The Common Line Endowment Fund Celebrates the Lives of Katie McCoy and Mary Jane McKinley The influence lives on for two southeast music legends who were matriarchs of FOR THE TRUTH First United Methodist Church Nelsonville. Whether they were leading our choir or FOR THE WORLD an ecumenical choir, playing the piano or recruiting and encouraging young musi- FOR THE GLORY OF GOD cians, the music created by Katie McCoy and Mary Jane McKinley inspired us. Through their music we felt the awesome power of God, the gentle presence of angels and Jesus calling to follow Him. Pastor’s Message On May 5, at a Church Charge Conference, the FUMC Leadership Team approved the establishment of the Katie McCoy and Mary Jane McKinley Music Scholars Fund of the First United Methodist Church Nelsonville. The fund is a permanent endow- Food Cupboard ment entrusted to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, headquartered on the Public Square in Nelsonville, creating opportunities for citizens and communities by inspir- Graduates ing and supporting philanthropy in 32 Appalachian Ohio counties.

The project, a partnership between FUMC and the McCoy and McKinley families, Mother’s Day meets the families’ goal to award college scholarships to high school seniors who are active in music. Family funds now combine with church dollars from the McCoy and McKinley Music Scholars Fund established five years ago by FUMC to encourage Samaritan’s Purse youth participation in music ministry through small grants to local students and teachers. Memories of Katie Cheryl Prostler of Topeka, Kansas recalls “Aunt Mary Jane and Katie were examples and Mary Jane not only to our family, but also to generations of children and their families, of how to be caring and generous, helping others to achieve.” Mary Jane’s nephew Joe Malone shared that he has experience establishing scholarships in his hometown and is grate- Young Life ful to have local volunteers at the Nelsonville church who can oversee the details of the fund that memorializes his aunt. Another nephew William McKinley added, “We want to reward students who make music part of their lives. Music stirs the soul.”

Katie McCoy’s brother, James McCoy was always proud of his big sister and said

“Katie is smiling down on us for setting up this lasting and meaningful tribute to her. She loved your Nelsonville church.”

Prostler, Malone, McKinley and McCoy are equal partners with the church making the initial, combined $25,000 donation to establish the fund. FAO is matching at 50 percent all gifts to endowment funds, like the Music Scholars Fund, while matching funds remain or until June 30, 2021. The public is invited to donate. See page 11 for details. Articles from various sources are reprinted in this issue describing the lifetime of service of Katie McCoy and Mary Jane McKinley.

May/June 2021. The Common Line . (740) 753-1939

A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR DAVE

OUR PROBLEMS CAN SERVE A PURPOSE

After assuring us of God’s care and protection, in 1 Peter 1:6 we read, “In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials.” No sugar-coating here. He’s right up front in letting us know that life can often times be hard.

The acknowledgement is that there will be many different kinds of troubles that we can experience in this life. There will be big problems, little problems, serious problems, insignificant problems, painful problems, annoying problems … and we’ve all had them: health issues, relationship issues, job issues, money issues … we’ve all been there.

But Peter’s point here is that as we entrust ourselves into God’s care and guidance, those challenges can actually be used by God to work for our good. That’s what he means in verse 6 when he says that the trials are actually necessary.

Now that doesn’t mean that everything that happens to us is good. What it does mean is that God is able to somehow work in the midst of every situation in our life to help us learn and grow from it.

That’s the same message that the Apostle Paul offers in Romans 8:28 as he tells us, “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose.”

So, even as a Christian, we’re going to experience tough times. But we can face those times with boldness and courage knowing that somehow God is at work in and through them. As a Christian, our problems aren’t without meaning. They serve us in a special way. Our problems can serve a purpose.

That’s what Peter is trying to tell us as he goes on in verse 7 to tell us, “These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold - and your faith is far more pre- cious to God than mere gold.”

You see friends, it’s important to realize that the trials and tests that we experience in our lives can actually work out for our benefit, as hard as that may be to hear. They come to help us grow and learn how faithful God is. They teach us that God can be trusted in absolutely every area of our lives.

