NLR PROUD Summer 2024 Vol 7 No 2

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north little rock PROUD

We have many fun things to do this summer and projects are continuing all over our city! We will celebrate the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of the new Baptist Health Clinic in Rose City on July 10, hold a groundbreaking for the new Central Fire Station and open Funland in Burns Park. We have many groups working in our neighborhoods to beautify our city. I want to encourage you to get involved with your neighborhood association. I am so proud of our first responders: North Little Rock police officers, firefighters, emergency services and electric department employees do a great job serving and protecting. Thanks for allowing me to be your Mayor. I love North Little Rock and hope you enjoy your family and friends this summer.

Publisher: Mayor Terry C. Hartwick

Editor:

Caroline Jones, a sophomore at North Little Rock Center of Excellence, and Georgia King, an eighth grader at North Little Rock Middle School, are both ranked in the top spot for their respective age groups of 16 and 14 and under in the United States Tennis Association Arkansas District rankings. Caroline and Georgia are assets to the Burns Park Tennis Center.

Lieutenant Colonel Betty Anderson

During much of the 250 years that the United States has been a country, women were not allowed to join the military. This changed at the beginning of the 20th century when the Nurse Corp was created in the U.S. Army. Still, women were limited in what they could do in the Army. During WWII, around 350,000 women served, which included the Women’s Army Corp (WAC).

while completing her master’s degree. LTC Anderson began her illustrious military career in the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1996, with her first assignment as the Rear Area Security Officer at the 25th Support Detachment in North Little Rock. She continued to blaze trails throughout her career in the Arkansas Army National Guard as:

• Commander of the 216th Military Police Company, West Memphis, Arkansas

• Deployed to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri in support of “Operation Noble Eagle”

• The first female commander to deploy the 216th Military Police Guard Company to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in the history of the Arkansas Army National Guard in support of the global war on terrorism.

• Deployed with the 77th Aviation Brigade as an Equal Opportunity Advisor/ Deployable Sexual Assault Response Coordinator in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom Campaign

• Provost Marshal for the Institute Support Unit (ISU), Camp J.T. Robinson, Arkansas

• Selective Service Officer for Joint Force Headquarters Arkansas

In 1948, President Truman signed the Women’s Armed Service Integration Act. With this Act, women in the U.S. military became permanent in most branches. Since that time, women’s roles in the military have increased. In the Arkansas National Guard, women could not join until the 1960s, and it was not until the 1970s that their numbers began to increase. During the last three decades, the Arkansas National Guard commissioned its first female Major General and Command Sergeant Major, to include women with combat military occupational specialties (MOS) and more women have been promoted to command positions. But many women paved the way for these more recent accomplishments. Women Trailblazers: Groundbreaking History of their Service in the Arkansas National Guard, covers the women trailblazers in the Arkansas National Guard who dedicated their careers to the organization and continue to do so.

• Assistant Operations Officer for the 25th Support Center

• Equal Opportunity Advisor for 87th Troop Command

• Adjunct Faculty for Defense Equal Management Institute

• Deputy Commander of the Marksmanship Training Unit Brigade Headquarters, Camp J. T. Robinson, Arkansas

The City of North Little Rock is proud to recognize our very own, Betty Anderson who is featured in this book. Anderson is also featured in African American Pioneers: Untold Stories which was also produced by the Arkansas National Guard. Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Betty Anderson was the first female commander to deploy the 216th military police guard company in the Arkansas Army National Guard to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in support of the global war on terrorism.

LTC Betty Anderson is the Human Resource Director in the City of North Little Rock, a position she is well equipped. She began her military career in 1985 when she enlisted in the United States Army Reserve

In addition to holding a Master’s degree in Public Administration, LTC Anderson has completed a lengthy and impressive list of military education courses which all prepared her for the position she holds today in our city. For her outstanding service, LTC Anderson has been awarded:

• Meritorious Service Medal

• Army Commendation Medal

• Army Reserve Achievement Medal

• National Defense Service Medal

• Armed Forces Service Medal

• Meritorious Unit Commendation

• Army Service Ribbon

• Parachute Badge

• Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M’ Device

• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

• Afghanistan Campaign Medal

• Arkansas Service Ribbon

• Arkansas Federal Service Ribbon

• Arkansas Emergency Service Ribbon

Ms. Anderson began her civilian career in 1993 in Human Resources in Jacksonville. In order to gain experience, she went on to work for several other government agencies before landing in North Little Rock in 2001. Hired by former North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Henry Hays, as the Equal Opportunity/Fair Housing Director and in 2008; she was quickly promoted to Human Resources Director in our city. LTC Betty Anderson…a national treasure, part of the team leading North Little Rock to greatness!

