Posted 8/9/2024
On Friday, August 1, Robert from Coatesville in Chester County, PA was very excited to attend the Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp Practice at Lincoln Financial Field. He enjoyed dinner prior to the game, then spent the evening smiling and cheering on his favorite team. Special thanks to Program Specialist Wolf Richard for accompanying Robert. Fly, Eagles, fly!
On July 3, the ladies from Swarthmore, PA were invited to their next door neighbor’s to mingle with the goats visiting from Happy Goat Land Keepers. Julie, Suzanne, and Sandy delighted in watching the goats move about, giving them the opportunity to pet and feed them. Joey from Newtown Square also stopped by for the visit. Everyone smiled, laughed, and had a good time.
Brian from Newtown Square, Delaware County has been looking forward to returning to the Jersey shore this summer after visiting earlier this spring. From July 19 - July 23 he enjoyed relaxing in Cape May, New Jersey. Brian ate at various restaurants, swam in the resort swimming pool, and relaxed. To Brian's surprise, on two different occasions, patrons of the restaurants paid for his and DSP Keith’s meals. During a discussion with Brian's aunt, DSP Keith learned Brian's father used to frequent a local restaurant called The Ugly Mug. Brian was excited to visit. While there, they learned Brian's father was a member of the Ugly Mug Club! At the Ugly Mug, each club member has his own mug, as they did in the old days of Vaudeville and barbershop quartets. With the assistance of restaurant employees, Brian and Keith located Brian’s father's mug. Brian asked to return in September for his birthday and to honor his father at the next froth blowing contest.
Dan Meyers, (black and green) and Brooke (pink and blue), delighted the crowd at the Cresent Carnival in Crescent, PA, on the first weekend of August. About a year ago, Brooke's home supervisor Dan introduced her to the guitar. She began taking lessons, and recently shared her dream of wanting to play in front of an audience, like Taylor Swift. Dan, who has been a tremendous source of trust, healing, and growth for Brooke, called her on stage to help her realize this dream.
Merakey recently celebrated an Open House for Merakey Cedars home in Redding, California. The managers were given the opportunity to showcase their home and hard work preparing for opening day. The team represented Merakey's values and vision and created connections in the community to create a smooth transition for the home opening.
Congratulations to Karen Ault who retired from the Records Department at Merakey’s Patricia Hillman Miller Campus.
The Hummelstown Campus Consumer Advocacy Group was showing off their art projects and wall art during their last meeting.
Janna, Tess, and Liz from Oakhaven home at Merakey AVS were joined by a few family members and staff for a thrilling day at Kennywood Amusement Park. Janna was brave and got on all of the rides! Janna mentioned words like spectacular and wonderful, and that the Pittsburgh Plunge was her favorite. “It was so incredible seeing her feel the motion and thrill of a roller coaster with a big smile on her face,” commented staff member Daria Matcho. Tess braved most of the rides too, including the Black Widow with Janna. Liz pointed out how much she enjoyed seeing people have fun on rides. It was the best day!
Individuals Cheyan and Kacey had a festive time at Christmas in July at Paradise Bowl in Neville Island.
Pittsburgh Campus held its annual Summer Celebration on July 25. The day included a petting zoo, “American Pie” band, Christmas in July concert, dunk tank, food trucks, carnival activities, and more! Special thank you to everyone who organized this fantastic event. It was a wonderful day at Pittsburgh Campus!
The ladies from the Centreville Pike SFR took a trip to the National Aviary. They enjoyed seeing all the different birds. A few of them stayed still enough to feed the lorikeets. Everyone enjoyed the beautiful weather and learning about all our feathered friends.
Dylan Sandidge and staff took a small group for Community Participation Supports at the Aviation Museum in Beaver County, PA. They were excited to explore the different airplanes. A couple of the individuals were able to go into the cockpits and see all the controls. They were interested in the history of the planes and enjoyed the trip.
Slippery Rock Program Aide Madison Harriett took a small group to Bicycle Heaven in Pittsburgh. Bicycle Heaven is a museum that showcases vintage bicycles. Everyone enjoyed seeing the different styles of bikes and how they have changed over the years.