Truth is friends, the old cliché is right on the mark. We have a choice as we face the tough times. Trials and troubles in life can either make us bitter or better … it’s our choice. And with God’s help, we can come out of even the most difficult times of life better, if we but only entrust ourselves over to God’s care and guidance in our lives. On the Journey With You, Pastor Dave

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Breakfast, Bath and PBJ Campaign

Our campaign to raise funds for the Nelsonville Food Cupboard will be followed by FUMC sending volunteers to help at the Cupboard on Saturdays. If you or your family are willing to spend an hour or two on a Saturday helping to stock shelves and pack boxes and bags of donations, please let the church office know. You will be contacted with more information. During Kid’s Connection, our children will also help at church on Sundays by packing pet food for Food Cupboard clients with dogs and cats who need a helping hand.

2021 High School and College Graduates Mother’s Day Flowers Congratulations to our 2021 graduates! During worship on May 23 we honored Emily McWilliams, Nelsonville York High School, Mackenzie Perry, , Becky Joyce, Ohio University Master’s Degree Program, and Casey Cox, Ohio University Master’s Degree Program. We’ll share more about their accomplishments and plans in the July issue of Common Line. Samaritan’s Purse Christmas in July will kick off our local and world mission project through Samaritan’s Purse to provide a variety of resources for people in need. The project will be on-going for a number of months and we are seeking two co-chairs for this project? Could you be one? Contact the church office for more information.

Envelope Enclosed The enclosed envelope is a reminder that expenses and the work of the church go on. Thank you for giving and serving in Pre school children decorated flower pots whatever way you can. Please feel free to use the - for the women in church on Mother’s Day envelope to share your thoughts.

3 May/June 2021. The Common Line . (740) 753-1939

Reprinted with permission from Live Local Telling the Stories of Southeast Ohio. November 2019.

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Reprinted with permission from Live Local Telling the Stories of Southeast Ohio. November 2019.

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Reprinted with permission from Live Local Telling the Stories of Southeast Ohio. November 2019.

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Reprinted with permission from FUMC Common Line. September 2019.

A Message about Katie Katie showed me the value of faithfulness and com- mitment to our church, through her willingness to By Merrilee Carlson help with any task, serve on any committee, raise or If you were lucky enough give any funds needed and do anything she could to to have had Katie McCoy give aid to all of her fellow church members. Her and Mary Jane McKinley commitment and faithfulness were only magnified in as teachers, be it through my eyes over the last few years when it was so diffi- band, choir, church, golf or any other opportunity you cult for her even to make it to be there with us-----and knew them, you know that no one set a better example yet she did! of “a life well lived” then they did. Steve Cox I just returned from the funeral service for Katie, where She taught me to play clarinet better following a good her life was celebrated in a way that would make her start with Mary Jane. She taught me to be a good smile. Music, love and laughter were all there. The sport in both bowling and golf even though you get Nelsonville-York band played, Cheryl Nunnally gave a frustrated at times. She taught me etiquette on the lovely eulogy, her brother shared his love for his big sis- golf course, which was greatly important, and to put a ter and Steve Cox showed the congregation where Katie smile on your face as much as possible and to never had sat in the sanctuary after she had finally stopped sit- give up. ting in her director seat in the choir loft, not that many years ago. I could see her there in the choir loft in her Cheryl Nunnally blue choir robe, explaining aspects of a song to us hor- When I retired and was able to spend more time in monal kids in the middle school band long ago, or hear Nelsonville after living and working away for more her frustration as I squeaked out a sad attempt to play the than 40 years, Katie greeted me with the words "I'm clarinet (a horrible experience, no doubt, for a true clari- glad you're back." Knowing the dedication she had net expert like herself). for this town and this church, for so many years, I un- Over the years I continued to learn from Katie, some les- derstood her words meant get busy and get to work. It was the only thing I could do when faced with such sons I didn’t realize I had learned until today. Today was a reminder that if you use each day and each oppor- a role model. tunity to give of yourself, like she did, it is all time well Mary K. Walsh spent. She used all of her 95 years doing that. A class- room is more than four walls- everywhere Katie went Katie taught me many things. Find good in everyone there too was her classroom. Thank you, Katie, for the no matter what. Give back in any way you can. She lessons in living well you taught us all. was strong, respected and had a sharp mind. She was a proud woman. If she got mad, she would apologize What Katie Taught Us later for being cross. She loved her family and church I sang in the church choir with Katie for about 50 years, family very much. She did not like to miss church and starting at the old church on Jefferson St. When I turned wanted to be there every Sunday. After she fell and 80, I thought it was time for me to give up the choir. needed a walker, she did not want to come to church Katie said to me, "If you can still sing, it's your duty to using a walker. She was worried about what people God to sing in the choir." So, I keep singing. Katie and would say and I told her it didn’t matter, it helped her Mary Jane were really something. It will be a long time and that is what counted. She especially liked the before we see the likes of them again. We were blessed. kids. If Claire would get in trouble or was not al- lowed to do something, Katie would want to know Ann Nixon what happened and hear the whole story. Then she Katie constantly enforced my love of choral music. It would tell me not to be mad at her and tell me I need- was evident in her diligent attention to getting the parts ed to let her do it whatever it was. I made a promise sung perfectly and her smile of satisfaction when it took to Katie when she said she did not want to go to a place that music was an absolute blessing in her life. nursing home that we would work it out so that she could live in her home. From her I learned, never You could tell she passed that love on to many others, as give up, stay humble and be kind. a choir, thirty some strong came together at her service, to honor her memory and thank her for so many Challie Abraham wonderful moments together.

