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The Play Date

“ I trust my practitioner but how am I suppose to choose to be happy when my whole world has been taken away from me?” Clara mumbled to herself as she wandered over to her livingroom window and stared out at the neighborhood.
She stood at the window and observed her next door neighborhood, Mrs. Prince and her young five year old daughter, Anna. Mrs. Prince had recently been divorced and was angry at the world. She couldn’t hear their conversation, but she noticed how the five year old’s shoulders slumped and her face lose its smile as her mother spoke to her, shaking her finger in the little girl’s face. She watched as Mrs. Prince started toward her car, but stopped to answer her cellphone. She observed Anna walk away and take a seat on the front porch steps, her eyes filled with tears. Clara’s heart went out to the little girl who was so sad at her parents’ predicament.
As she watched Mrs. Prince talk on her phone, something prompted her to go outside. Of late, she seldom went outside unless she was going out to run an errand. She stood on her porch; she didn’t want Mrs. Prince to think that she was trying to eavesdrop on her conversation.
“Hi Miss Clara,” Anna called out to her.
“Hello, dear,” she replied returning the child’s greeting.
“You have got to be kidding me!” Mrs. Prince said angrily into her phone. “I can’t get another babysitter on such short notice! I need to go on this final interview for this job!”
“Is there something I can help you with?”, Clara heard herself say to her neighbor, surprising herself.
“I have a job interview and my babysitter just cancelled on me! I really need to get this job!” Mrs. Prince replied in frustrated anger.
“I can watch Anna for a few hours for you,” Clara said to her neighbor. She couldn’t believe that she had just volunteered to babysit her neighbor’s daughter.
“Oh, would you please? It would be a lifesaver!” Mrs. Prince replied with obvious relief.
“I would be happy to help,” Clara replied. She believed in helping others, but she hadn’t volunteered to even help at church in several months.
She waited as Mrs. Prince and Anna went inside to get Anna’s backpack. Clara wondered if she had lost her own mind. She hadn’t been around any children since her own daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren had moved three thousand miles away. They were her only family and she sorely missed her grandchildren; hey had been the joy of her life. With Anna by her side, they watched as Mrs. Prince drove away.
“Looks like it’s you and me Anna. What would you like to do?” Clara inquired of the little girl.
“Can we go to the park?”, Anna asked softly.
“ Why not. We can go to the park near the petting zoo. My grandchildren loved the petting zoo. Would you like that?”
“Okay!” Anna answered, a happy smile on her face.
“Let me get my purse and my keys and we’ll go,” Clara told her.
Clara felt a happiness that she hadn’t felt in a long time as she drove toward their destination. She prompted Anna to help her sing ‘row ,row, row your boat’ as they headed for their destination. Fro the rest of the ride they happily sang the silly little song. Clara loved the light of joy on the little girl’s face as they sang. She had forgotten how a simple thing like singing a silly song could make you feel so happy. At the zoo, Anna enjoyed being able to pet the animals. Clara enjoyed watching the child giggle and laugh as she petted the animals.
From the zoo they went over to the park. Together, they swung on the swings and watched with joy as Anna demonstrated her dexterity on the jungle gym. Anna challenged her to walk on the kids’ balance beam. They enjoyed hot dogs, lemonade and ice cream cones for their lunch. Their next stop was the children’s museum where the displays were interactive. She loved when Anna asked her questions, some serious, and others silly ones that made them both laugh.
It had been a wonderful day. Clara hated to see the day come to an end. It had been a very longtime since she had played and laughed with the abandon of a child. She remembered what her practitioner had told her about having choices. She realized that she had chosen to withdraw from life because her family had moved away for a better future for themselves. It had been her choice to be unhappy. Today, Anna had shown her that she could make a better choice. She could chose joy and happiness. She could choose love.
As she pulled into her driveway, she could see Mrs. Prince arriving home.
“I hope Anna wasn’t a problem,” Mrs. Prince said as they met up in front of Clara’s house.
“She was a joy and the solution to a problem. She reminded me how it felt to laugh and play. I would be delighted to spend time with her any time,” Clara told her joyfully.
“Thank you, but you may regret that! I got the job so I may be asking you to babysit often,” Mrs. Prince expressed with the first smile that Clara had seen on her face since her divorce.
“Like I said, any time,” Clara replied.
Later as Clara made a cup of tea, she decided that she would call her daughter and her family. She was making a choice to have love, joy and laughter in her life. She was looking forward to having more play dates in her life.

