Posted 3/21/2025
Carnegie Museum
Cindy, Patricia, Joan, and Renee from Galey home at Merakey AVS were joined by staff members Robin Joswiak, Lexie McGee, and Mindy Reynolds for a fun day at Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh.
Catching Fish
Our friend from the Susquehanna Region, known as Blueheart, has been persistent in her efforts to catch a fish. Blueheart enjoys not only fishing but also likes making her own fishing lures. For the past three years, Blueheart has been patiently waiting for her first “big” catch. Staff members and Blueheart have been diligently attempting to catch a fish with no luck. Finally, the time came—earlier this month Blueheart went to a fishing derby where she caught her very first fish! Blueheart then learned how to clean and filet the fish to bring home and cook up a delicious meal. Her hard work and persistence have paid off!
Happy Anniversary Wayne
Happy 45th anniversary, Wayne Kennelly! Wayne started with Merakey AVS as a Habilitation Worker, working one on one with individuals. He was also an Occupational Therapy Assistant and House Manager before he took on his current role as a QIDP in the Social Services Department at Merakey AVS’s Pittsburgh Campus.
“Wayne is an outstanding and dedicated employee who is invaluable to our company,” commented Social Service Director Linda Denny. “We are fortunate to have him on our Social Service team supporting the individuals.”
St. Patrick’s Day
New Ventures Day Program celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a special St. Patrick’s Day Bingo and homemade shamrock shakes.
Bingo
Eden participated in bingo at the local center for active adults. She was a proud winner of the 50/50 raffle. Eden is one lucky lady!
Transition Fair
On March 18, Megan Sluhocki and Jamie Walker participated in the Westmoreland Transition Council’s Transition Fair. They were able to share information about Merakey’s Employment and Community Services program with many of the Fair attendees. There were over 100 students in attendance, and it was a great opportunity to get the word out about all Merakey has to offer.
Community Participation Trips
A couple of small groups from Slippery Rock Program Center went to the Carnegie Science Center for their Community Participation Trips. They enjoyed learning about the planet Mars through the exhibits. All the individuals had a blast with the interactive displays and most agreed it was one of their favorite trips.
Rainbow Cloud Activity
Slippery Rock Program Center Instructor Danielle Mitchell recently led a lesson about clouds and rainbows. The area watched short videos about how rainbows are formed and how clouds make rain. Afterwards, the group did an experiment using shaving cream as clouds. They used eye droppers to slowly drip food coloring onto the clouds. The clouds eventually became too full, so they rained color into cups of water. The group enjoyed the hands-on experience and the learning opportunity.
Hopewell Park Outing
The ladies from Barclay home enjoyed the warm weather by going fishing and watching the ducks at Hopewell Park.
Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium
On a sunny day in Pittsburgh, individuals from the Pittsburgh Campus's Brick House visited the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
On Saturday, March 15, the Schuylkill Mountain Center IDD program enjoyed watching the St. Patty’s Day parade in Pottsville, PA.
