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Ward History 2021- Compiled

Jordan North 1st Ward
Relief Society History 2021

The start of this year started out slow. There wasn’t much planned at all because of
Covid still lingering around. It seems to be worse in the colder months because
everyone has remained in doors where it can spread more easily. 


Honestly, this past year seems like a blur because the meetings were limited so much.
We did start the year out with zoom meetings through March. We had been counseled
within our ward to continue to minister to those in our ward and neighbors. In Relief
Society we had an activity of our favorite things where we could share our favorite
temporal or spiritual things. The ladies really enjoyed sharing their favorite things and
said they felt the spirit very strongly.

The end of 2020 they approved the vaccination for Covid-19, so by the beginning
of 2021 people could start to get vaccinated. We had hoped that the Zoom meetings
would end soon. Conference was still being limited with only those who would be
speaking. President Nelson sent out a message to the members and to those who have
lost loved ones to death, and who have suffered from the pandemic that we can have
peace and hope through our Savior and knowing that we can be with our loved ones
again. Throughout this time of the pandemic, he seems to know when we need a lift and
sends out a message to us all.


We had started to go back to meeting at the chapel with a limited number of
people so that we could spread out more. By April we were all allowed to either attend
or watch through Zoom for Sacrament. In May we started the second hour in person.
We also conducted ministering interviews. We knew how hard it has been for sisters to
do visits with their sisters, so we made it clear that we wanted it to be just a guilt free,
uplifting meeting if they could meet with one of the presidency members. We saw that
there were a lot of changes that needed to be made to the list because so many people
were moving in and out of the ward. It seemed a little overwhelming at first but took
some time to get it all figured out.


In June we had a “Garden Party” where we encourage everyone to wear
something flowery and fun. Sister Roemmich and her mother taught us a little about
floral design and we made some corsages and a beautiful flower arrangement. The
ladies had such a good time chatting and having a good time together again.
In August we had another fun activity where we planned to have a night of line
dancing. While planning it kind of turned into a theme of, we can do hard things, without
planning it. As it turned out, each member of the presidency was each doing something
that we didn’t feel comfortable with. And it turned out for others that line dancing wasn’t
the easiest as well. 


Throughout the year we continued to have and prepare luncheons for funerals.
Our ward has continued to be so giving of meals and food for the luncheons. We have
had to change the way we have done things for a bit by limiting the way we did because
of the spread of Covid. There were a few times we prepared sack lunch bag meals for
the families. 


This year has been another hard year of many deaths as I know these families
have suffered for their loss. We have been so blessed to have people within the ward
who are willing to help each other and show their love for each member. I really loved
seeing this.


In October as a presidency, we were called into Bishop Degen’s office and were
told that we would be released. We were a bit relieved but also sad as we knew we
would be separated into different callings. Who would have known what we would go
through in these callings in the last 3 years. It has brought us closer as a ward and
closer as friends/sisters.  We expressed our love for each other and how blessed we
were through these callings. For me, I don’t think I have ever seen the hand of the lord
in my, and other’s lives more than I have in the last 3 years. I am so grateful to my
Heavenly Father for putting me here for this time with these people.
As we were released, we sustained the new presidency.
We wish them all the best and know they will do a great job!


Sunday, November 7, 2021
Relief Society Presidency released
President Lana Gukeisen
1st Counselor Jana Johnson
2nd Counselor Lorin Kinikini
Secretary Mariah Nelson


New Relief Society Presidency is called
President Annette Burns
1st Counselor Susan Stott
2nd Counselor Denise Bell
Secretary Suzanne Davis

Written by Mariah Nelson Jordan North 1st Ward Relief Society secretary

Aaronic Priesthood History 2021

January
For our combined Priesthood activity. The youth broke into groups of 2-3 young men
each. Each group then chose a favorite scripture and drew a picture representing that
scripture to them. Some of the Scriptures referenced the vision of Lehi and the Tree of
Life. Isaiah 2:2... “And all nations shall flow unto it”
We returned to Zoom meetings weeks 2 and 4 for regular Aaronic Priesthood quorum
classes while still working through the Pandemic


