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Indoor Mask Mandate, Social Distancing Ends In New Jersey Indoor Mask Mandate, Social Distancing Ends In New Jersey
Indoor Mask Mandate, Social Distancing Ends In New Jersey The future looked uncertain this time last year in New Jersey. How long will this last? Will someone I love get sick? Will things ever return to normal? On the morning of Friday, May 28, things in New Jersey felt almost back to normal.  Mandates on indoor mask-wearing for those who are fully-vaccinated and social distancing guidelines were lifted for most public settings for the first time since the onset of the pandemic. Businesses such as restaurants, bars, shopping centers, gyms and movie theaters can operate at full capacity and those who are vaccinated don't have to wear a mask. …

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by Cecilia Levine
News
Ditch The Face Mask, Hit The Dance Floor: NJ Relaxes COVID Guidelines Ditch The Face Mask, Hit The Dance Floor: NJ Relaxes COVID Guidelines
Ditch The Face Mask, Hit The Dance Floor: NJ Relaxes COVID Guidelines Social distancing and face mask requirements are so last year -- at least in New Jersey. Come this Friday, face masks will no longer be required at most public indoor spaces in the Garden Sate, and social distancing will no longer be required, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday. Dance floors at bars and restaurants will also be allowed to reopen come and alcohol can be served at bars again on May 28, Murphy said. On Friday, June 4, all indoor and outdoor gathering limits will be lifted. The new regulations come several weeks after the CDC relaxed their face mask guidelines.  "I am proud t…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
PA Lifting COVID Orders Memorial Day Weekend, Masks Required Until 70% Of State Is Vaccinated PA Lifting COVID Orders Memorial Day Weekend, Masks Required Until 70% Of State Is Vaccinated
PA Lifting COVID Orders Memorial Day Weekend, Masks Required Until 70% Of State Is Vaccinated Normalcy is returning in Pennsylvania where officials announced COVID-19 mitigation efforts will be lifted Memorial Day Weekend. Capacity limits on restaurants, bars, indoor and outdoor gatherings will be lifted on May 31, Governor Tom Wolf's administration said Tuesday.  The public mask mandate will be lifted when 70 percent of the population -- including those 18 and older -- are vaccinated. As of Tuesday, 42 percent of Pennsylvanians were vaccinated, with 63 percent of individuals ages 18 and over had gotten at least one dose, federal data shows. Effective May 31, we are lifting CO…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
COVID-19: NJ Announces 'Aggressive' Reopening Steps Effective This Month COVID-19: NJ Announces 'Aggressive' Reopening Steps Effective This Month
Covid-19: NJ Announces 'Aggressive' Reopening Steps Effective This Month Life will look even more normal this month, as New Jersey will lift some of its biggest COVID-19 restrictions, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday. Come May 7, the prohibition on indoor bar seating will be lifted as long as social distancing is in place; prohibition on buffets and and other self-service foods will be lifted along with other self-service foods at restaurants. As of May 19, restaurants can operate at whatever capacity allows them to continue with social distancing in place. Also on that day, the 50 percent capacity limits for indoor and outdoor settings and businesses governed…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
Sick Of Snow, COVID? Six Flags Set To Open Next Month Sick Of Snow, COVID? Six Flags Set To Open Next Month
Sick Of Snow, COVID? Six Flags Set To Open Next Month Have you had enough of this COVID-19 epidemic and seemingly endless winter? The good news is you'll have something else to do starting March 27. Six Flags Great Adventure’s opening day in Jackson is a step closer to the debut of its newest ride: The Jersey Devil Coaster, which will become the world’s tallest, fastest and longest single-rail roller coaster.  The Jersey Devil will take riders 13 stories into the air before plunging them down a track about a half-mile long, reaching speeds of 58 miles per hour, as reported here by Daily Voice. The amusement park’s Wild Safari Drive-Thru…

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by Jon Craig
News
NYC COVID-19 Capacities: Yankee Stadium Can Have Fans On Opening Day, All 5,425 Of Them NYC COVID-19 Capacities: Yankee Stadium Can Have Fans On Opening Day, All 5,425 Of Them
NYC Covid-19 Capacities: Yankee Stadium Can Have Fans On Opening Day, All 5,425 Of Them Following New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s announcement Wednesday that large arenas in the Empire State can reopen at 10% capacity in less than two weeks, some fans began crunching numbers. We took care of that already (see below). First, know that you’ll have to present a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the game or event. You’ll also have to wear a mask and social distance, of course. The Bronx Bombers launch the 2021 season with a six-game homestand beginning Opening Day, April 1, against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Metropolitans, who open the season on the road, begin their first …

