasure. Philippe Villeneuve, the chief

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Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy!

The inside story of Notre-Dame’s incredible reconstruction

In a moment that stunned the world in 2019, the famed Notre-Dame in Paris went up in flames, threatening the future of the centuries-old Gothic treasure. Philippe Villeneuve, the chief architect of the cathedral’s restoration, recounts the collective effort to bring the building back to life while honoring its history.
Click here.

Easy Homemade Ice Cream Recipes

Learn how to make homemade ice cream without an ice cream machine. All you need is 3-4 ingredients and 5 minutes of work. Once you try this homemade ice cream, you’ll never buy ice cream again!
Click here.

 

 

 

 

New to Yoga? Start Here

Yoga is for everybody and every body. Here’s what you need to know.
Click here.

 

Today at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
How do king tides affect ocean animals?

During king tides at the Monterey Bay, you can see the highest highs and the lowest lows when it comes to sea level along the coast—a powerful reminder of nature’s rhythm. How do animals adjust to these extreme conditions? Dive in to find out!
Click here.

Upcoming Alexandria Library and Other Events

Back by Popular Demand: “Hamilton’s BFF & Frenemies”
Returns to Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
every Saturday from July 5 through July 26,10 – 11 am

Inspired by the musical Hamilton, learn how the paths of Washington, Lafayette, Jefferson, Madison, and Burr all intersected with this local tavern. Includes discussion of the issues they faced and how their choices impacted local citizens.
Click here.

Handcraft Tuesday – Weekend Edition – Saturday, July 19 – 2:00 – 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library – Large Meeting Room

Attention all handcrafters! Join us to share what you are working on, see what others are creating, and just chat while we craft together!
Click here.

Register Now for the Fall Senior Academy – Wednesday, September 3 and every Wednesday morning during the month of September.

Senior Services of Alexandria’s Senior Academy is taking place this fall during the month of September. it is a 4-week class for residents who are 60 or above to learn about how the city operates, what programs and services are available to older adults in the City of Alexandria, and how you can become engaged in your community. The Wednesday morning sessions are from 10 am to Noon. It a free program for those residing or working in the City of Alexandria.
To learn more and to register click here. If you have questions, call 703-836-4414, ext. 110.

RUN! GEEK! RUN Family-Friendly Race to Support Senior Services of Alexandria
Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 8:30 am – 1005 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria.

This fun, family-friendly race supports SSA’s mission to help older adults in Alexandria age with dignity, connection, and purpose. Proceeds will directly support vital programs like Meals on Wheels, Groceries to Go, DOT transportation assistance, our Friendly Visitor and AniMeals programs, and much more—including outreach, education, and the Senior Ambassador Program.
To register or sponsor click here.

The post SSA Connection – July 17th! appeared first on Senior Services of Alexandria.

]]> 12852 Celebrating our Centenarians! https://seniorservicesalex.org/celebrating-our-centenarians-4/ https://seniorservicesalex.org/celebrating-our-centenarians-4/#comments Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:23:22 +0000 https://seniorservicesalex.org/?p=12849 The City of Alexandria, in collaboration with the City’s Successful Aging Committee, will celebrate on September 9 at 5 p.m. in the Vola Lawson Lobby (301 King St.). The City will celebrate Alexandria residents who have lived a century or longer. To be eligible, individuals must be

The post Celebrating our Centenarians! appeared first on Senior Services of Alexandria.

]]> The City of Alexandria, in collaboration with the City’s Successful Aging Committee, will celebrate on September 9 at 5 p.m. in the Vola Lawson Lobby (301 King St.).
The City will celebrate Alexandria residents who have lived a century or longer. To be eligible, individuals must be 100 years or older by December 31, 2025. Alexandria centenarians who choose to participate in the presentation will receive a certificate honoring their lifetime experiences and achievements and a recognition coin. To participate or submit a nomination, complete an application and social history form by August 12.  
Questions? Call 703-836-4414 ext. 110 or e-mail admin@seniorservicesalex.org.
Click here for the application!
Click here for the flyer.
Please note the August 12th deadline!

