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Greetings Friends in Arts and Culture ...
The final week of April includes opportunities for everyone. First, Earth Day events that were postponed last weekend are happening this week! Art is happening at Franklin High School, Creative Corner Art Studio, Historical Museum, and the Library. Cooking is a focus at The Little Shop of Olive Oils and the Senior Center. Music flourishes at Franklin High School, 3 Restaurant, THE BLACK BOX, La Cantina Winery, Circle of Friends Coffeehouse, and through LiveARTS in Attleboro. Book discussions will take place at Escape into Fiction and the Library. There is a Psychic at the Senior Center, Knitting at the Library, and Musical Bingo at Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub and Raillery Public House. The newsletter has date, time and event information. Happy Reading!
Arts and Culture happen in the Cultural District and throughout Franklin!
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Celebrating the Ladybug. This past weekend Franklin celebrated All Things Ladybugs in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the designation of the Seven-Spotted Ladybug as the official insect of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Many thanks to Alan Earls and Team at the Historical Museum who hosted a celebratory gathering in recognition of this accomplishment.
Saturday morning, visitors to the Museum were greeted by The Straw Hat Boy sculpture wearing Ladybug attire. Inside, there was an exhibit of photographs and news clippings from 1974. The featured speaker was State Representative Jeff Roy. Mike Konosky, former Principal of Kennedy Elementary School, shared remarks about the accomplishment of the 1974 JFK second grade class, including words of praise for Palma Johnson, their teacher, for her leadership of the effort. Also in the audience were Robert Ficco, State Representative in 1974, and five members of the famed second grade class, as well as members of Palma Johnson’s family.
The accomplishment of the JFK second grade class continues to be remembered through the Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail sponsored by the Franklin Downtown Partnership. Official Ladybug Trail maps are available at the Historical Museum and Escape into Fiction bookstore.
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Weekly Artsy Box Update
As we creep up to warmer temps and more sun, we are happy to share our next featured artist for the week! This week's artist is Shilpa Adurri. Shilpa is a One Stroke Elite Director teaching the art of One Stroke painting. The decorative art used in a variety of surfaces often shares the love of florals to any space. Adurri’s work was chosen last year to feature on Cottage Street. This year, her work is gracing another Artsy Box with her beautiful design. “Tranquil Haven, is a tribute to nature aiming to bring serenity and beauty to everyday life by showcasing a house nestled in the midst of nature. The artwork celebrates the harmony between human dwellings and the natural world. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our environment and finding peace during the bustling city life. Through this painting, we hope to inspire a sense of tranquility and appreciation for the beauty that’s around us.”
The Artsy Box Project, generously funded by the Mass Cultural Council and the Town of Franklin, is an effort to advance public art in Franklin. The Franklin Cultural District is thrilled to help support this effort.
2023 Artist Recognition: The featured Artsy Box (above) is from last summer, 2023. It was created by Franklin artist, Ren Schultz. The box is located on Main Street, in front of the Ray House, Dean College.
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PORCHFEST 2024, June 1, seeking Volunters. Get in on the fun by signing up on our website to volunteer. There are numerous ways you can help. Anyone interested can go to our website and select the tab for Volunteer Signup and fill out the form. Go to Franklin.PorchFest.Info. The Franklin Cultural District thanks the Mass Cultural Council, Franklin Cultural Council, and Town of Franklin for their support of this initiative. | |
Franklin Public Schools Music Department is inviting community musicians to join the performance of "God Bless America" at the Franklin PorchFest June 1. "Whether you have not performed since High School or you are a professional musician, come perform side by side with our talented FHS Symphony Orchestra, Band and Chorus." Select Poster for more information about rehearsals and the PorchFest performance. Select Performance to sign up as a participant. | |
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In recognition of Earth Month, the Franklin Food Pantry recently shared information about food waste and suggestions about reducing it in the home. Some easy steps that reduce food waste: Planning Ahead, Freezing Food, Trying New Recipies, and Donating Food. Select Pantry for more suggestions. Select FFP for opportunities to volunteer/donate to the FFP and for available FFP services. The Food Pantry is located at 341 West Central St.
