Items submitted to Check it Out must be events that benefit nonprofit organizations and be open to the public. Submissions should be received at least seven days in advance of the event.

Farmington area

Farmington, Thursday, Dec. 7: Mt. Blue Middle School concert, 7 p.m., at the gym. Free.

Farmington, Thursday, Dec. 7: Sole Expression a cappella concert at 7:30 p.m., Nordica Auditorium in Merrill Hall at UMF. Special guests the On and Off Girls.

Farmington, Thursday, Dec. 7: Environmental stories, 3:45 to 4:45 p.m., Mt. Blue Middle School cafeteria.

Farmington, Friday, Dec. 8: Lissa Schneckenburger, fiddler and folk singer, 7:30 p.m., Mt. Blue Auditorium, 129 Seamon Road. Opening, Franklin County Fiddlers. FMI: 778-3511.

Farmington, Friday, Dec. 8: Comedy by Lawn Chair Pirates, 8:45 p.m., The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. FMI: melvin.adams@maine.edu; 778-7346.

Farmington, Friday, Saturday, Dec. 8 and 9: Friendly Workers holiday fair, Fairbanks Union Church, ham supper Friday, 5 to 6:30 p.m., food fest on Saturday.

Farmington, Friday, Dec. 8: Holiday crafts and food fair, 9 a.m. to noon, Franklin Memorial Hospital lobby. Sponsored by the hospital auxiliary.

Wilton, Friday, Dec. 8: Public talk, Crisis in the Darfur Region of Sudan, North Africa, 7 to 8 p.m., Wilton Congregational Church, by Dr. Richard Fredland, visiting professor of African history at UMF. Free.

Avon, Saturday, Dec. 9: Christmas in Avon sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Avon Community Hall. Items by area craftsmen. 50/50 raffle.

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 9: Santa Claus visits downtown, 9 a.m. to noon, Franklin County Children’s Task Force, Church Street. Photos with Santa, free horse-drawn sleigh rides, 9 a.m. to noon.

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 9: Chinese shadow puppetry workshop by Foothills Arts Center, Pleasant Street, 9:30 a.m to 3 p.m. Adults and students grades 5 and up, $15; discounts for families and early registration. FMI: 778-0448 or info@foothillsarts.org, www.foothillsarts.org.

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 9: Baked bean and casserole supper, 4:30 to 6 p.m., Trinity UMC.

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 9: Contradance, 8 to 11 p.m., City Lights North, 231 Broadway. Learn basics, 7:30 p.m. Music by The Racket Factory. FMI: Stan, 397-2241.

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 9: The Franklin County Children’s Task Force in having an open house from 9 a.m. to noon at 113 Church St. Sponsored by the Farmington Business and Professional Association.

Livermore, Saturday, Dec. 9: Norlands Christmas, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, 290 Norlands Road. Meal, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., $10. Mansion tours, adults, $4, children, $2. FMI: 897-4366.

Wilton, Saturday, Dec. 9: Caroling, tree lighting, 2 to 4:30 p.m., downtown. Santa arrives by firetruck. Refreshments available.

Wilton, Saturday, Dec. 9: Children’s shopping for parents, new or gently used donated gifts, nothing over $1, from 9 to 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. FMI: call 645-2639.

Farmington, Sunday, Dec. 10: UMF Sunday film series “Spirited Away,” 7 p.m., Lincoln Auditorium, UMF.

Livermore Falls, Sunday, Dec. 10: Emmanuel Assembly of God youth Christmas program, “His Space,” 6 p.m. Refreshment follow.

New Sharon, Monday, Dec. 11: Cape Cod Hill School concert, 7 p.m., in the gym. Free.

Weld, Monday, Dec. 11: Weld School Concert, 6:30 p.m., Weld Town Hall. Free.

Livermore Falls, Tuesday, Dec. 12: Red Cross blood drive, noon to 6 p.m., Tri Town Area, Route 4.

Farmington, Wednesday, Dec. 13: Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., UMF North Dining Hall.

Farmington, Wednesday, Dec. 13: UMF’s Star or Dud Search, 7:15 p.m., The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. FMI: melvin.adams@maine.edu; 778-7346.

Farmington, Wednesday Dec. 13: Cascade Brook School concert, 7 p.m., Mount Blue High School gym.

Farmington, Thursday, Dec. 14: Music: UMF’s Tom O’Donnell, noon, The Landing UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. FMI: melvin.adams@maine.edu, 778-7346.

