On March 30, 95 individuals supported by Merakey Allegheny Valley School attended a Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra sensory-friendly performance of Disney in Concert: Tale as Old as Time. The sensory friendly concert experience featured a 45-minute performance of the music of Walt Disney and multisensory pre-concert activities. Everyone enjoyed the timeless songs! Attendance at this event was made possible by contributor support.

FREE infield grandstand tickets available!

Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 7:05 p.m.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Milwaukee Brewers

Merakey received 200 tickets through the Pirates Community Ticket Program and we want to have as many individuals supported by Merakey, employees, friends and family members join us!

Tickets are in sections 309 and 311 (infield grandstand; 1st base line). Most of the tickets are for general seating. There are 20 seats available for those requiring accessible seating.

A raffle will be held to determine the ticket winners. There is no cost to participate in this raffle.

If you are interested in being included in the raffle, please contact Glenda Cress at glenda.cress@merakey.org with the following information by Friday, May 17.

Please include:

• Your name
• Merakey work location
• Email address
• Number of tickets requested (please limit requests for up to 10 tickets and note if accessible seating is needed)

Only sign up for a chance to win tickets if you are available for and will be able to attend the game on May 30. Winners will be contacted the week of May 20.

Tickets are not to be resold or offered for resale and cannot be used for auctions, fundraising or solicitation of any type.

NOTE: This is the same night that Merakey AVS is hosting a fundraiser in the World Series Suites – a few tickets remain for sale (includes food and beverage)! If you would like more information about this fundraiser, please contact Kelly Gremba at 412-299-2231. Let’s Go Bucs!

Administrator Donna Stuckey recently invited Senator Mike Folmer and Senator John DiSanto to visit the Hummelstown Campus to meet the individuals we support and our dedicated team.

On Tuesday, April 16, the Senators took Donna up on her offer and spent the morning at the Hummelstown Campus Day Program Center where they engaged with many of the individuals we support and staff members. “Both Senators showed a sincere interest in our work, and definitely left the visit with a much better understanding of who we are and what we do,” reported Regional Executive Roland Champ.

Senator DiSanto’s shared his visit on his Facebook page, noting that they had an “informative and inspirational visit.” He also recognized the nurses, DSPs and administrators for the important work they do.

Thank you to both Senator DiSanto and Senator Folmer for visiting with us!

Zach, an individual who lives at Merakey AVS Pine Hollow 1 Home, made the news recently when he was at his cardiology appointment at Children’s Hospital! Zach charmed his way into the hearts of Pitt players and coaches! Zach, wearing a black t-shirt and glasses, can be seen in several pictures in the links below!

• Pitt players, coaches visit Children’s Hospital, 6 other sites around town (TribLIVE.com)
  https://triblive.com/sports/on-eve-of-spring-game-pitt-players-coaches-visit-childrens-hospital-six-other-sites-around-town/
• Pitt Players, Coaches Spend Day of Service at Children’s Hospital (Pittsburgh Sports Now)
  https://pittsburghsportsnow.com/2019/04/12/pitt-players-coaches-spend-day-of-service-at-childrens-hospital/
• Pitt football | Panthers focus on giving (The Tribune-Democrat)
  https://www.tribdem.com/pennsylvania/pitt-football-panthers-focus-on-giving/article_41ea07cc-5d85-11e9-9e71-439064ff5d2b.html
• PHOTOS: Pitt football players visit patients at Children's Hospital (WPXI News)
  https://www.wpxi.com/news/national/photos/photos-pitt-football-players-visit-patients-at-children-s-hospital/939582651

Wendy, an individual receiving supports by Merakey AVS, attended the Toast of the Rox breakfast on March 31. Wendy is a Rotarian of the Greater McKees Rocks Area Rotary Club. After enjoying the French Toast breakfast (bread donated by Mancini’s Bakery & Jenny Lee Swirl Bread from 5 Generation Bakers) she assisted fellow Rotarian Kathy Mallas of Clearview Federal Credit Union at the Beverage Station. "I enjoy keeping busy and being part of the group," commented Wendy.

The event drew in over 250 people from around the community, including those receiving supports from Merakey Allegheny Valley School and employees of the organization and their family members. "I thought the food was delicious and the service was great. I will definitely be going again next year," said Elizabeth. Merakey would like to thank those who stopped in to enjoy the community French Toast breakfast hosted by the Greater McKees Rocks Area Rotary Club.

On April 7, members of Angels from the Heart Charitable Foundation dressed as princes, princesses and superheroes, and performed for over 120 individuals supported by Merakey Allegheny Valley School, staff and family members in recognition of Good Deeds Day. Many of the audience members sang along and danced to a variety of songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s. After the performance, everyone enjoyed meeting with the members of Angels from the Heart and posing for pictures. A great time was had by all and we are grateful to Angels from the Heart for sharing their time and talents with us.

Good Deeds Day is a global day that unites people from more than 75 countries to do good deeds for the benefit of others and the planet.

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Liz and Megan visited Representative Anita Kulik (District 45) in her office located in Coraopolis, PA on Wednesday, April 3. During the visit they spoke about the need for experienced, consistent and quality direct support professionals (DSP). “These staff come into our home to make us happy and better improve our lives,” commented Liz.

Liz recited her original poem, “I Can’t Be Put Down,” which Representative Kulik videotaped and shared through Facebook. They both thanked Representative Kulik for her continued support for increasing DSP wages. Megan was pleased with the visit, “I really enjoyed today, hearing Representative Kulik explain why she is such a supporter of individuals with various disabilities.”

Liz further shared her messages on May 1 when she joined the County of Allegheny Providers (CAP) and RCPA for Capitol Day in Harrisburg! To learn more about the DSP Crisis in Pennsylvania and to connect with your legislators, visit https://www.par.net/

Wendy Zimmerman attended the WE Women of Distinction dinner on March 26. She shared that she had a good time with her rotary friends. The event provided a platform for members of various Rotary Clubs to network and to share their successes in 60 seconds or less. Wendy was dressed to impressed and when called upon, confidently stood up to share the following:

“Hello, my name is Wendy Zimmerman, I am from Merakey AVS. I work at Lintons Food Service Management 3 days a week and at the Kennedy Center Work Crew. I volunteer at Coraopolis Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, West Hills Food Bank and the Rotary. I enjoy the rotary, talking with people and the friends I have made here.”

House Manager, Susan White, stated “It was awesome listening to so many inspirational women that are all working towards one goal making our communities better for everyone. It was my honor being Wendy's guest and hearing her journey so far in Rotary. Great things are yet to come.”

Thanks to the Greater McKees Rocks Area Rotary Club for making Wendy feel so welcomed at the event. Wendy was joined by the following Merakey AVS employees: Susan White, Carol Erzen and Amy Rocini. District 7300 Rotary Women's Engagement is proud to be the first Rotary Women's Engagement Group in the United States and second internationally.

Thank you, Wendy, for sharing your story!

Merakey AVS staff members, Matt Wabals and Patricia Williamson, from the Verree Road location escorted individuals to the KISS concert at the Wells Fargo Center on March 29 where they enjoyed rocking and rolling all night!

To get in the spirit, individuals had their KISS makeup done by Francis Leggett, staff member and make-up artist.

The individuals were treated like rock stars, with fans of all ages waving and cheering as they made their way around the Wells Fargo Center.

Special thank you to the staff members who helped make this experience a magical one for the individuals they serve!