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This Week in the Cultural District and Beyond | |
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 | |
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Wednesday, April 24, 1:00pm Gametopia at Franklin Senior Center. Sign up required. Select Senior IG page for more information about the Senior Center events. Located 10 Daniel McCahill Street.
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Wednesday, April 24, 5:30pm to 7:30 pm, Art Around the World at Franklin High School. Franklin High School Art National Honor Society event. Geared to PreK - 8. FREE. Thank you to Franklin Cultural Council for a generous grant. Select Art for information. FHS, located at 218 Oak Street.
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Wednesday, April 24, 7:00pm to 7:30pm Salsa Bachata Dance Class, ticketed event at La Cantina Winery. The Salsa lesson is SOLD OUT but the Social Dance Hours, 7:30pm to 9:30pm are Open. La Cantina Winery is located at 230 Cottage Street.
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Thursday, April 25, 4:00pm to 6:00pm, A DREAM SHARED with Dean Student, Fatima Wojohat, Franklin Historical Museum. Please join us in celebrating the artwork and journey of Dean Student, Fatima Wojohat. A Franklin resident, Fatima Wojohat, has shared her work internationally and is eager to meet more of her community. She brings personal experience and awareness of the oppression brought to the girls of Afghanistan. The event is FREE to the public. For more on Fatima, view Fatima Wojohat. Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street.
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Thursday, April 25, 6:00pm to 8:00pm Food & Wine Event at The Little Shop of Olive Oils. Join us a for a sommelier-led wine and food pairing adventure. Ticketed event. Enjoy a 90-minute session with Wine Educator Missa Capozzo, as she presents 5 wines with 5 perfect pairings, along with fun, educational demonstrations on the basics of wine and food pairing. Select Food for more information. Located 5 Main Street.
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Thursday, April 25, 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Table Top: Pathfinders at Franklin Public Library. Registration Required. No Experience Necessary. It's time to dust off your dice, grab a source book and role play your way through hijinks and horrors! Table Top is a Monthly game of Tabletop Role Playing Games for Adults! This Thursday session is for Pathfinder 2E! Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up or get more info! CONTACT: Mitzi Gousie 15085204941 mgousie@minlib.net
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Thursday, April 25, 6:30pm to 7:30pm Thursday Night Book Club at Escape into Fiction bookstore. This month we're reading, The Shack by William P. Young. Select Escape for more information about this bookstore. Escape into Fiction is located at 12 Main Street.
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BT/ALC Big Band at Franklin High School
Thursday, April 25, 7:00pm The BT ALC Big Band, led by trombonist Brian Thomas and trumpeter Alex Lee-Clark, has reshaped the depiction of the big band ensemble. By employing the traditional instrumentation reminiscent of Duke Ellington and Count Basie while infusing funk, soul and hip hop, afro-beat, reggae and jazz styles, the BT ALC Big Band has created an undeniably unique sound they dub Big Band Funk. Original repertoire encompassing funk, soul, hip hop, afrobeat, reggae and jazz styles, combined with a rotating cast of Boston’s heaviest hitters make each show special. FREE. and open to the public. Select Band for information. FHS located at 218 Oak Street.
Made possible by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, the Franklin Music Boosters, and the Franklin Public Schools.
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Thursday, April 25, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Thursday Night Adult Creative Art Classes at Creative Corner Art Studio. Ticketed Event. Select Creative IG page for information and ticketing. Located at 13 Main Street, Depot Plaza.
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Friday, April 26, 10:00am to 12:00pm Knitting at the Franklin Public Library. Love to knit or crochet? Join our group of local fiber artists who will be meeting in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room.Select Library for information. Located 118 Main Street.