Welcome to Ahiah’s Health & Wellness Faire!


Get ready to immerse yourself in a day designed to nourish your body, inspire your mind, and uplift your spirit. Our Wellness Faire brings together heart-centered presenters, transformative workshops, and a diverse array of vendors offering tools, resources, and experiences to support your well-being.

Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy:
Engaging Talks & Experiential Workshops – Discover new practices, deepen your self-care, and explore fresh perspectives.
Inspiring Exhibitors – Visit booths offering wellness products, healing services, and creative gifts.


A Community of Like-Minded Souls – Connect with people who share your passion for health, balance, and personal growth.

Classroom workshops will have limited spots, so be sure to sign up early to reserve your seat. This ensures you won’t miss out on the sessions that inspire you most. Details of Workshop & Classes below.

Admission:
$35 in advance | $40 at the door

Children under age 16 Love Donation

RSVP is important for Classroom workshops due to limited participant space.

Whether you come to explore, learn, or simply be inspired, the Wellness Faire is your invitation to take a breath, reset, and embrace what truly nourishes you. Stay tuned... more to come

Ahiah Wellness Faire Schedule

10:00–11:00 AM

  • Sanctuary – Meditation 101 – Rev. Michael Lattimore

  • Classroom* – New Beginning: How the Fall Solstice Inspires You – Donna Flood

  • Fellowship Hall – Connect to Your Body with Pilates
    – Lora  Pavilack

11:00 AM–12:00 PM

  • Sanctuary - Having Compassion for the One Who is Anxious – Rev. Veronica Silva

  • Classroom* – I've Got Your Number: Introduction to the Enneagram – Rev. Jeanne Hoffman

  • Fellowship Hall – Qi Gong – Ellen Gould-Silcott

12:00–1:00 PM

  • Sanctuary –Sanctuary – Release of Judgments and Self Forgiveness – FTC Alumni and Rev. Michael Lattimore

  • Classroom* – Eating Consciously on a Budget – Bailee Rad

  • Tai Chi - Ba Fa Wu Bu – Dorothy Waterman

1:00–2:00 PM

  • Sanctuary – Grounded & Glowing: The Empath’s Guide to INNERstanding – Dr. Erin Lightfoot

  • Classroom* – Make Your Own Sourdough – Taylor Uribe

  • Fellowship Hall –Fellowship Hall – Compassionate Self Forgiveness Trio Event – FTC Alumni / Rev. Michael (not a physical movement workshop)

​2:00–3:00 PM

  • Sanctuary – Conscious Parenting – Brigette Benchimal

  • Classroom* – Connecting with Your Soul Through Collage – Margo Gravelle

  • Fellowship Hall – Tao Tan Pai – Michael Copeland

3:00–4:00 PM

  • Sanctuary – Song Circle - Elizabeth Hangan

  • Classroom* – Using Horary Astrology to Answer Questions – Felipe Olivier

3:00–5:00 PM

  • Fellowship Hall – Limitless Flow Breathwork – Dave Gieselman

4:00–5:00 PM

  • Sanctuary –  

  • Classroom* – Healing Showers – Lake Payne

  • Patio Area - Drum Circle - Steffi Buffington

Booths

  • Unwrap Your Soul – Donna Flood: Astrology and Tarot (15 minutes, no charge)

  • Massage – Lorenzo Mendoza (10 minutes, no charge)

  • Organic Candle – Elena Christiansen

  • Reiki – Ellen Gould-Silcott (10 minutes, no charge)

  • Holistic Wellness - Dr. Erin Lightfoot 

  • Theta Healing - AnneLisa Vallery

  • Transformation Program - Freedom to Choose

  • Tarot - Steffi Buffington

  • Organic Clothing -  Arturo Jimenez

  • Aharo Designs apparel clothing - Arturo Ji

  • Alina Zhukovskaya - A reading to see what your purpose in life is and what may be blocking it.  (5 minutes, no charge)

Bios of Instructors/Class Descriptions 

 

REV. MICHAEL LATTIMORE:

Senior Minister and Spiritual Director for Ahiah Center for Spiritual Living

Meditation 101 

Release of Judgments and Self Forgiveness  

Compassionate Self Forgiveness Trio Event

BRIGITTE BENCHIMOL

Conscious Parenting

Brigitte is an award winning author, a photographer, a sound healer and an early childhood education expert. She was a director, owner, founder and a consultant for over 23 years. She is a progressive thought leader and a public speaker. 

