USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Wilbraham > Wilbraham annual report 1956-1960 > Part 41
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Joseph B. Van West
Art
1959
M.A., Bates College B.S., Tufts; Dip., Sch. of M.S.A.
B.Mus., University of Hartford B.S., Fitchburg State Teachers College B.S., M.Ed., Springfield College; Rutgers A.B., Bates College
B.Mus., M.Music, Syracuse; Boston Univ.
B.S., Springfield College
B.A., Trinity College, Hartford
A.B., M.A., Mount Holyoke;
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PERSONS EMPLOYED IN THE HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (Continued)
Name
Position
Helen Walinski
Mathematics
Year Appointed 1959
Education and Professional Training A.B., M.Ed., Our Lady of the Elms; Springfield College
Wallace Winchell
English
1960
W. Fred H. Winey
Biology
1960
B.A., M.A., New Jersey State Teachers College; Wayne University B.A., M.A., Washington and Jefferson; University of Massachusetts
Health :
Arthur H. Goodwin
Doctor
1959
M.D., Tufts
Madelene Newsome
Nurse
1959
R.N., Springfield Hospital
Hot Lunch Program :
May Jenkins
Manager
1959
Eileen L. Deane
Cook
1959
Leona A. Isham
Cook
1959
Arlene V. Ross
Cook
1959
Ruth G. Scheibler
Cook
1959
Lucille Schieding
Cook
1959
Custodians:
Everett Pickens
Head Custodian
1959
Walter Polanczak
1959
Harold Rogers
1959
Stanley Strycharz
1959
Leon Superneau
1959
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Transportation : Stuart F. Hill George W. Motyka
Hampden 1959
Wilbraham 1959
Changes in school personnel not shown in the preceding chart are:
Mary Lou Burgess, teacher, resigned, June 30, 1960 Charles H. Campbell, teacher, resigned, June 30, 1960 Robert P. Coe, teacher, resigned, June 30, 1960 Nancy L. Cooper, teacher, resigned, September 30, 1960 Clyde Davenport, teacher, resigned, June 30, 1960 K. Rita Dreyer, teacher driver ed., resigned, June 30, 1960 Olindo Dragone, teacher, resigned, June 30, 1960 Charlotte Sornborger, teacher, resigned, June 30, 1960 James Starkie, Military Leave of Absence, February 21 to June 30, 1960 Christa Weinberger, teacher, resigned, June 30, 1960 Silvia Peterson, Secretary, resigned, July 1, 1960
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Water Commissioners' Report
During 1960, there were the following additions to our sys- tem: 30 new installations, 2 renewals, and by developers, 250 feet of 8" Main and 392 feet of 6" Main.
It is also interesting to note that there is an increase in water consumption of 3% per capita. The Water Department is still operating in the red, but we forecast that by 1963 it will be able to assume its own obligations, provided there are no major addi- tions to the system. However, the surplus will not be sufficient to provide for amortization of replacements to the older sections of the system.
ROBERT T. MAYNARD, Chairman SIDNEY LOW JOHN W. GALE
Assessors' Report
Appropriation to be raised by taxation
Appropriations taken from available funds
$1,280,736.32 117,180.80
$1,397,917.12
Tax and Assessments
State Parks and Reservations
$2,030.33
State Audit of Municipal Accounts
837.17
County Tax
11,858.30
Tuberculosis Hospital Assessment
720.57
Overlay of current year
29,887.87
45,334.24
$1,443,251.36
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS
Income Tax
$94,921.75
Corporation Tax
23,404.85
Reimbursement on account of
publicly owned land
421.85
Old Age Meal Tax
1,057.17
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
116,195.00
Licenses
4,060.00
Fines
1,923.00
Special Assessments
1,924.00
General Government
2,257.00
Protection of Persons and Property
2,155.00
Health and Sanitation
5,491.00
Charities (other than Federal Grants)
2,459.00
Old Age Assistance (other than Federal Grants) 13,830.00 Veterans' Services
1,351.00
School (Funds from Income Tax not to be included)
62,314.00
Libraries
1,013.00
Public Service Enterprises (Water)
68,511.00
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D DAY July
ZES FOR ALL REFRESHMENTS·
POST Nº 418
Photo by Mercury Studio
In the good old summertime - our Town keeps busy.
