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<p><strong>Hunting Island State Park Nature Center February naturalist programs</strong></p>
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<p>All programs are free with park admission. Call 843-838-7437 for information or reservations.</p>
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<p><strong>Tuesday: Creature Feature </strong>– 10:30-11 a.m., Nature Center. Discover some of the wildlife found around Hunting Island as represented by the animal ambassadors. (all ages); <strong>Traces of Wild Ruffians </strong>– 12:30-1:30 p.m., Nature Center. Find ut what mammals are rummaging through Hunting Island and learn how to identify mammal tracks. (ages 7 to 12); <strong>Beach Walk </strong>– 3-4 p.m., Lighthouse. Walk along the beach with a naturalist to learn more about the treasures from the ocean. (all ages) (not held on Feb. 8).</p>
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<p><strong>Wednesday: Creature Feature </strong>– 10:30-11 a.m.; <strong>Turtle Talk </strong>– 12:30-1 p.m., Nature Center. Learn about the variety of turtles on Hunting Island. (all ages); <strong>Walk With a Naturalist </strong>– 2:30-3:15 p.m., Nature Center. Enjoy a 0.7-mile scenic walk that ends at Little Hunting Island, which you can explore on your own. Wear walking shoes, comfortable clothes, and bring sunscreen, bug spray and water. (limited to 15 walkers) Call by noon the previous day for reservations.</p>
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<p><strong>Thursday: Creature Feature </strong>– 10:30-11 a.m.; <strong>Gator Gab </strong>– 12:30-1 p.m., Nature Center. Congregate around our modern-day dinosaurs and watch our vicious hunters eat a delicious meal. (all ages); <strong>What a Wharf </strong>– 2:30-3 p.m., Nature Center. Walk down the pier and learn how Hunting Island and its ecosystems came to be. (all ages).</p>
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<p><strong>Friday: Creature Feature </strong>– 10:30-11 a.m.; <strong>Serpent Exploration </strong>– 12:30-1 p.m., Nature Center. Get a chance to fight your fears and touch a snake or two. (all ages); <strong>Beach Walk </strong>– 3-4 p.m., Lighthouse.&nbsp;</p>
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<p><strong>Saturday: Creature Feature </strong>– 10:30-11 a.m.; <strong>Sea Turtle Discovery </strong>– 2-3:15 p.m., Nature Center. Four species of sea turtles are found on the S.C. coast, and one is the state reptile. (all ages); <strong>Walk With a Naturalist </strong>– 2:30-3:15 p.m., Nature Center.</p>
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<p><strong>Beaufort County Library Ongoing Programs</strong></p>
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<p>These are the ongoing programs available at the Beaufort Branch Library Downtown: 2:30 p.m., 1st Tuesday each month, Knitting/Crochet Class; all day during business hours, 1st Thursday each month,</p>
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<p>Chess Club; 2:30 p.m., last Tuesday each month, Book to Movie Club (Feb. 22 movie is Hidden Figures); daily during library hours, Escape Quest Games.</p>
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<p><strong>The Historic Port Royal Museum</strong></p>
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<p>10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or upon request, Thursdays through Sundays, The Historic Port Royal Museum, 1634 Paris Ave. The museum features the turn-of-the-century businesses and industries of Port Royal: Shrimping, crabbing, oystering, the railroad, the school and the mercantile. Great gifts featuring local artists are available. For more information. visit www.portroyalhistory.org, email unionchurch1004@gmail.com or call 843-524-4333.</p>
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<p><strong>Tour Historic Fort Fremont</strong></p>
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<p>10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Fort Fremont History Center, Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land’s End Road, St. Helena Island. Docent-led tours are at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. every Saturday. Travel back in time to the 1800s and the Spanish American War. Visitors to Fort Fremont can learn about the fort’s history by reading interpretive panels, taking a self-guided tour with a smart phone, visiting the history center exhibit hall, or attending a docent-led tour of the property. The Preserve is open to the public Monday through Sunday from dawn to dusk. For more information, visit www.fortfremont.org or contact Passive Parks manager Stephanie Nagid at snagid@bcgov.net.</p>
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<p><strong>Port Royal Farmers Market</strong></p>
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<p>9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, year round, Naval Heritage Park, 1615 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Rain or shine. You will find fresh, local, seasonal produce, shrimp, oysters, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, bread and cheese, as well as plants, ferns, camellias, azaleas, citrus trees and beautiful, fresh cut flower bouquets. There are prepared food vendors serving barbecue, dumplings, she crab soup, crab cakes, paella, coffee, baked goods, bagels and breakfast sandwiches. No pets allowed. For more information, visit http://www.portroyalfarmersmarket.com/, visit @portroyalfarmersmarket on Facebook or call 843-295-0058.</p>
