Setting Sail: New Harrisburg riverboat leader follows her father’s course.

Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat

Appropriately, Kim Rice landed upon a nautical term to describe the similarities between her and her late father, former Dauphin County Commissioner Fred Rice.

“We are both boat-rockers,” she said. “We are not afraid to rock the boat.”

It’s exactly that fearlessness that propelled Fred, back in the early ‘90s, to become the second chairman of the board of the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat. And it’s the same fearlessness that now allows daughter Kim to follow in his wake.

Kim said that her late father inspired her own journey.

Fred Rice was outgoing, energized by people, and knew virtually everyone, she said. His hunting cabins in Dauphin and in Perry counties were full of friends, laughter and fond memories.

“He lived life to the fullest,” Kim said.

He was in the Lions Club and Safari Club, was a Gov. Tom Ridge appointee to the Mid-Atlantic Fish Commission, and chaired the Lower Paxton Republican Committee. A veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he was a successful insurance and investment consultant.

When Dauphin County Commissioner Jack Minnich resigned to become the court administrator in 1985, county judges selected Rice to replace him, and his journey to launch the boat began.

“He was so excited about it,” Kim said, citing her father’s friendship with one of the founding riverboat members, Mike Trephan.

“My dad was really good at wheeling and dealing to get people to do stuff for him,” Kim recalled, with a laugh.

The late luxury homebuilder, Stan Custer Sr., built benches. Then-Mayor Steve Reed offered aid. And his list of allies grew.

Fast-forward 30-plus years. After former board chair, local attorney Deb Donahue, approached her in 2019, Kim joined the board. Their executive director had just resigned, and a new executive director lasted only weeks.

“Deb and I were doing everything,” recalled Kim, who also holds down a full-time job with the commonwealth.

Donahue, whose father Bruce Miller was also a noteworthy local leader, served as president of the board from 2018 through 2021. Kim took the helm at the end of last year.

As the first female president of the Pride, Donahue had rough waters to navigate, including a pandemic, funding shortfalls, board resignations, internal power struggles, maintenance issues and more. Kim inherited much the same.

“I love the riverboat. I do enjoy riding on it,” she said. “I love going to City Island. I love going to meetings there. It brings me closer to my dad. He loved the river, and he loved the Pride of the Susquehanna. I am honored to do it.”

She is humble when considering her dad’s legacy.

“I can’t match my dad and his contacts,” she said.

 

Rough Waters

The last few years have been tough ones for the Pride. In 2018, high water repeatedly grounded the riverboat, which was just beginning to recover when the pandemic hit.

Board members have frequently paid for the operation and repairs of the boat out of their own pockets, Kim said,

“My goal is to get it to be self-sustaining and not be in such jeopardy,” she said.

Therefore, she plans to focus on grant-writing, marketing, expanding the board and fundraising. Exciting new programs for younger people also are waiting at the dock.

She said that COVID-19 and its two years of restrictions hit every nonprofit like a hole in the hull. In the first year of the pandemic, they had to operate at a 25-person limit instead of 110, complying with restrictions imposed upon bars and restaurants because they serve alcohol.

“We lost our shirt to cover the cost of the crew and fuel,” Kim stated frankly, noting the $300 per hour expense to operate the boat.

This year, she noted, the board already secured a gaming grant from the Dauphin County commissioners for $75,000. However, that is not nearly enough to help them swim long-term.

“This boat is 34 years old, and there are constantly things that need repair,” she said.

To help maintain the Pride, she is working with new board member Lorri Ribbans to utilize the skills of Dauphin County Technical School students.

This year, Kim and her board’s plans for the Riverboat include a first-ever 5K “Float the Boat” walk and run for the Riverboat on Sunday, May 15. Sponsors, runners and walkers are still needed.

A popular veterans’ cruise will be held on May 30, over Memorial Day weekend, and is free to veterans.

Public cruises will resume in May, only on the weekends, said Melissa Snyder of Daza Development, who is aiding in the daily operations of the nonprofit.

