From the category archives:

Events

Beverly Lim Henes, MS, ATR, LCAT, Art Therapist will be offering Art Therapy classes at Shemer Art Center. Here is a quick summary from Ms. Henes:

Please allow me to tell you about myself and the Shemer Art Center’s new, exciting art therapy classes that are designed for 10 to 13-year-old special needs children. I am a registered and licensed Art Therapist, and have been practicing Art Therapy for over 10 years in New York and Arizona. Through the City of Phoenix’s Parks & Recreation Department and the Shemer Art Center, located in a beautifully renovated historical house at 5005 E. Camelback Rd., I am delighted to offer Art Therapy to special needs kids. As you may already know, Art Therapy has been shown to increase expressive communication, increase focused attention, and facilitate improved socialization to special needs children who are so receptive to creative modalities. 

> Class: Art for Special Needs (ages 10 – 13 years)
> Instructor: Beverly Lim Henes, MS, ATR, LCAT
> Date: Saturdays, Jan. 9 – Feb. 27, 10:00am – 11:30am (8 classes)

> Individuals with special needs utilize art materials and the creative process to increase cognitive and sensory functioning, and develop awareness of emotions and the environment. Each class focuses on a design element and includes exploration of clay, paint, collage, and found objects. Student must have independent mobility, or be accompanied by aid.

For More Information:  http://phoenix.gov/PARKS/shemclas.html or contact Shemer Art Center

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The attendees will have a unique opportunity to listen to and ask questions of a panel of youth who live with a child with special needs. They will share their hope, strength and challenges and give us an inside look as to what their lives are like.

Saturday, November 14th @10am

Highlands Church

9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd

Scottsdale, AZ 85255

480-348-9191

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Next SEPACS Meeting; Wednesday, April 22, 2009

by Madeline Papazian on March 25, 2009

Please come to our next SEPACS Meeting.  This will be a most informative meeting and will be presented by Dr. Pamela Murphy.

 

Puberty, Sexuality and Social Awareness

In Children with Special Needs

Speaker: Dr. Pamela Murphy, Pediatrician

Join us as Dr. Murphy shares her insight and vast experience
with children and teens with special health care needs

Wednesday, April 22nd

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Mohave District Complex
Kachina Room

8505 E. Valley View Road, Scottsdale 85250-6768

 

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Every child can succeed with positive direction and care.  This a wonderful opportunity to help prepare our young adults  for their lives after high school.  Register Now!

For more details, please visit the website for the conference:  www.SpectrumTrainingSystemsInc.com/Conferences.html

Read below for the conference schedule.

Career Planning for Individuals
with Autism Spectrum Disorders
April 2-3, 2009

After several years of planning, Spectrum Training is delighted to announce that our two day Autism Career Planning conferences are now ready. After much dialogue with career planners, transition teachers, parents and other ASD concerned persons we planned these conferences to meet those specific, critical needs.
This high caliber career planning is the key to a successful future with positive long-term outcomes and is ESSENTIAL for:
* Career counselors, job developers/job coaches, rehab administrators, vocational coordinators
* Special education administrators, teachers, teacher assistants, case managers, therapists
* Students, parents, caregivers, young adults with ASD (16+)

Date and Location

April 2-3, 2009 Phoenix, AZ

Topic Schedule
Conference Schedule Day One:

Career Planning
A. Communication Skills in the Initial Interview
B. Interview Communication Graffiti Activity
C. Structuring the Interview Environment
D. Interview Structure Activity
E. Theory of Mind
F. Building the Career Portfolio
G. Career Portfolio Development Activity

Career Assessment
A. Creating the Evaluation Plan
B. Assessment Processes for Job Seekers With ASD
C. Skill/Interest Testing
D. Assessing Social/Communication Skills
E. Career Assessment Activity

Workplace Supports
A. Workplace Problems
B. Natural Support Development
C. Take Workplace Supports
D. Minnesota Work Adjustment Theory
E. Work Values Graffiti Activity

