Celebrating 1 Million Visitors with a Free Day!

Join us on Saturday, January 7th as we celebrate 1 million visitors at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery! That’s right, the museum has welcomed 1 MILLION people of all ages since opening its doors on November 10, 2012.

That’s a lot of discovery!!

Admission is free all day long, thanks to generous support from the City of Fort Collins Environmental Services Department – Sustainability Services Area. Interact with the team on the 7th and learn more about climate, waste reduction, and air quality!

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., visitors can enter their name for a grand prize to be drawn at NOON on the 7th:

Grand Prize includes:

  • Free lifetime membership
  • 30 guest passes
  • Behind the scenes tour
  • Prize package from The Museum Store!

(Winner must be present to win)

As a reminder, please plan for limited parking!

This weekend also marks visitors’ last chance to experience the special Earth Matters traveling exhibition, an immersive, bilingual experience that explores climate and the changing world around us. Dive even more deeply into these locally relevant themes by participating in activities and experiences planned by City of Fort Collins Sustainability Services on the 7th or registering for a Earth Matters Poetry Workshop on the 8th hosted by local poet Jodie Hollander and State Historian and CSU Professor Jared Orsi.

We are so excited to celebrate this special milestone as part of our year-long 10th Anniversary Celebrations. Plan your visit to Fort Collins Museum of Discovery on the 7th to share in the fun with everyone!

Click to read the recent Coloradoan article about this wonderful milestone!

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Being “Me” In Fort Collins/ Siendo “yo” en Fort Collins

As of 2/25 registration has reached capacity.
Thank you for the interest!

Sunday, February 26, 2023 | 2:00-5:00 PM* program starts right at 2
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
408 Mason Court
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524

Typical libraries offer print books and digital eBooks for check out, but the Human Library® allows participants – or Readers – to borrow a human Book and engage in conversations about their unique stories, particularly their experiences in Fort Collins regarding their identity/identities. The Human Library program creates a safe and non-judgmental environment for curious and often taboo conversations that will challenge prejudices and promote understanding of differences. The program encourages all participants to “unjudge” a human Book by its cover.

As a Reader, you will have the opportunity to check out four human Books, community volunteers who have been subjected to bias, stereotyping, or intolerance due to their lifestyle, race, beliefs, disability, etc.  For example, a Reader may wish to converse with a Book who identifies as gay, Black, body artist, wheelchair user, etc. and explore their experiences in our community. The hope is that everyone, Readers and Books, gain new understandings that advance acceptance and inclusion among diverse groups.

Please join us for the Human Library – a safe and non-judgmental forum for people to engage in difficult conversations and gain a deeper understanding of diverse human experiences.

There is no charge for this program. For more information about the Human Library, please visit www.humanlibrary.org.

The Human Library program is sponsored by the City of Fort Collins Office of Equity and Inclusion, the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, and the Poudre River Public Library District. This program is presented as part of the 2023 Fort Collins BookFest.


“Siendo yo en Fort Collins”

Las bibliotecas tradicionales ofrecen libros, tanto impresos como electrónicos, pero la Biblioteca Humana® permite a sus participantes, o lectores, tomar prestado un libro humano para entablar conversaciones sobre sus historias, particularmente sus experiencias en Fort Collins con respecto a su identidad. El programa de la Biblioteca Humana crea un entorno seguro y sin prejuicios para mantener conversaciones curiosas y, a menudo, tabú que desafiarán los prejuicios y promoverán la comprensión de las diferencias. El programa alienta a todos los participantes a “desjuzgar” un libro humano.

Como lector tendrá la oportunidad de consultar cuatro libros humanos, voluntarios de la comunidad que han sido objeto de prejuicios, estereotipos o intolerancia debido a su estilo de vida, raza, creencias, discapacidad, etc. Por ejemplo, un lector puede conversar con un libro que se identifique como gay, negro, artista del cuerpo, usuario de silla de ruedas, etc. y explorar sus experiencias en nuestra comunidad. El objetivo es que todos, tanto lectores como libros, obtengan nuevos conocimientos que promuevan la aceptación y la inclusión entre diversos grupos.