Interest : (On Taxes and Assessments $1,200.00 On Deposits $2,399) 3,599.00
State Assistance for School Construction 28,588.00
Farm Animal Excise 184.00
Overestimates State Recreation Areas 226.97
Overestimates County Tax
1,275.25
Overestimates County TB Hospital
669,32
Taken from Available Funds 117,180.80
555,011.96
Net amount to be raised by taxation on Polls and Property
888,239.40
$1,443,251.36
Number of Polls - 2,108 Tax on Polls
$4,216.00
Valuation of Personal Property Tax on Personal Property
$796,320.00
51,760.80
Valuation of Real Estate
12,804,040.00
Tax on Real Estate
832,262.60
Total Valuation
$13,600,360.00
Total Tax on Polls and Property
$888,239.40
Tax Rate per $1,000 - $65.00
Tax on Motor Vehicles
$133,230.09
Number of dwellings assessed - 2,089
ALLAN R. KINNEY EDWARD H. GODFREY HAROLD K. JONES
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Building Inspector
Permits - Number and Type
Estimated Cost
73 Dwellings
$998,500.00
1 Masonic Hall
40,000.00
19 Room Additions 30,635.00
1 Telephone Building
15,000.00 8,624.00 13,450.00
23 Alterations
12 Garages
10 Porches
3,975.00
3 Warehouses
9,100.00
4 Rumpus Rooms
2,300.00
7 Tool Sheds
1,915.00
1 Dormer
1,245.00.
3 Swimming Pools
7,500.00
1 Barn 875.00
1 Greenhouse 300.00
1 Vegetable Stand 150.00
$1,133,569.00
Other Permits: 1 Trailer; 5 Demolition.
Inspections: 220 New Buildings; 75 Plumbing; 83 Septic
Tanks; 55 Additions and Alterations; 25 Gas Piping.
ANTHONY MASCARO
Revaluation Study Committee Report
At the annual meeting in March 1960 the question was raised under Article 21 whether the town would appropriate funds for a professional revaluation of the taxable property of Wilbraham. The townspeople took no action on this article but, recognizing that a problem existed and that more information on the subject would be advisable, voted to have the moderator appoint a Revaluation Study Committee to consist of seven members in- cluding one member each from the Board of Selectmen, the Fi- nance Board, and the Board of Assessors together with the Town Counsel and three members who were not town officers. Such a committee was named, was organized, has met to date on nine occasions, and this is our report.
We considered it our responsibility to study the local valua- tion situation to determine whether there was a real need for a complete revaluation and, if so, whether extraordinary steps
44
were indicated, to appraise the various alternative courses of action, and to make a specific recommendation to the Town.
We found that on the assessors' master cards, the basis on which valuations are figured, approximately 75% have informa- tion lacking, incomplete, or not up to date. We found that the formula on which valuations are computed needs revision to reflect current zone factors, modern construction costs, and a more accurate accounting for quality in buildings which are equivalent in other respects.
An analysis of the comparison of the assessed valuation with the sales price on 400 properties sold within the past four years indicated that in a far greater number of cases than is consistent with good assessing practice the valuation is too far above or too far below the intended ratio of assessed value to market value. These are known cases in which the assessors have now cor- rected the discrepancies. However, the finding of so many inequi- ties in this generous sampling leads to the conclusion that in the town as a whole the number and degree of inequities, i.e., some property owners paying more and some less than their fair share, certainly calls for corrective measures. Finding just where these inequities are would necessitate examining every other property in town and we believe that, conscientious and willing as they are, it is beyond the capacity of our assessors to do this on a part- time basis within a reasonable time. It is obvious that the currently rising tax burden only serves to compound and accentuate what- ever inequities there may be and to emphasize the importance of making equitable the basis for distributing the tax load.
