Extension Education in Lee County

2015

Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating



The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has long been dedicated to educating Texans. Extension education evolved nationwide under the 1914 federal Smith‐Lever Act, which sought to extend university knowledge and agricultural research findings directly to the people. Ever since, Extension programs have addressed the emerging issues of the day, reaching diverse rural and urban populations. In Texas, all 254 counties are served by a well‐ organized network of professional Extension educators and some 100,000 trained volunteers. Extension expertise and educational outreach pertain to the food and fiber industry, natural resources, family and consumer sciences, nutrition and health, and community economic development. Among those served are hundreds

of thousands of young people who benefit annually from Extension’s 4‐H and youth development programs. Texans turn to Extension education for solutions. Extension agents and specialists respond not only with answers, but also with resources and services that result in significant returns on the public’s investment. Extension programs are custom‐designed for each region of the state, with residents providing input and help with program delivery. Here are just a few highlights of Extension impacts on this county and its people.

Lee County – Summary of 2015 Educational Contacts Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service plays a vital role in Lee County. We provide practical information and education to help individuals and families improve their lives and to help our communities address their problems. Extension education programs promote economic development, environmental stewardship, family health and well‐being, youth development, and better understanding of agriculture. We respond to the residents who come to us for information and educational services, and reach out to meet local educational needs. During 2015, the County Extension staff in Lee County:

- involved citizens in program development groups to help determine needs, plan, deliver and evaluate educational programs; - attracted program participants from diverse backgrounds; - educated residents through mass media methods, information letters, publications and personal contacts; - trained and involved volunteer leaders, both youth and adults, to help extend our resources; and, - cooperated with other agencies, organizations and educational institutions to develop solutions for specific public issues and worked jointly in addressing problems to maximize positive results.



2015 Lee County Beef Cattle Production



Developed by: Keeton Ehrig, Lee County Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources

Relevance Beef cattle production is the largest agriculture income in the county and area ranchers need to be kept up to date on the latest information to remain profitable in the ever changing market. The object is to help provide timely information to Lee County livestock producers to assist them in making good management decisions in order to reduce livestock production risks, health, vaccinations, herd management, breeding and reproduction issues, nutrition, forage and mineral management, and overall best practices.

Response The committee identified many issues that were addressed through many different programs though out the year that related to the beef cattle area. Some of those topics include: Soil nutrient management, Cool Season Grasses, Weed and Brush Identification, Weed & Brush Control, Bull reproduction health, and the Brazos Valley Soil Campaign. These were sponsored by the Livestock and Forage Committee in Lee County as they are the program area committee.

Results With the five Beef Cattle related programs, a total of 475 participants attended and gained knowledge in Soil nutrient management, Cool Season Grasses, Weed and Brush Identification, Weed & Brush Control, Bull reproduction health, and the Brazos Valley Soil Campaign. These topics are the building blocks for a producer to set a solid foundation for their beef cattle operation for the future. Without these programs producers would not have the most up to date information that can help their operation in a positive way.

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2015 Burleson and Lee County Small Acreage Management Developed by: John M. Grange, Burleson County for Agriculture & Natural Resources & Keeton Ehrig, Lee County Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources

Relevance With the location of Burleson and Lee Counties in proximity to large cities there has been an increased number of new residents that have purchased property in Burleson and Lee Counties. These new landowners are seeking out information on land stewardship and production of the land in crops or animals. The intended audience is landowners that have recently purchased properties in Burleson or Lee County. Both the Burleson and Lee county Extension agent for Agriculture and Natural resources worked with their local county appraisal district chief appraiser to determine the number of new landowners in their county. The appraisal district was asked to query their database for new land ownership of five acres or more occurring in the last six years. An invitation letter and program brochure was sent to all of the clientele in Burleson and Lee counties that met the search criteria. Clientele responded to this letter and registered to participate in the program over the course of one year.