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Reprinted with permission from The Athens Messenger. December 10, 2013.

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Nelsonville HighReprinted School with permission Alumni from Association SAGA, the Nelsonville High School Alumni Association Scarlet and Gray Annual. Spring 2015.3 Mary Jane McKinley and Katie McCoy gave musical heritage to Nelsonville The passing of Mary Jane McKinley at the age of 86 on November 30, 2013 si- lenced her music at the Methodist Church piano, but it reminded people in south- eastern Ohio and beyond of all that she and Katie McCoy gave of themselves to enrich the area. A choir recruited mo- ments before McKinley’s memorial service consisted of more than 30 former stu- dents, teaching colleagues, music partners, and church choir members who honored her in song. Kay Martin Carter NHS ‘60 who sang in the choir that day com- mented that “there was no prior rehearsal, but we had admiration so great for the life we were celebrating that rehearsal was not needed.” A member of the Ohio Mu- sic Educators Association (OMEA) once recommended to colleagues “not to fol- low Mary Jane’s band at a large group con- test as her bands are the best prepared and they sight read like they rehearsed Mary Jane McKinley Katie McCoy the piece.” Mac, as she was affectionately who tell her that it was their experience in Their contributions were not lim- called by many, taught her students well band that kept them in school, and several ited to the music classroom. They were and the impromptu choir that day proved of those she taught chose instrumental championship golfers, earning among oth- it. The range of music at that service, from music teaching for a life-time profession.” er awards, medals in the National Senior old gospel favorites to the Hallelujah cho- Olympics. Mary Jane served as the Men’s rus of Handel’s Messiah, exemplified the Both women were pioneers in their Golf Coach at NYHS for 15 years resulting depth and breadth of Mary Jane’s love of profession with virtually no other women in six league championships and advancing music and of those who make music. band directors in the early 1950s. Mary to six Sectional and District Tournaments. At the service that day was Katie Mc- Jane taught for 36 years of which 26 were Together, Mac and Katie organized the Coy, now retired and living in Nelsonville. at NHS and NYHS. Katie taught at total of Nelsonville Community Band known as The partnership of Katie McCoy and Mary 31 years, the last 17 at Nelsonville Middle Mac’s Bandits, which Katie led for 25 years. Jane McKinley spanned more than 60 years. School or Junior High School. Their bands They were active in Berean Community During Mary Jane’s acceptance speech for competed well. Katie’s Chauncey Dover Theater where they produced Broadway the 2008 OMEA Distinguished Service High School band received several Supe- musicals, were involved in the restoration Award, she thanked “my colleague Katie rior ratings in state competition and was of and resurrection of performance at McCoy, Director of Bands at the Nelson- outstanding in marching and dancing. Her Stuart’s Opera House, as well as and the ville Junior High School who sent me many band was one of the first to incorporate Museum of Theatrical History Inc. where fine musicians each year” as she referred to dance steps while on the march to tunes both served as board members. For more students Katie trained who became mem- such as Band Jive and Boogie Woogie Band. than 50 years they directed their church bers of the high school band Mary Jane Mary Jane’s NHS and NYHS bands received choir and organized ecumenical choirs directed. Katie wrote in her letter of sup- 29 Superior ratings in District Contest and representing up to 15 churches to perform port for Mary Jane’s nomination that she 17 Superior ratings in State Contest. Solo concerts and contatas for the community. was “impressed by Mary Jane’s love for her and ensemble members participated in 40- They received the Roland Pierce Citizen- students and her enthusiasm for teaching 50 contests per year and received Supe- ship Award and the Nelsonville Chamber them… (she) has the ability to inspire her rior ratings 96 percent of the time. For of Commerce R. Victor Oakley Award. The band members to not only play the right their music excellence, both women were NYHS auditorium has been dedicated in notes but to also play with an emotion that inducted into Phi Beta Mu, the National Mary Jane’s memory and the choir room makes them a joy to listen to… it is not Band Masters Fraternity, Mary Jane being unusual for her to meet former students the first woman in Ohio to be so honored. continuedPlease see on pageMuSiC 10 , Page 4