Having determined that, in our opinion, sufficient need exists for a revaluation program, we considered various alternative methods for conducting such a program. What is required is the adoption of an adequate up to date formula tailored to Wilbra- ham's needs, the manpower to visit every property in town both residential and business to obtain complete current data, and the knowledge and experience necessary to appraise and evaluate each property fairly and impartially.
After considerable deliberation we have reached the conclu- sion that the most practical solution for Wilbraham is a complete revaluation to be conducted, under contract, by a professional group of experts within a one year period and at a cost not to exceed $6000 per year for three years.
We are realistic enough to anticipate that the immediate re-
45
action of many townspeople may well be, "Oh no, not after what happened in Springfield!" This reaction is entirely under- standable after the newspaper publicity following the revaluation there. Our answer, however, is "Why not, when you consider what happened in Ludlow, Hampden, Westfield, Belchertown, Monson, Somers, Pittsfield and many other cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth who found that the services of a professional concern were the best answer to their need for equalization and have been well satisfied with the results." As for the outcome in Springfield, we are sure of two things: first, that the dissatisfaction there was far from universal and, second, that the factors which were peculiar to the situation there, and which contributed most to what dissatisfaction there was, will not be present in Wilbraham.
In conclusion, it is our opinion that the condition of the asses- sors' records and an insufferable degree of inequity in valuations constitute an urgent need for a program of revaluation which, we believe, can be effected best for Wilbraham by the hiring of qualified, disinterested, and impartial specialists.
RICHARD L. DANFORTH, Chairman
ROLAND L. SIROIS, Secretary
EARL W. DECCRIE HAROLD K. JONES
PETER G. ELLIS JAMES L. MARCHESE MICHAEL J. RUDY
Planning Board
The Wilbraham Planning Board held twelve regular meetings and one special meeting during 1960.
Five public hearings were held concerning subdivisions. Four were tentatively approved subject to performance bond. The fifth subdivision has not been bonded, therefore, approval has not been given.
Members of the Board, together with the Selectmen, Highway Superintendent and Planning Board Engineer viewed streets as required prior to consideration at Town Meeting for acceptance.
Two of our three most serious development problems were solved this year at Devonshire Drive and Craigwood. We hope to see Sunnyside Terrace effectively disposed of early in 1961. Your board has been very conscious of the need for higher per- formance bonds on new developments in line with greatly in- creased present day costs of road, water and drainage construc-
46
tion. Our higher demands are not very popular with the devel- opers but will prove beneficial to the Town of Wilbraham in the long run.
It is our opinion that construction and development activity will be at a reduced rate in the coming year. If our forecasts prove correct, a breathing spell in our fast growth would be a very good thing for this Town. Your board would strongly recommend that when school needs have been met, the citizens of Wilbraham should appropriate funds for a Master Plan for Wilbraham. Such a plan would project the potential future growth of this attractive Town we live in for residential, busi- ness and industrial usage. While there is still time we could set aside tracts for parks and future schools. Drainage and sewer studies should be made. Such a master plan has been prepared in East Longmeadow and Agawam with excellent success. We do firmly believe that such a study would result in a finer Wil- braham for ourselves and for our children.
BION T. WHEELER, JR., Chairman
ROBERT A. EDWARDS
LEO E. KUEHN
RICHARD H. MORGAN ROBERT G. CARTER
Photo by H. Bogue
Indicative of our Space Age, Robert C. Boilard's small observatory is one of the many unusual hobbies enjoyed by our citizens.
47
Wilbraham Public Library
The Library, this year, is being directed by a new group of Trustees. Mrs. R. M. Dickey and Mr. Raymond Barber moved from the community, and, as a result, only Mrs. V. P. Brower, a member of barely a year's standing, remained. To fill the vacancies, the Selectmen appointed Mrs. S. E. Ronk and Mr. J. B. McGuire.
Because of her 9 years of dedicated service, Mrs. Dickey will be sorely missed. The effect of her broad vision of the Library's needs, and her untiring work to relieve them, will be felt by Trustees, Librarians, and readers for some time to come. The new Board members find themselves also grateful to Mr. Barber for his kind assistance in initiating them into the matters of Library finances.
