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Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Annual Four Under 40 Achievement Awards Honorees NAPERVILLE–The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (NACC) proudly announces the recipients of its Annual Four Under 40 Achievement Awards, recognizing outstanding young professionals who exemplify excellence across various domains. The distinguished recipients of this year's awards are: Leslie Kane, Center for Creative Arts Therapy Atusa Freyer, Naperville Country Club Lauren Bierschenk, Lauren Bierschenk Farmers Insurance Agency Daveyon Bradley, Sundog IT Leslie Kane shared her reflections on being named a recipient: "Imposter syndrome can be particularly strong in young professionals, and it can often feel like, because we haven't been in the field for 20+ years, that we don't qualify, aren't 'good enough', and haven't accomplished enough to be recognized. This Four Under 40 Achievement Award confirms to me that I AM making a difference, and my hard work DOES matter, regardless of age or years of experience."   The awards ceremony, scheduled on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, will honor these exceptional individuals for their contributions to the community and their respective fields. This year’s event will be held at Northern Illinois University’s Naperville Campus. Daveyon Bradley emphasized the significance of recognizing and supporting emerging talent, stating, “Firstly, recognition is a powerful tool. It not only validates the hard work and passion that young leaders bring to their fields but also motivates them to continue pushing boundaries and striving for excellence. When we recognize emerging talent, we are essentially saying, 'We see you, we value your contributions, and we believe in your potential.' This acknowledgment can be a catalyst for further growth and innovation.”   The Four Under 40 Achievement Awards highlight excellence in four distinct categories: Leadership in Community, Leadership in Business, Excellence in Career, and Life Balance. This esteemed event serves as a platform to showcase the talent, resilience, and ingenuity of emerging leaders while fostering connectivity and collaboration within the local business landscape.   Lauren Bierschenk expressed her gratitude, saying, "The Chamber has provided me with mentors and peers that have helped me along the way. As a business owner you sometimes feel like you're on an island. When I show up to a meeting or a ribbon cutting and see familiar faces and hugs from friends it feels like such a supportive team that you have."   Attendees will be inspired by the success stories and insights shared by fellow rising stars, gaining valuable perspectives and practical knowledge to propel their entrepreneurial endeavors. Additionally, participants will gain access to a plethora of support, resources, and opportunities within the local business ecosystem, including mentorship programs, funding avenues, and business development initiatives.   Atusa Freyer offered advice to young professionals aspiring to make a similar impact in their fields or communities: "When looking to make an impact, first consider what drives you, fuels you, and fulfills you- then find someone who can help connect you with more people who could use this type of passion. There are a number of leaders within our community who would love to rely on someone who has a fierce passion for making a difference, however that looks like to you."   For more information about the NACC's Annual Four Under 40 Achievement Awards and to secure your spot, please visit NACC's website .

NAPERVILLE | NACC 40 Under 40 Award Honorees Announced

Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Annual Four Under 40 Achievement Awards Honorees

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Centennial Beach and Splash Pads Open Memorial Day Weekend On Saturday, May 11, the Paddleboat Quarry, located at 441 Aurora Ave, near downtown Naperville, opens to the public and signals the beginning of the 2024 summer season. The quarry will be open on weekends only from 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. until Memorial Day, when daily hours for the Naperville Park District’s water recreation facilities, including Centennial Beach and its two splash pads, begin. The Paddleboat Quarry  is located on the Riverwalk adjacent to Rotary Hill. Visitors can rent paddleboats, kayaks, and paddleboards. Centennial Beach  is the community’s unique and historic swimming facility, located at 500 W. Jackson Avenue, featuring a sandy beach, bag toss area, shallow-end slide, diving complex and more. The District’s two splash pads are located at Wolf’s Crossing Community Park , 3252 Wolf’s Crossing Road, and the 95th Street Community Plaza  at Frontier Sports Complex, at 3109 Cedar Glade Drive.                 The Paddleboat Quarry offers paddleboats, paddleboards, and kayaks for rentals, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis for 20-minute or 40-minute rides. Paddleboats can accommodate up to four people and kayaks include one-person or two-person rentals. Paddleboards are available for patrons 13 years of age or older. Those under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to sign a waiver. Fee information can be found here. Centennial Beach has a full lineup of aquatic programs scheduled for the summer, including youth and adult swim lessons, diving lessons, Beachside Yoga, Paddleboard Yoga, and Mudrats Swim Team. Special Needs Nights, tailored for families with individuals who have special needs, are scheduled for June 16, June 30, and July 14 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a quiet, relaxing evening at Centennial Beach after regular operating hours. Beach memberships for the 2024 season are available for purchase at napervilleparks.org/beachmemberships ; memberships are available at a discounted price until May 27. Benefits of membership include early entry on weekdays, coupons for Park District amenities, 10% discount at the Centennial Grill and two guest passes.                 Splash pads are free to use, but available on a first-come, first-served basis. Facilities are open daily from 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor day.