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Friday, April 26, Doors open at 6:00pm, presentation at 6:30pm, An Evening With Cathy Ripley Greene Psychic Medium at Franklin Senior Center. Presented by Friends of the Franklin Elders. Ticketed event. Call Senior Center for tickets (508-520-4945) or stop by the Center. Senior Center located at 10 Daniel McCahill St.
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Friday, April 26, 7:30pm. Electric Youth and The Boston Show Band with Special Guests Future Shock at THE BLACK BOX. Ticketed event. Electric Youth 2024 offers high-powered family entertainment with music for all ages! Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, EY delivers high-energy music, including contemporary pop, classic rock and country hits. Select Electric for ticketing and information. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Street.
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Friday, April 26, 9:00pm Live Music Brian Cabral in the bar/lounge at 3 Restaurant. Brian Cabral is a high energy performer who has opened for Dave Matthews, Counting Crows, Beck, & Jimmy Buffett and was recently a featured artist on NewportThisWeek. Select 3 for more information. Located at 461 West Central Street.
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Saturday, April 27. Earth Day in Franklin
(Rescheduled from last weekend)
9:00am to 12:00pm Recreation, Conservation and DPW. Join the Town of Franklin Recreation, Conservation and DPW for a month long celebration of Earth Month. Meet at Beaver Pond at 9am and pick up your bags/gloves and maps.
10:00am to 11:00am Seed, Stroll and Roll on Earth Day. Franklin Sculpture Park. Join our community for an accessible earth day event! Stroll and roll along the paved pathway around the Franklin SculpturePark. Spreading wildflower seeds and artfully decorating a recycled canvas tote. This event is free and open to the public. Seed Stroll & Roll is weather permitting, please check our social media channels the day of for updates. Select FranklinCulture IG page for more information. The Sculpture Park is located on Panther Way.
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Saturday, April 27, Franklin Public Library
9:00am to 12:00pm, Stephen Green First Lego League Explore Showcase. Have you ever wondered, “what can kids do with programming and LEGOs?” Turns out, a whole lot! Come visit the showcase and check out FLL Explore teams & their LEGO builds. Learn about Local FLL Explore and FIRST Robotics Programs and the opportunities available! There will be 12 robotics teams exhibiting their projects for the FIRST LEGO League Masterpiece 2023-2024 season!
10:30am, Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals: A Stuffed Animal Storytime! Calling all future veterinarians! Bring along your stuffed animal for a special Storytime with author, Jennifer Welborn, and illustrator Rozillia MH! After an interactive reading of their book “Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals” you will learn about different veterinary treatments and practice first hand with the help of your stuffed animal friend! Ages 5+. REGISTRATION REQUIRED!!
2:00pm to 3:00pm, Rough Sleepers Book Discussion, Join us for a discussion of Tracy Kidder's Rough Sleepers, open to the whole community! We are having two discussion group sessions to allow everyone to participate! Please come to one or both! "The powerful story of an inspiring doctor who made a difference, by helping to create a program to care for Boston’s homeless community—by the Pulitzer Prize–winning, New York Times bestselling author of Mountains Beyond Mountains"-New York Times CONTACT: Mitzi Gousie 5085204941 mgousie@minlib.net
Select Library for information. Located at 118 Main Street.
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Saturday, April 27, Fairmount Fruit Farm
10:00am to 11:00am Goat yoga is back! Join us and our baby goats for a fun session of yoga. Newbies and yogis welcome! Ticketed event. Select Goat for ticketing.
10:30am to 11:30 am, Animal Tales. Animal and farm themed stories, crafts, and activities. Ticketed event. You may book for the entire 6-week session, a select few, or drop in (space limited). Best for 5-10 year olds. Select Animal for ticketing.
Select Fairmount for information and ticketing. Located at 885 Lincoln Street.
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Saturday, April 27, 10:00am to 1:00pm, Franklin Historical Museum. FREE. The Museum is open to visit exhibits. Select Museum for information. The Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street.
