What To Do: With the Kids Winter 2017
What To Do: With the Kids Winter 2017: Now what do you do with the kids? Here’s 45 winter events that will keep them busy (you too) until spring. We’re talking circuses, planetarium shows, Pinkalicious and Piff the Magic Dragon! To name a few.
January
IMAX Movies – Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk: The IMAX movie schedule at Norwalk’s Maritime Aquarium this winter includes: A Beautiful Planet, made in cooperation with NASA offers a unique view of our planet and galaxy. It runs through mid-February. Plus limited runs of Humpback Whales, Jean Michael Cousteau’s Secret Ocean, Warner Bros. Born To Be Wild and National Parks Adventure. The Aquarium is open seven days a week from 10am-5pm. Check movie times. (10 N. Water St., Norwalk, www.maritimeaquarium.org)
WTD Fave Rave: A BILLION BRICKS 4: LEGO® Super Heroes In Gotham –Through 2/5/17: The team from ILUGNY recreates a fantasy Gotham City — featuring some of the most iconic buildings in New York City all made from a billion LEGO bricks. LEGO® trains, trams, and subways travel over, under and around their LEGO landscape where superheroes save the day! The museum is open Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm & Sun: 11am-5pm. (Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford; www.stamfordmuseum.org)
Unique! Winter Wolves – Wolf Conservation Center, South Salem: Learn the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why winter is a magical time for packs in North America. On Saturdays and Sundays in January and February plus MLK Day and Presidents Day, the Wolf Conservation center offers special opportunities to meet and photograph Ambassador wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai, and Zephyr, the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves. Pre-registration required. Check dates and times. (Wolf Conservation Center, South Salem, www.nywolf.org)
Planetarium Shows – Hudson River Museum Planetarium – Sat-Sun 1/7-1/29: 12:30, 2 & 3:30 pm. January shows include: One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure, produced by Sesame Workshop and the Liberty Science Center for ages 5 plus at 12:30pm. The Sky Tonight offers a live tour of the heavens with a planetarium educator for ages 8 plus at 2pm. Undiscovered Worlds, accompanied by an orchestral score, explores planets and stars beyond our solar system for ages 8 plus at 3:30pm. (Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers; www.hrm.org)
Giant Walk-In Whale Exhibit – Maritime Aquarium: See what it’s like to stand beside – and inside – a life-size (35-foot inflatable) humpback in the Maritime Aquarium’s “Giant Walk-In Whale Exhibit”. See the enormous scale of a whale’s heart, lungs and stomachs. (Yes, stomachs, plural.) Bonus stations will let guests touch real baleen, experience first-hand how blubber keeps whales warm and more. Sat-Sun, 1/7-16: 10am-5pm. (The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, www.maritimeaquarium.org)
Westchester Knicks, County Center – 1/7, 1/10, 1/12, 1/27 & 1/28: The second place Westchester Knicks, led by high scoring Chasson Randle, are battling it our for the NBA D League Eastern Division championship. Here’s when you can see them as they drive for the finish. Sat, 1/7: 7pm vs. Delaware 87ers; Tues, 1/010: 7pm vs Maine Red Claws; Thurs, 1/12: 7pm vs. Fort Wayne Mad Ants; Fri, 1/27: 7pm vs. Raptors 905; Sat, 1/28: 5pm. (198 Central Ave., White Plains; Westchester Knicks)
Local! Annie, Jacob Burns – Sat-Sun, 1/7-8:12pm. Jacob Burns Film Center’s JBFC Kids series continues with a screening of the 1982 classic Annie with Aileen Quinn as Annie, the voice of hope for her fellow orphans during the Great Depression. Comedy legend Carol Kings plays Miss Hannifin, Ann Reinking plays Grace Farrell, the personal assistant to Oliver Warbucks who is played by Albert Finney. (Jacob Burns, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville; www.burnsfilmcenter.org)
