Out & About: Rotary goes back to the future with '80s prom

What do you remember most about the ’80s?

Neon colors, shoulder pads, fingerless gloves, big — and we do mean big — hair. Teased-up, Aqua Net’ed towers of big, big hair. For both the guys and the girls.

There was all that and more at the Hempfield Athletic Complex on April 6, as the Rotary of Westmoreland went back to the future with an ’80s Adult Prom.

Everybody had fun tonight, as they got into the groove and whipped it, beat it, busted a move and fought for their right to party.

It was a true prom night for Jen Kerr of Claridge, who never made it to her prom at Norwin High School. “It just didn’t happen,” she said with a shrug.

Back then, she dated Brian Plata of North Huntingdon — but then he unwittingly introduced her to another guy, whom she ended up marrying. After she became a young widow, Kerr reconnected with Plata and they decided to make up for what they missed way back when by attending the Rotary prom.

They joined prom king and queen, Carl Stillitano and Amanda Maderas, and about 250 “classmates,” who were hitting the dance floor and photo booth, grabbing snacks and drinks and taking their chances on a basket raffle.

Heading up the prom committee were Rotary President Dan Howell and his sister-in-law Tina Howell. Dan Howell said proceeds will benefit both local and national teen suicide awareness programs.

Seen walkin’ like an Egyptian, burnin’ down the house and super freakin’: Corey Howell, Geoff and Dr. Katie Monsour, Anthony and Carrie Peluso, Nate and Carly Bolby, Lauren Gomez, Rachel Muggli, Crystal Marchlewski, Matt and Michelle Zowacki, Brian and A.J. Madar, Megan Zobb, Tony Ribar, Jessi Obremski, Shelley McIntire and Robert and Trisha Mellott.