By Jeremy Rellosa
The ballroom lights of the New Jewish Home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan recently cast a vibrant glow over an evening of nostalgia, fashion, and community as residents stepped back in time for an ’80s-themed senior prom. Hosted in collaboration with the community service organization New York Cares, the festive gathering brought together an extraordinary group of New Yorkers for an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and shared memories. Known for capturing the eclectic style and personality of New York City through its signature street-style features, The Look Book went on location to document the festivities, capturing the grace, humor, and rich life histories of the attendees.
At the center of the celebration was Alva Kaalund, a retired actress and literacy-program manager whose striking presence and vivid storytelling anchored the evening. Reflecting on her own history with the quintessential high school rite of passage, Kaalund shared a tale from her youth that was equal parts charming and relatable. When asked if she attended her own high school prom, she recalled that her first boyfriend abruptly left her high school sweet-talk behind just days before the event. Fortunately, another young man stepped in to take her, though she admitted with a laugh that the arrangement required her parents to formally ask his parents for permission—a detail that still brings a touch of embarrassment, yet fondly highlights the social customs of a bygone era.
That long-ago prom took place at the prestigious Waldorf Astoria, where attendees dressed with the utmost sophistication. Kaalund fondly remembered wearing a sweeping Cinderella gown, feeling entirely transformed for the evening. Afterward, the group continued the celebration at the legendary Copacabana nightclub, where none other than Johnny Mathis provided the live entertainment. Beyond her memories of formal dances, Kaalund’s artistic life was remarkably diverse. She spent years performing theater at some of the city’s most iconic cultural institutions, including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Apollo Theater. Among her most distinct memories is a performance at the Apollo that featured a striking blend of high art and cultural statement: cast members dressed in formal gowns and tuxedos delivered militant poetry accompanied by the sudden, dramatic darkening of the lights and the driving beat of African drums, catching an unsuspecting audience entirely by surprise.
The prom floor was alive with many other residents, each bringing their own distinct background and personality to the celebration. Mary Holmes, a retired secretary who spends her days engaging in community activities like bingo and Uno nights, brought a competitive spirit to the residence. Holmes noted that while the facility recently introduced a newer version of the classic card game that she doesn’t entirely understand, she still manages to master it, proudly recounting how she won the first game during a recent match.
Music proved to be a powerful universal language throughout the night, prompting spontaneous reflections on the soundtrack of the era. John Radice, a retired restaurant worker who spent his career helping out at his uncle’s Italian eatery, found himself drawn directly to the music echoing through the hall. Listening to classic tunes reminiscent of the golden era of American pop standards, Radice paused to ask if he could return to the dance floor to fully absorb the nostalgic sounds.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable perspectives of the evening came from Lilian Hall, a retired housekeeper who is preparing to celebrate a monumental milestone: her 103rd birthday in just a few weeks. As she reflected on the passage of time amidst the ’80s-themed celebration, Hall shared her thoughts on the rapid evolution of modern technology. Looking toward the future, she expressed a sense of wonder and caution regarding the rise of artificial intelligence, noting that everything appears to be shifting toward automation where human programming may eventually become obsolete. For a woman whose earliest childhood memories include the horse and buggy, the dizzying pace of technological advancement serves as a profound reminder of how much the world has transformed over the course of a single century.
Surrounding them were other residents who added to the rich tapestry of the evening, including Lester Strong, a retired writer; Dana Robinson and Yuk Wong, both retired homemakers; Francisco Perez, a retired reporter; Cecilia Ferreiro, a retired paralegal; Zulema Ferrer, a retired secretary for the New York City Department of Transportation; Rosa Caro, a retired factory worker; Gloria Rozmus, a retired salesperson; and Vera Olichney, a retired New York State program manager. Each attendee contributed to the vibrant atmosphere of a night that successfully bridged generations, proving that the spirit of celebration, style, and community knows no age limit.
