Norfolk Hub Magazine, March 2017

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MARCH 2017 Volume 5 Issue 3

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Our Future Is

NOW.

For the last five years Ross Keegan, Mike McArthur and I have been getting together and discussing the best way to lay the groundwork on a new multi-use facility that would meet the needs of all the folks of Norfolk County.

Our work continued. We needed to look at a lot of different scenarios and possible funding models, which involved all three levels of government and community fundraising.

It all started when Ross, Mike and I had the idea that perhaps it was time our county had a new pool. We had just finished an exhausting journey which had lead us to the door of Senator Finley one late autumn day back in 2012.

Nearly five years later, we hope the stars are aligning and Norfolk residents are ready to speak out and advocate for our community. We deserve and are ready for a quality facility.

Our question to the late Senator was this, “Can we find a way to get a new pool?” The answer from the Senator was simple, he told us to think bigger and involve the community as a whole. We needed to think CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE; an all-encompassing facility for sports, culture and organizations; for youth to seniors, for all. It was pretty heady stuff, but it made sense, don’t limit ourselves, be leaders for the province.

For too long the good folks of Norfolk have watched other counties commit to investing in the health and wellness of those in their communities.

Mike, Ross and I left Ottawa convinced we needed to start working on just such a project. Our mandate was clear, to create a facility that encompasses an environment of wellness, fitness and health for all ages and abilities, to promote positive growth within every aspect of our community for future generations.

Hence began the process of talking to folks who would have an impact on and believe in the vision. Mike Fredericks, one of the first people we chatted with, shared our vision. Next up was the late John Race, “Mr. Norfolk” who threw his support behind the project, undertaking his own due diligence to make sure we were on the right track. John Hastie, having a wealth of knowledge, joined as well in an advisory capacity.

Our time has come! Too many of us are aging with absolutely nothing here to help keep our fitness levels where they should be. Our kids and grandkids need a centre locally where they can thrive and excel… they deserve the opportunity!

Our pool is grossly outdated and is a white elephant for tax dollars. Our senior centre in Simcoe is falling apart.

We have no indoor track or anything for off-season training in soccer, baseball or rugby. Kids and adults constantly leave our community to practice in Brantford and surrounding areas.

I say to you now, IT’S OUR TIME! Call our mayor and councillors and tell them we deserve better! https://norfolkcounty.wixsite.com/communitycomplex - Dave Scott

Many more followed and we could clearly see Norfolk was ready to embrace the idea. A meeting was held with presidents of local sports organizations from around the county. This gathering indicated to us that it was time to start making inroads for a facility that would provide the opportunity for future health and well being of all residents of Norfolk.

The process so far has included meeting with other communities who have built similar facilities. Taking tours and listening to what roadblocks they faced and how they overcame them. Wilmot was an excellent example and the cooperation from their county staff was excellent. The day we left Wilmot, we were more determined than ever. The local councillor who attended with us was very impressed with the facility and the tax savings that were being enjoyed by their community. Oh, did I mention their swimming lessons increased 200%?

Hmmm.

Norfolk Hub, The Magazine 23 Market Street, Unit #9, Box 1501 Port Dover ON N0A 1N0 Phone: (519) 429-2567 Publishers: Dave & Monica Scott editor@norfolkhub.ca www.norfolkhub.ca Any reproduction of this publication without permission is prohibited. Opinions and comments within this publication are those of the writers and not necessarily that of Sports Norfolk or the Norfolk Hub.

IN THE

LONG

RUN

By CHARLIE UPSHALL

AROUND THE BAY MY BRUSH WITH INFAMY

For runners, the Around The Bay 30k road race is a rite of Spring.

We ramp up our training through the dark winter months, resolutely building our fitness for this iconic race in Hamilton, generally held at the end of March. It has been this way for a very long time. I first ran Around The Bay in 1978. The event itself originated in 1894, making it now the oldest road race in North America, pre-dating the Boston Marathon by two years. It established Hamilton as a focal area for long-distance running and, even in its early years, thousands of people would line the route to cheer for the runners. The route has been altered many times, but its essence, a circling around Burlington Bay has remained the same for over 120 years.

