August 2015
w w w. b l a ck d i a m o n d r a n ch . c o m
A Message from John Hilker, General Manager Dear Members,
CLUB STAFF JOHN HILKER General Manager jhilker@blackdiamondranch.com 352-746-3440
MARK CODIANNA Director of Golf mcodianna@blackdiamondranch.com 352-746-3446
BEN DEFAZIO Executive Chef bdefazio@blackdiamondranch.com 352-746-3449
BILL HARDIN Membership Director bhardin@blackdiamondranch.com 352-234-8855
SCOTT MASON Golf Course Superintendent smason@blackdiamondranch.com 352-746-0404
MARY NAPOLITANO Fitness Center mnapolitano@blackdiamondranch.com 352-746-3385
BEVERLY PARTAIN Accounting bpartain@blackdiamondranch.com 352-746-0254
CHRIS SMILGIN Club Manager csmilgin@blackdiamondranch.com 352-746-3440
JENNIFER STAUFF POA Manager NCPM@tampabay.rr.com 352-465-6933
EILEEN WALSH Private Events Director ewalsh@blackdiamondranch.com 746-3440 Ext. 209
On behalf of the staff I would like to thank you for a memorable July at our Club. The summer season is here and we look forward to serving you and your guests in between these pesky rain showers. We hope that you are able to enjoy all that Black Diamond Ranch has to offer. The tennis courts, golf courses, and pool area are improving every day and are ready for you and your family to enjoy.
Thank you for the great response to our July events including our Trivia Night, 4th of July Golf Tournament, and Turkey Buffet. I can proudly say they were all well attended and full of fun and delicious offerings.
I am very excited to announce that the reconstruction of the 9th green of the Ranch Course is now complete. We were able to open the front nine of the Ranch on July 20th, right on schedule. The reviews have been very positive and it is wonderful to have our Ranch Course open for play. I would like to thank Scott Mason and our entire maintenance team for their tireless efforts in getting the Ranch Course in such good shape. We have recently announced a new membership referral program for our current members. As we know, membership referrals are our most important resource for generating new members at our Club. I encourage all of you to suggest membership opportunities to your friends, family, and co-workers. We have very attractive membership offers, as well as, a great Ambassador Program for our current members that refer a new member to the Club. Continued membership growth is a major component to ensure the Clubs future success. Please do not hesitate to call us when you have someone in mind that you think would be a good candidate for membership. We will be happy to invite them out to experience all that Black Diamond Ranch has to offer.
Please take a moment to review the calendar of events for August. We have many opportunities available for our members to become active in all areas of the Club. We look forward to seeing continued participation in our Trivia Night, Ala carte Dinners, Happier Hours, Putting for Fivers, and our Traditional Turkey Buffet that are planned for this month. Enjoy a night in with your family and order a Dinner to Go, one of our new features offered on Thursday nights.
Thank you again for your continued support. Black Diamond Ranch’s staff is very excited and we look forward to providing our Membership with the best private club experience possible. Sincerely,
John Hilker General Manager Page 2
A Message from Ben Defazo Executive Chef Hello Members, I would like to thank all of you for your support of the Club in the slow summer months. All though the month of July was fairly status quo for members, in the kitchen we had a great deal of fun. This month I was invited to the Sysco warehouse and had a great time. I was introduced to some new companies that Sysco is teaming up with to broaden their highend ingredient list. I tasted some fantastic chocolates that we will be using from now on along with some great seafood. I was able to speak with the head of produce for Florida and we are working on getting some outstanding new vegetables for future menus. One of the best finds that day was a great company that deals solely in the breeding and production of Cheshire pigs. The company is called Cheshire Farms and, as I mentioned, they deal solely in Cheshire pigs. The company has been in business for many years and up until this past January, they were only selling to the Japanese market. Cheshire pork has won blind tastings against some of the most sought-after pork in the world. The company is based out of North Carolina and the products I tasted that day were AMAZING! Cheshire Farms is a family owned business, and the daughter of the owner gave the presentation. After the tours were all said and done, I requested samples to be sent to Black Diamond so I can see just how good the products actually are. I can say confidently, based on the fact that I sold out of the pork cheek dish we did for a special that week, the membership was also very happy with the new products. Maybe two paragraphs about pork is a bit much, but when an ingredient makes the crew and myself as happy as that pork did, it’s worth writing about. I look forward to the future menus where we can highlight such a beautiful ingredient. As we move into August I know that some of you are taking vacations, so I wish you all safe travels and fun days.
