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Posted 10/11/2024

Paul, an individual from Merakey AVS Willow Acres SFR in Slippery Rock, recently went on a mission trip to Paintsville, KY. He helped his brother Donald fix up homes with a program called the Good Neighbors. Paul enjoyed being handy with a drill and hammer during the renovations. He also visited The Mountain Home Place to volunteer taking care of animals.

Good Neighbors (October 2024)


Individuals from Merakey AVS Coleman and Windy Ghoul homes enjoyed a special tour of PNC Park. They explored the basement tunnels where the players hang out, walked downt to the field, and saw the batting cages, the press box, and the club rooms! They also ate lunch in the 1903 World Series Room. Everyone loved getting the behind-the-scenes tour of their favorite baseball team’s park!

PNC Park Tour (October 2024)


Mary and Shirley from Merakey AVS Green Garden were full of smiles during a recent trip to the bowling alley. The ladies cheered on their friends from the Ohioview home who were playing a few lanes away. They had a wonderful afternoon filled with laughter, bowling, and dancing!

Green Garden Bowling (October 2024)


On October 6, members of the Merakey AVS Western PA Family Association gathered for a community meeting. More than 50 people participated in the meeting, including guest speaker PA State Representative Anita Kulik. Representative Kulik held an open forum to address questions and concerns from family members at a state level. She encouraged their input on staffing, budgets, and funding, with the assurance that she would take their concerns back to Harrisburg to share with other leaders. The group was grateful to have Representative Kulik spend the afternoon with the Family Association and would like to plan for additional legislative speakers at future meetings. The group also received updates from Family Association Officers, M/AVS Administrators, Program Directors, and the Development Department. The next in-person meeting will be held in spring 2025.

Family Association Meeting (October 2024)


Individuals and staff at Kennedy Program Center held a fun, hands-on science fair. Everyone created a volcanic eruption using baking soda and vinegar, and made jewelry using milk and vinegar. Participants also made elephant’s toothpaste, which is a foamy substance that creates a large reaction using yeast, warm water, and hydrogen peroxide. Each classroom area presented and demonstrated their experiment and findings.

Congratulations to the winners:

  • Classroom 4 – First Place
  • Classroom 2 – Second Place
  • Classroom 3 – Third Place
Kennedy Program Center Science Fair (October 2024)


Slippery Rock Program Aide Ashley Sutton took a Community Participation Supports Group to Titusville, PA to visit the Drake Well Museum. In 1859, Drake Well struck oil which launched the petroleum industry in the United States. The individuals were fascinated with the machinery and enjoyed looking at all the displays. After the tour, everyone enjoyed a picnic lunch.

Drake Well Museum (October 2024)


Slippery Rock Program Aide Dylan Sandidge assisted the gentlemen from the Route 108 SFR with apple picking at Emmett’s Orchard. Matt and Brandon had a great time picking apples. Brandon even made a few new furry friends. After picking apples, the guys enjoyed a picnic lunch on the premises. It was a perfect autumn day.

Apple Picking at Emmett’s Orchard (October 2024)


Slippery Rock Program Instructors took a small group to Apple Fest in Franklin, PA. The group learned about the different varieties of apples. They enjoyed some fresh pressed apple cider and apple doughnuts. Everyone enjoyed seeing the craft displays and interacting with the community. While there, they connected with some community members and discovered some new activities to try.

Apple Fest in Franklin, PA (October 2024)


Individuals Lisa, Darlene, Teresa, and Jenny from Ewings Mill II at Merakey AVS visited the Museum of Illusions in Pittsburgh. They really loved all the interactive exhibits and enjoyed learning how some of the illusions were made with lights and mirrors. Jenny said it was her favorite museum she had visited! After the fun at the museum, they all went to lunch at Eat’n Park where they were thrilled to see a life-sized Smiley Cookie and wanted to strike a pose with it as well.

Museum of Illusions (October 2024)