Brigitte is passionate about education and neuroscience. She believes education must be hands-on, exciting, and filled with joy and discoveries.

She has advised hundreds of parents, children and teachers. She offers an empowerment parent program based on her practical pearls of advice book: Pearls for Parents’ Happiness - The Art of Parenting through Inner Love.

For the past 24 years she has operated 4 preschools in Southern California, which are still running successfully and served as a consultant to preschool owners and directors. 

Character education, emotional intelligence and choosing happiness were the pillars of her philosophy at Creative Mind Preschool in Hollywood, California, she founded in 2015 and sold in 2023. Creative Mind Preschool was nominated by several websites for 7 consecutive years as one of the Best Preschools in Los Angeles.

She has written 3 award winning children’s books as an educational program, an iPad application which are all part of the Award Winning series Jadyn and The Magic Bubble. The series covers the crucial topics of multiculturalism, diversity, peace and wildlife conservation. The books are entitled Discovering India, I Met Gandhi, and Kenya! Kenya!

Her books were adopted as part of the curriculum of the Boulder Valley School District as well as L.A. Head Start program. They are sold around the world.

MICHAEL COPELAND

Tao Tan Pai

Michael began his martial arts journey in 1990, training in Taoist and Buddhist kung fu, qigong, and meditation in the Tao Tan Pai lineage under Grandmasters Share K. Lew and Dr. Carl Totton. Teaching since 1996, he specializes in integration practices that cultivate health, strength, joy, and purpose through standing postures, coordination sets, qigong symbol-linking, and meditation. Founder of Kundala Institute, opening in Los Angeles in September 2025, Michael has taught and trained worldwide—including Nepal, Costa Rica, Thailand, Sweden, and Hawaii—and has been ordained as a Buddhist monk in the forest tradition. He is dedicated to guiding sincere students toward wholeness and personal transformation.

DAVID GIESELMAN

Limitless Flow Breathwork 

Dave is a former chef who now works as a performance strategist, helping high achievers who are stretched thin and ready to build more capacity. With over 20 years of experience in leadership and personal development, he draws on

breathwork, neuroscience, and flow principles to help people regulate their nervous systems and escape the cycle of chronic stress. 

His approach is shaped by real experience in high-pressure environments and focuses on practical tools. People work with him when they’re ready for clear, grounded, lasting change. This is applied physiology for individuals who want to feel better and lead more effectively.

Limitless Flow Breathwork:

Limitless Flow is an innovative breathwork modality that expertly bridges the intersection of ancient practices, such as Qi Gong and Pranayama, with neuroscience and applied physiology. 

Experience the release of stress and anxiety of a Limitless Flow Breathwork session. Tap into your true potential as you experience powerful techniques designed to immerse you in Flow State.

This expertly guided session offers immediate relief and rejuvenation, and sets the building blocks for long-term well-being.

Join us to elevate your mind, energize your body, and embark on a journey towards achieving your true, limitless potential. Feel the change, be the change.

- Everyone welcome! - Perfect for first-timers!

CLASS DESCRIPTION: 

What to expect:

- We will briefly introduce what we are doing and the techniques we will explore.

- Check-ins, questions/answers

- Active Breathwork ~50 min

- Meditation / Suspension

- Final check-in, experiences, questions/answers

*Avoid heavy meals 1-2 hrs before the session. (Breathwork with a full belly is not comfortable.)

Who Is This For?

This session is suitable for everyone but does require a basic level of health. Out of precaution, we advise against participation during pregnancy or if you have epilepsy. People with cardiovascular issues or other severe health conditions should consult a medical professional before starting breathwork.

MARGO GRAVELLE

Connecting with Your Soul Through Collage 

Life in California began for me at age 40, with a new marriage, and a lot to learn about living on the West Coast. I discovered that I was accepted here, into the art community, much more easily and have made career changes and choices based on my heart- felt love of all art forms.

