Category Archives: Kensington Newsletters

December 2013

Administration:

Dear Residents and Families:

I just arrived back to Kensington from a weekender to Dallas, Texas. Although hard to believe, I was born 50 years ago on November 22 – the fateful day President Kennedy was assassinated. It was amazing to walk around Dallas and see all of the sites that I have been hearing about for the past 50 years – Where were you when you heard that JFK was shot?

Kensington is changing the hours of the bank – trust withdrawals. Starting on January 1, 2014, bank/trust hours will be open only from 10am to noon and 2pm to 4pm. The wicket at the front office will remain open from 9am to 5pm for all other transactions.

I want to thank all of our volunteers for the numerous hours they provide to improve the quality of life for all the residents of Kensington Village. If you have time or know of anyone who has time to spend a few hours volunteering, we would appreciate the contact.

CCAC will hold a family meeting on January 9th 2014 at 7:30 in the chapel for all long term residents and families to discuss the transfer of residents relating to the renovation of Kensington Village and the opening Earl Court LTC on Highbury Ave.

As Christmas approaches you will see many more school and community groups coming to the Kensington to share their joyous sounds. We hope you enjoy the month of special activities.

Michael Schmidt, Administrator
[email protected]

Nursing Department:

Winter has in fact arrived! With the cold and snow unfortunately comes Influenza and Cold season. Hopefully everyone has had their flu shot!
Reminder, please do not visit if you are sick!We will have sign up lists at the nursing stations for those residents that will be going out to visit with family members over the holidays. Please include how long they are expected to be away from the home so that medications can be prepared prior to their leaving.

On behalf of the nursing staff, we are wishing you and your loved ones a safe and joyous holiday season.

Kelly Elgie, RN, Director of Nursing Care
[email protected]

DIETARY SERVICES:

All of us in the Department of Food Services would like to wish you and your families’ a wonderful Season however you may celebrate! We continue to “tweak” our new menus and are looking into the next series of menus for the winter/ spring season. Please remember to join us at the residents council if you have any food related issues or suggestions for a favorite food that we can add in to the current menus. We look forward to your participation at our parties over December and hope that you enjoy all the goodies. Remember to always keep yourself hydrated….drinks lots of water and extra fluids.

Anna Prendergast, Director of Dietary Services
[email protected]

RECREATION DEPARTMENT:

Upcoming Recreation Events:

LTC Events
December 7th Birthday Party with Dorothy Kelch @ 10am & 2pm
December 14th Music with Jim Carr @ 10am & 2pm
December 17th Resident Christmas Parties on 1st & 2nd 2pm
December 19th Resident Family Christmas Dinner (PLEASE RSVP NO LATER THAN DEC 6th)
December 21st Music with Ernie @ 10am & 2pm
December 24th Music with Eric Shain @ 2pm
December 25th Music with Ernie @ 2:30pm
December 26th Music with Ernie @ 2:30pm

Joint Events
December 3rd JP II Glee Club @ 7pm
December 4th Reach Out Singers @ 7pm
December 9th Maple Sugar Band @2:30pm
December 14th 7th Day Adventist @ 2:30pm
December 15th St. Georges Choir @ 1:45 pm
December 16th Young at Heart Singers @ 2pm
December 23rd Conn Smythe @ 2pm
December 23rd Fellowship Singers @ 7pm
December 24th Eric Shain @ 10am
December 31st New Years Eve Party @ 2pm

Retirement Programs
December 5th Huff and Puff Christmas @ 2pm
December 11th Birthday Celebration with Bill Savage at 2pm
December 20th Music with Roger West 10am & 2pm
December 25th Christmas Morning Memories with Dorothy @ 10am
December 28th The Strollers @ 2pm

The Retirement Home Christmas Party will be held on December 1st at 2pm. Please let the Recreation Department know if you plan to attend.
Thank you to everyone who has signed up to come to the Christmas Dinner for the Retirement home on December 5th. It is going to be a wonderful evening.

Just a reminder for those of you who have pets who visit Kensington Village, please ensure that you provide proper proof of vaccinations for your pets. Vaccination records can be brought to the front office to be given to Natasha.