In June, the Riverboat is expected to start full week and weekend public cruises. Starting in June, they also will have:

  • “Princess” and “Superhero” cruises for kids
  • River School on Saturday mornings
  • Murder mystery dinners
  • “Dinner on the River”
  • Wine on Wednesday
  • Jazz and other music cruises.

Still in the works are “Bourbon on the Boat” (bourbon tasting cruise) and “Trivia Tuesday.”

Popular country singer Garrett Shultz is on tap for a major fundraiser, Boat-toberfest, in October. A tribute to late board member, attorney Bill Cornell, is also planned.

Kim said that a leader can’t be afraid to ask for help, so she is. The riverboat needs welders, sponsors and donors.

When Kim was cleaning out her parents’ things, she found a Nick Ruggieri print of the riverboat, signed by Captain Jack and two other captains as a thank you for her father’s service.

The riverboat may still be buffeted by rough waters. However, that print reminds her that rocking the boat can keep them sailing smoothly up the Susquehanna for years to come.

The Pride of the Susquehanna sails from City Island, Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.hbgriverboat.org.

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Harrisburg nears end of rent relief program, has funds for a few more applicants

Harrisburg’s MLK City Government Center

During the pandemic, Harrisburg offered financial assistance to those behind on rent and utilities due to COVID.

The city’s rent relief program is finally nearing the end of its funding, but still has enough for a few more applicants.

According to Dennise Hill, director of the city’s Department of Building and Housing Development, Harrisburg has $60,000 left of its original $500,000 in federal funds. She encouraged those who may still be in need of financial assistance to apply. They have enough to help about 10 more applicants, she said.

“Now would be the time to apply,” Hill said. “We are here to help.”

Since Harrisburg first announced the rent relief program in Nov. 2020, about 175 applicants have received assistance, according to the city.

Dauphin County also disbursed rent relief funds for much of the pandemic, but has paused that program as much of the money has now been spent.

To apply for the rent relief program, contact Dennise Hill at (717)-255-6411.

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Harrisburg considers gun violence prevention strategy, prepares to disburse federal housing funds

Harrisburg City Council at Tuesday’s work session

At a work session on Tuesday, Harrisburg City Council addressed the recent spate of gun violence in the city, discussing a strategy that might offer help.

Council is considering a contract with the Research Foundation of the City University of New York, on behalf of the National Network for Safe Communities at John Jay College, for consulting services to study and combat group violence in Harrisburg.

“This is not the end all be all, but I think it’s an excellent start,” explained Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas Carter.

The organization would study Harrisburg’s street violence, provide a strategy plan and assist with implementation. They would also work on identifying members of violent groups, attempting to speak with them, providing resources to them and assisting those who may wish to get out of the group, according to police officials.

“It’s getting the community buy-in to tell the members we are not going to take this anymore,” said Adrienne Hoffman-Lewis, crime analyst for the police.

The $210,000 contract would be for a two-year period and funded through grant money from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. According to Hoffman-Lewis, it would take three to four months for the strategy to be implemented once the contract begins.

Some council members wondered whether the program would be effective.

“This sounds like it could be promising in some ways, but it also just sounds like a lot of information gathering,” said council member Ausha Green. “What are we going to do with it?”

Council will further discuss the resolution at their next work session.

In other news, annual federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will soon be allocated to local organizations, once voted on by council at the next legislative session.

Harrisburg will divvy up these Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program funds allocated from both the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years. During the pandemic, the federal Department of Building and Housing Development did not allot these funds due to the influx of CARES Act funding that they instead worked to distribute.

The following organizations are recipients of the 2020 and 2021 ESG funds:

  • Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness, $50,000
  • Christian Churches United, $100,000
  • Shalom House, $50,000
  • YWCA, $50,000

The following organizations are recipients of the 2020 CDBG funds:

  • Justice House of Hope, $84,728
  • LHACC, $45,000
  • PAIRWIN (Pennsylvania Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Network), $39,220
  • Salvation Army, $75,000
  • The Worship Academy, $50,000

Additionally, $244,031 will go towards debt service, $425,000 for public improvement/public facilities, $344,746 for housing programs, $200,000 for demolition and $75,000 for the Dauphin County Library System.

