70-486: The Public Service Recognition Award is an honor bestowed by the Town of Dedham, Massachusetts to recognize citizens who have performed outstanding acts of service to the community. It is presented "to a citizen or citizens of Dedham who by his/her actions best exemplifies the spirit of public service through their sharing of time, talent, and energy for the betterment of our Community." Winners receive an original painting of
140-462: A female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 23.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.14. Dedham's population was spread out, with 22.2% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
210-713: A group in Dedham protesting the federal government; they set up a liberty pole , as people had before the American Revolution . It carried the words, "No Stamp Act , No Sedition Act , No Alien Bills , No Land Tax, downfall to the Tyrants of America; peace and retirement to the President; Long Live the Vice President", referring to then-President John Adams and Vice President Thomas Jefferson . Brown
280-590: A museum in 1905. The curators camped in a tent outside the house until 1912, when a new house was purchased from the Sears and Roebuck Catalog and erected next door. Each year the Fairbanks family hosts a reunion at the house. In 1907, sitting Vice President of the United States Charles W. Fairbanks attended. The Boston Bicycle Club often stopped at the house during their two-day "Wheel Around
350-420: A short period of time when lightning struck the house and killed her dog. Her worsening financial situation led her to sell the house to local realtor John Crowley in 1895, but she was allowed to continue living there. She also sold a number of family heirlooms, including a wooden chest made in 1658 by John Houghton. The item was purchased by the family again at auction in 2003, and now splits its time between
420-495: A small medallion into a granite block showing an elevation of 112.288 feet . According to the United States Census Bureau , the town has a total area of 10.6 square miles (27 km ), of which 10.4 square miles (27 km ) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km ) (1.79%) is water. Dedham is made up of a number of neighborhoods: Dedham has a warm-summer humid continental climate ( Dfb under
490-527: A standing or roll call vote , either of which can be called for by the Moderator. All Town officers are required to attend Town Meeting and multiple member bodies must send at least one representative who have all the privileges of a Member except the right to vote. If 5% of Town voters petition the Select Board within 14 days of Town Meeting, any action taken may be submitted to voters. The final result
560-449: A wing on the east side. The west wing was added around 1654. The east wing was probably added circa late 18th century, assembled from two earlier buildings elsewhere. A chimney was then built for it; later its roof rafters were raised and reused in a new gambrel roof . The next major change was the expansion of the parlor to the east, under a hip roof, and the addition of the small entry to this expanded space, probably around 1800. A new wing
630-640: Is a great benefit to our community." He added that there wasn't "enough capacity in this auditorium" to recognize all of the volunteers in town. In 2012, Town Meeting created the Public Service Recognition Committee to select the winner and present the award immediately before the Spring Annual Town Meeting. This committee has seven members, appointed by the Town Moderator, with one from each of
700-428: Is a veritable storehouse of information concerning the small handful of houses which survive from this early period." —Abbot Lowell Cummings, Professor Emeritus , American Art, Yale University In 1879, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Jonathan and Grace Fairbanks, Nancy Fairbanks, died without a husband or children and left the house to her niece, Rebecca Fairbanks. Rebecca moved in, but moved back out again for
770-647: Is to appoint, subject to Town Meeting's confirmation, a Deputy Moderator from the elected Members. The Deputy serves in case of the Moderator's absence or disability. The current Town Moderator is Dan Driscoll. The seven members of the School Committee are elected for three-year terms and appoint a Superintendent of Schools. They also set policy for the School Department. The School Committee is currently chaired by Mayanne MacDonald Briggs, with Stephen Acosta serving as Vice Chair. The other members of
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#1732776662414840-562: Is to be determined by majority vote, but Town Meeting can not be overruled unless 20% of registered voters participate. Town Meeting sets its own rules and keeps a journal of proceedings. The Town Meeting may establish various ad-hoc and standing committees on which any Town Meeting Member or voter may serve. Before each Spring Annual Town Meeting, the Public Service Recognition Award is given to recognize citizens who have performed outstanding acts of service to