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<p><strong>“Pull Yourself Up” Group Exercise Class for women</strong></p>
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<p>9:30 a.m., select Saturdays, Wardle Family YMCA, 1801 Richmond Ave., Port Royal. This multi-generational women’s group training is a 5-week program taught by Kelly Blackston. It is designed for females who wish to be stronger especially using back muscle shoulders and arms plus build camaraderie and make new friends. Free for ages 13-19; $10 per class for YMCA members; $20 per class for adult non-member. Questions should be directed to Denice Davis, YMCA Healthy Living Program Director at 843-521-1904 or beaufort-jasperymca.org.</p>
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<p><strong>Artists That Teach instructor show</strong></p>
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<p>Through Feb. 25, Art League Academy, 106 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island. Art League Academy is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Friday. There will also be an artists reception from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 19 that is free and open to the public. Art League of Hilton Head is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit visual arts organization on Hilton Head Island with a synergistic art gallery and teaching Academy. For more information, call 843-842-5738.</p>
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<p><strong>Fripp Audubon Club’s Ten Eyck Lecture Series</strong></p>
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<p>7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 24, Fripp Island Community Center, 205 Tarpon Blvd. In his presentation “The Berry Conundrum: Birds and Their Berries,” retired Massachusetts Audubon Society naturalist Bob Speare will describe how landscaping with native versus non-native plants affects songbirds. What happens when an introduced species produces a greater number of flowers, fruits, and seeds – could this potentially be a greater food supply for birds? What about the nutritional value of food produced by native vs. non-native plants? He’ll address these questions and discuss how we can all make a positive impact on the birds in our yards and local areas. There will be no Meet &amp; Greet. The program will begin at 7 in the Chapel with Club announcements followed by Bob's program. Masks are required in the Chapel. Off island visitors are welcome – receive pass at gate. Visit us at www.islc.net/audubon/ or contact us at frippaudubonclub@gmail.com.</p>
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<p><strong>Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands guided tours</strong></p>
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<p>9 a.m., Friday, Feb. 25. The Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands (501c3) offers free tours with Master Naturalist Jill Moore as guide. Learn about the different types of wildlife, birds, and plants that inhabit this special place To sign up for a tour please email Kat Bray at info@foprcw.org. For more information, visit www.foprcw.org, follow us on Facebook at FriendsofPRCypressWetlands, or on Instagram at friendsofprcypresswetlands.</p>
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<p><strong>Beaufort Republican Women’s Club Membership Drive Luncheon</strong></p>
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<p>11:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 26, Carolina Room, Dataw Island Club, 123 Dataw Dr., St. Helena Island. Jessica M. Vaughan, Director of Policy Studies for the Center for Immigration Studies, will be the featured speaker. Vaughan has testified before Congress many times and has appeared on NPR, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and PBS’s News Hour. The cost of the buffet luncheon is $35 and is by reservation only. To reserve a seat, please mail a check to BRWC, P.O. Box 1835, Beaufort, S.C. 29901 by February 16. For further information, call Diane Roney at 843-838-4972.</p>
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<p><strong>Full 30-hour lifeguard training</strong></p>
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<p>March 4-7 &amp; 13; April 22-25 &amp; May 1; May 13-16 &amp; 22, location TBD. Cost is $170. Schedule: Thursday 4 p.m. – swim test; Friday 4-9 p.m.; Saturday 8-5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. Those interested need to register at the Y as space is limited and filled on a first come, first serve basis. Questions? Contact Contact Frank Hamilton at 843-525-0233 or ghh60fwh@comcast.net.. To register visit the Y front desk or online at beaufort-jasperymca.org and click ‘Register for a Program’ at the top of the page. See Frank Hamilton for lifeguard recertification dates and times.</p>
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<p><strong>FUN WOMEN 5K Race</strong></p>
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<p>8 a.m., Saturday, March 5, Newcastle and Bay Street, Downtown Beaufort. The certified 5K course will run through downtown and across the scenic Woods Bridge. This race is part of USC Beaufort’s Center For The Arts’ Women’s Wellness Retreat (March 18 and 19, 2022). Our mission is to elevate, empower, enlighten and enrich all women. Topics include financial, spiritual, physical and mental wellness. Register at https://bit.ly/3qjg1V9.</p>
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<p><strong>Maye River Quilters</strong></p>
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<p>10 a.m., Saturday, March 5, via Zoom. To get a link for the meeting, visit mayeriverquiltguild.com. For more meeting dates and times, and for membership forms to join the group, call 843-530-1244 or visit the website.</p>
