Valentine’s benefit will help hearts in Enon

Doing something special for your honey, family or friends is tradition for Valentine’s Day, but doing something for the hearts of the entire community is taking this holiday to a whole new level.

The Enon Community Historical Society ECHS has its Valentine’s Day 50s Dance planned for Saturday, Feb. 13, at the Enon VFW at 5075 Enon-Xenia Road.

For the first 10 years, this sock hop was a fundraiser for historical society projects, but now ECHS has decided to work toward something that the community needs. Last year the profit went to Enon Emergency Relief and to the Fourth of July Fireworks. This year ECHS will contribute toward purchase of a LUCAS device for the emergency services of Mad River Township.

A gift for the hearts of the community, the LUCAS device can save lives during a heart attack by providing consistently strong heart compressions when a human being might wear out.

According to dance organizer Robin Berry, the township already has one unit, but it has two ambulances.

“What if they have a cardiac emergency and the Lucas device is on the other unit that is on another call or at the hospital?” said Berry.

She said ECHS is hoping that the contribution will finally put the fundraising for this expensive device over the top and make it a reality.

Attending the Valentine’s Dance is one way to help bring this device to the community.

Dates are not required for this dance. The fun starts at 6 p.m. with a “diner” style dinner that features all the hot dogs, hamburgers, fries and root beer floats you can handle. No alcohol is on the menu, but since it is in the Enon VFW, the veterans will have their bar open for business. Guests can also bring their own bottle of wine if they choose.

Be sure to wear your dancing shoes. Music will be provided by Corky’s Old Time Rock and Roll Revival, and I know this bunch loves to dance to the oldies. Other entertainment includes a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle.

Prizes will be awarded for best costume, but it is not required that those attending wear 50s gear. I imagine watching Grease Live on television last week will inspire more than a few to “dress up.” The main thing is being there…and not being square.

Cost for this event is $19.50 for one or $39 for a couple. Group rates are possible. Call 937-864-7080. Reservations will be accepted by phone or you can pay at the door.

Like I mentioned before, dates are not required. In fact many of the tables will be full of unattached friends having a great time and rocking to the music with more than 120 members of the community.

Valentine’s Day, with all those bright red hearts, is such a nice bright break in the bleakness of winter. It is kind of like that cardinal that is the first to visit your bird feeder after a new layer of snow.

So you have less than one week to get ready. And if you are a mom, you have less than a week to get the rest of the family ready, too.

Every teacher has his or her own Valentine’s Day rules. Ask the kids for that flier the teacher sent home or leave a message for the teacher and ask. It’ll save a lot of last-minute fuss. And pick up those valentines as soon as possible to get the coolest ones for this year.

If your child’s class does have a valentine’s card exchange, I have a favor to ask of you. Make sure each student in that room gets a valentine from your little sweetheart. It doesn’t have to say anything mushy, but even a “have a nice day” valentine is good for the quietest or new kid in the class.

And in only seven days, one of the great benefits of Valentine’s Day will be very evident; all the candy will be on sale. So you see, Valentine’s Day brightens the winter in more ways than one.

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