Response

The Burleson and Lee County Extension Agents developed a series of program that would help the new landowner with possible issues on their property. The programs that were developed are below.  September 15th – Wildlife  November 12th – Cool Season Forages  November 19th – Weed Identification and Management

Results These programs reached a total of 76 participants of which 68 responded to the surveys included in this report.  100% of total respondents increased knowledge in at least one subject area covered.  100% of total respondents plan to take action or make changes to at least one management practice.  80% of total respondents anticipated to benefit economically as a direct result of attending these programs. Total anticipated economic benefit was $20,880.

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2015 Lee County Water



Developed by: Keeton Ehrig, Lee County Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources



Response

Water quality and water quantity has emerged as the predominant issue across the state including the Central Region, as indicated through local input, legislative efforts, and numerous other indicators. Agriculture is the largest water user in the state and agriculture is under close scrutiny because of the potential for negative environmental (water quality) impacts. Water use in the municipal environment including irrigation of athletic fields, in parks, home landscapes, and within the home constitutes a major portion of water used in Texas. Programs designed to educate all adult and youth water users on water conservation will reduce overall water use and increase water use efficiency. Care must also be taken to reduce the risk of water quality contamination from production agriculture areas as well as urban/suburban settings.

Results

Several press releases were sent to the local new papers for their use to print in the weekly information. These articles contacted approximately 2500 current and potential clients that view the newspapers on weekly bases. These articles will help the conservation of water for future generations.

Future Plans

For the 2016 year a water testing campaign will be conducted in cooperation with the Soil and water conservation District of Lee County. Also, articles will be published in the local news media and soil media.



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2015 Lee County Wildlife



Developed by: Keeton Ehrig, Lee County Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources



Response

Wildlife in Lee County is a very large interest in Lee County. With the Lee County Wildlife Association membership having 600+ in the association it is an active discussion that is done on a daily basis.

Results

The Lee County Wildlife Association Directors helped develop and implement through the year. A total of 200 adult individuals attended an education program covering wildlife. A total of 80 youth attended the youth shooting event and 600 people were in attendance at the Lee County Wildlife Association Annual Meeting in February.

Future Plans

The 2016 year will be no different when it comes to wildlife education. The same program will be offered and developed by the Lee County Wildlife Association.

AgriLifeExtension.tamu.edu

2015 Lee County Child Passenger Safety



Developed by: Tonya Poncik, Lee County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences

Relevance Motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading killer of children and adults, ages 3–33 years. Older children and minority children also have a lower usage rate and are often put at risk sitting in the vehicle’s front seat. In addition, teen drivers and occupants, along with pickup truck drivers and occupants, especially males ages 15 ‐ 39, have a lower restraint usage rate. For children, ages 14 and under, the annual cost of motor vehicle occupant‐related death and injury exceeds $17.8 billion. Although safety belts and child restraints are the single‐most effective tool in reducing these deaths and injuries, nationally more than half of children killed in vehicle crashes are unrestrained. Misuse and non‐ use of child restraints remains high.

Response

For 2015, County Extension Agent Tonya Poncik collaborated with Texans in Motion to conduct a Child Passenger Safety Seat checkup event on January 28 at the Giddings Head Start. A total of 19 seats were checked; 9 seats were replaced and provided; and 24 participants received education. On April 9 Agent Poncik partnered up with Texans in Motion once again to conduct an event at the Giddings Public Library parking lot. A total of 50 seats were checked; 22 seats were replaced and provided; and 93 participants received education. During Child Passenger Week in September, County Extension Agent conducted checkups by appointments at the Giddings Head Start on the following dates: September 16‐18. A total of 36 child safety seats were inspected, no child arrived correctly restrained, 36 new child safety seats were distributed and 72 participants received education. In addition to the three checkup events, car seat checkups were conducted throughout the year by individual appointments. A total 7 child safety seats were inspected, no children arrived correctly restrained, 8 new child safety seats were distributed and 1 child arrived totally unrestrained or inappropriately in a seat belt. Of those checkups one of the participant’s was escorted to the Extension Office by the local police officer due to no car seat for 2 year old child when officer pulled the parent over. The officer instructed the mother to follow him to the Extension Office to obtain a new seat and receive education. The mother was only given a warning for the offense instead of a ticket.