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]]> https://seniorservicesalex.org/celebrating-our-centenarians-4/feed/ 2 12849 SSA Connection – July 10th! https://seniorservicesalex.org/ssa-connection-july-10th/ Thu, 10 Jul 2025 16:00:19 +0000 https://seniorservicesalex.org/?p=12824 Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy! An interview with the Queen of Creole Cuisin Leah Chase’s New Orleans restaurant Dooky Chase changed the course of American history over gumbo and fried chicken. During the civil rights movement, it was a place where white

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Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy!

An interview with the Queen of Creole Cuisin

Leah Chase’s New Orleans restaurant Dooky Chase changed the course of American history over gumbo and fried chicken. During the civil rights movement, it was a place where white and black people came together, where activists planned protests and where the police entered but did not disturb — and it continues to operate in the same spirit. She passed away in 2019.
Click here.

Gordon Ramsey’s Gazpacho

Check out this recipe for a cold gazpacho that is perfect for the summer heat!
Click here.

 

 

Cardiac Workout with Coordination Drills

Try this exercise video that combines cardio with coordination exercises.
Click here.

 

Van Gogh at the New York Botanical Garden

Vincent van Gogh’s classic paintings are being brought to life at the New York Botanical Garden. CBS News New York’s Erica Lunsford takes us inside the new exhibit, now open to the public.
Click here.

Upcoming Alexandria Library and Other Events

Calligraphy Workshop – Saturday, July 12: 11:30am – 12:30pm
 Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library – Meeting Room

Are you curious about learning in calligraphy? Join us to learn and practice different styles each session at Burke!
Click here.

Alexandria City Fireworks – Saturday, July 12 – 6-9:45 p.m., free admission
Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.)

Celebrate Alexandria’s 276 Anniversary at the annual fireworks display in Old Town.
Click here.

Register Now for the Fall Senior Academy – Wednesday, September 3 and every Wednesday morning during the month of September.

Senior Services of Alexandria’s Senior Academy is taking place this fall during the month of September. it is a 4-week class for older adults who are 60 or older to learn about how the city operates, what programs and services are available to older adults in the City of Alexandria, and how you can become engaged in your community. The Wednesday morning sessions are from 10 am to Noon. It a free event for those residing or working in the City of Alexandria.
To learn more and to register click here. If you have questions, call 703-836-4414, ext. 110.

RUN! GEEK! RUN Family-Friendly Race to Support Senior Services of Alexandria – Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 8:30 am – 1005 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria.

This fun, family-friendly race supports SSA’s mission to help older adults in Alexandria age with dignity, connection, and purpose. Proceeds will directly support vital programs like Meals on Wheels, Groceries to Go, DOT transportation assistance, our Friendly Visitor and AniMeals programs, and much more—including outreach, education, and the Senior Ambassador Program.
To register or sponsor click here.

 

The post SSA Connection – July 10th! appeared first on Senior Services of Alexandria.

]]> 12824 SSA in the July Zebra! https://seniorservicesalex.org/ssa-in-the-july-zebra-4/ Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:17:55 +0000 https://seniorservicesalex.org/?p=12821 Click here to check out Page 62 (continued on page 64) to read about some of SSA’s Volunteer opportunities!

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]]> Click here to check out Page 62 (continued on page 64) to read about some of SSA’s Volunteer opportunities!

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]]> 12821 SSA Connection – July 3rd! https://seniorservicesalex.org/ssa-connection-july-3rd/ Thu, 03 Jul 2025 16:08:29 +0000 https://seniorservicesalex.org/?p=12814 Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy! The fire-breathing dragon-horse sparking wonder in a city near you How does a city change when its art doesn’t hang on museum walls but instead roams the streets? Artist Frédette Lampre of the production company La Machine

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Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy!

The fire-breathing dragon-horse sparking wonder in a city near you

How does a city change when its art doesn’t hang on museum walls but instead roams the streets? Artist Frédette Lampre of the production company La Machine shares how their towering, handcrafted mechanical creations transform urban spaces into living theaters, creating unforgettable experiences that reconnect people with their cities and each other.
Click here.

Make Easy Potato Salad For Your Next Cookout

A picnic, barbeque, or potluck menu is just not complete without a big, crowd-pleasing bowl of homemade potato salad. Nicole’s easy potato salad has a mayonnaise, sour cream, and mustard base, filled with fresh ingredients like celery, green onion, and dill. It’s not just tasty, it also looks amazing!
Click here.

