JOIN US! Thursday, August 1, 2024 5:30 - 7:00 PM Linden Hall, Dorsey Search Village Center Register Today! Plan to join the WGC for our Annual Black Philanthropy Month Happy Hour, where we will celebrate this important month, and honor several female philanthropists who are making a difference in our community as part of WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories" celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. Learn more here, and view our 2023 BPM event here.
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wgc in the community. Happy (almost) Summer! It has been a busy several months as we've been celebrating women's philanthropy in the community with many of you! Here's what we've been up to recently:
This, is the power of a giving circle. What's next? We are excited to host our annual WGC Black Philanthropy Month Happy Hour on August 1. Mark your calendars and register here today! Please contact WGC Executive Director Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz with any questions. We look forward to seeing you soon! Thanks for all you do to support women and girls in our community. Jennifer Bodensiek WGC Advisory Board Chair [email protected] www.wgchowardcounty.org What a day for the 4th Annual "Own Your Freedom" Juneteenth Celebration at Centennial Park!
Led by WGC Advisory Board Member Cheryl Gray, WGC Advisory Board Members Jade McDuffie McClary, Barb Van Winkle, Nette Stokes, and Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz were honored to be there representing the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County! "One of the ways we celebrate Juneteenth is by coming together and giving back to our communities" said WGC Events Committee Chair Jade McDuffie McClary. "We were honored to be a part of this important event." Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the US. "We were excited to attend the 4th Annual Juneteenth celebration in support of WGC Advisory Board Member Cheryl Gray, and as an exhibitor and a recipient of support" said WGC's Immediate Past Chair Barb Van Winkle. "We loved meeting so many women and providing information and a presentation about the Women's Giving Circle and the work we are doing in support of the community!"
This week is Period Poverty Week, and we are here to tell you that Period Poverty is real. Did you know that 29% of girls miss school due to lack of supplies needed, 39% cannot provide period products for themselves, and some are forced to use towels and plastic instead of proper supplies? It's true. The reality is, half of the population menstruates. To help alleviate Period Poverty, the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County hosts an ongoing WGC Feminine Hygiene Product Drive, where we are bringing in needed supplies for women and girls in Howard County. And, we have wonderful student interns who are supporting our efforts because they feel strongly that no fellow student should have to miss school, work, or daily life activities because they are unable to afford the basic necessities they require. During Period Poverty Week we are honored to profile our student intern Zahra Johnson who is helping to lead the charge - here's what she had to say about being a part of the Women's Giving Circle: We are so excited you are working with the WGC this year! Tell us a little about yourself.
What interested you in specifically working on the WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive?
What is the most interesting thing you've learned so far about women's philanthropy and giving to programs that benefit women and girls?
We are so fortunate to have Jess investing her volunteer time, energy, ideas, and wisdom as a WGC Student Intern focusing on our Feminine Hygiene Product Drive - thank you Zahra! "The WGC has chosen to continue our focus on this important issue because it's a need that is easily and often overlooked" said Paula Seabright, WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive Chair. "It's time to break the cycle of period poverty and along with our incredible student interns, we invite our community to join with us." Learn more about getting involved in the WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive here This week is Period Poverty Week, and we are here to tell you that Period Poverty is real. Did you know that 29% of girls miss school due to lack of supplies needed, 39% cannot provide period products for themselves, and some are forced to use towels and plastic instead of proper supplies? It's true. The reality is, half of the population menstruates. To help alleviate Period Poverty, the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County hosts an ongoing WGC Feminine Hygiene Product Drive, where we are bringing in needed supplies for women and girls in Howard County. And, we have wonderful student interns who are supporting our efforts because they feel strongly that no fellow student should have to miss school, work, or daily life activities because they are unable to afford the basic necessities they require. During Period Poverty Week we are honored to profile our student intern Cami Schwartz who is helping to lead the charge - here's what she had to say about being a part of the Women's Giving Circle: We are so excited you are working with the WGC this year! Tell us a little about yourself.
