Turning Sunshine into Dollars East Brandywine Township
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THE summer 2012 Bondsville Mill Project page 3 On the Move page 4 The Park & Rec Team page 5 PECO Makes $10,000 Grant [ EaST BRANDYWINE TOWNSHIP ] page 7 Turning Sunshine into Dollars Two Local Firms Make a Bet on Solar D rive from the that utility companies pay to indi- east on Horse- vidual solar system operators for shoe Pike as their excess output. A year ago, a it approaches solar renewable energy credit was Guthriesville priced at $275. By June this year and on your left is the Township’s the figure was $20 as the utilities signature picture-perfect view were swamped with over supply. across the McCausland farm, a But environmentally friendly symbol of the area’s great agricul- energy still has a lot of appeal for tural heritage. many homeowners and busi- Look to the right and you see nesses. For one thing, it’s a feel- a gleaming array of solar panels— good investment. For another, another symbol, though this one it’s a good way to save money on Ami Trost, owner of Blue Moon Florist, decided to go solar last year—and is is a view into the future. The sys- delighted with the decision. Her monthly PECO bills have dropped dramatically electric bills and earn money by tem, which went into operation and she’s looking for an early return on her investment. The choice, she says, selling excess capacity to a local last December, belongs to Blue was a no-brainer. utility. To date, 11 East Brandy- Moon Florist and its owner, Ami wine homeowners have installed a Trost, who says putting it in was a reduction in the value of renew- promise in the past couple of full-scale solar energy system. no-brainer. And she offers dollar able energy credits, it will take us years but which, for various rea- Upfront cost is a major factor. figures to back up this claim. three times as long—or about 15 sons, today does not look quite so A basic installation, even after Drive on into the village and years—to pay for the system.” alluring. An abundance of energy a federal credit of 30%, can run turn left on Bondsville Road and Ami Trost is much more from new ventures in natural gas from $25,000 to $30,000 to far you’ll see another solar installa- bullish. “The system is perform- and oil exploration is complicat- higher levels for major systems. If tion, this one on the roof of Heri- ing beautifully. We look forward ing the outlook. The most stark that’s too rich a mix, homeowners tage Metalworks. Jon White, the to long summer days to see how fact for solar supporters is the col- may choose to skip a whole-house co-owner with his brother Matt, much we can sell back to the grid. lapse in the price of solar credits (continued on page 2) offers a more qualified opinion. We’re already receiving credits Asked if he felt he made the right from Exelon and our monthly decision to install the system, he PECO bills are 10% of what they says, “Knowing what we know were.” She expects to recoup her wawa to try again in east brandywine now, no—but with the informa- $247,000 installation costs—re- tion we had at the time, yes. duced by $100,000 thanks to state Back in December 2008, Wawa gave up its seven-year battle to “We continue to be proud of and federal credits—within about build a gas station and convenience store at the southeast corner of Horseshoe Pike and Bondsville Road. On his way out, a Wawa our initiative,” he goes on. “On the five to seven years. attorney noted that this is a market “in which there is obvious hottest, sunniest days we’ll be gen- These two local solar pioneers consumer demand and desire” for the Wawa product. erating electricity for us and oth- are representatives of a national ers to use, not drawing from [the energy market which blossomed (continued on page 3) grid]. But because of the dramatic with financial and ecological w w w. e b r a n d y w i n e . o r g
S ummer 2 0 1 2 Two Local Firms Make who, when & where a Bet on Solar Energy Township Board of Supervisors chairman Jay G. Fischer, Esq. (continued from page 1) vice chairman system and install one that just To make sure that any future the excuses and delays began. Hudson L. Voltz, Esq. operates water heaters, attic fans installations here meet certain Eventually, we had to hire an- member Arnold Kring and heaters for a pool. Investing uniform standards, the Town- other company to finish the job. $4,000 to $10,000 (before tax ship is working on ordinances Then the original contractor filed Township Public Meetings board of supervisors credits) in a home solar water that would govern solar and for bankruptcy. Anyone consid- First Thursday at 7:30 a.m. heater could reduce water-heat- wind energy systems. The solar ering solar can learn from