gigi’s newsgigisplayhouse.org/pdf_news/2007-news/giginews_oct07.pdfg i r l s p a j a m a p a r t y...

The 2008 Calendars feature 45 children with Down syndrome. Each face you see has a story behind it. Here is the birth story of one calendar model…

2 years ago I became pregnant. Nine months later,the doctors placed Hannah in my arms and shewas one of the most beautiful things I hadever seen. The doctor checked her out in theother room and came back 15 minuteslater to tell us he thought she hadDown syndrome. They said the testswould take 7 full days. Our worldwas turned ups ide down!When the results came back Iwas by myself. I cried for fearof what my baby would have togo through. I cried out of fear forher health. I cried out of fear of whatothers would think. Our families werevery supportive but they didn’t know whatto expect. Our Support family came over andgave us lots of information. They told us aboutGiGi’s. A friend from work and a friend from Floridaalso told me about GiGi’s Playhouse. I decided to send anemail into the site. The same day I received an e-mail fromNancy. I remember crying because she was the first person

to congratulate me after knowing my daughter had Downsyndrome. I went into the Playhouse to visit Open Play whenHannah was just weeks old. I was greeted as if everyone therehad known me all my life. It was as if I had found my long lostfamily. I still cry when I think of that day. That day many ofmy fears were washed away. I saw children running, laughing,reading and just being kids. I had brought my older childrenwith and it was a good thing for them to see also. We knowwe have our challenges but Hannah is healthy and we have agreat support system. Now my children write reports in schoolabout Down syndrome. John, my 11 year old explains to the

kids in his class that Hannah has an extra chromosome.My 15 year old daughter invites friends to come to the

2 & Under play group to help with the kids. Hannahhas taught us all to appreciatethe little things in life and notto take anything for granted.She has taught us to be advo-cates for her and to help oth-ers overcome their fears. Whenwe look at Hannah we don’tsee Down syndrome, just ourwonderful baby girl. She willhelp educate everyone thatcomes into contact with her onjust how wonderful and richher life will be!

LLoovviinngg aa cchhiilldd wwiitthh DDoowwnn ssyynnddrroommee iissccoonnttaaggiioouuss...... HHeellpp uuss sspprreeaadd tthhee lloovvee!!

G I G I ’ S N EWS Serving 2locations

Plainfield10052 S. Bode Rd, Unit D • Plainfield, IL 60585630-778-PLAY • www.gigisplayhousetoo.com

Hoffman Estates1069 W Golf Rd • Hoffman Estates, IL 60169847-885-PLAY • www.gigisplayhouse.org

OCTOBER 2007

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EEaacchh PPiiccttuurreeHHaass aa SSttoorryy......

OOuurr MMiissssiioonn::To increase awareness

of Down syndrome by

providing, program-

ming, support and

education.

OOCCTTOOBBEERR 11441122NNOOOONN--33PPMM

HHooffffmmaannEEssttaatteess llooccaattiioonn

aatttteenndd

Please come out and bring your family and friends to thisincredible party!! We have people coming in from across thecountry to celebrate with us so lets show them how strong ourDown syndrome community really is! We have pony rides,pumpkin decoration,Ronald McDonald,

food and lots of fun!! Meet our calendar models, win a raffleprize, and be amazed at how much strength and hope is in thiscrowd! See you there.

GGiiGGiiFFeesstt22000077!!!!CCeelleebbrraattee OOuurr 44tthh AAnnnniivveerrssaarryy BBaasshh wwiitthh UUss!!

GGiirrllss PPaajjaammaa PPaarrttyyAttention 6, 7, & 8 year old girls. Come on Friday, October 19th

in your favorite PJ’s for a fun filled girls night! The fun will include:

jewelry making, snacks, manicures and we’ll end with a movie!!!!

Drop off at 6:30 pick up the girls at 9pm, sisters welcome. Please

RSVP to the playhouse by October 12th so we can be sure to

have plenty of supplies. Boys look for your PJ party in November.