9 May/June 2021. The Common Line . (740) 753-1939 4 Nelsonville High School Alumni Association Reprinted with permission from SAGA, the Nelsonville High School Alumni Association Scarlet and Gray Annual. Spring 2015. MuSiC, from Page 3 The Nelsonville-York High School Band, their director Terry Robb, Boost- at the Nelsonville First United Methodist ers and Alumni commissioned composer James Swearingen to create In Times Church is named in honor of Katie. of Triumph dedicated to Mary Jane McKinley and Katie McCoy for their many years of service to music education. The composition premiered May Tributes from students and friends 21, 2002 performed by the NYHS band and alumni band members under the help tell the story of Mary Jane and Katie. direction of composer James Swearingen. It was dedicated to these women and to the resolve of individuals around the world who seek to achieve goals, Muril Zimmerman, former Union and as a result, make this a better place for all. Furnace student who became a band direc- Share memories on the NHS SAGA blog of how Katie and Mary Jane or tor: “Every now and then a person comes other local music teachers enriched your life. into our life and we are never the same.” terms and verbiage, I always know that Terry Robb, retired NYHS band di- Jim Chickrell NYHS ‘70 and Lo- Mary Jane will give us words of wisdom rector: “I always hear former students say, gan Elm High School band director: “I that I will want to share with my students. “If Mary Jane would ask us to do some- hope you remember all of the wonderful She has a gift.” thing, we would do it because Mary Jane performances we experienced such as re- asked us to.’ She instilled great pride in peated standing ovations for the marching Ann Bumgardner Nixon NHS the music program. This is also due to her band at the Ironton game… the music you ’49: “For more than 50 years I’ve had the working relationship with Katie McCoy. were able to get out of your bands while privilege of singing in church choirs di- Together they made an excellent team.” rehearsing in a tiny over-crowded cracker rected by Katie and Mary Jane. Whether box band room under the stage of the au- it was our own church or an ecumenical Mary Jane once described her four ditorium while basketballs bounced on the choir of 85 members, they worked dili- rules: ceiling above… returning from state finals gently for perfection. They had the ability • Take care of the small things and the when we received our Superior ratings and to combine the skills of people with great big things will take care of themselves. being met by the police and what seemed talent with those less gifted to create the • If you make a mistake, make a good to be a mile long line of cars to escort most memorable and meaningful perfor- one. I wouldn’t give you two cents for a us into town horns honking and people mances.” little piddlin’ one. cheering.” • It’s not how many right notes you Michele Shafer NHS ‘62 and re- play that count, it’s how beautifully you play Ladonna Vaughn, former Union the wrong ones. Furnace student who became a band di- tired Mansfield vocal music director: “One • Last but not least, Watch Mamma. rector: “I remember that band room as a of the talents I used in my career was rec- separate building from the classrooms and reating Mary Jane’s magnificent expression A philosophy that has exemplified Ka- it was heated by a pot- bellied coal stove. of the rise and fall of the musical line… tie’s life is to simply do what needs to be Several coal buckets graced the room and Mary Jane McKinley was an inspiration and done where you are. And that includes cre- I soon learned that you were the one who blessed gift from God to all of us.” ating a climate that gives children a good kept the coal fires burning… In prepara- start in life. If you see something that needs tion for competition, if we had a snow day, Ernie Perkins NHS ’64: “The foot- to be done get busy and do it and do it well. you drove the circuit to all of our homes to ball players respected Katie and Mary Jane. At 91, she’s a vital member of her church, work on our solos.” The players felt their full support at games. Mary Jane and Katie cared for the whole organizer of the weekly euchre club at the library, care giver for people in need and for , Past OMEA presi- community.” Gayle Stalheim God’s creatures (mostly cats!). She stays dent: “Students were always reminded by in touch with old friends and continues her that the sound wasn’t good enough un- Marshall Kimball, former student to make new friends. Although she’s ac- til that sound made you feel goose bumps.” teacher: “One of my favorite stories at State finals… the concert band was ready complished an enormous amount for one lifetime, she’s not done yet. A scholarship to go on… the first clarinet player told Cheryl Ellinger Nunnally NYHS award set up by Katie’s and Mary Jane’s and NYHS teacher and coach: “Mary Mary Jane a pad had fallen out of her in- ’68 families will assist future music students. Jane would take anyone under her wing, no strument Mary Jane asked if anyone had matter how inexperienced and teach them chewing gum in their mouth. One of the Rodney Tolliver, former band di- with extra attention and care.” students raised a hand and Mary Jane took rector at Gallia Academy and colleague the gum. After pulling a small piece off the of Katie and Mary Jane, wrote, “There Randall Lamb, Newark band direc- sample… stuck the gum on the back of is no better place to teach band than in tor: “ I have come to appreciate Mary Jane the pad… shoved the pad back into the a small town full of kids and parents and as an adjudicator. In this day when too clarinet… and said, let’s go. They hit the entire communities that love Friday night many judges seem more concerned with… stage… the band received raving com- showing their command of the latest buzz ments and superior ratings.” continuedPlease see on pageMuSiC 11 , Page 5

