Ogunquit kids make valentines for community members

Mary Maren-Maxon shows off her Valentine's Day box.

With glitter, construction paper, and a whole lot of energy, preschool students decorated valentines for friends and some of Ogunquit’s senior residents on Monday, Feb. 13.

In lieu of the traditional “toddler time”, held every Monday afternoon at the Dunaway Center, Ogunquit Parks and Rec Director Jennifer Ewing said the children were making Valentine’s Day boxes and cards for residents who receive assistance from the Ogunquit Police Department’s “Good Morning Program.”

“It’s nice to give them a little something, we thought it would be a fun idea,” Ewing said of the project.

Sisters Kelsey and Hailey Ewing make valentines.

Erin Latuplippe, Chairwoman for the Parks and Rec Dept., said one of the Rec Dept.’s missions is trying to bridge the gap between children and community service. 

With approximately 25 toddlers running around and swapping ideas on how to place stickers or sign their name with glitter pens, there was much excitement over the pending holiday.

Preschooler Angelina DeMarco, a resident of Ogunquit, said she’s excited to show her friends and family how much she loves them by passing out Valentine’s Day cards.

“Valentine’s Day is a special holiday because you give valentines,” DeMarco said. “I’m going to have a class party and we’re going to sing and give presents.”

As she put the final touches on her Valentine’s Day box, Mary Maren-Maxon said she was also excited to give out cards and candy to friends.

“It’s a special day because you give valentines out,” Maren-Maxon said. “It’s special because they’re from your friends.” 

Sisters Paige and Leah Jarochym dress festively for Valentine's Day.

Standing beside her younger sister, Paige, and her mom, Linda, Leah Jarochym said she already gave out her first valentine of the year as a Birthday gift.

“We made Valentine’s Day cards, I put hearts on them and wrote my name on it and I gave it to my grandpa. And he said, ‘This is the best Birthday ever’,” Jarochym beamed.

Explaining that Valentine’s Day is “about hearts” and “hearts are love”, Jarochym said her favorite part of Feb. 14 is showing her family how much she loves them.

“My favorite part is I give my mommy hugs and kisses,” she said.