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    • March OBX Park News: Meet Your Ranger, The Wright Flight Academy, Partner Spotlight, and more

       
      Your March E-news preview:

       

       
      Your Parks, Your Impact
      Spring is almost here, which means things are changing – the days are longer, the air a little warmer, and our parks are coming to life as they thaw out from cold winter days. 

      One thing that doesn’t change is how each one of us love and support our Outer Banks national parks. Did you know that people like you have played a role in supporting our national parks through donations and other support since they were first thought of as “America’s Best Idea” over 100 years ago? 

      This year, we carry on that legacy as we celebrate five years helping you support our Outer Banks national parks. A lot has changed in just those five years:
      • You’ve helped create new ways to experience these special places.
      • Our parks have seen a record number of visitors that has only slightly slowed down today.
      • Our parks’ budget continues to tighten, making it more difficult for them to keep pace with our community’s needs. 
      That’s why your support is more important than ever this year. When you give a gift to Outer Banks Forever – whether it’s $50 or $500 – you allow us to help our parks adapt to these changes faster and easier. Together, we can ensure that these beautiful places remain a source of inspiration and wonder for years to come. 
      Donate Today
      We can’t thank you enough for being part of our Outer Banks Forever family for the past five years and look forward to the amazing work we can do together this year and beyond! 

      See you in our parks,

      Jessica Barnes
      Director
      Outer Banks Forever
       
      Meet Your Ranger: Robin Snyder
      Our Meet Your Ranger series introduces you to the many amazing people who support our Outer Banks national parks every day! 

      This month, we’re pleased to introduce you to Robin Snyder, Deputy Superintendent of our Outer Banks national parks!

      No two days are alike for Robin as she works closely with the Superintendent and division chiefs of administration, maintenance, visitor services, resource management, and visitor and resource protection to manage park operations for our three national parks! 

      Meet Robin
       
      The Wright Flight Academy: Part I
      Prepare for Takeoff!
      This content is brought to you by our National Park Service partners.
      Prepare for takeoff and join Wright Brothers National Memorial on an extraordinary adventure in partnership with Dare County Schools with The Wright Flight Academy!

      Experience the start of something special at Wright Brothers National Memorial with the first installment in a series of videos chronicling the extraordinary work being performed by students from First Flight High School. Over the next two years, 23 students will build their very own, two person “flying machine” (I.e., an FAA-certified airplane) on the same grounds where brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved their world-changing first flight on December 17, 1903! 

      We hope you’ll follow along and cheer these students on as they carry the torch of the Wright brothers’ legacy in The Wright Flight Academy!

      We’re proud to support this program by sponsoring this video series created by Rayolight Productions. As videos are made available, we’ll be adding them to our YouTube channel, sharing them on Facebook, and featuring them in our monthly e-newsletters. 

      Learn More
       
      Partner Spotlight: OBX Beverage
      If you’ve spent time in the Outer Banks, then you’ve likely enjoyed a beverage brought to you by our friends at OBX Beverage!

      OBX Beverage is the only locally owned and operated beverage distributor here in the Outer Banks. When Kiefer and Molly Pirrung purchased the business in 2021, they did so with the mission of contributing to our vibrant community, providing quality beverages and service to locals and visitors alike. 

      They are also passionate about protecting and enhancing our Outer Banks national parks, and have done so by supporting our Pathways to Your National Parks project! 
      Learn More
       
      NPS Explains:
      What’s Happening at Buxton Beach Access?
      This content is brought to you by our National Park Service partners.
      From 1956 until 2010, Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s Buxton Beach Access, located at the south end of Old Lighthouse Road in Buxton, North Carolina, served our nation as a military base for both the United States Navy and Coast Guard.

      Due to decades-long military usage and apparently incomplete restoration of the area, samples taken from the Buxton Beach Access beach tested positive in early September 2023, for petroleum-contaminated soils (PCS).

      Additionally, due to coastal erosion, abandoned facilities, construction debris, and septic systems associated with historic Navy and Coast Guard activities have been observed along the beach adjacent to the Buxton Beach Access.
      On September 1, 2023, as a precautionary measure, the beach adjacent to the former military site was closed after experiencing beach erosion from Tropical Storm Idalia and Hurricane Lee. The erosion uncovered potentially hazardous infrastructure associated with the Navy and Coast Guard bases and visitors reported a strong smell of petroleum. The Seashore filed two reports with the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Spill Response Center.
      Sediment samples taken in early September 2023, by the Coast Guard’s Spill Response staff came back positive for petroleum hydrocarbons with characteristics of light fuel oil, and lubricating oil. Since early September 2023, PCS have intermittently been observed on the beach.