Dinner Specials Trivia Buffet
Thursday, August 6th
5:30 - 7:30 PM - $19 per person
Prime Rib Night
Turkey Buffet
Friday, August 14th
Friday, August 29th
5:30 - 7:30 PM - $29 per person
5:30 - 7:30 PM - $23.95 per person
Reservations Required Page 3
A Message from Chris Smilgin, Club Manager Dear Members, Thank you for all of your support during what must have been the warmest July in memory!! I hope everyone enjoyed the fourth of July celebration here at the club. I am happy to see us one step closer to the fall and some more desirable temperatures. Looking back on July we had the Summer Classic, my first one and it was fun, a little wet but fun! I hope that you all take advantage of our new Dinner to Go program! Dinners to Go are available two times a month on Thursday. Just order the number of meals you would like and they will be ready for you to pick up! We will be starting our wine dinners back up in September for those members that enjoy attending. We are also planning our relaunch of Bingo night for the fall season. In August there is going to be a Member Appreciation Day. There are details in Bill Hardin’s article this month. It will be on August 19th, a Wednesday and include many discounts and perks going on all day long. Chef Ben and I are very interested in holding Celebrity Chef events here at Black Diamond! If there is any interest in this event please contact me or Chef Ben so we can set up dates for this season. We will be offering the grill on the turn on Saturdays this fall as in the past. There will be hot dogs, hamburgers, beverages, snacks and fruit. I know this will be a convenience to you and your guests while you are spending time together on the courses. Bon Appetite
A Message from Eileen Walsh, Private Events Director
Oh my – I can’t believe that I have been at Black Diamond for almost 6 weeks already! Time is sure flying! I’ve met a lot of friendly faces so far and I would like to thank all of you for making me feel welcomed. Chris Smilgin, Chef Ben and I have been busy making some exciting changes over the past several weeks: • We introduced a new Wedding packet with updated policies and great new menus • We have brand new 72” Mighty-Lite tables to replace most of the old wooden ones
• New silver and gold plate chargers and mirrored bases for our table settings have just arrived • Have you noticed how nice the Veranda looks? We cleaned it out and moved out all the banquet tables and chairs • Over the next couple of weeks we will also be rolling out new banquet, tournament and Stay and Play menus This is an exciting time to be a part of the Black Diamond family! The next few months are going to be filled with new ideas, new experiences and great energy.
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A Message from Mark Codianna, Director of Golf AUGUST GOLF SCHEDULE Aug. 1st – Doug Laseter Tournament – Open for play before 10:30am and after 2pm (Quarry Course) Aug. 5th – Heritage Pines MGA – Open for play before 11am and after 12:30pm (Quarry Course) Aug. 8th – Outback Sports – Open for play after 2pm (Quarry Course) Aug. 9th – Outback Sports – Open for play after 11am (Ranch Course) Aug. 15th – Tampa Tour – Open for play before 11am and after 12pm (Quarry Course) Aug. 16th – Member Event (Sunday Mixed Event) – 12:30pm Shotgun (Ranch Course) Aug. 17th – Exec Golf – Open for play at 1pm (Quarry Course) Aug. 19th – Member Appreciation Day – All Day Aug. 19th – Member Event (Men’s Day) – 9:00am Shotgun (Quarry Course) Aug. 21st – Member Event (Nine & Dine) – 4:00pm Shotgun (Highlands Course) Aug. 22nd – Golfweek Amateur Tour – Open for play before 10am and after 11:30am (Quarry Course) Aug. 23rd – Golfweek Amateur Tour – Open for play before 10am and after 11:30am (Quarry Course) MAINTENANCE Ranch Aerification August 10th – 14th Quarry Aerification August 24th – 28th
PUTTING FOR FIVERS - 7/1/15 WINNER - DON HASEK
PUTTING FOR FIVERS - 7/8/15 WINNER - GLORIA HARDESTY
PUTTING FOR FIVERS - 7/22/15 WINNER - LESTER BELL
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS! BDLGA AUGUST LADIES’ DAY GAMES
A Note from BDLGA President Charlotte McKim Hello Ladies, We are now halfway through the summer, which to most of us is probably a good thing - the heat has been a bit overwhelming. Ladies’ Day is being played in threesomes during the summer; we are trying to avoid the back of the Quarry as the walk on 14, 15, 16 is too much for some. We are delighted to welcome Mark Codianna, our new Golf Professional and hope he is enjoying Black Diamond. I hope everyone has a good end of summer.