February
One Wednesday evening we met for a combined Aaronic Priesthood activity, under the
direction of Bishop Degen, we reviewed procedures and received additional instruction
for preparing and passing of the Sacrament ordinances according to some adjustments
and directions received from the Utah Area Presidency.
A combined activity with the Young Women involved making paper airplanes and
discussing doctrinal topics in relation to this activity.
The Priests made of Valentine hearts to hand deliver out members of our neighborhood

 

March
Deacons Quorum President, Carson Farnsworth, headed up and conducted a combined
activity. Each Youth put together a General Conference kit including different items.
One item was a journal where each youth wrote a letter inside to bear testimony to
someone they had prayerfully chose to give the bag of items to so they may enjoy
Conference. The evening ended with delicious cups of hot chocolate.


Teachers President, Sione KiniKini, prepared an activity involving the Adversary and the
power of scriptures. Each youth taped a phrase or word that the adversary uses to take
the spirit away on the front of them. Each of them took turns trying to dodge the fiery
darts of the adversary (nerf guns darts) They used the scriptures to represent the hard
work it takes to resist the adversary.


A combined activity with the Young Women was enjoyed by watching the Worldwide
Youth Music Festival Highlighting 2021 Youth Theme — “A Great Work” broadcast in
the cultural hall presented by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Popcorn
and treats were a great hit!


An estimated 500+ pounds of food was donated by people living in our neighborhood
and collected by the youth in our ward. This food drive was sponsored Feed Utah.

 

April
This month we had 2 combined activities hosted by the Young Women. The first was a
Q&A class about different ways and ideas of obtaining good employment.
The second was planned by the younger Young Women. This activity was called
“Pudding Pictionary”, where pudding was spread all over the tabletop and pictures were
drawn into it as guesses were made as to what was being drawn. This was so much fun
and very interesting!
Priests met together and were taught how to change car brakes at Brother Tesch’s
home in his well-equipped garage.


May
The Aaronic Priesthood, along with the Young Women delivered cookies to each sister
in the neighborhood for a Mother’s Day treat. By the end of the day, we delivered over
18 dozen cookies and made many sisters so happy! 
All the youth and leaders from our ward combined with the youth and leaders of the 5 th
ward for a friendly game of Kickball. The winning champions were of course, 1 st ward!
Played a games of church names and memory/telephone as a combined activity with
the Young Women. Played basketball while eating ice cream. Great youth that can
multitask!


June
Jordan North 1 st Ward and Lighthouse Ward Youth Conference


Kickoff night at Granger Seminary. Enjoyed a BBQ dinner, 3–20-minute classes taught
by Granger seminary teachers on the conference theme:


Helaman 5:12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our
Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when
the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all
his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to
drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye
are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.


2 nd day spent at Camp Williams for team building skills followed by swimming and an
evening movie night watch the church film The Mountain of the Lord with snow cones
and popcorn.


Day three began with service projects followed by a wonderful lunch.
This ended up being an incredible event.


Deacons and teachers met together in. helping at Brother John Lauber’s house with
some yard cleanup and bark mulch spreading.


Shawn Carter, a priest, taught the other young men leatherworking during our last
activity for the month of June.

July
Service projects accomplished at two different neighbors’ homes raking leaves and
weeds from one backyard and moving concrete chunks from another. Many hands
make for light work at times like this.


An evening with our Stake Patriarch, Dan Harmon talked with all the youth about
Patriarchal blessings. Many questions were asked, and insightful, helpful answers were
given.


All youth attended multi-stake Summer Soiree party at the Peachwood Ward pavilion
and field building, this was sponsored by Granger Seminary.


August
Toured the construction worksite Utah Taylorsville Temple that is being built. The tour
was conducted by the construction missionaries. We Learned many great things about
the temple and some historical information about the Taylorsville city area as well.


An end of summer pool party was held at the Taylorsville Recreation Center.


Members of the Aaronic Priesthood quorums wrote heartfelt letters to the Carter family
as they recently lost their father Wayne Carter to throat cancer. In total approximately
25 handwritten letters and notes written to individual members as week as the entire
family.