910-421: Is to call together the members of the district, and they are to elect a member who will serve until the next town election. The Warrant at Town Meeting includes the articles to be voted on. Any elected or appointed board, committee, town officer, or any ten voters may place an article on the warrant. Each article to be voted on is directed by the Select Board to an appropriate board or committee to hear and provide
980-543: The Alien and Sedition Acts . In 1818, though citizens were still taxed for the support of ministers and other "public teachers of religion", Dedham set a precedent toward the separation of church and state . Residents of the town selected a minister different than that chosen by the church members; the selection by residents was confirmed by the Supreme Judicial Court . This decision increased support for
1050-592: The Democratic Party in recent presential elections. From 1996 to 2024, Dedham's voting patterns have leaned heavily Democratic, with the party consistently winning the majority of votes. In the 2024 presidential election , Democrat Kamala Harris secured 63.27% of the vote, making a slight decrease from the 67.81% that Democrat Joe Biden received in 2020. In the 1980 election , the Republican Ronald Reagan notably received 46.81% of
1120-497: The Fairbanks House , America's oldest timber-frame house. The founding chairman of the committee has said that "There are far too many unsung heroes in our community. Our goal is to sing some of their praises and give them the recognition they deserve for the good works they do day in and day out." Donald Gosselin, the first recipient of the award, said in his acceptance speech that "Any program that encourages volunteering
1190-508: The Finance and Warrant Committee . Members who move from the district or are removed by redistricting may serve until the next Town Election; however, any member who moves out of the Town immediately ceases to be a Member. In case of a vacancy, the remaining term is to be filled at the next town election. If no election is to take place within 120 days of the vacancy, then the district chairman
1260-451: The Köppen climate classification system), with high humidity and precipitation year-round. As of the census of 2000, there were 23,464 people, 8,654 households, and 6,144 families residing in the town. The population density was 2,244.6 inhabitants per square mile (866.6/km ). There were 8,908 housing units at an average density of 852.2 per square mile (329.0/km ). The racial makeup of
1330-615: The disestablishment of the Congregational churches . The local Endicott Estate burned to the ground in 1904 after the local volunteer fire department, responding to three separate fires burning simultaneously, reached the Endicott fire last. By the time they arrived, only ashes remained. It is said that the estate's owner, Henry Bradford Endicott (also founder of the Endicott Johnson Corporation ) took
1400-471: The "mother of towns" because 14 present-day communities were included within its original broad borders. Dedham is governed by a representative town meeting , a select board which appoints the town manager , and various other boards and committees. The town is served by the MBTA commuter rail and bus service. The Dedham Public Schools operates seven schools, and a number of private schools also operate within
1470-678: The American Revolution and was home to the Dedham Liberty Pole in the late 18th century. When a split occurred at the First Church and Parish in Dedham , the resulting lawsuit became known as The Dedham Case , an important landmark in the separation of church and state . In 1921, the historic Sacco and Vanzetti trial was held in the Norfolk County Courthouse . Dedham is sometimes called
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#17327766624141540-458: The Board of Health are responsible for the formulation and enforcement of rules and regulations affecting the environment and the public health. Currently the board is chaired by Bernadette Chriokas. Leanne Jasset serves as Vice Chair, and Emma Reidy serves as a member. The Board of Library Trustees has five members, each of whom serves three-year terms, and has care of the Town's public library at
1610-536: The Board, they have all of the powers and duties which are given to housing authorities under the constitution and laws of the Commonwealth. The current chair is Donna M. Brown Rego and Margaret Matthews serves as the Assistant Chair & State Appointee. Skye Kessler serves as Treasurer, John B. Kane as Assistant Treasurer, and John Wagner as a member. Dedham has shown a consistent trend of support for
1680-736: The Endicott Branch and Main Branch . The Board develops policies to dictate how the library functions and operates. The Board is responsible for the library's buildings, including library hours and building use outside of regular operating hours. The Board also reviews the Director's budget request, makes recommendations, and officially adopts the operating budget. The current chair is Tom Turner, with Brian Keaney serving as Vice Chair. Crystal Power serves as Clerk. Annette Raphel and Rita Chapdelaine also serve as members. The five elected members of