(Some games may be switched to different days because of course selection)
AUGUST 4, 2015
Full Ranch Individual game Do over - 5 mulligans. Net only.
AUGUST 11, 2015
Highlands to Quarry Front Make your own foursome. 1 gross plus 1 net ball.
AUGUST 18, 2015 Full Ranch Team Nassau: 1BB Front/Back/Overall. Net Only
AUGUST 25, 2015
Highlands to Ranch Back Scramble - net only.
BDLGA FOOD DRIVE The designated BDLGA Food Drive recipient for the months of May-August is The Citrus County Family Resource Center. Please deposit your donations of non-perishable food items in the hamper located in the ladies’ lounge. Many Citrus County families in need can be served by your generosity. Page 6
Dinner To Go Menu Dinner Prices: 1 Dinner $13
2-3 Dinners $12.50 each
4+ Dinners
Thursday August 13 Shredded Pork Tacos
Salad & choice of salad dressing
$11.25 each
Dinners include salad and rolls
Call or email orders by 1 pm Thursday Specify name and Member number Pick up time between 3 & 4 pm
Thursday August 27 Herb roasted Pork Lion Dinner
Salad, choice of salad dressing & roll
Call Christina at 746-3440 Ext 220 or email: crichards@blackdiamondranch.com
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Summer Bridal Show
JuneMason, 20, 2015, 2-5 pmSuperintendent A Message from Scott Golf Course The Florida summer has arrived. The rain has been very beneficial. With the rainfall and extra fertilizer we have seen an improvement in many of the thin tee and fairway areas. We will continue with fertilizer and aerification in these areas to promote turf growth. In mid-August we will evaluate these areas and will be prepared to install sod where necessary. The maintenance staff will continue with our cultural practices: aerification, verticutting, slicing and topdressing during the month of August. The following aerification schedule is for August. • Ranch Course: August 10-14
• Quarry Course: August 24-28
• Highlands Course: August 31 – September 4
A pre and post herbicide application was applied in July for control of existing weeds and for control of poa annua this winter. Throughout the summer we will continue to treat and reduce the weeds on the golf courses. The front nine of the Ranch Course was opened on July 20th. Hopefully everyone is enjoying the new #9 green!!