our Third Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ing costs by 50% to 80%. regulations will cover all aspects trials and tribulations, so here planning commission First Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Leasing rather than buying of a home or business based are a few simple suggestions: municipal authority also is an option. Bottom Line/ system with a strong emphasis “Thoroughly research the Second Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. Personal, a financial newsletter, on safety, professional installa- contractors and use only long- Public Committee Meetings reports that under these lease tion and the system’s impact on time established companies; only historical commission agreements, the supplier owns nearby neighbors. No instal- pay in stages commensurate Second Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. the equipment and collects all lation may be in a front yard; with progress; use a good writ- open space committee Second Monday at 7:30 p.m. the solar power tax incentives. there must be no glare that could ten contract and be sure that it ordinance task force The homeowner makes a fixed offend others. specifies binding arbitration as Fourth Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. monthly lease payment and has Bottom Line/Personal stresses the remedy for contract disputes; park and recreation committee the use of the electricity generat- that it’s very important to shop and be at the inspections and First Monday at 7:30 p.m. ed. Leases often last for 15 to 20 around to be sure you’re deal- ask questions.” Township Meetings held years and may have substantial ing with reputable and reliable Ami Trost had a better at the Township Building, 1214 Horseshoe Pike penalties for early termination. companies and that you read the experience. The Chester County Then there’s the issue of fine print of any agreement very Economic Development Council Fire/Ambulance/Police Fire and Ambulance.................... 911 sunshine vs. trees. An effective carefully. Jon White can endorse directed her and her husband Police (emergency)...................... 911 system must have an unimpeded that advice. to a Berwyn firm, GreenPointe Police (non-emerg)....(610) 383-7000 southern exposure to get the full “We hired a contractor who, Energy. The company, says Ms. Police Admin.............(610) 269-4300 benefit of sunshine. This means at the time, had good referrals Trost, “literally did everything Township Staff Directory that there can’t be any trees in and seemed credible,” he says. for us and four months later we hours: m-f, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. the way—and East Brandywine “Half way through the project, had a live solar project. Dial (610) 269-8230. Press the extension. 200 Norann King, Building Dept. has an abundance of trees. More- 201 Mary Beth Smedley, over, there must be a guarantee Secretary/Treasurer that trees will remain absent 203 Scott Piersol, Township Manager/ for at least 15 to 20 years—the don’t forget wind energy EMC and Fire Marshal time a utility will require from 204 Matthew VanLew, Roadmaster The Township’s proposed ordinance covering wind the homeowner when it signs 100 Police Administration energy has set a maximum height for home systems of 50 a contract to buy excess power. Tax Collector, Patti Piersol feet after much review and discussion. The system’s blades home office (610) 269-4054 The Daily Local News reported must be at least 12 feet from ground level. A home system home fax (610) 269-2171 last spring that a Berks County must supply electricity only for on-site use, with any excess Tax Information couple found their $45,000 power sold to a utility. Any owner or operator of a wind County Taxes.............(610) 344-6361 investment in jeopardy when a energy conversion system will have to conduct an annual Tax Claim Office........(610) 344-6360 neighbor planted trees too close inspection of structural integrity, safety and potential im- Assessment Office.....(610) 344-6105 EIT & LST...................(610) 269-4402 to their array. They took their pact on neighboring properties. For full details on the solar School Taxes...........1 (866) 300-1714 case to the local township, argu- and wind energy systems, contact the Township offices. Web Addresses ing that the trees created a code township www.ebrandywine.org enforcement issue. police www.ebtpd.org w w w. e b r a n d y w i n e . o r g • 2