Farmington, Thursday, Dec. 14: Comedian Chris Coccia, 7:15 p.m., The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. FMI: melvin.adams@maine.edu; 778-7346.

Farmington, Thursday, Dec. 14: American Red Cross blood drive at University of Maine, North Dining Hall, from noon to 5 p.m.

New Sharon, Thursday, Dec. 14: Story hour, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., New Sharon-Jim Ditzler Memorial Library.

Canton, Friday, Dec. 15: Red Cross blood drive, noon to 6 p.m., Canton Town Hall, 36 School Street.

Farmington, Friday, Dec. 15: Theater for Peace program and discussion, 7:30 p.m., Old South Congregational Church, Main Street. Students will perform “Crazy for Oil;” discussion follows. Donation, $6. FMI: Anne Geller, 778-0448; info@foothillsarts.org.

Fayette, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Dec. 15, 16, 17: “The Living Nativity,” 7 p.m. Friday and Sunday, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday. Music, drama. Free, but tickets required due to limited seating. Reservations, 685-9492.

East Dixfield, Saturday, Dec. 16: Baked bean and casserole super, 5 to 7 p.m., fire station. Donations accepted to benefit Harland “Chipper” Osgood. FMI: 645-3254.

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 16: Free horse drawn sleigh rides, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., downtown. Sponsored by the Downtown Business and Professional Association.

New Sharon, Thursday, Dec. 28: Story hour, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., New Sharon-Jim Ditzler Memorial Library.

Farmington, Friday, Dec. 29: American Red Cross blood drive, Franklin Memorial Hospital, 1 Hospital Drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oxford Hills area

Paris, Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 7 to 10: Trees and trains, McLaughlin barn and house. Set up by Maine Garden Railway Society. Members, $3; nonmembers, $5; under 12, $3; under 5, free.

Fryeburg, Friday, Dec. 8: Dinner and dance for Billy Holt at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 5 to 7 p.m., dance 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Dinner only, adults $7, children 12 and under $4; dance only, adults $5, children 12 and under $1. Both, adults $10, children 12 and under $5. FMI: 935-2546.

Paris, Friday, Dec. 8: Tree of Caring lighting ceremony, 7 p.m., Maine Veterans’ Home, 477 High St. Music and refreshments following tree-lighting.

Andover, Saturday, Dec. 9: Craft fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Andover Fire Station. Santa will arrive at 1 p.m. Crafters may reserve a table by calling Elaine at 392-1140.

Hebron, Saturday, Dec. 9: Holiday spirit boutique, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hebron Station School, 884 Station Road. Benefits “The Depot” after school enrichment.

Norway, Saturday, Dec. 9: Make a gingerbread house, 1 to 3 p.m., Norway Memorial Library. For children 13 to 18. Instructor: Hilary White. Materials supplied. Register by Wednesday, Dec. 6. Space limited. FMI or to register, 743-5309; norteen@norway.lib.me.us.

Otisfield, Saturday, Dec. 9: Holiday dinner, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Otisfield Community School. Performance by school chorus and instrumentalists. Benefits field trips.

Otisfield, Saturday, Dec. 9: Lisa Bean Thurston Memorial Christmas tree lighting, 7 p.m., town office. Visit with Santa. Lights available in memory or honor of loved ones, $2.50. Benefits Otisfield scholarship fund.

Paris, Saturday, Dec. 9: Auburn Methodist Ringers and Androscoggin Chorale concert, 7:30 p.m., South Paris First Congregational Church. FMI: www.mainemusicsociety.org.

Paris, Saturday, Dec. 9: Christmas tree sale, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., First Baptist Church of Paris Hill.

Paris, Saturday, Dec. 9: Teddy bear dance, 7 to 10 p.m., Oxford Hills Middle School, Pine Street, sponsored by Swingin’ Bears Square Dance Club. Square and round dancing. Stuffed toys will be collected for Right Start Christmas for Kids. Couples, $10; singles, $5; free to non-dancers. Refreshments. FMI: Sue Corning, 743-7176; Eleanor Herrick, 782-4050.

Woodstock, Saturday, Dec. 9: Christmas Cantata, 11 a.m., Seventh Day Adventist Church, Perkins Valley.

Locke Mills, Sunday, Dec. 10: Benefit supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Locke Mills Legion Hall. To benefit Robin Chandler and children due to losing their belongings in a fire. Adults $6, children under 12 $3. Donations and gifts accepted. FMI: Dorene 674-2346.

West Paris, Sunday, Dec. 10: Christmas Cantata, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., West Paris Baptist Church.