This month the FridayFriends did their all time favorite pas-time – KAROKE! We had 2 new friends join us, brother andsister, Laura and Dan! We sang, danced, laughed, and endedthe night with a sing along lead by Rick. Look for more jamsessions in the future! The group had a proper send off forMarc, snacking on Chinese noodles and cake, in preparationfor his departure to China for the Special Olympics. Next month come dressed as your favorite movie star!

Open Play has had a busy summer! We love to see so manynew faces each week! Join us every Thursday from 12:30-2pmfor pizza, fun and networking. Everyone welcome!

HHoopp,, SSkkiipp && JJuummppeerrssOur 3-5 year old group had a great month!Crafts, a puppet show, creative play...we sureused our imagination this month! Call the

Playhouse to reg-ister for thisinteractivegroup!

FFrriiddaayyFFrriieennddss WWaass RRoocckkiinn

OOppeenn PPllaayy

H O F F M A N E S T A T E S L O C A T I O N

CCaammpp GGiiGGii WWaass aa GGrreeaatt WWeeeekk!!Once again, camp counselor George hosted a week of fungames and activities for the kids. Each day the kids had a newactivity followed by story time then always ended the daywith ice cream! One of our campers had never been to theplayhouse before and left with new friends and good memo-

ries. Thanks for a greatweek George and Krysta!

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What acrowd!

HHaalllloowweeeenn PPaarrttyy Saturday, October 27th from12noon-2pm! Don’t forget your costumes! Everyone’s invited!!

H o f f m a n E s t a t e s C A L E N D A RSUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Literacy10am-2pm

Literacy10am-2pm

Crawlers9-9:45am2&Under 10-11:30amHop, Skip & Jumpers12noon-1:30pm

Walkers 9-9:45amLeaps & Bounds 10-11:30am

Halloween Party!!12noon-2pmLiteracy4-6pm

Literacy10am-2pmGirl’s P.J. Party6:30-9pm

Literacy10am-2pm

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Literacy4-7pm

Literacy 12noon-2pm

Literacy 4-7pm

Literacy 4-7pm

Literacy 12noon-2pmBoard Meeting 7pm

Literacy 4-7pm

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Open Play: Every Thursday!Everyone is welcome! Stop by forpizza, pop and fun! We have volun-teers to assist with the kids so theparents can hang out! It’s awesome!

Literacy Program: GiGi’sPlayhouse provides FREE privatetutoring to children with Downsyndrome. Customized materialsare provided for each individualstudent. The program also assiststeachers and parents on how totutor their children.

Friday Friends: Ages 18 and uponly. Party with the gang! Equalnumbers of peers with Down syn-drome as without. Karaoke, dances,laser tag, bowling, prom, movienights, friends and fun!

2 and under group: Families withkids 2 and under get together toplay, and have fun while the par-ents network with each other!

Hop, Skip and Jumpers: For 3-5year olds, this program will helppromote friendships, good socialskills and interactive play throughfun creative activities!

Hispanic Group: Spanish speakingfamilies gather for food, fun, friend-ship and education.

Polish Play Group: Polish speak-ing families gather for an afternoonof fun and friendship.

Reserved: Playhouse may bereserved for private play groups,parties or support groups

GiGi’s Crawlers: This group focus-es on crawling skills as well as finemotor skills, social interaction withpeers in a semi-structured environ-ment. Children need to be crawlingand are accompanied by a parent/adult.

GiGi’s Walkers: This group focus-es on post walking skills with peersto prepare children for school activ-ities (balance beam, kicking, throw-ing, jumping, etc.) Children needto be walking and must be accom-panied by a parent/adult.

The Playhouse can be reserved forany Down syndrome related event.

When it is available it may also beused by other groups with specialneeds.

EEvveerryyoonnee’’ss wweellccoommee aatt

GGiiGGii,,ss PPllaayyhhoouusseeDue to the need for scheduling volunteers and acquiring

supplies, reservations are greatly appreciated.

Call 847-885-PLAYor you can e-mail [email protected]

Feel free to leave a message!