Wawa Bondsville Mill (continued from page 1) Wawa may be back to fill that perceived need. The firm has asked a local development firm to contact the Township to open initial discussion about their renewed interest in locating in the Township. The area of interest is on Horseshoe Pike a little east of Bollinger Road, facing the Brandywine Village Shopping Project Center. The site, part of the Weaver farm, was to be occupied by a proposed Hovnanian age-restricted community of 270-plus Needs Volunteers, Supplies homes (project abandoned) and by a proposed Downingtown Area School District middle school (also abandoned). The prop- erty is not zoned for this type of commercial use, however. As of late June, no formal presentation to the Township Planning Commission had been scheduled. Golf Outing Sponsors This year’s successful “Fore the Park” golf outing at the Coatesville Country Club was supported by 35 sponsors: ABC Paper & Chemical; ADMIX Inc., Pete Leitner; American Crane and Equipment Corp.; Archer & Greiner Attorneys, Neil A, Morris Esq.; Johnson Matthey, Ed Cooney; The Bondsville Mill Committee is launching a major effort to clean up its long- CentiMark Corp.; abandoned property. It is seeking volunteers to get the site into top shape and has a long list of needed supplies and services. T Commonwealth Fire Protection; Brandywine Machine Co., Todd McQueen; Eagle Investment Advisors, David Summers; he Bondsville Mill Needed equipment and Fulton Bank. Park Committee experienced operators: Jim Gerlach for Congress Committee; has an urgent need Weedeaters, Chain saws, A crane, Heinrich & Klein Associates, Andy Heinrich; for volunteers and A drag line or winch, Gas-pow- R. Michael Hughes, DMD; supplies as it moves ered cut-off saw, Trucks, Trailers, Hydraterra Professionals, Joe Boldaz; ahead on the first phase of the General demolition/construction Industrial Floor, Fred J. Coccagna Jr., President; park’s master plan. tools that do not need electricity Krapf Bus Companies; Work currently is focused Longley Insurance Agency, Rosemary and Bob Longley; on bridge maintenance, clear- Needed materials/supplies: A.N. Lynch Co., Inc., Nev Lynch; ing vegetation, removing debris, Dumpsters, Masonry supplies, Mulry and Cresswell Environmental Inc.; boarding up buildings, selective Fencing, Tarpaulins Meanix Construction Co., Bob Meanix. demolition of collapsed buildings More details about the Bonds- Servpro, David Lyman; and fence construction. ville Mill Park and its impact on The Payroll Factory, Allen Noll; the community will appear in the Farmer in Lyndell, Robert “Bob” Spatola; The committee is fall issue of The Milemarker. SWF Industries, Ryan Troop; seeking help with M. Davis and Sons, Mike Nestore, the following jobs: Shoreline Environmental, Michael Wiest; Weed eating, Current Work Schedule: Seltzer and Stocker Dentist; Brush clearing, Tuesday mornings from 8 a.m. Charles Friel Inc., Landscape Management; Chain sawing, to noon at the mill site. A Saturday Universal Electrical Services Inc., Rich Nyce; Sorting debris into piles— morning work session will be added for those unable to make Tornetta Material Handling, Doug Tornetta. firewood, salvage wood, a Tuesday session. Uhrig Construction, Teri Yeager; stone, metal and disposing To Volunteer or Donate: Birchard Bray and Co., David Chrest, CPA; of this material, contact Don Leong at d2leong@ George R. Smalley Co., Susan Golden; Masonry and stone pointing, verizon.net or 610 269-7798). The Gilbertson Group, Matt Gilbertson; Erecting fences Yerkes Associates Inc. w w w. e b r a n d y w i n e . o r g • 3
On the Move S ummer 2 0 1 2 Add Pickleball to Sports Menu The following real estate transactions took place between January and June 2012. Popular Game Born of Boredom 124 Aspen Drive............ $477,500 2022 Bondsville Road.... $577,500 T 37 Butterworth Court... $399,000 1681 Caln Meetinghouse Road......................... $244,000 wo pickleball courts 40 Cambridge Court...... $245,000 soon will be the 126 Clearview Drive...... $227,000 newest addition to 530 Corner Ketch Community Park. Road......................... $185,000 Pickleball? 161 Crawford Road....... $302,000 To get a full description of 31 Cumberland Drive.... $612,575 what this game is all about go 20 Delancey Place.......... $150,000 to USAPA.org. Very briefly, it’s 401 Echo Dell Road....... $700,000 a game played on a space of 30 18 Evans Court............... $569,990 by 60 ft., the size of a badminton 102 Evergreen Drive...... $290,000 court, but with a net that’s 34 238 Ferndale Lane......... $430,000 inches high at the center point. 12 Grovehill Court......... $490,000 Players—normally two on each 23 Hastings Court.......... $168,999 side of the net—use wood or 208 Hockley Drive.......... $485,000 composite paddles and a perfo- Pickleball players hard at sport. 308 Jefferis Road........... $362,000 rated plastic ball—similar to a 316 Jefferis Road........... $300,000 whiffle ball. There are many rules. 47 Lakeview Court......... $215,000 Sandy Lammey, new chair of bored residents of Washing- game was introduced in an Ari- 22 Lammey Way............ $395,000 Park & Rec, sought and received ton State, one a Congressman, zona community in 2002, it was 66 Margil Farm Drive.... $651,500 approval from the Board of the other a businessman. Their so popular that it expanded from 282 North Caldwell Supervisors to create two courts original badminton take-off soon four to 12 courts within a couple Circle........................ $330,000 on the Community Park’s tennis became refined and quickly got of years and club membership 304 North Caldwell courts. The tennis and pickleball an enthusiastic following. The quickly grew to 850. Circle........................ $312,000 courts will occupy the same area, first pickleball tournament was Why pickleball? One of the 308 North Caldwell but with different color lines to held in 1976, the USA Pickleball co-inventors had a cocker spaniel Circle........................ $258,953 suit each game’s needs. Association was formed in 1984 that loved to chase balls and hide 1211 Osborne Road....... $280,500 The new game was actually and by 1990 the game was being them in the bushes. The dog’s 501 Pinebrooke Circle... $217,000 “invented” back in 1965 by two played in all 50 states. When the name? Pickles. 604 Pinebrooke Circle... $215,000 701 Pinebrooke Circle... $210,000 571 Prizer Court............. $299,328 11 Quail Hill Lane.......... $445,000 122 Rebecca Drive......... $496,339 500 Rock Raymond Road......................... $170,000 505 Rock Raymond Local Real Estate Activity Shows Signs of New Life Road......................... $235,000 102 School Lane............. $295,000 There are definite signs activity also is picking up at the The original plan, approved by 45 Suffolk Court............ $230,000 of a reviving real estate mar- Hideaway Farms project. And in the Township, called for 25 homes 106 Tradition Lane........ $316,000 ket locally. Pulte continues to early June a new developer came on the 90-plus acre site. The new 52 Yellowwood Drive.... $220,000 expand its Applecross Country forward to kick start the delayed plan calls for just six homes. 131 Zynn Road............... $485,000 Club and now has built some Brandywine Ponds subdivision The Planning Commission was Source: 231 homes—more than a third on Dowlin Forge Road. There is a alerted to the new proposal at its Weichert Realtors, West Chester of the projected total. Building significant change here, however. June meeting. w w w. e b r a n d y w i n e . o r g • 4
The Park & Rec Team Who’s who at Park & Rec: (standing, left to right) Kirk Fuhrman, David Summers, Bob Smedley; (seated, left to right) Betsy Brown, Sandy Lammey, Ann Mascherino. Missing from photo: Nathan Gasser. Sandy Lammey Ann Mascherino Chairperson: elected chair- Secretary: Board member in her person this year, succeeding second year; Township resident long-time chief officer Jimm for more than 20 years; Program Worrell; Board member since it Coordinator for the PA Writing was formed in 1990; lifelong East and Literature Project at West Brandywine resident; retired Chester University. Physical Education teacher with 35 years of experience in the Bob Smedley Downingtown School District. Board member for more than 13 years; lifelong resident of David Summers East Brandywine; sales rep for Vice chairperson: Board Benco Dental. Betsy Brown Nathan Gasser member since 1990; Township Kirk Fuhrman Board member since March Board member since April 2012; resident for more than 35 years; Board member for seven years; 2012; born and raised in Chester has lived in East Brandywine for former member of the Board of lived in the Township since County and has lived in East more than four years; owns a Supervisors, currently Treasurer 1996; works for RICOH of Brandywine for the past 25 website development firm in the of the Township Municipal Au- Americas as an IT Auditor. years; has worked at the Tel Hai Township. thority; investment advisor with Retirement Community as a an East Brandywine office. nurse for 17 years. Cash & Volunteers Both Critical Keeping Our Parks in Top Shape F inancial support and our master plan. Board members and completed by the Board roles with our youth, as this is volunteer efforts are acknowledge there is much work and numerous volunteers. These where new participants in EBYA critical components yet to be done. projects were made possible get to develop their early skills. to the future of our Board members pay special through grant funding, various As they progress, most children park system and tribute to the Township Supervi- fundraising efforts, and numer- and their families will get to en- any new directions that the East sors and staff, East Brandywine ous donations by benefactors of joy all three parks. The