MCC Monthly Matters

July 2025

Zot Artz Returnz!

"I used to pull my sister around everywhere in a red wagon. The first time I sat in a power chair, I realized the 'mark' one leaves when traveling from one place to the next." - Dwayne Szot on what inspired Zot Artz

After seven long years, artist Dwayne Szot returned to MCC this week for another creative adventure with Residents, their families, MCC staff, and volunteers. Dwayne’s first visit to The Center was in 2017 and we have been itching to paint with him again ever since!

Szot’s foster sister had Cerebral Palsy and played a big part in inspiring his adaptive equipment creations. After one of Szot’s paint rollers is attached to a power chair, people who may not be able to create art on their own due to muscle and coordination issues, suddenly become able. Dwayne, much like MCC, is all about discovering abilities.

Dwayne arrived on Tuesday, and setup efforts were in full swing as he worked with MCC staff and volunteers to prep the All-Star Room for its black light transformation. After hours of work the room was ready! The walls were draped in thick black plastic to ensure total darkness for the best black light experience and the floors were lined with heavy duty white paper ready to bring vivid designs to life.

Finally, Wednesday arrived, and it was time to paint!

With a little help from Dwayne and MCC staff/volunteers, Residents spent the day creating priceless memories and artwork.

On Thursday, Residents gathered in the All-Star Room once again, but this time it was to use Dwayne's paper cutting device to turn their paintings into framed pieces of art as well as blank greeting cards; a portion of which will be stamped by Residents with a custom MCC stamp and auctioned off as part of our silent auction at the upcoming 44th Annual Charmie Welch Invitational Golf Tournament.

Thank you to Dwayne Szot and to the family who so generously arranged this Zot Artz visit!

IN THE HOUSE

Celebrating Independence Day

On Friday, July 4, we gathered to celebrate the Independence Day holiday. Thank you to the Resident families and friends who came out to spend the day with us. The joy in the All-Star Room was palpable. We love seeing Residents come together with their loved ones to enjoy precious quality time.

We'd be remiss if we didn't also shout out our stellar dining staff who whipped up delicious BBQ classics! It was a wonderful celebration with the MCC community.

Summer Volunteers

The volunteers of Summer 2025 continue to join in on the MCC fun!

Young folks from The Ulster Project of Delaware visited The Center on July 22. The group volunteered their time alongside local high school student volunteers joining us for the Summer. They worked together to assist, organize, and most importantly, PLAY, carnival inspired games with Residents. A handful of the teens even stepped up to the plate to handcraft one of the games themselves!

Update: EZee Street Addition

We are nearing the finish line on the EZee Street construction project! Mechanical, electric, and plumbing are all in place. We are now awaiting Close-In Inspection. This addition will be home to five new rooms, a nurse's station, and will operate on its own independent HVAC system. The independent HVAC system will allow the unit to function as an isolation unit if and when needed.

Creative Leadership

Resident, Kate Manners, has both passion and talent for the arts. Before moving to MCC, Kate would accompany her mom on visits to local schools where the two would lead art workshops. Since moving to The Mary Campbell Center, Kate has made it a goal to keep sharing her passion with the people around her. The Education and Case Management teams work with Kate to set and achieve goals that combine the two things Kate loves most, art and sharing the joy it brings her.

Most recently, Kate, along with her Case Manager, Destinee Lampkin, and Education Team members, Kelley Franklin and Jonaye Wallace, hosted a pour paint workshop for Children & Youth Summer Camp attendees.

The pour paint medium not only allows for a beautiful end result, but the technique embraces art accessibility for all.

1. choose your colors and add a thinning agent to the paint

2. layer your paint colors in a cup

3. pour the cup on to your canvas

4. shake/tilt your canvas to create effects in the paint. You can also choose to use a straw or blow dryer to further manipulate the paint. Glitter is another fun option to make your creation pop!

Thank you, Kate, for sharing your love of the arts with us. Knowing it brings you joy, brings all of us joy.

MCC's Very Own Drum Circle

Rising sophomore, Ian Calise, of Salesianum School, began volunteering with The Mary Campbell Center this past spring. As a student of Salesianum School, Ian is required to log 15 hours of service in his community. In an effort to kickstart student volunteer searches, the school provides a list of local organizations accepting volunteers. After reviewing the list, Ian decided he'd like to learn more about the volunteer opportuinties offered at The Mary Campbell Center.

During his first visit, Ian was seated near Resident, Billy Hendricks, in the All-Star Room. Ian's mom, Gina Calise, couldn't help but notice the beat Billy's fingers were tapping out on the table. Gina proceeded to give Ian a nod and suggest that he let Billy know about his own interest in drumming. And the rest is history. Ian and Billy hit it off and became fast friends, both fascinated by Rubik's cubes and enthralled by the powerful sounds of percussion.

And so, the MCC drum circle was born. Once a week, a handful of Residents gather together for their very own jam session with Ian, his mom Gina, and younger, non-verbal brother, Anthony. Another notable bond to sprout from this group activity is the friendship between Anthony Calise and Resident, Deneen Brown. The two have grown so close that Deneen is the first person Anthony looks for when he arrives at MCC and Deneen's name has even been saved under "Friends" in Anthony's communication device.

Ian quickly completed his mandatory 15 hours of volunteer service, but continues to visit The Center twice a week, table-top drums and Rubik's cubes in tow, ready to engage with Residents.

Thank you, Ian, for sharing your passions so generously with MCC Residents. We look forward to many more visits with you and your family.

MCC Green Thumbs

Back in May, a group of Resident gardeners and volunteers joined together to plant a variety of seeds in the three raised beds located outback near the maintenance garage. The group has since nurtured the seedlings into the stunning flowers we see today! Great job all! These flowers will be harvested by Residents in preparation for our upcoming Golf Tournament where they will serve as table centerpieces.

ON THE ROAD

Camper's Travels

Our MCC Children & Youth Summer campers have been all over the tri-state area this season, and they've got the pictures to show for it!

From cheering on the jousting knights of Medieval times, touring the inner workings of the Phillies own Citizens Bank Park, to digging up fossils at the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University in Mantua, NJ; our staff makes sure there is no such thing as a boring day at camp.

On the Road in Pictures

We started the month with Independence Day celebrations which took the place of July's first Fun Friday. The following three Fridays were spent shopping at the Christiana Mall, hanging with marine life at the Camden Adventure Aquarium, and testing our luck at Bally's Dover Downs Casino & Resort.