USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1962-1964 > Part 32
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To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Personnel Board is unanimous in support of the 4% general increase for "Covered" employees. We feel this is necessary to keep our people in their respective relative position in the State.
We are also recommending that the Personnel By-Law be amended to give an employee a day off when a holiday falls on his scheduled day off.
During the year we have met with most of the departments in the Town on personnel problems.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM H. KEMP, Chairman CLYDE J. HORNE LYMAN H. GOFF DONALD L. LORING WILBUR J. TOLMAN, Secretary
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The year 1964 has been an active one for the Planning Board. Because of proposed amendments to the Zoning Bylaw, many additional meetings were necessary in addition to the regular meetings held the second and fourth Mondays of each month at the Acton Center Fire Station.
Under the administration of the Subdivision control law, the follow- ing new subdivisions were approved during the year.
Broadview Farm Estates South Acton
Thoreau Park
South Acton
Houghton Park West Acton
Stonehedge Acton Center
Prospect Acres South Acton
Patriots Hill
Acton Center
We found the subdividers anxious to co-operate in working toward the continuance of our subdivision standards. Your Board has made on- the-ground inspections with the Town Engineer checking lay-outs, in- specting roads for Town acceptance, and viewing our ever present drainage problem.
Due to the pressure of business, Mr. William Veazey was forced to resign from the Board in September. Mr. Richard Janson was elected to fill the vacancy. Mr. John Loring resigned upon his election as Selectman, and Mrs. Donald Perkins was elected to the Board. To both these men, our thanks for their wise counsel. We were saddened by the death of Charles Judd Farley whose many years of experience on the Board were invaluable to its findings.
During the year the Planning Board has met with the Boards of
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229th ANNUAL REPORT OF
Selectmen, Health, Finance, and the Industrial and Conservation Com- missions on mutual problems. Former Town Engineer, Fred Hanack, was present at all Planning Board Meetings and his able successor, John Dowd, is continuing the practice.
In the interest of better Town Government the Planning Board makes the following recommendations:
1. The Town adopt a Wetlands District to restrict residential building on the submarginal land along Fort Pond Brook and its tributaries.
2. The Town adopt a Shopping Center Bylaw to control the estab- lishment of Shopping Centers in the Town.
3. The practice of a Special Town Meeting in the fall, preferably in November, be continued.
4. The Town again consider the appointment of an Executive Sec- retary or Town Manager to co-ordinate the various Town functions.
We wish to thank the various Boards, Committees and Departments of the Town for their co-operation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID P. TINKER, Chairman
LEONARD E. RAE, Clerk BEATRICE C. PERKINS RICHARD C. JANSON
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
This report includes all arrests and prosecutions, report on Motor Vehicle accidents, bicycles registrations, houses checked while people are on vacation, parking violations, defective equipment tags, telephone calls received and sent, and other items.
ARREST AND PROSECUTIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING OFFENSES:
Abandoning a Motor Vehicle.
1
Alcoholic Beverage in Motor Vehicle Being a Minor. .
1
Allowing Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle . 3
Allowing Unregistered Motor Vehicle to be Operated. .
1
Altering Motor Vehicle License.
1
Assault and Battery.
1
Attaching Plates.
2
Attempted Larceny
2
Begetting.
1
Breaking and Entering and Larceny in the Night-time. . 3
Drunk.
29
Failure to Obey Railroad Signal.
2
Failing to Stop for a Police Officer.
5
Failing to Use Care 2
Following too Close. 1
Fraudulent Check.
2
Going Away after causing Property Damage.
4
Hiring a Minor to Operate a Motor Vehicle.
1
Impersonating a Police Officer 1
THE TOWN OF ACTON
101
Junking without a License.
1 20
Larceny.
Law of the Road.
7
Malicious Injury to Property
2
Malicious Destruction of Property
4
No License in Possession.
3
Non-Payment of Wages
7
Non-Support.
No Registration in Possession.
Operating after Suspension of License
2
Operating an Uninspected Motor Vehicle.
