OSSINING WEEKLY WEB BLAST DECEMBER 17, 2020
Village & Town Information
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Helpful Information from the Village of Ossining, Westchester County & New York State |
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The Village of Ossining is committed to sharing up-to-date and relevant information regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic. In our weekly web blasts you will find this section dedicated to new information. For previously shared information, please visit the Village of Ossining's dedicated Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) page. |
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Each week, Mayor Victoria Gearity prepares a Mayoral Monday Message for the Ossining community, which focuses on current Board and community issues. This message also includes various public interest matters, including programs, services, and events going on in the Village.
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Did you miss this years virtual Tree Lighting Ceremony? You can watch it here! |
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Westchester County Update |
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Westchester County IDA Votes Preliminary Approval of Tax-Exempt Bond Financing for Renovation of Affordable Apartments Click here for more info
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As we continue to see the number of COVID-19 cases surge across the nation, it is beyond critical that we ensure hospitals, and hospital systems as a whole, develop additional capacity and prepare to work cooperatively with each other to prevent any one facility from becoming overwhelmed. This work is already underway through the State's "Surge and Flex" program. At the same time we are also focused on what comes next and on ensuring that the vaccine's distribution is fair and equitable.
The distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine will undoubtedly go down as one of the most massive governmental operations in history. For it to be truly successful, underserved communities cannot be overlooked. Governor Cuomo will continue to urge the federal government to fund outreach and take all the necessary steps to ensure that no communities are left behind during vaccine distribution. The communities that suffered the most during this pandemic must not be the last to get the vaccine.
A critical step in the FDA vaccine approval process took place. Members of the FDA's vaccine advisory panel—which is made up of scientific experts, infectious disease specialists and more—met to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech and voted to recommend that the FDA grant Emergency Use Authorization to Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine.
Members of New York State leadership sent a letter urging Congress to provide stimulus funding. Mayor Bill de Blasio, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, New York labor leaders and Governor Cuomo issued a letter urging New York State's Congressional delegation to provide enough funding in the next federal stimulus package to avoid catastrophic cuts to the city and state budgets. New York State has been the hardest hit by COVID-19 and we need funding in the next stimulus to be allocated based on the needs of each state. Read the letter here.
New York is launching the New York Forward Small Business Lease Assistance Partnership. Recognizing the economic impact of COVID-19, this program will provide small businesses and their landlords with informational resources and pro bono assistance to help both parties reach mutually-beneficial lease workout agreements. This service is available to all New York State small businesses and landlords, and participation is voluntary. Over the next year, the partnership has the capacity to serve thousands of small businesses statewide. Learn more here.
On December 10th, New York's independent COVID-19 Clinical Advisory Task Force unanimously approved the FDA vaccine panel's decision to recommend the Pfizer vaccine. The Task Force, which is chaired by Nobel laureate Dr. Charles Rice, was able to review data on the vaccine concurrently with the FDA, allowing for a thorough review for New Yorkers.
This added level of approval should give New Yorkers additional confidence in the vaccine. As we prepare for the great task of administering the vaccine, we simultaneously continue to act to slow the spread of the virus and to ensure hospital capacity. We are constantly calibrating our strategy with the goal of maintaining as much economic activity as possible, while protecting public health. Today we took several new measures to that end.
To protect hospital capacity, New York will implement new metrics to determine micro-cluster zones. Under these updated metrics, Red, Orange and Yellow Zones will now be determined as follows: A Red Zone will be implemented when a region reaches a critical hospital capacity—that is, when 90 percent of beds are full (after measures to increase capacity have been taken). An Orange Zone will be implemented if an area has a 4 percent positivity rate over the past 10 days (on a 7-day average) and is located in a region that has reached 85 percent hospital capacity. A Yellow Zone will be implemented if an area has a 3 percent positivity rate over the past 10 days (on a 7-day average) and is in the top 10 percent in the state for hospital admissions per capita over the past week and is experiencing week-over-week growth in daily admissions. It sounds complicated—but the basic idea behind these metrics is to ensure that hospital systems are not overloaded.
Starting December 14th, indoor dining in New York City was suspended. This is in response to the continued increase in positive cases and hospitalizations, in addition to recently issued CDC guidance emphasizing the high risk of indoor dining. Outdoor dining, delivery and takeout will remain in place. This suspension will continue to be re-evaluated based on updated data over the coming weeks.