GiGi’s Playhouse is located 3 miles West of WoodfieldShopping Mall next to Schaumburg Toyota

in the Hoffman Center at: 1069 W. Golf Road • Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

847-885-PLAY

Literacy6-8pm

Open Play12:30-2pm Everyone welcomeLiteracy6-8pm

Literacy4-7pm

Literacy6-8pmSpecial Intentions 7pm


GIGIFEST12noon-3pm



Literacy 6-8pm

Literacy 6-8pm

Polish Group11-1pm

HalloweenLiteracy Nite 6:30pmEveryone welcome

DDoonn’’tt FFoorrggeett:: Don’t forget your Costumes!!Halloween Party! October 27th, 12noon-2pm! See you there! GGiiGGiiFFeesstt!!!!

October 14th, 12noon-3pmOur 4th Anniversary Bash! This is the BIGGESTDown Syndrome Party of the year! Come and joinus for fun, food, games, prizes, and so much more!Call the Playhouse for details!

G

RReeaaddiinngg TTuuttoorrss NNeeeeddeeddGiGi’s Free Literacy Program is looking for additional tutors.This is a fantastic opportunity for teachers, student teachers,and therapists to get involved and work with our wonderfulchildren! For more information, contact the Playhouse at 630-778-PLAY.

Several Families Came Out for a Morning of FunOur kids and their siblings enjoyed a couple hours of shooting

baskets, going down the slide, rid-ing the little roller coaster, pretendcooking in the play kitchen, andyou name it! Meanwhile, the par-ents utilized that time to catch up

with one another

and discuss topics such as Early Intervention, doctor’s appoint-ments, preschool, IEPs, and so on. Don’t miss the next OpenPlay on Friday, Oct. 12 from 10am to Noon!!

11sstt PPllaayyhhoouussee PPaallss MMeeeettiinnggaa HHuuggee SSuucccceessss!!The new Playhouse Pals group started up in August and wehad a great turnout. There were 9 children for our new groupof 1st-3rd graders. If you weren't able to come to the firstgroup we hope you can come to our next on September 22from 1-3pm at the Playhouse in Plainfield. We plan to havefun with music in September and we will learn about safety onOctober 20 from 1-3pm. If you need more information callLori at 630.375.1765.

NNeeww GGrroouupp LLeeaaddeerrss WWaanntteeddWould you like to see a new playgroup at the Playhouse foryour child's age? Have you been thinking of hosting a newplaygroup? If so, then contact the Playhouse today at 630-778-PLAY!

UUppccoommiinngg GGrroouupp LLeeaaddeerrss MMeeeettiinnggGroup leaders, watch the newsletter for a group leaders meet-ing in November! Please try to make room in your schedule toattend the meeting.

DDrreessss UUpp DDaayy CCoommiinngg iinn NNoovveemmbbeerrDress up day is a special time for ‘tweens’ to get together foran afternoon of make-up and facepainting, dress up, andsnacks. Ages 8+. More info coming soon!

22000077 DDSS SSuuppppoorrtt BBuuddddyy WWaallkkRegister today for the Buddy Walk on Sunday, October 7th atTy Warner Park in Westmont, IL. Visit www.dssupport.net/buddywalk/ for information andto register.

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BBooaarrdd ooff DDiirreeccttoorrssDoug Collie, [email protected]

Ross [email protected]

Wendy [email protected]

Brendan [email protected]

Contact Information:Co-Directors, Beth Sullivan and Mike [email protected]

Tom [email protected]

Genia [email protected]

Michele [email protected]

This is a nice way to take our first step intothe Playhouse. It is very laid back and fun!

—as one mother put i t

SSeepptteemmbbeerr’’ss OOppeenn PPllaayy!!P L A I N F I E L D L O C A T I O N

2 & under playgroup: Familieswith children 2 and under gettogether and play while the parentsnetwork with each other. Siblingsalways welcome.

3-4 year old playgroup: Familieswith children ages 3-4 get togetherand play while the parents networkwith each other. Siblings alwayswelcome.

