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The Piedmont Park Conservancy is Rolling Up Its Sleeves

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Now that summer is here, Piedmont Park is busier than ever, and keeping it clean and green for all Atlantans is quite the challenge. As more people are getting vaccinated and feeling safe to come outside, that means more events and more foot traffic, which makes keeping the Park clean that much harder. The Piedmont Park Conservancy’s biggest challenge is to maintain a flourishing landscape despite the unpredictable Georgia weather and the pressing pedestrian litter.

Everyone knows that Piedmont Park is the city of Atlanta’s backyard, where anyone can exercise with their dog, throw a birthday party or pack a picnic date. Who takes care of that backyard? A crew of less than 10 landscapers, engineers and technicians maintain 90% of Piedmont Park’s 200 acres. While they are responsible for cleaning up after us every day, the Piedmont Park Conservancy heavily relies on community participation to keep the greenspace safe, clean and beautiful. Donations and volunteer work are integral to keep the Park operating.

Volunteers and staff are constantly kept busy this summer planting new flowers, renovating park benches and taking care of trees. However, the biggest threat to the landscape, the wildlife and park guests is litter. As guests flood in to enjoy their summer in the Park, they often leave behind litter.

While the Piedmont Park Conservancy works tirelessly with the city to keep up with trash collection and staff address litter in highly trafficked areas, Piedmont Park is depending on the community to act. First, asking Atlanta residents to be mindful by packing trash in and out, doing their best to leave no trace. Then, if you can go a step further, volunteer in the Park, donate and become a keeper of one of Atlanta’s most iconic and beloved greenspaces.

Those interested in supporting the Piedmont Park Conservancy with donations or volunteering can visit piedmontpark.org/support for more information.

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The Piedmont Park Conservancy is a member and donor funded nonprofit organization working in partnership with the City of Atlanta to maintain and enhance historic Piedmont Park. Founded in 1989, the Conservancy raises over $3.5 million annually to enhance and maintain the Park. Today, the Conservancy manages over 90% of the overall maintenance and security of Piedmont Park.

Media Contact: Amy Han Risher
Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Relations
Piedmont Park Conservancy
E: arisher@piedmontpark.org
P: (404) 480-3758

Shake Shack Coming to Piedmont Park

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Shake Shack has secured a lease with the Piedmont Park Conservancy to open their sixth metro Atlanta location at Piedmont Park. Shake Shack will be located at the Piedmont Park Conservancy Community Center, directly adjacent to Willy’s Mexicana Grill at 1071 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309.

“Shake Shack coming to Piedmont Park is a dream come true,” says Mark Banta, President and CEO of Piedmont Park Conservancy. “We can’t wait to see Park visitors enjoying classic roadside burgers and frozen custard shakes all year round. The Piedmont Park Conservancy’s new relationship with the family friendly establishment will enhance the Piedmont Park experience by adding more food options and a fun, upbeat environment. Landing this fantastic tenant was the direct result of the hard work of past and present Conservancy Board Members.”

The space is anticipated to host seating options as well as a Shack Track exterior walk-up window, giving guests a seamless pickup experience. The Shack Track experience is Shake Shack’s digital pre-ordering and fulfillment experience. Shack Track includes the ability to preorder via app or web and pick up by way of a walk up window, curbside pick-up or in-Shack pick-up shelves.

“We’re incredibly excited to be joining Piedmont Park,” says Andrew McCaughan, Chief Development Officer of Shake Shack. “Shake Shack started as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park in New York City and became a beloved community gathering place. Parks are a part of our history and supporting public spaces a core value as a company. We’re looking forward to serving guests of Piedmont Park and working with the Piedmont Park Conservancy to uphold the common ground’s iconic reputation.”

Shake Shack expects to open at Piedmont Park in late 2021 or early 2022.

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About Piedmont Park Conservancy
The Piedmont Park Conservancy is a member and donor funded nonprofit organization working in partnership with the City of Atlanta to maintain and enhance historic Piedmont Park. Founded in 1989, the Conservancy raises over $3 million each year to enhance and maintain the park. Today, the Conservancy manages over 90% of the overall maintenance and security of Piedmont Park.

About Shake Shack
Shake Shack is a modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches and flat-top Vienna beef dogs (no hormones or antibiotics – ever), spun-fresh frozen custard, crinkle cut fries, craft beer and wine and more. With its fresh, simple, high-quality food at a great value, Shake Shack is a fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal. Shake Shack’s mission is to Stand for Something Good®, from its premium ingredients and caring hiring practices to its inspiring designs and deep community investment. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the company has expanded to more than 280 locations in 27 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, including more than 80 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Dubai, Philippines, Singapore, Mexico, Tokyo, Seoul and more.