The State Department of Health is directing New York hospitals to take additional steps to help keep capacity below 85 percent. Under the directive, hospitals must either add additional capacity, reduce elective surgeries, or a combination of both, in order to remain under 85 percent. This measure expands on the previously announced "Surge and Flex" protocol.
Governor Cuomo will sign an Executive Order extending the State's moratorium on commercial evictions. This moratorium will provide support to small businesses and other tenants during these difficult times. These businesses need help now more than ever, and Congress must include support for bars and restaurants in the next stimulus package.
Gyms and personal care services will be permitted to open in Orange Zones with limited capacity. Starting Monday, December 14th, gyms, fitness centers, salons and barber shops—which are currently closed in Orange Zones—will be allowed to operate at 25 percent capacity. Employees must be tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis. This is good news for establishments in Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, among other Orange Zone locations—and a testament to the success these industries have had across the state in keeping patrons safe.
On Monday, December 14th, history was made when Sandra Lindsay, a frontline ICU nurse and New Yorker, became the first American to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in a non-trial setting. Sandra received the vaccination at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens. After her vaccination, Governor Cuomo asked Sandra over Zoom how she felt and what she wanted to say to her fellow Americans. Her words speak for themselves:
"I am hopeful. I feel hope today—relieved. I feel like healing is coming and this marks the beginning of the end of a very painful time in our history. I want to instill public confidence that the vaccine is safe. We're in a pandemic and so we all need to do our part to put an end to the pandemic, and to not give up so soon. There is light at the end of the tunnel, but we still need to continue to wear our masks, to social distance. I believe in science. As a nurse, my practice is guided by science and so I trust that. What I don't trust is that, if I contract COVID, I don't know how it would impact me or those who I come in contact with, so I encourage everyone to take the vaccine."
Hospitalizations could approximately double in one month if the current rate of growth continues. The fall and winter surge could lead to 11,000 people hospitalized with COVID and 3,500 additional fatalities in a month if the current rate continues. Please take this threat seriously. Yes, we have a vaccine—but we must be cautious and diligent in the days ahead to slow the spread as the vaccine distribution ramps up.
When you're indoors with people outside of your household, remember to wear a mask. Contact tracing data shows that 74 percent of COVID cases where the cause is known can be traced to small gatherings and the household. The CDC is urging—as are we—that you wear a mask indoors whenever you are with people that you don't live with, in both public and private settings.
Everything we have done from the start of this pandemic has been based on the facts, and the facts are that COVID cases, hospitalizations and deaths are all on the rise across the country. We are on an unsustainable trajectory and if we don't act now, hospitals could become overwhelmed in January.
Right now, New York is focused on growing hospital capacity through our Surge and Flex program and requiring hospital systems to begin working together so they are prepared. As those operations continue, it's on all of us to be smart, tough, and do what we know stops the spread—socially distance, wear masks and wash our hands. The goal is to avoid another shutdown and we will only be able to do that if we all do our part.
In the second round of the program, Nourish NY has so far spent $3 million to help New Yorkers in need. Over 2.8 million pounds of raw milk has been turned into dairy products and distributed by food banks, along with 993,000 pounds of produce. Over 1.1 million households in need have received products sourced from New York farms. With food insecurity impacting millions of Americans, we encourage all those in need to visit a food bank or pantry.
As we see hospitalizations climb, remember that what we do collectively influences what happens. New Yorkers can stop a shutdown, New Yorkers can save lives. It depends on what we do. Right now we need to manage the hospitals, administer the vaccine and slow the spread.
New York launched a new website about the COVID-19 vaccine with everything you need to know. It provides New Yorkers with a one-stop location for accurate and up to date information on the vaccine, safety, distribution priorities and more. On the site, New Yorkers can find general information about the vaccine, a detailed Frequently Asked Questions section that provides facts about the vaccine's safety and efficacy, and other questions you may have.
The State has identified Regional Vaccination Hubs to develop vaccination networks ahead of Phase 2. These hubs will be led by local hospital systems and will work with community leaders to develop vaccination networks, which will guide vaccination administration for the second phase. Under the state's plan, the second phase of administrations will focus on essential workers and individuals in the general public who are most at risk.
