It's a tradition that Lou Panza added to Monongahela Valley Hospital's Light Up Night shortly after he took over as president and CEO of the hospital.
Shortly before the switch is flipped to turn on the campus-wide holiday light display, Panza encourages the community gathered in the hospital plaza to look up and wave to the patients who are watching the ceremonies from their hospital windows.
“It really started from the idea of having the community be a part of the hospital,” Panza said. “It's a chance for the community to come here not because of illness or to have a procedure or test.”
Panza said there's nothing worse than being sick during the holidays.
“The holidays are a time to be home with family and friends,” Panza said. “That's why I started that tradition. I can look up and see the faces of the people standing in their windows.
“That's one chance for the community to wish them well.”
For Panza, the tradition is rooted in his past.
“When I was growing up, my dad was in the hospital over Christmas a couple of times,” Panza recalled. “I knew what that meant to my mom. It was something that touched me. Being in the hospital at Christmas is not fair. You should be home.”
Light Up Night is truly a community event. Nearly 500 people braved the cold to enjoy the lights, to listen to the Monessen High School Band and Ringgold Razz -ma-tazz singers perform, frolic with Santa and Mrs. Claus and Frosty the Snowman, and sing carols while sipping hot chocolate.
Then Hunter Bright, 7, grandson of hospital nurse Jayne Bright, and Randy Molek, 9, son of nurse Julie Henry, were chosen for the task of flipping on a giant light switch that was actually wired to turn on all of the lights.
“As long as it's not raining, they come out,” Panza said. “It's a fun night. We add new things each year. The community enjoys it.”
Even long standing attendees of the event, now in its 29th year, saw new stars on the garage, a manger scene nearby and Santa climbing a tree in the outdoor display. Inside the lobby, new additions included Santa sitting by the fireplace and a display by the Mid Mon Valley Model Railroad Club.
During his address before the lights were turned on, Panza quoted author Orson Scott Card, saying, “Every person is defined by the communities she belongs to.” Panza said the Valley community, as well as the hospital, have grown.
“To me, it's always a new experience each year because I love to watch the children, especially the ones who light the tree,” Panza said, walking through the crowd during the post-Light Up festivities.
“You have one (child) here chewing on a candy cane and another there playing with her lights. You see the whole family here.”
Chris Buckley is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-684-2642 or cbuckley@tribweb.com.
