Staff, volunteers, and high school students treat hospitalized veterans to a Valentine's party.
By EBONY WINDOM
Published February 14, 2004
LAND O'LAKES - Most days, Bob Beers, 91, longs for a visitor.
On Friday, he had two dozen.
Beers and nearly 50 other residents of Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home in Land O'Lakes enjoyed a special Valentine's Day party. They were treated to desserts, music and dancing. Volunteers helped make it all possible.
It's a great day to celebrate love, said Susan Poynter, activities director. Some of the residents' spouses came, too. Volunteers added romance with heart-shaped balloons and red tablecloths.
Couples sat and chatted. Others sang to one another.
"This is a day for sweethearts," Poynter said.
Robert Booth, 83, has a sweetheart. His wife, Ruby, of Plant City, was his date Friday.
They've been married for 62 years. At the Valentine's Day party, they revelled in the desserts. Alzheimer's disease has made it difficult for Robert Booth to do things on his own. Ruby Booth, 82, was happy to lend a hand. She fed him strawberry cake. He used a straw to sip his sparkling grape juice from a champagne glass.
She insists Valentine's Day is no big deal.
"Every day is special when you're old," she said.
Robert Booth and most other residents here are veterans. Booth served in the Army during World War II.
Students from Land O'Lakes High School's Interact club came out to show their appreciation.
"We want to thank you for your service to the United States and for everything you've done," said Kris Keppel, Interact sponsor.
Students gave out homemade Valentines and hugs.
"It's nice to put a smile on somebody's face," said Amanda Naar, 17, a junior at Land O'Lakes High School.
Some residents didn't have dates. But, John Capellaro didn't let that stop him from having a good time. Capellaro shuffled his feet as he danced to the piano tunes with Amy Jacobs, 16. Beers decided to get in the act, too. He choose volunteer Fran Horan Steeves as his partner. They hit the dance floor.
"Did anyone tell you "I love you today?"' she said.
"No," Beers said.
"Well, I love you," Steeves said with a smile.
Beers blushed.
- Ebony Windom can be reached at 813 909-4609 or toll-free 1-800-333-7505, ext. 4609. Her e-mail address is ewindom@sptimes.com
