By Rick Banas of BMA Management, Ltd.
Most of us would have been curled up in front of the television rather than dancing the night away at a Senior Prom as Gloria Smartt did last night.
Gloria, who is a certified nurse assistant at Heritage Woods of Batavia, started her day working a full shift at the affordable assisted living community in Batavia, Illinois. She then went to her second job.
“I couldn’t wait to get off work,” Gloria told me, so she could run home, dress up and put on her dancing shoes. Gloria was just one of the many staff members who returned to Heritage Woods on their own time for the community’s first Senior Prom.
The residents have been waiting for this all week, I was told as I walked in shortly before the 6:30 p.m. starting time.
“I wouldn’t have missed this for anything in the world,” said resident Nancy Yates, who had moved into Heritage Woods of Batavia just five weeks ago.
The community was beautifully decorated in black, red and gold, and the Red Carpet was rolled out for all those in attendance. Corsages were pinned on the women and boutonnieres on the men.
Residents and guests munched on hors d’oeuvres, including vegetable spring rolls and gazpacho garnished with shrimp. They sipped on champagne as well as beer, wine and punch. A chocolate fountain was the highlight of the dessert table.
All of the residents who had been nominated for Prom Queen and King were introduced. Nellie Blacksmith, who is 103 years of age, was crowned Queen. Nellie is a pioneer of Heritage Woods of Batavia, having moved into the community when it opened seven years ago in 2003. Greg Bryant, who serves as the Vice President of the Heritage Woods Resident Council, was crowned King.
Perhaps best of all was seeing so many residents, guests and staff members dancing together to the music of Frank Lamphere for the better part of 2½ hours. Frank and his keyboard player and drummer focused on playing songs from the World War II era and from the 1950s and 60s.
“You know people are having a good time when they go off without their walker,” someone mentioned as the party was wrapping up.
Gloria talked about how she was looking forward to getting up at 4 a.m. to come back to work at Heritage Woods because “these guys just make my heart dance – every single day.” She promised to be wearing her dancing shoes.
All affordable assisted living communities managed by BMA Management, Ltd. are certified and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. All assisted living communities are licensed and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
“BMA Management, Ltd. is the leading provider of assisted living in Illinois
and one of the 20 largest providers of assisted living in the United States.”
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let us know.
