A different kind of Valentine

Cupid’s big day is coming, but he may have his work cut out for him in this strange new world: Some of the traditional parties and banquets people look forward to celebrating each year just won’t be able to happen in 2021.

Central Baptist Church in Jacksonville has hosted a Valentine's banquet for its senior adults for about 35 years, according to Senior Adult Minister Steve Edwards, a gathering that brings together around 125 folks to celebrate the big day of love.

“We are not having the banquet this year due to COVID-19,” Edwards said. Not only is the traditional evening of entertainment and a meal not taking place, he said, the church has been unable to make any alternative plans in order to protect their senior adults.

“Overall, most (of our senior adults) have stayed healthy and most are still staying at home for church and LLL (Central’s senior adult weekly program) on Thursdays,” he said when asked how his congregants are dealing with the changes the pandemic has brought. “We are having a small group of about 10 who are coming each Thursday.”

Nursing and rehabilitation facilities in the area are especially feeling the change, since the majority of them are not allowing outside visitors in order to protect their residents from COVID-19.

Parties are still planned for residents, and though not allowed inside, family, friends and the commu-nity can still help make this Valentine’s Day special. Many of the area facilities are asking for dona-tions of candy, flowers and cards – all those things that make Valentine’s Day special – for their resi-dents.

Tassa Pitts, activity director at The Arbors Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Rusk, said resi-dents are looking forward to making banana splits for Valentine’s Day, and the facility will crown a king and queen for the holiday. Pitts said flowers and card donations for the residents would all be very welcome. The Arbors is located at 1884 TX-343 Loop.

Peaches Bush, activities director at Legacy of Jacksonville, said not only will their residents have a vin-tage Valentine's tea party the Friday before the day of hearts, there are also plans to make candy bouquets and deliver singing telegrams to its residents.

“We would love to have some carnations that we could give out when we deliver the singing tele-grams,” she suggested. “We would also like to have candy for our candy bouquets.”

Bush said it’s been difficult for residents at Legacy to adjust to not being able to have in-person visi-tors, but it’s beginning to get a little more normal.

“They’re getting used to it, and we’re seeing them buddy up and depend on each other more,” she said. “They’re getting through it.”

Legacy of Jacksonville is located at 810 Bellaire, just off the loop, in east Jacksonville.

Jacksonville’s Angelina House also has plans to have a craft day for residents to make Valentine’s boxes, and the facility is asking for donations of cards for the residents in time for their party on Feb. 12. Cards can be mailed or dropped off to Angelina House at 211 Phillip St. in Jacksonville.

Cangela Mallard of Cherokee Trails Rehab and Healthcare said residents also will celebrate Feb. 12 and people are welcome to bring donations of flowers or candy “or whatever God lays on their hearts.” Cherokee Trails is located at 330 Bagley Rd., in Rusk.