The following organizations are recipients of the 2021 CDBG funds:

  • Center for Employment Opportunities, $25,000
  • AJB Drug & Alcohol, $48,586
  • Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg, $35,000
  • The Rock Church, $100,000
  • Justice House of Hope, $15,272

Additionally, $240,000 will be used for debt service, $504,600 for public improvement/public facilities, $359,066 for housing programs and $218,000 for demolition.

The city will likely hold a workshop for potential applicants for the 2022 federal housing funds in mid-May, according to Dennise Hill, director of the Department of Building and Housing Development.

Also on Tuesday, council discussed a bill that would require Harrisburg Zoning Hearing Board and Planning Commission meetings to be recorded and shared publicly.

Currently, the meetings are documented by a court stenographer but transcriptions are not easily accessible and can be costly.

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Harrisburg asks residents, businesses to turn off lights at night to save migrating birds

Harrisburg’s MLK City Government Center

Harrisburg is asking residents to take a simple step to help solve a huge issue for migrating birds.

From now through May, the city, along with local bird advocates, are encouraging people to go lights-out at night to prevent bird collisions with buildings and windows.

“What we are asking is for businesses, municipalities and residents to turn off their lights from midnight to 6 a.m.,” explained Ali Bowling, president of the Appalachian Audubon Society.

Bowling explained that, during the night, as birds migrate back north for the season, interior and exterior lights can be very distracting, causing birds to crash into buildings.

According to the National Audubon Society, a national nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats, up to 1 billion birds die each year across the United States colliding with buildings and windows.

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams said that the city will participate in “Lights Out Harrisburg,” and she invites businesses and residents to do so, as well.

The state Department of General Services plans to turn off lights in 15 buildings in the Capitol Complex during this time, including spotlights on the Capitol dome and lights in the Keystone Building atrium. Strawberry Square will also participate.

“Turning down lights in our tallest buildings will not only protect countless birds, but also save energy and reduce carbon emissions,” said Jason Snyder, the department’s acting deputy secretary for property and asset management. “We’re pleased to partner on the Lights Out initiative and are committed to preserving the safe passage for our friends in the skies.”

Harrisburg will join over 30 cities nationwide for the Lights Out initiative.

In the fall, peak migration will occur between Aug. 15 and Nov. 15 as birds travel south.

“If we can resolve this issue with a simple fix, then why not do it?” Bowling said.

For more information about “Lights Out Harrisburg” or to pledge to participate, visit the Appalachian Audubon Society’s website.

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Youth Poetry Slam to give Harrisburg young people a positive outlet during recent violence

State Museum of Pennsylvania

Feeling the weight of recent violence in Harrisburg, Nathaniel Gadsden wanted to bring something uplifting to local youth during a difficult time.

On April 10, Gadsden’s organization, Writer’s Wordshop, will host a Youth Poetry Slam in downtown Harrisburg with the goal of providing an outlet for young people to express themselves.

“We’ve got to put our abilities to work to help young people,” he said. “We are hoping to inspire not only the writers, but also the community members.”

The event encourages youth from 4th to 12th grade to read an original work of poetry. Participants will be split up into three divisions according to age and compete to win cash prizes.

The poetry slam will take place at the State Museum of Pennsylvania, from 1 to 4 p.m. Entry is free, but registration is required for participating youth. There will also be vendors, music and door prize giveaways. Participants will receive a gift bag and there will be free book giveaways for children in attendance.

Gadsden reflected on his youth and how much poetry meant to him as a child, giving him a way to be heard. He hopes that it will do the same for students participating in the poetry slam.

“We want to see them using their voices for positive things,” he said. “A lot of young people have dealt with trauma. If we can get them to unpack that stuff in a positive way, we can make a difference in our community.”