Working with local teachers, mentors, and beloved guides, I have been allowed to develop at my own pace. I have been teaching: painting, drawing, paper mache , and the revealing art of Soulcollage for the past 25 years. I work with children and creative spirits of all ages.

My Secret, keeping an open mind. Respect my own work, and be willing to teach anyone who is looking for the door to the abundant world of creative process.

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Soulcollage process: Our desire to create is as old as time. Cuttings from Magazines, books, flyers, posters, newspapers will be available, and each participant will gather images that “speak to their Soul”.

Working with whatever you gather; cutting, layering, and placing them in your own style, the arrangements don’t

need to make “sense” to our objective mind. Not every image will be used, when you are satisfied with the

arrangement, you will glue the images to a 5x8 card. You will then be asked to write something on the back of the

Soul card that expresses a deeper meaning for you, only a few sentences are needed. We strive to be truthful, the

more we discover in Soulcollage the lighter our “Soul” will feel and it will be refreshed.

ELIZABETH HANGAN

Song Circle

Elizabeth is professional musician and music educator who mainly performs  and  teaches around Southern California.

In 2023 Elizabeth , attended a circle singing event  at her church, and realized that She wanted to be able to share this experience with others  so  she attended a Circle singing training session in San Francisco, offered by Bobby Mc Ferrin, and now holds her own Circle singing events whenever possible .

CLASS DESCRIPTION: Circle singing offers a safe and welcoming space to use your voice. No singing experience is necessary , just an open mind and heart. This is a guided vocal experience that is a lot of fun and very uplifting.

REV. JEANNE HOFFMAN

I've Got Your Number

Rev. Jeanne Hoffman is a retired ordained minister of Religious Science. An Anamcara Apprenticeship graduate, she studied the art of spiritual discernment using the Enneagram, with Richard Groves. A retired hospice chaplain, Jeanne was also involved in the NODA program at Los Robles Hospital. Her interests include Eastern philosophies, poetry (writing and reading), gardening, dancing, and anything that has a creative property.

Rev. Jeanne is a workshop facilitator, not only on the Enneagram, but pastoral caregiving, silent retreats, meditation (including Karma Yoga), and creative writing. Crone Wisdom is a newer area of interest. Workshop Title: “ I’ve got your number”: An Introduction to the ENNEAGRAM WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

The Enneagram has 9 main points placed on a circle that represent personality types. Sometimes we call it “the 9 FACES of GOD”. Each of us has an inner life that we may be reticent to share, and an outer behavior that everyone sees and usually judges. The Enneagram shows us ways to align the inner with the outer, which allows us to be more authentic and communicate more kindly and clearly. This is not a parlor game to type and judge others, it is a tool to help us speak and listen more deeply, beginning with ourselves.

 Free online test: eclecticenergies.com

DR. ERIN LIGHTFOOT

Grounded & Glowing: The Empath’s Guide to INNERstanding 

Dr. Erin Lightfoot is a Holistic Wellness & Attachment Guide who helps anxiety-prone helpers, healers, empaths, and energetically sensitive people learn how to get out of their head and into their body - so they can become securely attached, emotionally regulated, and relationally effective leaders. She holds a PhD in Mindfulness, Emotional Intelligence, and Relational Leadership, and is certified in breathwork, integrated attachment theory, health & nutrition, and yoga instruction.

Blending science with spiritual wisdom, Dr. Erin’s work draws on metaphysical teachings and the Science of Mind philosophy to help others strengthen their intuition, rebuild self-trust, and reconnect with the wisdom of their soul - by first strengthening the most important relationship of all: the one you have with your *Self*

Certified: Breathwork Coach | IIN Health Coach | Attachment Theory Relationship Coach | Yoga Instructor https://lightfootselfandsoul.com/

CLASS DESCRIPTION: 

PRESENTATION & HEALING INTENTION

Anxiety lives in the mind but is felt in the body. In this soul-centered session for empaths, healers & sensitive leaders, Dr. Erin Lightfoot unpacks the root cause of anxiety: unresolved attachment wounds.