A great effort has been made in the past year to expand the services offered by the Library, and the staff is to be commended for their efforts. The Library is now open for 44 hours a week, whereas it had been opened for 39 hours previously. It offers on week days an uninterrupted schedule from 2 p. m. to 9 p. m., and on Saturdays, from 9 a. m. to 6 p. m. A reserve system has been installed, and because of the increased problem of over- due books (as shown in the Library Statistics), the fine system for over due books was re-established effective January 1, 1961. For the children, the Story Hours have become a regular feature, with 40 to 50 children attending them weekly, a number more than doubling that attending in 1959. Organizations such as Scouts, Brownies, Cubs and Sunday School groups frequent the Library in search of material for their various programs. This year, too, children have been given their own reader's cards, and half of the Town's school children have been registered as borrowers.
Perhaps nowhere has the expanded service been so noticeable as in that offered to the students of our new high school. As predicted by the Librarians, the opening of Minnechaug High School, though it has a library of its own, has not decreased the demands on the Town Library, but in fact, has created new and larger demands for books and services. This situation has also pointed up the deplorable lack of seating and table space for reference work at the Library, and it has not been uncommon for students to use the charging desk and even a free shelf space
48
as tables! This situation underlines the necessity for a new and properly functional Library. Throughout 1960 the Library has been purchasing books to help fill the students' demands in the fields of history, literature and science. During the summer, 84 books were borrowed from the Massachusetts Division of Library Extension to help these boys and girls with their required reading.
Further service includes talks to various community associa- tions by the Librarians (Mrs. Dingman and Mrs. Rudge), the arranging of reading lists for particular groups, participation by the Librarian in reading groups, and various exhibitions of books in the Library. An additional specialized service has been the borrowing of books on inter library loans.
In concluding this report, the Trustees note with pleasure that the circulation of the Library has increased at a tremendous rate and that books are being purchased in an effort to take care of these demands. The Trustees note also, with pleasure and with gratitude the fine work of the Library staff, particularly when one considers the actual Library building itself. It has been obvi- ous for some time that the facilities have not been satisfactory for shelving and exhibiting books, and it is equally apparent that the building is inadequate to contain the number of people who wish to read and study there. The Trustees wish to emphasize the following fact: Wilbraham needs a new Library, and needs one soon.
LONI BROWER, Chairman
M. GERTRUDE RONK
JAMES B. MCGUIRE
WILBRAHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY STATISTICS
Holdings:
Number of volumes in library, January 1, 1960 13,283
Number of volumes added by purchase 1,002
Number of volumes added by gift 59
Number of volumes discarded and lost 494
Number of volumes in library, January 1, 1961 13,850
Registration:
Adult
1,089
Children 530
Circulation : 38,113
Adult (including periodicals) 15,516
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Juvenile (including periodicals and schools) 22,597 5,373
Gain in circulation over 1959
Special Services :
Books borrowed on inter library loan 86
Reserve book notices mailed to borrowers 180
Over due notices mailed to borrowers 2417
Board of Health
During 1960, nineteen licensed eating and drinking establish- ments were inspected and nine markets were inspected at least once every two months. With good sound public health laws in effect, the standards of cleanliness has been good.
Two day camps and one large motel were inspected during the year.
Twenty three milk licenses, fourteen oleomargarine licenses and
Photo by H. Bogue
Our oldest resident, Mr. Charles A. Peterson, receives the gold cane from Select- man Richard L. Danforth.
50
sixteen milk dealers licenses were issued.
Six public health nuisance complaints were investigated with appropriate action being taken. All nuisances were abated satis- factorily.
Six samples were analyzed from Spec Pond. Results of the testing showed that excellent swimming facilities were available.
Both town dumps were under constant supervision. The dumps have been maintained in a satisfactory manner. Every effort is being made to keep the dumps level and covered, wher- ever possible.
Six areas were discovered and posted against the dumping of garbage and rubbish. Such areas are bad for the Town and should be eliminated.
I was available to the Board of Health on several occasions for consultation purposes regarding health, sanitation and swimming pool maintenance.
