Bernadette Dempsey, the cardiac rehab nurse coordinator for Maine Coast Memorial Hospital’s Cardiac Rehab Program, said the reunion is an occasion for “a very special group of people to have a good time together.”

And that they did, as the party came complete with balloons, banners, ice breakers, flowers, door prizes and heart-healthy food items.

Each year participants bring along their favorite heart-healthy dish and share their recipes to form next year’s heart-healthy recipe handout. The hospital supplied the main entrée, chicken mango, which is to be included in the recipes.

As plates were cleared, Dempsey introduced the Cardiac Rehab team composed of staff members and volunteers. All were recognized for their contribution to the program. One volunteer and the Women Heart area leader, Betsy Doherty, talked about the monthly women’s support group as well as other activities that Women Heart organizes. Nutrition educator Mary Jude was also recognized for her contribution to Cardiac Rehab.

It was clear from the crowd’s response that the highlight of the festivities was the entertainment.

Dr. Douglas Trenkle, medical director of the Cardiac Rehab Program, played his guitar to serenade the party-goers with “Amazing Grace” and “West Virginia.”

As one Cardiac Rehab graduate assessed the performance, “The Doc was pretty darn good!”

Cardiac rehabilitation is a secondary prevention outpatient service that includes monitored exercise sessions and education classes. Those who qualify for cardiac rehab may have one of the following diagnoses: heart attack, coronary arterial bypass surgery, stable angina, angioplasty, stent(s), heart valve repair/replacements or heart transplants.

For more information, contact the Cardiac Rehab Department at 664-5434 or go to mainehospital.org through the selection “doctors and services.”