1750-670: The Fairbanks House and the Dedham Historical Society . In 1897, Crowley was going to tear down the house to develop the two acre lot, but an appeal in the Boston Transcript led to it being purchased by Mrs. J. Amory Codman and her daughter Martha. The Codmans allowed Rebecca to remain in the house until 1904, when the newly established Fairbanks Family in America took it over and turned it into
1820-524: The Hub" tours through Boston's suburbs. On the occasion of their 40th anniversary in 1916, they planted a tree on the grounds. In 1926, 15 years after the death of club co-founder and "father of American bicycling" Frank W. Weston , it was discovered that his ashes were still being stored at the undertaker's. The members of the club rallied and, on a Friday afternoon in September, consecrated his remains to
1890-611: The Parks & Recreation Commission. Section 3-10 of the Town Charter states that the goal of the commission is to promote physical education, play, recreation, sport and other programs for people of all ages. The commission is currently chaired by Lisa Farnham, with Jon Briggs serving as Vice Chair. Lisa Moran, Chuck Dello Iacono, and Ryan O'Toole are also members. There are five elected Commissioners of Trust Funds who manage and control all funds left, given, bequeathed, or devised to
1960-555: The Planning Board make studies and prepare plans concerning the resources, possibilities, and needs of the town. It also prepares the Master Plan. Currently the board is chaired by Michael A. Podolski, Esq., with Jessica Porter serving as Vice Chair. James E. O'Brien IV serves as Clerk. John Bethoney and James F. McGrail, Esq. are also members. Andrew Pepoli serves as an unelected Associate. There are five elected members of
2030-475: The burning of the homestead as a divine command to rebuild (which he did). The rebuilt Endicott Estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . The estate and surrounding grounds are open to the public, upholding Henry's stepdaughter Katherine's wish to use the house and property for "educational, civic, social and recreational purposes." In 1921, the historic Sacco and Vanzetti trial
2100-565: The century. Fairbanks House (Dedham, Massachusetts) The Fairbanks House in Dedham, Massachusetts is a historic house built around 1641, making it the oldest surviving timber-frame house in North America that has been verified by dendrochronology testing. Puritan settler Jonathan Fairbanks constructed the farm house for his wife Grace (née Smith) and their family. It was occupied and passed down through eight generations of
2170-399: The chimney-bay, while the rear door is still located at the west end of the north wall. Original front windows included wide banks on each floor and small windows lighting the chimney bay. A well-preserved four-light window survives in the east gable end, but the north and east ends of the house apparently had no windows. A lean-to was later added at the back of the house and, perhaps in 1641,
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2240-419: The committee are Chris Polito, Leah Flynn Gallant, Laurie Twomey, Joshua Langmead, and William (Bill) Walsh. The three elected members of the Board of Assessors serve three-year terms and annually make a fair cash valuation of all property within the town. The current chair is Michael T. Polito. Richard J. Schoenfeld serves as Vice Chair and George Panagopoulos serves as Secretary. The three elected members of
2310-490: The community. Currently Town Meeting consists of 273 members, or representatives, with each of the seven districts, or precincts, electing 39. Thirteen are elected from each precinct each year and serve a three-year term. Each precinct elects from its own members a chairman, vice chairman, and secretary. To be eligible, candidates must have 10 registered voters from their precinct sign nomination papers. Town Meeting Representatives can not serve on any other elected board or on
2380-404: The county seat and home to Norfolk County 's courts. On the left of the tree are agricultural instruments, and on the right is a factory, showing Dedham's history first as a town of farmers and then as one with a number of mills and factories, particularly along Mother Brook . Below the tree is a banner with the word "Contentment", the name of the original plantation. The town flag is red with
2450-403: The day-to-day affairs of the Town. They issue licenses and can investigate the affairs and the conduct of any town agency. The Elected Town Clerk serves a three-year term and works full-time for the Town. The Clerk is "the keeper of vital statistics of the town and the custodian of the town seal and all public records, administer[s] the oaths of office to all town officers... [and is] the clerk of