Member Appreciation Day Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Black Diamond golf Members can bring up to three guests, paying only the Member Appreciation rate of $29 Tee Times all Day For more information, please call the Golf Shop 352-746-3446 Stop in and enjoy Happier Hour and light hors d’oeuvres from 4-7 pm Take a chance at our Putting for Fiver’s contest at 5 pm and then stay for a wonderful A la Carte dinner from 5:30-7:30 pm (Reservations Required) RSVP with Christina at 352-746-3440 Ext. 220 Page 8
Black Diamond Foundation Supports CASA – A Safe Place for Women and Children By Susan Pratt, Black Diamond Foundation Board of Directors CASA – the Citrus County Abuse Shelter – is a domestic violence center that provides outreach, education and shelter services. CASA’s doors are open to women and children throughout Citrus County who are victims of domestic violence. A safe place is provided for up to six weeks, or more if needed, to assist clients to acquire the tools needed to make decisions about the next phase of their lives. When necessary, the State Attorney’s Office assists with relocation requirements. CASA provides its clients with housing, food, clothing, personal hygiene items, laundry facilities, and transportation. It can take seven to nine “leavings” before a woman makes the final decision to end an abusive relationship. Opportunities are available to help women to make decisions to get out of violent relationships, to include advocate counseling available on a 24-hour basis, and bi-weekly empowerment group meetings. Each resident is expected to complete a 12-lesson course which includes: • • • • • •
Defining abuse Evaluating Relationships Women in abusive relationships (Why she stays) Domestic violence and children Impact of negative messages Grief and loss
• Depression • Boundaries • Goals • Building self-esteem • Communication skills • Healthy relationships
The children have their own communication advocates. Volunteers run empowerment groups and activities for children while their mothers address their issues. Joint activities are provided to teach mothers positive activities to share with their children. Nutrition classes are provided where moms learn how to plan healthy meals on a budget. The aim is to improve eating habits and experience the benefits of shared family meals. Schooling is another important issue for the children. Transportation is provided so children can continue their education in their home schools. Homework help is provided at the shelter. A playground, funded by the Manafort family and Black Diamond Foundation, is available for fun and physical exercise. Education is essential to enable CASA’s residents to become financially independent. Access to GED courses and programs at Withlacoochee Technical College are made possible through funding for educational and career counseling, tuition assistance, transportation, and child care. Assistance with resume writing and preparation for interviews are also provided. CASA also reaches out to the greater community by providing training and awareness programs to organizations that include the Florida Department of Children and Families, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, Kids’ Central, Child Protective Services, and the staff of Jesse’s Place. In addition, members of law enforcement have been trained on how to write better incident reports, allowing for a more effective legal response. The Black Diamond Foundation has had a long and meaningful relationship with CASA, helping to provide assistance to women and children at one of the most difficult, and possibly dangerous, times in their lives. Funds have been provided for a wide variety of projects: the playground; a storage facility; updated computers; and, this year, exterior building improvements. We are proud to partner with a community organization that makes such a difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of our local community. Page 9
e s u o h b Clu nu Me
Every Wednesday August 5, 12, 19 & 26 4-7 pm
Every Wednesday August 5, 12, 19 & 26 5:00 pm ~ 7:00 pm (Reservations Required)
POKER NIGHT Every Wednesday night August 5, 12, 19 & 26 6:30 pm in the Men’s lounge
E njoy some f un w i th f r i end s!
PARTNER BRIDGE
Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday August 5th and 19th, 2015 6:30 pm in the Dining Room
SLIDE BOTTOM GIN 2nd Wednesday of the month August 12th, 2015 6:30 pm in the Men’s Lounge Page 10
Membership Corner Dear Members, It has been two full months since I started as the Membership Director, and I have enjoyed every minute. Since I began this new role, we have had over 40 total membership leads come to us. Several have already toured the Club, and more are in the process of arranging visits over the coming months. Most excitingly, we have had a new golf membership join us. Please welcome Randy and Fran Welch! Mr. and Mrs. Welch have moved to Black Diamond from Naples. We have also had two new Social Members enroll in June. Please help me in welcoming Christopher Rabe and Patricia Curry to the Club! Mr. Rabe is a long-time resident of Black Diamond, and Ms. Curry has recently purchased a home here. In August, we are excited to have an ad for Black Diamond Ranch in the newest issue of the DuPont Registry, Luxury Living in Tampa Bay magazine. This magazine targets high-income households in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. They will also be doing a separate advertorial on Black Diamond in the following issue, giving us 4 months of coverage in the Tampa market. In addition, we are in the process of reviewing potential opportunities in Naples. John, Jonathon and I feel Naples
