Friday, October 23, 2026 • Just in time to plan your weekend
An “In-Between The Issues” look at events, people, dining, and entertaining in southern Cobb County, from the publishers of The Bright Side community newspapers of southern Cobb. Deadline for the November/December combined edition is October 28th. Contact us at news@brightsidecobb.com.
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CRAFTS AND DRAFTS FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND
It’s Fall and time for the Smyrna Crafts & Drafts Fall Festival October 24 and 25. Shop the crafts festival, while enjoying a draft, watch some football and soak up the warm and gentle sunshine on your shoulders in our downtown. You can expect 150 arts and crafts booths, food booths, live music and plenty of children’s activities. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday in downtown Smyrna around City Hall. Admission is FREE.
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Read the Latest Bright Side
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MID-TERM ELECTION DATE DRAWS NEAR
November 3 is the official election day for the mid-term elections in Georgia and nationwide. Georgians will be voting for Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, and many more state-wide offices, including and all state house and state senate seats. Also on the ballot is one US Senate seat and all US congressional seats.
Advanced voting has begun for the November 3 mid-term elections. The deadline to request absentee ballot for November general election is October 23. For more information visit https://www.cobbcounty.gov/elections
A registered voter can vote at any qualified location during early voting. Tuesday October 13 – Friday October 30 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday (Select Locations) Noon-5 p.m. On election day, November 3, a voter must vote at their designated voter location. Locations for early voting are:
North Cobb Senior Center
3900 S Main St
Acworth, GA 30101
South Cobb Community Center
620 Lions Club Dr
Mableton, GA 30126
East Cobb Government Service Center
4400 Lower Roswell Rd
Marietta, GA 30068
Boots Ward Recreation Center
4845 Dallas Hwy
Powder Springs, GA 30127
Milford Recreation Center
675 Smyrna Powder Springs Rd SW
Marietta, GA 30060
Ron Anderson Recreation Center
3820 Macedonia Rd
Powder Springs, GA 30127
Main Office
995 Roswell St NE
Marietta, GA 30060
Tim D. Lee Senior Center
3332 Sandy Plains Rd
Marietta, GA 30066
West Cobb Regional Library
1750 Dennis Kemp Ln
Kennesaw, GA 30152
Collar Park Community Center
2625 Joe Jerkins Blvd
Austell, GA 30168
Ben Robertson Community Center
2753 Watts Dr
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Gritters Library
880 Shaw Park Road
Marietta, GA 30066
First Baptist Church of Smyrna
1275 Church St
Smyrna GA, 30080 |
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Paul Powers, center, honored by Smyrna fire department
SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT HONORS PAUL POWERS
The Smyrna Fire Department honored Paul Powers. the chair of the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation, with its annual Irons Award for his exceptional support. Powers has served on the board since 2023 and as its chair since 2024.
The department bestowed the award during the Annual Smyrna Fire Department Awards, held Saturday, Oct. 17, at the newly refurbished Hotel Indigo Atlanta-Vinings Ballpark Area.
“What we do as board members comes from a deep appreciation and admiration for the men and women who serve our community,” Powers said. “We work hard to support them and be there when they need us. To be recognized by the very people we admire and work to support is incredibly special, and I’m truly grateful to receive this honor.”
The department presents the award annually to a community member whose service goes above and beyond. Smyrna Fire Chief Brian Marcos said the department created the award to recognize a partner outside the department who has contributed to its mission.
“Paul has been an outstanding supporter of the department,” Marcos said. “When members of our public safety family have faced serious hardships, and we’ve turned to the foundation for help, Paul has consistently stepped up, responding quickly and making sure those needs are addressed. He’s dedicated tremendous time and energy to raising money for our benevolence fund and supporting events like Shop With a Hero, all while running his own small business.”
The department honored Smyrna Public Safety Foundation Executive Director Denise Czarnik with the award in 2023.
Powers, owner of Smyrna-based Powers Electrical Solutions, has also been deeply engaged in the local community in addition to his work with the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation. He is active in the Smyrna Business Association, and last year, he was one of three Smyrna Public Safety Foundation board members selected for the Leadership Cobb 2026 class.
“Paul understands that supporting our first responders means more than simply saying thank you; it’s showing up each and every day,” Czarnik said. “He has demonstrated a genuine commitment to the men and women who serve and make our community the special place that it is, and this recognition is well deserved. The Irons Award is a meaningful honor, and I can’t think of a more deserving recipient.”
