Posted 8/18/2023
On Wednesday, August 16, a group of individuals with IDD and Merakey staff went fishing on a charter boat on Presque Isle, Lake Erie. Merakey Program Manager Andrew Mikucki organized the trip with At the Lake Ministries. At the Lake Ministries offers charter fishing experiences for those who are differently abled. The boat crew was wonderful and helped offer a personalized experience for each person. Everyone had a great time on the water enjoying the beautiful weather. Lots of fish were caught that day, and Ted, who caught the largest fish, was thrilled! The day trip was such a success that they plan on going again.
Slippery Rock Program Center Instructor Mary Loos and her Aide, Cindy Solman transformed their area into the western frontier with the help of individuals they support. They built a wagon and decorated the program center area. They spent the week learning about the Wild West, making cowboy crafts, and doing fun activities such as target practice. By the end of their week, “Sheriff Mary” deputized all her folks. They celebrated with a chuck wagon feast, and everyone gave a loud “Yeehaw!”
Merakey AVS employees at the Pittsburgh Campus enjoyed an afternoon treat when their friend Mike Pendleton and his crew of volunteers made funnel cakes for all to enjoy. A big thanks goes out to Mike, his volunteers, and Our Lady of Grace Church for the use of the funnel cake machine.
Sixty individuals and staff from Merakey AVS’s Pittsburgh Campus enjoyed an evening of Mozart, Disney, and Broadway music performed by The Givi School of Music. On a sunny evening, participants took a short stroll after dinner to convene at the gym for the live performance. The small ensemble played and taught those gathered a little about each instrument, including the violin, cello and flute. The evening was part of the Pittsburgh Campus Passion Ambassador efforts to enjoy music during the workday. Congratulations to Brianna Stoner for being the winner of a free music lesson and Merakey and The Terrible Towel® raffle.
On July 22, Merakey staff members Jay Smith and Heather Capitelli took two clients on an outing to the San Diego Comic-Con. They all enjoyed seeing folks dressed up in costumes and had a great time checking out all the booths and displays.
Merakey individual Nick, Program Specialist Maria Nothstein, and Regional Executive Director Michelle Gibson from Schuylkill Mountain Center in PA, recently enjoyed dinner at Nick’s choice - the Cracker Barrel - to celebrate their shared 20th anniversary with Merakey! The trio has celebrated their anniversary every year since lucky #13. Congratulations to all and thank you for putting your heart and soul into exceptional care!
