Making memories: Care center residents attend senior prom

Senior prom queen Johnnie Townsend (right) smiles at prom king Frank Frauenholz during the prom for residents of Greenwood Manor in Iowa City on March 29, 2009. The event was organized by University of Iowa students involved in the Career Leadership Academy. / Photo by Liz Martin

By Carla Keppler
The Gazette

IOWA CITY – The red crepe paper streamers, heart-shaped balloons and songs from past decades that filled the activity room at Greenwood Manor on March 29, 2009, sent residents on a trip down memory lane – all the way to their high school prom.

Velda Werling holds her flower during the senior prom celebration organized by UI students at Greenwood Manor in Iowa City on March 29, 2009. / Photo by Liz Martin

Decked out in suits, ties, dresses and jewels, about 20 care center residents gathered with friends and family for music, games and snacks as part of their 2009 Senior Prom celebration, an event put on by University of Iowa students involved in the Career Leadership Academy.

“They (residents) love this,” said Jennifer Schroeder, 43, of Tipton, who works as a nurse at Greenwood. “They get to dress up and relive old memories. A lot of them took this very seriously.”

One such resident was Judy Brown of Ottumwa, who had been looking forward to the event for months.

“We couldn’t wait for the day to get here,” said Brown, 51, adding that it was a chance for her to relive an event turned sour decades ago.

“This is a lot better than the one I had in high school when my boyfriend stood me up,” she said with a laugh. “But I can tell you, he wasn’t my boyfriend the next day. This feels more like the real thing.”

For others, like Donald Kennis, who missed his prom in Ottumwa years ago, it was simply a chance to “have a little fun.”

While Kennis was most complimentary of the food – especially the cinnamon bread and watermelon – he was also pleased with the opportunity to listen to some of his favorite tunes and visit with a new crowd.

“I’m glad to have the chance to do prom now,” Kennis, 82, said.

Habie Timbo, UI student

Habie Timbo, a UI sophomore from Cedar Falls who helped plan the festivities as part of the leadership program, kept busy serving food and mingling with residents at the event.

“I have cultivated relationships and am excited to see everyone enjoying themselves this weekend,” Timbo, 19, said, adding that she thought the idea of prom was a good fit for the Greenwood group.

But no prom would be official without crowning a king and queen. Residents Frank Frauenholz, 97, and Johnnie Townsend were all smiles after hearing of their newfound royalty.

“I can’t explain it in words it made me feel so good,” Townsend, 66, said, a plastic tiara resting atop her head. “I am so happy and so surprised.”

Townsend recalled her Lincoln, Ill., high school prom in the 1950s when strolling was a popular dance. And though she did not dance at the prom, the music, food and company were enough for her to request another such event in the future.

Bianca Franke, UI student

That’s a hope shared by students like Bianca Franke, another UI sophomore who helped set up this year’s prom.

“We all liked the idea for prom for senior citizens right away,” Franke, 19, said. “I think we’ve done a good job of getting to know everyone on a more personal level … and this is a great place to come and do (service project) things.”

Stepping outside the routine of bingo, blackjack and banjos was enough for Brown to agree.

“It really broke up the weekend,” she said. “There was pretty music and food and was something different. I would definitely come again.”

© Gazette Communications 2009