By Courtney Anderson
The Keystone Kids couldn’t hide their excitement when talking about their recent trip to Toronto and Niagara Falls.
They were gathered at the Keystone Blind Association in Sharon and spent the morning working on a Vista newsletter they’re writing about the trip to Canada.
During a lunch break, the kids chatted about clothes, music and Myspace. They also talked about their favorite moments and what the experience was like traveling outside the United States.
Twenty young people between the ages of 9 and 24 who are visually impaired made the trip by Anderson Coach July 29-31, association children’s program coordinator Kimberly Paglia said.
“I think it was a success in many ways,” Mrs. Paglia said, noting the trip was designed to build the kids’ independence and life skills, as well as provide a good time.
“The kids were really fantastic on the trip,” Mrs. Paglia said. “They really worked well together and supported each other.”
It was association Chief Operating Officer Perry Templeton’s first trip with the group.
“I enjoyed watching the kids enjoy themselves,” Templeton said, adding that it’s important for him to understand exactly what the association’s programs do.
The trek north was “pretty cool,” said Josh Calvin, a senior at Commodore Perry High School.
Everyone enjoyed shopping — a few maybe too much — and visits to Niagara Falls, Medieval Times, the CN Tower and the Hard Rock Cafe.
The poncho-clad crew rode on the Maid of the Mist, which Josh summed up: “It’s wet.”
The falls were loud, Kristen White of Youngstown said, and lived up to the description of them.
Another highlight was cheering on the red knight (who turned out to be a traitor) at Medieval Times. The great food had to be eaten without utensils, as in medieval times.
The Hockey Hall of Fame was a treat for many of the youth.
“I got to touch the Stanley Cup,” said Brett Sherbine of Beaver.
“I’m not a fan, but it was interesting,” said Ms. White, who is studying fashion merchandising at Youngstown State University.
Those who were able also got to see a Toronto Blue Jays game from high up in the CN Tower, which overlooks the baseball field, Brett said.
And staying in a hotel was a good time for Brittnee Brown of Butler, she said.
Canada was a little different from home, the kids said. Other than the monetary difference — “It’s crazy” that their money is worth more than ours now, Josh said — Kristen noted there were more people riding bikes in Toronto. And international cell phone rates irked at least one of the group whose mom probably hasn’t gotten the bill yet.
The group’s newsletter will include a list of funny moments. The kids mentioned Josh’s difficulties converting to Canadian money, Mrs. Paglia’s husband Tony impersonating her on the bus and some getting a case of the giggles when the border patrol arrived.
The kids’ sense of humor seems to shine through whatever’s going on.
The day of The Herald’s interview many sported T-shirts from the trip that said “Over the Edge.”
“That’s how far you push me, Brett,” Josh joked.
Mrs. Paglia said a lot of goals were met and the trip helped them to see what they need to work on.
The kids grew on the trip, too.
“I learned I can be away from my mom,” said Shayna Wimer, a ninth- grader at Blackhawk High School in Beaver County.
Jenna Sefcik, a graduate of Poland High School in Ohio, said she discovered that she feels comfortable being away from home.
Rachael Gniewkowski, a junior at Shaler High School, learned the hard way that you should take an extra bag if your suitcase is already full when you leave.
“I bought a lot of stuff. I’m not going to lie,” she said, with a laugh.
Ms. White said she enjoyed the Toronto trip even more than the trip they took a few years ago to Walt Disney World in Florida. She said it was nice that they got to see more places and weren’t confined inside a park.
“I’m very grateful to Keystone Blind Association because the things they do, you don’t get that anywhere else,” Ms. White said. “They give visually impaired and blind people a lot of opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise.”
They’ll take a more local trip next year, Mrs. Paglia said, and the kids already have some ideas.
“Hershey,” suggested Rachael.
Josh was thinking more globally.
“Tokyo,” he said.
Keystone Blind Association serves about eight counties in western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio. Online info: www.keystoneblind.org