      On September 25, 2023, the Dare County Department of Health and Human Services, the Seashore, and the Corps, issued a precautionary public health advisory.

      On February 9, 2024, Seashore staff noticed a very strong smell of petroleum products and multiple surfers reported that their wetsuits and hair smelled like fuel and noticed a sheen on the water near Buxton Beach Access. A number of reports were submitted to the National Response Center.

      Today, it appears that the foundation of the terminal building, including two cable terminal vaults and other infrastructure associated with NAVFAC Cape Hatteras, litter the beach, due to significant coastal erosion over the years.

      While the National Park Service remains concerned about the remnant infrastructure and PCS at this site, it is also proud that for 26 years, America’s first national seashore hosted NAVFAC Cape Hatteras, a military facility that played an essential role in tracking Soviet submarine movements and provided valuable intelligence to the U.S. Navy.

      The Seashore continues to support the military by providing land to the Coast Guard for important operations out of Hatteras Inlet and Oregon Inlet.

      What’s next?

      • The beach remains closed as a precautionary measure.
      • The Seashore will continue to communicate observations and concerns about the existence of PCS and debris to the Army Corps of Engineers and Coast Guard.
      • The Corps continues to evaluate the situation and if its authorities will allow for the removal of historic building infrastructure and associated PCS.
      • The Coast Guard is conducting a CERCLA investigation at the site to evaluate the presence of non-petroleum contaminants, which is underway and expected to conclude during the summer of 2024. The contract for the investigation is not related to the PCS observations in September 2023.
      To learn more about the history and status of this site from our National Park Service partners, click the button below. You can also learn more from our friend Joy Crist, Editor of the Island Free Press, by visiting her Editor’s Blog
      Learn More
       
      Celebrating Pony Birthdays!
      Join us in celebrating the Ocracoke ponies who have March birthdays!

      Did you know you can help these beautiful and unique ponies by symbolically adopting one or supporting the herd? Your support helps cover the costs of their ongoing care and feeding. When you Adopt A Pony or support the herd with a gift of $50 or more, you will receive an adoption certificate and a picture of your pony or of the herd to keep!

       
      Lawton – March 9

      Lawton is a handsome paint pony and is the Ocracoke herd’s only gelding. He is named after the late Lawton Howard, an Ocracoke local who generously loved and supported the ponies.

      Lawton enjoys playing with his four half-siblings in the herd and showing off for visitors! He’s also known for his loud, very noticeable snore!

       
      Paloma – March 22

      Paloma’s name, which means “dove” in Spanish, was given to her by the students at the Ocracoke School. Paloma’s mother was Spirit, a deeply missed member of the herd, and her father is Wentzel from the Shackleford Banks herd.

      She is very inquisitive and is usually the first pony to greet visitors at the Ocracoke Pony Pens!

       
      Rayo – March 26

      Rayo is one of the beloved ponies of Ocracoke Island. His name means “lightening”  in Spanish, and he is a paint stallion with lots of spunk!

      He is Paloma’s brother and is the father of Jobelle and Hazelnut. He is known for being very active and curious!

       
      Adopt A Pony
       
      Save the Date: National Park Week 2024
      Save the date for our favorite week of the year: National Park Week! We’ll also be celebrating our fifth birthday that week!

      This year, National Park Week will take place from April 20 through April 28. Highlights for the week include Earth Day, a fee-free day at Wright Brothers National Memorial, National Junior Ranger Day, and more! Stay tuned for more exciting details to come!

       
       
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      Copyright © 2024 Outer Banks Forever, All rights reserved.

      Our mailing address is:

      Outer Banks Forever

      PO Box 1635

      Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948-1635

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    • A New Year at the Coast, NC Coastal Federation

       
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      Dear Friends of the Coast, 

      It’s the start of a new year with new opportunities to improve the health of our beautiful coast! As you’ll read below, we are proud of last year’s accomplishments and have developed a set of ambitious goals for our work in 2024. To learn more about our plans for the year, be sure to check your mailbox soon for the winter edition of the Our Coast publication.

