January 24, 2008
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Jeffrey D. Brasie at 800.545.6220

NORTH MANCHESTER, IN - Peabody Retirement Community will be hosting a Valentine’s Social Hour for residents and their invited guests on Wednesday, February 13th from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Peabody’s Strauss Center.

According to Donnie Kohls and Tracy Irwin, “First time visitors will be able to learn about Peabody’s campus while meeting current residents and enjoying hors d’oeuvres and desserts, as well as live entertainment.”

They added, “The event is free of charge and it’s a great opportunity to visit our 32 acre campus.”

To register or for additional information, please contact Donnie or Tracy at 800.545.6220, extension 1102 or 1108.

Established in 1931, with Presbyterian “roots”, Peabody is fully licensed and accredited. The campus is comprised of a 48 bed Memory Enhancement Center, 144 long term care beds, 124 assisted living residences, and 57 cottage (independent) living homes.

A Brief History of Valentine’s Day
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men-his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the Injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first ‘valentine’ greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl – who may have been his jailor’s daughter –who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed ‘From your Valentine,’ an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and most importantly, romantic figure. It’s no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.