Nicole Wilkerson, a co-organizer of the event, is also hoping to see youth recognize the value of poetry and writing and the ability it has to open doors to future career paths.

Gadsden is expecting to see many young people involved in the poetry slam, noting that students from local schools will likely be in attendance.

“We are hoping to inspire students just to write—period,” Gadsden said.

For more information, contact Nathaniel Gadsden at 717-608-2312 or [email protected]. To register for the Youth Poetry Slam, click here.

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Harrisburg breaks ground on Chutes and Ladders playground in Reservoir Park

Sign for the Chutes and Ladders playground coming to Reservoir Park

Harrisburg is finally putting shovel to dirt on a construction project to make Reservoir Park more enjoyable for residents.

On Monday, city officials broke ground on the Chutes and Ladders playground, which will replace outdated and underused equipment in the Allison Hill park.

“We all loved playing the Chutes and Ladders board game when we were younger, right?” Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams said at the ground breaking. “Soon, our children will get to live it and experience it. The work we are starting here today will lead to needed improvements for this entire park.”

The $1 million playground project has been in the works for years, but will finally begin to take shape this year. It is part of Harrisburg’s Reservoir Park Master Plan, which aims to increase traffic and interest in the 87-acre park.

Rendering of the Chutes and Ladder playground design

First, the city will replace existing playground equipment with new attractions. The playground will be based off of the popular board game, “Chutes and Ladders,” and will allow visitors to engage in a life-sized version. The city expects to complete the playground by August.

In a subsequent phase of construction, the city will create additional parking, add a “tot lot” playground for younger children, plant trees and increase walkways in the park.

The Chutes and Ladders playground was paid for with over $724,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, $250,000 from The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and just under $50,000 from the city’s general fund.

The city is currently applying for grants to help pay for the next phase of the project.

Harrisburg City Council recently voted to allow the city to apply for several park-related grants, including one with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ C2P2 Park Rehabilitation and Development Subprogram. If awarded, the funds would support phase two of the Reservoir Park project.

The city will also apply for a grant with DCNR to fund the development of a Harrisburg City Parks Master Plan. According to city officials, this would help create a vision for the city’s parks and assist with applying for future grants.

For more information on the city’s parks, visit their website.

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Road milling begins on 2nd Street, as the two-way conversion project proceeds

The milling process began on N. 2nd Street on Monday

Harrisburg is driving forward with a long-awaited project to transform N. 2nd Street from one-way to two-way traffic.

On Monday, construction workers and equipment took over a stretch of the street as they began milling the road—a major next step in the multi-year initiative.

The milling process, which includes removing the top layer of pavement from the road, will take about three weeks, according to the city. One or two lanes may be closed at portions of the road during construction. The road will remain one-way during the 2022 construction season, the city said in a statement.

Parking will be restricted on certain parts of N. 2nd Street on the following dates:

  • April 4: Right side, Forster Street to Hamilton Street
  • April 5: Left Side, Forster Street to Hamilton Street
  • April 6: Left side, Clinton Street to Woodbine Street
  • April 7: Right side, Clinton Street to Woodbine Street
  • April 8: Right side, Maclay Street to Radnor Street
  • April 11: Left side, Maclay Street to Radnor Street
  • April 12: Left side, Schuylkill Street to Division Street
  • April 13: Right side, Schuylkill Street to Division Street

“No parking” signs are posted. These parking restrictions are enforced from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The city ceremoniously broke ground on the two-way conversion project in May 2021, with the goal of making N. 2nd Street safer and more walkable. Since then, contractors have constructed many ADA-accessible ramps at intersections along the street to comply with PennDOT’s construction guidelines.

In addition to converting the street to two-way traffic, the plan calls for the construction of several roundabouts at intersections along the corridor and added pedestrian and bike-friendly elements.

The N. 2nd Street project is part of Harrisburg’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities and injuries by 2030.

For more information about the N. 2nd Street two-way conversion project, visit the city’s website.