      – Todd Miller

      Executive Director

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      North Carolina boasts a large and productive estuarine system with 220,000 acres of salt marshes that provide vital habitats for fish, improve water quality, and protect against flooding. However, these marshes are threatened, and to ensure their protection, the Coastal Federation is leading a partnership to develop the North Carolina Salt Marsh Action Plan (NC SMAP), a five-year strategy to protect, restore, and preserve these vital ecosystems.

      The plan is part of the larger South Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative (SASMI), which prioritizes protecting and restoring nearly one million acres of salt marshes along the South Atlantic coast. The NC Salt Marsh Plan will serve as the foundation of the Coastal Federation’s New Marsh Program Goal that will focus on salt marsh conservation and restoration, facilitate salt marsh migration, and include our work to advance living shorelines along the coast.

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      Educating the next generation of coastal stewards is a critical part of the Federation’s work and it’s something our team of educators enjoys. Recently Coastal Education Coordinator, Rachel Bisesi led a lesson on the importance of oysters to a group of students in Carteret County.

      “We love partnering with different community groups and were honored to work with Carteret Parks & Recreation at Fort Benjamin to help educate the next generation about the value of oysters and healthy waterways.”

      During Rachel’s lesson, students had the chance to build an oyster reef of their own with the help of recycled egg cartons!

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      Tonight is the highly anticipated Wine & Brine event at Southern Salt in Morehead City and there is still time to grab your ticket!

      Come learn about our coastal protection and restoration projects while enjoying great company, delicious fresh oysters from local growers, and expertly paired wines. Wine & Brine will take place on January 19, 2024, from 6 pm to 8 pm at Southern Salt Seafood Company and Waterfront Restaurant in downtown Morehead City.

       CLICK HERE TO GET TICKETS 

       

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      One of our most popular events of the year is drawing near, the Hatteras Island Oyster Roast that will take place at Oden’s Dock on February 3. Tickets sell out fast but everyone can participate from their home in the online silent auction. This year’s auction includes incredible items like gift certificates to local restaurants and shops, stunning pieces of art, and more!

       CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS AND SILENT AUCTION 

       

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      As we begin the new year, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you’re looking for a perfect gift for your special someone, we’ve got just the thing for you. Adopt an oyster and not only will you get a sweet Valentine’s Day message for your loved one, but you’ll also be supporting the Federation’s efforts to restore oyster populations. Did you know that oysters are crucial to our estuaries because they can clean up to 50 gallons of water per day? They also provide habitat for other creatures and are delicious to eat too!

       CLICK HERE FOR YOUR ONE-OF-A-KIND VALENTINE 

       

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      Here’s a look at some recent news featuring the Federation:

       
       Want to Read More? Check out our Blog!

       

       

       
      Keep up with the Coast
      Stay up-to-date with the Coastal Review, North Carolina’s only nonprofit news service providing unbiased and investigative reporting on the issues that matter most to the coast. Subscribe
      News  |  Events  |  Give  |  Coastal Review  |  Forward to a Friend
       
      JOIN, RENEW OR DONATE
      North Carolina Coastal Federation
      3609 Highway 24 (Ocean) Newport, NC 28570
      252-393-8185
      www.nccoast.org

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    • Exciting Discoveries at Hayes Farm, Edenton, NC


      Edenton, NC - the prettiest town in the South!

      A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, historic Edenton always has an exciting calendar of events and places to visit! Edenton is at the mouth of the Chowan River on the northwest shore of Albemarle Sound.​​

      https://www.visitedenton.com/

      Hello,

      One of the exciting things happening in Edenton is the renovation and preservation efforts at Hayes Farm, once home to North Carolina’s fourth governor, Samuel Johnston.

      When the State of North Carolina finalized the purchase of the property in 2022, the Elizabeth Vann Moore Foundation began working with Down East Preservation to revitalize this important piece of history with the goal of transforming it into a 180-acre public park for residents and tourists to enjoy.

      We are excited about the many discoveries that have already been uncovered at Hayes Farm, and we invite you to follow along with the renovation efforts either through social media or by visiting Edenton.

      You can find out more about Hayes Farm by reading this week’s blog.

      Erienne Mizell,
      Tourism Director
      Visit our website!

       101 W Water St, Edenton, North Carolina 27932

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    • A Quiet Winter Getaway in Edenton, NC


      Edenton, NC - the prettiest town in the South!

