Oak Park residents celebrate ‘Starry Night’ prom
Published 12:00 am Friday, March 29, 2019
The prom king and queen for this year is Wilbur Boltz and Skeeter Kirby. Jon C. Lakey/Salisbury Post
The Catawba College baseball team poses with the Prom king and queen. Jon C. Lakey/Salisbury Post
Donna Boughton dances with her grandson Nathan Rider. Jon C. Lakey/Salisbury Post
Eunice Gee takes to the dance floor with Catawba College freshman Anthony Ponce. Jon C. Lakey/Salisbury Post
Residents of Oak Park retirement center enjoyed an evening of fine dining, live music and dancing at the annual prom. The theme for the this year's prom was Starry Night. Jon C. Lakey/Salisbury Post
Catawba College softball player Taylor Martin dances with resident Harvey Dezern. Jon C. Lakey/Salisbury Post
Dorothy Austin is all smiles as she shares a dance with Catawba College freshman baseball player Bryson Linkous at Oak Park retirement center's prom Thursday evening. Jon C. Lakey/Salisbury Post
The Moonglows entertain the residents from the second-floor balcony. Jon C. Lakey/Salisbury Post
SALISBURY — “A Starry Night” of memories was celebrated at Oak Park Retirement on Thursday.
A festive train ride called the Hawthorn Express, offering a whirlwind tour of Europe, began the evening. Stops on the journey included cities in Germany, France and Italy.
While in each city, residents experienced local culture. Food and entertainment were enjoyed, with the German band Mountain Top Polka performing, easily one of the residents’ favorites on the trip.
The train visited longest in France, where residents enjoyed French bakeries, music, food and even casino night in Monaco. The onboard chef served a freshly prepared meal with samples from each city on the tour.
France was also the setting for the Senior Prom. The “Starry Night” theme was a tribute to Vincent Van Gogh, who painted his most recognized masterpiece during a brief stay in France.
Partners for dancing were members of the Catawba College men’s baseball team.
Chosen as prom queen was Elizabeth “Skeeter” Kirby; the prom king was Wilbur Boltz.
Intended to revive memories of yesterday while creating new memories for today, the prom allowed residents enjoy a formal dinner with music by a DJ, a live jazz band, and a performance by the Moonglow Singers.
Flowers were provided by Flower Town of Salisbury. Entertainment was sponsored by Interim Healthcare and Legacy. Floral bouquets were donated by Harris Teeter with finger foods provided by Jersey Mike’s.
Henrietta Henderlite and Shari Graham decorated for the prom.
Makeup supplies and application were donated by Mary Kay Cosmetics and the Catawba College women’s softball team. Hairdressing was by Misty Crook.
Music was provided by the East Rowan Jazz Band.
Office Depot made a cash donation, and special thanks was extended to Bill and Shari Graham.