Winter Extravaganza Baseball Card Show, County Center – Fri-Sun, 1/13-15: Joe Montana and Dwight Clark make their first visit to White Plains for this annual show that features rows and rows of cards and sports memorabilia, on-site autograph authenticators and more. Plus more autograph opps from Steven Matz, Frank Robinson, Paul Monitor and more. Fri, 2-8pm, Sat, 10am-5pm & Sun, 10m-4pm. (198 Central Ave., White Plains; www.countycenter.biz)
Disney on Ice, Prudential Center – Fri-Mon, 1/13-16. Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they share the heroic stories of four Disney Princesses. Laugh along as Rapunzel and Flynn embark on an expedition that soars to new heights! Travel the enchanted forest with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Watch as Cinderella’s dreams come true with help from her animal friends and the Fairy Godmother. Boogie to the beat of the bayou with Tiana and Naveen. (251 Lafayette St., Newark, NJ; www.prucenter.com)
Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could, Emelin – Sat, 1/14: 11am & 1:30pm. Brady Rymer has gone from sharing the stage with Bob Dylan, Dave Matthews and Bob Weir to becoming a two time Grammy-nominee for Best Children’s Album in 2009 & 2014. His kid’s rock, drawing on his band’s backgrounds ranging from Americana to Zydeco, has been lauded by NPR’s All Things Considered as one of the “best-sounding bands in children’s music.” (153 Library Ln., Mamaroneck; www.emelin.org)
Hot ticket Alert! Casey Carle’s Bubblemania, Stamford Palace – Sun, 1/15: 3pm. Lauded by Cirque du Soleil as a “master of his craft”, Casey Carle returns with his one-man comedy, jazzy music and bubbling show. Expect fog-filled bubble sculptures, a cube bubble, funky foam, bubble Ping-Pong, trapping an audience member inside a gigantic soap bubble and thousands of bubbles filling the stage. For ages 5 through 95. (61 Atlantic St., Stamford, CT; www.palacestamford.org)
Ice Skating at the Harvey School: Jim Whiting and staff at Bedford Recreation, in association with The Harvey School, offers public skating at The Harvey School’s Evarts Rink on Martin Luther King Day and Presidents Day. A DJ will be spinning tunes. No hockey playing and bring your own skates. Admission fee is $5 and no registration is required. Mon, 1/16 & 2/20: 12:45-2:45pm. The Harvey School’s Evarts Rink is also open for freestyle skating year round on Saturdays at 8, 9:10 & 10:20am. Group and private lessons are also offered on Tuesday & Friday evenings and Saturday Mornings. www.harveyschool.prg
Belle and Sebastian, Jacob Burns – Sat-Sun, 1/21-22: 12pm & Thurs, 1/26: 3pm. Based on the acclaimed children’s novel by Cécile Aubry, Belle & Sebastian follows the adventures of a young boy and his giant sheepdog in WWII-occupied France. Six-year-old Sebastian tames the enormous mountain dog Belle and when the Nazis arrive and begin rooting out resistance members and Jewish refugees, Belle and Sebastian prove their loyalty to the village when they undertake a treacherous journey to help the cause. (Jacob Burns, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville; www.burnsfilmcenter.org)
The Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre, Tarrytown Music Hall – Fri, 1/27: 7pm. Featuring the comedy and juggling skills of Moscow Circus veteran Gregory Popovich and his entourage of jugglers, Diamond the Shetland Pony and performing pets. Including house cats and dogs (all rescued from animal shelters!), geese, white doves and parrots. The Popovich Comedy Pet Theater is currently in its 6th season at the Planet Hollywood Resort/Casino in Las Vegas. (13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)
