Some silky music. Lots of red roses. Well, who knows what might happen.
While that mystery wasn’t answered on Feb. 10, residents of The Wexford senior community in Marshall joyfully marked Valentine’s Day with a gathering to honor a trio of centenarians and a couple whose love has stood the test of time.
Dubbed “A Day of Love,” the party was the first live indoor musical event at the 143-unit senior community since the pandemic halted social gatherings.
“The last time we were able to treat our residents to a live show in the cafe was February 2020,” said Alaina Kuzins, the senior living consultant for the Waters. “The cafe is the heart of our home and center of our community. It’s a place that at some point, we all have gathered.”
Before the Stellare Strings ensemble took center stage to perform a set of traditional and modern songs that had residents toe-tapping, applauding and no doubt smiling behind their masks, staff delivered flower arrangements to three women — each containing the same number of roses as their age.
Sister Elise Renk and Mary Cassesse each received 102 red roses. Sister Pauline Kadilak got 101.
“We were honored to be asked to participate in this day of love and are happy to pay it forward, giving back to the community,” said Danielle Hillgartner of Flowers by Gerard in Cranberry, which supplied the roses for free.
Residents Betty and Gene Howell received a bouquet of red and white roses representing unity as they mark 71 years together.
Betty Howell, 88, was 18 when she met her husband-to-be in 1950, Gene Howell. He’s now 93.
“It was love at first sight,” he said.
Betty said she, too, was smitten when she met him.
And since their first date — a bus ride to go bowling and then a movie — the couple have been inseparable.
“He was so nice and had a southern accent that really got me.”
Gene walked her to the front door after every date so he could say goodnight to her and her parents, she said.
“He was so polite all the time.”