Results AgriLifeExtension.tamu.edu

A total of 112 child safety seats were inspected through individual appointments and at check‐up events. There were 74 new child safety seats distributed at no cost to families. Each family was given education on how to properly restrain their child. Before leaving the inspection the parent/caregiver demonstrated that they understood the information and could correctly install their child’s safety seat. Information was also given on how to move the child to the next step of protection as the child grows in age and weight. The proper use of child safety seats reduces the risk of injury and death, leading to reduced medical costs, avoidance of lost future earnings and improved quality of life. These economic benefits are an estimated $1,988 per child, ages 0 to 4, and $2,347 per child, ages 4 to 8, for new seats distributed, and $558 per child for misuse corrected with an assumed 75% continued use. Based on this formula, the total economic impact for the seats checked is $241,147.00.

Future Plans Checkup events and appointments will be conducted in 2016.



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2015 Multi‐County All‐Star Child Care Provider Conference



Conducted by FCS Agents in Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Lee, Milam, Montgomery, Walker Counties Developed by: Micah Holcombe, Milam County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences & Tonya Poncik, Lee County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences

Relevance Over 60 percent of children from birth through age 6 (not yet in kindergarten) receive some form of child care on a regular basis from persons other than their parents. The Texas Workforce Commission estimates that there are over 100,000 child care providers caring for more than 760,000 children under the age of 13 in licensed or regulated child care facilities in the state of Texas. Additionally, child care is the 16th largest industry in the state, generating over 145,000 jobs and $2.3 billion in wages for Texans. Findings from longitudinal research have clearly established the fact that quality does matter when it comes to child care. Children who receive high‐quality care (e.g., warm sensitive caregiving, well‐ educated child care staff, low child‐to‐adult ratios, and small group size) develop better language, math, and social skills; exhibit fewer behavior problems; and tend to be better prepared for entrance into school. Having a well‐trained child care workforce is essential to providing the high quality child care that children need to develop physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively.

Response On October 3, 2015, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service conducted a child care provider training conference in Bryan, Texas for 74 child care providers and directors who provide care. Results



74 participants completed a customer satisfaction survey of the conference. A total of 518 clock hours of training were provided to child care professionals seeking to meet state mandated training requirements established by the state of Texas. Overall:  76% of respondents were mostly or completely satisfied with the activity. Value of Activity:  72% of respondents said that the information and programs provided by Extension were quite or extremely valuable to them.

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 93% of respondents would recommend this activity to others.  95% of respondents would attend another subject offered by Extension if it addressed a specific need or interest of theirs. Anticipated Changes & Economic Impact:  73% of respondents plan to take actions or make changes based on the information from this activity.  54% of respondents anticipate benefiting economically as a direct result of what they learned from this Extension activity.





Future Plans For 2016, the County Extension Agents in Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Lee, Montgomery, Milam and Walker Counties are planning on implementing 2 Child Care Conferences. Every year child care providers must obtain 24 hours in continuing education and child care directors must receive 30 hours of continuing education.

AgriLifeExtension.tamu.edu

2015 Multi‐County Families Eating Healthier & Safer



Developed by: Micah Holcombe, Milam County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences & Tonya Poncik, Lee County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences



Relevance The percentage of the food budget spent on away‐from‐home food has increased steadily since the 1970s. Consequently, the proportion of calories provided by away‐from‐home food has also increased. When dining out, there is a tendency to choose foods higher in calories, and large portions are increasingly common. Many people become overwhelmed when they think of menu planning and trying to prepare healthy, cost‐ effective meals for their families. Fortunately, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agents have the knowledge and expertise to provide resources that will help encourage at‐home family mealtime.



