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High School Teacher From Westchester Sends Sexual Pictures To Undercover Agent: Feds High School Teacher From Westchester Sends Sexual Pictures To Undercover Agent: Feds
High School Teacher From Westchester Sends Sexual Pictures To Undercover Agent: Feds A 34-year-old high school teacher from Westchester faces child pornography charges after sending sexually explicit pictures to an undercover agent posing as a 13-year-old girl, federal officials said. Hartsdale resident Kostas Fekkas, age 34, was arrested on Thursday, Sept. 14 on child pornography charges and presented in White Plains federal court, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced.  According to federal officials, before his arrest, Fekkas, also known as “Constantine Fekkas" and “C.J. Justice" had been a teacher at a public c…

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by Ben Crnic
News
College In Westchester Changes Name After 75 Years: 'Natural Evolution' College In Westchester Changes Name After 75 Years: 'Natural Evolution'
College In Westchester Changes Name After 75 Years: 'Natural Evolution' A college in Westchester has decided to change its name after almost 75 years to reflect the expansion of its programs at both an undergraduate and graduate level.  Mercy College, located in Dobbs Ferry, has changed its name to Mercy University, officials announced on Tuesday, Aug. 22.  The name change, which has been approved by the New York State Board of Regents, reflects the institution's growth and comes as the university adds a School of Nursing to its offerings, which also include other schools of Liberal Arts, Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, and…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Interim Superintendent Appointed At School District In Westchester Interim Superintendent Appointed At School District In Westchester
Interim Superintendent Appointed At School District In Westchester A school district in Westchester has announced who will temporarily fill the shoes of its outgoing superintendent.  Luis Rodriguez will serve as the Interim Superintendent for Yonkers Public Schools and replace outgoing Superintendent Edwin M. Quezada, who announced his retirement in April 2023.  Earlier Report - Superintendent To Retire After 25 Years With Yonkers Public Schools Rodriguez was appointed to the position during a Board of Education meeting on Wednesday night, July 19. He will begin his new role on Tuesday, Aug. 1, and serve until Wednesday, July 31, 2024, according to the s…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Police Officer From Northern Westchester Dies At Age 53 Police Officer From Northern Westchester Dies At Age 53
Police Officer From Northern Westchester Dies At Age 53 A Hudson Valley police officer is being remembered for his dedicated service to both his local community and his country.  Putnam County resident Daniel Bruno of Mahopac died on Thursday, June 22 at the age of 53, according to his obituary.  Born in 1969 in Mount Kisco, Bruno graduated from Somers High School before serving his country with the US Marine Corps. After being honorably discharged, he then began school at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry with the intent of becoming a veterinarian.  However, Bruno soon found another calling and pivoted to becoming a police offic…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Teacher From Westchester Dies At Age 54: 'Loved Her Students As Her Own' Teacher From Westchester Dies At Age 54: 'Loved Her Students As Her Own'
Teacher From Westchester Dies At Age 54: 'Loved Her Students As Her Own' A teacher who lived in Westchester her entire life is being remembered for her devotion to her students and her caring heart.  Lifelong Yonkers resident Darlene Fata died on Wednesday, May 31 at the age of 54 after a battle with cancer, according to her obituary.  Born in 1969, Fata earned her bachelor's degree from Mercy College and master's degree in Elementary Education from Long Island University before enjoying a 29-year career as a first-grade teacher at School 5 in Yonkers.  There, she was adored by colleagues and students alike and "loved her students as her own…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Ossining Public School District Names Interim Superintendent Ossining Public School District Names Interim Superintendent
Ossining Public School District Names Interim Superintendent As a Northern Westchester school district's superintendent prepares to take over at a neighboring village, officials have named his temporary replacement.  Mary Fox-Alter will take over as Interim Superintendent of the Ossining Union Free School District beginning on Saturday, July 1, district officials announced.  She will replace Raymond Sanchez, who will depart to begin leading the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns on the same date.  Earlier Report - Tarrytown Public Schools' New Superintendent Comes From Neighboring District The former superintendent of th…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
New Principal Named At School In Northern Westchester New Principal Named At School In Northern Westchester
New Principal Named At School In Northern Westchester The search for a new middle school principal in a Northern Westchester district ended up settling on a candidate very close to home.  Donald Peters has been named the new principal of Peekskill Middle School, Peekskill City School District Superintendent David Mauricio announced on Wednesday, May 17.  Mauricio's recommendation of Peters, who was already serving as interim principal at the school, was accepted by the district's school board during their meeting on Tuesday, May 16.  Before serving as the school's interim principal, Peters held the position of assistant pr…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Westchester Native Who Was Longtime Sales Rep Dies At Age 91 Westchester Native Who Was Longtime Sales Rep Dies At Age 91
Westchester Native Who Was Longtime Sales Rep Dies At Age 91 A man who grew up in Westchester County and spent more than 50 years working at an insurance company in Connecticut has died at the age of 91. Fairfield County resident Anthony “Tony” Ragusa, of Wilton, died at Danbury Hospital on Thursday, Aug. 4, following a brief illness, according to his obituary. He was born in Port Chester and graduated from Port Chester High School. Ragusa went on to study at Mercy College and serve in the United States Army from 1954 until 1956 when he was honorably discharged, his obituary said. According to his obituary, he worked at the Metropolitan Life I…

