5/22/08
Windsor Manor residents relive ageless prom night
By Chris Bullard

Chris Bullard/Manning Times

Prom king Ernest Robinson has a dance with prom queen Harriet Issac after being crowned at the Windsor Manor prom.

It’s not just high school seniors that enjoy the significant evening that is prom night. The senior citizens at Windsor Manor Nursing Home in Silver enjoyed their very own prom night last Friday.

This event helped wrap up a week full of events in celebration of National Nursing Home Week that began on May 11 and ended on May 17. This year’s theme was “Love is Ageless.”

“We decided to do things the patients would enjoy. We had a sweetheart ball in February, so they (the residents) wanted to do a prom night during the season for prom, so we put that together for them,” said Jannett Conyers, activities coordinator at Windsor Manor.

What is normally a dining room was transformed into a dance floor for the Windsor Manor residents, their families, and the staff of the nursing home to enjoy. The room was filled with balloons, colored and flashing lights and a disco ball.

As the night began, the Boots and Buckle band turned up the music and the floor opened up. Both residents and staff alike enjoyed themselves during slow dances, the twist, electric slide, Macarena and the cha cha slide.

The celebration also included electing a prom king and queen. Winning prom king was Ernest Robinson, and prom queen was Harriet Issac.

Many certified nursing assistants (CNAs) were out on the dance floor with dance partners to make sure everyone was having a good time.

“The CNAs that take care of the residents, they get to get out here and dance with the residents. We see a side of the residents that we wouldn’t normally see everyday when we get out here and there’s music going and they’re all having a good time,” said Deanna McElveen, director of nursing at Windsor Manor.

One CNA that was sure to keep the party going as she took turns dancing with several residents was Annie Cooper.

“We’re here to make the residents feel good and make sure they enjoy themselves with all of the activities,” said Cooper.

Other events throughout the week included a rock ‘n’ roll party on Tuesday, a fashion and talent show on Wednesday featuring the Manning High School band, and a Hawaiian luau all on Thursday. The events were wrapped up on Saturday with a picnic.

Conyers said the faculty and residents have strong relationships and the prom night only adds to it.

“They (the residents) will be talking about what a good time they had for all of next week and telling their families and visitors about what happened tonight,” she said.