Early this year I became aware of an article in the Hamilton Spectator from March 26, 2015. In the article, the long-time race director, Mike Zajczenko, is asked to cite which edition of the race was the most memorable. In so doing, he recalls my small place in the history of this great race. I will say that, although he views it as memorable, he likely did not view it as pleasant at the time.

The date was March 31, 1996 and part of the newspaper story is as follows: That was the afternoon that the still unidentified captain of the Great Lakes ship, in its fourth day of voyage and carrying a load of coal to Dofasco, Inc. ordered the operator of the Beach Strip lift bridge to raise the structure, delaying 365 runners for 17 minutes.

Fifty-seven runners made it across the bridge before the Canadian Transport captain ordered the bridge to be raised at 12:30 p.m. That left a delay for the 365, which were among the elite runners. The rest of the field – more than 2,500 – weren’t affected since the ship had passed through by the time they reached the bridge.

For shivering runners delayed by the ship, watching their bids for personal best times vanish in the wake of the freighter, it may as well have been 17 hours.

After Hamilton police advised them they were looking at a 30 minute delay, Georgetown runners Jim Clarke and Charlie Upshall decided to retrace their steps since they were already at the halfway mark. Hundreds followed, throwing the event into chaos.

“As soon as two people do, everyone follows,” race committee member Grady Stephens said.

The returning runners ran on the other side of the roads, which weren’t closed. They effectively ran into traffic, causing 911 calls galore.

“Our saving grace was a policeman drove up and told us what was happening,” Zajczenko’s wife Shelley, a member of the race committee then and now recalled. “We were able to think about what we were going to do with them.”

“What was even worse,” continued Zajczenko, who was a race volunteer at the time, “the other runners who continued to race once the boat went through, they were starting to finish. They were starting to finish this way as all the other runners were coming back the other way. We ended up disqualifying everyone who turned around.”

“And even bad news is good news. Because now you have people saying “I ran in 1996 when that bridge went up.” And most people say it’s pretty cool that it happened.”

“And when you look at it, only 300 or so turned around out of 3,000 runners. So it wasn’t a disaster,” Zajczenko said.

I was talking with my friend Jim Clarke recently and he happened to bring up the incident so we had a good chat and laugh about it.

He recalls that it was his idea for us to turn around, and I’m fine with that. We had decided to run together that day in an effort to break the elusive two hour barrier. We arrived at the bridge just as the police decided to stop runners, as it was about to be raised. We had easily reached the bridge in under one hour and were both feeling strong.

Neither of us wanted to stand around in the cold throughout a long delay. I immediately agreed with Jim’s idea and we took off retracing the route, not thinking in the least about any consequences.

My clearest recollection is of all the confused looks on the faces of runners still coming toward the bridge as we were heading back toward the centre of Hamilton. They saw all these runners coming toward them while they were not aware that the bridge had been lifted or that the race had been disrupted. They had no idea what was going on.

Somehow, Jim and I ended up being interviewed by a reporter at the end of the race. I joked to Jim that we might end up being banned for life. However, in fact, we were treated very nicely, even though we were disqualified and thus not eligible for age group awards. All those who had turned around and completed the race in reverse were given race medals after we came through a hastily put together alternate finishing chute. I thought that was quite fair.

Around The Bay 1996 was literally a crazy turn of events. It is now a fond memory.

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There have been delays due to the weather the last few years and construction last year.

Tony also said that they will remain open a week longer this season to take into account Friday the 13th which falls in October.

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­LYME EDUCATION… Learning the Hard Way! As you age in life, one thing becomes abundantly clear, not all things are as they appear! In our quest to solve issues of the day, perspectives change. We may become even more confused as we search for answers. Sometimes we find answers we wish we didn’t. More often than not, if you go digging on a topic, sooner or later it will scare the pants off you.

I went searching to learn more about Lyme disease and what I found should cause all of us in Norfolk to take action.

What gives? In an area like ours, which is one of, if not the most, tick infested areas in North America, chronic Lyme disease is not recognized.