2520-509: The document. The Selectmen consolidated them into six articles for Town Meeting's consideration, and five were presented to the Meeting in 2013. Voters approved four of them in 2014. A version of the sixth and final proposal was adopted at the Spring 2014 Annual Town Meeting. According to Dedham's charter, the "administration of all the fiscal, prudential, and municipal affairs of the town, with
2590-658: The earliest part of the house was built between 1637 and 1641. According to some assertions, the frame of the main part of the house, together with the bricks and tiles and windows, were imported from England, and remained in Boston for several months before being carried to Dedham. The plaster on the walls was made using clay from the Charles River . In 2001, dendrochronological testing by the Oxford Dendrochronology Laboratory confirmed that
2660-495: The family until the early 20th century. The original portion was expanded over several centuries, as architectural styles changed and the family grew. Today the Fairbanks house is operated as a historic house museum by the Fairbanks Family in America, a member-based non-profit organization. The Family Association has preserved, studied, and interpreted their ancestral home and its collections for over 110 years. The house
2730-471: The first public school in America in 1643. Dedham is home to the Fairbanks House , the oldest surviving timber-frame house in the United States. On January 1, 1643, by unanimous vote, Dedham authorized the first taxpayer-funded public school , "the seed of American education." The first man-made canal in North America, Mother Brook , was created in Dedham in 1639. The town took an active part in
2800-411: The first taxpayer-funded public school , "the seed of American education." Its first schoolmaster, Rev. Ralph Wheelock , a Clare College graduate, was paid 20 pounds annually to instruct the youth of the community. Descendants of these students would become presidents of Dartmouth College , Yale University , and Harvard University . The first man-made canal in North America, Mother Brook ,
2870-867: The floor of Town Meeting. The executive branch of the Town Government is "headed" by a Select Board. The Board has five members who are elected for three-year terms and serve as the chief policy-making body for the town. They appoint a Town Manager, who runs the day-to-day affairs of the Town. They also appoint constables, registrars of voters and other election officers, the board of appeals, conservation commission, historic district commission, and members of several other multiple member boards. Dennis J. Teehan Jr. serves as chair, with Erin Boles Welsh serving as Vice Chair. James A. MacDonald and Dimitria Sullivan also serve as members. Select board members set policy for all departments below it, but are not involved in
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2940-399: The foundation whereof is ever lasting love." They also agreed that "we shall by all means labor to keep off from us all such as are contrary minded, and receive only such unto us as may be probably of one heart with us, [and such] as that we either know or may well and truly be informed to walk in a peaceable conversation with all meekness of spirit, [this] for the edification of each other in
3010-522: The government thereof, shall be vested in a legislative branch, to consist of a representative town meeting ." Town Meeting is to consist of no less than 270 members, but not more than necessary to achieve an equal number coming from each precinct. There are currently seven districts, but could be as few as six or as many as nine, with lines drawn by the Select Board and the Registrars of Voters every ten years. Votes are by voice unless members call for
3080-401: The ground under their anniversary tree. On August 18, 1964, a 17-year-old Dedhamite who lived down the street was driving and missed a left hand turn from Whiting Avenue onto East Street. It was raining, and the pavement was wet. His car ended up in the east wing of the house, with the rear bumper flush with the wall. The 1957 sedan remained in the house overnight until it could be removed
3150-404: The house to ward off witches and other evil spirits. Hex signs were carved into the mantle to protect the house from fire and witches. Shoes have been found in the attic and behind the chimney, and are presumed to have been placed there to prevent evil spirits from entering the house. Early historians claimed that the Fairbanks House was built in 1636 although more recent historians now believe
3220-403: The house was completed by at least 1641, based on dendrochronology of several beams in the house. The summer beam has been dated to 1637, and other wall boards and beams were dated to 1638, 1640 and 1641. Exterior walls were covered with wide oak clapboards at the front, narrower oak on the west gable end, and narrow cedar on the rear. The front door was originally located to the west side of
3290-431: The inadequate services provided, namely schools and churches. They also said that, if they were simply to be made a precinct instead of a separate town, that they would suffer political reprisals. Dedham agreed that the services were inadequate and did not oppose the separation, but did try to reduce the amount of land the separatists were seeking. Dedham also asked for a delay of one year. The General Court agreed with
