STYLE Media and Design

Spreading a little love in Loveland

Love is in the air at the Goodheart’s house. It could be their natural good humor shining through during the month of love. Or maybe it is that they will celebrate 50 years of wedded bliss in May, so this year’s Valentine’s Day is particularly poignant. Possibly, however, the reason this time of year is so special to Norma Jean and Chet Goodheart is found in the past 17 years of volunteer work in their beloved Loveland community.

Norma Jean and Chet have become staples during the Valentine’s holiday in Loveland. And Valentine’s Day, as we know, is a big deal in Loveland. The Goodhearts volunteer as chaperones for Miss Loveland Valentine, a Loveland high school senior chosen every year to act as a spokesperson and make presentations throughout the community.

The Goodhearts, mainly Norma Jean with a little help from Chet, chaperone Miss Valentine (“Miss V,” as Norma Jean calls her) to all her engagements: six-plus weeks of meetings, sometimes five or six in a day. By the end of the season, the Goodhearts have generally escorted Miss V to around 50 engagements. This year’s Miss Loveland Valentine was announced on November 12. Hillary Skeffington, a Loveland High School senior, is the 49th student to take the title.

Norma Jean volunteered as chaperone for the first time in 1993. She took over the responsibilities from Mabel Thompson. Mabel and her husband, former Chamber of Commerce president, Ted, were instrumental in beginning Loveland’s Valentines Card Remailing Program in 1947. Mabel Thompson had been chaperoning Miss Vs since 1962 when the program began. Norma Jean stepped in when Mabel was no longer able to drive a car.

The Goodhearts were well-known in the community: Chet had been teaching industrial arts and driver’s education in Loveland area high schools since they both relocated to the area from Kansas in 1963. Still, Norma Jean was surprised when the Chamber of Commerce approached her to be chaperone. “Chet and I knew many of the girls who became Miss Valentine over the years, because he taught at the schools, but I never dreamed I would become involved. I always joke that they just went through the phone book and came across the name Goodheart and that is how they chose me!”

After almost two decades chaperoning young, uncertain high schoolers on how to address crowds as large as 200 people, Norma Jean is well accustomed to bolstering confidence and still enjoys watching these young women grow into their duties. Each year, Norma Jean and Chet accompany Miss V to an annual presentation to the governor, bearing a gift and the official Loveland Valentine card of the year. “I have seen a few governors in my time!” laughs Norma Jean.

“The new gals are always so nervous, but I try to prepare them well. After about ten events, however, she has figured it out and is leading me!” Chet, who mainly operates as “chauffer,” adds, these young women “really grow in that month,” something they both find rewarding to witness.

Norma Jean creates a scrapbook of the experience for each Miss V, and several former Miss Vs have gone on to start impressive careers of their own. One works for the CIA; another is a TV anchor; still others have become attorneys and doctors. Many are married now and starting families of their own. “They are all so special,” says Norma Jean, “We wouldn’t do this if they weren’t. The girls make it easy.”

“Easy” may be an overstatement; Norma Jean and Chet both find themselves a little exhausted after the run of engagements. “We give our all for six weeks.” However, Norma Jean vows to continue until “the Chamber doesn’t want me anymore.” In the meantime, she mails each of the past Miss Vs (who she still has contact information for) a special Loveland Valentine card each year.

When Norma Jean and Chet finish up their Valentine run of activity, they tend to stick close to home or travel between Loveland and to see family in Kansas. They have two daughters and four grandchildren all living in the Sweetheart City.

Style congratulates the efforts of the Goodhearts – they provide a great example of how to spread a little love in the community! Congratulations on 50 years together.