Acompáñenos en la Biblioteca Humana: un foro seguro y sin prejuicios para que las personas participen en conversaciones difíciles y obtengan una comprensión más profunda de las diversas experiencias humanas.

Domingo, 26 de febrero de 2023
2:00-5:00 PM
Museo del Descubrimiento de Fort Collins
408 Mason Court
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524

Admisión gratuita. Para registrarse, haga clic aquí 

Para obtener más información sobre la Biblioteca Humana, visite www.humanlibrary.org.

La Biblioteca Humana está patrocinada por la Oficina de Equidad e Inclusión de la ciudad de Fort Collins, el Museo del Descubrimiento de Fort Collins y el Distrito Bibliotecario Público Poudre River. Se presenta como parte del Festival del Libro de Fort Collins 2023.

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Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa’s coming to FCMoD!

Create special holiday memories at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery on Saturday, December 17th! There’s fun planned for everyone, no matter your age!

Enjoy taking photos with Santa Claus, holiday-themed activities, balloon creations, and more. Photos will be on a first come, first-serve basis from 10 am – 1 pm, so we hope you’ll join us! Please bring your smartphone device or camera for photos (FCMoD staff available to take pictures).

This special event is free with museum admission purchase. And don’t forget, members are always free!

NOTE: This may be a high volume event!

Schedule of Events:

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Photos with Santa Claus in the Main Gallery

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Ornament Crafting with FCMoD

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Balloon Creations with Alpaca Globo

Special Events for Museum Members! 

10:00 AM- 1:00 PM: Members receive* FREE hot chocolate available in the Museum Café

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM: Members-only viewing of “Let It Snow” in the OtterBox Digital Dome Theater

While you’re at the museum, don’t forget to explore our latest traveling exhibition Earth Matters: Rethink the Future or check out the newest addition in our Animal Encounters Zone (hint: they’re very green and very froggy).

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Sonic Spotlight Finals Set for December 8th!

The second and final showcase, the SPOTLIGHT ROUND, will feature the three winning artists from the Sonic Round: Fiona Sofia, Hospital Socks, and HYGEIA. This in-person, live music showcase at Washington’s on Thursday, December 8, 2022 will premiere music videos from each finalist created during the program plus live performances, interviews, and surprises in an exciting night of fresh sounds. Also featuring sets from year 2 semi-finalist Forrest Nelson and Listener’s Choice winner: Clementine!

A panel of music industry judges will be present during this event and will announce which finalist is the winner of Sonic Spotlight 2022.

Find out much more at www.sonicspotlight.org.

FIND TICKETS

This music showcase and competition brought to you by Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 105.5 The Colorado Sound, and Bohemian Foundation supports our all-ages music scene by giving emerging artists the opportunity to showcase original music on a large platform, connect with peers and industry professionals, win prizes, and level up their music.

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Extended Hours for Fall Break Fun!

FCMoD is open EXTRA days during Fall Break this year, and we can’t wait! If you’re looking for things to do in Fort Collins, plan your visit to FCMoD and enjoy fun for everyone! We’re open every day during the week of Thanksgiving from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Thursday, November 24th.

Here are some tips for your upcoming visit:

Earth Matters Special Exhibition – Build an insect hotel! Ride a bike to power a city! These are just a few ways that Earth Matters inspires visitors to rethink the world around them. Immerse yourself in thought-provoking scientific topics about our changing planet such as biodiversity, rising global temperatures, and issues around carbon emissions. Explore this STEM-based, family-friendly exhibit now through Sunday, January 8th. Don’t forget, members receive free admission to the exhibit!

Pop-Up Floor Programming – Join us in the main gallery for programs that rock as hard as you do! From Foley art to the science of sound, there’s something for everyone! Programs are included in general admission and free for members. Check out the schedule in our museum calendar!

