It may have been brutally cold outside, but inside the Nesquehoning Recreation Center it was all warm hearts and bright smiles during The Arc of NEPA sponsored Valentine's Day dance.

Over 50 people from The Arc and other area agencies such as Redco, Wakefield Cottage, Spectrum Community Services and Access Services danced the night away to tunes spun by DJ "Davey" G and enjoyed an evening of fun and fellowship.With most guests donning red attire in celebration of Valentine's Day, love was truly celebrated by all in attendance.It was very plain to see the love that the lead recreation assistant, Sheila Hartranft, has for her clients."It is my love for them that keeps me here," said Hartranft."In my eyes, they don't have a disability, they have an ability; even if it is just giving love to someone else, which they all do," she said.She also said that for many of the clients, the monthly dances are the only opportunity they have to experience socialization outside of their homes since many of their parents are elderly or sickly and can't leave the house."These dances make it possible for a lot of them to get out," said Hartranft. Otherwise, they are stuck at home a lot.Throughout the evening, recreation assistant Shalmar Herlihy could be seen talking and dancing with those in attendance.When asked what she liked most about working the clients she serves, Herlihy said, "I like how everyone accepts each other for who they are."The Arc of NEPA holds dances for their intellectually and developmentally disabled clients and caretakers each month.More information about The Arc can be found at

www.thearcnepa.org.