Skip the line with the Shack App, a mobile ordering app that lets you save time by ordering ahead! Guests can select their location, pick their food, choose a pickup time and their meal will be cooked-to-order and timed to arrival. Available on iOS and Android.

Learn more: shakeshack.com | IG: @shakeshack | t: @shakeshack | facebook.com/shakeshack

Contacts

Piedmont Park Conservancy Contact: Amy Han Risher
Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Relations
Piedmont Park Conservancy
E: arisher@piedmontpark.org
P: (404) 480-3758

Shake Shack Contact:
Katie Scott | Shake Shack | kscott@shakeshack.com

Photographs

Lease Space Photo:

Shake Shack Photos:
https://shakeshack.sharefile.com/share/view/s3ee4608dcf2a4173a3f8772419b7ebe3

Piedmont Park Conservancy Welcomes 2021 New Board Members

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The Piedmont Park Conservancy welcomes five new members to their board of directors: Bill Bolen, CFP®, CFA of Homrich Berg; Mona Harty of Delta Air Lines; Chandra Stephens-Albright of Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company; Reverend Dr. Tony Sundermeier of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta; and local community leader, Lisa Cannon Taylor.

The Conservancy looks forward to working with these new board members to sustain and advance the Piedmont Park Conservancy mission’s to enhance and preserve Piedmont Park for all Atlantans.

Biographies:

Bill Bolen, CFP®, CFA
Bill is an experienced wealth advisor and executive leader who works with ultra-high net worth families to help them navigate the markets and manage their financial lives.  He also leads corporate Marketing and Strategy initiatives for Homrich Berg and serves as a leader in the HB Family Office practice.

Prior to joining Homrich Berg in 2009, Bill served most recently as leader of the Terwilliger Family Office and as the first President of the Atlanta Dream WNBA sports franchise. He started his professional services career as a manager at McKinsey & Company’s Atlanta office before co-founding The DaVinci Group, a strategy and marketing consulting firm based in Atlanta that eventually became TopRight.  During his consulting career, Bill was also responsible for leading the consulting effort for a number of metro Atlanta initiatives to improve the quality of life and economic growth including the creation of the Atlanta BeltLine, the Metro Atlanta Transportation Initiative, and the Mayor’s Affordable Workforce Housing Task Force.

Bill received his M.B.A. with distinction from the Harvard Business School and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in marketing where he received the Outstanding Senior Award for the University.  He was chosen as one of the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2008.

An active member of the community, Bill has served on the Board of Directors for the Piedmont Park Conservancy, Board of Directors for the Ansley Park Civic Association, and the Board of Advisors for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.  Bill has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia, Board of Trustees for Mount Paran Christian School, Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership Board of Directors, and the Community Advisory Board for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.  He is an active supporter of the Atlanta Botanical Garden and High Museum of Art. Bill is a member of the CFA Institute and Atlanta Society of Finance and Investment Professionals.

Mona Harty
Mona Harty is currently the Director, East Coast Field Operations, and Leader, Diversity Equity & Inclusion for the Reservations Sales and Customer Care division at Delta Air Lines.  In this newly created role, Mona is responsible for the support and leadership of the 2000+ divisional front-line team members across the East Coast, operational performance, excellence in customer interaction experience, as well the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strategy for the division globally. Prior to this role, Mona joined Delta Air Lines in June of 2016 as the Managing Director for Program / Project Delivery and Quality Assurance for the airline.

Before joining Delta, Mona launched Mona Harty, LLC, a venture that provided management consulting, corporate innovation, mentorship, and public outreach to companies and individuals seeking to drive profit and innovation. Prior to creating her own business, Mona served as President and Chief Executive Officer for PSR Associates, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta Georgia.

Mona also held positions as the World-wide Production Manager, for iXL’s iXstream Division where she was charged with client managing and producing all of the Live and On-Demand streaming events. Prior to iXL, Mona spent five years as the founder, General Manager, and Director for the Cable Television & Multimedia facility at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta

Mona is also highly engaged with the Atlanta community.  She is an alumna of the Leadership Atlanta, Class of 2013, a member of the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of Atlanta and Central Outreach and Advocacy Center.

In 2013, Mona was named Women in Technology’s “Woman of the Year” for Small & Emerging Businesses for the state of Georgia. She also been a profiled member of the National Association of Professional Women.