10
Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle.
14
Operating so as to Endanger.
31
Operating Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor. .
19
Parking Violation. .
3
Possession of Marihuana.
1
Receiving Stolen Property-
1
Red Light.
17
School Bus Violations.
12
Selling Mortgaged Property
2
Speeding.
370
Spilling.
46
Trespassing.
Trucking on Sunday.
1
Vagrant.
Delinquent Child - Assault & Battery
1
Delinquent Child - Alcoholic Beverage in Motor Vehicle.
1
Delinquent Child - Attaching Plates.
1
Delinquent Child - Defective Equipment.
1
Delinquent Child - Driving without a License
4
Delinquent Child - Habitual School Offender
1
Delinquent Child - Larceny.
3
Delinquent Child - Law of the Road.
2
Delinquent Child - Operating Uninspected Motor Vehicle .
1
Delinquent Child - Operating Uninsured Motor Vehicle .
3
Delinquent Child - Operating Unregistered Motor Vehicle.
3
Delinquent Child - Operating so as to Endanger.
1
Delinquent Child - Refusing to Stop for a Police Officer.
1
Delinquent Child - Speeding.
5
Delinquent Child - Stubborn Child.
1
Delinquent Child - Using Motor Vehicle without Authority.
4
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT REPORT:
1963
1964
Number of Occupants injured .
74
55
Number of Occupants Killed.
0
1
Number of Pedestrians Injured.
7
6
Bicyclists Injured ..
0
1
MISCELLANEOUS STATISTICS:
Bicycles Registered.
158
Complaints Received and Investigated.
202
Cruiser Ambulance Trips to Acton Medical Center.
13
Cruiser Ambulance Trips to Emerson Hospital.
112
Cruiser Ambulance Trips to Metropolitan State Hospital.
4
7
Operating after Revocation of License.
15
3
3
Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle.
2
Stop Sign.
4
1
Total Number of Accidents covered by the Department
156
124
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229th ANNUAL REPORT OF
Defective Equipment Tags Issued
27
Doors found unlocked in buildings and places of Business 39
Electric Wires Down and reported to Edison. 28
Emergencies Answered.
131
Fire Alarms Answered .
81
Motorists Assisted by Patrol .
44
Motor Vehicles checked by Night Patrol. 232
Night-time Parking Tickets 123
Property Check, Slips left at request of owner 899
Street Lights out, Reported to Edison 255
Summonses Sent Out for Service. 269
Summonses Served. 374
Telephone Calls - Incoming 5487
Telephone Calls - Outgoing 2142
Times Resuscitator was used. 26
49
Total Number of Arrests made.
Traffic Lights out and Reported to Department of Public Work 39
There were 1155 Motor Vehicles checked by the Department of Traffic or Motor Vehicle violations for which operators received ver- bal warning, summonses to appear in Court, or had the violation re- ported to the Registrar for action.
FATALS:
One Fatal automobile accident
CRUISERS:
I have recommended to the Board of Selectmen that both Cruisers be traded in 1965.
RADIOS:
I have also recommended that both cruiser radios be traded this year.
In closing I would like to thank all the members of my Department who worked with me in carrying out the duties of the Police Department during the year and to all others who assisted us I am grateful.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD J. COLLINS Chief of Police
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THE TOWN OF ACTON
PUBLIC CEREMONIES AND CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Committee has worked to improve the observance of patriotic holidays and to promote interest in the proud history of our town.
The highlights of our activities in 1964 are as follows:
THE CAPTAIN ISAAC DAVIS BALL April 18, 1964 - The Blanchard Auditorium
The Second Annual Captain Isaac Davis Ball, sponsored by The Acton Lions Club, The Public Ceremonies & Celebrations Committee, and the Acton Minutemen was a very successful gala pre-Patriots Day social event. The Acton Minutemen presented an intermission program demon- strating the early American manual of arms and marching formations. The National Lancers, the historic mounted bodyguard of the Governor of the Commonwealth, attended the Ball in addition to notable official visitors from several surrounding communities. Proceeds of the Ball were donated to the Acton Lions Club Educational Fund, providing money for two scholarships and for the ABRHS Science Fair.
