The seniors enjoying prom at Pleasant View Communities in late April may be just a wee bit older than your typical prom-goers, but they displayed the same enthusiasm and excitement for the event as their younger counterparts.

More than 100 residents from independent living, personal care and health care attended Spring Prom at the retirement community, located at 544 N. Penryn Road, Manheim. The residence staff worked with members of the community service-focused Interact Club at Manheim Central High School to coordinate the event.

"We have a great relationship with the Interact Club and have always loved collaborating with them on fun ideas for ways to interact with our residents," said Aubrey Smith, community engagement coordinator for Pleasant View. "We mentioned doing a dance, and the idea just took off from there."

Students came to the Pleasant View campus a few days before the prom to offer manicures to residents, create balloon arches for decoration and bake cupcakes and cookies for the prom.

Like a traditional prom, attendees arrived via limo, courtesy of Lancaster Luxury Limousine.

"The limo picked up residents from cottages and apartments and brought them to the main entrance, where we created a fun backdrop and even had a pink carpet," Smith said, noting that a red carpet didn't fit with the event's spring color scheme.

Residents enjoyed socializing and dancing during the event. Steve Ober from Longenecker's True Value in Manheim donated a beverage fountain, and live music was provided by The Chestnuts.

The Spring Prom brought back some very special memories for one couple.

"Mark Winters and Esther Brosey had their one and only date going to the senior prom at Manheim Central in 1949," Smith shared. "They have since reconnected after becoming widowed and were thrilled to get to have a second prom date."

While Pleasant View staff members have worked with members of the Interact Club in the past to host themed dances such as a sock hop, this was the first time the two groups hosted an event for all residents in all levels of care, Smith said.

"The response has been so amazing, so we feel we have to make this an annual event," she remarked. "An event like this is an opportunity for everyone to come together. Residents who have transitioned into other levels of living were reunited with old neighbors and friends, (and) spouses and children had an opportunity to dress up and join their loved ones for an evening together reminiscing through songs and music they love and also a great time to create new memories. Having the energy and creativity from the students added an extra element of fun to this unique event."