Conference Schedule Day Two:
Social Communication in the Workplace
A. Basic Self-Advocacy
B. Asking for Help Activity
C. Sins of the System Overview
D. Sins of the System Graffiti Activity
E. Courtesy Rule Card Activity
F. Social Skill Supports
G. Workplace Visuals Graffiti Activity
H. Workplace Social Story Make/Take

Implementing the Career Plan
A. Career Strategies in Action
B. Working with the Business Community
C. Final Wrap Up – Q & A Session

Presented by Spectrum Training Systems, Inc.

spectrumtrainingsystems@yahoo.com

(920) 749-0332 

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Just a reminder for the upcoming college night.  This will be a great informational session for our students who are preparing now for the transition to college.

 

Special Education

COLLEGE NIGHT

for students and families

MARCH 25, 2009

 

saguaro high school

6250 n 82 street

(off hayden, north of mcdonald)

 

7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

 

Scottsdale Community College

Mesa Community College

Phoenix Community College

Paradise Valley Community College

Arizona State University

University of Arizona

East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT)

Vocational Rehabilitation
(VR)

Gateway Community College

Maricopa Skill Center

 

comments from past years:

“This was so helpful. I had so many of my questions answered.”

“The materials I gathered tonight really helped me make good decisions.”

“Now I have an understanding of the whole process.”

“It was good to talk to someone from the school I want to attend after high school.”

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Sports League for HF Autism/Asperger kids and their siblings

by Madeline Papazian on March 17, 2009

A wonderful opportunity for our HF Autism/Asperger kids!

 

 

Come join a new and different sports league-

for kids with HF Autism/Asperger and their siblings.

Finally, a game in town for THEM!

Easy payment plans too.

Sports League

for HFA/Asperger kids and their siblings
In an air conditioned gym
8 wks from April 9th -May 28th
4-6 p.m. Thursdays

This is a different kind of sports league. A place the kids can go and have fun, work on sports and games, and feel good, not bad. Where people understand them, not criticize them. The goal of this program is:

1. to have a place where HFA/Asperger kids can fit in with sports/games in a non competitive way
2. to gain expertise in sports to help them fit in at school/P.E./other places
3. to help them with social skills and dispute resolution while playing team sports
4.to help them to practice and work on gross and fine motor skills
5. to improve their self esteem by gaining proficiency in various sports and games
6. to make friends while doing what they love
Meet our Program Director and Head Coach
Sara Patterson

” I am very excited about this program because I love sports and have a passion for the youth across the globe. I have been involved in many sports programs locally and internationally. Here in Phoenix I have been the head coach for 5 different basketball teams ranging from 5th grade to 9th grade. I have also coached basketball to inner city/ at risk kids through a program run by The Phoenix Mercury. I have worked for The Boys and Girls Club, been a referee at ASU for their intramural program, the head coach for third and forth grade volleyball, and lived in South Africa coaching every sport from rugby to netball. I have a special place in my heart for children with disabilities because I watched the struggles my older sister went through having high functioning autism. I want every child no matter who they are or where they come from have the opportunity to dream big, have fun, and succeed in their life. Sports build confidence, raise self-esteem, and teach teamwork, while getting exercise and having fun. Come join a new and different sports league! Sign up now!”
Sign up here!
Registration packet
Email hfasports@gmail.com if you have any questions.

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SEPAC Camp Fair (March 1, 2009) Recap

by Madeline Papazian on March 17, 2009

Please see below the recap from the March 1, 2009 SEPAC Camp Fair.  It was a huge success!  

 

SEPAC General Meeting Minutes

 

March 1, 2009  Topic:  Camp Fair for Kids with Special Needs

 

SEPACS does not sponsor or endorse the organizations listed below.  We are providing this information as a service to our families.  All families should conduct their own due diligence to determine if an organization is right for their child or family.

 

The information below is taken from the brochures and flyers provided by the groups themselves.  They are listed in no particular order.  Please contact the organizations directly for more information about them.

 

 

KEEN:  Kids Enjoy Exercise Now

P.O. Box 45186

Phoenix, AZ  85064

602-508-3939

Website:  www.keenphoenix.org

Email:  info@keenphoenix.org

 

KEEN provides free recreational and sports programs for children and young adults with more profound and severe mental and physical disabilities.