Combined activity with the Young Women hosted at the Gukeisen home. Brother Eric
Farnsworth taught and reviewed fire safety skills. Over the fire that was made, it was out
to good use by making a fire favorite - S’mores!


September
The Young Men had a laser tag combined event.


Young Women and Aaronic Priesthood joined together for an activity of bowling at Fat
Cats


Hiking at This is the Place Park Monument. Looked at some of the statues, talked, and
discussed the Pioneers and the great meaning of this area. Much History of the Church
is retained at this monument and surrounding area.


October
Stake Standards night with all the youth from the Stake and leaders. Brian Carlson was
the guest speaker.


The Aaronic Priesthood quorums went to Brother Brett and Beverly Thompsons house
to help move moving boxes upstairs prior to the moving trucks coming to help them
pack up.

The priest quorum participated in a welding activity.


The Deacons and Teachers quorums painted pumpkins that they will deliver to
members in the ward later in the month.


Attended a fun and exciting Halloween themed activity with the Special Needs youth in
our area. Our Stake provided simple games for them to play. Many wore costumes in
the spirit of Halloween fun!


November
On November 3 rd the Young men enjoyed some flag football.


Played basketball at Country Meadows Park court on November 10 th .


November 17 th was a Stake Young Mens Recognition dinner where we had a guest
speaker provide a powerful testimony of the empowering gospel in his life. A slide show
was viewed and included the activities of the year from all the Wards in our stake. To
conclude this evening, remarks were given by Stake President, Michael Higginson.


December
A special service rendered by the caring and helpful Young Men and Young Women of
our Ward blessing the lives of many in our community.


After December 15th there will be no more Young Mens activities held until the new
year in January.

Young Women History 2021

Worldwide Youth Theme for 2021: Doctrine and Covenants 64:33-34


“Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work.
And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the
heart and a willing mind”


The Covid Pandemic was still happening during 2021. We were able to meet in person,
but we still needed to be masked up. We still managed to meet together, in person, and
enjoy activities which is great! Zoom activities were fine, but not as great as meeting in
person.


We did not meet on Sundays as a Young Women class until May. That is when we were
able to meet back on Sundays for the 2 nd hour! May 9th, 2021.


We did have a lot of fun things were accomplished throughout the year:


February
We did a very fun YMYW combined Missionary Activity. Each youth received a one
night only mission call to one of the following areas and matched one other person, who
was their companion:
Edmonton Canada, San Antonio Texas, Las Vegas Nevada, New York Utica
Argentina Posadas, Brazil Sao Paulo, Peru Lima East, Chile Santiago North
New Zealand South, Australia West Mission, South Africa Johannesburg
Then they were divided into 3 districts:


North America
South America
Australia/New Zealand
The youth needed to wear their nametag and complete different activities.
They first went to the MTC:

WELCOME TO THE MTC:
CHOOSE 2 of the 3 below:
1 – Read from Preach my Gospel

Write down 4 things you would teach an investigator
2 – Memorize two questions in a foreign language
Pass them off with one of the leaders.

3 – Memorize D&C 4: 1-3
Pass off with one of the leaders.


At the airport, they had to make a paper airplane and fly it across the room a specific
distance.


The Letter area – they were able to write a note/letter to missionaries already out in the
field.


Then the youth met back altogether in the gym for special speakers for Zone
Conference.


March
Sister Burkhart did an Easter Egg Hunt in the back of the church. Super Fun.


April
Sister Ward did Pictionary Pudding!


May
We did a heart attack for one of our leaders.


June
Youth Conference 2021.
We combined with the Lighthouse Ward – the Spanish Ward that meets with us in our
building

June 10-12, 2021
THEME: Doctrine &Covenants 6:34

“Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye

are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.”

The Youth Conference Schedule:

YOUTH CONFERENCE IS HERE!

JUNE 10 th , 11 th , and 12 th 2021
Doctrine & Covenants 6:34

“Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye

are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.”

