Valentine’s Day can feel like a nuisance to some and celebratory to others. Whether you buy a dozen roses for a loved one, or gawk as the prices for roses skyrocket during the holiday, the day gives us a nice excuse to celebrate love in all forms and give attention to our relationships that provide us companionship, romance, friendship, and familial love.

At Givens Gerber Park, we’re fortunate to witness all kinds of love- neighbors checking in on one another, families joining residents for meals in our café, friends connecting through shared interests, and romantic partnerships that have stood the test of time. Throughout the week, Givens Gerber Park is “Spreading the Love,” and residents can participate in an array of activities and programs. From cinnamon rolls and coffee socials to a presentation about heart health, we have an engaging curriculum to help support a healthy lifestyle and an opportunity for residents to enjoy sweet treats in good company and a casual setting.

Residents won’t have to go too far to experience the most romantic city in the world- Paris. Our Café and Supportive Services teams collaborated to transform the Go To Café into a restaurant on the streets of Paris. The meal is inspired by French cuisine. Residents will have a choice between filet mignon with bordelaise sauce or chicken cordon bleu. Sides will include duchess potatoes, Lyonnaise salad with Dijon vinaigrette and a baguette with butter. Residents can add sea scallops and a dessert of chocolate éclair with Bavarian cream or strawberry cream for an additional cost. If the food isn’t enough to convince you, there will be games, decorations, and we always encourage residents and their guests to dress up for the occasion- it’s time to get out your beret!

We’re looking forward to our “Spread the Love” week at Givens Gerber Park. Enjoying a meal together is the cherry on top of a week full of small, but meaningful ways we can build connections. Love has no bounds, and it looks different for everyone, which is what makes it worth celebrating. We can’t wait to do arts and crafts, mix and mingle, fine dine in Paris, and learn more about heart health. We hope residents and their family and friends join us.

Happy (almost) Valentine’s Day! And don’t forget to tell someone you appreciate, love, value, or care about them today.