A Senior Prom to Remember at Highland Rehabilitation & Nursing Center
Senior residents at Highland Rehabilitation enjoy a special prom celebration, sharing a delicious meal and joyful moments together. (Image: Josephine Bloomfield/Vision Times)

You could feel the excitement before you even walked in. This year’s Senior Prom at Highland Rehab in Middletown on May 28 was one of the best-attended events yet. The room quickly filled with residents, and joy was visible on every face.

Everyone was delighted by the little stuffed animals waiting on the tables. Teddy bears in bow ties, Minnie Mouse plushies, and puppies wearing bandanas added a special touch to the celebration. Before the first song even played, residents were already claiming their favorites and hugging them close.

A senior resident smiles while holding a fluffy stuffed animal during the prom celebration.  (Image: Josephine Bloomfield/Vision Times)

The volunteers and staff worked together to serve the residents a delicious meal donated by local family restaurants. The residents eagerly dug into their plates, enjoying every bite.

Middletown Mayor Joseph M. DeStefano joins the prom Queen, who was thrilled to be crowned during the joyful celebration. (Image: Josephine Bloomfield/Vision Times)

And that beautiful balloon arch for photos? Amazing. Thanks to Alyvette Velazquez who put it together, some residents got a special red carpet moment. The blush, gold, and pearl white balloons made the perfect backdrop.

The senior prom, presented by Minisink Kindness Rotary Club and organized by Stephanie Zhang (left), Josephine Bloomfield (center), and Linda Johnson (right), was a successful community effort. (Image: Josephine Bloomfield/Vision Times)

The Senior Prom, hosted by the Minisink Kindness Rotary Club and organized by Ed and Josephine Bloomfield, was a tremendous success. Thanks to the generosity of volunteers who donated their time and community members who contributed their services, the event showcased the power of people coming together for a common purpose.

As Ed Bloomfield described it, it was “another great Senior Citizen Prom”—and he was absolutely right. The evening was a wonderful celebration of community spirit, kindness, and the joy of bringing residents together for a memorable experience.

A huge thank you to the businesses that donated food: Brother Bruno’s, Adam’s, Alondra’s, Destefano’s Old Erie Restaurant, Carlos’s Pizzeria, Yuan Fu Chinese restaurant, Shop Rite of Dolson Ave and Oak & Reed of Downtown. So many individuals from throughout the city of Middletown helped too.

A long table filled with a variety of delicious food at the senior prom celebration. (Image: Josephine Bloomfield/Vision Times)

The night had all the right moments. The King and Queen were thrilled to be crowned. The Mayor of Middletown, Joe DeStefano, crowned the Queen, and Kevin, the rehab administrator, crowned the King. The DJ was great and had the seniors moving in their wheelchairs.

Thank you to all the volunteers and staff who made this event successful. Because of you, Highland Rehab’s residents had a prom full of music, laughter, stuffed animal friends, and memories they’ll treasure forever.

Original article: https://www.visiontimes.com/2026/05/31/a-senior-prom-to-remember-at-highland-rehabilitation-nursing-center.html