The Board of Health was extremely interested in the health condition of the community and was foremost in adopting poli- cies and ways to keep health and sanitation at a high level.
I wish to thank the public for the fine cooperation extended to me during 1960.
JOHN A. BRICKETT, R.S., Agent-Sanitarian
Animal Inspector
A total of 705 animals were inspected: 217 dairy cattle, 31 beef cattle, 26 horses, 11 goats, 38 sheep and 382 swine. All animals were found to be clean and free of disease.
GARDNER R. FILES
Sealer of Weights and Measures
During 1960 the following devices were tested and sealed:
47 scales 76 weights 3 liquid measures 42 gasoline pumps
14 grease meters 6 fuel truck meters
Two scales were retired from service. Receipts of fees totaled $138.15, which was slightly less than the 1959 figure because fewer scales were in use.
C. L. MERRICK
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Dog Officer
The following report for 1960 will indicate that there was a large increase in both the licensing and care of stray dogs, but a decrease in dog bites and livestock liability.
728 dogs were licensed.
23 cases of dog bites were investigated and the dogs quarantined.
61 stray dogs were picked up during the year (25 were returned to the owners, 36 were disposed of) .
46 dogs were reported missing by the owners and 32 were recovered.
12 dogs were killed by automobiles and were dis- posed of.
Livestock killed by dogs: 16 turkeys. Damages paid by the insurance company of the dog owners.
A total of 1024.6 miles were logged by the Dog Officer. GARDNER R. FILES
Slaughtering Inspector
All animals reported butchered in 1960 were slaughtered in other than the Town of Wilbraham.
GARDNER R. FILES
Electrical Inspector
From the period of January 1, 1960, to December 31, 1960, there were 206 electrical permits issued. Of these, 148 were issued from the period of May 1 to December 31, which covers the period when fees were charged for the permits.
76 new houses
3 commercial buildings
25 additional rooms
17 electrical dryers
2 swimming pool filter motors
20 larger electrical services
15 new oil burner installations
6 electric ranges
6 electric hot water heaters
1 air conditioner
3 garage wiring
32 additional outlets
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From the date of April 1, 1960, when the appointment of a separate electrical inspector was made, the following inspections were made:
58 roughing in on new wiring
45 finish
23 additional rooms or garages
65 service
17 electric dryer (separate from new residences)
5 electric range (separate from new residences)
72 oil burner
9 off peak meters
WM. E. FITZGERALD, JR.
Fire Department
Telephone number LY 6-3111, our emergency phone for in- coming calls, is to be used only for reporting fires and emergen- cies. For all other business pertaining to Fire Department, please dial LY 6-3014 or LY 6-3122. This is very important.
Fire Loss:
Buildings (33)
$14,669.62
Contents 3,797.92
Assessed Valuations 116,410.00
Department responded to 232 alarms: 33 buildings, 3 chim-
Our Fire Department ambulance crew are our steadfast friends in time of emergency.
Photo by H. Bogue
EMERGENCY + FIRST AID
AMERICAN RED CROSS
WILBRAHAM FIRI
neys, 69 grass and brush, 3 oil burners, 11 automobiles, 12 dumps, 2 A.D.T., 1 transformer, 4 floodings, 3 mutual aid out of town and 91 emergencies.
Seventy one permits were issued for installation of oil burning equipment, 21 permits issued for L. P. gas burning equipment, 23 permits issued for dynamite, 152 inspections, 77 extinguishers recharged. All schools and public buildings were inspected and found in order.
For their cooperation and assistance, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Fire Dispatchers, the call men, the auxiliary, to the members of the Board of Selectmen, Fire Commissioners, Chief Bill Pollitt and his men, the State Police, Dr. John Sigsbee and others who may have helped during the past year.
RALPH E. TUPPER, SR., Chief
-
-
Photo by H. Bogue
Fire Chief Tupper, Janice Bowker, Edward Laskey, Police Chief Pollitt. Our Fire and Police Departments get into the spirit and further education by giving scholar- ships to worthy students.
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Police Department
It is a pleasure to submit to you the annual report of the Wil- braham Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1960.