Thursday - June 10 th
BBQ!!!!
It starts at 5:30pm at the Granger Seminary building.
3732 S 3600 W
West Valley City, UT
(Meet at the church at 5:10pm for a ride)
Plan on 5:30 to 9pm*


Friday June 11 th
CAMP WILLIAMS
Swimming and Friday night movie
Meet at the church at 7am sharp! We need to be on time to Camp Williams
17800 South Redwood Road, Bluffdale, Utah
Bring: Water Bottle and clothes that can get dirty.
Also bring a swimsuit and towel for swimming. We will be eating lunch.
Return home between 4 and 5pm.
We will meet back up again at the church at 7pm for snacks and movie night.


Saturday June 12 th
Service, lunch and Closing devotional.
Meet at the church TBA
Service project and lunch to follow
Closing devotional/testimony meeting.
We also did a Stake Young Women hike up Ensign peak and played water balloon
dodgeball.


July
We did a lot to prepare for Girls Camp in August.

August
GIRLS CAMP!
August 4-6, 2021 - in Fruitland Utah.

Theme: Doctrine & Covenants 121:7-8 – A Small Moment
Girls camp theme was chosen by the 16 - 18-year-old Young Women class.
They also planned a Faith walk, fun activities, amongst other things, like menus and
food.

Girls Camp 2021
A small moment
Doctrine & Covenants 121: 7-8

The young women were divided into 3 groups for chores, prepping meals and cleaning
up.


Wednesday, August 4
7:30am: Meet at Church
Breakfast and devotional/ Secret Service (Kimberley)
8am: Service project
9am: Make sack lunches/finish packing trailer
10am: Drive to camp
12pm: Arrive at camp and eat lunch
1pm: Set up camp
3pm: Water Games
5pm: Group 1 starts dinner prep, Group 2 and Group 3 do chores
6pm: Eat dinner
6:30pm: Group 2 clean up dinner, Group 1 does chores/ Youth Camp Leaders set up
7pm: Free time
8pm: Faith Walk – sunset
9pm: Fire and S’mores
10pm: Lights out

Thursday August 5
7:30am: Wake up
8am: Morning Devotional/secret service (Makayela)
8:15am: Group 3 Prep/Make breakfast
8:45am: Eat Breakfast
9am: Group 2 Clean Up/ Everyone prep for Hike
9:30am: Leave for Hike
11:30am: Return from Hike
12pm: Group 1 Prep Lunch, Group 2 and Group 3 do chores
12:30pm: Eat lunch
12:45pm: Group 3 clean up, Group 1 do chores
1:15pm: Friendship bracelets and tie dying
4pm: Group 2 starts dinner prep
5:30pm: *Eat dinner
6pm: Group 1 Dinner clean up
6:30pm: Bishopric Devotional
8pm: Good night to bishopric/prep for hunt
9pm: Snipe Hunt
10pm: Lights Out
*Time could vary

Friday August 6
7:30am: Wake up
8am: Morning Devotional/Secret service (Bethany)
8:15am: Group 3 Prep Breakfast
8:45am: Eat breakfast
9am: Camp Leaders - clean up breakfast
9:30am: Testimony Meeting
*11am: Everyone prep/eat lunch
11:30am Camp Leaders - Clean up lunch
Groups 1, Group 2, Group 3 do Chores
Everyone takes down camp
1pm: Leave Camp
*Time could change based on meeting

August Activities
For our Combined Young Men and Young Women activity, we did a fire safety and fire
pit activity. The 16–18-year Young Women class presidency planned it. Makayela’s dad,


Eric came to help us understand fire safety. We built and started fires in fire pits and
made smores.


September
September 1 st , Wednesday night Activity, we did a young women combined with the
Lighthouse Ward. We refocused on the goals for the youth program:
Spiritual, Intellectual, Physical and Social.


We made these “Cootie Catchers” that were found online from Ministering Printable.

October
Combined as a Stake, we planned a Halloween activity with a special needs ward. It
was pretty “Spooktacular”!


The 16–18-year-old Young Women class we went to Momentum and did some
awesome rock climbing.


Got lost in a corn maze along with the Young Men.


November
A Young Women combined game night activity with the Lighthouse Ward.