Please plan to join us………

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year,
Missy Robinson, Director of Activation and Volunteer Services ext 224
[email protected]

ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT

Happy Holidays!!

Winter has arrived! Christmas is around the corner. I hope you all will enjoy our Christmas lights again this year. It is such a beautiful feeling at night when all the lights are lit and snow is falling.
Please mark on your calendar on December 19th when families come for our resident Christmas dinner, we will be putting out our no name clothing for the Long term care side on 1st floor in the activity room. Please if you could make time prior to the dinner to come down and see if any of the clothing items belong to your loved one.

We will be keeping the clothes until the New Year and at that time we will then be taking them out for a community donation.
Please remember that in order to prevent the no names, when you bring in new clothing they are to be taken to the nurse’s station for them to fill out a form and place in a clear bag for laundry to label. This will help us with our no names from happening.
At any other time during the business hours I would be pleased to assist you on looking on our rack for your missing clothing.

During the winter months if you could also be so kind as to remove your boots if really wet and full of snow. This will help us keep our facility a safe a non-slip environment.

All paths around our facility will be snow plowed and salted so that when the weather is nice you will be able to enjoy the lovely day!

Any maintenance concerns please inform the charge nurse so they can log it in our maintenance repair binder located at each nurse’s station. If it requires immediate action they will call myself or maintenance staff.
Thank you and I wish you and your family a safe fun filled holiday season!!

Merry Christmas
Glenna

Glenna Grimmer
[email protected]

November 2013

Administration:

We are looking forward to the fall season and the harvest that it brings.

I am very happy with the number of family members who are participating in Family Council. This is my best method of keeping everyone up to date on the redevelopment of Kensington Village and how it will impact our residents.

A quick update on redevelopment. At the Board meeting of the South West Local Integration Network (who funds Long Terms Care), a motion to begin an Acquired Brain Injury program at Kensington Village was approved. We are also very close to finalizing the renovation plans that will see Kensington be reduced from a 126 bed long term care to a 76 bed long term care.

Family Council meetings are normally held the last Thursday of each month at 12noon in the Green Room. The next meeting Thursday November 28th at 12 noon.

Just a reminder, there will be a Remembrance Day Service in the Chapel on November 11, 2013 at 10:45am. Everyone is welcome.

Michael Schmidt, Administrator
[email protected]

Nursing Department:

Fall weather is quickly arriving and along with that comes flu season. We had a very successful rate of vaccinations last year with both residents and staff and are hoping for an equally successful vaccination rate for this year. If you are a designated POA, please stop at the nursing station to confirm that a flu consent form has been signed for your loved one. Registered staff will be contacting POA’s by phone to confirm consent for those of you that are not able to come into visit over the next few weeks. Stay healthy, get your flu vaccine and please do not visit if you are feeling ill.
Thank you.

Kelly Elgie, RN, Director of Nursing Care
[email protected]

INFECTION CONTROL

Have you “herd” the news? Flu season is almost here! Be part of the “herd” and get your flu shot. There is a concept called “herd immunity” which means that the more people (YOU) that gets the flu short the more others are protected. Take the time to get your flu shot this year, and ensure your loved ones do as well.

Leslie DuCharme, RN, BScN, BA, Assistant Director of Care
[email protected]

DIETARY SERVICE

It is our hope that you are enjoying the new menus this fall! Thank you to all the residents for suggesting some food items that we can work into the menus and please bear with us as we continue to make changes in this menu. Also, we would like to remind all staff and residents to be sure to keep on top of your fluid intakes in order to keep hydrated and healthy. Fall produce is in abundance and we plan to incorporate increased local fresh product into the menus including local apples.

Anna Prendergast. Director of Dietary
[email protected]

RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Upcoming Recreation Events:
November 2nd- Birthday Parties with Dorothy Kelch 10am & 2pm
November 9th- Music with Father Carr 10am & 2pm
November 23rd- Music with Roger West 10am & 2pm
November 26th- Pub night with Eric Shain 7pm

Joint Events:
November 4th-Music with Neila Lawson 2pm
November 11th- Remembrance Day Service 10:45am
November 11th- Music with John and the Revelators 7pm
November 16th- Christmas Bazaar 9:30-2:30
November 18th- Young at Heart 2pm & Fellowship Singers 7pm
November 25th- Music with Ken Lightheart 2pm

Retirement Events:
November 2nd- Music with Eric Shain 2pm
November 7th- Music Evening with Randy Grey 7pm
November 20th- Retirement Birthday Celebration with Cam Denomme

Gerri Fashions will be here on Monday November 18th from 10am until 3pm. Geri Fashions offers regular and adaptive clothing options and will be located at the entrance of the Retirement Home.

