OCTOBER - NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced that "America's People, America's Talent... America's Strength!" will be the official 2008 theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which is observed in October nationwide. The 2008 theme captures the accomplishments highlighted in the 2007 progress report on President Bush's New Freedom Initiative for people with disabilities.
"Full access to community life for Americans with disabilities is an imperative and this year's theme conveys the tremendous contributions that these Americans can make in the workplace," said Secretary Chao.
"It is important to note that having people with disabilities in the workplace is valuable to the individual and to businesses," said Neil Romano, assistant secretary for the Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy. "People with disabilities are the next great wave of diversity, and diversity fosters innovation to drive our economy and our nation into the future."
CHRISTMAS GIFT GIVING AT HOLLY CENTER

Thursday, December 18th
6:30 p.m.
Holly Center Canteen
Volunteers will be singing Christmas Carols & distributing gifts to Holly Center residents.

WIN $50,000

HCI is sponsoring a raffle with a limited 2000 tickets to be sold. Each ticket will be sold at a price of $50.00. The drawing will be held on 11-22-08 during our annual Basket Bingo. Members of the Board of Directors and staff of HCI are excluded from participating. For more information, contact Lee Lewis at 443-260-0822.

Purchase a ticket and automatically be entered in a raffle of the “Dale Earnhardt Legacy” print to be given away at HCI’s Annual Spring Festival on 5-9-09.

CONGRATULATIONS

Michele Corron has recently obtained a full time position with Independence Now, a Center for Independent Living (CIL), as a Community Work Incentive Coordinator. She will be educating people about the various incentives and programs for individuals with disabilities wanting to go back to work. The goal is to help Social Security beneficiaries transition from dependence on public benefits to paid employment and greater economic self sufficiency, if they so choose.

Her contact information is Phone number: 240-638-0071.

UPCOMING EVENTS
MARK YOUR CALENDARS

HOLLY CENTER CANTEEN BOUTIQUE

Wednesday, October 15th
11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

SHOPPER’S FAIR AT HOLLY CENTER

Saturday, November 8th
10:00 – 3:00

All your favorites will be there with cash & carry items – no ordering – no waiting – no parties to schedule – Lots of great food available -
Shop ‘til you Drop.

BASKET BINGO AT THE MOOSE

Saturday, November 22 th
Doors open at
5:00 – Games start at 7:00 p.m.
Food, raffles, lots of great baskets – Come enjoy the fun!
Tickets $20.00 in advance – $25.00 at door

WISHLIST

"Seeking Christmas Sponsors for residents of Holly Center. HCI works to
make the holidays bright for the severely disabled and needs your help.
Consider sponsoring or getting a group of friends to help sponsor - each
sponsorship is $100. This year's campaign will support over 90 individuals.