Tag Archives: Christmas

Missing Santa – A Virtual Event This December

9 Dec

It’s days before Christmas and Santa has disappeared! Detective Bill Jingle is on the case and he searches for help from Santa’s close friends, a talented group of interesting people. Most have not heard from the jolly fella, but a few have clues. Can you solve the riddle of where Santa is before the detective and the elves do?

With magic, music and merriment a partly animated virtual adventure is perfect entertainment for the whole family. No need to worry about COVID restrictions, as all the fun can be had safely from your living room. And if Santa is found, you have the opportunity to purchase a video phone chat with him. HoHoHo. Also, added bonus is that you can watch and re-watch the show as many times as you want between December 18th and December 23rd.

Missing Santa is brought to you by Labmations and David C. Jones Production and is also a fundraiser for the West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation. The foundation creates joy and community for families tackling childhood cancer and blood disorders in British Columbia. They provide daily, practical support for all families going through this journey.

Missing Santa will be available online December 16th through to December 20th. Video calls with Santa are available December 14th through to December 20th. There is no limit to how many people can watch the show together, so you only need to buy one ticket per household. To purchase your ticket, visit Labmations.

Sweet Thea Holiday Pop Up Shop On Main Street

17 Nov

If you love your baked goods as much we do, you’ll be excited to hear Sweet Thea Bakery is hosting a Pop Up Shop at 4305 Main Street for the upcoming holiday season. If you’ve attended any artisan markets and Christmas craft fairs around Metro Vancouver, you will no doubt seen them.  But, of course, due to the pandemic we all know that many of these in person events are not happening this year. But the good news for us is that Sweet Thea Bakery is offering their delicious baked goods at their Pop Up Shop on Main Street.  Some of the goodies you will find there include their delish Ginger Cookies, Chocolava Cookies, Honey Hearts, Chocolate Lebkuchen Cookies and Stollen.  If that isn’t enough, they have curated some of their market favourites for their Pop Up Shop for you to purchase while picking up some baking. Some of these include maple syrup, roasted nuts, small batch bean to bar chocolate bars, honey, hot sauces, jams and mustards.  Perfect gifts for the food lover or well, just you. If you can’t make it to their Pop Up Shop, we have more good news. They are offering Canada Post deliveries, or pick up at 3 different locations – Main Street Pop Up, Tsawwassen Quay Market (must be taking a BC Ferry to access) and their Langley Shop.  To place your order, visit them online at Sweet Thea Bakery or stop by their Pop Up Shop at 4305 Main Street which is open 11:00 am to 6:00 pm most days, but is open till 7:00 pm on Fridays.  Treat yourself and your family to some amazing baked goods while at the same time supporting a local business.

What’s On East Van: November 22nd Edition

22 Nov

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Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some cool events for the upcoming weekend.  Beyond the weekend, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

Britannia Christmas Craft Fair – Britannia Community Centre – November 22 – 24

The 34th Annual Christmas Craft Fair happens this weekend with over 50 local artisans and makers with handmade items for gift giving this holiday season.  Enjoy live music while shopping. The craft fair runs Friday 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is $2. Stop by and get a jump on your Christmas shopping. To learn more, visit Britannia Christmas Craft Fair on Facebook.

Aurora Winter Festival – Hastings Park/PNE – November 22

The Aurora Winter Festival kicks off this Friday at Hastings Park/PNE with an array of indoor and outdoor activities, Christmas Market, games, rides.  This is an all ages event. For tickets, visit Ticketleader.

Fado: The Saddest Music in The World – Firehall Arts Centre – November 22

A play featuring Fado music with origins going back to the early 1800s in Lisbon, Portugal.  This music is a distinct part and proud part of Portuguese culture. If you haven’t experienced it, we invite you to check out this production at the Firehall Arts Centre kicking on this weekend. For tickets, visit Firehall Arts Centre.

Eastside Flea – 550 Malkin Avenue – November 23 + 24

If vintage and collectables is your thing, Eastside Flea will have that in spades this weekend along handmade items and food trukcs from11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Oh and dogs are welcome to come wander with you, on a leash of course.