Because when you learn to get into your body - mentally, emotionally, physically & spiritually - you begin to recondition old attachment patterns, regulate your emotions, protect your energy, and reconnect with your intuition.

As a relational being, your healing doesn’t come from bypassing or numbing - it comes from INNERstanding. And emotional regulation is more than just mental health ...it’s spiritual practice.

This is your SOULution to healing anxiety, becoming securely attached, and leading from your highest, most aligned *Self*

FELIPE OLIVER 

Using Horary Astrology to Answer Questions

Felipe journey into traditional astrology began after eighteen years of inner work in a Fourth Way spiritual school following the Gurdjieff-Ouspensky tradition, which he started in his early twenties. This experience gave him access to psychological systems connected to traditional astrology and strengthened his interest in healing approaches for both body and mind. His astrological education began in 2005 when he discovered the book "The Real Astrology" by John Frawley, one of the greatest living masters of traditional astrology. Felipe later became a trained horary astrologer, receiving the diploma of Horary Craftsman from John Frawley himself. In 2012, Felipe began studying medical astrology with Oscar Hofman, also a John Frawley graduate, after a transformative medical astrology reading that explained his ailments and redirected his approach to astrology. Felipe values astrology's ability to help people become more aware and experience less unnecessary suffering by shedding light on obscure forces in their inner and outer lives. His expertise covers horary astrology, medical astrology, and psychological, metaphysical, and spiritual applications.

Having worked through his own psychological challenges to reach what he calls "Peace of Spirit," Oliveira now shares insights from this journey with others seeking similar transformation. This personal experience informs his holistic approach to traditional astrological techniques. Oliveira is a published author currently finalizing two books on traditional astrology— one focusing on medical horary and another on mundane horary. He lectures and teaches courses to students across five continents. As a practitioner he offers personalized horary astrology consultations designed to guide his clients through life's critical decisions. 

More information about all aspects of Felipe Oliveira's work can be found at https://felipeoliveira.com.

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

The lost art of horary astrology applied to health matters of the body and mind.

LORA PAVILACK

Connect to Your Body with Pilates 

Lora Pavilack is a passionate movement educator specializing in Pilates and Gyrokinesis®. With years of experience helping clients build strength, flexibility, and body awareness, she blends precision with flow to create uplifting, transformative sessions. Whether guiding a group class or working one-on-one, Lora’s goal is to help every student move with greater ease, alignment, and joy.

https://pilatesstudiocity.com/founders-bio/

PilatesStudioCity.com

Pain-Free Posture Handbook Co-Author: On Amazon http://tinyurl.com/zbwhq9c 

Instagram @pscpilates 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PilatesStudioCity?mibextid=wwXIfr

BAILEE RAD

Eating Consciously on a Budget 

Bailee is a mindset coach and certified hypnotherapist dedicated to helping athletes and individuals unlock their full potential. With a focus on confidence, mindset, and holistic health, Bailee empowers clients to break through mental blocks and perform at their highest level—on and off the field.

Specializing in helping athletes who struggle to consistently play at their peak, Bailee guides them to reconnect with their inner power and build the mental resilience needed for elite performance. Beyond sports, she supports anyone ready to bring their goals to life by shifting mindset, nourishing the body, and reconnecting with nature.

Bailee believes that what we feed our mind and body deeply impacts our energy, focus, and overall well-being. Her work emphasizes the connection between mindset and physical health—because true transformation starts from within and is sustained by how we care for ourselves every day.

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

In today’s fast-paced world, preparing healthy, unprocessed meals can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this practical and inspiring session, Bailee will share how cooking and eating well can be simple, affordable, and even enjoyable. You’ll learn easy, budget-friendly strategies to nourish your body, save time, and support your highest self—without breaking the bank. Whether you’re cooking for one or a family, this class will leave you empowered to take small, sustainable steps toward better health and more energy.

TAYLOR URIBE

Make Your Own Sourdough 

Taylor is a farm-to-table educator and advocate for nutrient-dense, ancestral eating. With a passion for regenerative food systems and gut health, she teaches families and communities how to reconnect with traditional food practices for lifelong wellness. Inspired  by her own journey of healing through food, Taylor brings both science and soul to every class, empowering those to make real, whole food a part of their daily lives.

