Posted 8/28/2026
AVS Night at PNC Park
What a fun night at PNC Park. Nearly 170 Merakey AVS individuals, staff, families, and friends came out to cheer on the Pittsburgh Pirates together. The Pirates brought home a 4–1 victory over the Detroit Tigers, and fans even got to see a home run from each team! A huge thank you to the Foundation for generously donating the tickets and helping make it such a memorable evening for everyone.
Sprinkler Event
The Hummelstown Campus held a fun sprinkler event to beat the summer heat. Patty, Tracy, Angela, Dawn, and others enjoyed splashing, laughing, and making the most of a warm summer day. It was a truly refreshing way to cool off.
Lemonade and Karaoke
Classroom 1 at Pittsburgh Campus has been hosting “Lemonade Stand and Karaoke Wednesdays” this summer. It’s been a great way to cool off and have fun during the warm weather.
Fine Art Miracles
Individuals at the Pittsburgh Campus participate in monthly art therapy activities through Fine Art Miracles. Each session is a wonderful opportunity to get creative, express themselves, and have fun.
Phipps Conservatory Visit
Liz and Janna from Merakey Oakhaven recently enjoyed a magical visit to the Alice in Wonderland exhibit at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. It was a very unmerry day for all.
KS Softball
Merakey individual Korey won player of the game this weekend! Korey has been working so hard and doing so great in sports and at home, so this honor felt very significant. Everyone is very proud of Korey and his progress.
NE & Central PA Picnic
Northeast & Central PA areas held their annual summer picnic on Tuesday, August 25 at Knoebels Amusement Park. Over 125 staff members, individuals, and loved ones attended the joyous affair. Attendees enjoyed a vast buffet of food, received $10 in ride/game/food tickets, and participated in a basket raffle with over 25 baskets.
Share Table
The Staff Development Team has launched a simple way to spread kindness, positivity, and a few smiles: the Share Table. Located just off the breakroom, the table is filled with new or gently used items generously shared by staff. The Share Table features books, snacks, personal care items, games, crafts, household goods, clothing, school supplies, garden veggies, and so much more.
The goal is to support both new hires and veteran staff by reminding everyone that sharing something small can make someone’s day a little brighter. And the best part – It’s FREE! Staff members were asked to bring just one item to share, and everyone went above and beyond. A huge thank you goes out to the Staff Development Team: Carol Erzen, Letetia Loftis, Judi Walls, Dawn Schibner, Camille Pinno, Lori Schibner, and Elizabeth Humphrey, for bringing this wonderful idea to life.
Special thanks to Liz and Letetia for helping make the Share Table (and the Brag Board) a reality.
Preston Pearl
The Program Leads from Merakey Branchton Road, Butler CLA, Nyetimber, and Keister 2 enjoyed a relaxing and educational day aboard the Preston Pearl.
The cruise offered a wonderful opportunity to spend time together while learning about the park’s natural history, wildlife, and beautiful scenery. The knowledgeable tour guide answered questions and helped everyone spot a variety of wildlife, including Ospreys (including young birds learning to fly), a Blue Heron, Double-Crested Cormorants, and a Bald Eagle guarding its nest.
Everyone had the opportunity to use binoculars for a closer look. On the way back to the dock, everyone enjoyed visiting, mingling, and taking in the scenery.
It was such a fun day of connection, learning, and relaxation – and everyone is already talking about planning the next voyage on the Preston Pearl.
Bryn Mawr Ladies at the Farm
Merakey Bryn Mawr ladies Carol and Stephanie had the opportunity to spend a summer morning helping on a farm. The best part of doing farm chores was enjoying some cuddles from the animals.
