Heres something for Ian Fans {|
McGuire Memorial Home to build nature trail
Kristen Garrett, Times Staff
07/06/2005
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DAUGHERTY TWP. - Residents of McGuire Memorial Home will be able to experience something new that many people take for granted - a nature walk.
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A new nature trail, St. Francis Way, is being constructed on McGuire Memorial's 70-acre property in Daugherty Township. The trail will include an asphalt path, two decks, a meadow, and deer, bird and squirrel feeders.
"We're looking for an opportunity to let these kids get out," said Mike Walker, executive director of McGuire Memorial. "It's going to be a new experience for these kids."
Many of the residents at McGuire Memorial use wheelchairs and are not able to experience traditional nature walks. McGuire Memorial is a home for profoundly mentally and physically handicapped children and adults.
The $39,000 project is being completed with grant money from the Robert and Mary Weisbroad Foundation, the Massey Charitable Trust and Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company.
"The three of them put together something that's really tremendous," Walker said of the donors.
The Rev. Bill Gillum, director of pastoral care at McGuire, came up with the idea of the wooden decks so residents could enjoy the outdoors and have another place to spend time with their families, Walker said.
The decks were constructed with volunteer help from Ortho-Clinical and 11 members of Carpenters Union Local 922 of Beaver Falls who worked on the project for six days. "The carpenters were like the cavalry," Walker said. He said the money was in place for the materials, but someone was needed to do the actual construction.
Walker said Dennis Russo, the union representative, didn't hesitate to provide help.
A dedication of St. Francis Way is planned for 3 p.m. July 10. Anyone who wants to attend the dedication should call (724) 843-3400, ext. 112, today.
Ian Rosenberger of Economy, an Ambridge native, is planning to attend, Walker said. Rosenberger, who was a contestant on CBS-TV's "Survivor Palau," volunteered at McGuire Memorial Home when he was in high school.http://www.timesonline.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=14804899&BRD=2305&PAG=461&dept_id=478569&rfi=6