The week of Valentine’s Day was special for residents and visitors at Gracedale Nursing Home, 2 Gracedale Ave., Nazareth. On Feb. 11, a love-themed luncheon was held for residents, their spouses and partners, where the Gracedale life enrichment team captured photos. The menu included a choice between creamy Parmesan chicken piccata and pan-seared Atlantic salmon, with triple chocolate cheesecake for dessert.

Dorothy Silfies and her husband, Ray Silfies, were one of the couples in attendance. They met when they were just 9 or 10 years old and grew up in Bath just blocks away from each other. They were friends in school and started dating when they were 16.

“We went to prom together and graduated together,” Ray said.

The couple was married Oct. 17, 1964, and bought a home in Nazareth, where they raised three children. With Ray working long hours to make ends meet, he wasn’t home often.

“I give her all the credit for raising them,” he said.

Dorothy worked first as a secretary and later as a day care provider, which she says was the joy of her life.

The decision to have Dorothy move to Gracedale was a difficult one for Ray. He is usually at Gracedale visiting her for four to five hours each day. Events like the luncheon help the couple reconnect and enjoy those special moments, such as Valentine’s Day.

“You’d have to go to a restaurant to get food like that,” Ray said. “The plating on the meal and the dessert was 5-star.”

In addition to the luncheon, the Friends of Gracedale nonprofit group held a bake sale and basket raffle. All proceeds from the sale go back to the residents and for activities held for residents throughout the year, including the in-house beauty parlor and barbershop.