Christmas On The Drive – November 24

The Commercial Drive Business Improvement Association along with other sponsors will again be hosting Christmas On The Drive this Sunday between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm.  This includes horse carriage rides, pictures with Santa from 3:00 to 4:30 pm, treats and hot beverages, dueling pianos and more. The starting point is The Drive Mortgage Store at 1250 Commercial Drive.  The finishing point is the tree lighting in Grandview Park at 5:00 pm.

East Van Panto: Pinocchio – The York – On Now Until January 5, 2020

Our favourite holiday tradition just kicked off this week.  Take in this fun and entertaining show that is fun for all ages. Just remember if you are in the front row, you might become part of the production. This year’s panto is Pinocchio and touches on some unique aspects in East Van, such as the mysterious Beckwoman and the coffee wars on The Drive for starters. Tickets for the East Van Panto Pinocchio start at $26 for children 16 and under. Family packs are available for $145. To get your tickets, visit The Cultch.  Note, the show will be performed at the York Theatre.

 Comedy, Music & Entertainment & More 

Do you love cartoons? Miss those Saturday morning cartoons you used to watch as a kid. Do you know Storm Crow Tavern offers cartoons Saturday morning from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm whilst you enjoy breakfast/brunch?

Also 7 days a week, you will find live music at the Libra Room on The Drive. Tangent Café hosts live jazz Sunday nights  from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Saturday, Pat’s Pub has live jazz Saturday afternoons from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, no cover.

Looking to support our local growers and makers? Stop by one of the Winter Farmer Markets happening on either Saturday or Sunday.  Saturday we have  Riley Park Farmers Market at 30th & Ontario from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and Sunday, it’s Hastings Park Winters Farmers Market also from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. To see more of What’s On in East Vancouver,  check our Event Listing.  We also have a separate listing of Free Events for those on a budget and in Vancouver, who isn’t.

Image Credit: June Hunter

What Is Christmas Without Cookies?

20 Nov

Cookie ClassesOne of our favourite parts of Christmas is the cookies, whether, eating, making or baking.  To us, Christmas would not be complete without cookies. Not only do they taste great, look beautiful, but they also make a great gift.  For those that don’t have much experience with baking,  we invite you to check out some upcoming cookie baking classes being offered by The Uncommon Cafe.  They are offering a Decorate & Bake class on two dates. First up is Sunday, December 3rd at 1:00 pm where you can spend the afternoon baking or  December 13th at 6:00 pm. Cost is $45 for adults and $5 for kids.  Now on the other hand, if you want to get a group of friends together to bake and do a cookie swap, but don’t have the space, The Uncommon Café has the space, supplies and happy to accommodate. Contact them directly for more information.

Now if you wish to teach your kids some baking skills, we’ve recently learnt about a great little spot on Fraser Street, The Bittersweet Kitchen.  They have 2 Kids Holiday Baking Classes coming up this December where kids learn to bake from scratch. One class is being offered on December 16th and this one is all about the cookies, making and decorating. The second class being offered on December 17th teaches kids how to make homemade granola and cinnamon buns.  The classes are from 10:00 am to 11: 30 am and cost $40 per child.

Now if you don’t bake, or like to might not have the time to do all that you want, in East Van we are fortunate to have an array of great bakeries that will be sure to help you stock up a few favourites including Fratelli Bakery, Blackrook Bakehouse, Breka Bakery and Italia Bakery. We are fans of Brekka Bakery for the German slant on their baking.  If it’s gluten free you are after, East Village Bakery and the Gluten Free Epicurean and if you are seeking vegan baking, check out Fairy Cakes on Fraser Street. Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t Uprising Breads off Commercial at Venables.  These are just a few local favourites that can help make Christmas delish and festive.