Progress, continuing to grow

Baptist Health Clinic Rose City

We are excited to announce the Grand Opening of Baptist Health Clinic Rose City will be held on Wednesday, July 10 at 11:00am. The new, 6,400 square foot clinic is located at 4200 East Washington Avenue and is a partnership between Baptist Health and the City of North Little Rock. The $4.3 million clinic was designed by Taggart Architects and built by Alessi Keyes Construction.

Today's Power

The two solar projects are on schedule and both should be online by the end of 2024. The seven megawatts of generation should provide electricity to approximately 1,200 North Little Rock Electric customers. Thanks to Today’s Power for partnering with the City of North Little Rock to provide a dependable power source within the North Little Rock footprint that will benefit our city for years to come.

Ace Glass

Ace Glass, an Arkansas company, has almost completed the first phase of building a new manufacturing plant in North Little Rock. In partnership with EPIC Glass Recycling, a nonprofit organization based in Arkansas, and Plastics Recycling, Ace Glass is installing processing equipment to make culets from collected glass.

NEW FIRE STATIONS

Fire Station 11 (Blaze Drive)

The new Central Fire Station will be 22,000 square feet that will replace the existing location built in 1962. The new station will be funded by the half cent sales tax passed by North Little Rock voters in 2022. It will be located at the intersection of 13th and Main Streets in North Little Rock which is the site of the old Clendenin school.

One Tennis Academy at Burns Park

Burns Park Tennis Center’s One Tennis Academy is the training ground for two North Little Rock residents who have both achieved rankings of #1 in the state. Caroline Jones, a sophomore at North Little Rock Center of Excellence, and Georgia King, an eighth grader at North Little Rock Middle School, are both ranked in the top spot for their respective age groups of 16 and 14 and under in the United States Tennis Association Arkansas District rankings. Jones is a two-time undefeated 6A Central Conference Champion and a finalist at the 6A State and State Overall tournaments. King has played on the North Little Rock Middle School tennis team for the last four years and in the fall of 2024 will team up with Jones for North Little Rock High School as they seek their first state title for girls' Tennis since 1992. We are proud of what these girls have accomplished.

One Tennis Academy at Burns Park Tennis Center is a high-performance academy that trains many of the top ranked players who come from all parts of the state to practice under the direction of coaches Thomas Anderson and Daniel Cornelison. In addition

to the high-performance academy, Burns Park also has a developmental junior tennis academy to develop players of all ages and levels. The Progressive Junior Tennis Academy starts as early as kindergarten and goes through high school age players. Group and private lessons for adults are also available. If you would like more information about the tennis programs at Burns Park, call 501-791-8585 or email Daniel Cornelison at dcornelison@nlr.ar.gov.

Caroline Jones
Georgia King

Central Arkansas Heart Walk draws crowds in NLR

The 2024 Central Arkansas Heart Walk drew about 1,200 people to North Shore Riverwalk Park the morning of April 27, raising about $200,000 for the Central Arkansas American Heart Association. Adult survivors were given red or white American Heart Association ball caps, and child survivors wore capes. Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield raised the most funds, followed by Dillard’s and the Friday, Eldredge & Clark LLP law firm. Alice 107.7’s Pool Boy and Heather were emcees. For 100 years, the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy public policies in communities across the country. These bold moves are fueled by the association’s mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives.

The North Little Rock Animal Shelter Addition and Renovation

The current shelter, built in 1961, is located at 1 Championship Drive in Burns Park. The addition/renovation project will add 900 square feet to the existing structure, and provide two entrances, one for animal control and shelter and another entrance for animal adoptions.

