On April 20th, the Avon Lions sponsored a field trip to the new Cleveland Aquarium for 40 Murray Ridge clients. The Murray Ridge Center provides lifelong services for Lorain County citizens with developmental disabilities. Big thanks to all the Lions who opened up their wallets and sponsored this event. It would not have happened without you!
The 40 Murray Ridge attendees along with seven aides arrived at the Powerhouse at 11:30 am and headed directly to the cafe located in the facility. In addition to purchasing tickets to the Aquarium, part of the funding provided went toward purchasing boxed lunches which were awaiting them when they arrived. The Lions mingled with the kids and assisted them with opening packets, pouring drinks and clearing the trash. The meals were quickly eaten as everyone was excited about going in to the aquarium.
After roll call, the group split into various sub-groups and everyone headed into the aquarium. There were many highlights, but getting to touch the starfish and hermit crabs was a big hit. Walking through the shark tunnel was even a little scary as the sharks followed people through and hesitated when they did! There were plenty of times the kids had to be moved along because they were fascinated by the displays. After about 90 minutes, we walked out of the aquarium and into the mandatory gift shop exit. The kids were very thankful, and many interesting conversations were had with them.
The best was saved for last, because the kids all gathered on the steps of the aquarium – shutting down all pedestrian traffic, but no one cared – and took a group picture. As they were getting their picture taken, they all shouted out together, “Thank you Lions!” Pretty cool.
Lions John Kaczmarek and Jim Harley did a fantastic job working with the kids, cracking jokes with them, making sure nobody was left out and everyone had a fun time. The Lions waited as the buses pulled up to pick up their passengers, and helped them with their wheelchairs and accessories. It was hard to tell who had a better time, the kids or the Lions. The kids had all kinds of disabilities but they were able to just be kids at the aquarium, at least for one cold April afternoon.
One last story: when assembling for the group photo, one boy was very antsy and would not stay in place. Jim tried to get him to sit down until the picture was taken, but he wouldn’t listen. Then a counselor suggested, “tell him to stand up.” As soon as this was said, he sat down, although facing away from the camera. So they told him not to look at the camera, and you guessed it, he looked at the camera. He did everything opposite of what he was told! Fun times.
