Visit to the Monaca Police Station

On November 14, Petie, an individual from Merakey AVS Zapp program, visited the police station in Monaca, PA. Police Chief Piuri took him on a tour of every room in the station, including the jail cells. Petie had the opportunity to hold the police radio, sit in the police car, and open the boxes where evidence is kept. Petie and the Chief spoke about Petie’s interest in law enforcement. Chief Piuri told Petie when he retires from Zapp, to give him a call about a position at the station!

“I absolutely loved seeing something so simple making Petie’s day,” House Manager, Tabitha Smith, commented. “Chief Piuri took his time with Petie and made him feel so welcome and important.”

PVGP Victory Lap

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP), presented by the Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Foundation, hosted on October 24 its annual Victory Lap at The Hofbräuhaus on Pittsburgh’s South Side. Two hundred guests gathered to congratulate and thank sponsors, charity ambassadors, and volunteers.

Charity ambassador Liz spoke on behalf of Merakey AVS and thanked those attending for their dedication to the event. We are grateful for the commitment of the Merakey AVS ambassadors and volunteers who enthusiastically represent our organization. Since the PVGP’s start in 1983, it has raised nearly $5 million for its two charities – Merakey AVS and the Autism Society of Pittsburgh. To learn more about the PVGP visit pvgp.org.

Click here to watch Liz's speech on YouTube!

What’s Happening at Merakey AVS in Pittsburgh?

• Ladies Day at Merakey Allegheny Valley School
  On August 23, it was “Ladies Only” for the women of Buildings 1-3 of Merakey Alleghany Valley School in Pittsburgh. The women enjoyed the beautiful weather with a cookout and time in the sensory garden listening to music. They also created tie-dye shirts.
  
  
  
  
• Merakey AVS Celebrates Direct Support Professionals Week
  During their break, Merakey AVS Pittsburgh Campus staff members participated in a cup stacking game. They needed to move the single colored cup to the top and back to the bottom of the stack of cups again to win. The winner received prizes including a free lunch from the canteen, phone mounts, and other electronic devices. All participants received candy.
  
  
  
  
  
• Fall Festival 2018
  The Annual Merakey AVS Pittsburgh Campus Fall Festival was held on September 24. This year’s event had a 70’s theme with activities including Karaoke, ring toss, a tie-dye station, bean bag toss, snow cones and painting pet rocks. Residential areas created beautiful decorations that were displayed in front of their buildings and festival flags placed on the campus driveway. The day also included a petting zoo, cookout lunch and performance by the band American Pie, Many staff and individuals danced the afternoon away.
  
    
  
  
  
• Clinton Celebrates the Four Seasons
  On October 3, the ladies supported by Merakey AVS at the Clinton home showed their artistic talents by creating a gallery of paintings for the four seasons. The artwork will be hung at the home for all to enjoy.
  
  
  
  
• Countryview Picnic
  On September 15, family members, friends, staff and individuals supported by Merakey AVS were welcomed at Countryview for an annual picnic. Magician and the National Balloon Twisting Champion “Weird Eric” put on a great show for all to enjoy. Guests enjoyed snow cones, popcorn, cotton candy, picnic food and more as they participated in activities including a photo booth and temporary tattoos.
  
  “This was the perfect opportunity for me to honor my staff with small gifts for the fantastic quality of care that each one of them provides to the individuals who reside at Countryview,” House Manager Joanne Kimble commented. “It also gave the families a chance to personally thank all the staff for the great job they do.”