10 May/June 2021. The Common Line . (740) 753-1939 Nelsonville High School Alumni Association 5 Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) honors Dick Hubbard FAO, a non-profit organization leaders. Hubbard talked about returning to his hometown of Nel- based in Nelsonville and serving sonville, “As soon as I see the rolling hills of southeast Ohio, it’s 32 Appalachian counties, awarded like having my mother’s arms wrapped around me.” FAO board Dick Hubbard NHS ’52 its an- member and Chairman of Rocky Brands Mike Brooks NHS ’64 nual Child of Award that introduced Hubbard to the audience gathered November 13 at recognizes outstanding citizens of the in Columbus by describing Hubbard as one Appalachian Ohio. FAO recognized of three important role models in his life – his father John Brooks, Hubbard’s love of the region and Rev. John Lloyd Evans, long-time minister of the Nelsonville Pres- the inventive role he played in es- byterian Church and Hubbard. Greyhounds have fond memo- tablishing local opportunities such ries of Hubbard and his teammates who achieved the 1952 state as Hocking College, the Hocking runner-up basketball championship. Valley Scenic Railway as well as growing locally-based healthcare in The vision of FAO is for all citizens of Appalachian Ohio to Dick Hubbard Nelsonville. Through his work as live in a region abundant with possibilities. FAO works to create President of The People’s Bank of Nelsonville, he mentored and opportunities for Appalachian Ohio’s citizens and communities by encouraged an entire generation of business leaders to be civic inspiring and supporting philanthropy.

With sadness we report the November 21, 2013 passing of Lowell Cole, former educator, coach, and principal in Nelsonville schools. Cole coached the 1952 team and is pictured above at center with trophy. Hubbard is second to right of Cole. To learn Monetary donations are welcome.more about Cole’s accomplishments, see the reprint of a SAGA article on the NHS SAGA blog.

