President's Remarks

Merica House is a especial place with special people. It is a family of families. I've often said this because in my mind it best encapsulates the atmosphere here at Merica House. It started with families recognizing a need they couldn't resolve by themselves and who needed a breakthrough of sorts to move it forward. Harry Merica was a special person who came on the scene with a similar vision that had captured the imagination of others outside these families. Over the years the family of families has grown to include the staff, the volunteers and, in a sense, the aides. It is a good idea. It benefits from the same thing a family will experience over time living together. Families have their ups and downs and so have we.

- Don Jahn, President

This year, 2005, Merica House will celebrate its 10th anniversary.

APD, which sponsors Merica House, was incorporated before, in 1989. It took a number of years to obtain funding and find a suitable location with all the amenities conducive to an environment for disabled young adults. In 1994, members of APD connected with like minded people who were friends of Harry Merica and one of which was so moved to be a benefactor for start up funding to establish a home for Harry and others in his same situation.

Through a realtor, two condominiums side by side came on the market which were purchased by the benefactor and modified with funds held by APD to be accessible for people with physical disabilities. The modified condos were sold to APD; and with the sizable amount the benefactor had put forward, a low interest VHDA loan and a grant from the county, APD took ownership of Merica House which has been in operation since November, 1995.

This was the start of the miracle making up the friends of Merica House. They have given of themselves, their time and resources so that Merica House would become the family of families house that it is for the physically disabled.

These friends helped sustain their hopes, their dreams and their aspirations to enjoy the life the disabled have.

Annandale Lions Club paid for the installation of a gate in the patio wall of unit 105 South in honor and memory of Steve Wawrzaszek who was himself a member of the club. His son, Sean is a resident at Merica House. The residents now have their own private patio to enjoy, especially during spring and summer. A member of another Lions Club is a regular volunteer taking some residents to church and to doctors' appointments.

The Tysons Civitan Club is another faithful donor these past five years. The Monticello Republican Women's Club has selected Merica House as one of its community projects providing paper goods and cleaning supplies on a regular basis.

I would be remiss if I did not mention all the hands-on work of "Christmas in April" over the years. Their volunteers have done numerous repairs at Merica House.

It was quite disheartening to sit down and watch or listen to what was in the news on TV. Terry Schiavo, a lady whose name has become a household byword, was much like the residents of Merica House, severely disabled and are few through a tube.

Merica House is presently home to seven physically

who gives of her time to cook and especially remembers each resident's birthday. There are countless others who give of their time and talent.

We are truly grateful for all of these precious friends and their valued support.

We are always hoping to find more volunteers to work either one on one with our residents, helping them with whatever their wishes may be or just visiting with them to brighten up their day. You too, can make their day.

disabled adults, two of whom are using feeding tubes to take in food. One of them has been using a G-tube for over ten years with little problem. Luckily for both of them, they are not married and are protected from spousal decisions.

During the trying period for Terry and her family, the residents at Merica House followed the story daily with great interest. Feeling for Terry and very much in the same situation as she was physically, they were concerned. Some even suggested to invite Terry's husband to visit Merica House for him to see how happy people like Terry and them were, if only given the hope and chance. They believed it could have changed her husband's mind. Maybe. But was there hope for Terry? The residents are affirmative about it.

It was really a sad story and should not have ended

DELEGATE MORAN'S VISIT

Last November Delegate Brian Moran visited Merica House. The House Coordinator gave him a tour and introduced him to all the residents. We enjoyed Delegate Moran's visit and encourage others to see what we are doing here.-
by Betty Wawrzaszek, Vice-president

Delegate Moran with Don and Betty

SEAN

I had a very busy season. I have two nephews now but they're in North Carolina. How I wish they were closer. Their names are Connor and Liam. Liam was born on January 8, the same date as my mom's birthday.

LaRue

I remember when I first came to live at Merica House in 1998. It was a new challenge for me not living with my family, being in a new environment and surrounded by unfamiliar faces. I really didn't know what to expect, but I knew I would manage. Since I could

I've also gotten to meet new friends who have become friends of Merica House, too.