For more information, visit SmyrnaPSF.org. |
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FRIENDS OF SMYRNA LIBRARY PRESENTS:
MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT
Join Friends of Smyrna Library for “Murder Mystery Night: An Old Hollywood Whodunnit.” featuring The Murder Mystery Company players and presented by the Friends of Smyrna Library on October 30. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Smyrna Public Library.
Come to the quintessential whodunnit thriller at the estate of Sir Warren Peace and get thrown into a night of mystery, intrigue, and murder you will never forget. With a killer crowd of people just waiting for murder to arrive on the scene, this night will keep everyone looking over their shoulders and guessing who the next victim will be! Bribe suspects for clues and gather information to be the first to uncover the unhinged guest who is behind the mystery of the murders. Just be careful, because you could be next.
The theme is the Roaring Twenties; costumes of any type are encouraged but not required. This special event will be held on Friday, October 30 at 7 p.m. at Brawner Hall, 3180 Atlanta Road SE, Smyrna. Light appetizers and N/A beverages are included. Guests must be ages 16+. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Smyrna Public Library. |
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 Campbell HS JROTC Honor Guard flag ceremony
SMYRNA VETERANS DAY SERVICE IS NOVEMBER 11
Smyrna’s Veterans Day ceremony is set for November 11 at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 2800 King Street, Smyrna. The ceremony features speaker Col. Kevan Lewis, USMC.
The event will also include the Osborne High School JROTC color guard, beautiful music by the Whitefield Academy Band, comments by Smyrna Fire Chief Brian Marcos, a Gun Salute by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, an America250 Time Capsule Dedication by Smyrna City Councilman Travis Lindley, recognition of veterans by their era of service, and Chaplain LTC Brandon Markette for the invocation and benediction.
Open to all. at Veterans Memorial Park, in case of rain, it will be moved indoors to the nearby Smyrna Community Center, 1250 Powder Springs St, Smyrna.
Speaker Col. Kevan Lewis, USMC has a BA in Music and Sound Recording from Brigham Young University and an MA in Regional Security Studies-Middle East/North Africa from Naval Postgraduate School. He is a graduate of Expeditionary Warfare School DEP, Command and Staff College DEP, and Joint and Combined Warfighting School.
His awards include the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Achievement Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Sponsors of the Veterans Day Ceremony include the City of Smyrna, the Smyrna Veterans Committee and American Legion Post 160.
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COLLEGE FOOTBALL SATURDAY IS BACK
Can’t make the trip to the stadium, but love that tailgate atmosphere? Join us at Village Green Park for the big game from 3 p.m.- 5 p.m. Along with the game we will have a live DJ, prizes, and giveaways! Admission is free to all. Just bring your chairs and cheer your team on to victory! This all-ages event is free to attend.
Dates:
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Place your advertising in the Bright Side eWeekly for only $25 per week
(minimum of 4 weeks).
Contact Cathy Lipsett at 770-426-9388 or
by email at cslipsett@att.net for more information.
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LIBRARY TO HOST TALK ON GEORGIA’S CO-FOUNDER
While most accounts of Georgia history start with James Oglethorpe, an upcoming lecture at the Smyrna Library will argue that a second person deserves just as much credit. Dr. Michael Morris will present “Mary Musgrove (Coosaponakeesa): Georgia’s Forgotten Co-Founder” from 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, in the library’s meeting room at 100 Village Green Cir SE, Smyrna. Admission is free, and light refreshments will be served.
Musgrove was born to a Creek mother and an English trader and spoke both languages. She served as a translator between the colonists and Creek leaders. She also supplied the struggling settlement with livestock and food, and she supported Oglethorpe’s military efforts with Creek warriors from her networks. The lecture will trace her rise as an intermediary between two cultures and her eventual fall from prominence.
Morris holds a doctorate in history from Auburn University, with concentrations in early American and Native American history, particularly Southeastern cultures. Over more than two decades in Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina, he has worked to bring Native American history into foundational U.S. history courses.
The Friends of Smyrna Library is sponsoring the lecture with a grant from Georgia Humanities. The discussion is part of the Smyrna Library’s Semiquincentennial programming marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
For more information, please visit FriendsOfSmyrnaLibrary.com. |
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GET INVOLVED AT FREEMAN POOLE SENIOR CENTER
 Seniors, are you looking for activities or need a place to meet new friends? Why not visit the Freeman Poole Senior Center located at 4025 South Hurt Road, Smyrna? Join a lunch and learn class, enjoy a cooking demonstration, play bingo or join a book reading club. Whatever your interest may be, there’s plenty to do at Freeman Poole.