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<p><strong>Beaufort Charities Oyster Roast</strong></p>
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<p>1 to 10 p.m., Saturday, March 5, Live Oak Park, Port Royal. All you can eat local oysters from 1 to 8 p.m. Live music by "The Entertainers" (4-7 p.m.) and "Steel Rail Express" (8-10 p.m.). Free kids zone (Ages 5 to 12) from 1 to 10 p.m. Two Live Auctions. Tickets are $40 pre-sale and $50 at the door. To purchase tickets or beverage cups, visit https://bit.ly/3rS4FZ2. Tickets are non-refundable, and music is subject to change in the case of inclement weather.</p>
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<p><strong>Sea Island Rotary Club Community Service blood drive</strong></p>
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<p>9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Tuesday, March 8, Big Red Bloodmobile, Hilton Garden Inn, Beaufort. Future donation dates will be Tuesday, June 14; Tuesday, Aug. 23; and Tuesday, Nov. 15. OneBlood is testing all blood donations for the COVID-19 antibody. The antibody test is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will indicate if the your immune system has produced antibodies to the virus, regardless of whether you ever showed symptoms. You will be able to see their results approximately two to five days after donating by logging into OneBlood’s donor portal at www.oneblood.org. If you test positive for the antibody, you will be eligible to become COVID-19 convalescent plasma donor. All donors will receive a OneBlood gift and a $10 eGift card. Plus, a wellness checkup including blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening. OneBlood takes extra precautions to ensure that the donation process is safe from the COVID-19 virus including extra cleanings, wearing masks, etc. All time slots are currently available. Contact District Governor-elect Bob Gross, at bob@beaufortgroup.com or call 843-321-0196 and indicate the time slot that best suits you.</p>
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<p><strong>The Pickled Eagle pickleball tournament</strong></p>
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<p>8 a.m., Saturday, March 12, Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club. On-site registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Cost is $40, $5 for each additional division, three divisions total. Double elimination. Skill division 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0. Men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles. Singles, two divisions. Age divisions – skill divisions but limited to 50+, 60+, 70+. Proceeds benefit Beaufort High School Tennis. To register online, go to pickleballtournaments.com and search for pickledeagle. Register online and get a free T-shirt.</p>
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<p><strong>Beaufort County Library Special Programs</strong></p>
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<p>These are the special programs available at the Beaufort Branch Library Downtown: 2:30 p.m., March 17, Gardening Class; 4:30 p.m., April 6, Pat Conroy’s Love of Libraries; 2:30 p.m., April 12, Poetry Slam; 4:30 p.m., April 26, Pat Conroy’s Love of Poetry; 2:30 p.m., May 4, May the 4th Be With You Star Wars Celebration; 2:30 p.m., June 14, Hurricane Preparedness; 2:30 p.m., July 12, Comic Con; 2:30 p.m., Aug. 16, Local Art Display; 2:30 p.m., Sept. 13, Civic Awareness; 2:30 p.m., Oct. 20, Friends of the Library Celebration; 2:30 p.m., Nov. 15, Beekeeping; 2:30 p.m., Dec. 13, Gingerbread House Contest.</p>
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<p><strong>St. Patrick’s Festival</strong></p>
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<p>Noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 19, Beaufort Town Center. Event benefits the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association. Area restaurants and food trucks will be selling food and drinks and there will be live music by Mike Martin and The Beautiful Mess. This family-fun event will have activities for children of all ages, and those young at heart. There will also be a cornhole tournament and a costume contest. Though the festival is free and open to the public, to have access to all activities, wristbands can be purchased on site for $5. Only cash is accepted. There is an ATM on site. Additional information regarding the cornhole Tournament will be available on Beaufort Town Center’s website at https://bit.ly/3rYcxs5.</p>
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<p><strong>Beaufort Twilight Run</strong></p>
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<p>3:30 to 9:30 p.m., Saturday, March 19, 11 Market, Habersham Marketplace, Beaufort. The annual race benefits Riverview Charter School (RCS), a free public school open to Beaufort County K-8th grade students (www.RiverviewCharterSchool.org). This year’s efforts will raise funds for the School’s athletic fields and expansion. To register and for details visit www.BeaufortTwilightRun.com. Live Music will be performed by the band Broke Locals. A wide variety of food and beverages will be available from food trucks and the Habersham Marketplace restaurants. The BTR is one of only two events in South Carolina to offer a 10-mile race. All race courses are spectator-friendly and offer beautiful marsh views beneath canopies of live oaks. Events will be held rain or shine.</p>