Bridgton, Monday, Dec. 11: Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Howell Laboratories, Route 117.

Bryant Pond, Thursday, Dec. 14: Tineka Ouwenga of Bethel speaks at Whitman Memorial Library, 10 a.m., about her growing up in the Netherlands living in Nazi-occupied Holland during World War II. Free. Light refreshments. FMI: 674-2143.

Canton, Friday, Dec. 15: Red Cross blood drive, noon to 6 p.m., Canton Town Hall, 36 School St.

Bridgton, Monday, Dec. 11: American Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Howell Laborotories, Route 117.

Locke Mills, Sunday, Dec. 17: Christmas Cantata, 4 p.m., Union Church. FMI: Joyce Hathaway, 674-2259.

Bridgton, Tuesday, Dec. 26: Red Cross blood drive, 2 to 7 p.m., Bridgton Masonic Hall, Route 117.

River Valley area

Bethel, Thursday, Dec. 7: Bethel Historical Society’s Dr. Moses Mason House Museum open for hot cider and holiday treats at 6 p.m., seasonal music. William Andrews will discuss his new book, “Stealing History,” at 7:30 p.m.

Rumford, Thursday, Dec. 7: Chicken dinner, 5 p.m., American Legion Post 24. $6. Take-out meals available; call ahead, 369-9053.

Carthage, Friday, Dec. 8: Christmas at the Church program at 6 p.m. at Carthage Union Church on Rt. 142 features Alan Hutchinson on piano, the music of New Beginnings. Free and all are welcome. Sponsored by the Church and Carthage Historical Society. FMI: 562-7473 or 778-2042.

Rumford, Friday, Dec. 8: Turkey dinner, 5:30 p.m., Blazing Star Lodge, Route 232, $6; chances $1 or 6 for $5. Sponsored by Mt. Zircon 142 Star Club.

Andover, Saturday, Dec. 9: Craft fair, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Andover Fire Station. Santa arrives at 1 p.m. Tables: Elaine, 392-1140.

Bethel, Saturday, Dec. 9: Public supper at 5:30 p.m. followed by Lighting of Christmas Tree at 6:30 p.m. at Bethel United Methodist CHurch. Meal prices: Adults, $6; under 12, $3.

Bethel, Saturday, Dec. 9: Children’s Stage Adventures present, The Princess and the Pea, at 2 and 7 p.m. at Crescent Park School. Tickets: $8 students/$10 adults/$12 reserved seating. FMI: 824-2839.

Bethel, Dec. 9 and 10: Bethel United Methodist Church “Reason for the Season” weekend. Dec. 9, memorial Christmas tree lighting with names read at a 6:30 p.m. Christmas program for children, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 10 at the church.

Peru, Saturday, Dec. 9: Christmas craft fair, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rockemeka Grange Hall, 92 Peru Center Road. Benefits Families in Crisis Task Force. FMI: 562-8581; Rod Jamison, 562-8799.

Rumford, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9 and 10: RAAPA’s “A Musical Christmas Card,” Mountain Valley High School auditorium. Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Tickets, RAAPA members, Bartash, Port to Port, Hannaford, Log Cabin Craftworks, Larsen’s Electric. FMI: Sara Perry 364-7304.

Rumford, Saturday, Dec. 9: Craft, food sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Rumford Grange 115, Rumford Center. Corn chowder lunch. Tables, $7. FMI: Vicki Ann Clark, 364-2129.

Bethel, Sunday, Dec. 10: Western Mountains Senior Players production, 2:30 p.m., Gould Academy’s McLaughton Auditorium. Includes 7 one-act plays. Free.

Bethel, Monday, Dec. 11: Mahoosuc Community Band’s Christmas concert at 7 p.m. at West Parish Congregational Church.

Canton, Friday, Dec. 15: Red Cross blood drive, noon to 6 p.m., Canton Town Hall, 36 School Street.

East Dixfield, Saturday, Dec. 16: Baked bean and casserole super, 5 to 7 p.m., fire station. Donations accepted to benefit Harland “Chipper” Osgood. FMI: 645-3254.

Rumford, Thursday, Dec. 21: Take-out holiday poutine sale, 4 p.m., St. Athanasius-St. John Parish Center. Sponsored by The Acadian Society; benefits Dr. Edward Martin Book Scholarship Fund. Order before Dec. 14, 364-4629, 5 to 9 p.m.