The animal adoption area will include a party room which can be rented. The entire facility will see new flooring and fresh paint. Estimated completion date for the project is November 2024.

On Saturday, March 30th Amboy neighbors gathered at First Freewill Baptist Church for Rebuilding Amboy: a day of reflection, healing and reconstruction after the 2023 tornado. Amboy Neighborhood Association

President, Samantha Floyd and First Freewill Pastor Mark Stripling welcomed more than 300 neighbors where they enjoyed Boar’s Head hot dogs, homemade snacks, games, gardeners, a bounce house, a visit from MEMS, North Little Rock Fire and Police officers and the Easter Bunny! This was an opportunity for neighbors to continue to rebuild and be better neighbors

OUR community Rebuilding Amboy

Amboy Neighborhood Association board members, Adam Tindall, Director NLR Animal Shelter, and Courtney Jones assist the BOAR’S HEAD team at the Rebuilding Amboy event.

Mayor Hartwick was recently awarded the Jim Hinson Spirit of Giving award by Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled (AEDD). This award was given for his continued support of AEDD and lifelong service to the people, businesses and organizations in the community who benefit from his dedication and hard work to ensure the City of North Little Rock remains a prosperous, safe and beautiful place to live. Mayor Hartwick is pictured with Debbie Grooms, the Director of Development at AEDD.

North Little Rock

Council member

is pictured with Kevin and Nita Danaher, members of The Wildcat Foundation, during the 21st Annual Wildcat Foundation Golf Tournament, Becky Witcher Scramble held at Burns Park.

Former
City
Murry Witcher (middle)
Jane Shelton (left) and Clara Harlan (right) from First Freewill Baptist Church are pictured at the Rebuilding Amboy event.

Volunteers work to beautify NLR

Seis Puentes Open House

Seis Puentes is a project of Butterfly Community Ministries, which has been serving underserved communities for 20+ years. In February of 2012, Butterfly Community formally launched its new project, Seis Puentes Hispanic Outreach, and opened the Seis Puentes Education and Resource Center in Levy on Camp Robinson Road. In partnership with various strategic partners, Seis Puentes offers Adult Education classes including GED, WAGE, ESL, basic computer skills, job training, and distance learning. Their Hispanic outreach includes informational seminars, art workshops, and cultural enrichment opportunities. If you would like to become involved with Seis Puentes, please email Raul Fernandez at raul@ seispuentes.org

Thanks to all of volunteers in our city that participated in the North Little Rock Clean-up last month! Your efforts are so appreciated and needed to keep our city beautiful. A special thanks to Randy Naylor and Ruby Brown for their leadership throughout the year in our city with all clean-up efforts.

Summer in North Little Rock (LOTS TO DO)

The 2024 Pulaski County Fair was a great success this year: carnival on the midway, thrilling rides, entertaining games, a petting zoo, novelty vendors, mouth-watering food, live music, a new BMX sporting feature, a new beer garden, all on the banks of the Arkansas River. Mark your calendar to attend in May 2025.

Door-to-Door Sales

The City of North Little Rock requires all persons going door-to-door selling a product or service to obtain a permit. If someone comes to your door selling a product and is unable to produce a North Little Rock city-issued photo identification, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, please call the City Clerk’s Office at 501-975-8617. If it is after hours or on the weekend, please call the North Little Rock Police Department nonemergency number at 501-758-1234.

Applicants for a permit must fill out an application provided by the city, provide an Arkansas State Police background check, Surety Bond in the applicant’s name, no less than $1,000, passport size photo, $6

administration fee and $75 Business/ Privilege License fee. Once issued, permits are good for 90 days. Any person found going door-to-door without the proper photo identification issued by the North Little Rock City Clerk will be subject to a citation and court appearance.

The City of North Little Rock requires ALL persons doing business in the city to obtain a City Business/Privilege License as well. Businesses include food trucks, brick and mortar, door-to-door flyers, lawn care, tree trimmers, financial sales, etc.

Please call the City Clerk’s Office at 501975-8617 with any licensing questions.

MayorHartwick is pictured with Brother Paul Holderfield from Friendly Chapel. Brother Paul is always there to encourage and support everyone in our city.

