SNO-Ball at The Pavilion

A healthy dose of toe-tapping music, tasty food and a chance to laugh and mingle are the ingredients that will draw many residents from The Pavilion at BRMC and others to attend the third annual SNO-Ball party on Friday, Feb. 13, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the facility’s third-floor lounge.

Another highlight of the Valentine’s Day-themed party will be crowning the king and queen from among the Pavilion residents.

Big-band music and jazz performed by RSVP will also give corsage- and boutonniere -adorned Pavilion residents an opportunity to dance with University of Pittsburgh at Bradford students who will be in formal attire. Others attending from Pitt-Bradford will be staff and sports team members.

Food and refreshments for everyone will include jumbo shrimp, petits fours, a cake-like cookie, and chilled punch, say organizers.

More than 60 Pavilion residents and their family members are expected to attend the party, hosted by Pitt-Bradford’s Student Nurse Organization (SNO). The Pavilion, adjacent to Bradford Regional Medical Center, is located at 200 Pleasant St.

“The Pavilion residents always enjoy it. It’s a fancy event and the residents get a chance to dance with the students, younger children and staff from Pitt-Bradford,” states Karen Sutherland, ADC, CDP, the Pavilion’s activities director. “I can’t say enough about the event and what Pitt-Bradford students and staff have done for The Pavilion residents.”

The SNO-Ball was started by Pitt-Bradford’s Student Nurse Organization as a way to give The Pavilion’s residents a memorable and fun-filled activity during the winter. “It’s a great event. The students take the ball and run with it, which includes planning and decorating,” says Mary Boser, MSN/Ed., RNFA, CNOR, RN, assistant professor of nursing at Pitt-Bradford. Senior Pitt-Bradford student Sami Wolf, who’s seeking a bachelor’s degree in nursing, also was part of the SNO-Ball’s steering committee.

Along with Pitt-Bradford nursing students and staff attending, several members of the university’s men’s soccer, tennis and basketball teams will be there as well, says Ms. Boser. “Last year was special because many from Pitt-Bradford’s staff also brought their children or grandchildren to the party to meet many of The Pavilion’s residents,” notes Ms. Boser.

The corsages and boutonnieres for Pavilion residents were purchased by Alpha Phi Omega, a Pitt-Bradford fraternity, states Ms. Boser. Pavilion resident Mary Fabian, who’s attended the two previous SNO-Ball events, has every intention of coming to this one as well. “It was very nice last year. The students were very kind and courteous. They treated everyone wonderfully.”

She was hardly the only one who had a fun time.

“It was a really good experience last year for everyone. The Pavilion residents also got dressed up to eat, dance and interact with the students,” says Sara Shaw-Ford, a junior Pitt-Bradford nursing student from Williamsport. “This event gives the Pavilion residents something to look forward to. It also gives them a connection to today’s youth,” adds Jennifer Pisieczko, a junior Pitt-Bradford nursing student from Philadelphia. “The SNO-Ball also makes Pavilion residents feel like more of a part of the population.”

Events such as this for Pavilion residents can have a positive and lasting effect which they will talk about for weeks afterwards, say SNO-Ball organizers and Pavilion officials.

Pictured, reviewing plans for the SNO-Ball party to be held Friday, Feb. 13, at The Pavilion at BRMC are Pavilion residents Shirley Haynes and Mary Fabian (seated left and right) and University of Pittsburgh at Bradford nursing students Sara Shaw-Ford (standing, left) and Jennifer Pisieczko.
(Photo courtesy of BRMC)