REENACTMENT OF THE DR. PRESCOTT - JOHN ROBBINS RIDE 1:00 A.M. April 19, 1964
This third reenactment of the Dr. Prescott-John Robbins Ride took place immediately after The Captain Isaac Davis Ball. It was on the same time schedule as the original event. Dr. Seymour A. DiMare, portray- ing Dr. Prescott, arrived at Minuteman Captain Robbin's homesite on Old Concord Road at 1 A.M. bringing the first alarm to Acton, "Captain Robbins, Captain Robbins, the Regulars are coming!" Young John Robbins, son of Captain Joseph Robbins, as portrayed by William Rodday, then quickly mounted and galloped off to take the alarm to the Captain Davis home and then on to the Captain Simon Hunt home, Acton's famous Liberty Tree House. The present owner, Marguerite White, served delicious refreshments and hot coffee to the crowd that followed the re- enactment of this historic Acton ride. We express the appreciation of the town for this typical Acton Hospitality extended to a much larger crowd again this year.
THE PETER GRAY FLAG
The Peter Gray Flag, in honor and remembrance of Commander Peter Gray III, was given to the Town of Concord by The James J. Mansfield Post 158, of The American Legion, Dr. Francis J. McDonald, Commander, with specific arrangements for its presentation to Acton, and its participation in public events. It was first flown by Mrs. Peter Gray near the Old North Bridge on April 19th, as part of Concord's observance of Patriots Day.
On April 20th this flag was presented to Acton; and as a most memor- able portion of Acton's Patriots Day Program, Mrs. Gray and her son, Peter Gray IV, raised The Peter Gray Flag at the Captain Isaac Davis homesite, in honor and remembrance of husband and father who was killed in line of military duty in December 1963. This flag is given to the care and custody of Mrs. Peter Gray, but is to be flown by the Town with appropriate ceremonies on each patriotic holiday. This is the first flag ever to be flown at both the Old North Bridge and The Captain Isaac Davis Homesite.
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229th ANNUAL REPORT OF
In appreciation of this fine recognition of Acton's Commander Peter Gray, Acton presented to Concord a beautiful "Captain Isaac Davis Flag" to be placed in the care and custody of The James J. Mansfield Post of The American Legion and to be flown in honor of a Concord soldier.
PATRIOTS DAY PROGRAM April 20, 1964
6:00 A.M. At The Captain Isaac Davis Home - Hayward Road
Acton's celebration of Patriots Day centers around the retracing of The Line of March of The Acton Minutemen of 1775 who, under the com- mand of Captain Isaac Davis, left the Davis homesite on April 19th, 1775 at 6:45 A.M. and marched to the Muster Field at Concord near the Old North Bridge. Here Captain Isaac Davis's immortal words, "I haven't a man that is afraid to go", resulted in the placing of The Acton Minute- men at the head of the line which met the British at the Old North Bridge and returned their fire with "the shot heard 'round the world" in the first successful organized military resistance to the British Arms, and the beginning of The American Revolution.
Highlights of the 6:00 A.M. Program were martial music by The Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Band, Mr. Constantine Lim- berakis directing; Opening prayer by Rev. Roger Wootton; Welcome by R. A. Shamel; The Peter Gray Flag raising by Mrs. Peter Gray and Peter Gray IV; Singing of The Star Spangled Banner by Mr. Philip Morrison; An address by Governor Endicott Peabody; Placing of a wreath honoring the 1775 Minutemen by Girl Scouts Lynnda Gubser, Jeanne Gubser and Virginia Brennan and a prayer by Rev. Father Thomas H. McNamara followed by a flintlock musket salute by The Acton Minutemen. The presentation of a beautiful parade flag to The Acton Minutemen on behalf of the Townspeople by Mr. Arthur Lee, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen was followed by a Patriots Day Address by Mr. Brewster Conant and the beginning of the Retracing of the Line of March to the Old North Bridge.