KEEN serves individuals with such diverse disabilities as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and various developmental and intellectual disabilities.  Because KEEN’s activities are noncompetitive and inclusive, we offer opportunities for athletes who have not been able to access or find happiness in other programs.

 

 

Lions Camp Tatiyee

P.O. Box 6910

Mesa, AZ  85216

480-380-4254

Website:  www.ArizonaLionsCamp.org

Email:  ArizonaLionsCamp@cox.net

 

The mission of Lions Camp Tatiyee is to provide a camping experience for challenged individuals among their peers that encourages independence and self confidence.

Camper age range is 7 years and up.  Our sessions are divided by age, with special sessions for physically challenged, mentally challenged, deaf and blind.  Disabilities have included but are not limited to spinal injury, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, amputees, deafness, blindness, and mildly mentally challenged.

 

 

Joni and Friends Family Retreats

Disability Empowerment Center

5025 E. Washington Street, Suite 106

Phoenix, AZ  85034

602-275-2568

Website:  www.joniandfriends.org

Email:  dcarr@joniandfriends.org  (Delinda Carr, Program Manager)

 

For families who shoulder the daily pressures of disability, Family Retreat is a jam-packed, joyous combination of incredible, fully accessible activities and accommodations, warm and wonderful friendships, empowering truth from the Word of God, heart-to-heart sharing, hilarious adventures, and the life-changing knowledge that in our Father’s arms is all the strength needed for the journey.  Everything under the Son is provided for the comfort and care of families affected by disability.

 

 

Grand Canyon State Fencing Foundation

480-288-7834, 480-227-6443

Website:  www.gcsff.org

Email:  info@gcsff.org

 

The Grand Canyon Fencing Foundation is bringing seated fencing to the valley.  Men, women, and children of all ages are welcome.  If you would like to play, compete, or redefine yourself as an athlete, not is your time to take advantage of this excellent opportunity.  Be a part of an exceptional team and a great community.

 

 

Baio Enterprises, Inc., Developmental Therapies

1745 S. Alma School Road, Suite 145

Mesa, AZ  85210

480-963-3634

Website:  www.baioenterprises.com

 

Baio Enterprises, Inc. is dedicated to providing Speech, Occupational, and Physical therapies, as well as Social Interaction Groups.  We respect the individuals and families that we provide service to.  Parents and care givers are a vital part of our therapy team.  We feel it is critical to provide ongoing support groups where parents can share their joys, sorrows, concerns and triumphs.

Baio Enterprises has a 6 week summer camp for 4 years to 9 years old.

 

 

Scottsdale Unified School District Special Needs Summer Camp

Scott Karcz, Head Teacher

skarcz@susd.org

Cell:  480-250-5561

 

Veronica Leiper, Camp Director

vleiper@susd.org

Cell:  480-600-0026

 

Contact them for a registration packet and get details about the camp dates and locations.

 

 

Scottsdale Bible Church

Website:  www.scottsdalebible.com

Steve:  480-824-7268, email slee@sbcaz.org

 

Special Ministries provides church services for children and adults with special needs.  They also have parent network groups, such as:

Autism Family Network

Dads 4 Special Kids

Mom 4 Special Kids

 

 

Civitan Foundation

3509 E. Shea Blvd, Suite #117

Phoenix, AZ  85028

602-953-2944

Website:  www.campcivitan.org

 

Civitan’s longest running and most beloved program offers week-long camp sessions throughout the summer, and weekend adventures one a month the balance of the year.  Camp Civitan is a 15-acre wheelchair accessible facility for developmentally disabled children and adults located in the cool pine country of Northern Arizona, in the town of Williams. This program offers campers a variety of enriching and fun experiences that promote positive self-esteem, teamwork, socialization, and healthy activities.

