A “Mystery Mission” brought more than 50 youths and adults from Marietta, Ga., to Pittsburgh, a trip that also included a stop at the John Kane Regional Center in Glen Hazel.

 “For several months I had been planning the arrival of 40 youths and 12 adults from the First Presbyterian Church in Marietta, Georgia,” said Gwen Baugh, Kane Glen Hazel Volunteer Coordinator. “Every year the 7^th and 8^th graders from the church plan a mystery mission adventure.”

 The youngsters were told to be at the Atlanta International Airport at 6 a.m. on June 11. The group boarded a plane headed to Pittsburgh International Airport. The adults drove the church’s bus, which was loaded with luggage, and eventually met the youths at the airport.

 The Georgia travelers stayed a few days at First Presbyterian Church in Squirrel Hill. Soon, the group arrived at Kane Glen Hazel, where activities and interaction with the center’s residents and staff had been planned.

 “Among the activities were a Spa Day, during which fingernails were manicured as soft music, the sounds of a water fountain and the scent of lavender filled the air,” Baugh said. “Our version of ‘The Price is Right’ was played with residents winning various prizes. We played bingo on the behavior unit. A mural was painted on the Alzheimer unit, and a group made up informational booklets. All events were followed by root beer floats for the participants.”

 The service project concluded as the Georgia visitors gathered to watch the DVD entitled “What Makes Pittsburgh.”

 “It was a win-win situation,” Baugh said. “The residents were thrilled with the enthusiasm, politeness and friendliness of the youth group, and the youths were excited with the opportunity to serve. From Pittsburgh they will board the bus for other unknown sites and locations, eventually returning back to Marietta.”

For more information, contact Gwen Baugh, Volunteer Coordinator at Kane Glen Hazel, at 412.422.6983.

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