By Aaron Retherford
It might be called a Senior Prom and it might beput on by the Montpelier Senior Activity Center, but the MSAC’s soiree on Saturday, May 30 is far from a seniors-only affair.
The National Life Ballroom will play host to what MSAC Director of Programs and Development Dan Groberg calls a “community celebration.” It is also a fundraiser for MSAC.
Ticket prices were kept low at $10, so anyone would feel welcome to come enjoy the music of DJ Fred Wilbur, light appetizers, and ice cream. There will be a cash bar.
All ages are invited, and you don’t have to be a member of MSAC to attend. Attendees can dress as formally as they wish.
Younger generations are already excited for the Senior Prom. Montpelier High School is donating the decorations it used for its own prom, so the theme for the Senior Prom will be “A Night in the City.”
Groberg said he hopes 150 people will attend the Senior Prom. He’s already convinced some of his own friends attend, so he expects a good mix of people. Some of the high schoolers are planning on helping decorate, and Groberg hopes they will decide to stick around.
“It should be a great inter-generational group of some people who have just experienced their proms and people who may not have had their high school proms for 50 years,” he said.
The Senior Prom will last from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. At 7:30, there will be ballroom dance lessons by Samir and Eleni Elabd.
For those not in the partying mood, MSAC is still looking for volunteers. Groberg said he could use help setting up and decorating the space from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers can also help during the event itself.
This is the first year for the Senior Prom in Montpelier. Groberg is aware of other all-ages dances in the community and senior proms in other areas, so he thought it would be a fun new tradition.
“You can have a great night out on the town with your friends. You can have a lot of fun, but you’re also helping out the senior center and a great cause,” Groberg said.
Westview Meadows at Montpelier and The Gary Home are presenting sponsors, while RehabGym, Bourne’s Energy, TD Bank, Noyle Johnson Group, and Washington Electric Co-op are also sponsoring the event.
“We’re really grateful for all of the support we’ve gotten from the community. The business community has been very generous,” Groberg said.