Hear me out on this…

So lets say your child comes in contact with a tick possibly carrying Lyme. The test is done and comes back negative; you think, thank goodness! Unfortunately you find out later that the test done in Canada is only right 50% of the time!

A year or two passes and suddenly your child is constantly fatigued.

Complains of foggy brain, aching joints. You go back to see the doctor and you’re told that it may be a flu bug! Again, you trust your doctor. The symptoms continue to worsen, so specialists are called in. You say, perhaps another Lyme test? The doctor tells you no, not Lyme (the doctor perhaps forgets to mention that Ontario doesn’t recognize chronic Lyme disease).

Perhaps you spend the money and have a U.S. lab do a blood test, which is a lot more accurate and recommended by the Canadian Lyme Foundation. You know, just to double check. Now, suppose it came back positive, that your child was carrying the bacteria which causes Lyme. Hmmm.

This scenario is playing itself out all over our country right now and I can tell you, it is happening regularly here in Norfolk County.

When this situation happened to a member of our family I found myself asking a lot of questions. I was surprised to find that information began to spill out from many different sources in our community. Folks began telling me about friends with Lyme. I was put in touch with people who were travelling to New York for treatment.

Before I get too far ahead of myself, check out these facts about Lyme from the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation (CanLyme.com).

MYTH: Lyme-infected ticks only live in rural parts of Canada.

TRUTH: Lyme disease is present in most of Canada. Although Lyme infection is more common in rural areas, residents that live in urban areas are also at risk for infection. It is the migratory birds, robins and song sparrows etc. that bring this disease in each season.

MYTH: Chronic Lyme disease will go away on its own over time.

TRUTH: There is no evidence to suggest Lyme disease clears the body without treatment. In fact, the opposite research exists.

MYTH: You can’t contract Lyme disease in the winter.

TRUTH: An average Deer Tick lives for two years and can survive in very cold climates. Although infection rates drop in the winter – primarily because people spend less time outdoors - it’s still possible to contract Lyme.

MYTH: All Lyme victims develop a “bull’s eye” rash.

TRUTH: Although rashes are fairly common, only 30% of Lyme patients report experiencing a rash, and only 9% develop the classic “bull’s eye” rash.

MYTH: There’s no reason to treat chronic Lyme disease since people don’t get much better.

TRUTH: Nothing could be farther from the truth. Most people can return to work and carry on with few limitations on their lifestyle. Lyme disease remains one of the most treatable of chronic illnesses.

MYTH: I was tested for Lyme disease at the provincial lab and the results were negative. I guess that means I can’t have Lyme.

TRUTH: Actually, that’s untrue. Evidence suggests that Canada’s Lyme testing methods are flawed. False negative test results are common, especially in the early stages of Lyme. It takes time for antibodies to develop, so early tests often miss the bacteria. Contrary to bureaucratic statements, late stage Lyme disease antibody testing is much less accurate.

MYTH: Lyme disease testing has a ‘gold standard’ in Canada.

TRUTH: There is no universally accepted test for Lyme disease. Every lab test has its advantages and disadvantages, but overall Lyme tests in Canada are largely flawed. Other labs recommended by CanLyme are all certified and accredited, run by PH.D’s who simply refuse to follow flawed testing protocol. Canada has

no mechanism for better testing due to bureaucratic controls that are influenced by for-profit players, and not victims and their experts.

Lyme is known for antigenic shifting, so antibody testing isn’t always effective.

PCR tissue and fluids tests are available for various tissue. A positive PCR is highly accurate. A negative PCR only tells the scientist that they did not find evidence in that sample. Another sample from the same patient from a different location may be positive.

MYTH: If the patient doesn’t look sick, they can’t have Lyme disease.

TRUTH: As with other illnesses, it’s possible to be very ill and outwardly look fine.

Very low energy levels, neurologic and brain dysfunction don’t often change a person’s appearance. Family and friends are sometimes hard on victims simply because they don’t look sick.

MYTH: Lyme disease is the ‘disease du jour’.

TRUTH: Not true. Lyme is a serious illness and ignoring this endemic issue will lead to more chronic illness with all the emotional and economic costs involved.