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by Nicole Valinote
Schools
School District In Hudson Valley Names New Superintendent School District In Hudson Valley Names New Superintendent
School District In Hudson Valley Names New Superintendent A school district in the Hudson Valley has just named a longtime educator in the region as its new superintendent. In Ulster County, the Marlboro Board of Education announced that it has appointed Michael Rydell as the district’s new superintendent of schools. He will be replacing Michael Brooks, who is retiring this summer. The appointment was made during a board meeting on Wednesday, July 6.  "It concludes a nearly three-month superintendent search process, led by Orange-Ulster BOCES," the district said in a statement on the hiring. "The process, which sought to collect feedback fro…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Man Admits To Burglarizing Schools In Westchester Man Admits To Burglarizing Schools In Westchester
Man Admits To Burglarizing Schools In Westchester A man with a lengthy rap sheet will spend time behind bars after admitting to burglarizing multiple schools in Westchester, the District Attorney announced. Mount Vernon resident Donald Bennett, age 62, pleaded guilty this week to burglarizing schools in communities throughout Westchester after he unlawfully entered several buildings between 2020 and 2021. Original story - Suspect Arrested For String Of Westchester School Intrusions Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah said that between Feb. 20, 2020, and Feb. 28 this year, Bennett illegally entered and stole items from Imm…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Westchester Community College, Mercy College Sign Dual Admissions Agreement Westchester Community College, Mercy College Sign Dual Admissions Agreement
Westchester Community College, Mercy College Sign Dual Admissions Agreement Westchester Community College students can transfer to Mercy College, earning both an associate's and bachelor's degree in four years' time, now that the institutions signed a dual admissions agreement.  Beginning in the spring semester of 2021, students will apply simultaneously to both undergraduate programs, earning an associate's degree in two years from Westchester Community College before being accepted at Mercy College with junior status and completing two years there for an accelerated degree.  “This is an exciting partnership between two institutions to serve students and…

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by Christina Coulter
Obituaries
Lifelong Westchester Resident, 30, Remembered As Avid Traveler Lifelong Westchester Resident, 30, Remembered As Avid Traveler
Lifelong Westchester Resident, 30, Remembered As Avid Traveler Lifelong Westchester resident William "Billy" M. Gallicano, 30, died suddenly on Thursday, Oct. 22. The New Rochelle resident was born on May 4, 1990 and graduated from New Rochelle High School, then studied corporate homeland security and attained a master's degree at Mercy College. He was passionate about volunteer work and found success with Solar CITIES.  Billy's family remembers him as an avid traveler, according to his obituary, and always "brought a piece of his travels back home to share with his family," according to his obituary. Gallicano is survived by his mother, Judy, hi…

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by Christina Coulter
Schools
Former Ossining Schools Administrator Named To New Post In Westchester Former Ossining Schools Administrator Named To New Post In Westchester
Former Ossining Schools Administrator Named To New Post In Westchester Appointed via Zoom meeting amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Emerly A. Martinez bested more than 60 candidates and earned his position as the new principal of White Plains High School.  He will replace Ellen Doherty, who held the position for eight years.  “I am deeply humbled and full of excitement at the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing school community," said Martinez of his Tuesday, Aug. 18 appointment. "I look forward to supporting the already-great work happening at White Plains High School, while ensuring a safe and successful 2020-21 school year.” Prev…

