Lifetimes celebrates Valentine’s Day in different ways

It is not only young people who celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Lifetime, a retirement home on Riverside Drive, held a Valentine’s Tea and Sweets Day for about 200 people, according to Kim Fralick, the director of community relations.

This event was open to the public, residents, families and friends. Organizers prepared a lot of food and invited a local musician to play.

“It’s for residents,” said Fralick. “We have a sense of community here. As people come into this home they are not just looking at being taken care of. We are working with people on their wellness, both  physical and mental.”

She said she wants to give the community an idea of what the retirement home is like.

“We’re giving an opportunity for the public to be able to come as well,” Fralick said. “And to see what our home is about and to show our sense of community means a lot to the people who live in the area.”

The building was full of laughter on Valentine’s Day, with music in the air and people enjoying their food.

John Leitao is the director of culinary services.

“The event is pretty good,” he said, “It’s Valentine’s Day. The best thing is to know that they enjoy themselves. That makes me very happy.”

For some people, it is not convenient to get food by themselves, but there are always people to help them.

“I’ve been looking forward to this,” said resident Lynn Sykes. “I am just so happy being down here and having good food.”

Valentine’s Day is not just for the younger generation. It is for everyone.