Click here for a list of upcoming events.
4025 S Hurt Road, Smyrna 30082
(770-801-3400)
Visit Freeman Poole Senior Center’s website for daily activities
Veteran Connection meets the 2nd Tuesday each month at 10 a.m.
OCTOBER
Bingo
Monday, October 26 from noon – 2 p.m.
$3; Registration required
Join us for fun games of Bingo.
Snacks and prizes available.
AARP SmartDrive Course
Wednesday, October 28 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Please arrive by 9 a.m.
$20 AARP members; $25 Non-members; Registration required
Refresh your driving skills and knowledge of the rules of the road by taking the full-length classroom Smart Driver Course. Learn techniques for handling left turns, right-of-way, and roundabouts. Discover proven driving methods to help keep you and your loved ones safe of the road.
NOVEMBER
Understanding AI in the Golden Years
Monday, November 2 from 11 a.m. – noon
Free; Registration required
What is AI, and how can it make life a little easier? Join us for a fun and simple introduction to artificial intelligence. Explore everyday ways AI can help with information, communication, travel, and more! Led by Freeman Poole volunteer Sandy Rodgers.
CFP Mystery Lovers Meet Up
Tuesday, November 3 from 11 a.m. –noon
Free; Registration Required
Do you enjoy watching, reading, or listening to a good mystery? Want to meet with other mystery lovers to talk shop? Come share your favorite movies, shows, and books. From Alex Cross to Columbo, James Patterson to Agatha Christie, let’s review the old and the new.
Welcome to C. Freeman Poole Senior Center
Wednesday, November 4 from 11 a.m. – noon
Free; Registration required
Whether you are new or have been a long-time member of C. Freeman Poole, you are invited to come and learn more about our center, the programs we offer, meet our team, take a tour of our center, and offer suggestions about activities, events, or seminars you would like to see offered.
Book Lovers’ Social: Swap, Sip & Share
Thursday, November 5 from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Free, Registration required
Got a book sitting on your shelf that’s ready for a new reader? Bring it along and come swap, sip, and share with us! Browse for your next great read, enjoy some coffee and treats, and chat with fellow book lovers about favorite authors, unforgettable stories, and books you just couldn’t put down. Plus, try your luck with our Mystery Book Swap and choose a wrapped book based only on the clues. You never know what great read you might take home! Led by Freeman Poole Staff.
First Friday Films (Call center for title)
Friday, November 6 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Free; Registration required
$1 Concessions
Join us at the center for a fun movie in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Don’t miss out on freshly popped butter popcorn to make this Friday a fun one!
Assistive Living Tools
Friday, November 6 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Free; Registration required
This presentation provides audiences with an overview of resources, equipment, and services available to make life easier for older adults and people with disabilities to safely age in place. Participants will have the chance to learn about common types of useful assistive living tools, from low-tech items that require little to no training, to high-tech items that can make independent living possible, and everything in between. Assistive living services, from reading your mail to reading prescription bottles, will also be discussed. Information on where to find these services will be provided as well. If you, or a loved one, are struggling with daily tasks and are searching for answers on what is available to assist you, this class can provide some of those answers. This class is approximately one hour long. Presented by Amy with B.E.S.T. (Broadening & Enriching Seniors Together).
Trails of Tears: A Native American History Presentation
Monday, November 9 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Free; Registration required
Join us for a powerful and educational presentation by the Funk Heritage Museum exploring the history and impact of the Trail of Tears. This event will provide an in-depth look at the forced relocation of Native American tribes in the 1830s, sharing stories of resilience, hardship, and cultural preservation. Through engaging visuals and thoughtful discussion, this presentation offers an important opportunity to learn about a significant chapter in American history and honor the experiences of those affected.
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BRIGHT SIDE CALENDAR
FOR SMYRNA/VININGS/MABLETON/AUSTELL
October
25: AUSTELL PRES ANNUAL TRUNK OR TREAT. Austell Presbyterian Church (5895 Love Street, Austell) is excited to host our 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 25 from 2-4 p.m.! Join us for an afternoon of candy, costumes, decorated trunks, and plenty of family fun. Bring the kids, invite your friends and neighbors, and come enjoy this fun community event with us! For more information, visit www.austellpres.org or follow us on Instagram @austellpres.