7 A.M. Program at Acton Center
Flag Raising by Mr. Ivan Wold, original Isaac Davis Trail Scout Leader, and Mrs. Robert Hunt, Regent, Capt. Isaac Davis Chapter D.A.R. Welcome to Citizens of Littleton by Selectman Arthur Lee. Response by Mr. Herbert Pratt, Chairman of Board of Selectmen, Littleton. An Address by Governor Endicott Peabody. Placing of wreath by Miss Betsy McElvein, 1964 Good Citizenship award winner, assisted by Lucille Hay- ward Cunningham, D.A.R. Prayer by J. Gary Campbell. Music by The Littleton High School Band, Mr. John Walker, Director. Continuation of the march to the Old North Bridge.
Muster Field Program
Music by the ABRHS Band. Meeting with the marchers from Carlisle. Welcome by Mr. Edwin Small, Director of the Minuteman National Park Project, and by Mr. R. J. Rodday, Chairman, Concord Board of Selectmen. Response by Messrs. Arthur Lee of Acton, George Meehan of Carlisle, and Herbert Pratt of Littleton. Address by Governor Endicott Peabody. Music by the Littleton High School Band. The 1775 Story. Minuteman march to Old North Bridge. The shot heard round the world. Death of Captain Isaac Davis. Pilgrimage to the Old North Bridge. Singing of Patriotic Songs led by Philip Morrison, with music by the Acton and Littleton High School Bands.
105
THE TOWN OF ACTON
Acton Open House
2 P.M. to 5 P.M. Awarding of scrolls to marchers. Display of Isaac Davis Plow at the Town Hall. Display of the Captain Davis sword, the James Hayward Powder Horn at the Memorial Library. Display of the President Kennedy Inaugural Bible by T. Acton Fitzgerald at the Library. Display of Antiques of Early Acton by The Acton Historical Society and delicious refreshments by the Acton Woman's Club.
At the conclusion of his Patriots Day Address, Mr. Brewster Conant announced the granting of an easement by himself and his wife to the Town of Acton for the use of their land along the Line of March of The Acton Minutemen for purposes of Public Celebrations on Patriots Day and Independence Day.
In 1964, for the first time, the Retracing of the Line of March of The Acton Minutemen proceeded from the Muster Field over the causeway to the Old North Bridge. Permission was granted by Concord and The Minuteman National Park Project for the temporary removal of the iron fence behind the Minuteman Statue of Captain Isaac Davis so that the more accurate historic route could be followed. Later in the year National Park archaeologists found the 1775 stone road directly under the route followed by the 1964 patriots day marchers.
MEMORIAL DAY 1964
Prior to Memorial Day the Committee purchased for the Acton Cemeteries geraniums and flags for all Veterans' graves. They were distributed to the proper graves through the kind efforts of the Acton Cemetery Department and its Superintendent, Fred S. Kennedy, assisted by the Acton Boy Scouts. The members of the Acton Cemetery Depart- ment and the Acton Highway Department were both very cooperative and helpful in the preparation of the cemeteries and the route of the parade.
On Sunday afternoon May 24, 1964 the Marching Unit of the Acton Minutemen and Members of the Edwards-Quimby Post #284 American Legion gathered in the cemetery in North Acton to pay tribute to the Veterans and other citizens of Acton who are buried in that small but impressive cemetery. The invocation was given by Rev. Justin J. Hartman. A wreath was placed by the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, and the Minutemen fired three volleys.
At 4 p.m. on the same day the Committee sponsored an inter-faith ceremony to commemorate Memorial Sunday. This service was held in the Auditorium of the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School. Six mem- bers of the Catholic and Protestant clergy of Acton participated in the ceremony. The music was provided by the combined choirs of the St. Matthews Methodist Church and the West Acton Baptist Church. The committee is grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Russell Hayward for the use of their electronic organ for the ceremony. The Memorial Sunday message was given by Commander Milton U. Ray ChC USN of the First Naval District in Boston.
