USA: It's Happy Hearts Day For 100 Senior Citizens

PRINCETON, West Virginia (Princeton Times), February 15, 2008: Valentine’s Day isn’t just for youngsters. The Mercer County Commission on Aging had their annual Happy Hearts Day Thursday on Trent Street. More than 100 seniors took part in the event, which included line dancing, health screenings and the crowning of the Valentine King and Queen. Phyllis G. Church, of Bluefield was named the Valentine Queen. “I’m so happy,” she said. “I never win anything.” Ted Shumate, of Princeton, was crowned the Valentine King. “It’s looks like Princeton and Bluefield got together today,” he said. “It feels great ... I’ve been coming here pretty often,” he said of the Commission on Aging. “I come for the fellowship and for the exercise. Mainly, it’s the exercise.” Betty Whittaker, assistant director, said MCCOA had 25 vendors offering free health screenings to the seniors. “They have good fellowship and get to meet new seniors,” she said of the COA’s appeal. “They can also get educated today about the services we have to offer and other services in the area that they may need to use someday. It promotes us and let’s them know we’re here as a resource.” Debbie Richardson, activities coordinator for the event, said they’ve been having Happy Hearts Day for more than 10 years. “It’s one of out biggest days of the year. They come for the health screenings and the entertainment,” she said. One senior taking part in the line dancing was Sarah Patton, of Princeton. She doesn’t move as quickly since she broke her hip, but she was out dancing Thursday. “I used to dance all the time. I just love to dance,” she said. Whittaker said Patton has been coming to the dances for years. Seniors at the event cook have glaucoma testing, hearing screenings, and eye exams. They could also have their blood sugar and blood pressure tested. There were several speakers at the event, including Matt Morris who spoke on atheroscierosis and Pam Carter who spoke on being heart healthy. The band Christ Incorporated provided entertainment, and the seniors also received door prizes. By Mark Blevins,Princeton Times © 2007, The Bluefield Daily Telegraph