Posted 10/27/2025
Wellness Fair
Merakey’s IDD programs at 159 E. County Line Road in Philadelphia hosted a “Wellness Matters” themed Wellness Fair on October 10. Activities included a Sound Bath led by VP of IDD Services Betty Boyd, medical screenings and information provided by Health Services, a Sensory Tent led by Outpatient Therapist Rebecca Stressman, a Fruit Bar by MJ&J Catering, and Yoga led by Brittani Travis. Pauline Simmons from the Benefits Department provided information about Merakey’s benefits and Clinical Director Erica Carroll engaged staff and individuals in a table activity.
It was a fun filled day for individuals and staff!
Music Through Ages Pittsburgh Campus
Individuals and staff from Merakey AVS’s Pittsburgh Campus took a musical journey from the 1950s to the 2000s, enjoying classic tunes, dancing, sweet treats, and even “working at the car wash”! Each era brought its own swag, style, and plenty of smiles. What a blast from the past!
Milton Hay Day Fall Festival
Milton from Patricia Hillman Miller Campus visited Hay Day Fall Festival for some harvest fun!
Terrible Towel 50th Anniversary
Last week, Merakey AVS proudly celebrated the 50th anniversary of The Terrible Towel® with festivities held across multiple western PA program centers, campuses, and homes. Hundreds of individuals and staff came together for tailgate-themed parties filled with music, games, and plenty of black and gold spirit! Many fired up their grills, decorated their cars and spaces, and enjoyed a fun-filled day honoring a true Pittsburgh tradition.
The Pittsburgh Campus and Edward J. Zapp Center received special visits from Steelers mascot Steely McBeam, who greeted everyone, waved his towel, posed for photos, and brought plenty of energy to the celebrations. Pittsburgh Campus also welcomed Steelers alumni Arthur Moats and four-time Super Bowl Champion Randy Grossman, who joined in the fun.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all of the dedicated staff who planned and organized these celebrations. Your hard work made the day truly unforgettable!
The Terrible Towel® was created in 1975 by the late Steelers broadcaster Myron Cope to rally fans during a playoff game against the Baltimore Colts. Fifty years later, it remains an iconic symbol of Steelers pride, and a source of vital support for M/AVS. For the past 29 years, proceeds from officially licensed Terrible Towel® products have directly benefited the individuals supported by M/AVS in western PA. These funds help cover costs such as equipment, program development, and facility renovations. Since 1996, Merakey AVS has received nearly $10 million through this incredible partnership.
We remain eternally grateful to Myron Cope for the legacy he created that continues to empower and enrich the lives of the individuals at Merakey AVS.
Check out all the news coverage from this event!
ActionNews4 | Fox11 | KDA-TV | KDKA-TV | WTAE
Sunny Day Trooper Camp
Last week, several individuals went to Alameda Park in Butler, PA to attend the Sunny Day Trooper Camp. This Day Camp was designed to teach individuals with developmental disabilities about all the people who keep us safe such as firefighters, EMTs, and police officers. They hope that this camp encourages individuals to see them as helpers rather than people to fear. The individuals were encouraged to interact with all the safety personnel. They enjoyed asking questions and seeing the different equipment used. Watching the State Police helicopter do its practice maneuvers was the highlight of the day. There was a ceremony at the end of the day where everyone received a t-shirt, badge, and honorary police hat!
Botanical Gardens
A small group from the Slippery Rock Program Center enjoyed exploring the Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh. The Botanical Gardens encouraged an interactive sensory experience with its displays and hanging streamers. The individuals found it to be a place of relaxation and beauty.
Steelers Game
The Penn Hills Adult Training Facility really knows how to have some fun on a Thursday Steelers Game Day! They brought their best Steelers gear, ate some good food, celebrated with some special giveaways and ended with some fun Steelers music! HERE WE GO STEELERS!!
