Twilight Wish grants West Newton woman trip to Live! Casino at Westmoreland Mall
For Margaret Seglowich, a trip to Live! Casino Pittsburgh on Sunday will likely bring back fond memories.
The 91-year-old West Newton resident remembers exploring casinos when they first opened in Atlantic City, N.J., in the late 1970s with her mother, Sadie Morrissey. Seglowich carried on the tradition with her daughter, Katie, by taking her to casinos around the region.
Seglowich, who uses a wheelchair, was isolated during the pandemic. Now she will once again have the opportunity to try her hand at gambling this weekend after she was granted a Twilight Wish by the organization’s Westmoreland County chapter. Twilight Wish, a nonprofit with chapters across the country, works to recognize seniors for all they have done throughout their lives.
Seglowich said she is excited about her trip to the casino at the Westmoreland Mall in Hempfield.
“Oh my, yes, to get out,” she said. “I’ll be in a wheelchair, but I can still pull the lever.”
According to Jamie Bostard, director of the local Twilight Wish chapter, Seglowich was nominated by one of the organization’s staff members. In all, the chapter grants between 25 and 35 wishes per year, Bostard said.
In order to qualify, nominees must be at least 65 years old or a permanent resident of an eldercare facility, have an annual income of less than 200% of the poverty level and have a history of giving back to others, according to the Twilight Wish website.
Seglowich formerly volunteered with the American Legion and at Westmoreland Manor in Hempfield.
She said she began helping with the American Legion in 1949, making gifts for those in Veterans Affairs hospitals. She said she was motivated to volunteer because her husband, Charles, was stationed in the Philippines during World War II.
At Westmoreland Manor, Seglowich helped take residents to appointments and with meals.
During Sunday’s trip to the casino, she will get lunch with members of the Twilight Wish Westmoreland chapter.
“The Live! Casino staff is delighted to host Margaret for her visit on Sunday,” said General Manager Sean Sullivan. “We are making accommodations to ensure she receives a warm welcome from many of the Live! Casino team members. She will be greeted with smiles, balloons, complimentary gifts and treated with an enjoyable lunch.”
Of the event, Seglowich said, “I just appreciate this trip. It really means a lot.”
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