On Thursday, September 18, 2014, The Hope Club held their monthly meeting at Farmer Casey’s Ranch. The group also visited the Purple Cat animals. In the photos, Jimmy Sutman “hams” it up with Lorraine B.. Charles I. feeds the Nigerian Dwarf goats. The Hope Club is a discussion/socialization group catering to the needs of adults…
September Staff of the Month: Amy Rigby
Q: Where are you from? A: I’m originally from Youngstown, but I graduated from Austintown Fitch. Q: How long have you worked for ISLE/Purple Cat? A: This November marks my 5th year! Q: What is your job here? A: I was an art teacher for most of my time here, which I do still enjoy…
September Client of the Month: Kayla Hamm
Q: How long have you worked for ISLE/Purple Cat? A: 2 years Q: What is your job here? A: I’m a receptionist at ISLE office. I clean and help the other clients. I am also at Southwoods. I was recently in the play “Alice in Wonderland.” I was Alice. Q: What did you do before…
Gallagher’s Lunch Bucket in The Vindicator
Gallagher’s provides employment for disabled Cafe at Oakhill facility helps Golden String clients gain experience By Kalea Hall YOUNGSTOWN The turquoise, lime green and other brightly colored walls draw customers to the recently opened Gallagher’s Lunch Bucket. These colors also accentuate the friendly tone and workers at the cafe in the basement of Oakhill Renaissance…
Alice In Wonderland: A Look Back
Purple Cat Productions has done it again! The productions crew lit up the stage August 21st and 22nd with their own rendition of Alice in Wonderland. Director Amy Rigby’s love for both the original version produced by Disney in 1951, and the modern day magical fantasy flick produced by Tim Burton, was the inspiration for…
Clarisse Thrills Purple Catters
Our new baby alpaca, Clarisse (named after Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’s girlfriend), continues to grow and thrill our friends at the Purple Cat. Here, she visits with Abbey P. and Petey V. In the background is Purple Cat staff person Barb P.
August Staff of the Month: Gilberto Pagan
Q: Where are you from? A: Newton Falls Q: How long have you worked for ISLE/Purple Cat? A: 9 years + 2 months Q: What is your job here? A: Site supervisor at Oakhill Purple Cat Q: What did you do before working here? A: I went to college, worked at Mcdonalds, and a pillow…
August Client of the Month: Alica Dreher
Q: How long have you worked for ISLE/Purple Cat? A: 2 years Q: What is your job here? A: I’m in charge of cleaning, washing clothes, breaking down boxes, and taking out garbage at Oak Hill Joe Gallagher’s Lunch Bucket. Q. What did you do before the Purple Cat? A: I went to Leonard Kirtz…
Purple For Don
On July 21st, the community planned a day to support our local weatherman Don Guthrie. Don has been a meteorologist for WKBN for 44 years. Sadly, he recently found he has pancreatic cancer. In support of his treatment, and in hopefulness for his recovery, the community dedicated July 21st as “Wear purple for Don” day.…
Stir Up Advocacy
The Purple Cat and Golden String Radio welcomes Ricki White and her colleagues to spread their word via online radio waves. Ricki is a member of our community of special needs, and has worked hard with her mother and friends to create a self-advocacy group call “S.T.I.R. it up”. The acronym in this name stands…
Kennywood 2014
On Monday July 28, 2014 ISLE and Purple Cat friends hired a charter bus to Kennywood Park. The rainy skies did not dampen spirits on the midway. Corn Dogs, Funnel Cakes, and the Potato Patch were all big hits. Here, friends Hannah and Susie ride the Grand Prix bumper cars. Mark Hancock (Quake) from Goldenstringradio.org…
A special thanks to YSU Physical Therapy Students!
While the Purple Cat has been busy this summer with site changes, new activities and events, fresh faces, and exciting new endeavors, the physical therapy students at Youngstown State University were taking time out to raise money for our clients. By means of a wine and chocolate auction held on campus, the PT students raised…
Our Friends Prepare Gallagher’s Lunch Bucket
Joe Gallagher’s Lunch Bucket is now open for a “soft opening” from 9:00am to 2:00pm Monday through Friday at the Oakhill Renaissance Center in Youngstown, Ohio (325 Oakhill Ave., the former Southside Hospital). The restaurant is open to the public. Please enter entrance A, the Title Department entrance, make a left, enter the elevators and…
Purple Cat Productions presents: Alice In Wonderland – Aug 21 & 22
July Client of the Month – Erica Houk
Q: At which Purple Cat site do you work? A: Pearl Street Q: What is your job here? A: I help the staff… Vickie and Ben. Q: What is your favorite candy? A: Hershey bars! Q: What is your favorite holiday and why? A: Christmas is my favorite, because i like it! Q: What is…
Mark Castro Nominated for the Youngstown Music Awards
Our very own Mark Castro has been nominated for “Best Radio Disc Jockey” for the first inaugural 2014 Youngstown Music Awards! As a talented piano player and a member of the local funk band, Geo C. and tha Storm, Mark is a staple member of the Golden String Radio team of deejays. His theatrical, heartwarming…
July Staff of the Month – Justin Houk
Q: Where are you from? A: I was born and raised in New Castle, Pennsylvania Q: How long have you worked for ISLE/Purple Cat? A: 10 months Q: What is your job here? A: Fitness instructor Q: What did you do before working here? A: I worked for a daycare/ preschool Q: What is your…
Preparing For Alice in Wonderland
Purple Cat Productions has finally set the date for our third annual play!!! The Purple Cat at Southwoods has been working hard on costumes, props, and backdrops for our presentation of “Alice in Wonderland” in August. More importantly, they have been dedicated to practicing their lines to make this year’s play the most memorable one…
New Arrival at the Farm
We’re proud to introduce our newest addition to the farm: a baby alpaca! Last Thursday, May 29th, Honey Boo Boo gave birth to a healthy, 16 lb. baby girl (or cria) at Farmer Casey’s Ranch! This momentous event occurred at 2:13 in the afternoon. Our friends at the farm stood by and supported Honey Boo…
June Staff of the Month: Donna Moore
Q: How long have you worked for ISLE/Purple Cat? A: 2 and a half years Q: What is your job here? A: I’ve worked in cleaning, at the Pearl Street Garden and landscaping, at Oak Hill… But I’d love to run the new wood shop at the farm! Q: What did you do before working…