recently Brandywine Township Park & Youth Athletics (EBYA) for their the Community Park. added Bondsville Mill Park, Rec Board may take. Its goal is to ready support, and to families At times the sheer size and when completed, will become continue to provide a variety of such as the Krapfs for their con- popularity of the 60-plus acre a park of historical significance active, passive and environmen- tinuing generosity. Community Park, which began and a park for passive recreation. tal activities, to help create new The McCausland Gazebo, as a 10 acre area purchased The Park and Rec Board recreational opportunities such Veterans Memorial, David from Ellis and Lucile Brown, welcomes and is glad for those as Pickleball [see related story], Tkachick’s Memorial Garden, overshadow the Township’s two who use our parks, but does not to continue to pursue walking/ playground equipment, Millicent other parks—Spatola Park and understand those who abuse biking trail connections within Falls Memorial and additional Hopewell Field. Spatola Park and them. the Township, and to complete trees are all projects designed Hopewell Field have played key w w w. e b r a n d y w i n e . o r g • 5
S ummer 2 0 1 2 Preserving History is Much More Than Saving Notable Buildings H ow much is a wall worth? In East Brandywine, if it’s related to an historic building it could derail, or at least stall, a multi- million dollar investment. That’s the case with a wall adjoining a barn on the Watters farm, just west of the Brandywine Village Shopping Center. This wall is important because the farm is a Class I historic resource and the devel- oper wants it moved to provide a westbound exit lane serving the proposed Giant Food supermar- ket. The Township Historical Commission objects strongly, arguing that the wall should be preserved as it is. Okay, this is an unusual Map shows roads and areas of the Township that the Comprehensive Plan indicates should be preserved for their wall. But it’s just one of many historic and aesthetic worth. scenic resources throughout the Township that the Board of Chadds Ford, and a Township When the Township wrote its ship and a prime advisor on the Supervisors and others in local consultant, explains why such most recent Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan, wants to government want to preserve. preservation is important, update, it listed seven “actions move the scenic resources issue A whole section of the 2009 “It is very important be- to consider and implement” to a front burner. Township Comprehensive Plan cause it enshrines our past and in the area of scenic resources. “The [Ordinance] Task Force is devoted to the topic and it lists provides a sense of place,” he Among them were such ideas as is going to put meat on the close to 50 “contributing visual says. “People always associate considering formal scenic road bones” of the existing plans, he features” worth preserving in- ‘home’ with both their physi- designation, a scenic easement says. One key will be to make cluding bridges, dams and water- cal environment and emotional acquisition program to encour- residents more aware of what’s falls, oak and sycamore trees and attachments. The stone wall, the age donation of conservation at stake and what’s going on. A open mature farmland. It would old bridge, the large oak tree all easements and landscaping poli- useful starting place is the scenic be hard to put a cash value on bring back memories and give us cies or regulations to protect or resources map, shown here, such features but clearly they add a sense of place. These are often enhance existing viewsheds and which identifies segments of the worth to the community. very tangible items in our mind scenic roads. Largely because of Township’s road network notable John Gaadt, principal of but often the intangible ‘sense lack of funding the matter has for their visual quality. Gaadt Perspectives LLC, an of place’ is the combination of stayed on the back burner. But The Comprehensive Plan environmental and land use many small things that together David Sweet, a consultant on says the primary scenic road planning firm with an office in form ‘home.’” planning matters to the Town- corridors are Creek Road, w w w. e b r a n d y w i n e . o r g • 6