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Saturday, April 27, 6:00pm at the Historical Museum, Cinema 80 Silent Saturday film night. Featuring ... a portion of a 1919 drama about the then contemporary Armenian genocide as well as other period shorts. Ravished Armenia is being shown in connection with the museum’s other Armenian Genocide Remembrance activities. Facilitated by Chris Leverone. FREE. All welcome. Select Museum for information. Located, 80 W. Central Street,
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Saturday, April 27, 7:00pm, Live Music, South Street Six at La Cantina Winery. Select La Cantina for information. La Cantina's new location at 239 Cottage Street.
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Saturday, April 27, 7:30pm. Electric Youth and The Boston Show Band with Special Guests Future Shock at THE BLACK BOX. Ticketed event. Electric Youth 2024 offers high-powered family entertainment with music for all ages! Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, EY delivers high-energy music, including contemporary pop, classic rock and country hits. Select Electric for ticketing and information. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Street.
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Saturday, April 27, 8:00pm Garnet Rogers, Circle of Friends Coffeehouse. Ticketed Event. Select Circle for Ticket Purchase and information. The Coffeehouse is located at First Universalist in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street.
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Sunday, April 28, 1:00pm to 4:00pm, Franklin Historical Museum. FREE. The Museum is open to visit exhibits. Select Museum for information. The Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street.
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Sunday, April 28, 1:00pm to 3:00pm Musical Bingo at Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub. Select Teddy for information. Located at 30 Main Street.
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Sunday, April 28, 3:00pm, Chaminade Club - Community Concert hosted by LiveARTS. Concert is held at the Murray Church, 505 N.Main Street, Attleboro. Ticketed event. Select LiveARTS for information about this and other performances.
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Ongoing. Take a Walk Through the Cultural District. Walk at your own pace, follow the Ladybug Trail, view the murals by Birchwood Bakery+Kitchen, see the statues at the Historical Museum, Horace Mann Square, and the Library, and/or enjoy the artwork on the Artsy Boxes. Happy Walking!
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Tuesday, April 30, 2:30pm Cooking Class - Omelet Making at Franklin Senior Center. Sign up is required. Select Senior for information about Senior Center events. Located at 10 Daniel McCahill St.
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Tuesday, April 30, 7:00pm to 9:00pm, Musical Bingo Night, Raillery Public House. Join us every Tuesday night for Musical Bingo! Select Raillery for information about this restaurant. Located 280 Franklin Village Dr.
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May 2024 Annual Reading Challenge!
May - A book by an author's whose first or last name begins with the letter "M"!
For each monthly prompt that you complete and submit on time you will receive a Free Book Coupon that's good at the library's Book Sale. Submissions MUST be submitted by the last day of each month in order to qualify for that month's Free Book Coupon. If you complete all 12 months you will be entered in to win one of multiple grand prizes! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library!
For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website HERE!
CONTACT: Bree Comeau 508-520-4941 bcomeau@minlib.net
Take & Makes Available!
Kid Take & Makes: Starting Wednesday, May 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Paper Plate Parrot Kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own tropical bird! The perfect bright and colorful craft! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!
Adult Take & Makes: Starting Wednesday, May 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Spring Bird kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own season décor! The perfect craft for brightening your day! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis! *LIMIT 1 PER PERSON*
CONTACT: Bree Comeau 508-520-4941 bcomeau@minlib.net. Located 118 Main St.
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Wednesday, May 1, Second Annual SAFE Coalition Gala, Lakeview Pavilion. Join us in celebrating the world of recovery! Dinner| Live Auction| Speakers| Keynote Speaker: Rob Ninkovich. Select SAFE for ticket purchase. Lakeview Pavilion, 45 Lakeview Rd., Foxborough, MA.
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Thursday, May 2, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Candle Making at Greco Design. Just in time for Mother’s Day! Join us for a fun night out and make your own 8oz. candle. Melissa from Salt & Branch will teach you all you need to know about creating a beautiful non-toxic, soy candle. We'll be offering light bites and beverages as you work. Click here to book your spot (limited to 10). Select Greco for more information. Greco Design is located at 8 Main St.