Rumford, Sunday, Dec. 31: New Years Eve at Black Mountain of Maine with happy hour at 7, dinner buffet at 8, dance with Scot and Cindy Grassett from 9 to 1, dessert buffet at 10:30, champagne toast at midnight. Price: $35 per person Tickets on sale at Hair Design, Adley Auto Sales and Davis Florist.

Lewiston area

Auburn, Thursday, Dec. 7: Literacy Volunteers-Androscoggin holiday open house and booksale. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Great Falls School, 140 High St. Proceeds to benefit LV-A. Free refreshments. FMI: 753-1772.

Auburn, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7, 8, 9: Auburn Middle School drama students perform “Dracula” by Bram Stoker at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday at Auburn Middle School. Tickets at door. FMI: call 784-1356.

Lewiston, Thursday, Dec. 7, 14: Line and partner dancing at 7 p.m. with the Countryside Dancers at Central Hall, 191 Lisbon St. entrance 4th. level of Centreville Garage.

Lewiston, Thursday, Dec. 7: Festival of Lights, 5:30 p.m., corner Sabattus Street and Campus Avenue. Sponsored by Sisters of Charity. Santa, Mrs. Claus arrive by sleigh. Photo with Santa, $1; visit Santa’s workshop, $3. Benefits Renaissance and Genesis houses and adolescent and child behavioral inpatient units at St. Mary’s RMC.

Auburn, Friday, Dec. 8: Scrabble for Teens, 3 p.m., Auburn Public Library. FMI: Sally, 333-6640, ext. 2008, or sholt@auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Auburn, Friday, Dec. 8: Chris Martell shares a song at a recent Open Mic/Poetry Slam at the First Universalist Church of Auburn, presented by Pleasant Note Coffeehouse. Sign-up is at 7 p.m.; show starts at 7:30 at 169 Pleasant Street (across from Dairy Joy). Free childcare and admission; donations welcome. Accessible. FMI call 783-0461 or go to www.uuauburn.org.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 8: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 8: L-A Senior College “Food for Thought” luncheon, noon, USM/Lewiston-Auburn. Entertainment by “Vocal Eloquence,” the Edward Little H.S. a cappella choir. Advanced reservation, $6; $8 at door. Reserve by noon, Dec. 7, 753-6510 or online at usm.maine.edu/lac.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 8: 50’s and 60’s Sock Hop from 8 to midnight, at the Lewiston Elks. Members and guest welcome. Prizes for best dressed couples.

Auburn, Saturday, Dec. 9: Ham dinner, 5 to 6 p.m., St. Louis Church Hall, Third Street, Adults, $6.50; children under 12, $3.25.

Auburn, Saturday, Dec. 9: Book, yard sale, 9 to 11 a.m., Child Health Center, 24 Falcon Drive. Sponsored by Child Health Center’s Developmental Therapy Preschool. Raffles, bake sale and refreshments.

Augusta, Saturday, Dec. 9: Model Railroad Celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Maine State Museum in the State House Complex in Augusta. Free admission

Buckfield, Saturday, Dec. 9: Holiday home tours, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Benefits Project Graduation. Tickets available at Tilton’s Market, $10 each. FMI: Joan Abrams, 336-3600; Regina Hutchinson, 336-3312.

Lewiston, Saturday, Dec. 9: Greek dinner, 4 to 7 p.m., Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 155 Hogan Road, $8, $4 for children under 13. FMI: 783-6795 or Chris Karagiannes at 622-0027.

Lewiston, Saturday, Dec. 9: Human rights festival, focus on Eurafasian people, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., USM/LA campus, Room 170, 51 Westminster St. Film, lecture, discussion, dance. Free. FMI: Dr. Barry Rodrigue, 753-6574.

Lisbon, Saturday, Dec. 9: VFW Post 9459 40th anniversary, 5:30 to 11 p.m., post home, Route 196. Meal, 5:30; adults, $6; under 10, $3. Music by Cheryl, 7 p.m. FMI: 353-5291, Wednesday to Friday after 4. Reservation deadline: Dec. 1.

Lisbon Falls, Saturday, Dec. 9: Baked bean and casserole supper, 4:45 to 6 p.m., Holy Trinity Church parish hall, 67 Frost Hill Ave. Adults, $6; under 12, $4; under 4, free. Families with children under 12, $15. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus. FMI: 353-5636.

Poland, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9, 10: Poland Regional High School/Whittier Middle School Boosters Christmas tree sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., student parking lot, Maine Street. FMI: 345-9835.

Sabattus, Saturday, Dec. 9: The Jacques on the Wales Road will be having a casserole and bean supper at 5 p.m. Dancing will follow till 9:30 p.m. $6.00.