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
COVID-19: Did You Already Have Virus, And Not Know It? Here Are The Signs COVID-19: Did You Already Have Virus, And Not Know It? Here Are The Signs
Covid-19: Did You Already Have Virus, And Not Know It? Here Are The Signs Not everyone who has caught COVID-19 knows it. But there are ways to tell if you got the novel virus sometime since the pandemic touched down in the U.S. during winter 2020. In many people, signs of “Long COVID-19" persist, according to a new study, “Long COVID: a cross-sectional study of persisting symptoms” led by Dr. Swapna Mandal, a respiratory physician, and a growing host of research. There’s only one true way to know if you had COVID-19 - get an antibody blood test to check for signs of COVID-19. However, there are a number of more informal ways to tell if you previously caught t…

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by Kristin Palpini
News
Shore Bar, JC Lounge Among NJ Bizzes Facing COVID-Related Liquor License Suspensions Shore Bar, JC Lounge Among NJ Bizzes Facing COVID-Related Liquor License Suspensions
Shore Bar, JC Lounge Among NJ Bizzes Facing Covid-related Liquor License Suspensions ON THE ROCKS: A dozen New Jersey bars and restaurants could have their liquor licenses temporarily suspended for what state authorities said are violations of Gov. Murphy’s COVID shutdown orders. Although most of the suspensions being sought by the ABC are for less than a month – including three for 10 days – a Jersey Shore bar and grill is looking at a possible 66-day suspension while pouring at a downtown Jersey City nightspot could stop for nearly three months. SEE LIST BELOW (with links to violation notices) New Jersey’s Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control is asking a judge for the …

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Shore Bar, JC Lounge Among NJ Bizzes Facing COVID-Related Liquor License Suspensions Shore Bar, JC Lounge Among NJ Bizzes Facing COVID-Related Liquor License Suspensions
Shore Bar, JC Lounge Among NJ Bizzes Facing Covid-related Liquor License Suspensions ON THE ROCKS: A dozen New Jersey bars and restaurants could have their liquor licenses temporarily suspended for what state authorities said are violations of Gov. Murphy’s COVID shutdown orders. Although most of the suspensions being sought by the ABC are for less than a month – including three for 10 days – a Jersey Shore bar and grill is looking at a possible 66-day suspension while pouring at a downtown Jersey City nightspot could stop for nearly three months. SEE LIST BELOW (with links to violation notices) New Jersey’s Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control is asking a judge for the …

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by Jerry DeMarco
Police & Fire
Police In Northampton County Seek Home For Lost Dog Named After The Way She Walks Police In Northampton County Seek Home For Lost Dog Named After The Way She Walks
Police In Northampton County Seek Home For Lost Dog Named After The Way She Walks Police in Northampton County are seeking a good home for a dog who has not been claimed in a week. The 50-pound dog is believed to be a treeing walker coonhound and was found on Dec. 11, on the 2500 block of Burrowes Street, Palmer police said. She is likely less than two years old, very friendly and high-energy. The pup was named "Prancer," partly for the holiday season, but more so her walking style, police said. Police are willing to set up meet and greets with Prancer in accordance with social distancing guidelines. Call Deputy Chief Wayne Smith (610) 253-5844 Extensio…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
CEO Of Englewood Firm Accused Of Event With 200 Guests, Drugs, Booze, COVID Violations Resigns CEO Of Englewood Firm Accused Of Event With 200 Guests, Drugs, Booze, COVID Violations Resigns
CEO Of Englewood Firm Accused Of Event With 200 Guests, Drugs, Booze, COVID Violations Resigns UPDATE: The chief operating officer of a civically-involved Englewood entertainment company announced Monday that his CEO has resigned in the wake of a raid of an after-hours party where police said they discovered crimes and COVID violations. Rasheed Goins, the chief operating officer of Feenx Entertainment, said he will be "taking over day to day operations going forward" following the resignation of Selom Gbate. Police said they found 200 or so partiers – few wearing masks or social distancing – along with drugs, alcohol and disabled fire alarms during a Nov. 29 pre-dawn raid of a space …