The Retirement Home Christmas Party will be held on December 1st at 2pm in the Cantebury Dining Room. The Long Term Care Christmas Party will be held December 17th at 2pm. We hope to see you there!

Resident and Family Christmas Dinners will be held in December. Retirement’s dinner is December 5th and Long Term Care’s Dinner is on December 19th. Tickets will be available beginning the week of November 4th.
Tickets for the Retirement Dinner must be purchased by November 29th. Tickets for Long Term Care Dinner must be purchased by December 6th. Residents are welcomed to invite 2 guests to join them for dinner.

Please plan to join us………

Thanks for Listening,
Missy Robinson, Director of Recreation and Volunteer Services
[email protected]

RETIREMENT HOME

As mentioned previously in this newsletter, the Retirement Home is also planning for the Flu Season. We will be having our usual Flu Clinic with Dr. Dan. As soon as final arrangements are in place we will be notifying all residents and families.

We would also like to remind everyone that as we approach the cold and flu season to be sure to wash your hands or use the hand sanitizer that is provided throughout the home. If you are feeling unwell please advise your nurse and she will decide if you need to remain in your room or if it is O.K. to go to the dining room. In the dining rooms please do not place used tissue on the table, cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze and be sure to WASH YOUR HANDS.! ! This is the best way to prevent spreading germs.

Dr. Dan’s Clinic address is changing as some of you may know already and we need to get new Patient Enrolment Forms signed. If you haven’t received it already, you will be receiving a letter from Dr. Dan explaining why these forms need to be signed. The nurses will be having Dr. Dan’s residents sign these new forms.

In the very near future, each resident will be provided with an “Invitation to join us for Lunch”. These invitations will allow you to invite a friend to join you for lunch. So start thinking about who you would like to invite to join you for lunch.

Thank you to all of our residents for making our new residents and our Short Stay residents feel so welcome. We receive compliments all the time from family members and our new residents about how welcoming, warm and friendly the Kensington residents are. That’s what makes our home not just a Retirement Home but a family.

See you next month!

Sharron Brooks, RPN, Client Relations/QI Coordinator.
[email protected]

ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT

Happy autumn!!
I hope you all enjoyed the summer! Our summer planting is being cleaned up and fall displays are being added for your enjoyment.
Please remember in order to keep our pests away; you need to keep all food in containers.
Also, we are a no scent environment and ask kindly that you refrain from wearing strong scented perfumes and colognes, also when bringing in or ordering flowers for you family please remember the strong scented flowers such as lilies which are extremely strong smelling even if we take out the stamens.
We thank you in advance for helping us!
When bringing in new appliances please ensure that maintenance has been contacted and we are aware of the items, we will inspect them to ensure the safety of them and that they are CSA approved.
Concerns with regards to maintenance please inform a staff member or you may call me direct at ext 277.
Our windows outside only will be cleaned the month of November.

Thank you,

Glenna Grimmer
[email protected]

October 2013

Administration:

We are looking forward to the fall season and the harvest that is brings. For all that took part in the Cruise Night car show, a huge thank you as it was amazing to see the great collection of cars under a sunny sky.

A quick update on redevelopment. At the Board meeting of the South West Local Integration Network (who funds Long Terms Care), a motion to begin an Acquired Brain Injury program at Kensington Village was approved. If you come to Family Council, I explain the impact this will have on Kensington. We are also very close to finalizing the renovation plans that will see Kensington be reduced from a 126 bed long term care to a 76 bed long term care. Again, to find out how this will impact residents, please come to Family Council.

Family Council meetings are normally held the last Thursday of each month at 12noon in the Green Room. Because Halloween falls on the last Thursday, the October meeting will take place on Thursday October 24th at 12 noon.