New York State health insurers will be instructed to cover COVID-19 vaccinations. The New York State Department of Financial Services issued a letter to New York-regulated health insurers directing them to immediately cover, without cost-sharing, approved COVID-19 immunizations and administrations. No New Yorker will have to pay a penny to get the vaccine.
The State has received 87,750 total doses so far. As of Wednesday, NYS received 77,025 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. An additional 80,000 Pfizer vaccine doses will arrive in the coming days to start the vaccination program for residents and staff at nursing homes.
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Matrix Consulting Group was selected by the Village of Ossining to conduct the Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative. This study is a collaborative effort driven by the community, and we want to hear about your experiences and opinions regarding the Ossining Police Department.
Please take the time to complete the survey so that your feedback can be included in the study. The survey is completely anonymous, and individual responses will never be shared with either law enforcement or government officials. Only the Matrix team can see the responses, which we will use to present a summary of our findings.
If you prefer to leave feedback by audio, please call our toll free number (866) 262-9756 and leave a voicemail.
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La villa de Ossining seleccionó a Matrix Consulting Group para llevar a cabo el Colaborativo de reforma y reinvención policial. Este estudio es un esfuerzo conjunto impulsado por la comunidad, y nos gustaría escuchar acerca de sus experiencias y opiniones sobre el Departamento de Policía de Ossining.
Tómese un momento para completar la encuesta, para que podamos incluir sus comentarios en el estudio. Esta encuesta es completamente anónima, y nunca se compartirán las respuestas individuales con los cuerpos policiales ni con funcionarios gubernamentales. Solo el equipo de Matrix podrá ver las respuestas, y las utilizará para presentar un resumen de los hallazgos obtenidos.
Si tiene alguna consulta, no dude en comunicarse con Ian Brady a la dirección ibrady@matrixcg.net. Gracias por su tiempo.
Si prefiere dejar sus comentarios a través de audio, llame a nuestro número gratuito (888) 958-1384 y deje un mensaje de voz.
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PUBLIC NOTICE
TO RESOLVE TRAFFIC & PARKING SUMMONSES ISSUED IN THE
TOWN OR VILLAGE OF OSSINING
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So that we can reduce persons having to appear in Court on traffic or parking matters, and to expedite resolutions in resolving traffic or parking infraction matters, pleased be advised that you have the ability to plea your traffic or parking matter by email/mail.
If you received a traffic infraction before the Justice Court of the Town of Ossining, involving a violation of the Vehicle and Traffic law, the person handling your ticket is the Town Prosecutor. The Town Prosecutor can be reached at vtlviolations@villageofossining.com.
If you received a parking infraction before the Justice Court of the Town of of Ossining, (which handles ALL Village Parking matters), the person handling your ticket is the Deputy Corporation Counsel. The Deputy Corporation Counsel can be reached at parkingviolations@villageofossining.org. |
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**NEW COMMUNITY CENTER WIFI**
Password for all WIFI Networks:
95Broadway
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Dear Community Members:
The Ossining School District is engaging in a strategic planning process to establish key goals for the next three-five years. A brief electronic survey is open for community members who are residents without students currently in the school system. To participate, please follow this link or go to the link provided on the district website and complete the brief survey by November 24th. Your opinions and recommendations will be greatly appreciated.
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Upcoming Programs in the Village and Town of Ossining |
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Ossining’s Down to Earth Farmers Market will be open regular hours this Saturday
When: Saturdays from 9AM-1PM
Where: Near Market Square at the corner of Spring & Main Streets, Ossining, NY
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FREE Weekly meditations
What: Join Elisha every week for a great way to start or end your day with a short meditation filled with love!
When: Tuesdays 8:30am & Wednesdays 8:30pm
Info: If you miss it- don't worry, we post them to CYP'sYouTube Channel
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FREE Weekly yoga classes
When: Tuesday 9:15am-9:45am, Wednesday 7:00pm - 7:45pm
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Don't miss Ossining Village Trustee Omar Lopez's podcast - "Omar Lopez Talks to the People"
What: Every Sunday, Ossining Village Trustee Omar Lopez releases a new podcast covering local issues and interviewing officials and community members. From improving parking to legalizing backyard chickens, no issue is to too large or small.