Cinderella, WPPAC – Sat, 1/28: 1 & 4pm. This production of Cinderella, from Ballet for Young Audiences, follows a young woman and her cat through the classic fairy tale. It combines all the romance of the Masked Ball with all the slapstick comedy of Cinderella’s bungling stepsisters. Each production is fully narrated to ensure understanding of the dance vocabulary for newer audiences. (11 City Place, 3rd Floor, White Plains; www.wppac.com)
Monster Jam, Prudential Center – Sat-Sun, 1/28-29. Monster Jam® Triple Threat Series showcases Monster Jam trucks, Monster Jam Speedsters and Monster Jam ATVs – the best lineup of Monster Jam vehicles that deliver more trucks, more racing, more freestyle, more donuts, more wheelies, more action in challenging racing and freestyle events! (251 Lafayette St., Newark, NJ; www.prucenter.com)
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom with Peter Gros, Ridgefield Playhouse – Sun, 1/29: 1 & 4pm. Peter shares his exciting animal world, travel experiences and timeless tales. He highlights his many adventures with a mix of video clips and bloopers while introducing friendly exotic animals to audience members, and telling inspirational stories dealing with issues of conservation, travel, and wildlife filming. (80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)
Harlem Wizards vs. The Chappaqua Challengers, HGHS – Sun, 1/29: 1:30 pm: Chappaqua school district teachers and administrators take on the Harlem Wizards in an afternoon of basketball and comedy. This event is sponsored by the Chappaqua School Foundation and benefits all Chappaqua schools. (Horace Greeley HS Gym, 70 Roaring Brook Rd., Chappaqua)
Westchester Toy and Train Show, The County Center – Sun, 1/29: 9am-3pm: The largest toy and train show in the Northeast featuring more than 350 vendor tables. New & antique toys and trains – all gauges, train parts, layouts, appraisals, die cast automobiles, books, test tracks, toy soldiers, games & toys for all ages. (198 Central Ave., White Plains; www.countycenter.biz)
February
Westchester Knicks, County Center – 2/3, 2/4, 2/10, 2/11, 2/22, 2/25 & 2/26: The second place Westchester Knicks, led by high scoring Chasson Randle, are battling it our for the NBA D League Eastern Division championship. Here’s when you can see them as they drive for the finish. Fri, 2/3: 7pm vs. Windy City Bulls; Sat, 2/4: 5pm vs. Windy City Bulls; Fri, 2/10: 8pm vs. Maine Red Claws; Sat, 2/11: 5pm vs. Northern Arizona Suns; Wed, 2/22: 7pm vs. Fort Wayne Mad Ants; Sat, 2/25: 5pm vs. Greensboro Swarm; Sun, 2/26: 5pm vs. Erie Bayhawks. (198 Central Ave., White Plains; Westchester Knicks)
Valentines Crafts & Things, Bedford Recreation – Fri, 2/3: 6-8:30pm: Kids in grades 2-6 make Valentine crafts, play games, have fun with friends and have dinner. Open to residents and non-residents. (Bedford Hills Community House, 74 Main St., Bedford Hills; www.bedfordny.info)
Planetarium Shows – Hudson River Museum Planetarium – Sat-Sun 2/4-2/26: 12:30, 2 & 3:30 pm. February shows include: Earth, Moon & Sun explores the Earth, Moon and Sun with the help of Coyote, an amusing character adapted from Native American oral tradition for ages 5 plus at 12:30pm. The Sky Tonight offers a live tour of the heavens with a planetarium educator for ages 8 plus a 2pm. We are Aliens is a new 360° digital planetarium show narrated by Rupert Grint (from Harry Potter films) that takes an epic ride in the hunt for the evidence of alien life for ages 8 plus at 3:30pm. (Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers; www.hrm.org)
Tapping the Tree, Muscoot Farm – Sun, 2/5: 1:30pm. Sugaring Season is here again! Join Muscoot Curator Jonathon Benjamin as he explains the procedures for tapping the maple trees. (51 Rt. 100, Katonah; www.muscootfarm.org)
