The SunPost

In the gymnasium at Oreste Blake Johnson Park, kids gathered around a long, folding table covered with a bright red tablecloth. Piles of Crayola markers in all colors, pink and purple construction paper and heart-shaped paper doilies were scattered among them.

About two dozen high school and middle school students met Tuesday afternoon at the park at 900 N.W. Eighth Ave. in Hallandale Beach as basketballs soared overhead and a school band drum section practiced onstage. Amid the smell of Elmer’s glue and a pile of pink and red ribbons, the kids, out of school for the day, got together and created valentines to deliver to the seniors at the Hepburn Center on Valentine’s Day.

The Hepburn Center is part of the city’s Human Services Department and provides social services for seniors, including exercise classes, field trips, entertainment events, meals and now valentines. Parks Department Director Rebecca Munden-Correa said the idea for the “Valentine Creation Station” was a communal effort by the department.

“They’re doing great, we’re getting there,” said Parks Department Recreation Supervisor Melanie Reneaum, as she stood near a table admiring the students’ work. “We wanted to make at least 20 for the seniors. They’ve been coming in since 4 o’clock. They’re making one for themselves and one for the Hepburn Center.”

The kids scribbled away on their valentines, smiling and laughing. Some made theirs from scratch; others colored in pre-drawn valentines adorned with dogs and hearts and stickers. Hip-hop played on a nearby radio, the kids mouthing song lyrics as they worked. Recreation Aide Anita Dionisio sat at the other end of the table, coloring with the kids.

“This one is for Miss Anita,” said 16-year-old Flavious Hope, who attends South Florida Prep Christian Academy. “She’s been in my life a long time and I appreciate her.”

Dionisio, a five-year Parks Department employee, was surprised to hear the kids were making valentines for her. “That’s so nice,” she said, laughing as park staff brought out another folding table to accommodate another handful of kids.

Oreste Blake Johnson Park and Gym are open from 2:30 to 6 p.m. every day for neighborhood kids of all ages. Then they stay open for the older kids to play basketball. Most come in after school and work on the various arts and crafts projects that department employees cook up.

Ferris, 16, a Hallandale High School student wearing a bright yellow SpongeBob SquarePants jacket, also made a few valentines. The seniors would get one, as would Miss Melanie, who is not a senior. “She’s older than me!” he said.

Sixteen-year-old Keeven Melvin, wearing plaid shorts and a long silver chain around his neck with a heart on the end of it, sat at the end of the table. He was making a card for his mom and one for “my chick,” he said with a sly smile. The valentines, black and red, read “You’re so sweet” and depicted a smiling cartoon dog.

“You got chickens?” joked 12-year-old Daron, who was making valentines for his mom and dad. The table erupted with laughter.

At the other end of the table, Parks Department Youth Aid China Preston glued red, pink and purple construction paper hearts together, with another aide, Jazmin Alicea. “They’re doing good so far,” she said, as she tallied the number of finished valentines — more than 26, with many more on the way.

Another South Florida Prep student, Actavia, 16, crafted a large red heart with a long message on it. “Dear 1st love,” it read. “How can we sit back and act like love never stepped to our front door? How can we sit back and claim love no longer exists between us? Guess what: remember.” When asked who it was for, Actavia’s grin stretched ear to ear. “My mom?” he responded.

Andre, 14, and Tavaris McGriff, 13, both attend McNicol Middle School. Andre was making valentines that read “Happy Valentine’s 2008” for his mom, his best friend and his girlfriend. “I just want to see their reaction when I give it to them,” Andre said.

“The seniors are going to be elated,” said Hepburn Center Assistant Director Joe Smith. “Some of the seniors are in their 80s. Some don’t have families, and they are so happy when people come in from the outside or spend time with them.”

Hours later, dozens of colorful valentines were gathered like trophies at the end of the table. Some were covered in heart-shaped stickers and drawings. Many had fun messages, including “You’re Hot!”

Seventeen-year-old Hallandale High student Mary added another valentine to the bunch slated for the seniors.

“I wanted to show them some love,” she said. “They need it.”

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