Meet the Animals – On Saturday, November 26th, join us in Animal Encounters and discover some amazing creatures we share this planet with. Animals of all kinds from creepy crawlies, wet and slimy, to soft and furry. Don’t miss an opportunity to make a new animal friend! Free for members and included in general admission ticket.

OtterBox Digital Dome – A visit to the museum isn’t complete without a visit to the Dome! Featuring a gigantic 39-foot diameter dome screen, adventurers of all ages will be wowed by the Dome’s state-of-the-art digital projection systems and booming surround sound.

Now showing in the Dome: CAPCOM GO! The Apollo Story, Dream to Fly, Explore, Prince 360, One World, One Sky: Big Birds’ Adventure, Let it Snow! (starting 11/25)

Special Spanish-language shows: Un Cielo, Un Mundo. La Aventura de Big Bird y CAPCOM Go: La Historia del Programa Apolo

Check out the schedule here!

Archive and Collections (Free Zone) – Dive into local history by visiting FCMoD’s robust Archive and Collections! Free and open to the public, visitors can either take advantage of walk-in hours Tuesday through Saturday, 10-1, or schedule an appointment Tuesday – Friday, from 10-4. Can’t make it in? Check out the online archive here, which grows daily!

The Museum Store (Free Zone) – Shop small this holiday season! All purchases at The Museum Store support FCMoD’s mission to create meaningful opportunities to learn, reflect, and have fun. From jewelry crafted by local artists, to books for children and adults, to toys and other curiosities, there is something for everyone at The Museum Store!

The Museum Café (Free Zone) – From pastries and coffee to jump start your day, to a variety of casual lunch bites, The Museum Café is here to fuel your discovery!

Membership – Membership is the best way to experience all that FCMoD has to offer! Not only do you receive free general admission for a year, but you also enjoy exclusive discounts, events invitations, and more! Plus, membership makes the perfect holiday gift. (Check your email on Monday, November 28th for a very special offer!)

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Fort Collins Museum of Discovery Turns 10!

On November 10, 2012, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery opened its doors for the very first time. Fast forward 10 years and nearly 1 million visitors later, and WOW have we had fun! We’re proud of what these ten years have meant to FCMoD and the community, so we’ve planned a year of celebrations that kicks off with a very special 10th Birthday Party on Saturday, November 12.

Join us for a FREE, fun-filled day of celebrations!
Saturday, November 12, 2022
10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Free Entry
Free admission presented by Elevations Credit Union

  • Face painting from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • A fun photo booth to take memories home with you from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Live music from 12 – 4 p.m. with Miranda Fling, Mariachi Voces Mexicanas, Teddy Creal, and Corinthian
  • Special Animal Experiences and more from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Solar scope viewings with the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society
  • Movies and films in The OtterBox Digital Dome throughout the day
  • Special giveaways to the first 300 visitors!
  • And more to be announced!

Ten years of science exploration. Ten years of discovering history. Ten years of curiosity and learning. Ten years of creating memories… And we’re only just beginning! A special and heartfelt thank you to YOU for your continued love and support for the museum over the years. We can’t wait to see you this year during our many celebrations!

Sign up for our newsletter to receive special 10th anniversary updates, directly in your inbox.


FCMoD’s 10th Anniversary Celebrations are generously supported by:

Additional support provided by:
Bohemian Foundation
Fiona’s Catering
Nordson Corporate Foundation

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Sonic Spotlight at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

Sonic Spotlight is a music competition for Front Range musicians under 22 years old. Now in its third year, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is helping musicians connect in our space and with industry leaders.

The Run Down

In our first phase of the competition, Sonic Spotlight judges chose eight semifinalists to compete in the Sonic Round. From now until November, Sonic Round members will work to craft songs that will be airing live on Thursday, November 3 on 105.5 The Colorado Sound and KCSU, found on 90.5. From there, the competition will be narrowed to three finalists who will perform at Washington’s in Fort Collins, live and amped up with new music during the Spotlight round of the competition.

