Photo provided Melissa Vargo and Jared Vojvodich make picture-perfect memories during the Cadiz PALS fourth anniversary celebration, which was held at St. Florian Hall in Wintersville on Aug. 4.

WINTERSVILLE — Patrons with the Cadiz PALS had their time to shine during a prom-themed event to mark the day program’s fourth anniversary.

About 80 people dolled up in their best finery to dine and dance at St. Florian Hall in Wintersville on Aug. 4. The night was dubbed “A Night Under the Sea: PALS Chrysalis Health” and featured a catered meal by Undo’s based at the facility as well as music from DJ Anthony Feaster and photographs taken by staff to remember the occasion.

Program Manager Maria Prentice said it gave participants a fun way to celebrate the Harrison County site’s milestone.

“This is the fourth year for PALS,” she said. “We usually celebrate every year with a picnic and invite county boards and family members, but this year we wanted to do something different. I had this vision since I started with PALS and I spoke with the individuals about it. They were excited about dressing up, and we do open it to family members to see it.”

The Cadiz PALS — which provides personalized care and support for individuals with disabilities — serves residents in Harrison, Jefferson and Belmont counties and had members on hand while individuals with the Jefferson County PALS, which is now located in Mingo Junction, and the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities were also invited to the festivities. Attendees donned an array of formal wear from gowns to suits and a few even sported spiffy hats for their special night. Prentice said St. Florian was an ideal place to hold the event and she was pleased to see everyone enjoy themselves.

“I could not do this without my staff,” she added, saying more dances may be held in the future.

“I love it. I love everything,” said Randall McMillen of Cadiz, who attended with date Sally Moreland, also of Cadiz.

“I’m excited,” said Lisa Majewski of Steubenville. “I got butterflies in my stomach. I feel like I’m flying in the top of the skies somewhere.”

“I’m excited to get my hair done,” added Melissa Vargo of Mount Pleasant, adding that she would attend a dance every year.

“I like it,” said Sandra Baksa of East Springfield. “It’s different.”

JCBDD Superintendent Michael Zinno also attended the event and said hopes are to hold a similar event in the future.

PALS Chrysalis Health offers a variety of services for individuals from in-house activities and vocational skills to outdoor excursions on weekdays. Among them are home economics and life skills, trips for bowling and swimming and work-based experience performing janitorial duties for Ohio Department of Treansportation rest areas at Tappan and Piedmont Lakes, lawn maintenance at the Belmont County BDD and shredding services for the Harrison County Courthouse.