NAPERVILLE | Paddleboat Quarry Opening Kicks Off the Summer Season May 11 Downtown Naperville

Centennial Beach and Splash Pads Open Memorial Day Weekend

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Free | Tuesdays from 3-7pm | June 25-September 17 NAPERVILLE–The Naper Settlement Farmers Market offers an assortment of goods from mission-based, fair-trade, or local vendors, from coffee to candles, plus fresh produce, pottery, honey, and more on the picturesque grounds of Naper Settlement. While you stroll through the museum’s Village Green, you’ll hear acoustic music performances from local bluegrass and country singers held on the Paw Paw Post Office porch. After you shop, head on over to the Mary and Richard Benck Family Agriculture Center to listen to guest speakers lead agriculture-based classes that will educate and inspire you. The Naper Settlement Farmers Market provides a beautiful backdrop for the community to gather, learn, and grow together while supporting and connecting with local farmers, businesses, and artisans. LEARN MORE

NAPERVILLE | New Farmers Market at Naper Settlement with Live Music & Classes Coming this Summer!

Free | Tuesdays from 3-7pm | June 25-September 17 NAPERVILLE–The Naper Settlement Farmers Market offers an assortment of goods from...

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From Top-Producing Agents to Luxury Listing and New Construction Specialists, Here are Local Realtors to Know NAPERVILLE–When it comes to buying or selling a home in the Chicago suburbs, there are many qualified realtors to choose from. But if you're looking for some of the most experienced in Naperville, these are the realtors you should know. From top-producing agents to those who specialize in new construction, these Realtors have the experience and expertise to help buyer and sellers throughout the entire real estate process. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a seasoned pro, here are local real estate professionals to know. Penny O'Brien: Baird & Warner Naperville $250 Million Sold Determination, confidence & dedication to her clients consistently lands Penny O'Brien  in the top 1% of all Chicagoland agents & top agents in Naperville. Penny is a prominent listing agent in Naperville. With 325+ five-star reviews, Penny’s sale to list price is 3.3% higher than the average agent and her listings sell for 102% list to sales price and 25 Days Faster   With sellers she believes in collaborative pricing to let the sellers choose the path for the results they wish to achieve. Penny's clients always remark about her enthusiasm and vibrant energy! Sellers are often overwhelmed with tasks at hand that are necessary to get their home listed. Penny sets the timeline & has a great network of contractors she recommends to help get sellers home listed seamlessly. You get Penny from beginning to end & she believes in constant communication to keep you informed every step of the way. Her clients love her cutting edge marketing through social media campaigns on Facebook & Instagram and through print advertising. She uses state of the art photographer, drone technology & dazzling videos!   With buyers, her top-notch negotiation skills result in a win in most multiple offer situations. It's a combination of negotiating the contract's many different terms & her experience, that set her buyers up to win the home when competing against other buyers.   Penny's business continues to grow primarily through referral & repeat clients on their second or third transactions, along with 2 or 3 of their friends and family! • $250 Million Sold • #1  Agent Baird & Warner Naperville 2021 & 2022 • 2019 - 2023 Chicago Agent Magazine Who's Who • 2020 - 2023 Glancer Reader's Choice Award LEARN MORE Kim & Katie Group of @ Properties Naperville Are you looking for a reliable and knowledgeable real estate team in Naperville, IL? Look no further than the Kim and Katie Group at @Properties. Led by Kim Lawler and Katie Minott, this dynamic duo brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. They are passionate about their community and dedicated to providing exceptional service to each client they work with. What sets the Kim and Katie Group apart is their complementary skill sets. Katie is a data-driven expert when it comes to market trends, pricing, and logistics. Meanwhile, Kim has an eye for design and a talent for staging homes to sell quickly. Together, they make an unbeatable team that can help you buy or sell your home with confidence. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or an experienced investor, the Kim and Katie Group has the knowledge and resources to guide you through every step of the process. So why choose the Kim and Katie Group? Not only do they have a proven track record of success, but they also live local and love local. They are invested in their community and committed to giving back through various charitable initiatives. Contact the Kim and Katie Group today at kimandkatie@atproperties.com to learn more about how they can help you achieve your real estate goals. LEARN MORE ARE YOU A NAPERVILLE REALTOR? Partner with Us Today to Promote Your Services in Your Community promotions@glancermagazine.com _____________________ Keyword Search: TOP NAPERVILLE REALTOR This Glancer Magazine Feature Shows on the First Page of Google Let's Partner Today & Share Your Successes