MYTH: Lyme advocates are ‘anti-science’.

TRUTH: Lyme researchers are advocating for a more complete, open and transparent examination of the illness, and a continued re-evaluation of guidelines as new evidence comes forward. Evidence is abundant that the status quo is harmful.

So I have to ask why are so many Canadian doctors afraid to treat Lyme or chronic Lyme. The following information is again from the Canadian Lyme Foundation: All Canadian doctors who are vocal about treating chronic Lyme have been shut down, says Jim Wilson, president of the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation.

“But you’ll never find they’ve been shut down because of Lyme, specifically.”

Ernie Murakami, a physician based in Hope, B.C., who treated more than 6,000 people for Lyme directly and with other doctors, relinquished his medical licence in 2008 after what he calls “constant harassment and investigation” by the B.C. College of Physicians and Surgeons. Murakami, who now runs a foundation, lectures and directs patients to doctors willing to treat, doesn’t understand the resistance: “When it comes to chronic Lyme, there is pathological denial.”

The U.S., which has reported on Lyme incidence since 1991, has shown greater willingness to research and treat the disease (though doctors there have been disciplined). Seven U.S. states now permit doctors to treat Lyme with long-term antibiotics. A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study reported that Lyme is far more prevalent than thought: 300,000 Americans are diagnosed each year—10 times higher than reported—making it a “tremendous public health problem.” The U.S. government earmarked funds in its last budget to research Lyme, with focus on “long-term complications” and developing “sensitive and more accurate” tests.

Similar urgency is not evident in Canada, where public health officials speak as if the bacteria and the vectors that spread it respect national borders. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reports 833 cases since reporting began in 2009. CanLyme’s Wilson says incidence is “seriously under-reported,” noting his organization gets 3,000 new inquiries a year.

Lyme, dubbed “the great pretender,” mimics other conditions for which there is no known cause or cure, including fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, dementia, lupus, bipolar disorder and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. Many patients came to Murakami diagnosed with other conditions, he says, adding that 21 were in wheelchairs, which they no longer needed after treatment.

Okay so you have a better understanding of what Lyme is, now lets go one step beyond and look at what information is out there about the future of Lyme.

A recent study by the Public Health Agency of Canada and published in the Journal of Applied Technology indicated the speed of tick invasion in eastern Canada is predicted to increase from 18% in 2010 to over 80% by 2020. We strongly believe this will likely result in a substantial increase in Lyme disease among Canadians. The two major factors dramatically influencing this rate of speed are more migratory birds carrying ticks coming across Canadian borders and climate warming.

The information we provided today is just a small piece to a bigger picture.

We encourage folks to continue to read and educate themselves on chronic Lyme disease.

JOY

BAKING

set to start timing and officiating. These folks love to help out.

There were a few more volunteers upstairs and I wandered up to see what was going on. That is when I met Chef Pam Donaldson. She was standing behind a table of amazing baked goods that she and team parents prepared and donated.

The joy at a Special Olympics swim meet is truly incredible.

It is always an honour to be invited to do a story. Once again, the athletes did not disappoint.

I arrived just in time to hear the Athlete’s Oath and began taking photos as the sun splashed through the windows and onto the water. Over 100 swimmers from ten different teams had begun their preparation for their races that day. Coaches were encouraging their teams and volunteers were setting up in their positions. Smiles were everywhere and very infectious!

The upper level of the pool was lined with fans ready to cheer on their teams. The athletes themselves were hollering and clapping, encouraging teammates who were in the pool racing. Every swimmer was doing their very best and taking in the moment, feeling the full value of their accomplishment.

Without the coaches and volunteers, none of this would be possible. They were busy lining up the different races, getting

Pam was happy to contribute both her time and ingredients to help raise funds for the Simcoe Seals Special Olympics Swim Team. She explained that she became involved three years ago when her daughter, Ashley (who helps coach), and Shirley Shaw asked her to help with a bake sale to raise funds for the team. The proceeds help the team afford to go to meets!