North Little Rock Public Library System’s

2024 Summer Library Adventure!

The NLR Libraries’ Summer Library Adventure is open to all ages. This year ' s theme is all about exploration! Track your journey with our adventure map, collect stickers, and earn badges by reading, visiting museums, watching films, creating art, cooking, and more! Sign up in person or by phone starting June 3 to receive limited-edition totes and bottles upon registration

Summer Library Adventure Kick-Off!

Saturday, June 8 | 10 AM to 2 PM at Argenta Plaza

Bring the whole family to enjoy performances, games, giveaways, food, and more This year we are celebrating the adventures we can find all around us Together with many local organizations and businesses, you can explore all that Central Arkansas has to offer Discover native animals, learn how to care for our environment, meet some new furry friends, watch musical and dance performances, and start your summer off right! Register for Summer Library Adventure and get a free tote, water bottle, and adventure map for all your library adventures Supplies are limited

All Aboard for Adventure!

Model Trains at Laman Library

Friday, June 7 & Saturday, June 8 | 9 AM to 5 PM

The Crooked Rails Model Train Club will be with us to help kick off Summer Library Adventure 2024!

Bridge

2 Success Summer Free Food Programs

Argenta Library:

From June 3 to August 14, all ages can pick up a

free breakfast from 9:30 to 10:30 AM and a free lunch from 12 to 1 PM.

aman Library:

From June 3 to July 31, ages 2 to 18 can pick up a free lunch from 12 to 1 PM.

Featured Kids’ Summer Library Adventure Events:

June 5 - Cooking with Kids at 1 PM at Laman

June 10 - Tommy Terrific at 10 AM at Laman

June 11 - Arkansas Circus Arts at 10 AM at Laman

June 18 - Campfire Stories with Craig O’Neill at 10 AM at Laman

June 25 - Momandpop at 10 AM at Laman

June 26 - Marty Boone Balloon Man at 11 AM at Argenta

June 27 - Family Book Club at 4 PM at Laman

July 10 - Singing Stories with Singer Chana Caylor at 10 AM at Laman

July 10 - Aaron Acosta Magic Show at 11 AM at Argenta

July 22 - Family Book Club: Meet the Illustrator at 4 PM at Laman

July 24 - Spinning in the Wind with Dancer Kathleen Marlemeanu at 10 AM at Laman

July 24 - Mr Mac’s Learning and Arts Center at 11 AM at Argenta

Register here.

Camp Laman

June 10-13 @ 1 PM & July 22-25 @ 11 AM

Avoid the " summer slide" by picking one of our two awesome sessions for your kiddo to enjoy we want everyone to join the fun! While they're busy, guardians can explore options at Laman Adults and The Studio @ Laman

We'll keep the snacks and drinks flowing, plus a cool prize for program completion Don't forget their water bottle for refills! First eight in each age group snag their preferred session, confirmed by May 31. If you don’t receive a confirmation email by May 31, you ' re on the waitlist.

For the little ones, there's Kindergarten Camp (Ages 4-5) to prep for school. Reading Camp (Ages 6-8) is perfect for book lovers, and Tween Society (Ages 9-12) introduces them to arts and culture.

North Little Rock Public Library System Community Cleanup

with Keep North Little Rock Beautiful at Emerald Park

Saturday, July 13 from 8 AM to 11 AM

Help NLR Public Libraries and Keep NLR Beautiful clean up Emerald Park. Don't forget to get your badge for your summer adventure map! Then meet back at Laman Library at 11 AM for a pizza party! All supplies will be provided, including water, but bring your NLRPLS Summer Adventure water bottle if you want!

So Long Summer Library Adventure!

