University students to help host ball for senior citizens

The Shippensburg Senior Activities Center and the Shippensburg University student Gerontological Organization, will host their annual Spring Ball for adults age 60 and older Saturday (April 4) from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in Henderson Gymnasium on campus. Tickets are $8 per person or $15 per couple.

This year’s event will feature an “old Hollywood” theme and the live band “Just Friends.” Light refreshments will be served and there will be opportunities to win door prizes. The dress is semi-formal.

Seventy-five community members have already purchased tickets for the event including some SU alumni. A special door prize will be given to the oldest alumnus. Students from the Gerontological Organization, the Introduction to Gerontology class, gerontology minor students and members of from Delta Upsilon will help with valet parking, prizes and games, decorations and food distribution. They will also dance with many of the event participants.

“The older adults really enjoy this intergenerational event and our students enjoy being a part of their special evening,” said Dr. Cynthia Drenovsky, professor of sociology and anthropology.

The Spring Ball became an annual event three years ago when students in the Gerontological Organization wanted to come up with a community event for local seniors. Many students had volunteered at the local senior center and recruited its director Anne Hinkle to help with the event.“Anne has been very supportive of the idea and has helped the students put on the event for the past three years,” said Drenovsky.

For information on tickets, call Hinkle at 530-8217.