Posted 12/8/2023
A Hanukkah celebration was held via Zoom with participants from Merakey AVS, Friendship Circle, JOY (Jewish Outreach Initiative), and The Branch in Pittsburgh, PA. Activity bags were sent to Merakey AVS Jewish individuals in Western PA and included a Bingo game, a menorah card, a Dreidel game with milk chocolate gelt, and an art project.
After Merakey AVS participants were greeted by members of the hosting organizations, Rabbi Mordy spoke to the group about the meaning of Hanukkah, also called the Festival of Lights. Attendees participated in each activity in their gift bag and wrapped up the party with social interactions with their friends. A big thank you to Friendship Circle in Pittsburgh, JOY, and The Branch for including Merakey AVS in this joyous holiday event!
Merakey IDD Passion Ambassadors across Pennsylvania gathered for a virtual holiday celebration to discuss ways to keep staff engaged. Many wore festive Christmas attire, with the spirit award going to Edward (Santa Claus) White. Senior Vice President of IDD Services Elise Tretola thanked the group for their engagement initiatives and gave updates from across the IDD service line. Liz, who receives support from Merakey IDD, spoke about her role in welcoming new staff during orientation and explained the importance of treating each person with dignity and respect. Liz is also a Passion Ambassador and often speaks about how essential it is to have a good relationship between individuals and staff at Merakey.
“It’s so important to feel like you’re a part of something,” stated Liz.
The group plans to continue their monthly virtual gatherings in 2024 to share how they can support each other, as well as the individuals and their co-workers at Merakey. Happy Holidays from Merakey IDD Passion Ambassadors!
Over several days, Slippery Rock Program Instructor Megan Kober and her Aide Christie Laderer from Merakey AVS have taken small groups of individuals from their area to Kraynak’s, a Christmas store in Hermitage, PA. Everyone loved going through Santa Claus Lane to see the beautiful Christmas tree displays. A few enjoyed browsing through the store, while others were happy to see Santa Claus. After visiting Kraynak’s, each group enjoyed dining at the Golden Corral. The outing definitely put everyone in the Christmas Spirit.
Individuals throughout the Slippery Rock Program Center have been as busy as Santa’s elves decorating for the holidays. Through their hard work, they have transformed the entire building into a Winter Candyland Delight. Santa will surely be impressed when he visits.
Tim Geibel, Program Director at Merakey AVS’s Slippery Rock Program Center announced the retirement of Program Instructor Mary Loos at the end of December.
“After 41 years of dedicating her life to Merakey AVS, Mary Loos has decided to retire to spend more time with her family. Mary is loved by the individuals in her care, staff that work alongside her and those who she supervises at SRPC. During her incredible career, Mary has always provided fun, meaningful activities to the individuals she supported in her area and earned the respect of her peers and co-workers by expecting the same work ethic and high-quality care that she exhibited. Mary also has been leading the building of the now famous Slippery Rock Program Center Haunted House - a yearly favorite for all.a
On a personal note, I have known Mary for most of my life because of several members of my family also working at Merakey AVS. When I was around 12 years old, my mom was the House Manager at West Sunbury. At that time, Merakey AVS hosted family picnics that included a game of softball. My only mission (outside of eating of course) was to secure my way onto Mary’s team. I knew Mary was a winner and was always the best athlete on the field. Mary excels at whatever task she focuses on. My coworkers and I have watched Mary’s nine children grow up and become parents themselves. And on occasion, we have been treated to visits from her grandchildren. Please join me in congratulating Mary for putting her heart and soul into exceptional care for 41 years and on her upcoming retirement. Congrats Mary, you will be missed!”
Mike from Edenville IDD home in Franklin Fulton, PA enjoyed meeting members from the state police department while shopping at Walmart. He was especially thrilled to take a picture with the police officers.
It feels like December 25 at the Philadelphia Program Center! Individuals have been busy making Christmas hats, playing instruments, and singing great holiday tunes such as Frosty the Snowman, Winter Wonderland, Silver Bells, and Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. Thomas Alberici, a professor of music at Bishop Shanahan Academy and classically trained pianist, joined the fun by playing the electric organ as everyone sang. This event marks the first of many that are upcoming at the Philadelphia Program Center to celebrate the holidays.
Individuals and staff at Patricia Hillman Miller Campus held a holiday pajama party to kick off the festive season. They had a special breakfast, treats, and many activities including arts and crafts, sensory stations, and holiday manicures.
The Adult Training Facility in Penn Hills, PA had an early visit from Santa this past week. With special help from Team Supervisor Tabitha Steinmeyer, the group was able to have this incredible Santa visit for the 2nd year in a row. Individuals enjoyed time with Santa followed by holiday stockings and breakfast. The joy on their faces shows that everyone who participated had a fantastic time, staff included.
Residents from a Merakey home in Franklin Fulton, PA were excited to pose for a group photo in front of their Christmas tree.
Magda and Julie from Swarthmore and Newtown Square, PA recently spent a weekend in Baltimore, MD. They enjoyed the view of the Inner Harbor from their suites at The Roost Baltimore. They toured the National Aquarium, and then stopped by Dangerously Delicious Pies for treats. Julie was excited to purchase her favorite - Key Lime Pie. They enjoyed the warm weather, walked along the shoreline of the Inner Harbor, and shopped for new clothes and souvenirs. Special thanks to house managers Vanessa Jeffcoat and Sharon Jackson for accompanying Magda and Julie on this fun-filled relaxing mini vacation.
On November 20, Julie from Swarthmore, PA celebrated her 61st birthday at Bowlero, a bowling alley in Boothwyn. Julie invited her friends from Merakey homes in Delaware and Chester Counties to join her for her birthday party. Julie enjoyed bowling and was the first bowler to throw a strike! Everyone had a great time at the party, listening to music, dancing, and eating food. Happy Birthday, Julie!
