Carmen Erhardt, State Farm Insurance, presents check supporting the upcoming Senior Senior Prom to Shannon Zoffka, CEO/Executive Director of Tama County Public Health and Home Care. The event for all Tama County residents ages 55 and over is Saturday, April 27, at the Tama-Toledo Eagles Club in downtown Tama. -Photo provided

Tama County Public Health & Home Care, along with The Tama Eagle’s Auxiliary and local business sponsors, are getting ready for the first ever Senior Senior Prom. All Tama County seniors, age 55 and up are invited.

It’s next Saturday night, April 27, at the Tama-Toledo Eagles Club in Tama. In addition to a great night of music and dancing, there will be a meal offered starting at 5 p.m., with proceeds benefiting the Eagles Auxiliary Charities. he meal will include beef burgers, fries and root beer floats for $7.

Shannon Zoffka, Tama County Public Health and Home Care CEO/Executive Director said, “It is well known that opportunities to socialize are an important part of overall health as we get older. Social support plays a significant role in the overall health of aging populations, with almost 20% of Tama County residents being age 65 and older, we want to provide a fun night of activity and socializing just for our “seniors”. One of the top unhealthy behaviors identified in the most recent Community Health Needs Assessment for Tama County was lack of exercise. “

With generous community support, there will be door prizes throughout the night. Prom goers can earn extra chances for door prizes by dressing up and just for coming out to support prom! A Prom King and Queen will be crowned and Prom pictures will be taken and handed out that night. Local 4H club youth members are working hard to make corsages and boutonnieres for the attendees. You can dance the night away to the tunes from proms past and even enjoy local dance celebrities, Connie and Mike Ledvina. Free will donations will go to helping those throughout the County in need of home health services and can’t afford to pay for them.

ID’s will be checked at the dance door, and no children (anyone under 55) will be allowed, unless their date is old enough to attend. We would love to see your prom pictures from the past, and use them in a display the night of Senior Senior Prom. Please email a picture to health@tamacounty.org or stop by Tama County Public Health & Home Care and we will scan your picture for the event. Please contact us at 641-484-4788 with any questions and make sure to follow us on Facebook for more information.

“It is our hope that Senior Senior Prom will promote social interaction and some heart healthy exercise for our Tama County Seniors, so grab your dancing shoes, and your prom gear, and let’s have a night to remember!” says Zoffka.