The Harlem Globetrotters, County Center – Mon-Tues, 2/6-7: 7pm. The Harlem Globetrotters, the world’s most winning franchise in any sport, celebrate their 92nd year with a return to the County Center. (Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains; www.countycenter.biz)
Les Miserables – Byram Hills HS – Thurs-Fri, 2/9-10: 7pm & Sat, 2/11: 2 & 7pm. Byram Hills HS Varley Players present Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg, Herbert Kretzmer, and James Fenton musical stage adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel. It is the story of Jean Valjean, a French peasant, and his quest for redemption after serving nineteen years in jail for having stolen a loaf of bread for his sister’s starving child. (Byram Hills H.S., 12 Tripp Lane, Armonk; wwwbyramhillsstage)
The Barenstain Bears Live! Emelin – Sat, 2/11: 11am & 1:30pm. Adapted from the classic children’s book series, this musical, Family Matters, brings “the bears” to life in a theatrical experience officially approved by the authors themselves! Mama Bear saves the day when Brother Bear’s grades are slipping, Sister Bear has trouble making new friends and Papa Bear just can’t stop eating junk food. For ages 4 & up. (153 Library Ln., Mamaroneck; www.emelin.org)
Teatown’s Hudson River EagleFest, Croton Point Park – Sat, 2/11: 9am-4pm. Celebrate the return of the bald eagle to the Lower Hudson Valley. Live eagle shows, music from Tom Chapin, kids activities, heated trucks, food trucks, bus tours and two free showings of The Eagle Huntress at Pace University. (1 Croton Point Ave., Croton-on-Hudson; www.teatown.org)
Victorian Valentine’s Tea and Craft Party – New Castle Historical Society – Sat, 2/11: 11am-4pm: Join the New Castle Historical Society for a special Victorian Tea at the Horace Greeley House. This event, recommended for kids up to 12, will include Victorian tea, snacks, crafts and a tour. To register call NCHS at 914-238-4666 (email: director@newcastlehs.org or online. (Horace Greeley House, 100 King St., Chappaqua; www.newcastlehs.org)
Kids go Free! Westchester Philharmonic, Performing Arts Center – 2/12/3pm. Ted Sperling, conducts, Julia Bullock, soprano and the Westchester Phil’s Friends & Family concert that offers an instrument petting zoo before the show. The program features works by Mozart, Josephine Baker, Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin and concludes with Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite. (Concert Hall, The Performing Arts Center Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.westhcesterphil.org)
34th Annual Young Artists Exhibition, Katonah Museum of Arts – Tues-Sat: 10am-5pm & Sun, 12-5pm 2/12-3/5.More than 400 artworks by high school students from over 40 schools across Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Dutchess, and Fairfield counties fill the KMA galleries. This unique program gives teens the opportunity to work behind-the-scenes to produce a museum exhibition. In the course of many months they take on the roles of graphic designer, curator, exhibition designer, art installer, and artist as they collaborate with professionals to produce this impressive exhibition. The winning invitation (shown here) was designed by Anna Lao from White Plains High School in this year’s Graphic Design Workshop.(134 Jay St., Katonah; www.katonahmuseum.org)
Ski Belleayre, New Castle Recreation Tues, 2/14: 6:30am-6:30pm: Skiers and snowboarders with their own equipment (ages 9-15) take a round trip coach bus from New Castle Town Hall to Belleayre Mountain with Endless Adventure Camps for a day of serious slope carving. Group lessons are available. Parents can join in, too. Register at Town Hall.