3360-474: The knowledge and faith of the Lord Jesus…" The covenant also stipulated that if differences were to arise between townsmen, they would seek arbitration for resolution and each would pay his fair share for the common good. Dedham is home to the Fairbanks House , the oldest surviving timber-frame house in the United States, scientifically dated to 1637. On January 1, 1643, by unanimous vote, Dedham authorized
3430-482: The oldest dwelling house in New England and the oldest house continuously owned by the builder and his lineal descendants. It is also regarded as the oldest surviving timber-frame structure in North America. Since the original purchase, the estate has never had a mortgage encumbrance on it. There is evidence that some residents practiced folk magic in the house, including placing hex marks and various objects in
3500-467: The original inhabitants were born. The boundaries of the town at the time stretched to the Rhode Island border. At the first public meeting on August 15, 1636, eighteen men signed the town covenant. They swore that they would "in the fear and reverence of our Almighty God, mutually and severally promise amongst ourselves and each to profess and practice one truth according to that most perfect rule,
3570-554: The original motion at Town Meeting. All articles expending funds are directed to the Finance Committee; articles dealing with planning and zoning to the Planning Board; articles relating to by-laws to the By-Law Committee. The Finance Committee recommendation has the force of the original motion on all articles except those related to zoning. The Planning Board makes the original motion for those. The chairmen of
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#17327766624143640-490: The petitioners, however, and created the new town of Needham with the original boundaries requested. Those who remained in Dedham still held rights to the unallotted lands in Needham, however, and any decrease in taxes would be offset by a decrease in expenditures. There may have also been some satisfaction in separating themselves from those on the other side of the 1704 power struggle . In November 1798, David Brown led
3710-607: The poverty line, including 3.9% of those under age 18 and 6.5% of those age 65 or over. The town's seal was originally designed by a member of the Dedham Historical Society. In the center is a crest containing the Old Avery Oak . When the tree was finally felled, the gavel used by the Moderator at Town Meeting was carved out of it. Above the tree are the scales of justice, representing Dedham as
3780-728: The seal prominent and in the center. In the lower left corner is part of the Avery Oak , and in the lower right is part of the Fairbanks House . It hangs in the select board 's chambers at town hall and in the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House . A charter adopted in 1998 lays out the basic structure of the Town government, although it has been amended occasionally over the years. A seven-member Charter Advisory Committee, appointed in 2012, recommended six substantial changes and numerous minor changes be made to
3850-542: The several districts elect from amongst themselves a chairman. This Chairman of the chairmen hosts what is officially known as the District Chairmen's Warrant Review Meeting, but is much more commonly referred to as Mini Town Meeting. The "Mini", first held in 1978, is generally a week or two before the actual Town Meeting. The purpose of the Mini is to air out several of the contentious issues before bringing them to
3920-513: The site of the former Town Hall at 26 Bryant Street. Dedham is located at 42°14′40″N 71°9′55″W / 42.24444°N 71.16528°W / 42.24444; -71.16528 (42.244609, −71.165531). On the northwest it is bordered by Needham , on the southwest by Westwood , and on the southeast by Canton . On the northeastern corner of High Street and Court Street, the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey placed
3990-451: The timbers from the earliest section of the house were felled between 1637 and 1641. The house was not built as it stands at one time, or in one year, although it is certain that Jonathan owned a house situated on the same lot by 1648. Subsequently, perhaps as late as 1654, a large addition, called the new house, was made to the original building, and was purportedly built for the occupation of his son John after his marriage. The current roof
4060-517: The town meeting." In the role as clerk of town meeting, he notifies the public and members of the Town Meeting and keeps a verbatim record of proceedings. The current Town Clerk is Paul Munchbach. Town Meetings are presided over by the Town Moderator, but he has no vote unless all the Members present and voting are equally divided. At the first Town Meeting following the annual town election, he