NAPERVILLE | Top Naperville Realtors to Know

From Top-Producing Agents to Luxury Listing and New Construction Specialists, Get to Know these Naperville Realtors

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LEARNING FUN IN NAPERVILLE Explore the Power of Play Together SO MUCH FUN AWAITS AT DUPAGE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM NAPERVILLE–Build, create, wonder, discover, think, and PLAY at DuPage Children’s Museum (DCM)! Play leads the way to building more confidence, practicing important problem-solving skills, learning to cooperate, and strengthening the bond between child and caregiver. Make a splash in AWEsome Water, put on a cape and “fly” through the Wind Tunnel in AWEsome Air, build a fantastic pancake arch like Iggy Peck or engineer the farthest soaring paper airplane like Rosie Revere in The Questioneers: Read. Question. Think. PLAY!, and so much more. There’s no need to pack a lunch, refuel for more play in Bean Sprouts Café on the Museum’s lower level. Plan a visit and explore ways to harness the power of play and experience it with your child at DCM. www.dupagechildrens.org

DUPAGE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM | Explore, Wonder, & Discover

Beat those Winter Blues with a New Exhibit and More at DuPage Children's Museum

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VICTIM SHOT IN THE LEG DURING STRUGGLE NAPERVILLE —   On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at the approximate time of 1:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 2500 block of Leach Dr. for the report of a gunshot victim.   The preliminary investigation indicates that two subjects, known to the victim, came to the victim’s house.  Shortly thereafter, a struggle ensued, and the victim was shot in the leg.  The two alleged offenders fled the scene on foot.   Naperville officers searched the area for several hours and later located and arrested a juvenile.  This juvenile was later transferred to the River Valley Juvenile Detention Center.  The juvenile appeared at a detention hearing this morning where they were charged with one count of Aggravated Robbery and remanded. Their next court date is scheduled for May 1, 2024.   The investigation is ongoing to locate the second alleged offender.   The Naperville Police Department sends thanks to Indian Prairie School District 204 and the community in this area for their assistance and understanding during this investigation. Also, they are sending thanks to the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office for their guidance and efforts on this case, the release noted.   Anyone who may have witnessed or has information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Naperville Police Department Investigations Division at 630-548-2955.

