PARMA, Ohio – The next time you’re in the mood for coffee or hot chocolate and you’re in the area of Normandy High School, stop by Invader Joe’s Coffee Bar in the concession stand next to the gym.
Operated by the students with multiple and cognitive disabilities, the shop specializes in serving students and staff each Friday morning from 7:30 a.m. to 8:05 a.m. It’s also open during student lunch periods: 10:25 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Intervention specialists Julia McGuirk, Katie Vento, Rosalia DiSantis and Sarah Field worked with the administration to provide the students with the necessary tools and material to launch Invader Joe’s in the 2012 school year.
The 28 students who work at Invader Joe’s learn what McGuirk calls “soft work skills” that get them ready for job training when they’re in 11th grade. Prior to that, students in grades 8-11 take occupational orientation class.
The Sword and Shield Cafe students also provide Invader Joe’s with yogurt, banana bread, muffins and parfaits to sell to customers.
There are similar coffee shops with students with multiple and cognitive disabilities at Valley Forge High School and Parma Senior High School. Valley Forge’s Patriot Perks and Parma Senior High’s Brew Crew offer the same service with a smile as Invader Joe’s.
Senior Melanie Deluca loves to work behind the counter, and she plans on getting a job doing the same upon graduation. Look out, Starbucks!
Roots & Wings Gala: Mount Alverna Village will hold its fourth annual “Roots and Wings” benefit gala April 29 at the Holiday Inn Rockside. Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m. with dinner and dancing to follow. The evening will feature a silent auction and raffles, including a grand prize of $10,000. Only 500 tickets are being sold for this raffle.
Mount Alverna Village is a comprehensive care center offering assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care and rehabilitation care for seniors.
Tickets for the gala are $100 per person or $150 a couple with sponsorship tables of eight starting at $750, which can be reserved by called Director of Philanthropy and Planned Giving Ronald Vojacek at 440-663-1102.
Reminder: Christ’s Cupboard Ministry will be having its fourth Giveaway at Brooklyn Reformed Church from 2-5 p.m. Feb. 11.
They are accepting clothing, shoes, boots, accessories, small household items, toys, books, games and, of course, warm coats.
After the Giveaway, any items that are left will be taken to area shelters.
For more information, email Mike at christscupboard@gmail.com
Nights At The Races: The Brooklyn High School Athletic Boosters and the Brooklyn Post Prom Committee will have a “Night at the Races” fundraiser Feb. 11 at the U.A.W. Hall on Hummel Road in Brook Park.
Dinner is at 6 p.m., and the races start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 pre-sale only.
All tickets will be eligible for the door prize of a 55″ Sharp Smart TV.
Call Doniell at 216-269-0471 or Cindy at 440-596-9005 for tickets.
More Information: Don’t forget to send me your club’s or group’s news to marklholan@yahoo.com
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