End of Summer Party

Thursday, July 25 | 4 to 6:30 PM at Laman Library

Come wrap up our summer fun with a classic backyard party at Laman Library! Lawn games, water inflatables, snacks, and more are waiting for you! Winding through the Laman Plaza, main entrance, and lecture hall of Laman Library we ' ve set up all kinds of classic backyard party games There should be something for everyone at this bash, and we can't wait to see you there

Scan the QR code to explore our events calendar for

Laman Library

(501) 758-1720

2801 Orange Street

North Little Rock, AR 72114

Monday - Thursday: 9 AM - 7 PM

Friday - Saturday: 9 AM - 1 PM

Argenta Library

(501) 687-1061

420 Main Street

North Little Rock, AR 72114

Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 6 PM

Community Gardens

The North Little Rock Community Garden Program continues to provide soil, mulch, seeds and on-site technical assistance to participating gardens and urban farms within the city. Our gardeners had a successful early season growing greens and are transitioning to our beloved summer crops; tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, okra and much more! In early April, we offered a public community gleaning opportunity at the Baring Cross Community Garden at 1400 Crutcher Street. This activity was part of a larger event, the Mental Health and Nutrition 5K, hosted by ACTS Ministries in North Little Rock. This site is home to six, high-tunnels, raised beds, several beehives, and much more! Our garden technician, Jeff Titus, led hundreds of volunteers through a garden tour and harvest workshop where participants walked away with bags full of leafy greens. We harvested over 200 pounds of kale, collards, mustards, spinach, lettuce, and more!

We celebrated the “Bee-Friendly Beekeeper” graduation of students from Ms. Xiomara’s STEAM class at Boone Park Elementary. Lauren Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of Calm & Confidence, a Central Arkansas based beekeeping organization, spent the school year teaching students all about bee behavior, beekeeping, and hive inspections. This new generation of beekeepers are tasked with training the next year of students all about the bees!

North Little Rock Public Safety Awards

The 2024 North Little Rock Public Safety Awards ceremony was held recently to recognize the outstanding job our first responders do in our city. Thanks to the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce and many amazing sponsors for making this possible to recognize our police, fire and 911 workers.

NORTH LITTLE ROCK POLICE DEPARTMENT

Chief’s Award: Officer First Class Mark Wright

Leadership Award: Sergeant Philip Evans

Life Saving Award: Officer Roderick Quinn, Detective Michael Gibbons, Detective Cody Brown & Officer Alex Baker

Team Achievement Award: NLRPD Training Unit

NORTH LITTLE ROCK FIRE DEPARTMENT

Chief’s Award: Lieutenant Mathew Kolb

Firefighter of the Year: Lieutenant Mike Davis (pictured)

Apprenticeship Firefighter of the Year: Firefighter Kyle Myers & Firefighter Adam Hoffman

CHI ST. VINCENT SPECIAL AWARD PRESENTATION Act of Human Kindness Award: Officer First Class Shay Cobbs

NORTH LITTLE ROCK EMERGENCY SERVICES

Directors Award: Bud Gray, Deputy Director (pictured)

Merit Award: Karen Rollins, Public Safety Administrative Coordinator

Team Achievement Award: Emergency Services Communications Training Officers

TAirshow coming in October

he North Little Rock Airshow is coming to the North Little Rock Municipal Airport at 8200 Remount Road on Friday night, October 11 and Saturday, October 12. The airshow will feature award winning aerial performances by the Slayer Jet Car, Nexgen Eagles, Mini Jet, Bulldog Flight Formation Team, and many more! There will also be static aircraft displays, a car show by All ‘Bout Carz, and a FREE kids zone with inflatables and STEAM activities. Options to ride in helicopters, monster trucks, and Lamborghinis are going to give attendees a chance to be a part of the action! Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chair or purchase reserved seating up front at the show center. For more information about the event visit: https://nlrairshow.com

Mayor’s Summer Youth Program

Participants accepted in the Mayor’s Summer Youth Program began working in the city this month. Participants will work up to 352 hours during the program this summer. Job-related tests, interviews or other types of selection methods were used to determine whether an applicant possesses the required knowledge, skill and ability. Applications are accepted from North Little Rock residents between 16-24 years old annually in April.