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by Christina Coulter
Obituaries
Westchester Native Kerri Ann Kennedy-Tompkins, Beloved Teacher, Dies Of COVID-19 At 48 Westchester Native Kerri Ann Kennedy-Tompkins, Beloved Teacher, Dies Of COVID-19 At 48
Westchester Native Kerri Ann Kennedy-Tompkins, Beloved Teacher, Dies Of Covid-19 At 48 Westchester native and Putnam County resident Kerri Ann Kennedy-Tompkins, a beloved longtime teacher, died on Friday, April 10.  She was 48. She was a breast cancer survivor and suffered many illnesses as a result of it and died due to complications of COVID19. Born on Aug. 4, 1971 in Yonkers to Eileen (Kilduff) Kennedy and Paul T. Kennedy, Sr. she was a longtime resident of Garrison (Continental Village). She graduated from Franciscan High School in 1989 and then from Mercy College in 1993 and worked as a special education teacher for many years. Kerri was predeceased by her father (…

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by Daily Voice
Police & Fire
Train Station Robbery Puts Schools On Lockout In Westchester Train Station Robbery Puts Schools On Lockout In Westchester
Train Station Robbery Puts Schools On Lockout In Westchester A robbery near a Westchester Metro-North station on Wednesday morning forced an area school district to enter its lockout protocols while police investigated. The Irvington School District announced at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5 that it called for a lockout due to a safety concern following a robbery near the Ardsley-on-Hudson train station by the Mercy College campus in Dobbs Ferry. The district announced at 10:21 a.m. that it had lifted the lockout. “We have been advised by law enforcement that the public safety concern has been resolved. Therefore, the lockout security…

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by Zak Failla
Real Estate
College Of New Rochelle Campus Sells For $32M At Auction College Of New Rochelle Campus Sells For $32M At Auction
College Of New Rochelle Campus Sells For $32M At Auction  After being forced to shutter its doors earlier this year, the College of New Rochelle has found a buyer for its campus officially after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Following a three-year financial crisis, the 115-year-old college concluded classes on Saturday, Aug. 10. Mercy College is temporarily leasing the campus and will use the facilities through 2020. On Monday, Nov. 25, The Masonic Hall & Asylum Fund announced it had purchased the 15.6-acre campus for $32 million at auction. The United States Bankruptcy Court has already approved the sale at a hearing held on Mo…

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by Zak Failla
Real Estate
College Of New Rochelle Files For Bankruptcy College Of New Rochelle Files For Bankruptcy
College Of New Rochelle Files For Bankruptcy After being forced to shutter its doors earlier this year, the College of New Rochelle has officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and its campus is expected to be sold within the next two months. Following a three-year financial crisis, the 115-year-old college concluded classes on Saturday, Aug. 10. Mercy College is temporarily leasing the campus and will use the facilities through 2020. In response to the financial crisis, the college has been selling off its assets, including its 15.6-acre campus, which includes more than 425,000-square-feet and includes 20 buildings. A&G Realty…

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by Zak Failla
Real Estate
For Sale: College Of New Rochelle's Campus With 425K Square Feet, 20 Buildings For Sale: College Of New Rochelle's Campus With 425K Square Feet, 20 Buildings
For Sale: College Of New Rochelle's Campus With 425K Square Feet, 20 Buildings The College of New Rochelle is selling off its assets as it prepares to close its doors later this summer. After 115 years, the College of New Rochelle was forced to shutter its doors following a three-year financial crisis. Following its final graduation ceremony, the college’s 15.6-acre campus has been put up for sale, days after reports that the school was failing to pay its bills to multiple creditors. The campus is spread over approximately 425,000-square-feet and includes 20 buildings. The zoning for the property allows for both residential or educational use. Any other options would…

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by Zak Failla
News
Judge Was Handling Family Law Matter When He Suffered Fatal Heart Attack In Putnam County Judge Was Handling Family Law Matter When He Suffered Fatal Heart Attack In Putnam County
Judge Was Handling Family Law Matter When He Suffered Fatal Heart Attack In Putnam County The Putnam County Court judge who died after suffering a heart attack while on the bench fell ill while he was handling a family law court matter on Friday, June 14. A Legal Aid attorney and a lawyer for children were in the courtroom when Judge James Reitz suffered a heart attack, according to a new report by The New York Law Journal. After performing CPR, court officers using a defibrillator in an attempt to resuscitate him, were unable to revive him, the 57-year-old Reitz was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. Reitz had carried out one case Frid…