 

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“Panchatantra Tales” to bring Indian dance, culture to the theater stage

Dancers in “Panchatantra Tales” at a rehearsal

Rachita Menon remembers reading the Panchatantra, a series of Indian fables, as a young girl.

Now, those childhood stories, that many Indian children like Menon grew up with, will become a stage production for the first time.

“Those stories always stuck with me,” she said. “I wanted to bring them to life.”

Menon’s Rasika School of Dance has collaborated with Gamut Theatre to create “Panchatantra Tales,” bringing Indian classical and folk dance to the stage in central PA. The show will run at Gamut Theatre for one weekend only, from April 8 to 10.

At her dance studio in Enola, Menon teaches the traditional south Indian dance style “Bharatanatyam.” She has always felt that this style of dance would be perfect for the stage, with its expressive hand gestures and beautiful dress, she said.

“We’ve seen this in bigger cities, but we haven’t seen something like this in central PA,” Menon explained.

The “Panchatantra Tales” was written by Sean Adams and is co-directed by Menon and Gamut’s Executive Director Melissa Nicholson. It is based on Indian stories that are comparable to “Aesop’s Fables.” The show is both comical and packed with meaning, touching on themes of kindness and respect, much like the original stories.

The show follows a noble king in ancient India who has three big problems: his children, the reckless and lazy royal princes. He fears for the future of his people, and thus consults with a wise guru, who teaches the young princes through animal stories and folk tales. These lessons are woven together to form the Panchatantra (“Five Treatises”). In the end, the princes will learn about dharma–the duties and virtues expected of us–and the importance of being part of a bigger picture.

Both students from Rasika School of Dance and actors from Gamut’s Young Acting Company will perform together in the show. Performers range in age from 6 to 18 years old.

“This is a big dream come true to me,” Menon said. “To promote this style of dance in a way that the global masses can relate to. It’s crossing boundaries.”

Audience members can expect to see lots of dancing, of course, but also singing, beautifully designed costumes, exciting fight choreography and classical Indian hand gestures. It’s a play that anyone of any age will enjoy, Menon said.

“It’s an experience that everyone should come watch,” Menon said. “It’s not something you’ve seen before.”

Gamut Theatre is located at 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. For more information about “Panchatantra Tales,” visit their website. Tickets for the show are still available, but selling fast, according to Menon. They can be purchased on Gamut’s website.

 

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Burg Review: Reflections, regrets in Theatre Harrisburg’s thoughtful, funny “Now and Then”

Theatre Harrisburg’s latest production, “Now and Then,” is a heartfelt romantic dramedy that challenges its characters’ decisions at critical crossroads, all within the confines of an Irish pub setting.

The play may be a locked-room piece set in a comfortable venue, yet the questions and potential scenarios posed are anything but. It’s a thought-provoking story about middle-aged people with regrets, and it’s a story about young people asking “Should I…?” about their futures.

Then when the liquor starts to flow, the conversation turns into a daring string of truth or dare questions: If you could travel back in time, what wisdom would you impart to your younger self? Where would you be if you turned left instead of right at that proverbial fork in the road? What would you change about your life if you had the opportunity? What if you lived your whole life, and you never figured out why you’re here? And because you’re drinking, there’s a desert island or a million dollars somewhere in the phrasing.

“Now and Then” is a newish play (2018) from playwright Sean Grennan, directed by Theatre Harrisburg’s Kelli Kauterman. Although the play likely isn’t familiar to you, the many themes that surface will feel like home. If you’re the type to lie awake at night, wincing or fantasizing about alternative endings for the embarrassing moments of your life, then this play will especially resonate with you.

Theatre Harrisburg’s Artistic and Production Director Kristi Ondo said, “‘Now and Then’ is about choices we make in life. It’s one of those plays that get people thinking and talking. I think audiences will like it and be surprised by it.”

It’s that word “surprise” that keeps this reviewer from fully unpacking the plot for you, dear readers.