What interested you in specifically working on the WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive?
What is the most interesting thing you've learned so far about women's philanthropy and giving to programs that benefit women and girls?
We are so fortunate to have Jess investing her volunteer time, energy, ideas, and wisdom as a WGC Student Intern focusing on our Feminine Hygiene Product Drive - thank you Cami! "The WGC has chosen to continue our focus on this important issue because it's a need that is easily and often overlooked" said Paula Seabright, WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive Chair. "It's time to break the cycle of period poverty and along with our incredible student interns, we invite our community to join with us." Learn more about getting involved in the WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive here This week is Period Poverty Week, and we are here to tell you that Period Poverty is real. Did you know that 29% of girls miss school due to lack of supplies needed, 39% cannot provide period products for themselves, and some are forced to use towels and plastic instead of proper supplies? It's true. The reality is, half of the population menstruates. To help alleviate Period Poverty, the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County hosts an ongoing WGC Feminine Hygiene Product Drive, where we are bringing in needed supplies for women and girls in Howard County. And, we have wonderful student interns who are supporting our efforts because they feel strongly that no fellow student should have to miss school, work, or daily life activities because they are unable to afford the basic necessities they require. During Period Poverty Week we are honored to profile our student intern Isabella Farro who is helping to lead the charge - here's what she had to say about being a part of the Women's Giving Circle: We are so excited you are working with the WGC this year! Tell us a little about yourself.
What interested you in specifically working on the WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive?
What is the most interesting thing you've learned so far about women's philanthropy and giving to programs that benefit women and girls?
We are so fortunate to have Jess investing her volunteer time, energy, ideas, and wisdom as a WGC Student Intern focusing on our Feminine Hygiene Product Drive - thank you Isabella! "The WGC has chosen to continue our focus on this important issue because it's a need that is easily and often overlooked" said Paula Seabright, WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive Chair. "It's time to break the cycle of period poverty and along with our incredible student interns, we invite our community to join with us." Learn more about getting involved in the WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive here This week is Period Poverty Week, and we are here to tell you that Period Poverty is real. Did you know that 29% of girls miss school due to lack of supplies needed, 39% cannot provide period products for themselves, and some are forced to use towels and plastic instead of proper supplies? It's true. The reality is, half of the population menstruates. To help alleviate Period Poverty, the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County hosts an ongoing WGC Feminine Hygiene Product Drive, where we are bringing in needed supplies for women and girls in Howard County. And, we have wonderful student interns who are supporting our efforts because they feel strongly that no fellow student should have to miss school, work, or daily life activities because they are unable to afford the basic necessities they require. During Period Poverty Week we are honored to profile our student intern Megan Pardoe who is helping to lead the charge - here's what she had to say about being a part of the Women's Giving Circle: We are so excited you are working with the WGC this year! Tell us a little about yourself.
What interested you in specifically working on the WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive?
What is the most interesting thing you've learned so far about women's philanthropy and giving to programs that benefit women and girls?
We are so fortunate to have Jess investing her volunteer time, energy, ideas, and wisdom as a WGC Student Intern focusing on our Feminine Hygiene Product Drive - thank you Megan! "The WGC has chosen to continue our focus on this important issue because it's a need that is easily and often overlooked" said Paula Seabright, WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive Chair. "It's time to break the cycle of period poverty and along with our incredible student interns, we invite our community to join with us." Learn more about getting involved in the WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive here This week is Period Poverty Week, and we are here to tell you that Period Poverty is real. Did you know that 29% of girls miss school due to lack of supplies needed, 39% cannot provide period products for themselves, and some are forced to use towels and plastic instead of proper supplies? It's true. The reality is, half of the population menstruates. To help alleviate Period Poverty, the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County hosts an ongoing WGC Feminine Hygiene Product Drive, where we are bringing in needed supplies for women and girls in Howard County. And, we have wonderful student interns who are supporting our efforts because they feel strongly that no fellow student should have to miss school, work, or daily life activities because they are unable to afford the basic necessities they require. During Period Poverty Week we are honored to profile our student intern Jessica Ndiritu who is helping to lead the charge - here's what she had to say about being a part of the Women's Giving Circle: We are so excited you are working with the WGC this year! Tell us a little about yourself.