I have just been to California earlier in the spring to visit a couple of camp counselors whom I got to know in Jabbaerwocky on the island of Martha's Vineyard. Ben, a very good and dear friend was very gracious to accompany mother and me to the other side of the American coast. Changing planes in airports would have been very tiresome and difficult for my mom. It was a very memorable and exciting trip for me.

I attended a great St. Patrick's Day event with a lot of Irish friends. I enjoyed a wonderful evening with them and with Don Jahn, our President, who drove my mother and me to that event. It was great to hear all the Irish music and see the O'Neill school of Irish dancers. We thought we'd make this an annual event. You're welcome to come with us too.

A friend is also working on how I can get on the internet with the communication device called "Pathfinder" so I can visit the website and go places on the world wide web.

no longer have my own personal caregiver who would accompany me outdoors shopping, going on doctor appointments or just hanging outdoors, I had to learn to do these things on my own. I remember how reluctant I was to go outside or even leave the apartment. Until one day, after being cooped up in the apartment for what seemed like two months I recall telling myself that I was not going to live like that. I was not going to be afraid to venture out on my own and imprison myself in the apartment. That night, I put my coat on, went outside and went riding in the neighborhood. I had no destination I only knew that I had to go and free myself from the routine of being in the apartment day in and day out. I must have driven about 2 1/2 miles before I returned home and when I finished I felt euphoric and wanted to keep on going. I also felt like I had just completed an obstacle course because traveling on some of the sidewalks and ramps is not easy. These days, I'm not reluctant to do most things on my own, such as going shopping, going on doctor appointments, being in large crowds and using public transportation. Yes, using public transportation! I got over that just a few months ago when I had to catch a bus from FedEx field to Andrews Air Force Base to watch their annual airshow. There were a few glancing eyes but I didn't feel too uncomfortable. I've found that most people are very helpful and willing to give assistance. I feel life is like the Nike commercials. If there's something you want to do "Just Do It."

SHARITA

Do you know what helps me through my long days? Led Zeppelin! I listen to him on a daily basis as I sit in my power chair longer. And soon I'm getting a new seat for my chair too! In two or three weeks. . .

I still listen to Talking books, especially Nora Robert writing as JD Robb.

I really love the "In Death" series. I hope someone could come and read these and other books for me. That would be great! My days are also perked up by daily talk to my Grandparents on the phone.

My Confirmation - by Cathy

On May 29th, I had my Confirmation. For those who do not know what a Confirmation is, it is a Catholic ceremony similar to baptism that one goes through as part of their initiation into the Catholic Church and as a deepening of our Christian identity. In attendance from my family were my mother and father (Sonja and Doug Parr),. my brother and his wife (Sean and Michelle Parr).

During confirmation the priest presents each person with a name. I took my father's mother's name, Isabel, who had passed away a little over a year ago as a surprise to my father. When the priest came to present me with my name, I became very emotional and I cried. I am now to be officially named Catherine Isabel Marie Parr and proud of it. After the confirmation there was a reception and my sister-in-law gave me a rosary that had belonged to her mother as a confirmation gift. They say you're supposed to feel different after confirmation, like more of a spiritual awareness. I guess it hasn't sunk in yet.

Happy faces!

Sean basking in sunny California.

Cathy cutting her birthday cake.

President:
Vice President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:

The APD is a registered 501c(3) nonprofit organization and all donations are tax deductible.

Car donations:
Do you have an old car or truck you would like to sell or trade? Why not donate your old vehicle and get full market value as a tax deduction? Please contact Orlando or Betty at 703-671-7991. Or visit us at Apt. 105-S, 3705 George Mason Drive, Falls Church, VA

You may also send your gifts to us through:

For cash donations, please make checks payable to:
Alliance for the Physically Disabled
and mail to:

3705 S. George Mason Drive
Apt. 105-S
Falls Church, VA 22041