Response Dinner Tonight! is a program that is designed to target busy people who still want to make time for meal preparation and feel good about what they are feeding themselves and their family. The goals of the program are to promote family mealtime, teach families healthy meal planning and food preparation techniques, and promote Texas agriculture. The County Extension Agents in Lee, Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Montgomery, Milam and Walker developed the concept of a traveling Dinner Tonight! Cooking Road Show that would maximize the agents’ ability to master recipes and bring a live Dinner Tonight! Cooking demonstration followed by tasting of each recipe was the most effective format followed in to each county. In 2015 the follow programs were held, at which County Extension Agents organized a 3 menu food demonstration. A total of 280 attended the 10 Dinner Tonight Cooking Schools held in the following counties:  March 6 – Brazos County  August 14 – Brazos County  September 8 – San Jacinto County  September 15 – Milam County  September 21 – Brazos County  September 23 – Walker County  September 28 – Grimes County  October 21 – Burleson County  October 22 – Lee County  October 27 – Montgomery County In addition to the Dinner Tonight! Programs, Tonya Poncik, Lee County Extension Agent, conducted additional programs relating to Food and Nutrition.  January 24 – Coffee Cake Demonstrated by Joyce Jenke  April 10 – Food Preservation Workshop on Carrots  April 11 – Coffee Cake Demonstrated by Joyce Jenke

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   



April 24 – Food Preservation Workshop on Jams May 22 – Food Preservation Workshop on Potatoes August 11 & 12 – Food Protection Management Training and Testing September 19 – Homemade Noodle Making Workshop Demonstrated by Betty Walther

Results During 2015, 280 people from attended the Dinner Tonight Cooking School program. Evaluation of the program was conducted as a pre and post survey.  10 Dinner Tonight Cooking Schools  8 Counties: o Grimes (18), Milam (23), San Jacinto (22), Brazos (3 schools‐89), Lee (10), Burleson (36), Walker (14), Montgomery (68). Client Level of Understanding Table: Pre Means, Post Means & Percent Change

1

Your understanding of . . . Key components of the Mediterranean Meal Plan.

Mean Before 2.45

Mean After

Percent Change 3.56

37.0%

Sodium (salt) content of the foods you prepare.

2.92

3.52

20.0%

Types of fat used in the foods you consume and prepare.

2.89

3.48

19.7%

4

Calorie content of the foods you prepare.

2.85

3.39

18.0%

5

Fiber content of the foods you consume

2.73

3.29

18.7%

2 3

Percent Change = ((Post Mean ‐ Pre Mean) / 3) * 100

Change in targeted behaviors Table: Pre Means, Post Means & Percent Change

2

Your frequency of . . . Incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables into your meal plan. Thinking how the foods you eat impact your health.

3.81

4.42

15.2%

3

Thinking about how meal planning saves time and reduce stress.

3.46

4.24

19.5%

4

Modifying recipes to reduce calorie count.

3.19

4.21

25.5%

5

Modifying recipes to reduce sodium content.

3.24

4.30

26.5%

1

Mean Before 3.59

Mean After 4.29

Percent Change 17.5%

Percent Change = ((Post Mean ‐ Pre Mean) / 4) * 100



Future Plans

For 2016, several Food and Nutrition programs will be implemented which includes Dinner Tonight! Cooking Schools, Food Preservation, Food Protection Management and Food Handlers. Also it was requested to host additional Coffee Cake and Homemade Noodle demonstrations



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2015 Lee County Walk Across Texas Developed by: Tonya Poncik, Lee County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences

Relevance

According to the Centers for Disease Control, regular physical activity significantly improves health by lowering disease risks, including dying from heart disease–the leading cause of death. It decreases the risk for stroke, colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure; controls weight; increases the strength of muscles and joints; reduces falls among older adults; helps relieve arthritis pain; reduces anxiety and depression; and is associated with fewer hospitalizations, physician visits, and medications. Yet, more than 60 percent of American adults do not get enough physical activity to provide health benefits. Activity decreases with age and is less common among women than men and among those with lower income and less education. Texas ranks 8th in the nation as the most physically inactive state and 12th as the state with the highest adult obesity rates.