What interested you in specifically working on the WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive?
What is the most interesting thing you've learned so far about women's philanthropy and giving to programs that benefit women and girls?
We are so fortunate to have Jess investing her volunteer time, energy, ideas, and wisdom as a WGC Student Intern focusing on our Feminine Hygiene Product Drive - thank you Jessica! "The WGC has chosen to continue our focus on this important issue because it's a need that is easily and often overlooked" said Paula Seabright, WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive Chair. "It's time to break the cycle of period poverty and along with our incredible student interns, we invite our community to join with us." Learn more about getting involved in the WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive here 3 Questions With ... Philanthropist Lee Draminski, in Honor of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month5/24/2024 The Women's Giving Circle is proud to amplify the voices and stories of women givers in our community through our regular series "Our Giving, Our Stories". This month we are profiling Lee Draminski in honor of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? "I would strongly encourage you to find a cause or organization that speaks to you. There is no shortage of opportunities to get involved. Grab your children, a friend or colleague and simply just dive in. Find the best fit for you, grasp what and where exactly the needs are that align with your personal interests. Skill-based volunteering is such an incredible way to contribute your talents to an organization. Group volunteering can be super fun and highly productive." Read Lee's full profile here In addition to serving on the WGC Advisory Board, Lee said that her company, Vectorworks, provides 40 hours annually of VTO (Volunteer Time Off). Fan favorites for Vectorworks employees to volunteer with include: Paul's Place, Meals On Wheels, and the Maryland Food Bank Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories" and nominate a woman today! We are always accepting the names of women throughout the year who may be profiled for their inspiring philanthropic leadership. WGC Immediate Past Chair Barb Van Winkle was honored to attend the Conexiones Excellence Award Ceremony on May 22, 2024 at the Central Branch Library and support the award winners for the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County Leadership Award. "I was honored to represent the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County at the Conexiones Excellence Award Ceremony!" said Barb Van Winkle. "We are proud of our partnership with Conexiones and incredibly proud of the amazing young women receiving support for their talent and community service." The awards were given to Amanda Mejia Benitez (Mt. Hebron High School) and Natalie Thomas (Long Reach High School), both who demonstrated through their applications a history of community service and strong academic achievement. "We are grateful for the funding the Women's Giving Circle has generously provided, and make these awards possible to help Hispanic youth advance their educational careers" said Haydee Herrera, Conexiones Board Member. "The award ceremony is our way of coming together to celebrate the students and thank you, the HCPSS staff, and the community members who have helped us make these awards possible." This week is Period Poverty Week, and we are here to tell you that Period Poverty is real. Did you know that 29% of girls miss school due to lack of supplies needed, 39% cannot provide period products for themselves, and some are forced to use towels and plastic instead of proper supplies? It's true. The reality is, half of the population menstruates. To help alleviate Period Poverty, the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County hosts an ongoing WGC Feminine Hygiene Product Drive, where we are bringing in needed supplies for women and girls in Howard County. And, we have wonderful student interns who are supporting our efforts because they feel strongly that no fellow student should have to miss school, work, or daily life activities because they are unable to afford the basic necessities they require. During Period Poverty Week we are honored to profile our student intern Morgan George who is helping to lead the charge - here's what she had to say about being a part of the Women's Giving Circle: We are so excited you are working with the WGC this year! Tell us a little about yourself.
What interested you in specifically working on the WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive?
What is the most interesting thing you've learned so far about women's philanthropy and giving to programs that benefit women and girls?
