Hometown News and Views

By Phyllis J. Neuberger

Remembering the success of the television show, The Dating Game, back in the 60s and 70s, Broward Health North decided to launch a take off of the show for seniors.  It’s all part of the medical center’s year ‘round campaign to help the health of the community, and in this case, the senior community.

Behind this fun event is Dr. H. Murray Todd, neurologist and medical director of  the Center’s Neurologic Institute.

Todd is a firm believer in exercising the mind and body to repel the traditional ailments of aging.

He’s made his point with many successful programs such as Senior Dance Competition, Seniors Got Talent, and soon, Senior-Style Dating Game. Dr. Todd will be hand to introduce the dating game, even as he stresses the importance of socialization to the senior community.

Turning Dr. Todd’s game plan into a reality is Lyn Clark, regional manager in charge of marketing and community relations.

On Monday, Jan. 7, auditions for players of the dating game were held and almost 100 men and women responded to the casting call which was held in the conference center.

On hand to fire questions at the contestants and judge those auditioning were: Connie Doyle Loewenthal, senior account executive with Clear Channel Media, who was on the actual The Dating Game in the 70s,  Amber Statler, president of Statler Media Inc. and this Pelican reporter.

Loewenthal was a winning contestant on the actual Dating Game in 1978. Asked about the experience, she giggled as she recalled what happened over 30 years ago. “I do remember drawing a blank when it was time to choose one of the three men.  I chose a man who owned a garage and he turned out to be a good choice, though I recall hoping he would not have grease under his fingernails. My date and I won a ski trip to New Mexico.  We had a great time, but I don’t think we ever saw each other again.”

 Some of the criteria, used to determine future players of Senior Dating Game, were first impressions, originality and charisma, energy and pizzazz, and communication skills.

There was a lot of laughter and clapping during the interviewing of candidates. Clark and her staff will tabulate all of the judges comments and choose the first four contestants who will  play the Senior Dating Game. The winners will receive a gift certificate to a local restaurant and a free dessert at Cold Stone Creamery. The winning couple can choose to go out together, or separately.

As this judge was about to depart, she found out that two of the contestants who had hung around to listen to the competition had gravitated to each other. The result was a  real date made between the CPA who wanted to become a stand up comedian and the travel buff who claimed to be a psychic.

Join the fun on Jan.  23 when the winning contestants meet at the Senior Dating Game.

What: Free Senior Dating Game

Where: Broward Health North—Conference Center, 201 E. Sample Road, Deerfield Beach

When:  Wednesday, Jan. 23 from 3 to 5 p.m.

The event is free, but seating is limited to the first 150 guests.

Call 954-759-7400