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
County Breakdown: NJ Reports Record High COVID-19 Cases Since Onset Of Pandemic County Breakdown: NJ Reports Record High COVID-19 Cases Since Onset Of Pandemic
County Breakdown: NJ Reports Record High Covid-19 Cases Since Onset Of Pandemic An additional 6,046 COVID-19 tests returned positive Sunday in New Jersey -- the highest number the state has seen in a single day since the onset of the pandemic in March. This is the third record-high for New Jersey this week, with 4,913 and 5,673 recorded on Thursday and Friday, respectively. Sixteen deaths were also reported. "These numbers speak for themselves," Gov. Phil Murphy said. "Mask up. Social distance. Wash your hands. Avoid gatherings." Bergen County accounted for the highest number of cases (552), with Hudson and Essex trailing behind at 533 and 520. Camden and B…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
'You're Not Welcome Here': Murphy Slams Congressman, NY Republican Society Over Sneaky NJ Gala 'You're Not Welcome Here': Murphy Slams Congressman, NY Republican Society Over Sneaky NJ Gala
'You're Not Welcome Here': Murphy Slams Congressman, NY Republican Society Over Sneaky NJ Gala A New York-based Republican association and a Florida congressman are receiving backlash from Gov. Phil Murphy for a mask-less event held in Jersey City. Members of the New York Young Republican's Club apparently snuck into Jersey City to hold a gala at the Maritime Parc restaurant "after they couldn't find a venue in their own city due to the pandemic," Gov. Phil Murphy said during Friday's COVID-19 briefing. "From the videos on social media and certainly this picture," Murphy said, citing a photo from the event, "there is no obvious attempt to enforce social distancing or face masks, eve…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
COVID-19: Six Hackensack Firefighters Test Positive, 21 More Also Quarantined Out Of Caution COVID-19: Six Hackensack Firefighters Test Positive, 21 More Also Quarantined Out Of Caution
Covid-19: Six Hackensack Firefighters Test Positive, 21 More Also Quarantined Out Of Caution Six Hackensack firefighters who tested positive for COVID-19 were isolating and 21 others who were exposed to them were quarantining out of an “abundance of caution,” authorities said.  Of the six who tested positive in the past three days, “one had moderate symptoms, two had minor symptoms and the other three were asymptomatic,” Hackensack Fire Chief Thomas J. Freeman told Daily Voice on Wednesday. Although having a quarter of the department’s firefighting force sidelined presents scheduling challenges, “we still have sufficient numbers to satisfy our minimum manning of 18 firefighter…

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Hackensack City Hall, Other Offices Closed To Public Amid COVID-19 Resurgence Hackensack City Hall, Other Offices Closed To Public Amid COVID-19 Resurgence
Hackensack City Hall, Other Offices Closed To Public Amid Covid-19 Resurgence Hackensack officials closed City Hall on Tuesday and said all other city offices will be closed to the public beginning next Monday amid growing concern about the statewide resurgence in COVID-19 cases. "In the interest of public health and safety, we will be closing our city offices to the public due to the rise of coronavirus infections throughout the area," Mayor John Labrosse said Tuesday afternoon. "Unfortunately, this serves as a reminder that we are still very much battling this pandemic, and we need everybody to redouble their efforts to combat the virus," the mayor said. City offi…

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Popular Bergen County Restaurant Charged Criminally For COVID-19 Violations Popular Bergen County Restaurant Charged Criminally For COVID-19 Violations
Popular Bergen County Restaurant Charged Criminally For Covid-19 Violations Police not only cited the owner of an Oakland restaurant and banquet hall for COVID-19 violations stemming from a two large gatherings this past Monday and Friday: They also charged him criminally. Officers who went to the villa-styled Portobello Feast both nights "observed large gatherings of individuals who, among other things, were not in compliance with social distancing guidelines," Police Lt. Christian Eldridge said Tuesday. In addition to violating two separate provisions of Gov. Phil Murphy's executive orders, owner Frank Amen was charged with two criminal counts of maintaining a …

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Englewood PD: Illegal Nightclub Had 200 Guests, Drugs, Booze, COVID Violations Englewood PD: Illegal Nightclub Had 200 Guests, Drugs, Booze, COVID Violations
Englewood PD: Illegal Nightclub Had 200 Guests, Drugs, Booze, COVID Violations Police said they found 200 or so partiers – few wearing masks or social distancing – along with drugs, alcohol and disabled fire alarms during a pre-dawn raid of a rented space above a Domino's in Englewood. Criminal charges and summonses for COVID offenses and building violations were pending after the raid shortly before 4 a.m. Sunday at the space rented by multi-entertainment company Feenx Enterprises above the Domino's on West Palisade Avenue. Officers responding to a noise and disturbance complaint found the throng of attendees, “most not wearing masks or practicing social distancing,”…

