A cherished chapter began in December 2024, when Lilly joined the team at Dominic’s beloved local restaurant in Rutherford, New Jersey. Working alongside Dominick Anfuso, a devoted and visionary restaurateur, has been both a joy and an inspiration. His unwavering support, deep appreciation for authentic cuisine, and commitment to community have created a space where Lilly’s talents have flourished. Together, they’ve crafted a partnership to bring Lilly's Pot Pies to the NY/NJ people who appreciate high quality home made Pot Pies.
Local market intelligence for launching her pot pie business in New York and New Jersey.
To get accurate and current data on:
🥧 Known Competitors in NY/NJ Pot Pie Market Here are some notable players: Retail & Grocery Brands
Local Bakeries & Restaurants
💡 Pricing Insights Type of Pot Pie Price Range (NY/NJ) Frozen Grocery (Single)\$3.50 – \$6 Fresh Gourmet (Single)\$8 – \$12 Family Size (Frozen)\$7 – \$15 Restaurant Portion\$10 – \$18 📈 Market Positioning Ideas for Chef Lilly
Here’s a comprehensive overview of real-time pot pie competitors, pricing, and reviews in the New York and New Jersey market to support Chef Lilly’s business launch:
🥧 Top Pot Pie Competitors in NY/NJNew Jersey Highlights[1]
New York City Area[3]
Upstate NY & Warwick Area
💵 Pricing Snapshot Vendor Type Price Range Wellington Pot PiesGourmet, 6" pies~$8–\$12 each Petee’s Pie CompanyIndividual gourmet pies\$8–\$12 Pie CorpsHand pies\$6–\$10 Little Pie Company (NYC)Full-size pies\$40–\$65 Shannon’s Eyes on the PiesSavory piesEstimated \$8–\$15 KFC (chain)Fast food pot pie\$5–\$6 ⭐ Customer Reviews & Insights
🧭 Strategic Takeaways for Chef Lilly
References [1] New Jersey's Must-Try Places For Chicken Pot Pie & One On This List Is ... [2] Home - Wellington Pot Pies - All-Natural Ingredients. Unrivaled Taste. [3] Top 10 Best Chicken Pot Pie Shop in New York, NY - Yelp [4] Shannon's Eyes on the Pies – Sweet & Savory Pies and other delights [5] Our Favorite Chicken Pot Pies In The Atlantic City, N.J. Area [6] Little Pie Company - New York City Bakery 🧮 Competitive Pricing Strategy Based on current market data from NY/NJ: Recommended Price Points Product Type Size Price Range Notes Classic Chicken Pot Pie6" personal\$8.50 – \$10.50Competitive with gourmet brands Premium Pot Pie (e.g., lobster, truffle mushroom)6" personal\$11.50 – \$14.00Upscale positioning Family-Size Pot Pie9"–10"\$18 – \$24Ideal for gatherings Mini Pot Pies (2-pack)3" each\$7.00 – \$9.00 Great for sampling or kids Bundling Ideas
📣 Launch Marketing PlanPhase 1: Pre-Launch (2–4 weeks before)
Phase 3: Growth
🍽️ Menu Concept for Chef Lilly’s Pot Pie BusinessSignature Line
Labels and Branding
To help Lily create a nutritional label for her pot pies, she’ll need to follow a structured process that meets FDA guidelines (if selling in the U.S.) or relevant local regulations. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Determine the Serving Size
2. Analyze the Ingredients
3. Calculate Nutritional ValuesFor each serving, calculate:
4. Format the LabelFollow FDA formatting rules:
5. Include All Required Information
6. Optional: Get It Reviewed
Here’s a fun and lighthearted campaign concept for Chef Lilly’s Pot Pies, playing off the “pot” pun in a wholesome and clever way:
🌿 Campaign Name: “Just Pie, No High”🎯 Tagline Ideas
“Don’t worry, folks—my pot pies are strictly savory!” 📣 Marketing Channels
🎨 Visual Concepts
Would you like me to:
ABOUT Chef Lilly
