C.A.P.A. Hosts Intergenerational Dance

Senior prom has gotten a whole new twist on the name.

Later today, C.A.P.A., the Community Awareness and Prevention Association, will host a dance for Brecksville-Broadview Heights students and senior citizens. Part of a spring program to bring together the youth and older generations, the Intergenerational Senior to Senior Spring Fling involves both parties’ interests.

“I think it’s nice to have the children see that we like to go out and have fun, too,” said Loretta Alden, an adult who participates in the program. “We don’t like to just stay home.”

This year’s spring fling will be held at St. Michael’s Woodside from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. today.

Alden and her husband, Bob, attended last year’s prom. Bob was crowned 2010 prom king, and Loretta said he couldn’t have been more surprised. They danced the day away with each other and got numerous dances in with students.

“I was very impressed by their attitudes and their courtesy,” Alden said about the students.

Table assignments at the event will mix the younger students with the older adults for better conversation and social experience.

“As you know, people tend to gravitate to people their own age group when it comes to socializing,” said Ted Lux, director of Brecksville's Human Services Department. “We want everyone to go away with a new friend who isn't just their own grandma and grandpa or grandchild.”

The intergenerational program began with a pancake breakfast March 4 headed up by C.A.P.A. director Kelly Lazar. The age groups casually discussed family and city life. Video footage from each event will become a documentary that will be part of Brecksville’s bicentennial celebration.

“Our purpose is to create opportunities,” Lazar said.

Last year's programs gave the Aldens an opportunity they haven’t experienced yet.

“Our involvement in the community is important to us,” Alden said.

She added, “It [the program] makes you feel good about the community.”