We are so fortunate to have Morgan investing her volunteer time, energy, ideas, and wisdom as a WGC Student Intern focusing on our Feminine Hygiene Product Drive - thank you Morgan! "The WGC has chosen to continue our focus on this important issue because it's a need that is easily and often overlooked" said Paula Seabright, WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive Chair. "It's time to break the cycle of period poverty and along with our incredible student interns, we invite our community to join with us." Learn more about getting involved in the WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive here Period Poverty Awareness Week, May 20 - 28, 2024 was created to draw attention to the issue of period poverty and the negative impact it has on people who menstruate, and the WGC is proud to be participating. What is Period Poverty? Half of the population menstruates. We all know plenty of people that have a period. But not everyone knows that two in five people struggle to purchase period supplies due to lack of income. This is called period poverty, and chances are we each know someone who has experienced this need – a neighbor, a co-worker, a friend. For many individuals, a period is a setback. It’s something that dictates where they can go, what they can do, and how they’re perceived. For 1 in 3 low-income women, this means missing work, school, and outings because of a lack of period supplies. No student should have to miss school, no adult should have to miss work, and no person should have to miss out on daily life because they are unable to afford the basic necessities they require. The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County hosts an ongoing WGC Feminine Hygiene Product Drive, where we are bringing in needed supplies for women and girls in Howard County. Our community is invited to support this effort in three ways:
"The WGC has chosen to continue our focus on this important issue because it's a need that is easily and often overlooked" said Paula Seabright, WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive Chair. "It's time to break the cycle of period poverty and we invite our community to join with us." You can learn more about getting involved in our efforts here This week, we are profiling our amazing student interns, who represent the Women's Giving Circle in discussing this important issue and are supporting our ongoing collection efforts. What a night at the WGC's Big Give 2024! The WGC's Big Give 2024 was a fun, meaningful, fast-paced giving circle learning, connecting, and giving experience, where 53 women collectively gave $20,000 together to three nonprofit partners: Columbia Housing Center, Grassroots, and Tuerk House.
The WGC's Big Give 2024 is designed for women who want to learn more about grantmaking to women and girls in our community in a fast-paced, hands-on giving experience. Read about the WGC's Big Give 2024 Kick Off meeting on May 10, 2024. When asked to describe in one word how WGC Big Give donors felt awarding these grants, here's what they said: "Grateful", "Optimistic", "Determined", "Amazing", "Open-Minded", "Philanthropic", "Inspired", "Fulfilled", "Excited", "Connected", "Hopeful", "Proud", "Curious", "Happy", "Energized", "Positive", "Elevated", "Wonderful", "Dynamic", "Elated", "Psyched", "Bright", "Mindful", "Inclusive", "Powerful", and "United"! This, is the power of a giving circle. 53 women + $20,000 + 3 nonprofit partners = 1 WGC Big Give community! You can learn more about the WGC's Big Give 2024 here and view photos below! Interested in participating? Sign up for the WGC's Big Give 2025 here! The Community Foundation of Howard County Spring Party is always one of our favorite events of the year - and this year the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County took over the bar for an hour. Nothing better than having fun for a good cause! We love our community!
Wow, what a night to kick off the WGC's Big Give 2024 at Vectorworks!
The WGC's Big Give 2024 is designed for women who want to learn more about grantmaking to women and girls in our community in a fast-paced, hands-on giving experience. The WGC Big Give 2024 has 53 women who have pooled $20,000 individually and as teams who will collectively grant this $20,000 to three nonprofits that support women and girls of Howard County. WGC Big Give 2024 members will meet again next week to hear from this year's 3 finalists and determine grant awards - stay tuned! "We firmly believe that women’s philanthropy is shaping the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving" said Melissa Curtin, WGC Big Give Chair. "WGC's The Big Give is empowering women to support other women in our community now, and in the future." You can learn more about the WGC's Big Give 2024 here and view photos below! The WGC was honored to sponsor “Listen to Your Mother - Howard County” on May 11.