Michael Schmidt, Administrator
[email protected]

Nursing Department:

Kelly Elgie, RN, Director of Nursing Care
[email protected]

INFECTION CONTROL

Have you “herd” the news? Flu season is almost here! Be part of the “herd” and get your flu shot. There is a concept called “herd immunity” which means that the more people (YOU) that get the flu short the more others are protected. Take the time to get your flu shot this year, and ensure your loved ones do as well.

Leslie DuCharme, RN, BScN, BA, Assistant Director of Care
[email protected]

DIETARY SERVICE

It is our hope that you are enjoying the new menus this fall! Thank you to all the residents for suggesting some food items that we can work into the menus and please bear with us as we continue to make changes in this menu. Just a reminder, that we will have the Thanksgiving meal on Monday October 14th at dinner. Also, we would like to remind all staff and residents to be sure to keep on top of your fluid intakes in order to keep hydrated and healthy. Last, all the dietary staff would like to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving and a happy Halloween. Fall produce is in abundance and we plan to incorporate increased local fresh product into the menus including local apples.

Anna Prendergast. Director of Dietary
[email protected]

RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Upcoming Recreation Events:

LTC EVENTS:
Sat Oct 5th @ 10am & 2pm Birthday Party with Dorothy Kelch
Sat Oct 12th @ 10am Music with Ernie
Sat Oct 12th @2:30 7th Day Adventist
Sat Oct 19th @ 10am & 2pm Music with Randy Grey
Thurs Oct 31st @ 7pm Halloween Pub Night with Ernie

JOINT EVENTS:
Tues Oct. 8th @ 7pm Salvation Army Music
Mon Oct 14th @ 2:30pm Music with Jessica
Mon Oct 21st @ 7pm Fellowship Singers
Mon Oct 28th @ 2:30pm Celebration of Life Service
Thurs Oct 31st @ 2pm Halloween Social

Retirement:
Sat Oct 5th @ 2pm Music with Randy Grey
Wed Oct 16th @ 2pm 8th Avenue Birthday Celebration
Sat Oct 19th @ 10am&2pm Music with Roger West
Wed Oct 23 @2pm Birthday Celebration with Bill Savage
Mon Oct 28th @6:30pm Halloween visits with the Brownies
Thurs Oct 31 @10am Halloween Visits with Arbor Glen

Please plan to join us………

Thanks for Listening,
Missy Robinson, Director of Recreation and Volunteer Services ext 224
[email protected]

RETIREMENT HOME

In the very near future, each resident will be provided with an “Invitation to Join us for Lunch”. These invitations will allow you to invite a friend to join you for lunch. So start thinking about who you would like to invite to join you for lunch.

As a final thought, we would like to wish everyone a blessed and happy Thanksgiving. When we hear about what others in the world are dealing with, it makes us realize how much we have to be thankful for. Let’s pause for a moment and reflect on our blessings and give thanks.

See you next month!

Sharron Brooks, RPN, Client Relations/QI Coordinator.
[email protected]

ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT

Thank you,

Glenna Grimmer
[email protected]

September 2013

Administration:

We are moving ahead with plans for the renovation to Kensington Long Term Care and I encourage any residents and family members to attend either the Resident’s Council meeting on the last Thursday of the month at 10am or the Family Council meeting at 12noon on the same day. I am able to give updates at these meetings on the progress on the project and the impact on residents during construction phases.
As you travel north on Highbury just past Montcalm High going down the big hill, you can now see three floors of Earls Court Village which gives you a good visual on what the new home will look like. The home is slated to open summer 2014 and we look forward to providing much more information as the building nears completion.
We are in week 3 of the new menu’s and comments have been pouring into the Dietary Department on the selections. Once we are through all four weeks of the menu cycle, we will be making adjustments to ensure that there is lots of variety and seasonal choices for residents.
If you are interested in touring the Retirement Home, or know of anyone who is looking at choices in their retirement, please contact us. We will be happy to accommodate you.

Michael Schmidt, Administrator
[email protected]

Nursing Department:

From the Desk of the Director of Nursing,

Summer is coming to an end and with that cooler nights and crisp mornings. This is a good time of year to review clothing items, clean out closets and ensure that family members have the appropriate clothing.