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Thursday, May 2, 5:00pm, Board Game Nite at Pete's Nerd Emporium. Happening every Thursday in May. Bring your own game, or try something from our game library. Free admission, but tips to keep the library growing are greatly appreciated! Select Pete's for more information. Located at 10 Main Street.
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Saturday, May 4, 11:00am to 2:00pm, Disability Expo 2024 at Franklin Senior Center. This expo will have numerous exhibitors set up at tables that you can visit in order to learn more about a variety of disability-related resources, activities, and support. FREE. Questions? Call Chairperson, Mary O'Neill at 508-440-1265. Senior Center is located at 10 Daniel McCahill Street.
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Saturday, May 4, 12:00pm to 11:00pm, Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at La Cantina Winery. Wine ... Food... Music. Mariachi Boston Guadalajara 7:30pm to 8:30pm. DJ Nefi Latin Music 8:30pm to 11:00pm. Select La Cantina for information. Located at 230 Cottage Street.
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Saturday, May 4, 9:00am to 2:30pm, Mah Jongg: Play All Day, First Universalist Society. Join us for a fun day of playing Mah Jongg! Come alone or with friends. All levels are welcome, but some experience is required. Bring your 2024 NMJL card and $5 in change to play with. $30 fee includes door prizes and lunch. Coffee and mini muffins served if you arrive before play starts. Register by 4/24/2024. Select FUSF for information. Located at 262 Chestnut Street.
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Tuesday, May 7, beginning at 6:00pm - 7:00pm Cocktails; 7:00pm to 8:30pm Class, Specialty Grazing Board Class featuring unique cheeses. Learn pairings, cutting techniques and more. Taught by Kristen from K Cooks. Hosted by The Shed-Franklin. Ticketed event. Must be registered to attend. Select registration to enroll. A portion of the proceeds benefits Temple Etz Chaim. The Shed is located at 342 E. Central Street.
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Friday, May 10, 7:00pm, BEN4Franklin, a community group focused on the building of equitable neighborhoods, celebrates its launch with a party at Franklin TV and Radio, 23 Hutchinson Street. BEN4Franklin supports responsible growth and development in Franklin with abundant housing at a range of income levels and life stages, complemented by a walkable, economically vibrant downtown. Select BEN to register for the launch party. Select BEN4Franklin.org to visit the group's website for more information. Franklin TV at 23 Hutchinson St.
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Saturday, May 11, 10:30am to 12:00pm, 2nd Annual Jane Jacobs Walk! Jane Jacobs was an urbanist, activist and writer who believed in the many aspects of community life in city neighborhoods. Join BEN4Franklin in collaboration with Franklin Matters, in a walk through Franklin's neighborhoods. Select BEN to register for the walk. Meet at Franklin TV and Radio, 23 Hutchinson. Join after for drinks at La Cantina, 230 Cottage Street.
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Thursday, May 16, 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Art on the Table Collage Workshop with Jenny Brown. We're excited to launch our inaugural event and extend our gratitude to our instructor Jenny Brown and our Franklin community partners the Franklin Historical Museum and Birchwood Bakery + Kitchen.Select Collage for information and registration. Proudly presented by the Town of Franklin Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy.
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Saturday, May 18, 5 K Road Race, Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee and Tri-Valley Front Runners partner on their annual 5K Road Race at the Grove Street Trailhead. Select Race for information and registration.
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Thursday, May 23, Empty Bowls Fundraiser at Franklin High School. Support Franklin Food Pantry. More details to follow. Select Bowls for information. Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street.
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Partnering with Franklin Matters @https://www.franklinmatters.org sharing information about arts and culture. Visit Franklin Matters for Franklin information.
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Franklin Cultural District Committee
Amy Adams, Katherine Botelho,
Pandora Carlucci, Sue Cass, Patrick Conlan,
John LoPresti, Roberta Trahan
Next meeting 7:00pm. May 9 at Franklin Library and on Zoom.
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