NAPERVILLE | Update to Shooting on Tuesday Afternoon, Two Offenders Fled the Scene

Victim Shot in the Leg During Struggle

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News Update: Naperville Police Investigate Shooting Incident In Naperville, the local police department has requested residents to shelter in place as they conduct an investigation into a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday afternoon April 16, 2024. The shooting incident took place in the vicinity of Leach and Leverenz. As a precautionary measure, several nearby schools have also been asked to shelter in place. It has been emphasized by the authorities that this shooting incident does not seem to be a random occurrence. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation. Anyone with additional information or who notices anything suspicious is asked to call 911. Source: MSN.com

NAPERVILLE | Shooting Reported Tuesday Afternoon, Schools on Lockdown

News Update: Naperville Police Investigate Shooting Incident

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NAPERVILLE MAKES THE 'BEST PLACES TO LIVE' LIST AGAIN IN 2024, THIS TIME AS #45 SAN JUAN–Personal finance digital platform Money today announced Best Places to Live 2024 , the newest iteration of their decades-old franchise highlighting the best communities across America. In partnership with the #1 smart home security provider in the U.S.1,  ADT , this annual editorial flagship helps readers discover some truly hidden gems. MONEY ANNOUNCES BEST PLACES TO LIVE 2024 - ADT Security Adds Safety Index to the Money List Money and ADT Announce Best Places to Live 2024 "Finding a place to plant your roots is about so much more than location – it's about making connections, feeling comfortable and safe in your surroundings and finding common ground with your fellow neighbors," says Money's executive editor Mike Ayers. For the first time, the 2024 list showcases the outstanding lives small and big towns are creating for their residents — and models for how communities can create lasting impacts together. This year's list includes five new categories: Suburbs with a Soul : These suburbs stand out for their vibrant community spirit, offering a blend of traditional suburban comfort with unique cultural, artistic, and historical depth. New Boomtowns : Emerging as the new frontiers of economic and population growth, these areas are rapidly transforming with innovative industries and offering plentiful job opportunities. Culture Hubs : These cities are renowned for their rich cultural landscapes, boasting an array of museums, theaters, music venues, and diverse culinary scenes that attract artists and culture enthusiasts alike. Not Just College Towns : Beyond their academic institutions, these towns offer a dynamic living experience with a youthful vibe, cutting-edge research, thriving local economies, and vibrant social scenes. Best Kept Secrets : Hidden gems scattered across the country, these places offer an unmatched quality of life with their serene beauty, close-knit communities, and affordable living, yet remain under the radar. When determining which towns made the list, Money reviewed the top characteristics that make a community stand out from the rest, including: Economic Opportunity for Individuals --the availability of jobs across various sectors, upward mobility, and income growth potential, highlighting areas where individuals can thrive financially. Small Business Vibrance --the support and success rate of small businesses, reflecting the health of local entrepreneurship, innovation, and the community's commitment to fostering a supportive ecosystem for startups. Government Policies that Favor Growth --the role of local and state government policies in stimulating economic development, including tax incentives, investment in infrastructure, and support for key industries, contributing to a conducive environment for business and residential expansion. Safety --the overall safety of a community, considering crime rates, public safety initiatives, and the presence of emergency services, to determine the well-being and security of its residents. "At ADT, we are committed to working with local communities like the ones highlighted in this report to help ensure people feel safe and protected in their homes and businesses," said DeLu Jackson, ADT's chief marketing officer. "Our National Safety and Security Index analysis showed that, adjusting for population density, and crime related alarm triggers, this Best Places list also includes some of the safest towns in the country," said Tammy Green, director of analytics at ADT. "Using official crime data and our own exclusive customer alarm incident, we are able to see that ADT customers in these areas, whose alarm was triggered due to crime, had, on average, half the number of incidents than the national average." To explore the full Best Places to Live list, visit the hub  here . Started in 1987, Money's Best Places to Live is the brand's longest and most well-known franchise. It's been featured in movies, shared by prominent politicians, and shaped national discourse around what citizen's value most in a place to live. This year's Best Places to Live uses numerous data sources that featured cost of living and job growth, along with hundreds of hours of research to create a spotlight of 50 communities across the country. Money  has a 50-plus-year legacy of guiding people to financial victories with up-to-date information, education, and tools. Money.com ,  a digital destination, helps create richer lives for everyone—in every sense of the word. Signature franchises include a bevy of Best-In categories such as Best Places to Live , Best Colleges ,  Best Life Insurance , Best Auto Insurance and Best Homeowner Insurance , with an aim to improve your finances and promote your well-being. About ADT: ADT provides safe, smart and sustainable solutions for people, homes and small businesses. Through innovative offerings, unrivaled safety and a premium customer experience, all delivered by the largest networks of smart home security professionals in the U.S., we empower people to protect and connect to what matters most, every second, every day. For more information, visit adt.com .