After the show, a winner will be chosen for this year’s Sonic Spotlight.

The experience

Sonic Spotlight supports fresh sounds from any genre; selected artists and bands will get a chance to work with industry experts, connect with creative peers, receive radio airplay, create a professional music video, play festivals, win prizes, perform live, and level up their music. 

This year’s semifinalists

AUTUMNAL | FORT COLLINS

Autumnal is an indie-folk band from Fort Collins comprised of two long time best friends. Their music is reminiscent of indie singer-songwriters such as Daisy the Great, Samia, and Indigo De Souza. Find their music on Youtube and their website.

CLEMENTINE | FORT COLLINS

This quintet freshly squeezed out of Fort Collins, Colorado consists of bright guitar riffs juxtaposed with heavy hitting drums and lyrics. The music released by clementine is only a taste of what they are capable of, as clementine continues to push its limits for what is possible musically. Their music is on Spotify and Soundcloud.

FIONA SOFIA | FORT COLLINS 

Fiona Sofia is a singer/songwriter/producer based in Colorado. She writes from the soul and aims to embody every aspect of life through music- the highs, the lows, the confidence, the lessons, the love, the everything. Listen to her music on Spotify and YouTube.

HOSPITAL SOCKS | FORT COLLINS 

All growing up in the Fort Collins area, their first EP shows only a small portion of what the band is capable of both sonically and emotionally. Already hard at work for their next project, hospital socks are here to stay and are craving to make a mark. Hear them on Spotify.

HYGEIA | FORT COLLINS

HYGEIA is a four piece progressive hard-rock band based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Taking inspiration from modern metal bands like Jinjer, Periphery, and Bring Me the Horizon, HYGEIA breaks boundaries in the music scene. Listen to them on their website and Spotify pages.

JONAH AUSBUN | GREELEY

Northern Colorado-based Jonah Ausbun has developed a nostalgic pop sound for people wanting to live a little. Grab your friends, hop in the car, and play the soundtrack to experience being human right now. Here they are on Bandcamp and Spotify.

SAUCE K. | GREELEY

Sauce K is a Hip Hop artist from Greeley. It wasn’t until after a year of my graduation that Sauce K. became a Rap/Hip Hop Artist. Sauce K. was the Sonic Spotlight 2021 Listener’s Choice winner! Experience the Sauce K. on his website and Spotify

TY_MAKES_MUSIC | FIRESTONE

Ty_Makes_Music combines colorful and complex sound design that holds the audience’s hand through experiences and to help listeners grow. Listen to Ty_Makes_Music on Youtube and Spotify.

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Our new special exhibition, Earth Matters, is now open until January 8, 2023

 

Explore our changing planet and visit Earth Matters: Rethink the Future at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery from September 17 until January 8.

Explora un planeta que está en constante transformación; el nuestro, y visita la exhibición especial La Tierra importa: Repensar el futuro que llegará al Museo del Descubrimiento de Fort Collins a partir del 18 de septiembre hasta el 8 de enero.

En español

In nature, everything is connected—air, land, water – and everything is subject to change as well.

Earth Matters: Rethink the Future features fully interactive exhibits that put viewers front and center – enabling them to think in terms of solutions across a world of topics. Visitors will engage in themes such as biodiversity, rising global temperatures, and carbon emissions while creating lasting perspectives about the bigger roles we play in our environments.

While thinking about sustainability, you’ll see the inner workings of a tree, learn about endangered species, experience life in a coral reef, and calculate your water consumption. Earth Matters: Rethink the Future gives us all the chance to reimagine a more sustainable future – starting in our own backyard.

We are excited to take part in such a topical conversation. The exhibit will be on display until January 8, 2023, featuring STEM crossover for school audiences, and lifelong learners as well.

Created by Scitech in Perth, Australia and produced by Imagine Exhibitions
Exhibición creada por Scitech en Perth, Australia, y producida por Imagine Exhibitions

En la naturaleza, todo está conectado: el aire, la tierra, el agua y a la vez, todo está sujeto a cambios. 