December

Sunday, December 5, 2021


Current Presidency Released
President Mindi Gillette
1 st Counselor Heather Burkhardt

(Previously released Oct. 17, 2021, called as Primary Secretary)

2 nd Counselor Ruth Ward
Secretary Carolyn Atkinson


New Young Women Presidency called
President Ruth Ward
1 st Counselor Patty Amodio
2 nd Counselor Julie Stinnett
Secretary Heather Breinholt

Primary History 2021

January
Primary teachers met each of the children in their classes for 2021 by delivering a bag of treats to them at their homes.


Jordan North Stake Baptism Preview was by Zoom. This was held Sunday, January 3rd
A shout out to Bishop Degen and Aubrey Gardner who participated in the program.
Primary teacher training by Zoom- Tuesday, January 5th 
Messages were given by Jeff Judd, Bishop Brendon Degen, and Primary President Diann Cox


Sister Melissa Degen was released as a Primary worker. Randy and Ramona Roberts were called as new CTR 7 teachers.

February
Bags that contained sugar cookie mix, frosting, and heart handouts with ideas of service were delivered to families with Primary children.


Callings were extended to Frank and Irene Ortega and Kam Faamoe as the 8–9-year-old Boy Primary Activity leaders.


On Saturday, February 20, 2020, children, parents, and Primary leaders and teachers around the world participated in a Friend-to-Friend broadcast event. The event included music and activities as well as messages by members of the Primary General Presidency, Elder Ulisses Soares, and President Russell M. Nelson.


Primary by Zoom was held on both Sundays, the 14 th and the 28 th . All the children and
especially the teachers were very excited to see and interact with one another.

March
Our first in-person activity since March 2020 was on Saturday, March 13 th . Parents were encouraged to join their children in the chapel cultural hall and play Doctrine and Covenants Bingo. Everyone brought their own blankets to sit on and treats were given to each Primary child as they were leaving to go home.


Primary over Zoom was on Sunday, the 28 th .

April
Some General Conference activity pages, m&m’s, and a pencil were delivered to homes for Primary children to watch and enjoy General Conference with their families.
Randy and Ramona Roberts were released as CTR 7 teachers. Jason and Ashley Aiono were called as CTR 7 teachers.


Damien Gillette was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Saturday, April 10 th .


Primary by Zoom was on Sunday, the 25 th . What a blessing technology is to teach and share the gospel to the children in the safety of their protected homes.

May
May 9 th, we returned to having Primary in-person. There were some very excited children and teachers. Junior Primary children stayed together in the Primary room for music and the lesson.


Senior Primary children met in the Relief Society room for the lesson and music. Even though we were still separated in different rooms it was wonderful to be together in the same building and to share smiles from a distance.


FJ Ortega was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Saturday, May 22 nd .


Brenda Butler was released as Girls Primary Activity leader and Lana Wilkey was called as Primary Girls Activity leader.

June
Tuesday, June 1st, a Stake Primary leadership meeting was held for all Ward leaders in the Stake. This was the first since March 2020 and with a new stake Primary presidency.
Children and Youth was first launched in January of 2020. Soon after, the pandemic forced changes and accommodations to Church programs around the world. A special broadcast on June 6 provided parents and leaders with useful resources as they begin to reintegrate children and youth activities where appropriate. This broadcast was casted on Sunday, June 6 th .


Teachers and other Primary workers were invited to a special teacher training dinner, Tuesday, June 8 th . Dinner was followed by thoughts from the Primary presidency. In small groups, the needs of the children and how to do better were discussed.


An in-person Family History Ward activity. In the Primary room, there were family history
activities for children. Children could create their own family history tree, play family history bingo, and make a family history chatterbox.


Sharon Robertson was released as Primary secretary.

July
Katherine Witham was called as Primary secretary.

September
Katherine Witham was released as Primary secretary.


October
Brother Brett and Sister Beverly Thompson, teachers of the Valiant 8/9 class, were
released.


Brother Grant and Sister Brynlee Johnson called as teachers for the Valiant 8/9 class.
Heather Burkhart called as Primary secretary.


There was a neighborhood family fun Trunk-and-Treat held in the back parking lot of the
chapel building early evening of Saturday, October 30th.