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by Joe Lombardi
Schools
College Of New Rochelle Announces Date For Final Classes After 115 Years College Of New Rochelle Announces Date For Final Classes After 115 Years
College Of New Rochelle Announces Date For Final Classes After 115 Years The end is (nearly) here. After 115 years, the College of New Rochelle has announced the date it will host its last class after being forced to shutter its doors due to a financial crisis. The last classes will be held at the college on Saturday, Aug. 10, making the end of the institution following a three-year financial crisis. The college recently held its final graduation ceremony. Earlier this year, the college announced that it had entered  into an Agreement of Mutual Cooperation that will “ensure a seamless transition for CNR students to continue their education at Mercy College…

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by Zak Failla
News
Services Set For Putnam County Judge James Reitz, Who Died In Court Services Set For Putnam County Judge James Reitz, Who Died In Court
Services Set For Putnam County Judge James Reitz, Who Died In Court Click here for an updated story: Putnam County Judge Reitz Was Handling Family Law Matter When He Suffered Fatal Heart Attack Funeral arrangements have been scheduled for Putnam County Judge James Reitz, who died suddenly after suffering a heart attack. A Mahopac resident, Reitz, 57, suffered a heart attack in court on Friday, June 14, and court officers were unable to revive him after performing CPR and using a defibrillator in an attempt to resuscitate him. Visitation for Reitz will be held from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, June 17 at the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services on Old …

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by Zak Failla
News
Putnam County Judge James Reitz Of Mahopac Dies Suddenly In Court Putnam County Judge James Reitz Of Mahopac Dies Suddenly In Court
Putnam County Judge James Reitz Of Mahopac Dies Suddenly In Court Updated stories: Putnam County Judge Reitz Was Handling Family Law Matter When He Suffered Fatal Heart Attack Services Set For Putnam County Judge James Reitz, Who Died In Court  Putnam County Court Judge James Reitz died after suffering a heart attack. A Mahopac resident, Reitz, 57, suffered a heart attack in court on Friday, June 14, and court officers were unable to revive him after performing CPR and using a defibrillator in an attempt to resuscitate him. Reitz was reportedly taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A former lawyer who practiced at a private firm…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
It's Official: College Of New Rochelle Sets Date For Closure It's Official: College Of New Rochelle Sets Date For Closure
It's Official: College Of New Rochelle Sets Date For Closure The College of New Rochelle is officially shuttering its doors at the conclusion of its summer semester and an agreement has been finalized to transfer students to Mercy College for the beginning of the fall semester. Amid a three-year financial crisis, CNR and Mercy announced on Tuesday that they’ve entered into an Agreement of Mutual Cooperation that will “ensure a seamless transition for CNR students to continue their education at Mercy.” According to Mercy College, the agreement allows CNR students in good standing the opportunity to transfer to Mercy College, as CNR’s designated prefer…

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by Zak Failla
News
Schools Announce Closures, Delayed Starts For Monday Schools Announce Closures, Delayed Starts For Monday
Schools Announce Closures, Delayed Starts For Monday The following school districts and schools have delayed starts and closures for Monday, March 4 as a result of the latest winter storm. Westchester County Bedford Central School District, closed Blind Brook Public Schools, three-hour delay  Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District, three-hour delay Byram Hills Central School District, three-hour delay Chappaqua Central School District, three-hour delay Croton Harmon School District, two-hour delay Dobbs Ferry Union Free School District, two-hour delay Eastchester Union Free School District, two-hour delay Edgemont Union…

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by Daily Voice
Schools
Schools Announce Closures, Delayed Starts For Monday Schools Announce Closures, Delayed Starts For Monday
Schools Announce Closures, Delayed Starts For Monday The following school districts and schools have delayed starts and closures for Monday, March 4 as a result of the latest winter storm. Westchester County Bedford Central School District, closed Blind Brook Public Schools, three-hour delay Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District, three-hour delay Byram Hills Central School District, three-hour delay Chappaqua Central School District, three-hour delay Croton Harmon School District, two-hour delay Dobbs Ferry Union Free School District, two-hour delay Eastchester Union Free School District, two-hour delay Edgemont Union Free Schoo…

