Residents of the New Jewish Home on the Upper West Side traded their daily routines for corsages, classic tunes, and a dance floor during a vibrant, ’80s-themed senior prom hosted by the volunteer organization New York Cares. Known for capturing the eclectic style and vibrant personalities of New York City through its signature street-style column, The Look Book took a turn toward the city’s elder community to document the evening. Photographed by Frankie Alduino and reported by Jeremy Rellosa, the special edition of the feature highlights the lives, histories, and enduring spirits of older New Yorkers who spent the evening reminiscing, dancing, and sharing stories of youth and performance.
Among the attendees was Alva Kaalund, a retired actress and literacy-program manager whose creative roots trace deep into New York City’s legendary cultural institutions. Dressed for the occasion and reflecting on her long history with the city’s social milestones, Kaalund recalled her own high school prom experience. Her memories spanned a bygone era of Manhattan glamour, offering a window into how celebrations of youth used to unfold.
"Yes," Kaalund recalled when asked if she attended prom during her school days. "My first boyfriend left me high and dry just before it, and another guy took me. It’s still embarrassing, but my parents asked his parents."
That second prom turned out to be an unforgettable affair held at the historic Waldorf Astoria hotel. "Everybody was dressed so sophisticated, and I was dressed in a Cinderella gown," she said. Following the main event, the group ventured over to the Copacabana, where legendary crooner Johnny Mathis was performing and entertaining the crowd.
Kaalund’s connection to the stage extends far beyond high school dances. During her professional life, she performed theater at some of the city’s most revered venues, including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Apollo Theater. She recalled a particularly unique and memorable performance at the Apollo, which featured an anthology of poetry fused with music and singing.
"We were dressed in gowns and tuxedos and then did militant poetry," Kaalund said, noting the audience’s reaction. "People were surprised. The lights turned off and African drums were beating."
The Upper West Side celebration brought together a diverse group of residents, each with their own unique background and perspective on life in and around New York City. Mary Holmes, a retired secretary, embraces the daily social activities offered at the residence, keeping her mind sharp with bingo and card games. She enthusiastically noted her participation in the community’s Uno nights, highlighting a newly introduced version of the classic card game that she finds equal parts puzzling and entertaining. Proving that her competitive edge remains as sharp as ever, Holmes proudly reported that she won the first game during a recent Tuesday matchup.
For John Radice, a retired restaurant worker, the soundtrack of the evening served as an immediate portal to his past. Surrounded by the nostalgic atmosphere of the ’80s-themed prom, Radice found himself drawn to the music of Frank Sinatra, which was playing over the sound system. Overjoyed by the selection, he paused to ask if he could return to the dance floor to fully immerse himself in the classic record.
Other residents attending the festivities included Lester Strong, a retired writer; Dana Robinson, a retired homemaker; Yuk Wong, a retired homemaker; Francisco Perez, a retired reporter; Cecilia Ferreiro, a retired paralegal; Zulema Ferrer, a retired New York City Department of Transportation secretary; Rosa Caro, a retired factory worker; Gloria Rozmus, a retired salesperson; and Vera Olichney, a retired New York State program manager. Each participant brought a lifetime of professional experiences and memories of a rapidly evolving city to the celebration.
Among the eldest and most reflective attendees was Lilian Hall, a retired housekeeper who is weeks away from celebrating a remarkable milestone. Preparing to turn 103 years old, Hall shared her perspective on the dizzying pace of technological advancement she has witnessed over more than a century of life. While younger generations navigate the digital age with ease, Hall expressed a distinct wariness regarding the modern obsession with artificial intelligence and automation.
"These days, I’m concerned about artificial intelligence," Hall said. "Everything is going to be automatic. After a while, people won’t need to program it. It’s scary because during my time I remember the horse and buggy."
