Hearts, flowers, and teddy bears, not to mention Valentine candy, brightened spirits and brought smiles at the Georgiana Senior Center February 14.

Site Manager Mary Wallace had the facility decorated for the holiday. Plenty of red hearts were added to the white snowflakes and doves on the center's all-occasion tree, while red and white bears, Valentine figurines and silk roses added to the holiday atmosphere.

Many in attendance wore red to mark the special occasion. The regular Tuesday hymn sing and devotional began the morning, followed by bingo and dominoes.

It was a double celebration at the center that day. Birthdays for the month of February were also celebrated, with Myra Rutledge, Dorothy Smith, Sybil Teague, Mabel Johnson, Dorothy Goodwin and Ron Roberts posing with a festive display of birthday balloons.

Being the day of sweethearts, the monthly birthday cake was a two-tiered heart-shaped creation featuring pink icing and roses – certainly something to look forward to, a regular &#8220piece de resistance” for the noon meal.

&#8220Cake and Blue Bell ice cream – you can't beat that,” Wallace smiled.

Those who were not able to attend the center were not forgotten.

Van driver Inez Sankey delivered special Valentine cards and ice cream for the homebound seniors to enjoy.

Volunteer nurse Robin Cook arrived in her Valentine red with a bevy of goody bags for all those in attendance to take home.

Everyone got to vote on &#8220Sweetheart of the Center,” with Wallace reminding everyone the gentlemen of the group &#8220are eligible, too – not just the ladies.”

Nonetheless, it was the ladies who swept the contest, with three runners-up coming in neck and neck: Annette Golden, Corrie Stinson and Myra Rutledge.

Anne Black proved to be the winner of the day.

Black was presented with a silver basket and Valentine bear from the center, candy from Cook and a free meal from D.J.'s Diner in Georgiana.

&#8220Anne is a lovely lady. She is one of our regulars, unless she's sick or taking someone to the doctor. She calls bingo quite often for our bingo folks,” Wallace said.

&#8220Anne is one of the sweetest people you will ever know, even when things are crashing in around her. She's always the same…if she ever gets angry, she hides it well,” Alma Peck, Black's sister-in-law, said. However, she couldn't resist teasing Black, &#8220I'll never be able to live with you after this!”

A large number turned out to enjoy the holiday together. &#8220We always have a good number on the days we have our singing and devotional – and we always have a good number when we have ice cream and cake,” Wallace laughed.