 

 

Strong to the Core Challenge: 8-Minute Core Strength Workout for Older Adults

SilverSneakers Master Trainer Andi takes you through a simple (yet effective) core-strengthening workout that can be done seated or standing.
Click here.

 

America the Story of Us: Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence marks the first such document declaring the equality of men. This short video was produced by the History Channel.
Click here.

Upcoming Alexandria Library and Other Events

Be MediaWise – A Misinformation Resilience Lunch and Learn –
Monday, July 07: 12:00pm – 12:30pm –  Virtual – Virtual

Brush up on your digital and media literacy skills to protect yourself with the Be MediaWise Misinformation Resilience Toolkit.
Click here.

Register Now for the Fall Senior Academy – Wednesday, September 3 and every Wednesday morning during the month of September.

Senior Services of Alexandria’s Senior Academy is taking place this fall during the month of September. it is a 4-week class for older adults who are 60 or older to learn about how the city operates, what programs and services are available to older adults in the City of Alexandria, and how you can become engaged in your community. The Wednesday morning sessions are from 10 am to Noon. It a free event for those residing or working in the City of Alexandria.
To learn more and to register click here. If you have questions, call 703-836-4414, ext. 110.

RUN! GEEK! RUN Family-Friendly Race to Support Senior Services of Alexandria
Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 8:30 am – 1005 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria.

This fun, family-friendly race supports SSA’s mission to help older adults in Alexandria age with dignity, connection, and purpose. Proceeds will directly support vital programs like Meals on Wheels, Groceries to Go, DOT transportation assistance, our Friendly Visitor and AniMeals programs, and much more—including outreach, education, and the Senior Ambassador Program.
To register or sponsor click here.

 

The post SSA Connection – July 3rd! appeared first on Senior Services of Alexandria.

]]> 12814 SSA Connection – June 26th! https://seniorservicesalex.org/ssa-connection-june-26th/ Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:00:19 +0000 https://seniorservicesalex.org/?p=12785 Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy! The surprising power of your nature photos Scott Loarie has a challenge for you: go outside and take a picture of a living thing. He introduces the global community of people building a living atlas of the

The post SSA Connection – June 26th! appeared first on Senior Services of Alexandria.

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Here is your weekly SSA Connection – Hope you enjoy!

The surprising power of your nature photos

Scott Loarie has a challenge for you: go outside and take a picture of a living thing. He introduces the global community of people building a living atlas of the natural world by sharing their nature photos with scientists — and shows how you can join in on the fun.
Click here.

Ina Garten’s Summer Pasta

Try this easy summer pasta recipe for a perfect and tasty dinner or lunch.
Click here.

 

 

 

 

10-Minute Energizing Warm-Up

When you properly prepare your body for any type of exercise, whether you choose cardio or strength training it helps against the risk of injuries. Before your next workout, consider this 10-minute routine that will be sure to warm up your body!
Click here.

 

Inside the Vaults at the National Archives – US Constitution — The “Fifth Page” (Transmittal Page)

The so-called “Fifth Page” of the US Constitution — also known as the Transmittal Page has received the same care as the more famous documents in the Charters of Freedom and is encased in the same type of state-of-the-art oxygen-free encasement as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution pages one to four, and the Bill of Rights.
Click here

Upcoming Alexandria Library and Other Events

Specialty Tour: Hamilton’s BFF & Frenemies – Saturday, June 28
at 10 am – Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St.

Inspired by the musical Hamilton, learn how the paths of Washington, Lafayette, Jefferson, Madison, and Burr all intersected with this local tavern. Includes discussion of the issues they faced and how their choices impacted local citizens.
Click here.

Monday, June 30: 10:15am – 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library – Meeting Room

Join us to socialize and engage your mind with a game of bingo served with food, prizes, and fun. Registration is required.
Click here.

Sunshine Readers – An outside book club! -Tuesday, July 1 – 10:00am – 11:30am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library – Outdoors

Let’s get some fresh air, explore Old Town, and talk about the latest books we’ve been reading!
Click here.

 

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