NAPERVILLE | New List by Money & ADT Highlights Coveted Communities Across the Country

Naperville Makes Money's List of Best Places to Live 2024

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Illinois Association of Museums Celebrates Innovation at DuPage Children’s Museum NAPERVILLE–The sensory-friendly Wonder Room  at DuPage Children’s Museum (DCM) received a prestigious Innovation Award from the Illinois Association of Museums (IAM). Annually, IAM hosts a peer reviewed and highly competitive award competition. This is the first year IAM featured an innovation category, celebrating museums who have ventured out of their customary practices to try something new in the last year, and DCM earned top honors.   As an independent museum network, IAM supports the work of the American Alliance of Museums, and various local and regional museum networks across Illinois. IAM seeks to collaborate with all museum professional groups to promote best practices around the state. With this recognition, DCM is synonymous with best practice in the museum field, this time for Innovation.   The challenge in designing the space was how best to create a calming experience in the bustling museum environment that would provide guests an opportunity to slow down and regroup yet remain engaged in active wonder. Through creativity, experimentation, and strategic partnerships, the immersive concept for the Wonder Room brought together the best of DCM’s in-house exhibit team as well as partnering artists.    The resulting exhibit is a multi-sensory experience which incorporates tactile panels linked to sensors that trigger a variety of life-size nature images projected onto the room’s curved wall. C reating an interactive projection that encouraged “slow” engagement was challenging, but the team was motivated by the potential to have the Wonder Room  live up to its name while also being a place of peace and reflection.    The tactile panels were themed to match the projections. The clouds and sunlight, the earth with its trees and rocks, and the sunset shimmering over a lake could be seen and felt, creating the unique potential for children to work together to create their own landscapes. Original musical composition to correlate with the tactile panels and imagery was also developed. For instance, when guests interact with the night sky sensory panel they start to hear a piano expressing a dreamy melody. The sound design not only brought another calming sensory input, but also allowed guests with low/no vision to interactively feel and hear the art.     “We work hard every day to create a dynamic play environment where children and families feel welcome, safe, and inspired! Our exhibits aim to build creative problem-solving skills in children, as we know that the solutions the world needs are nestled in their young minds,” explained Kimberly Stull, DCM Chief of Building and Making. “The work we did creating the Wonder Room emulates this grand notion of education and embodies our mission. We truly came together to push the boundaries of our skill sets to create an environment that is unique and exciting, but primarily, exactly what our guests needed – a calming space.”     DCM’s dedication to playful learning demands creativity and innovation, and the team is committed to take what they know and can do into all kinds of directions to inspire museum guests – and museum peers.    The Wonder Room is supported by the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation and a grant from City of Naperville Special Events and Community Arts (SECA) Fund. www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org

NAPERVILLE | DuPage Children's Museum Wonder Room Receives Innovation Award

Illinois Association of Museums Celebrates Innovation at DuPage Children’s Museum