On Memorial Day from 8:00. to 8:30 a.m. Mrs. Justin J. Hartman played the Chimes of the Acton Congregational Church. The parade formed in Acton Center at 8:00 a.m. under the direction of Mr. E. Wilson Bursaw, the Marshal. His aides were Sumner D. Zimmer, Theron A. Lowden, Fred S. Kennedy, and Arthur P. Charbonneau. The following groups were in the line of march: The Colors and the Color Guard, Edwards-Quimby Post #284 American Legion and their Auxiliary, the Board of Selectmen, the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School band under the direction of Mr. C. Limberakis, the Sergeant-at-arms, Paul
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229th ANNUAL REPORT OF
K. Zimmer and the Wreath Bearers consisting of Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Brownies, Veterans of the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Navy, the Marching Unit of the Acton Minutemen, The Acton Fire Department, the Acton-Boxborough Regional Junior High School Band under the direction of Mr. George Doren (this was their premier marching performance), the Boy Scouts, the Cub Scouts, the Brownies, and the Girl Scouts.
At the services in front of the Town Hall Rev. Father Thomas H. McNamara offered the invocation and wreaths were placed on the respec- tive monuments in honor of all the deceased veterans of Acton of all wars. The Parade proceeded to the Woodlawn Cemetery where similar services were held with Rev. Roger W. Wootton offering the invocation.
From Woodlawn Cemetery the parade was transported in buses to South Acton for the next segment of the parade, reforming in the South Acton Shopping Center parking lot and proceeding along Main St. to Quimby Sq. In Quimby Sq. Rev. H. J. Kotila gave the invocation. A wreath was placed in honor of Private Howard L. Quimby who was the first soldier from Acton to give his life in World War I. A Detail of Acton Naval Reservists marched over the bridge to cast a floral spray into the waters of Fort Pond Brook as a token of memory to all Naval, Marine and Coast Guard personnel from Acton who have given the sup- reme sacrifice. The Spray Bearers were Boy Scouts Scott Carr and Douglas Carr, sons of the late Cdr. Robert T. Carr. The parade pro- ceeded to the South Acton Fire House for a coffee break which was served to all the marchers by the Junior Guild of the South Acton Con- gregational Church under the chairmanship of the President, Mrs. Alberta Knight.
Once more the parade was transported by buses to the Mt. Hope Cemetery where a wreath was placed in honor of all veterans who are buried in that cemetery. The invocation was given by Rev. Deane Lan- phear. The parade then marched to Edwards Square.
In Edwards Square the parade formed around the Mead Triangle. A wreath was placed in honor of Private Sidney Edwards and the invoca- tion was given by Rev. Dean Starr. At exactly noon Mrs. Peter Gray with the aid of the Explorer Scouts posted the Peter Gray Flag to the top of the mast and taps were played followed by the singing of the National Anthem led by Mr. Philip Morrison. The ceremony was concluded with the benediction given by Rev. J. Gary Campbell. From noon until 12:30 p.m. Mrs. Philip Morrison played the chimes of the West Acton Baptist Church.
At each of the five ceremonies three volleys were fired by a Firing Squad from the Marching Unit of the Acton Minutemen. The Hymns were played by the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Band and its mem- bers played taps and its echo.
FREEDOM FOUNDATION AWARD ATTEMPT
An invitation was received to submit a report of our Patriots Day activities to the Freedom Foundation for consideration, along with hundreds of others, for possible recognition. It was decided to submit for a town award based on Acton's town-wide participation in Patriots Day.
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THE TOWN OF ACTON
A book of about 40 leaves of 11 x 14" size was prepared telling the story of Acton's Patriots Day in prose and pictures. The art work was done by Mrs. Edward Noyes, much of the photographic work was done by Mr. Leonard Lester, and the phrasing by Mr. Ray Shamel. A second portion of this book contained letters from Governor Endicott Peabody, State Director of Civil Defense, Dan Finn, Archivist of the Commonwealth, Dr. Richard Hale, Selectmen from surrounding towns, officers of pat- riotic organizations, clergy, scout officials, newspaper editors, and many other interested citizens, expressing their approbation of Acton's Pat- riots Day Program.