      A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, historic Edenton always has an exciting calendar of events and places to visit! Edenton is at the mouth of the Chowan River on the northwest shore of Albemarle Sound.​​

      https://www.visitedenton.com/

      Happy New Year!

      We hope you’ve enjoyed a festive and happy holiday season.

      Winter has settled in and maybe you find yourself stuck in snow and ice. Are you craving a quiet winter getaway where you can relax and recover from the holidays?

      Why don’t you join us here in Edenton? While we do get a few beautiful snow days, they are usually short-lived. In fact, winter in Edenton brings milder temperatures and a peaceful landscape.

      So, come escape for a quiet winter getaway in Edenton where you can cozy up to a warm fireplace in one of our B&Bs and indulge in delicious food and drinks at one of our fabulous restaurants.

      We can’t wait to see you soon!

      Erienne Mizell,

      Tourism Director
      Visit our website!

      ​101 W Water St, Edenton, North Carolina 27932

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Edenton Harbor City Docks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor City Docks

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    • Shared Photo – Dawson Creek, NC

      Our thanks to Flora Moorman for this shot of Dawson Creek in Pamlico Sound.

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    • Annual First Day Hike, Jan 1st, Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, AICW Alternate Route

      Set in beautiful Camden Count, NC, the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center provides free dockage for cruisers' on the Dismal Swamp AICW Alternate Route

      The Dismal Swamp Route departs the southbound Waterway at MM 7.2. Our thanks to Sarah Hill for this invitation from Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!

      The Dismal Swamp State Park is hosting their annual First Day Hike on Jan. 1st, 2024 at 10am. Enjoy a relaxing and beautiful 2 mile loop of Supple Jack Trail with Ranger Alan Brown. See the link below for more details & contacts:

      https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/dismal-swamp-state-park/events/first-day-hike-2024

      Thanks,  

      Sarah

      Sarah Hill, TMP
      Director, Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

      Chairperson, Camden County Tourism Development Authority

      2356 US Hwy 17 North, South Mills, NC 27976

      252-771-8333 | shill@camdencountync.gov

      www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com

      www.VisitCamdenCountync.com

       

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For the Camden TDA/Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

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    • The other coup d’état: Remembering New Bern in 1898 – David Cecelski


      The white supremacy meeting was held at the Craven County Courthouse in New Bern, shown here. Photo: Susan Rodriguez/File photo

      Click here for  The other coup d’état: Remembering New Bern in 1898
      CoastalReview.org

      New Bern is home to CRUISERS NET SPONSOR New Bern Grande Marina.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers Net North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For New Bern Grand Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New Bern Grand Marina

       

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    • Gift Memberships from NC Coastal Federation

      A great gift idea anytime of year!

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      Have you heard about our updated gift memberships? This holiday season, your gift recipient will receive a brand new concept item: two felt oyster coasters. You won’t find table decor like this anywhere else! Gift memberships ordered before Dec. 17 will ship before the holidays.

      Not only will your gift recipient receive a set of oyster coasters, they will also get a full year of membership benefits including event invites, discounts, and a subscription to our Enewsletter. The Federation’s Gift Membership is the perfect way to celebrate with those who love the North Carolina coast.

      Click Here to Order Now!

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      Keep up with the Coast
      Stay up-to-date with the Coastal Review, North Carolina’s only nonprofit news service providing unbiased and investigative reporting on the issues that matter most to the coast. Subscribe
      News  |  Events  |  Give  |  Coastal Review  |  Forward to a Friend
       
      JOIN, RENEW OR DONATE
      North Carolina Coastal Federation
      3609 Highway 24 (Ocean) Newport, NC 28570
      252-393-8185

      Be the first to comment!

    • Celebrating the Coast – NC Coastal Federation

       
      Dear friends of the coast,

      The holiday season is upon us and we couldn’t be more grateful for your support throughout the year. The year may be winding down, but our work to protect and restore the coast is still in full force. As you’ll read below, we recently held a public meeting to recap the latest work being done to restore Lake Mattamuskeet, and we’re pleased to announce that new support will ensure this work continues over the next five years.

      – Todd Miller 

      Executive Director

       

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      Earlier this month the Coastal Federation and Hyde County held a public meeting to brief participants on recent actions to restore Lake Mattamuskeet.

      The meeting included briefs from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, UNC’s School of Government, engineers from GPI, Greenman-Pedersen, Inc., consultants from Geosyntec, and representatives from the Federation.