Reprinted with permission from SAGA, the Nelsonville High School Alumni Association Scarlet and Gray Annual. Spring 2015. continued from page 10 MuSiC, from Page 4 ballgames and afternoon concerts.” That the high school marching to the soft tap of ities would begin and the distinctive voice surely describes Nelsonville. Recalling a the drum cadence headed to the football of Joe Galvin NHS ’34 at the press box typical week in September long ago, the last field where hundreds of students, parents, microphone would announce the guest class period of the day, band practice might athletes and Greyhound fans waited for school. “Please welcome the Chauncey include a march from the school to the the game to begin. Just as the band crossed Dover High School Marching Band under Public Square. People in shops and offices over the railroad tracks by the swimming the direction of Miss Katie McCoy.” There would stop to watch Mac’s high stepping pool, the drummers ceased tapping and ex- was nothing else quite like the spell cast band strut their stuff. Then Friday would ploded into full sound on the drum heads, on those nights and in people’s memories. arrive, and in the glow of the streetlights, signaling that the Nelsonville High School Mary Jane and Katie — what a team! How the band with Mary Jane at their side left band had arrived. Soon the pre-game activ- lucky can one town be.

Kids Corner will return next month with a hands-on craft about prayer. MUSIC SCHOLARS FUND DONATION FORM You are invited to donate to the Katie McCoy and Mary Jane McKinley Music Scholars Fund to celebrate and honor their lives and the gifts they gave to Southeast Ohio and beyond, touching thousands of lives through music.

Name Contact Information (Optional) Address

Email Phone

My Check is Enclosed Please contact me regarding online giving or the gift of stock. You may use my name on a list of donors to the fund for publicity purposes (amount donated will not be shared). You may share my name with the First United Methodist Church Nelsonville on a list of donors to the fund (amount donated will not be shared). Please keep my gift anonymous. Share a memory of Katie or Mary Jane for the FUMC archive.

Send check payable to Foundation for Appalachian Ohio with Music Scholars Fund in the memo line. Mail to: Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, 35 Public Square, Nelsonville, OH 45764. Questions? Contact Kelly Morman at FAO (740) 753-1111 FAO is matching at 50 percent all gifts to endowment funds, like the Katie McCoy and Mary Jane McKinley Music Scholars Fund, while matching funds remain or until June 30, 2021.

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Our Staff— Other Events and Announcements Pastor: David Roach [email protected] Please Note: In-person events other than worship, Alcoholics Anonymous and Leadership Team are currently on hold. Office Administrator: Linda Watkins • Worship Services every Sunday at 10:00 AM and on [email protected] Facebook Live

• Adult Sunday School 8:30 AM Lay Leader: Steve Cox [email protected] • Anchored Youth Group every Sunday at 5:00 PM

Custodian: Brian Bailey • Alcoholics Anonymous every Monday and Thursday at 8:00 PM

• Contact Us— Leadership Team Meeting—July 7, 2021 at 6:00 PM

• Holy Communion every first Sunday of the month Phone: (740) 753-1939 Address: First United Methodist Church The Leadership Team continues to monitor COVID levels. Any changes in 205 West Columbus St. programming including in-person worship will be posted on the website, Nelsonville, OH 45764 Facebook, FUMC office phone message and will be sent via email to those Website: for whom we have email addresses. We are also seeking additional fumcnelsonville.org greeters for Sunday mornings to help meet COVID protocols and give a warm welcome to all. Let the church office know if you are interested in helping or need more information. Facebook: @FUMNelsonville

Instagram: Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts @fumcnelsonville If you have questions about Scouts, contact Dave Loge (740) 707-1630 or Jeremy Boggs (740) 856-2795 or Dee Dee Loge (740) 707-5318.

Common Line Editor and Designer: Linda Watkins Individuals Contributing Photos and Content for this issue: Rev. David Roach, Trisha Dean, Mary K. Walsh, Steve Cox, Ainsley Kuhn, Debbie Cox, Kelly Morman and the McKinley and McCoy families.

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