Keri Waggoner
Special to the Sun

Despite dismal and uncertain economic conditions, the atmosphere on Feb. 28 at the annual Kern Valley Hospital Foundation’s Heart Walk was filled with contagious energy and a charitable spirit. The sun shone brightly over at least 90 teams that decided to suit up and show up for this heart-healthy fundraiser. Local members of the valley didn’t let much get in their way of partaking in the event. There were walkers with knee braces, wheelchairs, at least half a dozen strollers, and even a few Red Flyer wagons that made it possible for even the youngest to be involved in the morning’s festivities.

The Heart Walk began with a touching tribute to Kern Valley High School wrestling coach Denny Knight as a riderless horse was escorted around the track in his honor. Also remembered at the event was Donald Debolt, one of the founding members of CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) in the Valley. Jeannie Vonch and Robert “Bo” Homan were also remembered in honor at the Heart Walk.

The Burlington/Kern Village team from left to right Jane Vehrencamp, 86, Norma Jackson, 88, Eileen Close, 84, and Opal Melch, who marked her 100th birthday in October. Melch completed one lap at Saturday’s annual Heart Walk in Lake Isabella.

According to the event’s tallies, the combined age of senior citizens who were in attendance at the Heart Walk was 362 years, with Opel Melch as the oldest individual who participated. At 100 years of age, Melch walked one lap around the high school’s track. “It’s my way of living,” shared Melch, who chooses to join in the Walk each and every year.

Evelyn Dawdy (also known as ‘Squeeky’), has been a CJ’s Salon team member for the past two years, finished three laps around the high school track, and said, at 93 young years of age, she is a participator in the Walk because, “I have to.” “It’s good for us,” explained her husband, Ted Meuer. “You’ve got to stay active.”

Camp Owens was one of the ninety teams that were present at Saturday’s Heart Walk, with matching t-shirts that read, ‘Character counts.’ Other memorable supporters of the Heart Walk were the women of WINGS – Women’s Idea Networking Group. Each team member was adorned with a set of wings as a part of their attire to accompany their energetic fun-loving spirit. All three Whiskey Flat candidates for mayor were also active participators, including Gentleman Jim Dandy with two teams of five people. Dandy’s two teams consisted of heartfelt supporters of the Kern Valley Youth Center, a non-profit organization that has been established for valley youth for the past 10 years.

When Kern Valley Healthcare District community coordinator and Foundation member Jeanette Rogers was asked if the state of the economy seemed to affect the amount of money raised during the event, Rogers said, “At first, people were cautious. It did not seem to matter in the end. People donated something—maybe not money but more of their time.” That’s exactly what the Kern Valley Community did. According to Rogers, people were donating both their time and money up until the very end of the event. In the end, it was CJ’s Salon who finished the Heart Walk with the most teams (15 teams of 5 people each).

On the morning of Feb. 28, one thing remained evident on the Kern Valley High School campus. Not only did the community show up for the annual Heart Walk, but they brought their optimism and giving spirits with them.

Heartwalk Results: Trophy Winners are Overall Judges’ Choice – CJ’s Hair Salon, Team With Best Theme Costume – Enduring Hearts, Most Enthusiastic Team – WINGS, Team With The Most Laps – California Scholarship Foundation (117 Laps), Oldest Combined Ages – Kern Village/Burlington Assisted Living 357 years (combined ages of 4 walkers), a close second was the South Fork Womens Club at 307 years. Medal Winners are Oldest Individual Walker – Opal Melch, 100, Youngest Individual Walker (Tie) – Chase 19 months and Cailin 19 months, Individual Man With Most Laps (4-way Tie) – Aaron Polston, Matt Barlow, Ryan Barlow, Chris Woodward (27 laps each), Individual Woman With Most Laps – Sarah Cole 29 Laps.