Senior prom at Mable H. Kehres apartments goes disco

Tom Hawley, The Monroe News
Updated ·2 min read
Toni Giarmo, Monroe High School Class of 1972; Rose Brown, Lincoln Park High School Class of 1964; and Michelle Spencer, Lamphere High School Class of 1970, sing "Summer Nights" from the movie "Grease" June 2 as they dressed as the movie's "Pink Ladies" at the first senior prom at the Mable H. Kehres apartments.
Toni Giarmo, Monroe High School Class of 1972; Rose Brown, Lincoln Park High School Class of 1964; and Michelle Spencer, Lamphere High School Class of 1970, sing "Summer Nights" from the movie "Grease" June 2 as they dressed as the movie's "Pink Ladies" at the first senior prom at the Mable H. Kehres apartments.
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The oldies came alive this past week at the Mable H. Kehres apartments on South Dixie Highway, as 96 residents, volunteers and staff attended the first Mable H. Kehres senior prom with a disco theme.

Monroe News photographer Tom Hawley
Monroe News photographer Tom Hawley

For this photojournalist, it was hard not to get moving while the music was playing, listening to all the great oldies as I can call myself a senior citizen as well.

Songs like “My Eyes Don’t Cry” by Stevie Wonder; “Summer Nights” from the movie "Grease," sung by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John; “Katmandu” by Bob Seger; “Turn the Beat Around” by Vicki Sue Robinson; and “Night Fever” by the Bee Gees, were just a few that had people dancing.

Mable H. Kehres community manager Kim Miller, assistant community manager Renee Cicero and maintenance technician Kit Northingon, who was a Bedford graduate with Class of 1981, open up the dancing to "My Eyes Don't Cry" by Stevie Wonder June 2 at Mable Kehres' first senior prom with a disco theme.
Mable H. Kehres community manager Kim Miller, assistant community manager Renee Cicero and maintenance technician Kit Northingon, who was a Bedford graduate with Class of 1981, open up the dancing to "My Eyes Don't Cry" by Stevie Wonder June 2 at Mable Kehres' first senior prom with a disco theme.

Residents and staff were dancing to the music played by DJ Wayne Ruston, who also also a major with the Salvation Army.

“The 45 vinyls are important to have for these events,” Ruston said.

Queen and king of the first prom at Mable Kehres apartment in Monroe – Janie Groven, 70, Class of 1972 from Dumus High School in Texas, and Bob Beadles, 75, Class of 1967 from Monroe Catholic Central – acknowledge how proud they were to be the first ones chosen as king and queen.
Queen and king of the first prom at Mable Kehres apartment in Monroe – Janie Groven, 70, Class of 1972 from Dumus High School in Texas, and Bob Beadles, 75, Class of 1967 from Monroe Catholic Central – acknowledge how proud they were to be the first ones chosen as king and queen.

As for the residents, some ladies were dressed in prom attire. Some came dressed from the disco era. It was the “Pink Ladies” who drew some attention as three ladies dressed from the movie “Grease.” Some of the men dressed up, and others wore casual attire.

“Many ladies did not go to their high school prom,” said resident council president Clara Lloyd.

The queen and king were announced with the help of Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough.

The DJ, Maj. Wayne Ruston of the Salvation Army in Monroe, enjoyed playing his oldies, vinyl 45s and LPs, as dance instructor Laura Macaluso-Hunt (in black) leads the way June 2 at the senior prom at the Mable H. Kehres apartments in Monroe.
The DJ, Maj. Wayne Ruston of the Salvation Army in Monroe, enjoyed playing his oldies, vinyl 45s and LPs, as dance instructor Laura Macaluso-Hunt (in black) leads the way June 2 at the senior prom at the Mable H. Kehres apartments in Monroe.

Janie Groven, 70, was announced as the queen and Bob Beadles, 75, the king. The prom court consisted of Groven, Ruth Drexler, Margaret Walters, Paula Coon, Charlotte Moore, Beadles, Donald Jeffery, Daniel Ripple, Harry Redford and Robin Ludwick.

“The king and queen were both honored,” said Kim Miller, community manager.

“It was my honor and privilege to announce the prom court and winners,” said Goodnough, remarking on “the heartfelt joy I experienced seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter not only from the contestants, but the audience."

Lilly Butler, Class of 1965 from Monroe High School, dressed in the era of Woodstock for the prom on June 3 at the Mable H. Kehres apartments in Monroe. She protested the Vietnam War but then joined the Navy in 1973. "You could call me a 'wild child,'" she said.
Lilly Butler, Class of 1965 from Monroe High School, dressed in the era of Woodstock for the prom on June 3 at the Mable H. Kehres apartments in Monroe. She protested the Vietnam War but then joined the Navy in 1973. "You could call me a 'wild child,'" she said.

After the announcement, the residents sat down for a meal. The food was provided by Dawn Wilkins of Personal Choice Catering with the Kiwanis Aktion Club. Hot dogs were donated by Vince’s Drive In and pop from Mugsy’s Sports Grille & Bar.

“Our residents had a blast,” said resident Frank Macaluso,  who was involved with decorations. “Our residents came together as a community and again enjoyed the dancing, the food and loving the fact you were there.”

Miller, while talking with the residents, heard many quotes of excitement. But this one says it best: “This has been such a great time. I don’t want it to end!”

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Senior prom at Mable H. Kehres apartments goes disco