Lilian “Lilly” Souza Professional Chef & Artisan Baker Born: September 20, 1979 | Gurupi, Tocantins, Brazil Lilian Souza, affectionately known as Chef Lilly, is a celebrated Brazilian chef and artisan baker whose culinary journey is as rich, soulful, and vibrant as her roots. Born in the heart of Gurupi, Tocantins—a land of wild beauty, where rivers teem with fish and the landscape pulses with life from alligators, snakes, and scorpions—Lilly was raised in a world where nature’s raw bounty shaped every meal and memory. From a young age, Lilly developed a deep reverence for ingredients and a passion for bold, authentic flavors. Her childhood, steeped in the rustic traditions of Brazil’s interior, laid the foundation for a cooking style that marries the earthy essence of her homeland with refined culinary artistry. Her dishes are a celebration of biodiversity—featuring native fish, tropical fruits, and the soulful spices of Brazil—while her baked goods reflect a European finesse, layered with texture, heart, and heritage. Lilly’s culinary spark was first ignited in her grandmother’s kitchen. “I started cooking at 12 with my grandmother, Maria Ebner,” Lilly recalls with a smile. “She was amazing—so funny and full of life. We had so much fun together. She’s 94 now and still remembers those beautiful times. My first pie was a chicken pot pie when I was 13, back in 1992—it was delicious!” That early joy of cooking has never left her. On April 26, 2016, Lilly brought her passion to the United States, determined to share the flavors of Brazil with her new community. Her journey has been one of love, resilience, and creativity—touching hearts and palates wherever she goes. A pivotal moment in her culinary evolution came in June 2019, when she met Chef Laura Teixeira, a kindred spirit and mentor whose influence continues to shine through Lilly’s cooking. Chef Laura’s elegance, technique, and generosity left a lasting impression, and their bond is one of mutual respect and shared passion for food that tells a story. Another cherished chapter began in December 2024, when Lilly joined the team at Dominic’s beloved local restaurant in Rutherford, New Jersey. Working alongside Dominick Anfuso, a devoted and visionary restaurateur, has been both a joy and an inspiration. His unwavering support, deep appreciation for authentic cuisine, and commitment to community have created a space where Lilly’s talents have flourished. Together, they’ve crafted a menu that bridges cultures and brings people together around the table. Whether she’s preparing a hearty moqueca, baking a delicate passionfruit tart, or teaching others the magic of Brazilian cuisine, Chef Lilly infuses every dish with warmth, creativity, and a deep sense of home. Her story is one of flavor, family, and fearless love for the kitchen—and it’s only just beginning. |
Contact Lilly 201.577.2353
chef_lilly_pot_pies
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Brazil has several delicious savory pies that are similar in spirit to pot pies, often called "empadão" or "torta salgada". Here are some of the most popular Brazilian types:
🇧🇷 1. Empadão de Frango (Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie)
🇧🇷 2. Empadão de Palmito (Hearts of Palm Pie)
🇧🇷 3. Torta de Liquidificador (Blender Pie)
🇧🇷 4. Torta de Sardinha (Sardine Pie)
🇧🇷 5. Empadão de Camarão (Shrimp Pot Pie)
🇧🇷 1. Empadão de Frango (Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie)
- Filling: Shredded chicken, olives, hearts of palm, corn, peas, and sometimes cream cheese or requeijão.
- Crust: Buttery shortcrust pastry (massa podre).
- Style: Baked in a large pie dish or as individual portions (empadinhas).
🇧🇷 2. Empadão de Palmito (Hearts of Palm Pie)
- Filling: Hearts of palm in a creamy tomato-based sauce with onions, olives, and sometimes cheese.
- Vegetarian-friendly and very popular in São Paulo and Rio.