When: New episodes available every Sunday
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Ossining’s Museum in the Streets (MITS)
What: MITS is a free, self-guided walking tour and consists of 25 numbered panels with images and explanatory text about the architecturally and historically significant buildings within the Downtown Ossining Historic District.
When: On a 24/7 basis
Where: The tour starting point is located on the north side of the Ossining Open Door Medical Center at 247 Main St. in Downtown Ossining. However visitors one can also begin at any of the numbered panels and take as few or as many panels as desired.
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The Westchester-Fairfield Joint Electrical Apprenticeship Training Committee (WFJEATC), Local Union #3 IBEW, will conduct a recruitment from September 15, 2020 through September 14, 2021 for 15 Electrician apprentices. To request an application, email wfjeatc@jibei.com. For more information on this program, click here. For more information on NYEAC, click here. |
St. Matthews Headstart Daycare Early Headstart & Headstart Program
What: High quality research based curriculum, screenings and services to support healthy development and promote school readiness; family support, nutrition, guidance and access to community resources.
Hours: Head Start Hours 9:00 – 3:00pm/Daycare Hours 7:00-9:00am & 3:00-6:00pm
Contact: For more information contact St. Matthew’s at 914-941-1715
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Green Ossining Launches ‘Green Ossining Sustainability Partnership
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Theater O Classes!
What: Theater O offers classes in all things theater for children ages 3+: From Acting to directing, play writing to design, Improv! to Musical Theater and more. Our faculty is comprised of seasoned professionals who excel in their craft. Listen, Learn, Imagine, Perform & Join the Play. visit www.theatero.org.
Where: Theater O @ 25 State St, Ossining, NY 10562
Contact: (914) 487-4322
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REGISTRATION FOR CLASSES at LOGREA now open online
What: Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Theatre Dance and Mommy and Me
When: March 16th for CURRENT Students; March 30th for NEW students
Where: Logrea Dance Academy, 2 Dale Ave, Ossining NY 10562
Info: Beginner to Advanced training. Discounts available. Scholarship auditions in September.
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Ossining Athletic Booster Club
What: The Ossining Athletic Booster Club is a not-for-profit volunteer organization established in 2001 to promote the athletic programs of the Ossining School District, recognize their achievements, and support Ossining's student-athletes and coaches by funding items not in the school budget and awarding scholarships to worthy graduating seniors of Ossining Athletic Booster Club members and donors.
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CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Admissions Test -TACHS PREP CLASSES & BOOT CAMPS
What: Prepare with us for the TACHS – Test for Admissions to Catholic High Schools. This course will heavily concentrate on the Reading, Language, Mathematics and Reasoning skills covered on the TACHS Examination. During class, students will practice timing, test taking strategies and extensive drill and review of all TACHS Exam topics. Register online at https://www.eduscapeassociates.com/tachs-exam-prep-classes/
When: Fall 2020-Check website for schedule of Classes/Boot Camps
Contact: Eduscape College & Test Prep Dr. Gayle Marchica, Principal Mobile/Text 914.886.5043 Office 914.941.4148 info@EduscapeAssociates.com
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Therapeutic Foster Parents NEEDED
What: Family Services of Westchester is looking for individuals who are interested in learning about becoming a Therapeutic Foster Care Parent! We are looking for loving people willing to open their homes and hearts to a child in need of a stable, safe home environment.
Contact: Please contact Melissa Aversa, Home-finder & Recruitment Specialist at (914) 358-5828
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Volunteers Needed - English-Spanish Translators
What: The Ossining School District needs volunteers! Volunteering offers an opportunity to serve the community and can be a rich, rewarding experience. The district is seeking bilingual English-Spanish volunteers to serve as translators at district and school events. These events include but are not limited to, parent-teacher conferences, parent engagement nights and college fairs. We are dedicated to ensuring all members of our diverse community have equal access to Info and can fully participate in the educational life of their children. An Infoal flier is attached. Please kindly share this Info with members of your agency and/or community. Individuals with some time to serve as a translator and who are interested in making a difference may fill out an online form to be added to the district’s translator database. We welcome and greatly appreciate your help!
When: Ongoing
Where: Ossining Union Free School District
Contact: Ms. Ferzeen Shamsi at (914) 762-5830, ext. 4309
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Mike Risko Music now accepting registrations
What: Mike Risko Music, just named a Top 100 Music School/Store in the world by NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) is now accepting registration for Fall session music lessons.
