Kevin, an individual from Merakey Allegheny Valley School, has been volunteering once a week at the Beaver County Humane Society in Center Township, PA for over 10 years. He unfolds newspapers to get them ready for shredding and spends time in the cat room. holding, petting and entertaining the cats. Kevin is known as the “cat cuddler” to the staff members and volunteers at the humane society!
Elizabeth from Merakey Allegheny Valley School, along with Dorothy Gordon and Amy Rocini, were guest speakers at the Archangel Gabriel Catholic School to kick off Catholic School week. In the past, students from the school have supported Merakey AVS by collecting and donating Halloween candy, making sandwiches for Special Olympics volunteers, playing games and visiting with people at the Pittsburgh Campus, and showcasing their singing talents during the holiday season.
Liz rounded out the program by speaking about her person-centered plan and how Merakey AVS helps her live her best life. She also shared her original poem, “I Can’t Be Put Down.”
Each student received a set of “I am a Merakey Superhero” stickers, as well as information about Merakey to take home and share with their family. We are grateful for Archangel Gabriel Catholic School’s partnership!
On January 30, the Senior Center at the Merakey AVS Slippery Rock Program Center in PA had a Black and White Luncheon for all individuals aged 60 and above. The room was transformed into an elegant black and white dining hall, and everyone dressed in their best black and white outfits for the occasion.
Crafted by the individuals from the Senior Center, snowball shaped soaps with a hidden surprise in the middle were the party favors. Everyone enjoyed a homemade lunch that included potato soup, meatballs, a chocolate vanilla trifle, a black and white cake, and hand-dipped dark chocolate covered marshmallows.
Following the meal, everyone was treated to a special magic show performed by program aide Gordon Crossley. The seniors also had fun taking pictures in the photo booth and watching classic episodes of I Love Lucy.
For his Eagle Scout project, Tim Eng completed two initiatives at Merakey Allegheny Valley School Pittsburgh Campus, where his uncle receives supports. Tim’s projects included refurbishing T-Rex VP and building a picnic table. T-Rex VP is now painted in Merakey colors! “This project is going to have a huge impact,” commented Tim. “I thank every person for helping me achieve my goal!”
T-Rex VP was originally donated to Merakey AVS in 2003 by Nannette and Ira Gordon. The sculpture was one of the 100 dinosaurs spotted around Pittsburgh in the summer of 2003. He was part of Carnegie Museum of Natural History's DinoMite Days which brought the wonders of dinosaurs, art and science to life in ways never seen before. The fiberglass dinosaurs, meticulously decorated by artists and students, were found around town in public plazas, on streets, and in front of buildings.