Response It has been over 15 years since Walk Across Texas has been conducted in Lee County. To gain support of the program, Tonya Poncik met with the Lee County 4‐H Parent Volunteer Association (PVA) for support of 4‐Hers to participate in the program. The PVA provided Academy gift cards for the top 3 4‐ H member walkers as incentives to participate in the program. The 8‐week physical activity program, designed to help Texans establish the habit of regular physical activity, was conducted from September through November.

Results Information on Walk Across Texas was sent out in the 4‐H newsletter, through 4‐H emails, as a flyer at the 4‐H Awards program and on the Lee County 4‐H Facebook page. Over 20 individuals participated in the program with the top 5 walkers logging in 1780 miles.

Future Plans

The Walk Across Texas program will be conducted again in 2016.  

AgriLifeExtension.tamu.edu

2015 Lee County Agriculture Literacy



Developed by: Keeton Ehrig, Lee County Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources



Relevance As today's youth are further removed from farming, they do not understand the importance of agriculture and how it impacts their daily lives. This Science of Agriculture (Ag Literacy/Awareness) program targets 4th grade students and teachers and provides the following educational components: Educational support materials on Science of Agriculture, AG day/AG fair field trip, and information about 4‐H opportunities for the participants and parents. 4th grade students and teachers will show increased awareness and knowledge about agriculture and natural resources.

Response The committee was gathered and the list of topics was developed for the children to learn about the agriculture that would be produced in the Lee County area. A letter of invitation was sent to the Superintendents as well as the principal that was in charge of the 4th grade youth. The topics that were presented to the youth were Sheep, Meat Goats, Equine, Food Safety, Grains, Seat Belt Education, Aquaculture, Honey Production, Native Grasses, and Erosion Control. Other Collaborators for the event were: Natural Resource Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, Lee County Sheriff’s Posse, Texas Farm Bureau, Lee County Farm Bureau, Southwest Mobile Dairy Classroom, and the Lee Leadership Advisory Board.

Results

The 6th Ag Awareness day was held at the Lee County Jr. Sherriff’s Posse Arena in Giddings, Texas. 250 Lee county youth, from Giddings, Lexington, St. Paul Lutheran, and Immanuel schools in Lee County, were present to attend and learn about the different agriculture commodities that are present in Lee County. The teachers that were supervising the students were pleased with the presentations and want to attend again next year. Ninety percent of the youth at the event thought the Lee County AG Awareness day was a fun and knowledgeable event.

Future Plans The Leadership Advisory Board wants to sponsor this event again for a 7th year.

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2015 Lee County Preserving Your Memories – Photography & Recordbooks

Developed by: Tonya Poncik, Lee County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences

Relevance Preserving your memories is a way for 4‐H members to utilize photography as a meaningful communications tool in their lives and then documenting the experiences in their 4‐H recordbook.

Response

4‐H members have been interested in the photography and recordbook projects for some time now. During a 4‐H Council meeting it was discussed if there was interest to pursue the photography and recordbook projects. Workshops were held to demonstrate how to properly use a camera, how to judge photos and how to put together a recordbook.

Results

4 recordbooks were completed with 2 competing at the District 4‐H Recordbook competition. Photos taken throughout the year at 4‐H events taken by the photography team were showcased at the annual Lee County 4‐H Awards program. At the program, two 4‐H members that were a part of the photography project served as the official photographers for the awards program. At the annual Lee County interpretation event to the Lee County Commissioner’s Court pictures that were taken by one of the photography members were showcased during the slide show.