 

 

Arizona Autism United

Robert Ni, Community Representative

5025 E. Washington Street, #212

Phoenix, AZ  85034

602-773-5773

Website:  www.AZAunited.org

Email:  Robert@AZAunited.org

 

 

ASU Summer Program for Early Literacy and Language

ASU, Tempe Campus, Coor Building

ASU, West Campus, Calssroom Annex

480-965-2373

 

SPELL is a research and educational program designed to boost the oral language and early literacy of 4 and 5 year olds through fun and interesting teaching activities.  Classes are taught by certified teachers or speech-language pathologists and graduate students from the Department of Speech and Hearing Science at ASU.

 

 

SEEK-Specializing in the Education of Exceptional Kids

1830 S. Alma School Road, Suite 130

Mesa, AZ  85210

480-902-0771

Website:  www.SEEKArizona.com

Email:  info@SEEKArizona.org

 

SEEK is committed to providing superior therapies and direct care services to children with developmental disabilities, specializing in children with Autistic Spectrum Order (ASD).  Through developmentally appropriate interventions, tailored to the strengths and needs of each child, child-specific provider training, and a dedication to providing family support and resources; we will help each child reach their full potential in both their family and community.

Camp Runamuk-SEEK Arizona’s Family Camp

October 9-12, 2009, Prescott, AZ

Join us this Fall 2009 in beautiful Prescott, Arizona.  Families will get the total camp experience from bunk beds to campfires, for 4 days and 3 nights while they participate in family and individual activities, all geared for campers with special needs, their siblings, and parents.

Contact SEEK as listed above for additional information.

The Arizona Magic of Music and Dance

602-653-8702

Website:  www.azmagic.org

 

The Arizona Magic of Music and Dance Camp is a program for children and young adults with physical or mental disabilities that prepares them to stage a wonderful theater production that is written and choreographed especially for them.

 

 

Lindamood-Bell Learning Centers

480-922-5675

Website:  www.LindamoodBell.com

Email:  lblpscottsdale@lblp.com

 

Be our guest and learn about our researched-based programs for reading, comprehension, and math.  We will have presentations, refreshments, activities for children, and a chance to observe students in session. Call or email to reserve your space.

Thursday, March 26.  Presentation times:  10 a.m. and 6L30 p.m.

10617 N. Hayden Road, Building B, Suite 101

Scottsdale, AZ  85260

 

 

Arizona Camp Sunrise and Sunrise Sidekicks

American Cancer Society

1-800-ACS-2345

Website:  www.cancer.org

 

Arizona Camp Sunrise is the first one-week residential overnight camp in Arizona for children with cancer.  It is designed for children from ages 8 to 16, who have, or have had cancer.  Along with canoeing, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, archery, and swimming, campers might choose to build a birdhouse, participate in science experiments, learn to cook, or even write a newsletter.

 

Sunrise Sidekicks is the only camp for siblings in the state of Arizona.  In a camp environment, Sunrise Sidekicks gives brothers and sisters of cancer patients a chance to share friendship and laughter with others who are living with similar cancer-related experiences.

 

 

Camp AZDA-American Diabetes Association

Sarah Watson

602-861-4731 x7094

Website:  diabetes.org/adacampazda

Email:  swatson@diabetes.org

 

Camp AZDA, a program of the American Diabetes Association, is help in the beautiful Friendly Pines Camp Facility, located in the tall pines of Bradshaw Mountains.  As any camping experience, our camp will provided fun and adventure, companionship and opportunity to make new friends with diabetes and learn new skills in outdoor living.  The aim of Camp AZDA is to provide the children a memorable recreational and educational experience.  Age range is 8-16 years.

 

 

Scottsdale Parks and Recreation

7340 Scottsdale Mall

Scottsdale, AZ  85251

480-312-7957

Website:  www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov

 

Adapted Recreation Services:  480-312-2218

 

Many programs are available.  Contact them for a list of programs, locations, dates, and times.

 

 

Spectrum College Transition Program, Gateway Academy

7655 E. Gelding Drive, Suite A-3

Scottsdale, AZ  85260

480-443-7331

Website:  www.gatewayacademy.us

 

Spectrum 101, a residential summer program, is made up of two-4 week sessions, focusing on helping students learn how to prepare for their entry into college life.  Students must have an average to above verbal IQ.  Students face challenges in the areas of:  social integration, emotional control, communicative and social language development.