The 42nd Annual Royal Hanneford Circus, The County Center – Sat-Mon, 2/18-20: 10am, 2pm & 6pm: The stars of the 2016 Royal Hanneford Circus include Cuzin Grumpy’s Pork Chop Revue, Grandma The Clown from Big Apple Circus fame and the latest of The Royal Hanneford Family of Performers along with many of the old favorite acts. No update on the 2017 show. (Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains; www.countycenter.biz)
Disney’s Choo-Choo Soul with Genevieve, Tarrytown Music Hall – Sun, 2/19: 1 & 4pm. Genevieve, the singing train conductors and DC, her beat boxing, break dancing railroad engineer, bring Choo-Choo Soul to Tarrytown for a show full of soulful renditions of the ABC’s, 1-2-3’s, and all your favorite Disney songs covered with catchy beats. Disney’s Choo-Choo Soul “With Genevieve!” has been honored with a Parents Choice Award for Children’s Television. (13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)
Extreme Maple Sugar, Stamford Museum & Nature Center – Sun, 2/19: 3-4:30pm. A behind-the-scenes look at SM&NC’s Maple Syrup operation and hands on activities with some of the daily tasks that go into turning sap into syrup. Help collect sap and measure the sugar content, learn to use an auger to drill tap holes, tour the sugar bush, observe the process of turning sap into syrup with the evaporator and do a taste test. Recommended for ages 6 and up. (39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, CT; www.stamfordmuseum.org)
Mr. Fish Fantastic Forces, Stamford Palace – Sun, 2/19: 3pm. Mr. Fish explains (and defies) the laws of gravity with spinning ropes, an Australian bull roar (musical instrument), peacock feathers, a floating beach ball and a madcap plate spinning routine. The audience learns how to do many of the circus skills shown in this program, including balancing, rope spinning, magic, and more. (61 Atlantic St., Stamford, CT; www.palacestamford.org)
Winter Break, Maple Sugar Stamford Museum – Mon 2/20: 11am-3pm. Learn how to make maple syrup, the science behind catapults and make mini catapults to take home. Discover the winter birds in our area and make a recycled bird feeder. Explore the winter constellations in the planetarium and end the day with vanilla ice cream topped with maple syrup! (39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, CT; www.stamfordmuseum.org)
Landfill Harmonic, Jacob Burns – Sat-Sun, 2/18-19: 12pm & Thurs, 2/23: 3pm. “The world sends us garbage. We send back music.” This is the message of the Recycled Orchestra, the most unlikely musical group that performs on instruments made of tin cans, scrap metal, old tubes, and other bits of junk that were tossed in the trash. Based in a notorious slum outside the Paraguayan capital, this is the story of a visionary music teacher and an intrepid group of children who build something unimaginably beautiful out of other people’s trash. When their story went viral, the young musicians were thrust on the international stage and their lives were changed forever. (Jacob Burns, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville; www.burnsfilmcenter.org)
Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Barclays Center – Thurs-Fri, 2/23: 3/3. This new show, Out of This World, takes a leap into the future as the Circus Space Fleet goes on a heroic quest of good versus evil. Through the lens of a magic telescope, the circus Star Seeker battles to bring the most spectacular and talented performers back to Earth after years in outer space. Including gravity-defying acrobats, orbital aerialists, majestic animals, fearless daredevils and humorous clowns. (620 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn; www.barclayscenter.com)
Dancin’ Broadway for Kids, Ridgefield Playhouse – Sat, 2/25: 4pm. This special matinee performance is a “kid friendly” version of the 8pm show. It offers an hour of blockbuster dances from West Side Story, Chicago, Guys and Dolls, Hairspray, Mamma Mia, Newsies and more! (80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)
March
Hot Ticket Alert! This one sells out! Piff the Magic Dragon, Paramount Hudson Valley – Thurs, 3/2: 8pm. The stand out star of season 10 of NBC’s America’s Got Talent returns to the Paramount. Think Larry David in a dragon suit performing magic tricks with his trademark Chihuahua, Mr. Piffles. With over 12 million YouTube hits, Piff has performed at Radio City Music Hall and the London and Sydney Opera House. (1008 Brown St., Peekskill; www.paramounthudsonvalley.com)