When: Call or email today to schedule a free trial and/or find out about our programs
Where: All programs are offered at Mike Risko Music right here in Ossining.
Info: Design your own schedule and take music lessons on any instrument or voice in our state of the art studios. All ages, levels and instruments are welcome! We even have programs for adults.
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Safety Tips from the Ossining Fire Department
Sign Up for NIXLE Alerts: The Village of Ossining has launched a program to help notify the public of emergencies, road closures, hazardous conditions, and other incidents concerning the public within the Village of Ossining. This program, called Nixle, is a free program and allows members of the public to receive these messages in email, text message, and on an internet web site. Village of Ossining residents are urged to subscribe to receive emergency messages only by texting 10562 to 888777 on their cell phone, or to receive a full complement of messages, including community updates residents can visit www.Nixle.com and click the sign up now! button.
Sign up for ConEdison Customer Alerts via Text: Use your cell phone to text REG to OUTAGE (688243) and follow the prompts. You will need your account number and zip code. To retrieve your account number, log in to My Account or check your next bill. This information is also located on the ConEdison website at coned.com/text.
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Tri-State Mask Makers are creating masks for those in need - healthcare workers to neighbors in nursing home.
Your donation will allow many sewists to continue with their work of love. |
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The Ossining Micro Fund is a non-profit organization offering interest-free loans to individuals and families who encounter unexpected financial obstacles. Our philosophy is to “pay it forward” – when a loan recipient repays a loan, the money becomes available to help another person in need. Click here for information . |
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*The Village makes no representation that donations are tax deductible. You should always check with your tax professional |
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What can you do?
As many of you know, our local food pantries and non-profits have been coming together to ensure our community does not go hungry. We can’t thank these organizations enough for all their help. Below you will find links to our local non-profits that have been working in partnership with the Village of Ossining to distribute food to people who need it. If you would like to provide donations or volunteer support we encourage you to do so*.
These efforts will continue through this COVID-19 pandemic and thereafter. We are proud to say that many of our local restaurants are also taking donations toward providing meals to those in the community that cannot leave their homes. We will be including this information in a section of our Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) web page.
Please send emails to webblast@villageofossining.org if you know of any other Ossining based agencies that are providing food during this time so that we can add them to this list.
We appreciate your commitment to our community.
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Any New Yorker who sees excessively priced consumer goods and services that are used primarily for personal, family or household purposes to prevent or respond to the Covid-19 virus should file a complaint with the New York State Division of Consumer Protection.
or
Consumer hotline +1 800-697-1220
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WEB BLAST FORMAT
Do you have an event, Info or picture of the Village of Ossining that you would like included in this web blast? If so please submit to webblast@villageofossining.org. All Info must be submitted by noon on the Wednesday prior to the distributed web blast. Submissions included in this listing are intended solely to inform of events and Info of general interest to subscribers. The Village of Ossining does not necessarily endorse or support organizations or entities whose events and / or activities are listed above. The Village makes no representation as to the accuracy thereof, nor does it assume any liability in connection with same. Please don't print this e-mail unless necessary. All submissions must follow the format listed below:
Title:
What: [Limit description to 100 words or less]
When:
Where:
Info: [May include a single flyer]
Contact: [Name of organization/ individual, phone, email]
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Ossining Community Christmas Crib Dedication
What: Annual Dedication of the Christmas Crib
When: Sunday December 6, 2020 at 2pm
Where: House of Refuge Apostolic Church----formerly Washington School, Corner of Croton Ave. & Todd Pl.
Info: To help defray the cost of maintaining the figures donations can be made payable to "The Ossining Community Christmas Crib" can be sent to Bonnie Marconi, 7 Nelson Ave, Ossining, NY 10562. There is also a 50/50 raffle available, please contact Bonnie Marconi.
Contact: Bonnie Marconi (914)941-601
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Ossining Prison Ministry, Inc.
What: Volunteers for a hospitality program at the Sing Sing Correctional facility that is held
When: Saturdays, Sundays, and most major holidays; from 8am to 11 am or 12pm to 2:30pm.
Where: Sing Sing Correctional Facility 354 Hunter Street, Ossining NY 10562
Info: Our organization provides hospitality to the visitors who come to visit their loved ones. We also provide toys, puzzles, and games to the people in the facility to help normalize the visiting time.
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