But here’s the set-up: The year is 1981. Would-be musician/bartender Jamie (Mo Tanveer) is closing Mulligan’s Bar for the night. A mysterious older man (Craig Copas) wants to stay and drink for an hour, and he’s willing to pay Jamie and his girlfriend/waitress Abby (Sarah Pinter) $2,000 to hang out.

Jamie and Abby reluctantly indulge the stranger, sinking sideways into awkwardly deep conversations. The man seems unnervingly knowledgeable about and inappropriately engaged in the couple’s life decisions, making their once easy money decidedly uneasy. Then a fourth mystery character (Patty Cole) enters the eroding coziness of the bar, delivering hilariously vicious honesty that simultaneously hurt my heart and made me laugh.

All of the actors delivered excellent performances throughout, although revealing specifics (there were many) would surely spoil the surprise.

But I can tell you that, when the lights snapped off for intermission, I yelled, “NO!” probably a little too loudly. I would rather have sat in my fold-out chair with my urgently full bladder and empty candy wrappers than to even take a 15-minute break from the play.

Post-curtain, “Now and Then” inspired my plus-one and I to have a lively “third act”—intense examinations of different choices we might have made in life—all desert islands and million dollars aside.

I hope it inspires the same for you.

Now and Then runs through April 10 at the Krevsky Center, 513 Hurlock St., Harrisburg. For more information on show times and tickets, plus up-to-date COVID-19 protocol for attendance, visit www.theatreharrisburg.com/2021-2022-shows/now-and-then.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

Jamien Harvey, executive director of the Camp Curtin and East Shore YMCA, at the site of an affordable housing development project in Uptown.

Ready for spring? We sure are. This month’s home and garden issue of the TheBurg magazine features all the things, green and leafy, that spring brings. Look for the cover with lots of plants. and grab a copy of the April issue. And, of course, don’t miss out on this week’s local news, listed below.

Art in the Wild returns to Wildwood Park in April, celebrating its 10th anniversary. In our magazine story, get a behind-the-scenes look at the event that features art made of elements found in nature.

Bob’s Art Blog features a fun April Fools’ Day twist and showcases art happenings at The Millworks.

The Camp Curtin branch of the YMCA in Harrisburg began construction on an affordable housing project in Uptown, our online story reported. The development will include four single-family homes for low-income residents.

Church World Service hosted a night at the movies this week in celebration of the opening of its new Harrisburg office, our online story reported. The organization will provide services to refugees including case management, basic needs support and cultural orientation, among others.

The Dauphin County Library System kicked off National Library Week with the county commissioners reading to local students, our online story reported. Also this week, they are asking residents to participate in a connectivity survey.

Our editor discusses the newspaper industry and the importance of local news to a community, in his April Editor’s Note.

Five candidates will compete in the race for the redrawn 103rd House district, which may prove to be especially hot. To find out who will be included on the primary ballot in May, click here.

Harrisburg Havoc, the area’s new women’s tackle football team, will take the field for their first season on April 9, our reporting found. According to players, the team has provided a way for women to participate in a sport that they’ve largely been left out of.

Harrisburg will plant over 50 new trees in Allison Hill throughout April, our online story reported. The city is seeking volunteers to assist with the plantings.

John Wilsbach is central PA’s traffic guy, our magazine story reported. He updates central Pennsylvania commuters on traffic conditions multiple times each workday, mainly during rush hours, 52 weeks of the year.

The Ronald McDonald House in central PA provides a home for families with children receiving treatment at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. In our magazine story, read more about the services and care that the organization has given to over 1,000 families annually.

Rubicon will host a dinner to raise funds for the family of a Ukrainian staff member, among other relief efforts, our reporting found. The multi-course meal will feature traditional Ukrainian dishes.

Sara Bozich has weekend recommendations from concerts to beer trails and art outings. Click here to view them all.

Spring events are in full swing this month. See what’s happening in the Harrisburg area in April, here.

Trader Joe’s opened in Camp Hill on Thursday, our online story reported. Customers waited in a line that wrapped around the building on opening day.

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