🇧🇷 3. Torta de Liquidificador (Blender Pie)
- Filling: Can include chicken, tuna, ground beef, or vegetables.
- Crust: Made from a liquid batter blended and poured over the filling—more like a savory cake than a traditional pie.
- Quick and easy to make, often served at parties or casual gatherings.
🇧🇷 4. Torta de Sardinha (Sardine Pie)
- Filling: Canned sardines, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
- Crust: Often made with the blender batter method.
- Popular in coastal regions and among older generations.
🇧🇷 5. Empadão de Camarão (Shrimp Pot Pie)
- Filling: Shrimp in a creamy tomato or coconut milk sauce, sometimes with hearts of palm or cheese.
- Crust: Traditional buttery pastry.
- Rich and festive, often served during holidays or special occasions.
| brazilian_pot_pies_guide.pdf |
History of pot pies and savory pastries
The history of pot pies and similar savory pastries is rich and spans many cultures and centuries. Here's a look at how these comforting, crust-encased dishes evolved:
🏺 Ancient Origins
🏰 Medieval Europe
🇬🇧 British Influence
🇺🇸 American Pot Pie
🌍 Global Cousins
🏺 Ancient Origins
- Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome: Early versions of meat pies were made by enclosing meat in a flour-and-water paste. These were often used more as cooking vessels than edible crusts.
- Roman Empire: The Romans popularized meat pies across Europe. They had recipes for enclosed meat dishes, often served at banquets.
🏰 Medieval Europe
- Pies as Preservation: In medieval England and France, pies (often called "coffyns") were used to preserve meat. The crusts were thick and inedible, acting like a container.
- Elaborate Pies: By the 14th century, pies became more elaborate and were used in feasts. Some even contained live birds or frogs for dramatic effect when opened!
🇬🇧 British Influence
- Meat Pies and Pasties: The British developed many regional pies, such as steak and kidney pie, Cornish pasties, and shepherd’s pie (though the latter is technically a casserole).
- Colonial Expansion: British settlers brought pie-making traditions to North America, Australia, and other colonies.
🇺🇸 American Pot Pie
- Colonial America: Pot pies became a staple in American kitchens, especially in Pennsylvania Dutch communities. They often included chicken, vegetables, and a flaky or biscuit crust.
- Modern Variants: In the 20th century, frozen pot pies became popular in the U.S., especially brands like Swanson in the 1950s.
🌍 Global Cousins
- France: Tourtière (a meat pie from Quebec with French roots).
- Australia/New Zealand: Meat pies are a national favorite, often filled with minced meat and gravy.
- Latin America: Empanadas are hand-held pies with various fillings.
- India: Samosas are spiced meat or vegetable-filled pastries.
- Middle East: Fatayer and sfiha are savory pastries with meat, cheese, or spinach.
Here’s a list of international variations of pot pies—dishes from around the world that are similar in concept: a savory filling encased in pastry or dough.
🌍 International Variants of Pot Pies🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Would you like a visual map or chart of these dishes by region or a recipe for one of them?
🌍 International Variants of Pot Pies🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- Cornish Pasty – A handheld pastry filled with beef, potato, turnip, and onion.
- Steak and Kidney Pie – A classic British pie with diced steak and kidney in gravy.
- Cottage Pie / Shepherd’s Pie – Not a pastry pie, but similar in spirit; topped with mashed potatoes instead of crust.
- Tourte – A French meat pie, often with a double crust and rich fillings.
- Vol-au-vent – Puff pastry cases filled with creamy chicken or seafood mixtures.
- Tourtière – A spiced meat pie, traditionally served during the holidays in Quebec.
- Meat Pie – A national favorite, usually filled with minced meat, gravy, and sometimes cheese or mushrooms.
- Pepper Steak Pie – A popular variety of meat pie with a peppery beef filling.
- Chicken Puff – Spiced chicken wrapped in puff pastry, often sold as street food or bakery snacks.