A second book of newspaper size was prepared containing newspaper articles, pictures, and editorials in regard to Patriots Day 1964. News- paper coverage of previous Patriots Days in Acton back to 1961 was included as background material. This book also included sample scrolls, marchers' signature cards, appreciation awards, and other printed mat- erial used in connection with Patriots Day. The art work in this book was done by Mrs. Thomas Silverberg. Among others who helped in this project are Miss Florence Merriam, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Walsh, Mrs. Rob- ert Wylie, Mrs. Robert Hunt, Mrs. William Sawyer, Mrs. Raymond Shamel, Mr. John Tierney and Mr. Marvin Tolf. The awards will be announced at Valley Forge, Pa. at the Freedom Foundation Headquarters on February 22, 1965.
If Acton's entry is not among the winners, the books will be given to the Acton Memorial Library as a current history of Acton's Patriots Day Programs. If Acton's entry should win, the books will be retained on display at the Freedom Foundation Library at Valley Forge, avail- able for study by American and foreign students of the American Way.
A win could bring national and to some extent international attention to Acton's important place in American history and to our enthusiastic patriotic feeling and town-wide cooperation in our public celebration of Patriots Day.
CONCLUSION
The Committee is most appreciative of the enthusiastic support which has again in 1964 led to record breaking attendance at Acton's Public Ceremonies and Celebrations. We are grateful for the outpouring of cooperation and good will from the many individuals and organizations -- including the news media -- that willingly and generously gave their time and effort in assuming the responsibility for the projects both large and small, yet each of great importance to the smooth and success- ful operation of a Public Ceremony or Celebration.
Plans for 1965 include greater cooperation with surrounding towns and improved programs.
Respectfully submitted,
LOWELL CRAM RUSSELL HAYWARD, Secretary CARL HEDIN CLARK McELVEIN PERCY WOOD RAYMOND SHAMEL, Chairman
*
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229th ANNUAL REPORT OF
REPORT OF THE RECREATION COMMISSION
During the past year the Recreation Commission was most fortunate, through an affirmative vote at the Annual Town Meeting, in acquiring the services of Mr. Robert Evans as Recreation Director for the ten- week summer session.
The Playground Program was continued for a period of six weeks at the four areas in town with many new activities added to the regularly scheduled events. The Recreation Commission was fortunate in securing use of equipment from the Acton Little League enabling Mr. Evans to establish an inter-playground baseball league which played a regular schedule of games and also was host to teams from Concord, Bedford and Hanscom Air Force Base. With additional funds the Commission would like to set up a home and home series with other towns in the immediate area.
Through the efforts of Mrs. Edwin Richter and the Friends of the Acton Library, story hours were held once a week at each playground and were enthusiastically received by the youngsters.
A bowling program, completely subsidized by the participants, proved to be successful and will be expanded to include the entire six-week session in the coming year.
These new additions plus arts and crafts, kickball, badminton, volley- ball and other related activities helped to increase the attendance figures by fifty-eight per cent over last year.
Tennis instruction for beginning, intermediate and advanced players was continued at the school courts. To add interest and incentive, tournaments were scheduled throughout the six-week session in addition to tennis matches with teams from surrounding towns. Again, our thanks to the Acton Tennis Association for their help in making the Adult Tennis Clinics, held during the month of July, an overwhelming success.
Mr. Evans, under the direction of the Recreation Commission, set up a twilight basketball program with two leagues playing during this first year. The games were played at the Florence Merriam School with approx- imately one hundred boys and girls participating between the ages of fifteen and nineteen years. With the purchase of additional equipment the Commission plans to enlarge the program to include youngsters in the younger teen-age bracket. Our special thanks to Mr. Edward W. Flannery and the Acton Rotary Club for the trophies awarded at the final play off games.
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