Mona holds a B.A. in Communications from Pepperdine University, and a M.S. in Information, Design & Technology from Georgia Tech. In 2015, she earned a Mini MBA for Tech Executives Certificate from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business.

Chandra Stephens-Albright
Chandra Stephens-Albright has been the Managing Director at Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company since July 2017. She joined the nonprofit sector following a successful 22-year career at The Coca-Cola Company, where she led consumer-facing elements of the development and launch of Coca-Cola Freestyle®, the game-changing fountain dispenser named a “World-Changing Brand” by Interbrand in 2011.

Chandra is on the boards of True Colors Theatre Company, The Alliance Theatre, and the Atlanta Beltline Partnership (Nominating & Governance Committee Chair). She is a past member of the Emory Alumni Board (Development Committee Chair), the Emory College Alumni Board, the Emory Annual Giving Board (National Chair) and Girls Inc of Greater Atlanta (Board Chair). She is a member of the 2019-20 cohort of National Arts Strategies’ Chief Executive Officers Program, a 2018 alumna of Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta, and a member of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2005. She holds a BA in Chemistry from Emory University, and an MBA from the Olin School of Business from Washington University in St. Louis. She is married to Warren Albright.

Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier
Tony Sundermeier has been the Senior Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, a thriving 2,000-member Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation located in Midtown, since 2014.  He is married to Rev. Katie Sundermeier and together they have two sons, Jonny and Luke.  Tony earned his B.A. in Theology and Philosophy from Eastern University; his M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary; and his doctorate in Missional Leadership from Missio Seminary in Philadelphia.

Prior to his call to Atlanta in 2014, he served as the Lead Pastor for the First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, PA and before that as an Associate Pastor for Preaching and Teaching at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester, PA. Tony currently serves as the chair of the board of trustees for the Presbyterian Homes of Georgia, a Christian ministry providing exceptional services to enhance the quality of life for over 1,000 senior adults in the state.  He is a trustee for Columbia Theological Seminary and the chair of their Advancement Committee.  Tony is also on the board of Midtown Alliance, Board of Visitors of Agnes Scott College, and on the advisory board for Day1.  He enjoys coaching basketball, cooking, playing golf, and rooting for the four professional sports teams from Philadelphia.

Lisa Cannon Taylor
Lisa Cannon Taylor is a community leader in Atlanta who is renowned for her commitment, innovation, and wry wit. Today, she continues to work tirelessly, ensuring that more female arts are included and supported, building on her time as chair of the Georgia Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA). In addition, Lisa serves on the National Advisory Board of NMWA. Recognizing her contributions in arts advocacy, Lisa was tapped to join the High Museum of Art’s board of Trustees in August 2017 and she serves on the High’s Communication committee as well as the Collections committee. Immediately after joining the board, Lisa co-chaired the biennial Collector’s Evening which focused on raising record funds for curator driven acquisitions for the High Museum of Art.

After serving on the Piedmont Park Conservancy’s Landmark Luncheon committee as a Co-Patron chair in 2018, Lisa was asked to co-chair the 30th Anniversary luncheon in 2019 with Heather Hallett. Lisa and Heather oversaw a historic success, breaking both attendance and fund-raising records. Lisa helped create a video celebrating the Conservancy’s 30 year history, and instituted new techniques such as in-room text-to-give.

A strong supporter of her neighborhood, Ansley Park, Lisa was the Ansley Park community liaison for the Piedmont Park Advisory Committee, where she focused on gathering critical community feedback for the Piedmont Park Conservancy expansion. Lisa co-chaired Ansley’s Art in the Park numerous times, raising needed funds for greenspace and playground improvements. Lisa also served on the Ansley Park Civic Association Board as well as president of the Ansley Park Garden Club.

Lisa holds a BFA in visual communication from Auburn University, has served as Creative Director for Atlanta advertising firm Camp Communications and has taught at the Art Institute of Atlanta. She currently lives in Ansley Park with her husband, Chuck Taylor. The Taylors have two adult children, Alix and Miles, and two welcoming dogs, Hero and Jack.

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About Piedmont Park Conservancy
The Piedmont Park Conservancy is a member and donor funded nonprofit organization working in partnership with the City of Atlanta to maintain and enhance historic Piedmont Park. Founded in 1989, the Conservancy raises over $3 million each year to enhance and maintain the park. Today, the Conservancy manages over 90% of the overall maintenance and security of Piedmont Park.