- Empadão – A large savory pie filled with chicken, olives, hearts of palm, and sometimes cheese.
- Empanadas – Baked or fried pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
- Pirog – A baked pie that can be filled with meat, fish, or vegetables.
- Kulebyaka – A more elaborate version with layers of filling, often including fish, rice, and mushrooms.
- Xian Bing (馅饼) – Pan-fried meat pies with a doughy crust, often filled with pork or beef.
- Chicken Pot Pie – The classic American version with a creamy chicken and vegetable filling.
- Tamale Pie – A Southwestern U.S. dish with a cornbread crust and chili-style filling.
Would you like a visual map or chart of these dishes by region or a recipe for one of them?
Lilly Ideas (Charcuterie by Lilly) facebook
https://www.instagram.com/charcuterie_by_lili/
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History of Honey Bread:
Origins and Evolution
Honey bread is a sweet that delights many people's taste buds, but do you know how it came about and how it became so popular?
We are going to tell you a bit of the history of honey bread, from its origins to the present day.
The origins of Honey Bread
There are two versions of the origin of honey bread. The first says that he was born in Russia, around the 9th century, and was called "pryanik". He was a mixture of flour, fruit juice and honey, that was baked on hot stones. Later, spices from India and the Middle East were added such as cinnamon, nuts, ginger, dried fruits, among others. Pryanik was a sweet much appreciated by Russians, who used it as a gift at weddings, parties, or as a symbol of healing for the sick. It was also made in animal shapes and used to decorate Christmas trees.
The second version claims that honey bread is of European origin, and it came about when Europeans discovered that spice bread could be coated with melted chocolate to extend its flavor and moisture. Spice bread was a type of biscuit made with flour, honey and spices, that dates back to the Neolithic period, about 10,000 years ago. It was consumed on various occasions, such as religious celebrations, wars, or travel. Chocolate, in turn, was brought from America by the Spaniards, in the 16th century, and soon spread throughout Europe, being used as a drink or as an ingredient for sweets. The combination of spice bread with chocolate gave birth to the honey bread we know today.
The evolution of honey bun
Honey bread has become a well-known and appreciated dessert around the world, with various variations of recipes, fillings, toppings and decorations. It can be found in different formats, such as squares, round, oval, or heart-shaped, star, flower, etc. It can also be filled with dulce de leche, brigadiero, Nutella, passion fruit, or other flavors. The topping can be milk chocolate, white, or bitter, or even icing, fondant, or sugar. The decoration can be made with granules, candies, fruits or other elements. Honey bread can be used as a dessert, snack, or souvenir for parties, events, or commemorative dates. It can also be customized according to the theme or occasion, such as Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day, and other religious holidays.
Honey bread is a sweet that has a rich and flavorful history, reflecting the culture and traditions of different peoples and eras. It's a sweet that pleases all tastes and ages, and can be made in an artisanal or industrial way. It is a sweet that can be consumed at any time of the day, and it goes well with coffee, tea, milk, or juice. He is a sweet that can be shared with family, friends, or that special someone. It is a sweet that can be simple or sophisticated, but always has a unique and irresistible taste. He is the honey bun, a sweet part of our story.
Honeybun has a fantastic and absolutely curious story.
Origins and Evolution
Honey bread is a sweet that delights many people's taste buds, but do you know how it came about and how it became so popular?
We are going to tell you a bit of the history of honey bread, from its origins to the present day.
The origins of Honey Bread
There are two versions of the origin of honey bread. The first says that he was born in Russia, around the 9th century, and was called "pryanik". He was a mixture of flour, fruit juice and honey, that was baked on hot stones. Later, spices from India and the Middle East were added such as cinnamon, nuts, ginger, dried fruits, among others. Pryanik was a sweet much appreciated by Russians, who used it as a gift at weddings, parties, or as a symbol of healing for the sick. It was also made in animal shapes and used to decorate Christmas trees.