 

Artisan Markets & Craft Fairs In East Van 2017

8 Nov

ChristmasBallsTis the season is upon us for artisan markets and craft fairs. Have you checked one out lately? They have evolved over the years. The artisans and makers we see today at these events have created amazing small businesses doing what they love.  We love supporting these makers at every turn. One of the many reasons is that “for every $100 spent with a BC local business, $46 is re-circulated back into our BC economy versus $18 for multi nationals. Why? Because locally owned businesses circulate more dollars in the community compared to multinational organizations.” So by supporting local, you are putting money back in our local economy.  So we encourage you to check out some of the great line of events listed below and think about supporting local when you doing your shopping this holiday season.

NOVEMBER 2017

Nov. 16: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 5 pm – 10:30 pm
Nov. 17: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 5 pm – 10:30 pm
Nov. 17: Britannia Christmas Craft Fair – Britannia Comm. Centre 3 – 8
Nov. 18: All Handmade Sale – Grandview Cavalry, 1803 E. 1st 11 am – 5 pm
Nov. 18: Britannia Christmas Craft Fair – Britannia Comm. Centre 10 – 5
Nov. 18: Christmas Craft Fair – Holy Trinity 154 East 10th Ave 10 am – 4 pm
Nov. 18: Christmas Craft Fair–Grace Memorial United, 803 E. 16th Ave 10-4
Nov. 18: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 11 am – 6 pm
Nov. 19: Britannia Christmas Craft Fair – Britannia Comm.Centre 10 – 5
Nov. 19: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 11 am – 6 pm

Nov. 24: Italian Christmas Market – Italian Cultural Centre 5 pm – 9 pm
Nov. 24: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 4 pm – 9 pm
Nov. 25: June Hunter Studio Sale – 2785 Parker Street 10 am – 5 pm
Nov. 25: Strathcona Winter Craft Fair – Strathcona Community Centre 10 – 4
Nov. 25: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 9 am – 4 pm
Nov. 25: Renfrew Park Craft Fair – Renfrew Park Community Centre 10 – 3
Nov. 26: Bling – Wearable Glass Art Show – Heritage Hall 11 am – 5 pm
Nov. 26: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 9 am – 4 pm
Nov. 26: River District Craft Fair – 8683 Kerr Street 11 am – 4 pm

Nov. 29: Got Craft? Pop Up Shop–Little Mountain Pop Up, 4385 Main St. 10–6
Nov. 30: Got Craft? Pop Up Shop–Little Mountain Pop Up, 4385 Main St. 10-6
Nov. 31: Got Craft? Pop Up Shop–Little Mountain Pop Up, 4385 Main St. 10–6

DECEMBER 2017

Dec. 1: Got Craft? Pop Up Shop – Little Mountain Pop Up, 4385 Main St. 10 – 6
Dec. 1: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1024 Main Street 6-10
Dec. 1: Toque – Western Front, 303 East 8th Avenue 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Dec. 2: Tugboat Landing Artisan Market – 2010 East Kent Ave. N 11 am – 4 pm
Dec. 2: Got Craft? Pop Up Shop – Little Mountain Pop Up, 4385 Main St. 10  – 6
Dec. 2: East Van Bazaar – Kingsgate Mall 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Dec. 2: Toque – Western Front, 303 East 8th Avenue 11 am – 5 pm
Dec. 2: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1024 Main Street 11-5
Dec. 2: Kensington Holiday Craft Fair – Kensington Community Centre 10 – 4
Dec. 3: Got Craft? Pop Up Shop – Little Mountain Pop Up, 4385 Main St. 11 – 5
Dec. 3: Toque – Western Front, 303 East 8th Avenue 11 am – 5 pm
Dec. 3: River District Craft Fair – 8683 Kerr Street 11 am – 4 pm
Dec. 3: The East Side Best Side Holiday Pop Up Market – Russian Hall 11-5
Dec. 3: Pop Up Handmade – Speakeasy Salon 152 E. 8th Ave. 12 – 5
Dec. 3: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1024 Main Street 11-5

