Local department stores and small businesses are decked out in pinks and reds, and hearts and arrows, overflowing with symbols of love, as Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.
Haddonfield nonprofits are making it possible for anyone to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year. Whether you’re single or in a relationship, local organizations are providing a fun Valentine’s Day treat either completely free or inexpensively, making it possible to have fun while also giving back to the organization.
The first Valentine’s Day event is for seniors. The Haddonfield Memorial High School LEO Club is hosting its Annual Senior Citizens Valentine’s Day Party on Sunday, Feb. 7, with the help of Mabel Kay Senior Center. Seniors are invited to come enjoy the afternoon.
“It’s for senior citizens and isn’t just for couples. It is just a party. The dancing is more of a line dance anyways; (the party) just tries to get everyone up and involved,” said Nancy McCrudden, Mabel Kay Senior Center coordinator.
There will be food, music, dancing, a trivia contest, prizes and fun for all. What may be one of the best parts of the event is it is free for seniors to attend.
“The students at the high school are really enthusiastic about it. They love doing it for the seniors and are very generous in making it special for the seniors of Haddonfield,” McCrudden said.
The party will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at the Tatem School Cafeteria. To reserve a space, call the Mabel Kay Senior Center at (856) 354–8789.
On Friday, Feb. 12, the Haddon Fortnightly General Club will be hosting its Annual Valentine Luncheon. The theme this year is “That’s Amore,” inspired by Dean Martin’s famous hit song.
The entertainer for the event will feature the songs performed by Greg Armstrong, a local singer well loved for his renditions of Martin, the King of Cool. The event will also include a 50/50, a bake sale and a Valentine’s gift sale.
The menu for the afternoon will include antipasto salad, gourmet cheese or pepperoni pizza, tiramisu, soda, coffee and tea, catered by Susan Datto.
Reservations are $15 per person. The money made, not covering the luncheon, will go back to the Haddon Fortnightly General Club and the charities it helps. To make a reservation, call Barbara Datto at (856) 428–8895 by Feb. 5.
“We’re hoping to get more people to come, as it is not just for women, but couples, too,” said Datto, chairman of the Home and Garden Department and host of the Valentine Luncheon.
The luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Haddon Fortnightly Clubhouse, 301 East Kings Highway.
“We’re looking forward to seeing new faces! (I hope) they enjoy good food and entertainment, it’s very inexpensive, and (you can) see the beautiful building all decorated for the occasion,” Datto said.
The next day, residents also have the opportunity to enjoy a Valentine’s Dinner-Dance at Grace Church, hosted by the Haddonfield Center and School for the Performing Arts. Patrons, loved ones and friends can enjoy a dinner followed by a fun, informal dance, featuring live entertainment by 45 RPM, a local doo-wop and oldies band based in Laurel Springs.
“45 RPM is a local group of vocalists with tight harmony who do oldies hits all through the 80s. They’re really fun and dynamic, and people have a lot of fun dancing to their tunes because they sing so well,” Artistic Director Maximillian Esmus said.
Homemade hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will kick off the BYOB evening, followed by a full dinner and homemade desserts. Most who attend wear dressy casual, according to Esmus, but there is no dress code. Couples, friends and singles of all ages are encouraged to attend.
“It can be tough to make a reservation on Valentine’s weekend and find out what to do and where to go. Here, we provide a great experience. If you’re not the type who wants to go out for a formal dinner, this is a great way to spend your evening, plus the homemade desserts are to die for,” Esmus said.
The Valentine’s Dinner-Dance is Saturday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Grace Church, 19 Kings Highway East. Tickets are $35 each and available on the center’s website, www.haddonfieldarts.org, under “Concerts” or by calling the box office at (856) 685–9226. This annual event sells out, so patrons are strongly encouraged to make their reservations early. Ticket sales go toward paying for the event, and any proceeds benefit the Haddonfield Center and School for the Performing Arts.