is a terrific market to target for both membership and real estate sales. This month we will also be holding our first Membership Committee meeting. The goal of this committee will be to assist in engaging current members to make referrals, welcome and connect new members to the Club, and help identify opportunities to reach new markets for membership candidates. Finally, August will see the beginning of a new tradition at the Club; monthly Member Appreciation Days. One Wednesday a month will be designated as Member Appreciation Day, and will feature reduced guest green fees for up to 3 of your guests, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and Happy Hour pricing all day at the Club. This is our way to say “Thank You.” Last month we launched our new Black Diamond Ambassador’s program. Thank you to everyone who has voiced their support for the program. Please do not hesitate to call, email or stop by the Welcome Center for a visit if you would like to make a membership referral. Bill Hardin, Membership Director
Realty news from the desk of Linda Thomas…
Hello neighbors and friends… As many of you know, I have had a personal website and have now begun to write a weekly blog about the Black Diamond lifestyle as well as life in Citrus County and Florida. I am trying to answer questions prospective clients have about the area and as well, provide some information to you as a resident. Topics that I have included: this great Black Diamond Community, restaurants, day trips, Citrus County land and water adventures, attractions in Tampa, Orlando, Gainesville, Ocala and medical and shopping facilities. Check out my Facebook business page, personal website and blogs at www.iloveblackdiamondranch.com. I am always interested in hearing from you for ideas and comments about my blogs and future blogs. I can add you to my email list if you would like a weekly reminder; just email me at lthomas@blackdiamondranch.com Black Diamond Realty LLC is continuing to see increased resale home sales in Black Diamond this year over previous years. Black Diamond Realty is selling more of the BD resale listings and model homes than any other realtor or realty company. We would love the opportunity to show why we are the most successful realty company in finding buyers for Black Diamond real estate. In recent months, I have seen some interest from people wanting to buy a lot and build. I post the real estate statistics on my Facebook page weekly. Marty Coogler, Kerry Rosselet, Broker Jonathan Haack, Membership Director Bill Hardin and I are committed to giving our residents great service. A home that is updated (especially bathrooms and kitchens), in excellent repair, clean inside and out, and most importantly, priced right, will sell more quickly! See you on the Ranch… Linda Thomas P.S. I’d like to recognize and thank my blog proofreaders: Bev Partain, Joan Beasley, Charlotte McKim and Margaret Devendorf! Page 11
August Calendar of Events
Lunch Schedule Tuesday - Saturday 11 am - 4 pm
Clubhouse Menu
1
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
Every Wednesday 5:00 - 7:00 pm
No Dinner Service
(Reservations Required)
2
3
Mahjong 12:00 pm
BRUNCH 9 AM - 3 PM
9
CLUB CLOSED
10
Mahjong 12:00 pm
BRUNCH 9 AM - 3 PM
16
23
CLUB CLOSED
17
Mahjong
CLUB CLOSED
24
Mahjong
30
31
Mahjong 12:00 pm
BRUNCH 9 AM - 3 PM
CLUB CLOSED
HAPPIER HOUR 4-7PM Putting for Fiver's 5:00 PM
Poker Night Men's Lounge 6:30PM
Reservations Required
PARTNER BRIDGE 6:30PM
5:30 – 7:30 pm
11
Ladies’ Day
5:30 – 7:30 pm
18
Ladies’ Day
5:30 – 7:30 pm Reservations Required
25
Ladies’ Day
5:30 – 7:30 pm Reservations Required
6
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
TRIVIA BUFFET 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm (Reservations Required)
Game begins CLUB6:30 CLOSED pm 3PM
12 HAPPIER HOUR 13 4-7PM
Putting for Fiver's 5:00 PM Poker Night Men's Lounge 6:30PM
Reservations Required SLIDE BOTTOM GIN 6:30PM
A la Carte
CLUB CLOSED
5
A la Carte
A la Carte
12:00 pm
BRUNCH 9 AM - 3 PM
Ladies’ Day
A la Carte
12:00 pm
BRUNCH 9 AM - 3 PM
4
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
7
BRIDGE 9:00AM
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
A la Carte
5:30 – 7:30 pm Reservations Required
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
No Dinner Service
14 BRIDGE 9:00AM 15
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
Prime Rib Night DINNER TO GO $29 pp
No Dinner Service
8
A la Carte
5:30 – 7:30 pm Reservations Required
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
No Dinner Service
19 MEN’S DAY 20
21 BRIDGE 9:00AM 22
Member Appreciation Day!