Dec. 7: Make It! – PNE Forum
Dec. 8: Make It! – PNE Forum
Dec. 9:  Make It! – PNE Forum
Dec. 9: Got Craft? – Maritime Labour Centre 10 am – 5 pm
Dec. 9: Shiny, Fuzzy, Muddy – Heritage hall 11 am – 7 pm
Dec. 9: Collingwood Artisans’ Village Market – Collingwood Neighbourhood House 11-4
Dec. 10: Shiny, Fuzzy, Muddy – Heritage Hall 10 am – 6 pm
Dec. 10: Got Craft? – Maritime Labour Centre 10 am – 5 pm
Dec. 10: River District Craft Fair – 8683 Kerr Street 11 am – 4 pm
Dec. 10: Pop Up Handmade – Speakeasy Salon 152 E. 8th Ave. 12 – 5

Dec. 15: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1024 Main Street
Dec. 16: Crafty Affaire – Croatian Cultural Centre 10 am – 5 pm
Dec. 16: June Hunter Studio Sale – 2785 Parker Street 10 am – 5 pm
Dec. 16: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1024 Main Street 11-5
Dec. 16: Weirdos Holiday Market – 2244 East Hastings Street 11-7
Dec. 16: Women’s Winter Faire – Heritage Hall 11-7
Dec. 17: River District Craft Fair – 8683 Kerr Street 11 am – 4 pm
Dec. 17: June Hunter Studio Sale – 2785 Parker Street 10 am – 5 pm
Dec. 17: Women’s Winter Faire – Heritage Hall 11-7
Dec. 17: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1024 Main Street 11-5
Dec. 17: Weirdos Holiday Market – 2244 East Hastings Street 11-7
Dec. 17: Pop Up Handmade – Speakeasy Salon 152 E. 8th Ave. 12 – 5

Giving Locally: Vancouver BC SPCA Wish List 2015

11 Dec

SPCAAdoptedIsMyFavouriteBreedWe at ILiveInEastVan.com are big supporters of all the great work the staff and volunteers do at the Vancouver SPCA.  The SPCA is a non-profit organization that helps nearly 37,000 injured, abused and homeless animals each year and relies on generous donations from supporters.  We provide our support wherever we can. If you follow us, you know we regularly feature many of the pets waiting for adoption.  Today, we would like to tell you about a different way you can support the Vancouver SPCA. That is by contributing some much needed items from their Wish List.  Maybe you have some extra items at home that they could use, or maybe you would like to purchase a few items from their Wish List for them this Christmas. Which ever way you choose to support them, these items go a long way to helping them do the great work they do.  If you do purchase new items to be donated, keep your receipt and drop it off with some identification and you are eligible for a tax receipt for income tax purposes.  We have set out below a short list of some of the most wanted items that would help them immensely, we invite you to take a peek:

Animal Care

  • Gently Used Bedding, Towels & Blankets
  • Clumping litter for cats
  • Fancy Feast or Tiki cat tuna for adult cats & senior cats
  • Treats for cats: They love Temptations
  • Smart toys and kongs of any kind
  • Leashes/collars
  • Bully sticks and hard chew toys for dogs
  • Training treats for dogs
  • Small animal toys for -chinchillas, guinea pigs, rabbits, rats & gerbils
  • Craisins, Cheerios, Shreddies
  • Romaine lettuce, bok choy, carrots, cilantro & parsley for the rabbits

Cleaning – Office

  • Eco friendly cleaning products
  • Paper Towels
  • Dishwashing soap
  • Photocopy paper

Donations can be dropped off at the Vancouver Shelter at 1205 East 7th Avenue (at the corner of East 6th Avenue & Keith Drive). For those taking transit, the Vancouver SPCA Shelter is located across the street from the VCC-Clark Skytrain Station.  The shelter is open Monday to Friday 10:30 am – 5:00 pm and Saturday & Sunday from Noon – 4:00 pm and items can be dropped anytime during those times.  If you have any questions, you can phone or email the Vancouver shelter directly at T: 604-879-7721 or vancouver@spca.bc.ca. We thank you in advance for helping support the great work these folks do speaking for all those that cannot speak for themselves.

