Congratulations to Merakey Hospital Tripper/Driver Sylvester Price for receiving a Safety First Motor Vehicle Report! It was recently reported anonymously through the 800 number on the back of the Merakey bus that Sylvester was operating a vehicle in a smooth manner, signaling well, traveling at a good speed, and allowing others to cross over which alleviated some of the heavy traffic flow.

Sylvester has been working for Merakey AVS for 33 years and coordinates getting the consumers safely to and from all of their important appointments.

“PHMC appreciates all that Sylvester does for the consumers and is proud of his safety record,” commented Administrator Michelle Miller.

Wendy from Merakey AVS Nolte House recently turned 50, and she celebrated in style! She woke up to her house decorated with tons of balloons and birthday signs, had a Zoom call with family and friends, received a delivery of flowers and an edible arrangement, and saw many of her friends during a birthday drive-by parade. She ended her day with take-out for dinner and a delicious birthday cake. Happy Birthday Wendy!

The “Sports Group” at Merakey AVS in Pittsburgh, plus 14 other groups, celebrated, via Zoom, the Pittsburgh Pirates Season Opener on July 24. Pittsburgh Pirates Fan and Merakey Director of Transportation Ray Christner, along with Transformation Advocate Facilitator/QIDP/PS Dana Boyer, hosted the party for more than 55 people.

In honor of the first game, Dana put together a baseball care package for each home, and included baseball themed items, such as pennants, buttons, bracelets, snacks and more!

Many thanks to Greentree Printing & Signs and the Gabella/Gross families for their recent donation of goodie bags for the nursing staff at Merakey AVS, Pittsburgh Campus. The nurses were very appreciative for the recognition and the treats!

To spread some cheer around the Merakey AVS office located at 1996 Ewings Mill Road in Pittsburgh, Administrator Stacey Speer (left) and Executive Assistant Deb Parent, came up with an idea to colorfully decorate this door with painted handprints.

Great job, ladies!

Matt’s Cookie Angels, named for one of the individuals at Pittsburgh’s Merakey AVS Campus, has been making frequent deliveries over the last few months. The Angels – who have been bringing cookies to the Campus for all to enjoy – are part of a group who are quietly trying to help others however they can. They’re all from the same geographic area and belong to several different Roman Catholic parishes. Many thanks to Matt’s Cookie Angels!

The ladies at Nolte House at Merakey AVS have been baking some delicious treats for the summer and tending to their garden. They are also continuing to make crafts and staying glamorous with manicures.

Kicking off the weekend! “Friday Fun Nights,” a creation of Transformation Advocate Facilitator/QIDP/PS Dana Boyer, first debuted in May in an effort to keep people connected while staying at home. The participants, including people supported by Merakey AVS in Western PA, staff members, friends and family, enjoy the time together so much that the Fun Nights have continued!

Each week, Elizabeth Humphrey and Cierra Wise help to co-host the event. They have also hosted several events on their own, including movie nights and social hangouts. On several Fridays, we’ve had karaoke which provides a fantastic evening full of entertainment, from singing to interpretative dancing.

“I would not be able to host these events without the help of the amazing Liz and Cierra, as well as support from Courtney Sargent,” comments Dana. “For me, Friday Fun Nights is less about the ‘theme’ and more about connecting with the people I support who have become my friends during my 21 years at Merakey.

Over the past couple of weeks, residential homes at Merakey AVS in Central PA participated in a Summer Door Decorating Contest. The homes were asked to think about where they would go on vacation if they were not quarantined. They were then asked to decorate their doors in the theme of their chosen vacation spot. Pictures of the doors were submitted for a contest. Voters consisted of the administration team and points were given based on creativity and individuality.

Check out the slideshow below to see all the decorated doors, as well as the list of 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Congratulations to all!

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Individuals from the Pittsburgh Campus at Merakey AVS participated in the 2020 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Virtual Summer Games last weekend. Events they competed in included base running, bucket toss and throwing. Great job, everyone and thank you for representing Merakey in this important event!