Posted 7/3/2024
A Tovertafel has recently been installed at Slippery Rock Program Center, and it has been a huge hit. A Tovertafel or "Magic Table" is a games console designed for use in healthcare settings and was developed for people with cognitive challenges in care facilities and schools. Individuals and staff love playing the games on it and interacting with each other while they gather around the table. Whack-a-Mole, Soccer, and the Fish games seem to be the most popular. The best thing about the Tovertafel is that everyone can enjoy time together while having fun and working on their hand-eye coordination. The only problem is finding enough time in the day for everyone to enjoy it!
Slippery Rock Program Center recently took a small group of individuals for a Community Participation Supports outing to the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh. The ladies were drawn to different displays based on their interests. London, who is a fashionista, loved seeing the vintage clothing. Johanna, a serious sports fan, loved seeing how uniforms have changed over the years. Wendy loved seeing things that reminded her of her youth. There was so much to see, and everyone had a great time.
Staff and Individuals enjoyed an evening amongst other individuals in the community at The School of The Future for the annual Carousel House Summer dance hosted by the City of Philadelphia. Attendees danced the night away to the live DJ, enjoyed interacting with others, and were treated to delicious snacks.
Merakey Woodhaven bid Samantha Warner a bittersweet farewell on June 21. Sam began coming to Woodhaven with her aunt when she was six years old. She eventually became a staff member and rose to Associate Executive Director of Day Services as she pursued her bachelor’s, master’s, and now Doctoral degree. She successfully defended her Doctoral Dissertation on June 13 and is now completing her internship. Congratulations, Dr. Warner!
The individuals and staff from 159 E. County Line Road and 4700 Wissahickon Avenue Day Program enjoyed a day of fun, music, and food at the Summer Jam at Neshaminy State Park in Bensalem, PA. Prior to the event, the individuals and staff made t-shirts to celebrate the occasion.
Medical Coordinator Victoria Rosancrans attended the Sunbury All-Abilities Pool Bash on behalf of Merakey on June 30. Merakey sponsored a Pick A Pop game where participants chose between sunglasses or a beach ball prize, and a ‘Guess how many gum balls in the jar’ challenge. Pool Bash attendee Killian (pictured with sister Sadie) guessed 73 and the total was 71 gum balls, which won him a KOOSH game. It was a great day out in the community!
Pittsburgh Campus held a Celebration of Life Memorial on June 20. Several staff members, residents, and family members gathered in the gym to honor their loved ones who passed. Jordan Higinbotham, Music Therapist, organized the memorial and provided the music. Many people chose to say a few words in remembrance of the honorees including Stephen’s sister, and Linda and Kathy’s sister Yvette, who had beautiful stories and kind words to share. There was a slideshow presented followed by refreshments. It was a beautiful day to celebrate the lives of loved ones lost over the past few years, bringing comfort to family, friends, and staff members who attended.