Vancouver Farmers Market Holiday Market Croatian Cultural Centre December 12

10 Dec

HolidayMarketThe Vancouver Farmers Market is hosting their annual Holiday Market this Saturday, December 12th at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive.  Now in its 19th year, this event is a seasonal celebration of food and art and runs from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. This Saturday, you will find over 60 vendors offering everything from delicious food items such as cheese, fresh bread, olive oil, chocolates jams, coffee and honey as well as handmade jewellery, delectable desserts including homemade pies plus home accessories such as handmade cutting boards.  There will be lots on hand perfect for gift giving or holiday entertaining this holiday seasons such as BC Wine Studio’s Siren’s Call Pinot Noir.   Admission to the market is $3.00, but free if you are a Market Member. Hint: If you check the most recent edition of the Georgia Straight, you will find a 2 for 1 coupon for entrance to the Holiday Market.

Shop Local: Check Out These East Van Businesses With A Great Online Store

27 Nov

WinterChristmasBlueChristmas is officially less than one month away.  We here at IliveInEastVan.com are big fans of supporting local. With that in mind, we would like to highlight some of the many East Van businesses and artisans that have an online shop which of course allows you to shop from your laptop, home computer or your smart phone.  Some will even offer a pick up service so you can save money on shipping costs.   We’ve tried to include a variety of businesses, but if you think there’s one that should be listed that isn’t, we invite you to drop us a line. Note, we have included a link to each business, just click on their name.

ANTIPOD Workshop

ANTIPOD Workshop is a creative design studio with a focus on bold textiles in particular, handmade pillows. They are made by transplanted local Stephanie Symns who hails from New Zealand. Thus, the name of her business. Antipod which is an affectionate term for a Kiwi or Aussie.  Did we mention, Stephanie also holds workshops on how to make the pillows yourself should you be so inclined. Or you can check out her bold collection online anytime.

Bird On A Wire Creations

This is a great shop located in Mount Pleasant at 2535 Main Street. Bird on a Wire Creations supports artists, artisans and the buy local movement. They curate Vancouver’s best art and artisanal objects and all one-of-a-kind and handmade.   They have a large selection instore and online and free shipping in Canada for all orders over $100.

BB Gun Leather

Locally made here in Strathcona by Spencer Baker and Dustin Bentall. BB Gun Leather makes a range of leather products including bags, wallets, belts, guitar straps, purses and small luggage. Did we mention the beautiful designs?  Their working studio is located 1133 Keefer Street and their online store available 24/7.

Beta 5 Chocolates 

Award winning chocolates, need we say more?  Purchases can be made online or you can visit them in person at 413 Industrial Avenue (off Main Street).

Dilly Dally Kids

Dilly Dally is an independent toy store that likes to inspire play and creativity.   They carry toys made from around the world including a great selection of wooden toys which also make great heirlooms to be passed on to future generations.  They are located on The Drive at 1161 Commercial Street and have a great online store.  Note, they are also offering free shipping for orders over $100.

Fable Naturals

Fable Naturals is based in Mount Pleasant and makes a line of fair trade certified bath and body products. They are inspired by locally sourced ingredients as well as ethically sourced ingredients from afar. All of their products are made by hand in small batches in their Mount Pleasant studio. Their line includes organic lip balms, skin exfoliators, moisturizers, soaps, lotions, body wash, sugar scrubs and more. You will find Gwen and Chris at craft and artisan fairs this holiday season including TOQUE on December 5 & 6.  They also have a great online store. Right now, if you sign up for their newsletter, receive $5 off your first order.

June Hunter

Truth be told, we love June Hunter, have for many years.  Many of her pieces whether art or jewellery are inspired by the nature that surrounds us and well that speaks to us.  You will also find June Hunter in many of the craft and artisan fairs this holiday season as well as her Festive Studio Sale on December 11th and 12th at her East Van studio.  Her online shop is currently offering 20% off until Monday, November 30th.

Good Sips Cocktail Emporium

Know someone that loves entertaining and enjoys making great cocktails, then you should check out Good Sips Cocktail Emporium.  They have everything to make the perfect cocktail minus the alcohol, think bitters, syrups, cocktail shakers, martini glasses, flasks, recipe books and so much more. If you can’t decide online, you can check out their store at 339 E. Broadway.  For those wishing to make an online purchase, note they are offering FREE shipping till the end of November for all orders over $20.