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COMMUNITY HAS DONATED OVER $50,000 FOR LOCAL FAMILY NAPERVILLE— A GoFundMe has been initiated to provide support for the family of Naperville Central freshman Aleksas Beiga, who tragically lost his life in an avalanche in Switzerland on Monday, as reported. The heartfelt description on the GoFundMe page, sourced from friends of Beiga's family, reflects on his vibrant spirit, contagious laughter, endless vitality, and kind-hearted nature that touched everyone around him. "Words cannot capture the depth of sorrow we feel, nor adequately express the profound loss of a young soul so full of promise, joy, and vitality. At the tender age of 15, Aleksas embodied the essence of youth – his infectious laughter, boundless energy, and compassionate heart touched the lives of all who knew him," the fundraising page reads. As of Thursday, the fundraising efforts have amassed over $50,000. For those willing to contribute and assist the Beiga family during this challenging time, you can donate through the GoFundMe link. NBC disclosed that Beiga was among the three individuals who sadly perished in the avalanche near a ski resort in Zermatt. This information is sourced from GoFundMe.com

NAPERVILLE | GoFundMe Started for Naperville Student Tragically Killed in Avalanche

Community Has Donated Over $50,000 for Local Family

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Summer’s Coming and Naperville Park District Is Ready! NAPERVILLE–Get ready to make a splash this summer at Centennial Beach and purchase 2024 season memberships at a pre-season discount through May 27. Memberships are a great way to enjoy flexibility and multiple visits to Naperville’s unique and historic swimming facility all summer long! Individual, family, and evenings/weekends memberships are available. Purchase yours today online or at one of three Naperville Park District facilities. www.napervilleparks.org/centennialbeach

NAPERVILLE | Make a Splash at Centennial Beach

Summer’s Coming and Naperville Park District Is Ready!

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NO. 1 FOR SO MANY REASONS NAPERVILLE– In a new, 2024 "Best Places to Live" report from ranking and review website Niche, Naperville landed the No. 1 spot on the report's list of " 2024 Best Cities to Live in America. " The Chicago suburb also landed at No. 1 on the report's list of "Best Cities to Raise a Family in America." Niche , a renowned platform for evaluating and ranking cities across the United States, has consistently highlighted Naperville's outstanding attributes that contribute to its top-ranking position. With an A+ rating, Niche underscores Naperville's unique appeal, characterized by a dense suburban feel that provides residents with a perfect blend of urban convenience and tranquil surroundings. The city's rich tapestry of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks adds to the allure of living in Naperville, offering a diverse range of experiences for individuals and families alike. One of the key factors that sets Naperville apart is its strong sense of community and top-tier amenities. Residents benefit from excellent educational opportunities, access to quality healthcare facilities, and a robust economy that supports a high rate of employment. Additionally, Naperville excels in various livability categories, ensuring that residents enjoy a well-rounded and fulfilling lifestyle. Moreover, Naperville's commitment to safety and family-friendly environments has not gone unnoticed. The city has consistently been recognized for its low crime rates and secure neighborhoods, making it an ideal place for families to thrive and prosper. Niche's thorough evaluation process takes into account these crucial aspects, solidifying Naperville's reputation as a safe and welcoming community for all. For those considering a move or looking to relocate to a city that offers an unparalleled quality of life, Naperville stands out as a prime choice. With its top ranking as the Best Place to Live in 2024 according to Niche's 2024 assessment, Naperville continues to set the standard for excellence and community satisfaction. To learn more about Niche's rankings and explore additional details about Naperville's recognition as the best city to live in, you can visit Niche's website . Explore the comprehensive insights provided by Niche to discover why Naperville remains a standout destination for those seeking a thriving and fulfilling lifestyle. ALSO RANKED– No. 1 spot: “Best Cities to Live in America” list No. 1 spot: “Best Cities to Raise a Family in America” list No. 1 spot: “Cities with the Best Public Schools in America” list The City also ranked No. 3 – for the second year – in the “Best Cities to Buy a House in America” list. Share the good news and take a look at the lists here: https://ow.ly/fBNU50R2ilV

NAPERVILLE | Ranking No. 1 in 3 Niche “Best City” Categories

NO. 1 for So Many Reasons

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