Media Contact: Amy Han Risher
Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Relations
Piedmont Park Conservancy
E: arisher@piedmontpark.org
P: (404) 480-3758

Fourteen New Trees Planted in Piedmont Park

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Thanks to the Georgia ReLeaf grant from the Georgia Tree Council, Piedmont Park Conservancy was able to plant 14 new native trees this past December 2020. Trees provide a plethora of benefits including heat reduction, cleaner air and habitats for wildlife. We thank everyone involved as it was truly a collaborative effort.

“Thank you City of Atlanta Arborists, Piedmont Park Conservancy and Trees Atlanta for all your good work. What a lovely way to round out a horribly challenging year.  Your commitment to our beloved park and city is inspiring. Citizens like me really appreciate it and couldn’t ask for a better holiday gift!” – Rita

All 14 trees came from Redbone Nurseries and were 2-3” caliper, balled and burlapped.

  • White Oak, Quercus alba
  • Scarlet Oak, Quercus coccinea
  • Swamp Chestnut Oak, Quercus michauxii
  • Cherrybark Oak, Quercus pagodafolia
  • Silverbell, Large Flowered, Halesia diptera magniflora (3)
  • Blackgum, Nyssa sylvatica ‘Green Gable’ (2)
  • Southern Magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’ (1)
  • Tulip Poplar, Liriodendron tulipifera (4)

 

1,000 Mile Bike Challenge – Through This Pandemic by Frank Williams

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Our hearts were warmed when we heard about Mr. Frank William’s 1,000-mile COVID Bike Challenge in Piedmont Park. At the age of 73, Mr. Frank not only met his goal, but did it in a third of the time he aimed for!

Hear Mr. Frank’s story of how Piedmont Park saved him through the pandemic when all seemed lost.

People of all ages rely on Piedmont Park as their outdoor refuge. Maybe Piedmont Park has also been your sanctuary this year. The Park has plenty of space, and we as the Piedmont Park Conservancy welcome all.

Keep Piedmont Park Your Lifeline

In the most challenging times, Piedmont Park depends on the commitment of the Conservancy, its donors and its volunteers to keep it thriving. If you are able, please make a gift to the Piedmont Park Conservancy and keep Piedmont Park a lifeline for you and so many others.

Make a Gift

Piedmont Park Conservancy Supports the Vote in 2020 Election

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With over 134 zip codes represented in its visitors, Piedmont Park is a beautiful representation of Atlanta and the surrounding area. Piedmont Park is the most visited attraction in Atlanta bringing people of every age, race and income together which is why the Piedmont Park Conservancy has chosen to use its voice and channels to encourage all Atlantans to vote. This November, Piedmont Park and the Piedmont Park Conservancy will support the vote in many ways including serving as a polling location, encouraging and supporting staff voting, and joining the Georgia Support the Vote Coalition.

Piedmont Park as a Voting Location

On Tuesday, November 3, Magnolia Hall (1320 Monroe Drive) will serve as one of Atlanta’s several voting locations. A well-known location to many locals, Magnolia Hall is conveniently located by the parking garage and sits central in the Park. Additionally, Fulton County placed a Mobile Voting Bus at the Charles Allen Gate entrance in the Park on October 27 as another way to encourage early voting.

Conservancy Encourages Staff to Vote and Volunteer

While Piedmont Park will serve as a polling location, many Conservancy staff members live in other districts. The Conservancy offers three hours of paid time off for voting on Election Day or on other days if used for early voting. In an effort to further engage our team in the vital democratic process, the Conservancy is offering a paid day off for anyone that volunteers as a poll worker or who spends the day with a verified nonpartisan GOTV (Get Out The Vote) organization.

Conservancy Joins the Georgia Support the Vote Coalition

The Conservancy joined the Georgia Support the Vote Coalition, a nonpartisan coalition of over 150 Georgia business and community leaders committed to safe, fair elections. Coalition members are expected to help make it easier and safer for Georgians to vote in November by informing, encouraging and enabling their employees and communities. Share our posts on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram to further promote voting by November 3!

Do Your Part

While we have the right to vote, voting is not always easy. The Piedmont Park Conservancy implemented several measures to both enable the community and its team to more easily cast their ballots in the upcoming election. If you already voted, thank you for doing your part! If you have not voted yet, there is still time! Election Day is tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3.

Find Your Voting Location

Check Your Absentee Ballet

However you choose to vote, thank you!

Piedmont Park Conservancy Hosts Un-Party for Piedmont Park

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On Thursday, September 24, the Piedmont Park Conservancy hosted the Un-Party for Piedmont Park, the best event park supporters did NOT attend featuring Grammy nominated artist Shawn Mullins and celebrity Chef Ash Fulk,

Like many other nonprofits, the Piedmont Park Conservancy was faced with the challenge of hosting critical fundraisers within the limitations of the pandemic. The Conservancy sought a virtual lineup that would both highlight the passion for Piedmont Park and entertain guests in a technology-fatigued world. The Conservancy packed in musical performances, cocktail and cooking demonstrations, park testimonials, a silent auction, DJ dance parties in just 60 minutes.