Gourmet Warehouse

If you have a foodie in your life, this is the place to go whether in store or online. They have everything for the cook, baker and entertainer. The store is an array of choices which include olive oils, balsamic vinegars, salts, sauces, cookbooks, jams and of course all the utensils needed to cook and bake everything.  You can find their physical location at 1340 East Hastings (at Clark Drive).

Grubwear

Mike Jackson’s Grubwear Brand of clothing was born out of the back of a Honda Civic hatchback way back in the day. Today he is located in Mount Pleasant at 617 Kingsway in a very happening area just around the corner from Robson Park.  He has a great selection of t-shirts, bags, hoodies and hats many that will showcase your East Van pride.   His online store features the full line up clothing.

Marsh&Mallow

Decadent gourmet handmade marshmallows made by Carly Bloch in some truly amazing flavours such as Salted Caramel, Holiday Mint Chocolate and Classic Baileys and Cream. You can order her marshmallows 24/7 online and what a great stocking stuffer or house warming gift these would make.  You can also find her marshmallow at Much & Little at 2541 Main Street or visit Carly at the Baker’s Market on December 6th & 13th at the Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre.

Neighbourhood Threads

Love where you live?  Then you may wish to check out their East Van toque for $35 available online only from Neighbourhood Threads.

The Makerstore

The MakerLabs at 780 East Cordova Street has recently launched a retail space on the first floor of this working studio which is open from Noon to 9:00 pm daily.  If you are unfamiliar with the MakerLabs, it is a 26,000 square foot that provides people with the tools, space and skills to make just about anything.  There are many great artisans working out of this space and their products are also available online 24/7.

If  you wish to give a gift basket this holiday season, whether large or small, practical or not, we invite you to check to check out any one of the following:

By Broken Arrow – An East Van Gifter
Wantful Gift Boxes
SPUD Vancouver
Saul Good Gift Company

We are passionate about supporting local. We hope you are too. Happy shopping.Manu MohanChristmasTree

 

Christmas On The Drive – Free Community Event Saturday November 28

25 Nov

XmasTheDriveThe Commercial Drive Business Society is hosting Christmas On The Drive this Saturday, November 28th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.   This popular event is back for another fun filled day with the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Christmas.  You can expect pictures with Santa, a Main Stage featuring live music and carolers and horse drawn carriage rides which start across the street from Fets Whiskey Kitchen. There will be also be some food carts on hand, plus an Interactive Kids Area which will have caricatures, face painting and a craft area.   To top everything off, there will be a tree lighting at 5:00 pm.  This is a free community event for residents of the Grandview-Woodland area.  Come on out and get into the Christmas spirit.

Last Chance Christmas Craft Fair At Croatian Cultural Centre Sunday, December 22nd

21 Dec

LastChanceChristmasCraftFair

Well for those of you that have left their Christmas shopping down to the wire, here is your chance to pick up some one-of-kind gifts from over 100 local artisans.   The Last Chance Christmas Craft Fair is taking place this Sunday, December 22nd at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive, from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.   First 50 people through the door on Sunday will receive a free Swag Bag.  Admission is $5 at the door, but children under 12 are free.  There will also be face painting and balloon animals for the kids. You can purchase your ticket(s) online at Eventbrite and by doing so, you will be entered into a draw for a $100 shopping spree. Winner will be announced on Saturday, December 21st.

While you are at the Last Chance Christmas Craft Fair, pop in and say hi to Kim Mulder and Kennedy Telford. Kim and Kennedy are two librarians who are passionate about real food and have just published a cookbook This East Van Kitchen: A Fresh Introduction to Cooking. The book features vegan, vegetarian and meat recipes with colour that jumps off the pages.   The book will be available for sale this Sunday for $30 for a single copy and $25 each for multiple copies. If you miss them at the craft fair, their book is available at the People’s Co-op Bookstore, 1391 Commercial Drive.

EastVanKitchenCover

BORSCHT

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