Posted 7/12/2024
Congratulations to Iris Higgins, Direct Support Professional of the Quarter! Iris has been with Merakey AVS at Patricia Hillman Miller Campus for 22 years, and she received her award on her work anniversary. The nomination highlighted her commitment to others, her outstanding relationships with co-workers, and her compassion for the individuals she supports.
The DSP of the quarter is awarded through Steven’s Fund to recognize Merakey Allegheny Valley School Direct Support Professionals in Central PA. The fund was created in 2017 in memory of Steven Garlick by his mother Betsy Friedman.
To contribute to the fund, visit avs.merakey.org/donate-now and include “Steven’s Fund” in the “other” and/or “comments / instructions” box.
Merakey individual Allen enjoyed a lunch out at Cracker Barrel with Program Specialist Amy Leach.
Billy from Merakey AVS Sunset home and his family recently treated his staff and friends to a luxury suite at the Pittsburgh Pirates game on fireworks night. Billy, Tommy, Michael, Rusty, Genny, Wendy, Cierra, and Kevin had a blast at PNC Park and even got a visit from the Pirate Parrot and one of the Pierogies!
On July 3, Musicologist Thomas Abericci joined the residence and staff at Merakey AVS on Verree Road in Philadelphia for an evening of interactive music therapy. As Thomas played the piano, the residents and staff joined along playing a variety of instruments from a gigantic drum to a bell the size of a hand and everything in between. Classic songs from the Victorian era like Mary Had a Little Lamb, to recent hits like A Whole New World were heard throughout the halls. To celebrate July 4th, patriotic songs God Bless America and This Land is Your Land were played. The event ended with Happy Birthday sung to Shawn, who recently turned 42 years old. This musical experience promoted the residents’ gross and fine motor, socialization, self-determination, and leisure skills.
Kennedy and Edward J. Zapp Program Centers held their annual Summer Celebration event on June 27. Individuals and staff from Allegheny and Beaver County homes gathered at Zapp for a memorable event themed around different decades. Everyone dressed in their favorite decade attire while visiting carnival booths, playing bingo, decorating cookies, painting faces, and meeting some new furry friends at the petting zoo. They enjoyed a picnic lunch and an afternoon of dancing to a live DJ. Thank you to all the hard-working employees who helped to make the event a success!
The Recreational staff at Merakey AVS’s Pittsburgh Campus held a bowling and ice cream social for their bowling league. Everyone had a blast!
Individuals and staff from Building 5 at Merakey AVS’s Pittsburgh Campus recently enjoyed a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium.
The guys from Countryview home at Merakey AVS visited the Carnegie Science Center last week. Their favorite part was seeing the Star Wars display.
The guys from Harmony home at Merakey AVS had an exciting vacation in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN. They had a packed week of adventures that included dinner shows, Dollywood, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, Hollywood Car Museum, Hollywood Wax Museum, The Titanic Museum, Alcatraz Museum, Skywalk Lift and Bridge, Ripley’s Aquarium, and lots of dining out and shopping. It was truly an unforgettable trip filled with many new memories!
Residents and staff from Patricia Hillman Miller Campus took a day trip to the Pittsburgh Botanical Gardens.
On July 3, the circus came to town for Slippery Rock Program Center’s Annual Fun Day. The sweet smell of cotton candy wafted through the air while individuals participated in several fun activities. Games included the Fishbowl Game, Can Knock Over, and Musical Jams in “Becky Lane Studios.” Individuals reported that their favorite activities were the Giant Rubber Ducky Slip’n’ Slide, Staff Whack a Mole, Staff Pie in the Face, and sticking cheese balls on Program Instructor Bob Graziani’s head covered in shaving cream. Snow cones helped beat the heat. The Program Instructors outdid themselves in planning original, creative, and fun activities this year for everyone to enjoy. It was a terrific Fun Day.
Program Instructor Nikita Flowers and her Aide Shelly Flick at Slippery Rock Program Center took four of the ladies from her area to the Big Butler Fair. They had a wonderful time seeing all the different rides, games, and animals. Their favorite animal was the camel. They all enjoyed a little fair food for their picnic lunch.