The second version claims that honey bread is of European origin, and it came about when Europeans discovered that spice bread could be coated with melted chocolate to extend its flavor and moisture. Spice bread was a type of biscuit made with flour, honey and spices, that dates back to the Neolithic period, about 10,000 years ago. It was consumed on various occasions, such as religious celebrations, wars, or travel. Chocolate, in turn, was brought from America by the Spaniards, in the 16th century, and soon spread throughout Europe, being used as a drink or as an ingredient for sweets. The combination of spice bread with chocolate gave birth to the honey bread we know today.
The evolution of honey bun
Honey bread has become a well-known and appreciated dessert around the world, with various variations of recipes, fillings, toppings and decorations. It can be found in different formats, such as squares, round, oval, or heart-shaped, star, flower, etc. It can also be filled with dulce de leche, brigadiero, Nutella, passion fruit, or other flavors. The topping can be milk chocolate, white, or bitter, or even icing, fondant, or sugar. The decoration can be made with granules, candies, fruits or other elements. Honey bread can be used as a dessert, snack, or souvenir for parties, events, or commemorative dates. It can also be customized according to the theme or occasion, such as Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day, and other religious holidays.
Honey bread is a sweet that has a rich and flavorful history, reflecting the culture and traditions of different peoples and eras. It's a sweet that pleases all tastes and ages, and can be made in an artisanal or industrial way. It is a sweet that can be consumed at any time of the day, and it goes well with coffee, tea, milk, or juice. He is a sweet that can be shared with family, friends, or that special someone. It is a sweet that can be simple or sophisticated, but always has a unique and irresistible taste. He is the honey bun, a sweet part of our story.
Honeybun has a fantastic and absolutely curious story.
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My children's book publishing partnership with my oldest son Matt
First book in the Adventures of Skel and his crew Kindle version released January 8, 2026,
paperback January 9-10
Second book Skel's have hearts in development due end of January on Amazon
Skel's Holiday Adventure Paperback – Large Print, January 9, 2026
by Matthew Fugazzie (Author), John R. Fugazzie (Author) Click on Book Cover to buy on Amazon |
Skel's Holiday Adventure Kindle Edition
by Matthew Fugazzie (Author), John Fugazzie (Author) Format: Kindle Edition Click on image to buy on Amazon |
Skel loves Halloween, but now he wants to celebrate every holiday!
Skel is a happy skeleton who can’t wait to celebrate Halloween each year. But he dreams of getting to take part in the festivities for every holiday. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, and the Fourth of July—there’s so much fun to be had! Skel has a plan for the Skeleton Crew to join in on the celebrations together.
Skel and the Skeleton Crew enjoy spreading messages of positivity and good values. Children can laugh and read along with their adventures while learning important messages for growing up. Bring home Skel’s Holiday Adventure and let your kids get a jump start on reaching for the stars!
This book is ideal for young kids between ages 4 and 8. It will draw them in with the fun characters and teach them about friendship, kindness, respect, inclusiveness, and positivity. Skel's Holiday Adventure makes the perfect gift for birthdays and special occasions.
Skel and the Skeleton Crew are waiting for you to join them on their next big adventure!
Skel is a happy skeleton who can’t wait to celebrate Halloween each year. But he dreams of getting to take part in the festivities for every holiday. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, and the Fourth of July—there’s so much fun to be had! Skel has a plan for the Skeleton Crew to join in on the celebrations together.
Skel and the Skeleton Crew enjoy spreading messages of positivity and good values. Children can laugh and read along with their adventures while learning important messages for growing up. Bring home Skel’s Holiday Adventure and let your kids get a jump start on reaching for the stars!
This book is ideal for young kids between ages 4 and 8. It will draw them in with the fun characters and teach them about friendship, kindness, respect, inclusiveness, and positivity. Skel's Holiday Adventure makes the perfect gift for birthdays and special occasions.
Skel and the Skeleton Crew are waiting for you to join them on their next big adventure!