Future Plans Both projects will be continued for 2016.

AgriLifeExtension.tamu.edu

2015 Lee County Youth Agriculture & Natural Resources Projects



Developed by: Keeton Ehrig, Lee County Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources

Response



Youth livestock is one of the most important things in the Lee County 4‐H Program. The youth had the opportunity to learn at several clinics that taught them to show their projects, how to select the projects, and how to property care for the projects.

Results Lee County residents had the opportunity to attend a Swine Showmanship Clinic, Sheep & Goat Clinic as well as the Southern Classic. All of these events were target to the youth that exhibited Livestock project during the 2015 year. A total of 60 participants attended the various clinics that were held for their specific specie.

Future plans The youth will have the opportunity to participate in a swine showmanship clinic, sheep & goat clinics, and the southern classic. This will be an ongoing issue for the county.

2015 Lee County Youth Family & Consumer Science Projects

Developed by: Tonya Poncik, Lee County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences

Response The Youth Family and Consumer Science projects are very broad. There are life skills that are taught to the 4‐Hers that are no longer taught in school anymore due to the decline of the Home Economics departments in schools. One of the projects that is taught during project meetings is the consumer education project which teaches participants to make wise decisions when shopping. Project activities also focus on the economy, money management, consumer rights and responsibilities, and the environment. Another project is the 4‐H Foods and Nutrition project which is one of the most popular projects the Texas 4‐H & Youth Development Program has to offer. Youth are interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and learning basic life skills, such as cooking, that they can take with them into adulthood.

Results Lee County had 4‐Hers compete in Consumer Decision Making, Food Show, Food Challenge, Duds to Dazzle, Food Quiz Bowl, and Fashion Show at the District 9 4‐H Contest. Also the Consumer Decision Making team also competed at the San Antonio Stock Show. The Food Challenge team competed at the 1st Houston Livestock Show Food Challenge competition.

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2015 Lee County Rural Leadership Program

Developed by: Tonya Poncik, Lee County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences

Response Lee County has had an interest in finding a leadership program for their citizens for some time. Lee County is fortunate to have border Bastrop County where Ronnie McDonald served as County Judge for many years. Lee County’s former judge, Evan Gonzales, developed a good relationship with Judge McDonald when they both were in office. Once Ronnie McDonald joined the team at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension he was a key individual who laid the groundwork for the Lee County Leadership program to begin. Ronnie McDonald recruited Evan Gonzales, Denice Harlan (Giddings Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and the Lee County Extension Agents to help facilitate with starting the program. The Rural Leadership Program helps a community identify and make the most of its assets. It teaches community members to listen to one another and effectively discuss issues. Encourages individuals to work together on the projects they identify as important for community development. The program creates a network of towns and leaders with similar interests. It also improves dialogue among citizens and within organizations to build a unified vision — and to appreciate different visions — for the community.

Results

Denice Harlan, Giddings Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, took the lead on the program. With the assistances of the Lee County Extension Agents a Leadership Breakfast was organized on January 23 at the Lee County Extension office. Then an open invitation Leadership Breakfast was held on January 29 to anyone that is interested in participating in the program. Dr. Bonnie McGee was a presenter at this event. As part of the program the group participated in the Lee County Day at the State Capitol on March 3. The group began their classes in June and completed in November. There are now in the stage of focusing on completion of their class project. A second class is on schedule to be held in 2016.

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Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Lee County Personnel Tonya Poncik, M.S. County Extension Agent Family and Consumer Sciences

Keeton Ehrig, M.S. County Extension Agent Agriculture and Natural Resources

Susan Schatte Secretary

Maggie Beasley Secretary

Contact Us 310 South Grimes Street Giddings, Texas 78942 Phone: Fax:

979.542.2753 979.542.2362

Website:

http://lee-tx.tamu.edu

Email:

[email protected]

Tonya’s:

[email protected]

Keeton’s:

[email protected]

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