La Tierra importa: Repensar el futuro es una exhibición ampliamente interactiva que coloca a los espectadores frente a cuestiones elementales que buscan encontrar soluciones diversas a problemas vigentes. Con temas como la biodiversidad, el aumento de las temperaturas globales, las emisiones de carbono, y mucho más, podrás crear diferentes perspectivas sobre el rol que tienes en cuanto a tu entorno.

Mientras piensas en la sostenibilidad, verás el funcionamiento interno de un árbol, aprenderás sobre especies en peligro de extinción, experimentarás la vida en un arrecife de coral, calcularás tu consumo de agua, entre muchas otras actividades increíbles y educativas, incluyendo experiencias STEM (ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería y matemáticas por sus siglas en inglés) para toda la familia.

La Tierra importa: Repensar el futuro nos da la oportunidad de volver a imaginar un futuro más sostenible, comenzando en nuestro propio hogar.

Esta exhibición especial estará presente hasta el 8 de enero de 2023.

¡Los esperamos!

Experience Earth Matters: Rethink The Future at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

Visita La Tierra importa: Repensar el futuro en el Museo del Descubrimiento de Fort Collins

September 17, 2022 – January 8, 2023

*September 17 is a preview day for members only.

This exhibit is made possible with generous support from:

Esta exhibición ha sido posible gracias al generoso apoyo de:

Sponsors (5)
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Upcoming Events at the Museum

In coordination with our special exhibition, Earth Matters, on display until January 8, 2023, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery presents programming that supports the mission of connecting our communities.

Our special programming includes a range of topics, and we have worked to gear events toward audiences of all ages. Please visit this page and our events calendar to learn about programs and events to join throughout the run of the exhibition.

See Programming

Earth Matters is sponsored by Odell Brewing Co, Hewlett-Packard, and Kaiser Permanente

October 20 | The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend: Recognizing and Working with Natural Enemies of Insect Pests with Dr. Whitney Crenshaw | 7 – 8 p.m.

Dr. Whitney Cranshaw, from CSU’s Entomology Department, will share his vast knowledge of our area’s smallest inhabitants to help you understand how you can use their natural behaviors to minimize insects’ more destructive impacts on your life and home. Registration is required.

October 21 | Carnival of Souls – 60th Anniversary Viewing Party | 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Join us for a special viewing in the OtterBox Digital Dome Theater of the cult classic film Carnival of Souls, just in time for Halloween! More information and tickets can be found here.

October 22 | Learn Cheesemaking with Rachel Wildman | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Rachel Wildman, Farmer’s Market Coordinator of CSU’s Extension Service, will demonstrate the ins and out, curds and wheys of delicious cheesemaking in the Learning Lab. Registration is required.

November 5 | Tom Cech in the OtterBox Digital Dome Theater | 2 – 3 p.m.

Colorado has been in the most serious drought in 1,200 years, and our growing population is stretching limited water resources. What are the impacts of Colorado water law on this unprecedented period in our state’s history? Tom Cech will provide insight and perspective on these critical issues for the Front Range of Colorado. Cech is the recently-retired director of the One World One Water Center for Urban Water Education and Sustainability at Metropolitan State University in Denver. Registration is required.

November 15 | CSU Bug Zoo | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The Colorado State University (CSU) Bug Zoo will present information at the museum, focusing on their mission to bring a deeper appreciation for arthropods through hands-on learning. CSU Bug Zoo is part of the college’s Agricultural Science Department. The event is free with museum admission.

November 17 | Meet The Raptors | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program will be on site with live raptors and information to share about the animals, their habitat, and conservation efforts. Since 1987, RMRP has served the northern Colorado region through raptor rescue, rehabilitation and research, and conservation education. The event is free with museum admission.

November 17 | Radon: The Health Risks and Solutions with Karen Crumbaker | 7 – 8 p.m.