Just over half of registered ticket holders and patrons logged in and virtually partied with the Piedmont Park Conservancy. The Un-Party event raised over $60,000 to benefit the Conservancy’s mission to preserve and enhance beautiful Piedmont Park.

Video Still Shot: Calvin the 3rd  Hosting the Un-Party for Piedmont Park

Video Still Shot: Charlotte Dixon gives a testimonial on why she supports the Piedmont Park Conservancy from her home.

Video Still Shot: Grammy nominated artist Shawn Mullins headlines the Piedmont Park Conservancy’s virtual Un-Party for Piedmont Park

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About Piedmont Park Conservancy
The Piedmont Park Conservancy is a member and donor funded nonprofit organization working in partnership with the City of Atlanta to maintain and enhance historic Piedmont Park. Founded in 1989, the Conservancy raises over $3 million each year to enhance and maintain the park. Today, the Conservancy manages over 90% of the overall maintenance and security of Piedmont Park.

Media Contact: Amy Han Risher
Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Relations
Piedmont Park Conservancy
E: arisher@piedmontpark.org
P: (404) 480-3758

Stay Active. Stay Healthy. Stay Safe.

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Getting some fun in the sun is so important for your mental and physical health, and Piedmont Park is the perfect space to enjoy some quality time in the outdoors. Staying safe and healthy is a top priority, and luckily we have four great tips on how to make sure we can all share the Park and feel safe!

The first tip is to remember to stay AT LEAST 6ft. away from other groups. With over 200 acres of Park to explore, everyone can enjoy. Maybe you’ll even find a new favorite spot!

The next tip is to make sure your circle is small. We’ve all been missing our friends and loved ones, and Piedmont Park is the perfect space to safely meet up with a SMALL group of your favorite people.

Getting fresh air is amazing for your well being, but remember to bring a mask and put it on when going through high traffic areas. This way, we can all feel safe and enjoy the Park!

Finally, let’s make sure we’re keeping it clean. Whatever you bring into the Park should either leave with you or end up in a trash or recycling bin. We’ve recently installed new recycling bins and trash cans to help make Piedmont Park green and clean!

Enjoy the last few weeks of summer and get outside and enjoy Piedmont Park. If we all remember these few rules, the Park will remain safe and open for everyone to enjoy.

Author: Olivia O’Brien

Help Me Help the Park: Erin Yabroudy

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Letter from Piedmont Park Conservancy Board Member Erin Yabroudy

This year has brought so many challenges that no one could have ever expected. Like so many others, I have faced uncertainty, had to adapt and pause for deep reflection. But through it all, Piedmont Park has remained a staple for my family, as I’m sure it has for you.

When I walk through the Park, I see a space that welcomes all. I believe that Piedmont Park is where people from all walks of life can come together. It’s also a place where we can safely make precious memories with loved ones, be active or take moments to clear our heads when the world around us seems uncertain.

Thanks to you, the Piedmont Park Conservancy is able to maintain a space that is safe, welcoming, and free for everyone to enjoy. But, the Conservancy needs your help more than ever. To help preserve and uphold the beauty of our Park, please join me in making an additional gift today. if you are able.

Donate Today

And thanks to a generous gift by two anonymous board members, all gifts made through July 31, up to $50,000, will be matched!  I’ve increased my support this year to help the Park in these uncertain times.  Please consider doing so as well – make your gift today.

Thank you for your continued support. Without people like you, none of this would be possible.

Thank you in advance,

Erin Yabroudy
Piedmont Park Conservancy Board Member

P.S. To hear more about why our family cares about Piedmont Park, enjoy the video below.

Donate Today

Winter Works (Video)

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Winter is the Conservancy’s time to shine! From restoring playgrounds and historical buildings to planting trees and raking leaves (so many leaves…), the Piedmont Park Conservancy is as busy as ever.

The winter months are crucial to building the foundation of a healthy park that leads to a beautiful spring, summer and fall to be enjoyed by all visitors.

“We are a 365 days a year Park.”

See what members of the Piedmont Park Conservancy operations team had to say about maintaining the Park in the winter.


Year-round support from park passionate individuals is essential to help us achieve our mission of keeping Piedmont Park clean, green, safe and active.

Support the Park Today

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