Some of the Bradford area’s senior citizens are getting ready
for prom -ðthe third annual “Senior Prom,” that is.

Sponsored by the Bradford Area Education Association, the dance
is set for 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday in the Bradford Area High School
gymnasium.

Three years ago the BAEA decided to sponsor the event, allowing
the area’s seniors -ðmany of whom are members at the Greater
Bradford Senior Activity Center – to have a prom in the gymnasium
the night after the high school students have their annual
dance.

The seniors are able to take advantage of the decorations
created by the student prom committee, their prom theme mirroring
the students’. Photos are provided.

A king and queen are also crowned at the Senior Prom, where a
live band is set to perform World War II era music.

Thomas V. MacNamara, a native of Bucks County and a resident of
Bradford the last two years, said Thursday at the Greater Bradford
Area Senior Activity Center that he will ask to sing at the prom,
too.

MacNamara said he sang at last year’s dance, adding is favorite
tune is “On the Street Where You Live,” from “My Fair Lady.”

MacNamara, like many American males his age, was unable to
attend his own high school formal because he left school early to
enlist in the armed forces. That is part of the reason he enjoys
the Senior Prom, he said.

“It’s fun to get together … it’s very congenial,” he said.

A widower, MacNamara said he is going the prom without a date,
but added he does like to dance.

Sophie Poleto of Bradford, a member of the senior center the
last 15 years, said she has attended the previous Senior Prom
dances and plans to attend the one Saturday.

“It’s wonderful,” Poleto said of the dance, adding even those
who don’t dance enjoy getting dressed up and socializing. Last
year, she said, she was up for dancing, but did not have a date.
So, she improvised, she said, laughing about her choice of an
umbrella as a dance partner.

“Maybe this time I’ll get lucky,” she giggled.

A woman of Polish decent, Poleto said, she is looking forward to
doing a polka Saturday night.

Lyla and Fred Cramer of Bradford said this will also be the
third Senior Prom for them.

“We’ve gone before and we always have a good time,” Lyla Cramer
said, adding she and her husband don’t dance, but enjoy watching
the dancers, meeting with friends and listening to the band.

“We get dressed up,” she said, adding they got corsages and the
whole nine yards the first year.

“We really enjoy it,” Cramer said.