27: JONQUIL GARDEN CLUB. The Jonquil Garden Club monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 27, at the Smyrna Community Center, 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna in the Jonquil Room. The October program will be: “Pollinators and Native Plants” presented by a Master Gardener volunteer from Cobb County UGA Extension. Each meeting includes information on horticulture and a presentation that will enhance your knowledge of gardening. Meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month (Sept-May) from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. New members are always welcome! Jonquil Garden Club includes members from novice to master gardeners. For more information visit our Facebook page (“Jonquil Garden Club of Smyrna, GA”) or contact our President, Michele Cox at jgcprez@gmail.com
November
11: SMYRNA VETERANS DAY CEREMONY. November 11 at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 2800 King Street, Smyrna.
December
01: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS. Join the city of Smyrna for a magical evening at Smyrna’s annual kickoff to the holiday season on December 1. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Market Village, get into the holiday spirit with performances by local school choirs across Market Village. Santa will be making a special appearance to light the tree and will be available for photos after the tree lighting. Explore the Kris Kringle Market for unique gifts and delicious treats. Find something for everyone in our winter wonderland market, filled with twinkling lights and festive décor.
Weekly Organizations
BOY SCOUT TROOP 1: Join Troop 1 Smyrna, where adventure meets leadership. Our vibrant Scouts BSA troop is Scout-led, thriving on teamwork, camaraderie, and the values of the Scout Oath and Law. We camp monthly, explore exciting outdoor adventures, and focus on building skills that last a lifetime. Meetings are held on Sundays from 4:30 to 6 p.m., providing a welcoming space to grow, lead, and have fun—except on holiday weekends or during our thrilling camping trips. Come be part of the adventure and discover what makes Troop 1 a community like no other. Website: troop1smyrna.com. Email: troop1smyrna@gmail.com Phone: 770-742-8858
SCOUTING AMERICA TROOP 220 (FOR BOYS) AND 1872 (FOR GIRLS). Come to Life Church to enjoy Scouting America’s (formally BSA) programs where we have both Boy and Girl Units. Combined with Pack 22 we provide Scouting for the whole family! Troops 1872 and 220 have monthly campouts/adventures and hold regular meetings located at Life Church Smyrna Assembly of God, 4100 King Springs Road (next to Griffin Middle School). Meetings for Troop 1872 are held on Sundays from 2 p.m. – 3:30 and for Troop 220 on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8 p.m. We are focused on leadership, adventure, and established Scouting Values that have been around for 100+ years. For more information visit www.troopwebhost.org/Troop220smryna
SMYRNA OPTIMIST: Meets every Friday, 7 a.m.to 8 a.m.at the Nelms Masonic Lodge. 455 Concord Road SE, Smyrna. Visitors welcome.
THE JONQUIL CITY KIWANIS CLUB meets on Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m. at the Wolfe Center at 884 Church St. Smyrna,30080. All are welcome. Please come early for fellowship and refreshments.
SMYRNA BNI: Smyrna Business Exchange BNI, the largest and most successful BNI Chapter in all North Georgia (including the Atlanta Metro area) meets Thursday mornings from 7 a.m. until 8:30 (networking, coffee and breakfast starting at 6:45 a.m.) The group meets at Smyrna First Baptist Church, 1275 Church St SE, Smyrna. Enter behind the church in the “Welcome Center.” You can reach them online at: bniatl.com
TOASTMASTERS MEETINGS! T-Toasters of Vinings is once again holding live meetings every Wednesday night starting at 6 p.m. Our meetings are held at 2727 Paces Ferry Rd, Building 2 in the 3rd floor conference room. Look for our banner and come join the fun! For more information visit t-toasters.com or email amberenson@gmail.com.
VININGS CUMBERLAND ROTARY CLUB. In person weekly meeting, and on zoom, every Wednesday at 12 noon. The meetings are held at Copeland’s of New Orleans, 3101 Cobb Parkway, Vinings. For more information, go to viningsrotary.org, or contact Shawn Bendig at shawnbendig@att.net or 404-374-6027
SMYRNA ROTARY CLUB meets Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. Join for a warm welcome, great fellowship, wonderful speakers, and community, national and international service projects. For more information, email Smyrna Rotary Club at f2@nfiweb.com.
GIRL SCOUTS. Girl Scout Troop 625 (K – 6th Grades) is recruiting! We have age level meetings for Mondays or Thursdays at Austell First United Methodist Church. Contact us at 470-399-3629 or troop625rocks@gmail.com.
Groups
RELATIONSHIPS IN RECOVERY. The oldest meeting on campus meets every Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. in the Pro North building at Ridgeview Institute, 3995 S. Cobb Drive, Smyrna. A 12-step format meeting helping people in relationships with the many aspects of recovery.