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by Daily Voice
Schools
Third School Steps Up To Help Displaced College Students In Westchester Third School Steps Up To Help Displaced College Students In Westchester
Third School Steps Up To Help Displaced College Students In Westchester A third university is stepping up to offer a helping hand to students at the College of New Rochelle, which is expected to shutter its doors at the conclusion of its summer semester. In 2016, the college’s Board of Trustees was alerted about “significant unmet financial obligations that had accrued over a period of time.” The Board subsequently launched an investigation and enlisted the help of officials to restructure and manage CNR’s finances. A forensic accountant and outside legal counsel were also hired to perform the investigation. Last week, the college announced that after 115 years…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Mercy, Iona Ready To Take Students From College Of New Rochelle Mercy, Iona Ready To Take Students From College Of New Rochelle
Mercy, Iona Ready To Take Students From College Of New Rochelle With the College of New Rochelle likely to close its doors at the conclusion of its summer semester, area colleges are lining up to offer an assist to students from the 115-year-old institution. Earlier story: Iona College Issues Lifeline To Students Following CNR Closing Announcement Last week, CNR announced that due to a three-year financial crisis, it will likely be forced to shut down as it deals with crippling debt. In response, area colleges are taking measures to ensure that students are able to continue their education in the Hudson Valley. Mercy College began working wi…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Old Croton Aqueduct Stabbing Suspect Remains At Large Old Croton Aqueduct Stabbing Suspect Remains At Large
Old Croton Aqueduct Stabbing Suspect Remains At Large The search is on for a suspect who stabbed someone near the Old Croton Aqueduct in Dobbs Ferry on Tuesday. Shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27, police received a report of a verbal altercation that turned physical, with one party stabbing the other before fleeing, police said. The incident prompted a manhunt that was joined by several area law enforcement agencies on Tuesday afternoon. The victim was treated for the stab wound before being transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect is described as a white male in his 30s who was wearing a hooded …

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Manhunt For 'Possible Violent Offender Armed With Knife' Causes Lockdown In Westchester Manhunt For 'Possible Violent Offender Armed With Knife' Causes Lockdown In Westchester
Manhunt For 'Possible Violent Offender Armed With Knife' Causes Lockdown In Westchester Police are investigating a potentially violent, knife-wielding offender who was spotted near the Mercy College campus, causing a lockdown. Mercy College issued an alert at approximately 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27, of a "possible violent offender armed with a knife" in the area of the Old Croton Aqueduct. Police could be spotted on the college’s campus as they investigated the report. The incident led to a temporary lockdown at Mercy College’s Dobbs Ferry campus, though police quickly gave the “all-clear” to resume the day normally. It was not immediately clear if there were any victims o…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Chappaqua CSD Appoints Interim Principal For Seven Bridges Middle School Chappaqua CSD Appoints Interim Principal For Seven Bridges Middle School
Chappaqua CSD Appoints Interim Principal For Seven Bridges Middle School An interim principal of Seven Bridges Middle School was appointed Wednesday night by the Chappaqua Central School District Board of Education. Linda Langiulli’s appointment fills the vacancy left by Principal Andrew Corsilia, who recently began his tenure as principal of the district’s Horace Greeley High School. Langiulli began her career in education in New York City where she served as a classroom teacher for over 20 years.  After leaving the classroom, she worked as a trainer/mentor, staff developer, and interim assistant principal.  During her career, Langiulli also served as princi…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
Ossining Resident Catherine Cioffi Makes Move To Latimer Senior Staffer Ossining Resident Catherine Cioffi Makes Move To Latimer Senior Staffer
Ossining Resident Catherine Cioffi Makes Move To Latimer Senior Staffer Experience in news reporting, law and college communications combined with a lifelong love of Westchester County, Catherine Cioffi was the perfect choice to become the county's next director of communications, according to her new boss, County Executive George Latimer. "This is going to be an incredible journey,'' said Cioffi. "He's going to do great things for Westchester. I'm just thrilled to be part of that."  Cioffi, a 36-year-old Pleasantville native, prides herself on being fair and accessible and spent years covering major news in the New York metro area. She lives wit…

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by Jon Craig