INFECTION CONTROL NEWS

Flu season is fast approaching and we need to be ready! There will be a guest speaker at the Resident Council and Family Council meetings scheduled for Thursday September 26th to talk about the upcoming flu season. Please plan to attend the Family Council meeting at 12:30 and encourage your loved one to attend the Resident council meeting at 10:00 to hear important messages regarding flu prevention.
Thank you

Kelly Elgie, RN, Director of Nursing Care
[email protected]

DIETARY SERVICES

Please welcome Christopher Kus and Maria Pineda, 2 new Food service workers that have joined the department’s casual staff. We say farewell to Jessica McGinnes, one of our casual cook reliefs.
We are now entering week 3 of the summer fall menus and look forward to any feedback from you. The barbeque season is finished and we look forward to bringing in fresher fall local produce and incorporating it into the current menus.
Thank you for your patience as we go through one cycle of the new menus. Let us know what you think as you see us in the dining rooms.

Anna Prendergast, Director of Dietary
[email protected]

RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Upcoming Recreation Events:

LTC EVENTS:
Sept 7th-Music with Dorothy Kelch @ 10:00am & 2:00pm
Sept 14th-Music with Father Carr @ 10:00am & 2:00pm
Sept 21st-Music with Ernie @ 10:00am
Sept 28th-Music with Eric Shain @ 10:00am & 2:00pm

RETIREMENT EVENTS:
Sept. 7th- Music with Dorothy Kelch @ 2:00 pm
Sept. 18th- Birthday Celebration 8th Ave @ 2:00 pm
Sept. 25th- Birthday Celebration Retirement @ 2:00 pm
Sept. 30th Fellowship Singers @ 7:00pm

JOINT EVENTS:
Sept 2nd- Labor Day social with Wally Maggs @ 2:00pm
Sept 8th- Grandparents Day Social @ 2:00pm
Sept 9th- Music with Steven Miller @ 2:00pm
Sept 16th- Classic Cars Cruise Night @ 4:30-7:30
Sept 23rd-Music with John and The Revelators @ 7:00pm
Sept 30th- Music with Neila Lawson @ 2:00pm

Missy Robinson, Director of Activation and Volunteer Services ext 224
[email protected]

ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT

Just a reminder to all staff, families, and guests entering Kensington Village to please be mindful that we are a 100% scent free facility. Due to allergies and sensitivities to scents we would like to continue to respect those who this may affect. This includes but is not limited to perfumes, body spray, strong deodorant, fabric softener etc. Thank you for your understanding.

Glenna Grimmer
[email protected]

August 2013

Administration:

This newsletter finds us just out of one of the warmest heat waves in London history. We did manage quite well and were able to keep most areas of the home moderated through ensuring that windows and doors remained closed to keep out the humidity. A reminder that if you are visiting during times of high humidity to keep windows in the building closed.

All residents celebrated yesterday with the birth of the new royal heir. It was quite fun to see the excitement build as the day approached. The Royal Baby Shower will take place on July 31st at which time the much anticipated winner of the baby contest will be announced. I know many residents had made their best prognostication and were hoping to win the title of Best Prognosticator.

As you have seen if you drive north on Highbury past Montcalm High School, the new sister home to Kensington Village, Earls Court Village is reaching high heights. The home will be 4 stories high and in just over a year should be accepting residents. These admissions will include 32 from Kensington Village as we reduce the number of licensed beds at this home from 108 to 76. Letters have been sent by CCAC to Long Term Care residents who are eligible for transfer to the new home. If you have any questions, please contact me for information.

Regards,
Michael Schmidt, Administrator
[email protected]

Dietary Services

We look forward to implementing the new summer/fall menus for August 12/13 and will review with you at resident’s council. Barbeques are in full swing and happening every Wednesday. Please welcome our 2 newly hired cooks, Frank Iachetta and Damian Munroe! Last but not least…remember to drink lots of fluids on the humid and excessively hot days.