Hadfield Road and loops containing Reeds, Hopewell, PECO Makes Crawford, Rock Raymond, Dowlin Forge and Creek Roads. Other significant road segments include Buck and North Buck Roads and Dilworth Road. $10,000 Grant Mr. Sweet says that formal ordinances could help but he favors friendly Green Region Grant Program T persuasion. “You can con- gratulate someone for taking care of something special he PECO Green whether it’s a frontage on a Region Grant pro- scenic road or a viewshed. gram has awarded What’s being protected may a $10,000 grant to be some or all of a property.” East Brandywine It seems that experts in Township to use in its reha- the field believe the best bilitation and construction of the results can be achieved Bondsville Mill Park. The amount through appeals to residents’ is significantly greater than Town- good citizenship. John Gaadt ship and Bondsville Mill Park puts it very well: “Scenic members had expected to receive. preservation involves local The Natural Lands Trust ad- people taking pride in local ministers the PECO program. resources and volunteer- The East Brandywine award ing their time to work with was presented during a ceremony government – local, county at PECO Energy’s Philadelphia and regional—to acknowl- headquarters on June 15th. Bob PECO awards ceremony highlights total dollars given. Chester County edge and protect their sense Long, chairman of the Township representatives from left to right: Greg Cary, PECO Energy, Robert Layman, of community. We can Open Space Committee, and Township Manager, Westtown Township, Kenneth Hershey, Oxford Area recognize what makes us Township Manager Scott Piersol Recreation Authority, Jim Lucas and Mike Euler from West Bradford Township, represented the Township. Tony der Kinderen, Oxford Area Recreation Authority, Bob Long (front) and unique without disparaging Scott Piersol from East Brandywine Township, Molly Morrison of Natural Lands progress in our communities Molly Morrison, president Trust, and Craig Adams, PECO Energy President & CEO. or in the rest of the world. of Natural Lands Trust, told the We can embrace the future gathering that PECO and NLT PECO has provided more than gional External Affairs Manager without forgetting the past initiated the program eight years 140 grants, with a total value of Greg Cary, Bill Gladden, director and we can protect the sce- ago to assist open space preser- just over one million dollars. of Chester County’s Open Space nic beauty that represents so vation within the five-county met- Mr. Piersol gave special Preservation program, and Holly much of who we are.” ropolitan region. Over the years, acknowledgement to PECO Re- Harper of NLT. The Milemarker Summer 2012 Methodist Church Gets Okay for Columbarium Volume 19, Number 3 The Board of Supervisors gave Commission required before Plans call for the installation of Editor George Holmes final approval to the columbarium it gave its approval. These deal two columbariums—vaults with plan which the Hopewell United primarily with buffering to shield niches to hold urns of cremated Design Nina Pringle Methodist Church wants to build residents of Batten Drive from the ashes. In addition, the church Send community news to: next to its existing cemetery across columbarium structures, storm- wants to install a labyrinth with Mary Beth Smedley Hopewell Road from the church. water management, parking and plantings at the site. 1214 Horseshoe Pike The church agreed to many access to the site from Downingtown, PA 19335-1153 marybeth@ebrandywine.org conditions that the Planning Batten Drive. w w w. e b r a n d y w i n e . o r g • 7
S ummer 2 0 1 2 Family Day at the Community Park Park & Rec Board Finalizes Activities K ick back and a certificate for a free sandwich Day Challenges or learn the new relax in the sun or from Chick-Fil-A. game that is sweeping the area, shade by coming All afternoon enjoy a display Pickleball. out to the Com- of antique and classic cars, ven- Then fill your stomachs with The Krapf bus on display at Family munity Park from dors and crafters. Magic shows, funnel cake and hot dogs provid- Day in the Park 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, FREE bingo, hay and pony rides, ed by the Hopewell Boy Scouts August 25th. Stubby the Helicopter, Shriners or pulled pork sandwiches and For information, contact The Day will begin with a Bi- Clowns on cycles and the Civil homemade root beer and lem- Sandy Lammey at salammey@ cycle Parade and end with a Hot War Cavalry are among the ac- onade by Victory Brewing. And aol.com or David Summers at Air Balloon Lift. Please bring tivities for all ages to enjoy. best of all, the activities provided dsummers426@comcast.net, a nonperishable food item and Kids and adults alike can by the Park and Recreation or call the Township Office at donate it to the Chester County challenge their skills with old Board are FREE!! (Raindate is 610-269-8230. It’s going to be a Food Bank and you will receive fashion races and the Family Sunday, Aug. 26th). beautiful and fun Day!! w w w. e b r a n d y w i n e . o r g Downingtown, PA 19335-1153 1214 Horseshoe Pike PERMIT #50 SOUTHEASTERN, PA 19399 US POSTAGE PAID PRESORTED STANDARD THE
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