Pre-crawlers/Crawlers: Thisgroup focuses on crawling skills aswell as fine motor skills, social inter-action with peers in a semi-struc-tured environment. Pre-crawlers isfor children who are just starting tocrawl and the Crawlers is for chil-dren who are crawling on all fours.Children must be accompanied bya parent/adult.

Pre-walkers/Walkers: Thisgroup focuses on post walking skillswith peers to prepare children forschool activities (balance beam,kicking, throwing, jumping, etc.)The pre-walkers is for children who

are just starting to walk independ-ently and the Walkers group is forchildren who are walking inde-pendently. Children must beaccompanied by a parent/adult.

Teen-Tastic: This group meetsfrom 7-9pm. We order pizza fordinner and have lots of fun watch-ing movies and playing games witheach other. 6th-12th grades.

Hispanic Group: Spanish speak-ing families gather for food, fun,friendship and education.

Signing Time Group: Learn signlanguage by signing along to thesongs from the TV series. All agesare welcome.

Daddy and Me: Dads get outwith the kids and get together withother dads. All ages.

Open Play: Open to everyone.

Playhouse Pals: For families withchildren in 1st-3rd grades.

Birthday Party: All ages.

P l a i n f i e l d C A L E N D A RSUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Literacy Program3-6pmBy appointmentBoard of DirectorsMeeting7pm

Literacy Program3-6 pmBy appointment

Buddy WalkTy Warner ParkWestmont, IL

GIGIFEST12noon-3pm

Literacy Program3-6pmBy appointment



Open Play10am-Noon

Daddy & Me3-4:30pmPre-Walkers9-10amWalkers 10-11amRSVP to 630-423-4035

Literacy Program10-11:30amPlayhouse Pals1-3pm

Pre-Crawlers9-10amCrawlers 10-11amRSVP to Judy630-961-2430

Teen-Tastic7-9pm



2 & Under 9:30-11amLiteracy Program10-11:30am




Halloween

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S Eola R

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Wolf S Crossing Rd

95th St

103rd St

Ogden Ave

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rman

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Bo

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111th St

111th St 10052 S. Bode RoadUnit D Plainfield, IL 60585

630-778-PLAY (7529) fax 630-778-7519

gigisplayhousetoo.com

All Events are Free unless noted. *RSVP to 630-778-PLAY Bring a friend who doesn’t have Down syndrome.

Buddy Walk!! Join us for the 5th AnnualChicagoland Buddy Walk on October 7th!

MMAAPP

CCoommee ttoo GGiiGGiiFFeesstt oonnOOccttoobbeerr 1144tthh aatt tthhee

HHooffffmmaann EEssttaatteess llooccaattiioonn!!SSeeee yyoouu tthheerree!!

Signing Time10-11am

Nuetro Angeles11am-1pmHispanic Playgroup

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Dr. Brian Chicoine, of the Adult Down Syndrome Center inPark Ridge, is off and running once again! This will be his4th time running the Chicago Marathon which takes placeon October 7, 2007. Not only is he running to raise funds

for the Center and promote healthand fitness to his patients, but he hasalso created the Adult DownSyndrome Center Fitness Team andis asking his patients, family mem-bers, staff and all of us to join himin his efforts! If you want to getinvolved, either to cheer them on,support financially, or run along-side the team, call the Center at847.318.2303, for more informa-tion. Thank you Dr. Chicoine and the ADSC for your outstand-ing efforts and dedication!!

Sarah is our first child. I can still remember theabsolute amazement, joy and complete excite-ment when we learned we were expecting. I can also remember the absolute fear, sadnessand uncertainty upon learning that our babywould have Down syndrome and need openheart surgery. However, I truly believe that Iwas meant to know of her diagnosis so I couldone day help other moms with theirs. Wefound out on a Thursday evening — I’ll neverforget the moment. We spent a week-end in agony — will we ever be able tovacation again, will she survive, we’llnever be able to get a babysitter andhave a date, and on and on. I wouldlike to tell you that acceptance waseasy, but it was not, It was painful andhard. However, when playing the “whyme” card, I had a wise friend say, “Whynot you? God knew that your marriage was strong enough tosurvive this, your faith strong enough not to abort the baby and