CLASS DESCRIPTION: 

Taylor for a hands-on sourdough workshop that goes beyond baking — this is bread with purpose. You’ll learn how to maintain a healthy sourdough starter, master the fermentation process, and bake a beautiful, nourishing loaf from scratch. Along the way, we’ll dive into the nutritional science behind sourdough: how fermentation transforms grains, improves digestibility, supports gut health, and helps unlock minerals. Whether you’re a total beginner or a curious baker, you’ll leave with the skills, confidence, and inspiration to bring this age-old craft into your kitchen and bellies.

What You’ll Learn: 

How to start and care for a sourdough starter
The science of fermentation and its impact on nutrition
Step-by-step bread-making techniques
How to incorporate sourdough into your routine

DOROTHY WATERMAN

Tai Chi - Ba Fa Wu Bu 

As a Professional Fitness Trainer for 34 years, I constantly seek new ways to help my clients engage in their wellness and fitness.  I have always enjoyed dancing and fitness activities since as long as I can remember.   From Iron Man Triathlon to Tae Kwon Do, I have done it all. I learned Tai Chi from a wonderful instructor named Pam Dong.   Her teacher was a monk!   She stressed perfection of movement and cultivating Qi (chi)  in our sessions and in life.  I really enjoyed it! I currently teach Tai Chi to a long time client who enjoys this in her beautiful back yard,

Title of class:

Ba Fa Wu Bu

8 Energies, 5 Directions

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

This 35 minute course will introduce the lovely flow and healing qualities of basic Tai Chi.  Moving slowly from our energy center (Dan Tien) is a beautiful way to de-stress and bring inner calm to body and soul. Some who wish to may do the form in their chairs

BOOTHS: 

STEFFI BUFFINGTON

Tarot: 

Steffi Is a long time student of Western Mystery traditions and the Kabalist Tarot school of Paul Foster Case and A.E. Waite. Steffi is also gifted in the art of Tarot divination or Divine Interpretation of the cards . She has spent several decades helping her clients gain insight to possible futures and shedding light on desired outcomes. Come and see what message the cards told for you. Steffi has read at the Renn Faires for years and also has several celebrity clients

Drum Circle: 

Steffi is  alsoa certified Village Music drum circle facilitator and Remo artist. She is a founder of the Agape Drum Ministry and the Sacred Rhythm Lodge where she has conducted community circles and ceremonies for over 2 decades. Using the Affirmative Prayer Steps of Ernest Holmes as the basis  of her “Rhythmic Prayer” approach and “Affirmative Mantra Beats” she facilitates beginners and professional percussionist alike into the joyous vortex of unifying rhythms.

studiosteffi@yahoo.com

ARTURO JIMENEZ

Aharo Designs Apparel Clothing

Aharo Designs is a spiritually inspired apparel brand that shares conscious messages with integrity, supports local businesses, and creates clothing from 100% organic materials.

LORENZO MENDOZA

Massage

Lorenzo Mendoza- licensed Massage-Therapist dedicated to promoting health and well-being through the power therapeutic touch. Having worked with both a physical therapist and a traditional healer specializing in musculoskeletal care, I have combined their methods to implement a range of techniques that have benefited my clients for years. With over a decade of experience in the industry, I’m always excited to learn and explore new frontiers that enhance the tools and techniques of an exceptional massage therapist.

 

ANNELISA VALLERY

Certified Holistic Full-Spectrum Doula

annelisavallery@gmail.com

Theta Healiing

ALINA ZHUKOVSKAYA

Alina Z is an award-winning, Board-Certified Health Coach, Chopra Life Coach, Detox Specialist, and former chef named creator of the #1 Best Diet in America by Harper’s Bazaar. She also holds a degree from Parsons School of Design and a Master's in Communication, blending style, soul, and science into one transformational experience.

Through her signature Wholistic Self-Discovery Coaching Program, Alina helps high-achieving women reconnect with their true purpose by transforming how they eat, dress, and live.

Her philosophy? When you eat to nourish your soul and dress to express your truth, you shift your inner state — and from that space, everything changes. Peace returns. Confidence rises. Sparkle comes back.

Alina’s mission is to help women become the version of themselves they dreamed of at 8 years old — radiant, powerful, and fully aligned

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