Anna Prendergast, Director of Dietary Services
[email protected]

Activation Department

Upcoming Recreation Events:

Please plan to join us………

LTC
Aug 3rd Dorothy Kelch Sings 10am & 2pm
Aug 13th Music with Ernie 10am & 2pm
Aug 20th Music with Cam 10am & 2pm
Aug 27th Music with Eric Shain 10am & 2pm
Aug 24th Music with Randy Grey 10am

Retirement
Aug 21st 8th Ave Birthday Celebration
Aug 28th Retirement Birthday Celebration

Joint Events
Aug 5th Randy Grey 2pm
Aug 10th Classic Car Show 2pm
Aug 19th Music with Dixieland 7pm
Aug 24th Music with Randy Grey 2pm

Thanks for Listening,
Missy Robinson, Director of Activation and Volunteer Services ext 224
[email protected]

RETIREMENT HOME

Ahh, the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer are certainly upon us. Just a reminder that when the temperature and humidity is high, please leave the windows closed to allow the air conditioners to do their job. Also, when the weather is that hot, please remember to drink lots of fluids.

We would like to welcome some residents that have recently joined the Kensington Family – Tillie Walker, Bob & Trudy Burrell, Ursula Dale, Merle Lamond, Beverley Stokley, and John Gregory. We also say good-bye to Kay Kalinowski, Theo Heckendorn and Helen Wilsdon who have moved onto Long Term Care and Lucy Calleja who has returned home. At this time we also want to extend our sympathy to the family of Edna Johnston who passed away in the past couple of weeks. We shall miss Edna’s ever present smile and her scooting down the hall at top rate speed.

We have also said good-bye to our last Peruvian resident, Juan Ariza as he leaves to rejoin his family in Peru. It was such an interesting and rewarding experience to share the last one and one-half years with Juan as he recovered from the physical injuries he received in the accident. Thank you to the residents who took him under their wing and made him feel welcome in their home. Some residents joined the staff to see Juan off to the airport and I’m sure he felt the love and warmth all around him.

As you know there are going to be changes to our Physio Program beginning August 1st. Please take note we will have Exercise Classes on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 – 9:30 a.m. and from 11:15 – 11:45 a.m.

Enjoy the balance of the summer with the beautiful weather, heat and humidity included, because winter will arrive way too soon and we will be longing for what we presently have.

Take care of yourself and each other …

Sharron Brooks, RPN, Client Relations/QI Coordinator.
[email protected]

ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT

Happy sunshine days!!

I hope you all are enjoying the warm summer breezes! I encourage the residents that when we are experiencing very humid weather that you keep you blinds closed when the sun is shining in and windows closed. I will make announcements on those days for a reminder.
Also, please ensure that you keep all your food in your rooms in containers. This will help us keep the pests away.
We have installed some new sitting areas for you all to enjoy when walking around our facility. The first area is our Long term care entrance; we have put in a table with chairs under the cover of our entrance for shade and a place to have a coffee, tea or meal with your family. The second place we have put up a pergola on the retirement home side south west in the parking lot area. A bench has been placed in the pergola for you to take a rest when you are walking around or just to have some shade and watch the people come and go! This area also has room for walkers to be placed in, wheelchairs can go beside the bench for you all to enjoy.
The plants are doing very well! Flowers are growing like crazy. I hope you all are enjoying the summer colours.
Please remember any maintenance requests are to be given to the staff to log in our maintenance binder so we can repair your request in a timely manner.
Wishing you all summer fun!!!!

Thank you,

Glenna Grimmer
[email protected]

Category Archives: Kensington Newsletters

December 2013

Administration:

Nursing Department:

DIETARY SERVICES:

RECREATION DEPARTMENT:

ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT

November 2013

Administration:

Nursing Department:

INFECTION CONTROL

DIETARY SERVICE

RECREATION DEPARTMENT

RETIREMENT HOME

ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT

October 2013

Administration:

Nursing Department:

INFECTION CONTROL

DIETARY SERVICE

RECREATION DEPARTMENT

RETIREMENT HOME

ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT

September 2013

Administration:

Nursing Department:

DIETARY SERVICES

RECREATION DEPARTMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT

August 2013

Administration:

Dietary Services

Activation Department

RETIREMENT HOME

ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT

August 2013

Long-Term Care

Retirement Homes

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