your friends and family strong enough to support you in everyway.” I will never, ever forget those words. I never looked

back after that! Sarah’s birth was the most joyous occa-sion I could ever have imagined. We had been told to

expect her to come out blue and be whisked awayfrom us, to prepare not even to hold her. Well, noway was she going to live down to this expecta-tion. She came out pink, screaming and yelling.We held her forever and took a million pictures andshe sucked down her first bottle like no one could

believe. She has been going strong ever since. Aftermy experience, I decided to become a Parent Liason

for NADS and I helped other women with their in uterodiagnosis. I remember telling them that though they don’t

believe it now, they will one day say and believe, “Oh, it’s onlyDown syndrome” and I can say with complete honesty, thatthat is what I think every day. Sarah is a blessing I could neverhave imagined and I can’t imagine my life without her. Theamazing journey we are on was and is worth every ounce ofpain we felt when we got our diagnosis and just didn’t knowthat it truly is ‘only Down syndrome’.

Then let us be the first to say CONGRATULATIONS!Did you know that GiGi’s not only supports fami-lies after they have a child with Down syndrome,but we also provide support for dealing with theinitial diagnosis! It is important (especially duringDown Syndrome Awareness month!) for parentsto be aware that there is support out there. It canbe a scary time and many parents struggle withhow to deal with the accompanying emotions.

If you or someone you know is dealing with the emotions anddecisions that come after receiving the diagnosis,please reach out to get support — you aren’t alone!Please call the Playhouse for help on finding resourcesnear you.Do you want to help parents dealing with the diagno-sis in-utero? Email info@gigisplayhouse for moreinformation on our Positive Beginnings program.

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Celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month

AArree YYoouu EExxppeeccttiinngg aa BBaabbyy wwiitthh DDoowwnn SSyynnddrroommee??

SSpprreeaaddiinngg AAwwaarreenneessssTThhrroouugghhoouutt CChhiiccaaggooThe PubCrawl, the Chicago Playhouse’s 1st fundraiser, was ahuge success!! As the sold-out crowd walked from venue tovenue, their t-shirts spread awareness and started conversa-tions that left lasting impressions! Thanks Heidi and theChicago team, for working so hard and bringing the magic ofthe Playhouse to the city!

For more information, contact [email protected].

RRuunn ffoorr HHeeaalltthh!!

Read our other Calendar Parent Stories on the website atwww.gigisplayhouse.org or to purchase the 2008 calendar,go to www.gigisplayhouse.org or call 847.885.7529.

IItt’’ss OOnnllyy DDoowwnn SSyynnddrroommee……

Is it time for the ‘Down syndrometalk’? Want to introduce your child tothe class? Want to send somethinghome to parents that is easy to read andfun for the kids?

The GiGi’s Playhouse activity book isthe perfect item and it can be cus-tomized with your child’s picture andinformation! The activity book is perfectfor school-aged children; It has a color-ing page, a crossword puzzle, a wordunscramble (Kids with Down syndromemake good friends) a word search, aposter page (your child’s picture andinfo) and a “For the parents” DS infor-mation page. It is a really great teachingtool!

We always have them on hand atthe Playhouse or you could have themcustom made with your child’s pictureand information. We make these free ofcharge at the playhouse. They can alsobe made into posters.

We like to distributethese at various pediatricoffices and hospitals for usein their waiting rooms. Kidswill have fun and learn apositive message! Call theplayhouse to pick up theseactivity books to distributeor email [email protected] a custom printed book!

Celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month

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Medical CommunityGive calendars,brochures, bookmarksto your medical com-munity! Hospitals, thera-pists, doctorsoffices…even dentists!

Books Donateto your child’s school or local library.Copies may be available at Ups forDowns or purchase them fromwww.amazon.com“We’ll Paint the Octopus Red”, “MyFriend Isabelle”, The Best Worst Brother”and for siblings “Views From Your Shoes”and “The Sibling Slam Book” are someexamples.

