Posted 12/22/2023
Dressed in their best holiday outfits, and showing their big smiles of joy, Merakey AVS individuals and employees from Merakey AVS’s Edward J. Zapp and Kennedy Program Center gathered for the first time in person since late 2019. Party DJ Joe Ledrick provided the holiday music for the dancing crowd, and familiar songs prompted fun karaoke moments. Santa, the honored guest from the North Pole, arrived promptly after lunch. He greeted every guest at their tables and passed out presents. The Sheraton Hotel in Moon Township provided a beautiful space, great food, and service to be enjoyed by all.
In addition to the detailed planning by Santa, this event was organized by the fantastic programming staff from Edward J. Zapp and Kennedy Centers. Without skipping a beat, the expert care of the staff made this holiday celebration one to remember!
Slippery Rock Program Center at Merakey AVS celebrates the holidays
The Willow Acres Home and The Harmony Road Homeheld a Christmas Party for the individuals and staff. Despite his busy schedule, Santa also made an appearance. The guys were excited to give Santa their Christmas lists, and everyone had a good time celebrating the season.
Individuals and staff at SRPC continue to work hard preparing for Santa’s arrival. Many worked on final decorations to make SRPC merry and bright. Program Instructor Nikita Flowers and her Aide Shelly Flick took their area to Kraynaks Christmas Store to see the displays. The excitement is building for the huge Christmas party this week.
At long last, the day finally came…Santa’s joyous visit to SRPC on December 21! To help celebrate the festivities, Santa brought a special guest Elf friend, Jordan, daughter of Assistant Program Director Terri Macurak. Everyone was very excited to see Santa as he complimented all the wonderful decorations and posed for lots of photos. Santa also had a surprise gift for everyone. The only thing louder than Santa’s bell ringing throughout the building was the sound of pure joy from all the individuals. Before Santa’s arrival, everyone enjoyed a luncheon that included ham with mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, and coleslaw. For dessert, the group enjoyed cookies and cocoa.
Genevieve and Wendy from Nolte Home and Kevin from Great Oaks Home at Merakey AVS had a blast this holiday season touring seasonal and cultural spots around the community. They enjoyed the Phipps Conservatory Holiday Magic Flower and Light Show, holiday shopping through the streets of Sewickley, a trip to Steubenville, OH to see over 200 life-sized nutcrackers and a visit to Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh.
Guardian Protection continued its gift-giving tradition for the 27th year by spreading holiday cheer to 110 individuals at Merakey AVS’s Pittsburgh Campus. Santa and his elves from Guardian visited and sang carols to many areas on the campus, while helping to unwrap personalized gifts for everyone. This event has become a favorite for individuals and staff, with everyone looking forward to the festive holiday party. Each Guardian employee was gifted a special handmade ornament from the residences on campus. Thank you, as always, Guardian Protection and Happy New Year!
The IDD program in Schuylkill Mountain Center hosted a Christmas party recently for the individuals and staff members. Everyone was excited to see Santa Claus and to take photos to commemorate the event. Susan was visibly star struck, Johnny and Joyce jumped up and hugged Santa, while John handed over his Christmas wish list, which included a Friday the 13th DVD, When Santa left the party, JB expressed himself vocally and said, “Thanks for coming!” Everyone had a great time and loved seeing Santa.