PondView redefines the senior prom

LYNN – Prolonged childhood medical problems meant Ann Marie Farina missed her high school prom. But she put a tiara on her head and a smile on her face Friday to celebrate PondView Lodge Adult Day Health?s “prom” at Briarcliff Lodge.Along with 50 other PondView senior clients and their relatives, including her niece, Farina talked, ate and listened to oldies performed by Danvers musician Tony Hester.?This is my first time at a prom. It?s a good time,” Farina said.PondView employees Alesha Casella, Elizabeth Figuera, Cindy DeLeon and Helena Keefe helped organize the prom after conversations with clients indicated many of the seniors did not attend high school rites of passage.?We just wanted to do something special for them,” Casella said.With Farina crowned the queen and Joe Moore crowned king, seniors like Lynn resident Karen Landry dressed appropriately for the day, even if it was their second time around enjoying a prom.A member of the Swampscott High School Class of 1963, Landry was by no means a wallflower at her first prom. Her father taught her how to waltz and she said she loves doing the jitterbug with her sister, Carolyn.?I love to dance,” she said.Farina?s niece, Karen Murdock, traveled from Somerville to enjoy the PondView prom with her aunt. She said a childhood intestinal problem meant prolonged hospital stays for Farina and other medical complications. Farina spent her teenage years in a state institution and has enjoyed the support and love of family members throughout her 69 years.Murdock said PondView is the first elder care program her aunt has thoroughly enjoyed.?I?m so proud of her,” she said.Helen Samarras, 85, attended her Saugus High School prom and called last Friday?s fun just one more way PondView helps seniors stay active and happy. She attends the Briarcliff program three days a week, and Moore spends six days a week at PondView.He said PondView activities give him a chance to show off his trivia knowledge and said PondView activities have made him a more social person.?The staff is really good to us. I love it,” he said.