 

 

Camp Wamatochick, Arthritis Foundation

Camp Cruz

1313 E. Osborn Road, Suite 200

Phoenix, AZ  85014

Taryn Norley  602-212-9912

Email:  tnorley@arthrtis.org

 

Camp Fire USA

2345 East Thomas Road, Suite 400,  Phoenix, AZ  85016

602-954-7544

Website:  www.campfireaz.org

campwamatochick@campfireaz.org

 

Camp Wamatochick is located on 80 acres in the Prescott National Forest, just outside of Prescott, Arizona.  It focuses on a smaller samper community to create an unparalleled camping experience.  The program is designed to build caring, confident youth, and future leaders, along with having a lot of fun.

 

 

SARRC-Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center

300 N. 18th Street

Phoenix, AZ  85006

602-340-8717

Website:  autismcenter.org

Email:  sarrc@autismcenter.org

 

 

 

 

 

SARRC’s Teen Camp at Whispering Hope Ranch

HC2, Box 162-V

Payson, AZ  85541

602-218-8173

Overnight teen camp for individuals with autism disorders (ASDs) and typical peers.  The ranch also serves as a home for animals born with physical differences or rescued from difficult circumstances.  Their interaction with special needs guests is nurturing and calming, and promotes well-being.

 

Dads 4 Special Kids

Scottsdale Bible Church (Room 102)

7601 E. Shea Blvd.

Scottsdale, AZ  85260

Website:  www.dads4specialkids.org

Mailing Address:  P.O. box 73182

Phoenix,, AZ  85050

602-909-5463

 

Dads 4 Special Kids is committed to men and their families who have a child with special health-care needs.  Established by fathers looking for peer support, we dedicate our time, talents, and resources to better the quality of life for other men through their unique journey of raising their child.

 

To accomplish this we host monthly meetings, offer workshops that provide knowledge and practical skills for cultivating healthy communication within the marriage and family, and provide information on resources within the valley of the sun.

 

 

Empowering our Children

Rhonda Cerny

913-485-8513

Eamil:  rpcerny@aol.com

Website:  www.empoweringourchildren.com

 

Empowering Our Children is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 educational foundation and radio program established to focus on the guidance of children and adolescents with physical, neurological, behavioral, and social issues.  National mental health experts provide education, guidance, and resources on topics such as:  anxiety, asperger syndrome, autism, adhd, bipolar disorder, bullying, depression, discipline, eating disorders, learning problems, nutrition, ocd, self-esteem, substance abuse, and tourettes.

 

 

Camp Not-A-Wheeze

American Lung Association of Arizona

102 W. McDowell Road

Phoenix, AZ  85003

602-258-7505, 1-800-586-4872

 

Arizona’s summer camp for children with asthma.  Exploring the great outdoors has never been easier with asthma.  At camp Not-A-Wheeze, 7-14 year old with moderate to severe asthma experience the same exciting activities found in a typical summer camp, but at a pace geared to their needs.  Volunteer medical professionals team up in cabins with 6-8 children.  They provide around-the-clock supervision for the campers during all activities and cabin time.

Reading Clinic Summer Program

1860 E. Warner Rd., Suite 101

Tempe, AZ  85284

480-456-0500

Website:  www.azreadingclinic.com

 

If your child doesn’t respond to reading programs at school, the Reading Clinic’s scientifically proven approach may be exactly what he or she needs.  The Reading Clinic’s valuable menu of services includes:  testing to diagnose reading problems, treatment of dyslexia and reading difficulties caused by attention deficit, AIMS test preparation, spelling programs, and writing instruction using highly effective Step-Up-to-Writing program based on the State’s six traits.

 

 

LEAP-Language Enrichment & Acquistion Program

8422 E. Shea Blvd, #103

Scottsdale, AZ  85260

480-636-1920

Email:  kari@listening-ears.com

 

The LEAP is a language program for children ages 3-6 years of age.  Speech-language pathologists develop programs and activities which integrate speech and language intervention with play and everyday activities.  LEP is for both typically developing children and children with speech and language impairments.

