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Seniors Step Out Once Again For Prom, Thanks To Danbury Organization

STAMFORD, Conn. — Seniors who turned out for a luncheon at St. John's Episcopal Church in Stamford on Wednesday afternoon enjoyed more than just a good meal.

Stamford residents Doris Gantt and Marie Whitaker enjoy a special senior prom luncheon in Stamford Wednesday.

Stamford residents Doris Gantt and Marie Whitaker enjoy a special senior prom luncheon in Stamford Wednesday.

Photo Credit: Jay Polansky
Staff at a special senior prom luncheon in Stamford hand out prizes to attendees Wednesday.

Staff at a special senior prom luncheon in Stamford hand out prizes to attendees Wednesday.

Photo Credit: Jay Polansky
The Senior Prom Luncheon in Stamford was attended by more than 120 seniors Wednesday, according to organizers.

The Senior Prom Luncheon in Stamford was attended by more than 120 seniors Wednesday, according to organizers.

Photo Credit: Jay Polansky

The theme for the afternoon was "Prom" — which made it a senior senior prom!

New Neighborhoods, Inc. — a provider of affordable housing in Stamford — and The Over 60 Club hosted the event for seniors over 60 from across Fairfield County. Seniors enjoyed dancing, music and a special meal.

NNI tenant advocate Vonda Pommills said the group partnered with The Over 60 Club to bring back an old favorite. "The senior prom was done some years ago, so we thought we'd bring it back," Pommills said.

More than 110 seniors packed the dining room at the church, according to Pommills. Attendees dined on a hearty meal of chicken, veggies and potatoes. It’s “just like you’d get at the Marriott,” she said.

The event's goal is to connect seniors with each other. “We don’t want our tenants to just be in their apartment. We want to enrich their lives with different activities within the city,” she said.

Many of the seniors that live in New Neighborhood housing are active, Pommills said. “They’re not just in their homes — they drive and do everything."

Shirley Simmons, who attended the luncheon, said she enjoyed it all. “It’s a fun afternoon,” she said.

Dorris Gantt said she, too, enjoyed her time at the luncheon. The singing was the highlight of her afternoon — and, of course, the goodies handed out by the organizers. 

Seniors took home freebies and door prizes, and NNI donated Stop & Shop gift cards. Trader Joe’s in Darien chipped in flowers, and Les Cinq Amandes donated gourmet chocolates for the seniors to enjoy.

NNI has 440 units in Stamford. The organization also has affordable apartment buildings in Danbury and Norwalk with residents from infants to seniors, according to Pommills.

Seniors live in all New Neighborhood communities, and two communities — Belltown Manor and The Atlantic — are exclusively for seniors, Pommills said.

For more information on New Neighborhoods Inc., visit its website here.

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