Pam signed up and has been helping every year since. Her husband, Peter, also kicks in and the Donaldson family does their part. Pam understands just how important the swim team is to the athletes, the joy it brings to them, the strong bonds that have been created over the years and the cost to keep the organization going. She enjoys that she can put her culinary skills to good use, making folks smile.

The bake sale itself has grown every year since it started, providing more funds for the team. It warms Pam’s heart, knowing that the Donaldson family is helping athletes achieve their dreams.

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THE NORVIEW

NEWS HOUNDS In last month’s edition the Norview News Hounds highlighted the importance of community members and volunteers who help enhance our programming here, at Norview Lodge. We are going to continue on with that theme this month, and mention a few community programs that we are proud to be involved with. An important community event that was held in January was the Walk for Alzheimer’s, which brings community members and organizations together to raise funds for our local Alzheimer’s Society. Over the last several years, Norview Lodge residents, family members and staff have gone to this event to show their support and this year was no exception with a number of staff members attending.

Another program that has seen Norview’s participation for a number of years and is very deserving of being mentioned is SKIP KIDS – Intergenerational program. This program involves a class from a local elementary school coming once a month to participate in various recreation programs with the residents.

This is such a great experience for everyone involved, and both the residents and children look forward to seeing each other. This is an opportunity for the sharing of stories, life experiences and learning from each other. The program is run over the course of the school year and by its conclusion there will be many friendships formed and memories made.

The Waterford Legion has been and continues to be a gracious host to us here at Norview and at the end of March a group will be travelling to the Legion to attend their Spring Fling event. This will be a fun-filled afternoon with entertainment, dancing and of course great company. Community programs like this are particularly important for some of our residents because they may have been Legion members at one time and this provides them the opportunity to continue enjoying an organization that they were once involved with. There will be two more programs hosted later in the year that we will be happy to attend.

The Norview News Hounds would lastly, like to mention a program that continues to put smiles on the faces of many every time they come for a visit and that is the therapy dogs and their handlers. We appreciate the handlers volunteering their time and their beautiful, kind-hearted, four-legged friends for continued visits. The residents, family members and staff look forward to their visits with no one being left without an affectionate nuzzle from a furry friend.

The upcoming months will prove to be busy for the Norview News Hounds because with the warm weather comes many outdoor activities and events, which we will be delighted to share with everyone. If our friend, the groundhog is correct that should be sooner rather than later.

Nicole Tweedie – Norview Lodge Activation Department.

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HEART H E A LT H Courtesy of www.heartandstroke.ca

MICHAEL MARINI, B.Sc. Phm. Pharmacist

The heart is one of the largest and most important muscles in the body. A heart attack or MI (myocardial infarction) occurs when the cells in the heart are deprived of oxygen (due to blockages in the arteries that carry oxygen to the heart) and start to die.

Heart attacks are directly responsible for about 10% of all Canadian deaths each year. Although having a heart attack is very serious, the chances of survival are greatly increased if you are able to get to a hospital right away.

The myocardium (the muscle that makes up the wall of the heart), like every other organ in the body, needs oxygen to stay alive. The coronary arteries are the vessels that supply the heart with oxygen. In coronary heart disease, the coronary arteries are plugged or narrowed by fatty deposits (plaques) that reduce the amount of blood flow that gets to the heart; a process called atherosclerosis.

Most heart attacks occur when the plaques lining the coronary arteries rupture resulting in a blood clot that may partially or completely block blood flow. If the blockage is severe enough, the heart cells start to die and the symptoms of a heart attack appear. Most people that experience a heart attack will also experience symptoms in the days leading up to the attack. The most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain (or angina) but other symptoms may include extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, anxiety, sweating, nausea and vomiting or light- headedness. Chest pain occurs when the heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen; a condition called ischemia, and tends to get worse or more frequent as the heart attack approaches. It is often difficult to distinguish angina from a heart attack. The symptoms of a heart attack are usually more severe and longer lasting (at least 20 minutes) than angina. Chest pain often presents as a tightness, pressure or squeezing feeling in the chest, often associated with sharp pain. The pain may also radiate to the back, jaw, or left arm and shoulder. Although chest pain is usually the first symptom, up to 20% of people suffering a heart attack may not experience any chest pain.

