Posted 5/16/2025
Special Olympics Spring Invitational
Nineteen athletes from Merakey AVS in Western PA participated in the 2025 Special Olympics Spring Invitational. Events included softball throw, tennis ball throw, long jump, javelin, motorized wheelchair races, and walking and running events. Congratulations to all the athletes!
Cherry Valley Furniture
Several individuals from Slippery Rock Program Center went to Cherry Valley Furniture to pick up new furniture for one of the residences. They enjoyed sitting on the giant chair in the store and wanted to see how many people could fit on it at one time! After that, they went to Pymatuning State Park for a picnic and to enjoy the scenery.
Kentucky Derby
The annual Kentucky Derby celebration at the Kennedy Program Center was filled with fun and excitement for all! Each area and department crafted their own unique horse, complete with creative names and personalized descriptions. As the event began, each horse was "called to the post" with spirited introductions, building anticipation as their stories were read aloud.
The race itself was a lively dice game, with each roll advancing the horses along the track. Cheers erupted as horses edged closer to the finish line, and the Winner's Circle awaited the first to cross. This year brought an extra thrill, a tie at the finish prompted a photo-finish roll-off to determine the champion.
Congratulations to the winners:
First place – “Cotton Candy and Philly Cheesesteak” (Classroom 4)
Second place – “Star” (Classroom 3)
Third place – “Midnight” (Classroom 2)
Fourth place – “Pride’n Joy” (Social Services Department)
In true Derby tradition, the winning horse was crowned with a garland of roses. The event wrapped up with a celebratory toast, as attendees enjoyed punch and light refreshments. A memorable and festive day for all involved!
London Art
London, an individual who receives support from Slippery Rock Program Center loves to make art. She went to Steele’s Brushes and Ceramics in Butler, PA to take an art class. The class made a taco craft and London worked hard on each of the steps it took to complete her artwork. She was very pleased with the finished product.
ARMCO Park
Now that the weather is warmer and more pleasant, Program Instructor Danielle Mitchell from Slippery Rock Program Center took her area to ARMCO Park in Slippery Rock for a picnic. Armco Park has added many adaptive features on the equipment for people with differing abilities. Everyone had a wonderful time!
Highpoint Special Olympics
Individuals from Merakey High Point Center participated in a Special Olympics event in Brookville, PA on May 6. The group looks forward to this event every year.
Niagara Falls
Karen and a friend from the Pittsburgh Campus Memory Care Home took a memorable trip to Niagara Falls with staff members Loryn and Clarice. They stayed in a cozy Airbnb overlooking Lake Ontario, with a fire pit and a clear view of Canada across the water. The group enjoyed plenty of sightseeing and an exciting ride on the Maid of the Mist, which brought them up close to the falls. It was a fun and unforgettable experience for everyone!
New Feathered Friends
Anthony, Lucas, Jason and William from Windy Ghoul home met some new feathered friends as they explored the National Aviary in Pittsburgh.
Keystone Safari
A Slippery Rock Program Instructor took her area to Keystone Safari in Grove City, PA. They had a great time looking at and interacting with all the different animals. They also enjoyed a picnic on the grounds. It was a wonderful excursion!