North Little Rock Contact Information

Mayor Terry C. Hartwick

City Clerk/Treasurer Diane Whitbey

City Attorney Amy Fields

Judge (Traffic) Judge Randy Morley

Judge (Criminal/Civil) Judge Paula Juels Jones

Chief of Staff Mike Davis

City Council

Ward 1 Council Member Nathan Hamilton

Ward 1 Council MemberDebi Ross

Ward 2 Council Member Linda Robinson

Ward 2 Council Member Maurice Taylor

501-975-8601 mayor@nlr.ar.gov

501-975-8617 cityclerkoffice@nlr.ar.gov

501-975-3755 nlrlegal@nlr.ar.gov

501-791-8562 melinda.johnson@nlrpolice.org

501-791-8559 janet.hill@nlrpolice.org

501-975-8601 mdavis@nlr.ar.gov

501-952-7679 nhamilton@nlr.ar.gov

501-753-0733 dross@nlr.ar.gov

501-945-8820 lrobinson@nlr.ar.gov

501-690-6444 mtaylor@nlr.ar.gov

Ward 3 Council Member Steve Baxter 501-804-0928 sbaxter@nlr.ar.gov

Ward 3 Council Member Ron Harris

Ward 4 Council Member Vince Insalaco III

Ward 4 Council Member Charlie Hight

Departments

Airport Virginia Young

Animal Control Adam Tindall

Code Enforcement Felecia McHenry

Communications Shara Hutchcraft

Community Development Bailey Noland

Construction & Building Services Mary Beth Bowman

Economic Development Colleen Bailey

Electric Ryan Wilson

Emergency ServicesKim Francisco

Engineering David Cook

External Affairs Margaret Powell

Finance Ember Strange

Fire Gerald Tucker

Fit2Live Betty Anderson

Health Lucille Rose

History Commission Sandra Taylor-Smith

Human Resources Betty Anderson

Public Library SystemCrystal Gates

Mayor's Youth Council Jan Scholl

Neighborhood Services & Community Gardens Dan Scott

Parks & Recreation Kenny Stephens

Planning Shawn Spencer

Police Patrick Thessing

Safety Kenny Stephens

Sanitation Condo Breedlove

Special Projects Dr. Arnessa Bennett

Traffic Kenny Stephens

Tourism Karen Trevino

Patrick Henry Hays Senior Center Dustin Free

Street Patrick Lane

Unsheltered Community Officer Shana Cobbs

Vehicle Maintenance Kenny Brock

Volunteer Services Angela Wirt

501-758-2877 ronharris@nlr.ar.gov

501-951-0786 vinsalaco@nlr.ar.gov

501-944-0670 chight@nlr.ar.gov

501-835-5654 vyoung@nlr.ar.gov

501-791-8577 animalservices@nlr.ar.gov

501-791-8581 codedirector@nlr.ar.gov

501-975-8833 shutchcraft@nlr.ar.gov

501-340-5342 bnoland@nlr.ar.gov

501-690-9657 mbowman@nlr.ar.gov

501-442-5329 cbailey@nlr.ar.gov

501-975-8888 custserv@nlr.ar.gov

501-340-5365 emergencyservices@nlr.ar.gov

501-371-8339 dcook@nlr.ar.gov

501-975-8605 mpowell@nlr.ar.gov

501-975-8802 nlrfinance@nlr.ar.gov

501-340-5385 nlrfd@nlr.ar.gov

501-975-8855 banderson@nlr.ar.gov

501-791-8551 lucille.rose@arkansas.gov

501-371-0755 nlrhistory@comcast.net

501-975-8855 banderson@nlr.ar.gov

501-758-1720 crystal.gates@lamanlibrary.org

501-951-0866 nlrmyc22@aol.com

501-791-8500 nlrneighborhoodserv@nlr.ar.gov

501-791-853 8 kastephens@nlr.ar.gov

501-975-8835 sspencer@nlr.ar.gov

501-771-7102 nlrpd@nlrpolice.org

501-371-8337 safety1@nlr.ar.gov

501-371-8340 nlrsanitation@nlr.ar.gov

501-975-3737 abennett@nlr.ar.gov

501-340-5352 traffic@nlr.ar.gov

501-404-0319 karen@northlittlerock.org

501-366-3289 dfree@nlr.ar.gov

501-340-5355 nlrstreet@nlr.ar.gov

501-975-8780 nlrunsheltered@nlr.ar.gov

501-340-5371 nlrgarage@nlr.ar.gov

501-975-4297 awirt@nlr.ar.gov

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