The annual Children’s Primary Sacrament Program was Sunday, October 31st.
It is so good to be attending church services in person!


November
Temple & Priesthood Preparation meeting for the 11-year children and their parents
was Sunday, November 14th. Thoughts from the bishopric, other leaders, and youth
were given. Videos were shown about the temple and doing baptisms for the dead.
Levi Torres Cabccang was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
Day Saints on Saturday, November 20th.


December
Aubrey Gardner was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day
Saints on Saturday, December 4th.


Saturday, December 11 th , Primary children sang Primary Christmas songs for the
ward/neighborhood Christmas morning brunch activity

Primary Girls Activities History 2021
2nd year of the Covid-19 Pandemic

It was a blessing by this time that vaccinations were starting to come out and we were
able to finally gather in person to worship the Lord and have activities wearing masks,
social distancing and being careful.


Girls in Primary Activity girls at this time: Shelby Barney, Lily Degen, Noelle Degen,
Kierstyn Faamoe, Aubrey Gardner, Ana Kinikini, Maggie LeGendre, and Kyle Teague ,
who is a non- member attended once.


Brenda Butler Primary Activity Girls leader.

Things we learned and did at Activity girls:

January 19
Get to know you activity and discuss goals.


March 13
Read childrens books and wrote cards to tell someone what they like about
them.


April 22
Game night.


May
Brenda Butler moved and was released as Primary Activity girls leader and
Sister Lana Wilkey was called as a Primary Activity girls leader.
During the summer we met at Sister Wilkeys home in her back yard instead of at the
church building.


June 9
Getting to know you and learning to be friends like Jesus taught us to
be. Discussed how we can be a friend to Jesus.


June 23
Leaned about the importance of journal keeping. Each girl decorated a journal to
write in at Primary Girls Activities.


July 14
Love of our country and the American flag.  Talked about Captain Moroni and the
Title of Liberty.  Learned to fold the flag and made flag safety pin-pins.

August 14
Book Show and tell. The girls showed and talked about the books they read
during the summer.  I read a book about being kind to others and school.


August 25
Olympic Hour – how to keep our bodies healthy and strong. Played outdoor
games and rewarded all girls with gold medals!


September 15
Each girl has talents that they are born with and talents they can learn.  Taught
them how to Chicken Scratch (cross-stitch) on gingham material aprons that I
made for them.


September 29
Went over how to use their Personal Development Book and tried to encourage
them to set goals.  Continued working on sewing the aprons and encouraged
them to finish at home.


October 13
Mate and Fa Motuliki were called as Primary Girl Activity leaders in September
and were in charge this day. The girls filled out a fun worksheet and played a
pumpkin balloon game.


October 27
Gratitude and Thanksgiving.  Each girl designed four Thank you cards to give
to people they are thankful for during the month of November.


November 10
Motuliki’s were in charge. How important it is to say nice things to people and
played a bingo game.


December 8
Christmas party with Primary Activity boys.  Lori Bailey leader of the boys headed
this combined activity .  Each child came to the activity in Pajamas to watch a
movie and as a surprise Santa came!

Primary Boys Activities History 2021

February 11 Compassion


March 10 Speaking kind words/random acts of kindness.


April 7 Church pavilion at 7 PM. Hunted for eggs.


May 19 Church pavilion at 6 PM.


June 9 Relief Society room at 6 PM. Special visitors coming.

June 23 Met at the Ortega home. Talked about 4-steps of prayer/prayer
rock.


July 27 Church pavilion at 6:30 PM. Dinner and water games.


August 10 Church 6:30 PM—how to stop bullying.
August 24 Church pavilion at 6:30 PM.


September 15 Relief Society room at 6:30 PM.
September 29 Primary room at 6:30 PM


October 20 Primary room/kitchen at 6:30 PM. Making a Halloween treat to

bring home.

October 27 Primary room at 6:30 PM Halloween party with games and food.

Costumes encouraged.


November 17 Grateful for…


December 8 Primary Activity BOYS and GIRLS!!!

Christmas party 6 pm with a secret visitor arriving at 8. Watched the
movie Polar Express with hot chocolate and movie snacks.

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