NINE & DINE 4pm
HAPPIER HOUR 4-7PM Putting for Fiver's - 5PM Poker Night Men's Lounge 6:30PM PARTNER BRIDGE 6:30PM
26
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
No Dinner Service
27
HAPPIER HOUR 4-7PM
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
Putting for Fiver's 5:00 PM
DINNER TO GO
Poker Night Men's Lounge 6:30PM
No Dinner Service
DUPLICATE BRIDGE 6:30 PM
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
A la Carte
5:30 – 7:30 pm Reservations Required
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
No Dinner Service
28 BRIDGE 9:00AM 29 LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
TURKEY BUFFET
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm (Reservations Required)
LUNCH 11 AM - 4 PM
No Dinner Service
— MEMBERS —
Please help us ensure that your dining experience is satisfactory by calling 352-746-3440 to make reservations in advance for all evening dinner services. Our staffing is based on your reservations. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
BINGO WILL RETURN IN THE FALL.
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Fitness Corner
Classes for stretch, tone, core & free weights are offered every Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 8:00AM. The price of these classes is $6.00 per person. Also available are one-on-one personal trainers for customized training sessions. Call for appointments and prices vary.
Just a reminder to all members and your guests, please sign the sign-in sheet located inside the Fitness Center when you arrive. Here is an often asked question. “What constitutes a carbohydrate and how do you keep track of how much you eat every day.” You know the obivious carbs, like bread, cookies, pasta, and the like. But surprisingly fruit is also a carbohydrate. Which fruits are best and how many carbohydrates should we eat a day? Carbohydrates are our main source of energy and they’re classified either as “simple” (sugars and sugary foods) or “complex” (such as whole grains). While both types of carbs are broken down into glucose by the body, some are transformed into energy more slowly. So while a donut and a whole grain roll are both carbohydrates, you get insoluble fiber and key vitamins and minerals from the whole grain roll and mostly “empty” calories from the donut. Since the whole grain roll is broken down more slowly, you’ll feel more satisfied than if you ate a donut. Some fruits, like apples, grapes, and dried apricots are also high in fiber and are digested more slowly than high sugar fruits like pineapple and raisins. Ditto for some vegetables, carrots are broken down more slowly than a potato. But that’s not the only way to pick your carbs. What ultimately puts on the pounds is eating more calories than you burn off, no matter what kind of carbohydrate they come from. One simple dietary guideline: If you’re not overweight, most experts say you can take in 50 to 60 percent of a days calories from carbohydrates. Less than 30 percent of a days calories should come from fat (and no more than 7 to 10 percent of that from saturated fat). And the rest of your calories should come from protein (preferably lean meats, fish, poultry, and low or no fat dairy products). You need to balance your calories with at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. See you at the Fitness Center — Mary
Hours of Operation Driving Range Monday – Saturday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday: 7:30 am – 3:00 pm Golf Shop Monday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm ForeTees Internet: 24-Hour Access Tennis Courts Monday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm Pool Monday – Sunday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Pool temperature maintained at 84° Fitness Center Open 24/7 with use of Access Code The Clubhouse @ Black Diamond Ranch Brunch: Sunday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Lunch: Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Dinner: See Calendar Take-Out Window: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Men’s Lounge Tuesday – Friday: 12:00 noon – close Saturday: 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm
TRIVIA NIGHT WINNERS 7-2-15 1st Place: BDRP - $78.00 Jim & Dona Wood Jim & Sharon Wood Jr. John Bourdeaux & Gayle Wilder Jim Ludowese Charlotte McKim 2nd Place: BRIDGERS - $48.75 Lorraine Carrier Dean & Mary Carhoun Russ & Judy Delaney 3rd Place: LOVE BUGS - $29.25 Gene & Marcia Taormina John & Donna Rose Jim & Jeannie Love Lester Bell
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