Joy filled the room as residents at Legend of Allentown celebrated Valentine’s Day Feb. 14 with “Waffles with your Sweetheart.”

Loved ones savored waffles with whipped cream and a choice of toppings prepared by Chef Sargent Majors. Staff set up a festive Valentine-themed exhibit of vintage photographs of the couples, including several framed wedding and anniversary pictures. The golden-agers also basked in the sound of golden oldies.

Celebrating their 72 years of life together were residents Paul Dickes, 94, a World War II merchant marine veteran and his wife Marian, 93. Dickes retired from the metal stamping industry. “I worked for the state, Pennsylvania state, interviewing the elderly for energy assistance, Marian mused. The couple met in college, wed in 1948 and reared three daughters.

Dick and Joan Hulbert have been married for 68 years, tying the knot in 1952.

Dick retired from the chemical industry and Joan sold real estate. The couple raised five children. Both residents are 89.

Larry and Toni Saraka happily spoke of being married for 62 years. Originally from Wilkes-Barre, they now reside at Legend of Allentown. “We met on a blind date,” Larry said.

Remembering life with his late wife, Margaret, John Bruns, 88, was joined by two of his adult daughters, Karen Bruns and Kathy Bonette, of Macungie. The now retired newspaper sports writer and his bride were wed in 1955, had five children and were married for 63 years.

Legend memory care residents also participated in “Waffles with your Sweetheart.” These included resident Olive Wennineer, 90, who was joined by Harley, 94, her husband of 68 years. They were married in 1951, raised two daughters and lived together on Ivy Lane in Lower Macungie Township for 44 years. Olive worked for Bell Telephone Co. of Pennsylvania and Harley retired from UGI Utilities.

Retired registered nurse Nancy Gerdeman, 78, enjoyed breakfast with her 79-year-old spouse, Ron, at the Valentine’s Day event. Ron worked at Buckeye Pipeline for 40 years. They were wed in 1964. The couple moved to Legend after the 2019 fire at Heather Glen Senior Living in Upper Macugie.

“After a year and a half since opening, we’ve seen our residents form beautiful friendships and come together like family,” Sales Director Christina Price said. “This event was a way to show our appreciation and love for residents and their families,” she added.

The personal care and memory care residence is located at 6043 Lower Macungie Road, on the site of the former Lower Macungie Elementary School. For more information, visit legendseniorliving.com.