Updated: 10/24/09: 

The new reach info for LEAP is:

Lynn Carahaly, MA,CCC-SLP

Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

Owner and Director of Foundations Developmental House, LLC. (FDH)

Phone: 480-219-3953

Fax: 480-219-4203

lynn@fdhkids.com

http://www.fdhkids.com

Foundations Developmental House, LLC is a Speech-Language Pathology Clinic and Learning Center for children birth through 18 years of age. Our Speech-Language Pathologists develop an individualized plan of care, tailored to each child’s speech therapy needs.

 

ASAP-Autistic Spectrum Addressing Pragmatics

8422 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 103

Scottsdale, AZ  85260

480-636-1920

Email:  kari@listening-ears.com

 

ASAP is an intensive summer program that addresses pragmatic language for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, and PDD between the ages of 3-8.  Each child’s needs are unique, therefore, delayed pragmatic skills need to be individually assessed and addressed.  The program is designed and run by Certified Speech-Language Pathologists and other specialists who tailor each child’s program to meet his/her unique needs.  ASAP is run in tandem with our LEAP program to ensure that opportunities to interact with typically developing children as peer models are created.

Updated: 10/24/09: 

The new reach info for this ASAPis:

Lynn Carahaly, MA,CCC-SLP

Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

Owner and Director of Foundations Developmental House, LLC. (FDH)

Phone: 480-219-3953

Fax: 480-219-4203

lynn@fdhkids.com

http://www.fdhkids.com

Foundations Developmental House, LLC is a Speech-Language Pathology Clinic and Learning Center for children birth through 18 years of age. Our Speech-Language Pathologists develop an individualized plan of care, tailored to each child’s speech therapy needs.

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March 4 Schools

by Madeline Papazian on February 24, 2009

Please come and show your support!

March 4 Schools 4:00 – 6:00 
> March 4, 2009 @ the Arizona State Capitol 
> We need everyone at this event. Buses are leaving from 10 different elementary schools (departing at 3:45). Please use this link to RSVP.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=nFTKO846qE475Fzbniswzw_3d_3d

> Pass this email on to anyone, I mean anyone, who believes that a promising tomorrow starts with our schools today. Right now the legislative leadership is proposing cuts of 18% to our already inadequate funding. 
> My promise is to speak up against this. Will you? I mean really…what’s it gonna take? 
> PTOs and PTAs, I implore you to get this through your network with a real sense of urgency. 

> My sincerest thanks,
> Eric Kurland
> SEA President
erickurland6@aol.com
>

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Twice-Exceptional Kids: Assisting Students Who Are Both Academically Gifted and Learning Disabled

Presented by Dr. Rosemary Callard-Szulgit

January 26th at 6:30pm

Mustang Library Auditorium

Parents!! Tell your teachers that they will get professional development credits when they attend this seminar!

Dr. Rosemary Callard-Szulgit is a highly respected and well-known advocate for gifted children, their parents and teachers. As the author of five books, including the popular “Perfectionism and Gifted Children,” and “Twice-Exceptional Kids”, Rosemary has presented both nationally and internationally throughout her extensive career.

With more than 40 years of experience as a teacher, consultant, professor and step-parent of gifted children, Dr. Callard-Szulgit combines her professional and personal experience with gifted children into dynamic and creative staff development workshops.

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REMINDER: Special Night for Special Kids at the Train Park

by Dru Bloomfield on December 10, 2008

A quick reminder for you.  We went to last year’s holiday event for the first time and will be going again tonight.  We ran into so many people that we knew, some that we hadn’t seen in a really long time.  It was a wonderful evening!

Special Night for Special Kids
at the Railroad Park

December 10, 2008
6:30-8:00 pm

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Scottsdale Road and Indian Bend

This FREE event for special needs children and their families features train rides through a spectacular Holiday Lights show, carousel rides, tons of fun activities and a special visit from Santa and his elves!  Look for your favorite cartoon characters!

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