4130-407: The town was 94.51% White , 1.54% Black or African American , 0.16% Native American , 1.87% Asian , 0.04% Pacific Islander , 0.80% from other races , and 1.08% from two or more races. 2.42% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 8,654 households, of which 30.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them. 56.3% were married couples living together, 11.1% had
4200-439: The town's seven precincts. Nominations are solicited from members of the public. Dedham, Massachusetts Dedham ( / ˈ d ɛ d ə m / DED -əm ) is a town in, and the county seat of, Norfolk County, Massachusetts , United States. Located on Boston 's southwestern border, the population was 25,364 at the 2020 census . First settled by English colonists in 1635 and incorporated in 1636, Dedham established
4270-596: The town, and distribute the income in accordance with the terms of the respective trusts. The commission's Chair is Emily Reynolds, with Nicole P Munchbach serving as Vice Chair and Salvatore A Spada as Clerk. Robert Desmond and Dan Jon Oneil Jr. are also members. There are five members of the Housing Authority Board. Four are elected by the Town and one is appointed by the Commonwealth Commissioner of Community Affairs. As members of
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#17327766624144340-485: The town. Settled in 1635 by people from Roxbury and Watertown, Dedham was incorporated in 1636. It became the county seat of Norfolk County when the county was formed from parts of Suffolk County on March 26, 1793. When the Town was originally incorporated, the residents wanted to name it "Contentment." The Massachusetts General Court overruled them and named the town after Dedham, Essex in England, where some of
4410-470: The vote, marking a significant challenge to the Democrats during that period. Prior to that, Dedham displayed a more competitive political landscape, with Republicans achieving over 50% of the vote in several elections, such as 1956 (61.84%) and 1948 (63.17%). The mid-20th century was characterized by a stronger Republican presence, with the party frequently outperforming Democrats in the early decades of
4480-404: Was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.0 males. The median income for a household in the town was $ 61,699, and the median income for a family was $ 72,330. Males had a median income of $ 46,216 versus $ 35,682 for females. The per capita income for the town was $ 28,199. About 3.2% of families and 4.6% of the population were below
4550-463: Was added to the west side of the house, including two rooms. The last addition to the house, completed by 1881, was a privy added behind the west wing. Jonathan Fairbanks came from Heptonstall in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England to Boston , Massachusetts in 1633, and acquired land in 1636–37 and settled in Dedham, Massachusetts , where he built the house on his farm land. It is likely
4620-538: Was arrested in Andover but because he could not afford the $ 4,000 bail, he was taken to Salem for trial. Brown was tried in June 1799. Although he wanted to plead guilty, Justice Samuel Chase urged him to name those who had helped him or subscribed to his writings in exchange for freedom. Brown refused, was fined $ 480, and sentenced to eighteen months in prison. It was the most severe sentence up to then imposed under
4690-635: Was created in Dedham in 1639. It linked the Charles River to the Neponset River . Although both are slow-moving rivers, they are at different elevations. The difference in elevation made the canal's current swift enough to power several local mills. Just 15 months after asking for their own church , 40 men living on the north side of the Charles River suddenly asked the General Court to separate them from Dedham. Their petition cited
4760-458: Was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . The house was built in several stages; the center portion of the present house is oldest, with a gable -roofed portion at the center. It was once a lobby-entry, hall-parlor house of two stories with a center chimney bay. The lean-to was added later, contrary to the note on the first floor plan (see image on left). The oldest section of
4830-436: Was held in the Norfolk County Courthouse . Dedham Pottery is a cherished class of antiques, characterized by a distinctive crackle glaze, blue-and-white color scheme, and a frequent motif of rabbits and other animals. Dedham is sometimes called the "mother of towns" because 14 present-day communities were included within its original broad borders. In March 2023, Dedham dedicated a 84,000 square-foot public safety complex on
4900-416: Was put on during this period and has been dated to 1652–1654 using dendrochronology. Later additions to the house occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries. "It may be said quite simply that no other house of the mid-17th century in New England has survived in such unbelievably unspoiled condition. It is also extraordinary that so early a structure should preserve such a high percentage of original features. It
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