Extra Bright Sides
EXTRA COPIES: Looking for an extra copy of The Bright Side? Copies are available each month in the Smyrna Library, the Smyrna Community Center, Vickery Hardware, and Jonquil Publix Atlanta Road, Smyrna; and Kroger on South Cobb Drive, Smyrna. Mableton Pharmacy, Floyd Road Kroger; and the Mable House Arts Center. In Austell: The Treadmill. Also available at advertiser locations. On our website www.brightsidecobb.com sign up for out electronic weekly that has more local news and calendar items every Friday
E-mail your organization’s calendar news to news@brightsidecobb.com. Please send in a Word format as short as possible and no flyers. Calendar items also go into the electronic weekly every Friday. To subscribe to the eWeekly go to www.brightsidecobb.com and click on the red button.
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NOTES AND NOTICES
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
MONTHLY RECYCLING CENTER TOURS. The City of Smyrna Recycling Center offers monthly tours on the third Friday of the month (except for holidays) at 9 am. You can register to attend by visiting: https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/education/
GOOD RASCAL DOG TRAINING: Certified Dog Trainer offers Private Dog Training in your home or other mutually convenient location. Positive, gentle methods make training fun for dog and owner. Licensed, Bonded and Insured. For details, see our website: www.mygoodrascal.com. To set up a consultation, email: gary@mygoodrascal.com or call 770-401-7945.
EXTRA COPIES
EXTRA COPIES: Looking for an extra copy of The Bright Side? Copies are available each month in the Smyrna Library, the Smyrna Community Center, and Jonquil Publix Atlanta Road, Smyrna; Mableton Pharmacy, Floyd Road Kroger; and in Austell: The Treadmill. Also available at advertiser locations. On our website, www.brightsidecobb.com, sign up for out electronic weekly that has more local news and calendar items every Friday.
PLACING NOTES AND NOTICES ADS: Holding a garage sale? Selling or renting your home, need an employee, tutoring, teaching, or in –home child care? We accept short reader ads for a fee of $25 per 50 words. The ads, with check, should be mailed or delivered to The Bright Side, 3330 Cumberland Blvd, Suite 500, Vinings, GA 30339. Ad copy should also be e-mailed to: ads@brightsidecobb.com. Check or credit card payments accepted. Home-based business ads accepted only if they do not conflict with our display advertisers. Home sale ads are for homeowners only. For information, call 770-426-9388 or e-mail to news@brightsidecobb.com
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WE WELCOME YOUR NEWS AND ADVERTISING FOR THE BRIGHT SIDE.
REACH OUT to potential new customers/clients through the electronic and print editions of The Bright Side. Please send your news and advertising to me at news@brightsidecobb.com or cslipsett@att.net
Give me a call or email and let’s see how a Bright Side ad can benefit your business. I also welcome good news about people in the community. Give me a phone call at 770-426-9388 or email me at cslipsett@att.net.
You can now read the print and the electronic editions of The Bright Side anytime on my website: www.brightsidecobb.com. In addition to direct mail delivery to homes, extra print copies of The Bright Side are available at the Smyrna Public Library, the Smyrna Community Center, Publix at Jonquil Plaza on Atlanta Road, Smyrna Kroger on South Cobb Drive and at Vickery Hardware. Also available at Cobb Hospital, the Treadmill, Austell, the Floyd Road Kroger, Mable House Arts Center, and Mableton Pharmacy.
Cathy Lipsett
Publisher/owner, The Bright Side Newspaper for Southern Cobb
The Bright Side Newspaper (for Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton and Austell) and the eWeekly are owned and published by Lipsett & Associates, Inc. Owner and publisher is Cathy Lipsett.
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Advertisers: Reach New Customers
Advertisers, the Bright Side is the best way to reach thousands of homes within a few minutes driving time of your business. The deadline for each issue is the 23rd of the month. Publication is the first week of the upcoming month. Send to news@brightsidecobb.com.
Notes And Notices
Holding a garage sale? Selling or renting your home, need an employee, tutoring, teaching, in-home child care? We accept short reader ads (up to 50 words) for a fee of $25 per month.
Email the ad to news@brightsidecobb.com and send checks to The Bright Side, 3330 Cumberland Blvd. Suite 500, Vinings, GA 30339. (No copy accepted by phone) and received prior to our deadline of the 23rd of each month. Publication is in the first week of the following month. We also accept credit card payment. Home-based business ads accepted only if they do not conflict with our display advertisers. House for sale ads are for homeowners only. For information, call 770-426-9388 or e-mail to news@brightsidecobb.com.
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