The New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park in Edison hosted a 'Senior Prom' on the afternoon of May 11 in its Town Square Great Room.

      Residents of this 312-bed, state-of-the-art, long-term care facility, guests, and staff turned out in their best suits and gowns to dance the afternoon away to the music of disc jockey/singer Candi Nelson. Residents unable to attend the event were able to participate in the festivities via closed circuit television in their rooms.  The Ladies Auxiliary of the Disabled American Veterans, Department of New Jersey, sponsored the event.

      Between dances, refreshments were served to the residents, giving them a respite from Big Band and line dance selections.  Ms. Juanita Gilbert and Mr. William Johnson were crowned Queen and King of the Prom.  The event was organized by the staff of the Recreation Department under the direction of Christine McNulty, CTRS.  Since the resident population is predominantly male, she and her staff as well as members of the nursing staff donned their finery to serve as hostesses and dancing partners.   Staff members were also quite generous in securing and donating evening attire for the participants.   While there is a wide variety of recreational activity scheduled throughout each and every day, the “Prom” event was special as it brought resident and staff together in a new and different way.