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Park West, the assisted living facility at 1703 California Ave SW, about a half mile north of West Seattle High School, hosted special ed students from that school who mingled with residents there and created valentine cards to send to Afghanistan soldiers.

Special ed instructor Don Hill and special ed Instructional assistant Julie Bramhall have brought his students to Park West about six times this year.

"They sing songs, play games, interact with residents to learn social skills," said Bramhill. "Some of these students will end up working in assisted living facilities, so this is a great way opportunity for the them."

"We are having a wonderful gathering of some local students working together with some of our residents to make valentines cards to send soldiers," said Park West activities director Annie Fairchild. "Students help residents, and residents help students, so everyone feels good. I have adopted Deborah, a soldier in Kabul, Afghanistan, through AdoptaPlatoon. She will share the cards with the rest of her platoon."

The West Seattle Herald visited Park West in 2010 for a similar activity when Christmas cards and goody bags were being assembled for Fairchild's former adopted soldier, who she said has since returned home safely.

While hearts were being colored in, and sentimental notes to Deborah written,
someone cranked up the boombox and the students leaped out of their chairs and began dancing all over the activities room. One senior resident, Benito Sison, joined in briefly, and then was gently helped back into his wheel chair, wearing a wide grin.

Then the boombox was shut off and, seamlessly, Park West's activities coordinator Tiffany Chang brought out her guitar and the party continued.