Join CSU Extension Service Agent in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Karen Crumbaker, in FCMoD’s OtterBox Digital Dome to learn the real impacts of radon exposure and practical measures you can take to protect yourself from its effects. Registration is required.

December 3 | CSU Bug Zoo | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The Colorado State University (CSU) Bug Zoo will present information at the museum, focusing on their mission to bring a deeper appreciation for arthropods through hands-on learning. CSU Bug Zoo is part of the college’s Agricultural Science Department. The event is free with museum admission.

December 10 | Black-footed Ferret Clone Day | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Learn more about our black-footed ferrets, as well as the wonderful birth story of the first-ever cloned BFF Elizabeth Anne as we celebrate the wonders of conservation. The event is free for all to attend.

December 15 | Some Like It Hot: Sun Loving Plants for Your Fort Collins Yard with Alison O’Connor | 7 – 8 p.m.

Blessed with a sun-drenched yard? Join Alison O’Connor of the CSUExtension Service to learn how to make sun-friendly perennial, tree, and shrub choices for a beautiful, more sustainable yard. Registration is required.

This page will be updated as we share more programs.

Find our Earth Matters Press Release.

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Staff Spotlight: Our Museum Preparator, Jenny

Often, it’s hard to quantify what it takes to keep a museum running. As the museum gets ready for a new special exhibition, we wanted to find out. So, without further ado, our great museum preparator, who keeps it all going smoothly.

Hi Jenny. You must be busy with a new special exhibition coming up. So, big question, what has to happen to install a 5,000 square foot exhibit?  

Oh wow! A whole heap of things. The process starts far in advance of the exhibition opening date with contracts, layouts, delivery schedules and the like. Being organized is crucial, a schedule of what needs to happen in the special exhibition space and who will be part of the process is identified. Earth Matters is opening two weeks after Food for Thought closes, which allows for time to take down and store the art photos and moveable walls in the gallery before the semitrucks arrives over the weekend.

Can you tell us a little more about the process?

Once here, the construction of the exhibit begins over the course of a week. There are two people who are traveling with Earth Matters who will guide the process, which is necessary once you see how dismantled and well packed a large exhibit is when it arrives. There is always a bit of heavy lifting, ladders, Gaff tape and zip ties needed for an exhibit and there will most likely be something that needs figured out. The traveling exhibit installs are quite fun to be a part of and give a bit of fresh air to the museum when they arrive. I am looking forward to seeing Earth Matters.  

Take us through what it’s like to be the museum preparator day in and day out. What are some of the fun things that happen?  

Being able to make things, there are standard items that are regularly made like the info pucks or toughening up the trains for the train table. Then we also have one off projects like making slip covers for Funky Forest logs or the felted zoetrope bird wheel on the welcome wall. It is a great combination of projects. I also enjoy working to put together the café exhibits we put on and the large exhibition shows. One of my favorite things I have worked on is the Dia de Muertos alter space. It’s such a beautiful celebration both spiritually and visually. 

The challenging?  

Some of the technology items can be a challenge for me since I have a stronger background in maintenance. Thankfully, we have a good team of folks who are always up for showing me how to fix the myriad of problems that could arise.  

And the most unexpected? 

Kids are always unexpected but what I discovered is that they are paying attention to what you are doing or carrying through the gallery. They are always interested and have questions about something that is being repaired even if they are just asking their parents what I am doing. One time a little boy ran over to tell me “your wrench is cool” as I was passing through and honestly, it is a good pair of channel locks, the kid has good taste. It is constantly surprising what they notice.  

You have the coolest workspace in the museum – the entire workshop! What’s the one tool you couldn’t live without?  

This is actually a tough question because tools change for each task and sure, I have a favorite set of pliers, retractable knives, hex keys, paint brush even pencils. However, having the space to work and having a large work bench is amazing. A large flat surface to suit all projects is fantastic and can be a workshop anomaly, so it is something I greatly appreciate.  

Thanks for the time, Jenny! Have a good week!

You too!

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