Seniors celebrate the season of love

Patience, tolerance and a good sense of humor — that’s what it takes to find and sustain love, according to the seniors celebrating Valentine’s Day with the Council on Aging Monday, Feb. 12. 

Inside the Multi-Service Center, there was a sea of red and pink as over 100 seniors gathered for a Valentine's lunch sponsored in part by the Wareham Cultural Council.

At the event, the establishment of the Friends of the Council on Aging was announced. This new group’s one initiative is to raise funds to support the Council and its activities. The goal is to have 100 members by June.

In the kitchen helping cook up the day's meal was Council on Aging member Helen Hatch's husband, Ted and his best friend Bruce Harrington. 

Helen said Ted and Bruce were there early in the morning peeling potatoes and cutting chicken.

She highlighted how she admires his good heart and dedication. 

The two first met three decades ago when her friend invited her out to the restaurant Ted owns known as The Patriot.

Six years later, the two were married. 

"He's my best friend," Helen said. "We do everything together." 

Helen said while Ted does all the cooking for his restaurant and at events, she is sure to cook him dinner at home. 

To find love, Helen said her advice is to have someone introduce you to someone, adding how "you can't meet online."

However, the Hammonds may disagree.

Approximately eight years ago, Ginny and Bob Hammond met for the first time online when she mistook him for his brother. 

Trying to plan her class' 50th reunion party, Ginny reached out to everyone and didn't realize she had the wrong Hammond brother.

Once the two got to talking, they found out they grew up in Pembroke together, living only a mile and a half apart. 

Two years later, they were married. 

Ginny said she loves Bob's smile and musical talents as he had once sang in a band down in Texas. 

Bob said Ginny has a good sense of humor, is "very attentive," and overall, "just a good mate." 

Bob's advice: "Don't lose your sense of perspective and don't lose your sense of humor."

For Tony Gomes, Julie is his "guiding light" — and that's not just because she handles all the bills. 

Julie and Tony met before they were even in high school and this June, they will celebrate 61 years of marriage. 

She highlighted Tony's patience, commenting on how he is an only child while she is one of 13 children.

"You've got to be understanding of each other," Julie said. "They have to have a lot of patience."

The Shorts are in complete agreement. After 63 years of marriage, Charlotte and Bob Short believe patience as well as tolerance is important.

Bob said Charlotte is always good to him and always keeps the house clean.

"He's so compassionate and giving," Charlotte said of Bob. 

"Sometimes, I could slap him, but that's beside the point," she joked.