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<p><strong>CPR re-certification</strong></p>
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<p>9 a.m to noon, Saturday, March 19, Wardle Family YMCA, 1801 Richmond Ave., Port Royal. Cost is $25. Those interested need to register at the Y as space is limited and filled on a first come, first serve basis. Questions? Contact Contact Frank Hamilton at 843-525-0233 or ghh60fwh@comcast.net.. To register visit the Y front desk or online at beaufort-jasperymca.org and click ‘Register for a Program’ at the top of the page.</p>
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<p><strong>CPR training</strong></p>
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<p>8 a.m to noon, Saturday, March 26, April 9, Wardle Family YMCA, 1801 Richmond Ave., Port Royal. Cost is $35 for YMCA certified course. Those interested need to register at the Y as space is limited and filled on a first come, first serve basis. Questions? Contact Contact Frank Hamilton at 843-525-0233 or ghh60fwh@comcast.net.. To register visit the Y front desk or online at beaufort-jasperymca.org and click ‘Register for a Program’ at the top of the page.<br><br></p>
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<p><strong>Bridges Prep Inshore Slam Fishing Tournament</strong></p>
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<p>April 8, 9. Captains meeting, TBD. Weigh in at Butler Marine Dry Stack. Species include spottail bass, spotted sea trout and flounder. Cost is $150 per boat. All funds raised support Bridges Prep athletic programs. Cash prizes for combined weight. Great opportunity to fish and help support the school. Those interested in sponsoring the event, contact Coach Gruel (bgruel@bridgesprep.org) or Gaylets (sgaylets@bridgesprep.org). To register for the tournament, visit https://bit.ly/31JnBi9.</p>
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<p><strong>Broadway Bound Summer Camp</strong></p>
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<p>9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, June 20 through July 1, USC Beaufort Center For The Arts. Campers will engage in all aspects of musical theatre, while gaining self-confidence and the ability to express themselves as they learn basic acting skills, vocal instruction and choreography. The highlight of the camp will be the children’s creation of their own show. Tuition is $275. Register and pay at https://www.uscbcenterforthearts.com/summer-camp.<br></p>
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<p><strong>THIS WEEK’S MOVIES AT HWY 21 DRIVE-IN</strong></p>
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<p>The movies scheduled for this week (Thursday, Feb. 24 through Sunday, Feb. 27) at the Highway 21 Drive-In are Uncharted (PG-13, 7:30 p.m.) and Spider-Man No Way Home (PG-13, 9:30 p.m.) on Screen 1 and Dpg (PG-13, 7:30 p.m.) and Moonfall (PG-13, 9:00 p.m.) on Screen 2.</p>
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<p>Online ticketing is available at hwy21drivein.com on the Now Playing page. Patrons are asked to arrive early on Friday and Saturday nights. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.</p>
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<p>Management would appreciate the wearing of masks while in the concession stand.</p>
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<p>“Our family at the Hwy. 21 drive in feel a responsibility to our community,” a statement from Highway 21 Drive-In management reads. “We are concerned about many things in these trying times and in making the right decisions. We are concerned with our employees, our patrons, our business, our community’s businesses, and the health and well-being of all.”</p>
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<p>A reminder: no outside food or beverages can be brought into the drive-in.</p>
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<p>Upcoming movies include The Batman (March 4).</p>
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<p>– Staff reports</p>
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<p><strong>CERTIFIED BARBEQUE JUDGING CLASS TO BE HELD IN COLUMBIA</strong></p>
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<p>The South Carolina Barbecue Association (SCBA) will hold a one-day seminar in Columbia to train new barbecue judges. The seminar is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 26, in the recreation hall at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, located at 1715 Bull St.</p>
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<p>Registration for the seminar is open to SCBA members and costs $50 per person, which includes a catered barbecue lunch. Non-members may join SCBA prior to or while registering for the seminar and be eligible to attend. SCBA annual membership dues are $45 for an individual or $60 for a family.</p>
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<p>The seminar is the first step in becoming a SCBA Certified Barbecue Judge. After completing the class, potential judges will continue their training with hands-on experience as novice judges at four SCBA-sanctioned barbecue competitions. Competitions are held around the state at festivals and fairs, as well as other community events or stand-alone BBQ contests.</p>
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<p>Those interested in becoming SCBA certified judges and attending the seminar should visit www.scbarbeque.com to register for the seminar and/or join the SCBA.</p>
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<p>– Staff reports</p>
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