From hilarious and heartwarming to emotionally intense and profound, we heard 10 diverse true stories about motherhood from 10 inspiring women, including some WGC leaders! We collected products to support WGC’s Feminine Hygiene Product Drive and, our participation supported our partners at JustLiving Advocacy. Congratulations to all involved for bringing “Listen to Your Mother” to our community. 12 BIG ideas for social change in Howard County | 6 that were funded with $100k | ALL that are winners Changemaker (n) – One who desires change in the world and, by gathering knowledge and resources, makes that change happen. On May 7, The Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland, Women’s Giving Circle, and Community Foundation of Howard County hosted The Changemaker Challenge - a social innovation competition to highlight and award ideas in Howard County, and we are all feeling energized and inspired by our Changemaker Challenge 2024 finalists! The Changemaker Challenge aims to spark social innovation to address challenges facing our community and we invested $100K to support 6 big ideas for social change in Howard County! Here are the 2024 Changemaker Challenge Winners:
Here are the Changemaker Challenge 2024 Finalists:
"We are proud and honored to have worked with all of these amazing social entrepreneurs this year" said WGC Chair Jennifer Bodensiek." And in particular, we are excited to have the $10K WGC Award go to Ballet After Dark that is launching "Periodt!" to fight period poverty, something that is very important to the WGC." Changemaker is looking for big ideas for social change in Howard County. We have partnered on the Changemaker Challenge because despite all the strengths of our community in Howard County, we recognize that many pressing problems continue to persist. Fortunately, Howard County has a long history of tireless work by many individuals and organizations that have brought creative solutions to some of these pressing problems. This idea started in Howard County, and was so successful that our partners at United Way have now replicated Changemaker throughout Central Maryland - talk about innovation! "Our philanthropic community as partnered on the Changemaker Challenge since 2017 and we are proud of our growing, collaborative efforts to invest in social innovation and change in our community" said WGC Executive Director Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz. "4 Changemaker Challenges, 125+ applicants, 40+ finalists, 17 Changemakers, and $250K in awards to date - that's social innovation!" We look forward to our next Changemaker Challenge - stay tuned! We had a wonderful Women's Giving Circle of Howard County Mother’s Day Happy Hour tonight at Bra-La-La. We highlighted how women can engage in the WGC, and in particular, our WGC Feminine Hygiene Product Drive. Thank you to all who joined us and many thanks to Mary Jordan & Bra-La-La for hosting us. Period Poverty is real. Learn more and support the drive here.
EIGHTH ANNUAL BOOKS IN BLOOM FEATURES AWARD WINNERS AND FAN FAVORITES IN MULTIGENERATIONAL, MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY EVENT Downtown Columbia Partnership and Howard Hughes Holdings Host Book Festival May 11 at Color Burst Park in Downtown Columbia Women’s creativity and accomplishments are at the forefront of the eighth annual Books in Bloom festival hosted by the Downtown Columbia Partnership (DTCP) and Howard Hughes Holdings on Saturday, May 11, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., in Color Burst Park, Merriweather District, Downtown Columbia. The multigenerational, multicultural event is free and open to the public. The roster of featured presenters includes:
Children’s activities, writer’s workshops and exhibits by local literary, human rights and other organizations will be included. Busboys and Poets will showcase books by festival authors, and local restauranteurs will offer special snacks and meals for sale. Free parking is available in the parking garage at the festival site. More book festival information is at https://merriweatherdistrict.com/books-in-bloom/ Happy Spring! It's a lovely time of year where we've been out regularly celebrating women's philanthropy in the community with many of you. This, is the power of a giving circle. You are the women engaged in the important work of the WGC that supports women and girls in our community throughout the year. Read the full April 2024 eNewsletter here In fact, I hope you will join us for WGC's Mother's Day Happy Hour on Wednesday, May 1, 5:30 pm at Bra la la. We'll sip, shop, and connect with WGC Advisory Board members and donors. And, you'll have a chance to win a gift from Bra la la. A portion of all proceeds will go to support the WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive. Bra la la is a WGC Feminine Hygiene Product Drive partner, and hosts a bin in the store - we invite you to bring products to donate. There is no fee to attend, but we ask that you register here. And, I hope you will join the Women's Giving