Email Blast Send an emailto everyone educating people about DS,your personal story, and some pictures.Include an email to your school districtteachers/principals by going to your dis-trict website to secure email addresses.

Visit your Child’s Classask the teacher if you can read a storyabout DS to the class and then pass outthe custom made Activity Booklets withyour child’s picture in it.

Get Involved! Volunteer atGiGi’s Playhouse and/orattend one of thenumerous Down syn-drome events includ-ing the DS SupportBuddy Walk, Ups forDowns events, NADSconference etc.

Calendars Promote/sell/donate the GiGi’s Playhouse2008 DownSyndromeAwarenessCalendar! If youwould like tovolunteer to sellcalendars, con-tact Jeanette [email protected] to find out aboutopportunities.

GiGi’s Store Note cards,tees, onsies, bibs, hats, and more! Callthe Playhouse to order yours today andgive as gifts to teachers and therapistswith a ‘Thank You’ notecard for workingwith your child!

Awareness JewelryWear your Down Syndrome Awarenessbracelets and necklaces. If you don’talready own one, visit www.gigisplayhouse.org

Bulletin BoardCreate one in yourchild’s school or a sib-ling’s school entitled“Just Like You” withpictures of your childinteracting withfriends, family, class-mates, scouts etc.

Write Write a letter to you childor journal entry reminding yourself exact-ly where you are in your life right nowwith your child. Whether it’s how faryou’ve come or how far you hope to go,many of us forget to sit down, reflectand enjoy the moment. Ask relatives towrite about how your child has changedtheir life and SAVE these for your child.(You could also submit them to thePlayhouse to be used for various aware-ness projects, calendar, newsletter,etc…or submit them to your local sup-port group).

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Down syndrome may sound . . .

To learn more about the tremendous

potential in children with Down syndrome

please go to www.gigisplayhouse.org

But It Looks L ike Th i s !

Photo courtesy of Metamorphosis Studio

Claire, Jacob, and Meagan

are 3rd graders.

They go to school in Glen Ellyn.

They all like pizza.

They enjoy movies.

They like to climb and swing and slide.

They all like the Arboretum.

Jacob has Down syndrome.

They are all friends!

TToopp 1100 IIDDEEAASS ttoo SSpprreeaadd AAwwaarreenneessssSShhooww tthhee wwoorrlldd hhooww pprroouudd yyoouu aarree ooff yyoouurr cchhiilldd wwiitthh DDoowwnn SSyynnddrroommee!!

I was brought to tearswhen I first came to theLiteracy program. Not onlydid my daughter learn reading skills, I was providedwith a wealth of information that would benefit meand my family! —as one mother says

These award-winningcalendars are filledwith messages ofhope, inspiration and,of course, awareness! Check out our newpocket calendar—limited quantities!!Call the Playhouse or goonline to order your 2008 award winning calendar!

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSCHAUMBURG, ILPERMIT NO. 93

1069 W Golf Rd.Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

TM

FFaallll RReeaaddiinngg BBeeggiinnss!!We have started the Fall literacy program and it isgoing great! We have lots of group sessions whichteaches turn taking, develops friendships, and pro-motes speech! We also have individual and consult-ing sessions! You can join us to make books the lastWednesday of every month and bring some bookshome to work on with your child! Call thePlayhouse to get on the waiting list!! Do you have

experience teaching andwant to be a tutor? Call the Playhouse for moreinformation!

22000088 CCaalleennddaarrssHHaavveeAArrrriivveedd

GGiiGGiiFFeessttDDoonn’’tt MMiissss tthhee PPaarrttyy!!

SSuunnddaayy,, OOccttoobbeerr 1144tthh,, 1122nnoooonn--33ppmm!!!!

TThhee BBiiggggeesstt DDoowwnn SSyynnddrroommee

AAwwaarreenneessss PPaarrttyy ooff tthhee YYeeaarr!!

October 7th n DS Support Buddy Walkin Westmont, IL

October 14th n GiGiFest

October 27th n Halloween Party Hoffman Estates location

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