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Oakland Restaurant Facing Consequences For Pre-Thanksgiving Bash Oakland Restaurant Facing Consequences For Pre-Thanksgiving Bash
Oakland Restaurant Facing Consequences For Pre-Thanksgiving Bash An Oakland restaurant is facing consequences for a pre-Thanksgiving bash featuring dozens of mask-less patrons. A photo of dozens of people gathered Wednesday night outside Portabellos Restaurant was the impetus for an emergency council meeting Monday evening. During the 6 p.m. meeting, Oakland council members voted in favor of shutting down the Ramapo Valley Road's outdoor dining license at 4 p.m. daily, for 30 days. "We cannot allow this to happen," Oakland Mayor Linda Schwager said after seeing the photo from last Wednesday's event. "This was a violation of the Governor’s Executive Ord…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
Instagram's 'Hottest Doc' With North Jersey Practice Slammed for Maskless Miami Birthday Bash Instagram's 'Hottest Doc' With North Jersey Practice Slammed for Maskless Miami Birthday Bash
Instagram's 'Hottest Doc' With North Jersey Practice Slammed for Maskless Miami Birthday Bash A North Jersey family practitioner dubbed "America's Sexiest Doctor" by People magazine was apparently caught breaking his own rules. Footage shows Mikhail Varshavski -- known as "Dr. Mike" -- partying without face masks on a boat surrounded by women in Miami earlier this month for his 31st birthday, the Daily Mail reports. One of Varshavski's representatives told the New York Post he only took his mask off to go in the water. The doctor's fans have been begging him to address the incident in the comment section of his YouTube and Instagram accounts. Varshavski, who practices in Chath…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
COVID-19: Edgewater Condo Association Institutes Fines, Suspensions For Face Mask Violators COVID-19: Edgewater Condo Association Institutes Fines, Suspensions For Face Mask Violators
Covid-19: Edgewater Condo Association Institutes Fines, Suspensions For Face Mask Violators An Edgewater condominium association has instituted fines and a possible suspension of membership privileges for any residents or guests caught not wearing a face mask in common areas amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in New Jersey. “Although the overwhelming majority of neighbors have been compliant, it has come to our attention that an increasing number of residents and their guests have not been wearing face masks in the common areas,” the Hudson Harbor Condominium Association’s Board of Directors wrote in a letter to owners and tenants. “As we’ve previously reminded everyone, masks are MAN…

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
NJ’s 1st Social-Distanced Verdict: Philly Man Convicted Of Stealing $17G In Unemployment Checks NJ’s 1st Social-Distanced Verdict: Philly Man Convicted Of Stealing $17G In Unemployment Checks
NJ’s 1st Social-Distanced Verdict: Philly Man Convicted Of Stealing $17G In Unemployment Checks A socially-distanced jury in Trenton convicted a Philadelphia man of conspiring with a state worker to steal $17,206 worth of unemployment checks. The conviction of Phillip Stewart III, 39, was the first verdict obtained by the state Division of Criminal Justice in a socially distanced jury trial during the COVID-19 pandemic, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal said Tuesday. Participants in the trial wore face masks “to comply with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and maximize safety,” Grewal said. “There were plexiglass barriers between each juror in the jury box …

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
NJ Suspends Jury Trials, Grand Juries Amid Second COVID-19 Wave NJ Suspends Jury Trials, Grand Juries Amid Second COVID-19 Wave
NJ Suspends Jury Trials, Grand Juries Amid Second Covid-19 Wave New Jersey's highest court suspended all criminal and civil jury trials and in-person grand jury sessions Monday amid a spike in coronavirus cases in the Garden State. “The increasing rates of new cases, hospitalizations and deaths make it impracticable and unsafe for certain in-person court events to continue at the level reached during the past few months,” State Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner wrote. In-person grand jury panels can continue to convene virtually in all 21 counties, under the order signed by Rabner. Socially distanced jury trials and in-person grand jury session…

