Posted 6/28/2024
Residents and staff from Merakey AVS’s Patricia Hillman Miller Campus participated in a Juneteenth celebration on June 19. Everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch with hot dogs, hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, cookies, and drinks. They also played a trivia game with questions about Juneteenth.
Congratulations to winners Robbie, Alana Gant, and Danielle Cummins!
Juneteenth was filled with teamwork and compassion at Merakey AVS on Verree Road in Philadelphia. Individuals and staff learned about the rich history of African American slaves in 1865, including the history of Grits in Slavery. Thanks to Program Assistant Tabitha Johnson’s grit bar, everyone had a chance to taste grits. Staff wore African Moo Moo dresses as they gathered in a circle for a drum ceremony. AED Anthony Fluellen provided the music for the event. A favorite activity, Family Feud Juneteenth edition was played between Direct Support Professionals and Merakey AVS Managers. Questions related to African American culture were on the board. The celebration ended with a history of Soul Food. Staff members brought in a variety of dishes, including collard greens, macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, sweet potatoes, and many other Southern Soul Foods. Everyone worked together and enjoyed themselves on Juneteenth.
Cheyan and Jessica from Malcolm home recently enjoyed Mr. Messado's School of Magic show at Liberty Magic Theater as part of the Children's International Theater Festival. They also received autographs and pictures with Mr. Messado after the show.
Floyd from Brodhead II home enjoyed time in the park and met up with friends from Patricia Hillman Miller Campus.
Slippery Rock Program Instructor Danielle Mitchell threw a Super Lucious Luau Party for Bonnie’s 79th birthday on June 14. Bonnie absolutely loved the party. Her guests played Pin the Coconut on the Palm tree, did the limbo, danced the hula, and made Tiki treat bags. Bonnie was excited to receive gifts from her guests, and everyone loved helping make and eat Hawaiian shaved ice. The group’s members are already planning a bigger bash for next year for Bonnie’s milestone birthday.
Slippery Rock Program Instructor Megan Jesteadt and her Aide Christie Laderer taught a lesson about volcanoes to their area. They incorporated the Promethean Board to watch short videos about volcanoes. The individuals did a volcano craft and an experiment to demonstrate how volcanoes erupt. Everyone enjoyed the lesson.
Passion Ambassadors from Merakey IDD continue to meet over Zoom. Participants are members of the Engagement initiative to share their ideas, activities and positive vibes throughout the division. This month’s theme was summertime in honor of the first day of summer on June 20.
If you would like to join the Passion Ambassador monthly Zoom meetings, please email Carol Erzen at cerzen@merakey.org or Jamie Walker at Jamie.walker@merakey.org.
The gentlemen who reside at the Butler CLA home enjoyed a visit to the Carnegie Science Center. They were amazed at all the displays, and each found a favorite. It was a great trip.
The guys from the Robinson home had a wonderful time at the Spillway. Harry smiled and chatted throughout the trip and was helpful when it came to setting up for lunch. Regis enjoyed the music they listened to during the ride there and back. Petie was excited from start to finish, and gentlemanly handled the car door for all the ladies. Dan asked lots of questions and was focused on feeding the ducks and fish and assisted staff with loading and unloading all the lunches. Tim enjoyed entertaining the group during lunch as well as interacting with some peers from Slippery Rock who were enjoying the afternoon as well.