Wales, Saturday, Dec. 9: Oak Hill High School’s Voices of Color and Jazz Band performance, 6:30 p.m., Wales Presbyterian Church, Route 132. Offerings accepted. FMI: Marilyn, 375-6604.

Auburn, Sunday, Dec. 10: Public breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m., VFW Post 1603, 588 Minot Ave. $3.50/$4.50. Benefits children’s Christmas party.

Lewiston, Sunday Dec. 10: Auburn Methodist Ringers, Androscoggin Chorale concert, 3 p.m. at Franco-American Heritage Center. FMI: www.mainemusicsociety.org.

Lisbon Falls, Sunday, Dec. 10: Christmas play, “The Arch Angel,” 5 p.m., Lisbon Falls Baptist Church, 555 Lisbon St. Presented by The Maranatha Messengers, a puppet ministry. FMI: 353-8518.

Winthrop, Sunday, Dec. 10: CODA Chorus Christmas concert, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Children’s choir 2 p.m. concert. Free-will offering.

Lewiston, Monday, Dec. 11: Babytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Auburn, Tuesday, Dec. 12: Court Street Baptist Church invites the public to our Advent Tuesday noon services. Homestyle meal served at 12:30 p.m. A donation is requested to cover the cost of food. FMI: 784-6661.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Dec. 12: Book discussion group, 9 a.m., public library.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Dec. 12: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Lewiston, Thursday, Dec. 14: Peek-A-Boo puppet show, 9:30 a.m., New Life Community Center, 134 College St. FMI: 782-1112.

Lewiston, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Dec. 14, 15, 16: Vineyard Church of Lewiston will present the 10th annual Living Nativity at The Vineyard , 9 Foss Road. Free and open to the community. FMI: call the Vineyard at 784-9500.

Winthrop, Thursday, Dec. 14: Red Cross blood drive, 1 to 6 p.m., St. Francis Church, Lake Street.

Auburn, Friday, Dec. 15: Turkey raffle, 7 p.m., VFW Post 1603, 588 Minot Ave. Benefits New Auburn Little League Baseball. FMI: 784-6883.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 15: Christmas band concert, 7:30 p.m., Saints Peter and Paul Basilica, 27 Bartlett St. Traditional Christmas music by the Bath Municipal Band. Admission by donation.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 15: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Auburn, Saturday, Dec. 16: Christmas bake/craft sale, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Kmart. Sponsored by Tommys Feral Feline Friends.

Auburn, Saturday, Dec. 16: Bean and casserole supper, 5 p.m., United Methodist Church, 439 Park Ave. Adults, $6; children 6 to 10, $3; 5 and under, free.

Lewiston, Saturday, Dec. 16: Jazz for the holidays concert, 7 to 9 p.m., Calvary United Methodist Church, 59 Sabattus St., by Mellow Magic Ensemble. $10, credit cards accepted. FMI and advance tickets, 782-0198. Benefits the church.

Poland, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16, 17: Poland Regional High School/Whittier Middle School Boosters Christmas tree sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., student parking lot, Maine Street. FMI: 345-9835.

Auburn, Sunday, Dec. 17: Holiday Pageant at the First Universalist Church, 169 Pleasant St. Join the service at 10 a.m. Accessible. FMI 783-0461 or www.uuauburn.org.

Lewiston, Monday, Dec. 18: Babytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Poland, Monday, Dec. 18: Red Cross blood drive, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Whittier Middle School, 1457 Maine St. Route 26.

Auburn, Tuesday, Dec. 19: Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Auburn Motor Sales, 699 Center St.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Dec. 19: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Dec. 20: Holiday sing-along, 6 p.m., public library. Free, but must get ticket to attend. Tickets available Dec. 6 from children’s desk. FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4.

Winthrop, Thursday, Dec. 21: Red Cross blood drive, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Winthrop High School gym, 221 Rambler Road.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 22: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 22: Christmas concert, 8 p.m., middle school auditorium, Central Avenue. Presented by All Student Theatre Project. Donations accepted. Benefits Child Health Center Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Programs.

Auburn, Sunday, Dec. 24: Breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m., VFW Post 1603, 588 Minot Ave. $3.50/$4.50. Benefits Auburn Little League Baseball. FMI: 784-6883.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Dec. 26: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Auburn, Wednesday, Dec. 27: Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Auburn Mall, 550 Center St.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 29: Preschool storytime, 10 a.m., public library.

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