ROSTER OF THE DEPARTMENT
Chief: William Pollitt. Regular Patrolmen: Gardner R. Files, John J. Chrzanowski. Reserve Patrolmen: Stephen E. Lopata, Alton L. McDonald. Auxiliary Police: Sgt. Newton W. Goe- wey, Jr., Sgt. Ralph M. Kilcourse, Sgt. Wellington C. Rose, Sgt. Emeric J. Wyzik, T. J. Bierowka, Donald A. Bump, John J. Connor, Robert A. Converse, Joseph Crespi, Edward E. Dear- born, John Y. Hess, Arthur W. Hunt, Jr., Frederick J. Macaulay, Morrison J. Marelli, Howard S. McIntosh, Alexander Murphy, Stanley J. Pabis, Allyn K. Peterson, William H. Rademaekers, John Ward, Walter S. Wirzbicki, Donald R. Emerson, Carl B. Martens, Alfred E. Patrie. Auxiliary Policewoman: Carol E. Dunne. School Traffic Officers: Mrs. Mary Strycharz, Mrs. Marjorie Goewey, Mrs. Alice Boyer, Mrs. Alice Christensen.
The year of 1960 was the most active in the annals of the Department. The highlight was that although there were more accidents in 1960, it was the first time in many years we could report no fatal accidents. Officer John Chrzanowski, as safety officer, conducted 14 safety programs in schools and other organ- izations.
Officer Files was appointed Officer in Charge of the Auxiliary Police. In that capacity he is responsible for a training program in order that our police force may continue to be second to none and a valuable asset to the Town of Wilbraham.
In order that our officers may become better acquainted with court procedure, each one must act as his own prosecutor in court when he makes an arrest or takes a person into court who has been summoned for violating the statutes.
If the police are needed and the Town Office is closed call LY 6-4756. This number should be used evenings, weekends and holidays.
I would like to express my appreciation to the men of the Department and the Auxiliary Police for their fine co-operation and the many unpaid hours of work they have given; also, Fire Chief Ralph Tupper and his men, and Highway Superintendent Herbert Butler.
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We of the Police Department would especially like to thank Sergeant Chet Ruszczyk and his men of the Monson Barracks for the fine co-operation given us throughout the year.
Again I wish to express my most sincere appreciation to the Board of Selectmen for their co operation during the entire year. WILLIAM POLLITT, Chief
ARRESTS FOR THE YEAR
Crimes Against the Person - Assault and Battery, 3. Crimes Against Property - Breaking and Entering, 1; Larceny, 2. Crimes Against Public Order - Drunkenness, 9; Disturbing the Peace, 1; Unnatural act and Contributing to Delinquency of a Minor, 1; Vagrancy, 2. In addition to the arrest there were 27 minors apprehended for acts of vandalism. Where a motor vehicle was used, license was suspended and restitution made. Motor Vehicle Violations - Not stopping after causing property dam- age, 1; Passing with view obstructed, 32; Operating under the influence. of liquor, 11; Operating to endanger, 9; Failing to stop at Stop Sign, 25; Operating without a license, 1; Operating a motor vehicle not properly registered and insured, 1; Speeding, 35; Failing to stop for Red Light, 4; Referred to Registry, 20; Filed with warning, 45; Cases prosecuted in District Court, 137. Amount of money from fines paid the Town of Wilbraham, $1,847.00. Summary of Traffic Accidents - While there were more traffic accidents in 1960 we were fortunate in that for the first time in years there were no fatalities. Property Damage Accidents, 67; Personal Injury Accidents, 51; Total number of Accidents, 118; Number of Persons Injured, 97. Other Activity - Doors or windows found open in Business Establishments after closing hours, 57; Stolen cars recovered for other Police Depts., 4; Escapees apprehended, 2; Vacant homes checked, 64; Persons reported missing and returned home, 4; Summons served for other departments, 160; Injured persons taken to Hospital in cruiser, 16; Complaints received and investigated, 236; Pistol permits issued, 47; License to sell firearms issued, 1. Amount received for firearm permits, $114.00.
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