The Arc's Deputy Executive Director, Mary Funk, will retire at the end of this calendar year.  In her 29 years of service, Mary has provided support, resources, guidance, and understanding to countless people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. She has so often been the voice and heart of The Arc.  Please join us in a celebration dinner honoring Mary Funk on Monday, November 19th, 6:00 pm at Newton White Mansion. The RSVP deadline has been extended to November 13th. Click here to purchase tickets to the event or to make a donation towards Mary's Retirement Gift.  Contact Tiffany Balmer at tbalmer@thearcofpgc.org or 301-925-7050, ext. 269 for more information.

Arc Notes

Busboys and Poets Cafe in Hyattsville was aglow last Friday night when its "First Fridays" series featured original works by 30 artists from The Arc's Day Centers. The evening included the exhibit, a reception, remarks, and the opportunity for members of the community to gather in this vibrant space at the center of the Gateway Arts District.

Coordinated through The Arc's Transformation Project, the featured art was created in partnership with the Prince George's African American Museum and Cultural Center. In this multi-part educational program, students of The Arc were introduced to the Museum's exhibition, "Curtis Woody: A Struggle for Dignity," and were then invited to make original mixed media works of art on the themes of personal identity and our rootedness in Prince George's County. Click here to read more.

Shawn Payne works at The Arc Thrift Store, but his true love is art. His artwork is starting to bring him both income and international attention--and in fact, his painting, "Blue Suede Shoes," is currently on display in The Museum of Everything in London, England. Last month, at the National Disability Employment Awareness Month Luncheon, Shawn was recognized as Employee of the Year for his dedication to The Arc Thrift Store as well as to his own artistic endeavors. 

Spending four days a week at the store, Shawn creates his art work each Wednesday at Art Enables, a studio and gallery in D.C. for artists with developmental disabilities. Through this gallery, Shawn has sold over 20 pieces including paintings, jewelry, and shoe boxes. He has recently embarked on a new tote bag venture. Click here to read more.

Mark your calendars for  December 12th, 7:15-8:45 pm for a Town Hall Meeting to take place at the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center in Columbia. This meeting will focus on the many issues facing the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration such as the waiting list, transitioning youth, and budget priorities. We hope many from Prince George's County will attend to learn about these issues first-hand and to share their views. Please contact Bea Rodgers at brodgers@thearcofpgc.org for more information.

 Washington, DC, was the site of The Arc's 2012 National Convention and International Forum, bringing together hundreds of people from The Arc community and guests from more than 20 countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Spain, Lebanon, Panama, and Japan. The theme, "Achieving Inclusion," focused on what it means for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve full inclusion. Sessions were designed to help share global perspectives. Click here to read more.

Your generous donations to this year's Holiday Appeal will help The Arc continue to provide excellent services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Your gift of $250 to the Holiday Appeal also secures your membership in the prestigious Arc Society.

Look for our letter in your mailbox after Thanksgiving, or click here to make an online donation, and select "Holiday Gift" from the dropdown menu.  Contact Tiffany Balmer at tbalmer@thearcofpgc.org for more information.

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For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities  

The Arc Thrift Store

11000 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, MD 301-572-4241 

Open Mon, Wed, Fri, & Sat 10 am - 6 pm, Tues & Thurs 10 am  - 7 pm, Sun 12 pm - 5 pm