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Chatham Police Launch Task Force Enforcing Social Distancing, Mask-Wearing Chatham Police Launch Task Force Enforcing Social Distancing, Mask-Wearing
Chatham Police Launch Task Force Enforcing Social Distancing, Mask-Wearing Police in Chatham are looking for volunteers to hand out free masks and encourage social distancing with the launch of the Chatham Borough Covid-19 Ambassador Program. The program sets up volunteers in highly-traveled pedestrian areas and offers a “zero-confrontational” approach to reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The volunteers will distribute free masks and “gently encourage” social distancing. “As the Covid-19 infection rate continues to raise both nationally and within our state, studies have shown that social distancing, wearing a mask, and hand washing is effective in lower…

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by Valerie Musson
News
Murphy Announces New COVID-19 Restrictions, Says Vaccine Coming Spring 2021 Murphy Announces New COVID-19 Restrictions, Says Vaccine Coming Spring 2021
Murphy Announces New Covid-19 Restrictions, Says Vaccine Coming Spring 2021 Gov. Phil Murphy announced new COVID-19 restrictions in the midst of New Jersey's second wave. Murphy also said he spoke with Dr. Anthony Fauci over the weekend, who was "unequivocal" when he said a vaccine will be ready in April or May. "We're in a sprint for the next six months," Murphy said. The governor remained hopeful a vaccine would be ready for wide distribution in Spring 2021, as long as "all the tires have been checked. "A vaccine doesn't mean we're back to where we were," Murphy said. "But it [will be] a hugely different environment. We've got to use that. "We have a plan rea…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
COVID-19: Authorities Close Packed Paterson Nightclubs COVID-19: Authorities Close Packed Paterson Nightclubs
Covid-19: Authorities Close Packed Paterson Nightclubs Paterson police raided several nightclubs -- and closed a couple -- that they said were packed with patrons in violation of social distancing regulations, among other offenses. More than 300 people were packed into Besan Café on East Railway Avenue club one night when police showed up one night -- and more than 160 the next time, Speziale said. That wasn't all, he said. Summonses were issued for not having an entertainment license, smoking in public and creating or maintaining a dangerous condition, he said. The Gypsy Lounge on Getty Avenue club also was closed after police found more tha…

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Murphy: 2nd COVID Wave Is Here Murphy: 2nd COVID Wave Is Here
Murphy: 2nd COVID Wave Is Here New Jersey's second COVID-19 wave is here. That's what Gov. Phil Murphy said Thursday, urging residents to "double down" on the practices that helped flatten the curve last spring: Stay six feet apart. Wash your hands. Wear a mask. Cases and new hospital patients have been on the rise in New Jersey in the last several weeks. Thursday marked the 12th day in a row that more than 1,000 new cases were reported. Murphy reported 1,477 new cases, along with deaths in the past 10 days The recent outbreaks were largely due to small gatherings in homes, the governor said. Dozens of New Jersey scho…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
CANCELLED: Risky Halloween Activities Banned In These North Jersey Towns CANCELLED: Risky Halloween Activities Banned In These North Jersey Towns
Cancelled: Risky Halloween Activities Banned In These North Jersey Towns While Gov. Phil Murphy gave trick-or-treating the green light this year, some towns are giving it the red light amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Halloween activities such as trick-or-treating, trunk-or-treating, parties, carnivals, or festivals with large crowds were banned in several towns. The first to do so was Bound Brook. The borough's OEM coordinator on Oct. 7 put out a memo saying trick-or-treating, trunk-or-treating, hay rides, haunted houses, parties and large gatherings would not be permitted. Virtual activities, drive-thru events and family activities were allowed, though. The f…

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by Cecilia Levine
Events
Barbie Truck To Roll Through Garden State Plaza Barbie Truck To Roll Through Garden State Plaza
Barbie Truck To Roll Through Garden State Plaza Barbie fans, mark your calendars: The hot pink Barbie pop-up truck is making its first-ever visit to Paramus this weekend. The truck -- created by the same team behind the popular Hello Kitty Cafe Truck -- is visiting the Westfield Garden State Plaza debut as part of its U.S. tour to celebrating the iconic brand’s 60-year heritage. The Barbie truck will be selling retro-inspired merchandise such as embroidered denim jackets, caps, T-shirts, iridescent vinyl "boombox" tote bags, iridescent vinyl fanny packs, "cassette tape" wallets and more will be sold.  There will also be a new colle…

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by Cecilia Levine