A Night of Unity: Passavant Community’s First Joint Gathering Bridges Friendships and Celebrates Abundant Life

Over 100 residents gathered in the Scholl Conference Center of Passavant Community for the first-ever joint celebration of the Men’s and Women’s Night Out groups, that embodied the spirit of friendship and unity within this vibrant retirement community. The event was a reflection of the deeper sense of belonging that has grown at Passavant, where residents find joy in each other’s company and support one another through the stages of life.

“We are one community here, this is our neighborhood now,” said Al Stoker, resident and Chairman of the Men’s Night Out group, as he opened the evening. “How many neighborhoods have you lived in and how many people you’ve met? We want to meet everybody, love each other, and be friends. We all gotta be friends and look out for each other.”

Following Stoker’s message, David Fenoglietto, CEO and President of Lutheran SeniorLife, spoke to the shared spirit of connection that defines life at Passavant.

“When I arrived this evening, I was reminded of being on a front porch, talking to one another, learning about each person’s life—where they worked, where they lived,” said Fenoglietto. “We’re sitting here at a neighborhood function. It’s great to be with you, it’s great to see all of you, and I hope you enjoy all the Passavant functions. Enjoy the socialization and the abundant life that is offered here on this campus.”

Though the Men’s Night Out group has been a long-standing tradition at Passavant, the Women’s Night Out group is a newer chapter to the community.

“I realized no one was doing this, so I said I’ll take it over,” explained Trudi Manzo, Chairwoman of the Ladies Night Out group. “My first ladies’ night out was in June. When Al asked about doing a joint night, I thought, ‘Oh, thank goodness, I don’t know what I’m doing!’”

With 65 women regularly attending Ladies’ Night Out, the monthly gathering has become a cherished opportunity for conversation, laughter, and occasional programs.

“The ladies just really like to get together and spend time with one another,” said Manzo.

This joint night offered both the men and women of Passavant a chance to widen their circles and strengthen the bonds of community over a delicious meal. Residents dined on Chicken Piccata, Potatoes au Gratin, Lemon Pepper Broccoli, and finished with Cherry Pie for dessert, while enjoying lively conversation and warm company.

But the evening was also marked by a bittersweet tribute to Jody Gulish, the retiring Director of Community and Abundant Life, who has been a key supporter of both the Men’s and Ladies’ Night Out events. Gulish’s leadership and vision have helped foster the close-knit environment that residents enjoy today.

“I just want to tell you I thank God for letting me be a small part of your busy life,” Stoker said directly to Gulish. “You’re going to go now and enjoy a different chapter; it’s going to be wonderful. We all love you here, and we’re all going to miss you. You have been an inspiration to all of us, and we have a little something extra planned for you.”

That “something extra” turned out to be a surprise performance from the “Passavant 3+1,” a band made up of three residents and Owen Miller, Passavant’s Digital and Media Coordinator. Together, they serenaded Gulish with the classic tune “Happy Trails,” the famous Roy Rogers tune, as a final thank you for all she had done.

McLaughlin Distillery, a small-batch craft distillery from Sewickley, was on hand to offer residents the chance to sample unique homemade moonshine flavors like Loca Doble Chocolate and Root Beer, as well as their award-winning Creamy Limoncello and Bourbon. After an invite from Stoker, Kim McLaughlin, the distillery’s owner, was on hand to talk about his craft and his love for the Passavant community and take questions from residents.

“I have a lot to be thankful for,” McLaughlin said to the crowd, pausing momentarily to reflect. “You have a wonderful campus, and I always enjoy seeing Joan.” McLaughlin was referring to Joan Gill, the 102-year-old resident and a WWII Veteran at Passavant. “When I come here, I have to do two things: I have to see Joan, and I have to have cherry pie.”

In the end, the joint celebration was more than just a meal shared between friends—it was a reminder that at Passavant, life is lived together in community.

“My hope and prayer is that you experience the fullness and richness of life here, and tonight is just a testimony and example of that really coming to life,” remarked Laura Roy, Executive Director of Passavant Community.