Skel ™
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Skelvis ™
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Skelroid ™
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Fetch ™
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Lily's Big Sister Surprise Paperback
Large Print, July 7, 2025 by John R. Fugazzie (Author), Matthew Fugazzie (Contributor) A Big Surprise Brings Even Bigger Joy! Lily is a young girl whose life is already full of love and adventure. But one sunny morning, everything changes with Mommy and Daddy’s special announcement: Lily is going to be a big sister! Follow Lily as she prepares for her important new role. With help from her loving family, Lily discovers that being a big sister isn’t just about sharing toys—it’s about sharing your heart. A tender, charming story about the joy that a new sibling can bring. It’s perfect for growing families ready to celebrate a new arrival! Buy on Amazon amzn.to/4lhheGr See more children's books on Matt's page |
AFFILIATE STATEMENT
This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to
earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Additional affiliate links are also occasionally used on the site.
This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to
earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Additional affiliate links are also occasionally used on the site.
6 years and counting ...
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12 years and counting ...
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helping-Brands.com helping-brands.org helpingbrands.net John R. Fugazzie
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Tyler Fugazzie Matthew Fugazzie
Partner with helping-Brands
Chef Lilly - Home Made Pot Pies
Dominick's Italian Restaurant and Bar - 1 Hoboken Road East Rutherford NJ
We Skels love Lily's Pies and wash them down with drinks at Dominick's
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The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests
Legal : Intellectual Property Statement
All the materials and brands that part of this website portal are: John R. Fugazzie
All the brand, name, graphics, images, logos, web site support and related materials are the intellectual property of John R. Fugazzie and can be licensed by partners under a written agreement..
John R. Fugazzie is the developer of presentations, courses, and workshops associated with the following intellectual properties:
helping-Brands, Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA, Ask Professor John, helping-Women, helping-Veterans, and helping-Latinos.
All brand names, graphics, images, logos, website content, and related materials are the exclusive intellectual property of John R. Fugazzie. These assets may be licensed to partners through a formal written agreement.
All the brand, name, graphics, images, logos, web site support and related materials are the intellectual property of John R. Fugazzie and can be licensed by partners under a written agreement..
John R. Fugazzie is the developer of presentations, courses, and workshops associated with the following intellectual properties:
helping-Brands, Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA, Ask Professor John, helping-Women, helping-Veterans, and helping-Latinos.
All brand names, graphics, images, logos, website content, and related materials are the exclusive intellectual property of John R. Fugazzie. These assets may be licensed to partners through a formal written agreement.
NhNUSA Legal Statement and current structural status
Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA is a social franchise founded by John R. Fugazzie on January 27, 2011 in the River Edge NJ Public Library. The organization operated from May 24, 2012-December 24, 2017 as a 501 (c)(3) New Jersey nonprofit. The organization now continues its amazing growth helping people and the continued expansion under the leadership of its founder John R. Fugazzie.
Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA (helping-Brands) is the intellectual property of John R. Fugazzie who is the sole owner of the brand, name, images, logos, social media groups, web sites, and all current and future related materials. John R. Fugazzie maintains all rights to the use and distribution of these materials and any duplication and use without the written permission or license is prohibited Copyright 2011-2026.
Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA is a social franchise founded by John R. Fugazzie on January 27, 2011 in the River Edge NJ Public Library. The organization operated from May 24, 2012-December 24, 2017 as a 501 (c)(3) New Jersey nonprofit. The organization now continues its amazing growth helping people and the continued expansion under the leadership of its founder John R. Fugazzie.
Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA (helping-Brands) is the intellectual property of John R. Fugazzie who is the sole owner of the brand, name, images, logos, social media groups, web sites, and all current and future related materials. John R. Fugazzie maintains all rights to the use and distribution of these materials and any duplication and use without the written permission or license is prohibited Copyright 2011-2026.
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Copyright © 2011-2026