‘Earning for Learning’ funds awarded to area schools

ASHLAND, Ky. — Ashland Town Center officials announced today $3,600 will be awarded to seven schools who participated in the Earning for Learning program.

The Ashland Town Center drives its commitment to children’s education through Earning for Learning, a partnership program designed to promote and support education in local school districts. Earning for Learning encouraged local residents to shop at Ashland Town Center over a 6-week promotional period to earn “points,” and ultimately the chance to win cash for the school of their choice.

More than 53,000 points were totaled for the twenty-seven participating schools in the Tri-State.

During the six week program, the following schools won a cash prize: Holy Family — $1,600, Sugar Creek Christian Academy — $700, Calvary Christian — $500, Poage Elementary — $400, Oakview Elementary — $200, Russell Middle School and Worthington Elementary — $100 each.

Every school in the Tri-State is eligible to participate in the yearly contest and is not required to register. Ashland Town Center encourages residents to show their school spirit by participating in the Earning for Learning program and turn their shopping dollars into money for local schools.

Charlie’s Harley’s ‘House Of Horrors’ benefits MDA

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Come if you dare and get spooked for a good cause. Charlie’s Harley-Davidson will host a haunted house on Friday, Oct. 22, and Saturday, Oct. 23, as well as Friday, Oct. 29, and Saturday, Oct. 30. The haunted house will run from 8 p.m. to midnight in the former museum building at the dealership. All the work is voluntary and all proceeds will go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

The haunted house is being sponsored by Charlie’s and MDA. The cost is only $5 per person.

“This is a great time for the community to come together and help raise money for a great cause such as MDA,” said Dee Chapman, Motorclothes Manager of Charlie’s Harley-Davidson.

For additional information, please contact the dealership at (304) 523-1340.

Ohio advocates participate in legislative day

More than 325 advocates from throughout Ohio attended the Legislative Advocacy Day at the Statehouse Sept. 14th. The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council and the Ohio State University Nisonger Center sponsored the event.

Guest speakers including Senator John Carey (R) of the 17th District and Representative Jay Goyal (D) of the 73rd House District emphasized the importance of advocates speaking to their legislators, as tough budget decisions need to be made.

They noted that strong arguments can be made that home and community based services are more cost effective for the state. “You are the experts and need to tell your story,” said Senator Carey.

After the program, advocates were given the opportunity to meet with their legislators to tell their story about what living in the community means to them and how cuts in services would affect their lives. “I feel powerful because of what I learned today,” was a comment heard from one self-advocate.

Carmen Shelton, Coordinator of the event, said the event allowed advocates statewide to have their voice heard. “People with disabilities want to live in the community and in the face of the upcoming biennial budget, they have the power to influence legislators on why issues such as housing and transportation are important to them,” she said.

The next Legislative Advocacy Day is scheduled for Spring 2011.