NORTH OGDEN — Things looked “lovely” at the North View Senior Center on Thursday night. North Ogden and Pleasant View seniors got an early dose of Valentine’s Day with the center’s annual Valentine dance.
The dance has been a tradition in North Ogden for many years, and this year’s celebration didn’t disappoint.
Red, white and pink balloons adorned the tables along with red and white roses and heart decorations all around. Bowls of Valentine candy were spread throughout the room for the seniors to enjoy.
The night was a little more special for North Ogden resident Beverly Strand. She was named “Valentine Queen.” She was humble about the honor.
“I think it was my turn,” she said with a laugh.
She has volunteered for many years at the senior center. She has served food, headed up exercise classes and served as the senior board of director’s secretary. She has been coming to the center for eight years and said she loves the friendships she has made there.
Many of Strand’s friends were thrilled when she received the honor.
“She is a beautiful person,” said Pam Trimble. “Very deserving.”
Strand also enjoys working with the center’s director, Zella Richards. Richards gave her a heads up about her being the queen, but she kept it under wraps so everyone else would be surprised.
Strand received a box full of prizes as well. Some years there is a Valentine King, but not this year.
“If my husband was still alive, he would have been the king,” Strand said with a smile.
Many of the seniors dressed up for the evening, with some wearing various shades of reds and pinks as they took to the dance floor and danced to old, romantic favorites.
Boyce Carlson was no exception. The North Ogden resident was decked out in a fancy black shirt and a Valentine tie. He sat back and listened to the music with great enjoyment. Carlson said he visits the senior center often and wouldn’t think of missing the Valentine dance.
He said he enjoys coming and being with his friends, and proudly pointed out his date, Trimble. She smiled as she showed the many pictures that had been taken in the lobby between the dinner and the dance. She and her table of friends laughed as they showed the pictures.
“It’s always fun,” Trimble said of the dance.
Elaine Butt said she comes to many of the senior center activities and always enjoys the Valentine’s Dance.
“It’s nice to be together with other people,” she said.
Butt said she especially loved the delicious roast beef dinner served for Valentine’s Day, adding with a laugh:
“Anything’s better than my cooking.”
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