Circle, Horizon Foundation, Community Foundation of Howard County, and United Way of Central Maryland for the Changemaker Challenge on Tuesday, May 7, 6:00 pm. The Changemaker Challenge 2024 is a social innovation competition to highlight and award ideas in Howard County where we will give out $100K - think “Shark Tank” for social change! This biennial event awards funding for project ideas that promise to make a difference in Howard County and this year we have some amazing finalists. And, one $10k award will go to a project geared toward women and girls or pitched by a woman! Click here to register to join us virtually to view the LIVE 2024 Changemaker Challenge event at The Collective Encore. Please contact WGC Executive Director Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz with any questions. Looking forward to seeing you on May 1 and having you join us virtually on May 7! Jennifer Bodensiek WGC Advisory Board Chair [email protected] www.wgchowardcounty.org By Julia A. McCready Village Green/Town² I’ve been listening to this episode of Kelly Corrigan Wonders podcast: Go To on Infectious Generosity, For the Good of the Order, Kelly Corrigan When my girls were young, I must have told them a hundred times: you get what you give. I believe it like I believe the sun will rise tomorrow. Chris Anderson, the genius do-gooder behind TED, believes it too. And with good reason. He’s seen generous giving pay off in big ways — giving his brand to TEDx conferences around the world, giving away TED speeches to anyone who wanted them online, giving attention, support and contributions to the most focused, devoted, strategic efforts on the planet. This is an episode for anyone looking for inspiration. Chris Anderson’s book, Infectious Generosity* shines a spotlight on how acts of giving can spark a ripple effect in cultivating positive societal change. Howard County is full of examples of infectious generosity these days. Initiatives that are alive in the community through sharing goods, services, experiences, and learning include Columbia Community Care, The 3rd, The Community Ecology Insitute, Sobar, Inner Arbor Trust/Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods, The Howard County Library System, Howard County Lynching Truth & Reconciliation, groups like CARY - - Community Allies of Rainbow Youth, HCPSS Pride, and HoCo Pride, The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County. The way in which these groups operate and interact locally is significantly different than traditional “charitable giving” models or straight business models. All give ordinary human beings an opportunity to engage, give meaningful input, learn new skills/have new and transformative experiences. It’s not simply about sending an “ask letter” and expecting a check in return. I am convinced that this way of engaging is making a big impact in the community by making deeper and more lasting impressions. The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is gearing up for The Big Give. Have you seen their posts? (below) This year marks the third WGC Big Give and you can learn more about it at their website. (My apologies that I haven’t written about this sooner, as today is the deadline if you want to participate.) What I like about this initiative is that it truly taps into that idea of Infectious Generosity. WGC is giving a learning experience - - How do I learn about grantmaking? How can I impact the needs of women and girls in Howard County as a small giver? How do giving circles transform that giving process? Participants will make meaningful decisions that result in real world community grants of their choosing. Past grantees include Bridges to Housing Stability, Columbia Community Care, Girls on the Run, Grassroots, HopeWorks, and the Howard Community College Educational Foundation. Another great example to put on your calendar now is United Way’s Changemaker Challenge, to be held May 7th. There are a variety of local sponsors for this event. Notice that WGC is one of them. They’ll be giving away 100,000 dollars to support innovative ideas for social impact in Howard County. The Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland, Women’s Giving Circle and Community Foundation of Howard County are igniting and recognizing new and continued innovation in our community with the Changemaker Challenge. Think “Shark Tank” for social change! This biennial event awards funding for project ideas that promise to make a difference in Howard County. That’s why our theme for the 2024 Changemaker Challenge is – Innovate. Cultivate. Uplift. - - Changemaker Challenge I watched the online Live Event in 2021 and it lifted my spirits in during a really challenging time in our community. I’m looking forward to May 7th and will give you more information when I have it. (below) Are you seeing what I’m seeing? Can you envision how all of this can spark a ripple effect in cultivating positive societal change? Read more Village Green/Town² blog posts here |
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