      Each group provided an update on the work they’ve been doing over the past year to implement the Lake Mattamuskeet Watershed Restoration Plan. We appreciate everyone who joined us at the meeting, and for those who couldn’t attend, each presenter’s recorded updates can be viewed on our website.

      Just after our public meeting, the Federation received notice from the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program that $16.86 million in funding was awarded to support continued restoration efforts at the lake over the next five years.

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      After a year of planning and permitting efforts, construction is set to begin to help restore the eroding shoreline along Sugarloaf Island in Morehead City.

      This tiny island sits just in front of downtown Morehead City and offers protection to the homes, and businesses there, but for years the small island has experienced chronic erosion. In an effort to protect and restore this island, the Federation, the Town of Morehead City, Quible and Associates, and aquatic restoration firm; Sea and Shoreline have joined forces to develop a plan to protect the island.

      Restoration methods for this project include reducing wave energy with an offshore living breakwater, planting seagrass behind the living breakwater, and planting a living shoreline on Sugarloaf Island. The living breakwater will not impede normal vessel traffic because it will be installed in areas too shallow for vessels to navigate safely at high speeds. The breakwater will also be staggered so that fishers can fish around it or pass through sections of the wave attenuators. Construction on the wave attenuators has already begun and contractors are expected to begin installing them in early January.

      A press conference was held on Nov. 15th to mark the beginning of the construction, partner organizations joined the Federation, State Senator Norm Sanderson, and Representative Celeste Cairns.

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      Recently we had the chance to take a group of students out exploring and it was such a great day! These students are part of an environmental education class at North Carolina Central University. Their visit included a trip to Hammocks Beach State Park where we got to spend time exploring the coastal estuaries. The students also joined us at Dodea Johnson Primary School at Marine Corps Air Station New River, where they led a lesson on living shorelines and oysters to the entire second grade!

      We had so much fun with this group and we’d like to thank our project supporters from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, NOAA, Lady Swan Boat Tours, and Hammocks Beach State Park.

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      This month we’d like to take a moment to highlight a special series by Coastal Review.Org. Frank Stick helped to shape the Outer Banks, in this series written by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Gil Gaul, you’ll get a deep dive into newspaper clippings, archives, and other sources that uncover the complex story of the New Jersey artist, outdoorsman, developer, and speculator. We have thoroughly enjoyed reading this series and we know you will too!

       

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      Click Here to Read

      Be sure to subscribe to Coastal Review for daily news and features about our coast.

       
       
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      We’ve got some exciting news to share with you. If you’re aged 70 1⁄2 or older and have been looking for ways to give back to the community, then you’re in luck! You can now complete charitable distributions from your individual retirement account (IRA) and support the Federation. And here’s the best part – your donation can count toward your required minimum distribution.

      But wait, there’s more! You can also show your love for the coast by donating stock to the Federation. These giving options are super easy to do and will help you cross off one more item from your to-do list. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make a difference together!

      Please contact Sarah King via email or at 252-393-8185 for more information so we can be on the lookout for your gift!

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      Have you heard about our updated gift memberships? This holiday season, your gift recipient will receive a brand new concept item: two felt oyster coasters. You won’t find table decor like this anywhere else! Gift memberships ordered before Dec. 17 will ship before the holidays.

      Not only will your gift recipient receive a set of oyster coasters, they will also get a full year of membership benefits including event invites, discounts, and a subscription to our Enewsletter. The Federation’s Gift Membership is the perfect way to celebrate with those who love the North Carolina coast.

      Click Here to Order Now!

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      We are so excited to share with you that we’ve made your holiday shopping even easier this year with our Holiday Pop-up Shop! Head over to our gift shop to see an exquisite collection of coastal-themed holiday gifts that are sure to wow anyone on your list! The best part is that with each purchase you’re also helping to support the Federation’s mission to protect and restore our beautiful coast.

      Shop Now!

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       Want to Read More? Check out our Blog!

       

       

       
      Keep up with the Coast
      Stay up-to-date with the Coastal Review, North Carolina’s only nonprofit news service providing unbiased and investigative reporting on the issues that matter most to the coast. Subscribe
      News  |  Events  |  Give  |  Coastal Review  |  Forward to a Friend
       
      JOIN, RENEW OR DONATE
      North Carolina Coastal Federation
      3609 Highway 24 (Ocean) Newport, NC 28570
      252-393-8185
      www.nccoast.org

      Be the first to comment!


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