Most people that experience a heart attack also experience arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats. When the heart fails to receive enough blood, the main pumping chamber of the heart, the left ventricle, begins to quiver uselessly instead of pumping fully.

This condition, ventricular fibrillation, is quite serious and if left untreated can result in death in less than 5 minutes. However, not all heart attacks are this severe and many may go unnoticed for quite some time, or be thought of as heartburn. In fact, distinguishing a heart attack from heartburn is not that easy. Antacids or belching can temporarily relieve heart attack pain.

Additionally, the nitroglycerin sprays or pills that people with angina often carry with them may also temporarily relieve the pain, but the pain may quickly return. It is important to use discretion and common sense when trying to distinguish a heart attack from angina or heartburn; if the pain is worse, different, or more frequent than usual, it is important to see a doctor.

The best way to prevent a heart attack is by identifying and eliminating the risk factors such as smoking, obesity, high cholesterol or fatty diets. Talking to your doctor or pharmacist about your risk factors and how to make the right lifestyle changes to reduce your chances of a heart attack are crucial. Simple changes may include exercising more often to reduce weight and cholesterol, eating healthy and reducing or eliminating high salt and fatty foods in your diet. Your pharmacist, doctor or nutritionist can help you make the right changes and choices.

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THE

REEL DEAL LARRY MELLORS with

INVASIVE

Phragmites

Most people do not know what this introduced invasive plant is, let alone how to pronounce the name. I know a lot of people who are involved in crafts who refer to this plant as broom grass. This plant has taken over many of Ontario’s marshes and wetlands, Long Point Bay on Lake Erie included, and roadside ditches. I am certain most people have seen Invasive Phragmites but do not recognize it. This plant has stems that are tan or beige in colour with blue-green leaves and large, dense seedheads (hence why some people refer to it as broom grass).

Invasive Phragmites is also known as European Common Reed. This reed is an aggressive invasive perennial grass that spreads rapidly. This plant out-competes native plant species for nutrients and water. The wetlands and beaches throughout North America are being severely damaged by this plant. This is not a new plant as it has been in Ontario for many decades.

In fact, it was first identified along the St. Lawrence River in Ontario in 1916. Invasive Phragmites can be found in all Canadian provinces, the Northwest Territories and in all of the lower 48 states.

The province of Ontario has regulated Invasive Phragmites as restricted under the Invasive Species Act. This species of Phragmites releases toxins from its roots into the soil to hinder the growth of and kill surrounding plants.

Much of the living matter of Invasive Phragmites is found underground and can be best described as an intricate system of roots and rhizomes. While it prefers areas of standing water, its roots can grow to extreme lengths, allowing it to survive in relatively dry areas. Invasive Phragmites can spread its roots over six to eight feet per year. This is the most common method of reproduction for this plant but it can also spread by wind and water. This plant grows in stands with up to 200 stems per square metre and can attain a height of 15 feet or 5 metres. Due to its density, Invasive Phragmites provides poor habitat and food supplies for wildlife, As well it causes lower water levels as water is transpired faster than it would be with native plants.

Invasive Phragmites grows so densely that it out-competes native vegetation and decreases native plant diversity due to its crowding nature. This Phragmites displaces native plant species such as cattails, wetland orchids and wild rice. If you carefully observe any roadside ditches or certain areas of marsh in Long Point Bay you will witness the Phragmites spread and lack of these native plants. It is that obvious. Next time you are in your vehicle pay special attention to the roadside ditches.

The public can help stop the spread of Invasive Phragmites by being aware of the plant and reporting findings to several contact numbers. Report any sightings of Invasive Phragmites, or any other invasive species, in the wild by contacting the Invading Species Hotline toll-free serving Lake erie Boaters at 1-800-563-7711. You can also report a sighting by for over 60 years going to the EDDMapS Ontario website, https://www. eddmaps.org/ontario/. If you have any information about the illegal distribution, sale or illegal importing of Invasive Phragmites, please report it to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF) TIPS line at 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free anytime, or to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Larry can be reached at focusonfishing@rogers.com

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