Shanghai Acrobats, Ridgefield Playhouse – Fri, 3/3: 10am & 7pm. In acts that often trace their origin to ancient Shanghai harvest festivals this company performs demanding Chinese circus feats from jugglers to the comic knife throwers and the bicyclist who finishes by piling 10 of his colleagues aboard his vehicle. (80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)
Maple Sugar Festival Weekend, Stamford Museum & Nature Center – Sat-Sun, 3/4-5: 11am-3pm. Live music with Jay & Ray, sweet maple treats, face painting, kids crafts, scavenger hunt, tree tapping, maple sugar snow cones, Teen’s Chef Challenge and pancake brunch. (39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, CT; www.stamfordmuseum.org)
Challenge Game Night, Bedford Recreation – Fri, 3/10: 6-8:30pm. Kids in grades 3-7 play Stratego, Battleship, Connect Four and other challenging games. Dinner and snacks included for residents and non-residents: (Bedford Hills Community House, 74 Main St., Bedford Hills; www.bedfordny.info)
SugarFest 2017, Westmoreland Sanctuary– Sat, 3/11: check times. Westmoreland’s Sugarfest! celebrates the sugaring season with their Maple Sugaring Through the Ages program that explores the harvesting and processing techniques used by the Native Americans and early colonists through present day. Plus their delectable all-you-can-eat Pancake Feast served with 100% New York Maple Syrup. (260 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Mt. Kisco; www.westmorelandsanctuary.org)
Pinkalicious, Emelin – Sat- Sun, 3/11-12: 11am & 1:30pm. In this musical adaptation of Elizabeth and Victoria Kann’s picture books, Pinkalicious contracts Pinkititis from eating too many pink cupcakes. This production from Vital Theatre Company is recommended for ages 2 & up. 153 Library Ln., Mamaroneck; www.emelin.org)
A Year With Frog and Toad, Tarrytown Music Hall – Sun, 3/12: 2pm. Based on the children’s books by Arnold Lobel, this whimsical musical follows two friends through four fun-filled seasons. They make new friends like Man Bird and Lady Bird, Father, Mother, Young Frog, Turtle, Squirrel and many more along the way. A hit on Broadway, A Year With Frog And Toad was nominated for 3 TONY Awards – including Best Musical. (13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)
Hot ticket Alert! Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood LIVE! Performing Arts Center Purchase – Sun, 3/12: 2pm. This interactive, theatrical production is based on the hit PBS Kids television series, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Join Daniel and friends on a trolley ride filled with singing and dancing through the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. Expect a host of “grr-ific” surprises! Consider a VIP ticket for a Meet & Greet with Daniel Tiger. (Concert Hall, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)
Jay and Ray, Stamford Palace – Sun, 3/12: 3pm. Jay and Ray were born to play. They have individually been playing since high school, with a pedigree of touring the United States, playing gigs all around the world, and advanced degrees in childhood education centered on music. (61 Atlantic St., Stamford, CT; www.palacestamford.org)
Westchester Knicks, County Center – 3/16, 3/24, 3/28. 3/30 & 4/1: The second place Westchester Knicks, led by high scoring Chasson Randle, are battling it our for the NBA D League Eastern Division championship. Here’s when you can see them as they drive for the finish. Thurs, 3/16: 7pm vs. Long Island Nets; Fri, 3/24: 7pm vs. Reno Bighorns; Tues, 3/28: 7pm vs. Canton Charge; Thurs, 3/30: 7pm vs. Grand Rapids Drive; Sat, 4/1: 1pm vs. Long Island Nets. (198 Central Ave., White Plains; Westchester Knicks)
Dr. Seuss’s The Cat In the Hat, Tarrytown Music Hall – Sat, 3/18: 2pm. From the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears at their door, Sally and her brother know that the Cat in the Hat is the most mischievous cat they will ever meet. Will their house ever be the same? They will need some help from Thing One and Thing Two to clean up before mom comes home. (13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)
Fox Lane High School Musical – Fri-Sat, 3/31-4/1: 7pm & Sun, 4/2: 1pm. The Fox Lane HS musical is scheduled for these dates. Check website for more information.
Horace Greeley High School Theatre – Thurs-Fri, 4/9-10: 7pm & Sat, 4/11: 8pm. The HGHS winter production is scheduled for these dates. Check website for more information. (HGHS Auditorium, 70 Roaring Brook Rd., Chappaqua; Greeley Calendar)
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