Call for Valentines: ‘Share Your Heart’

January 26, 2021  |  Waterbury Roundabout

Examples of handmade valentines from MakerSphere. Courtesy photos

The folks at Waterbury Rotary and MakerSphere have announced plans to decorate the Rusty Parker Memorial Park gazebo for Valentine’s Day but they would like local residents to give them a hand.

Organizers this week put out a call to “Share Your Heart!” asking people of all ages to make original valentines that will be collected and hung ahead of Feb. 14. 

“Show your love and appreciation to those you care about!” the announcement suggests. 

People of all ages and abilities are encouraged to make original valentines to honor parents and grandparents, kids, essential workers, teachers, and “anyone who has helped you through this crazy time” – even pets. 

Some specifics: 

• Sizes for valentines can vary from very small (4” x 4“) to a maximum of 18” x 18”.

• Be creative with materials. Use colored papers, lightweight cardboard or recycled objects, photos, etc. If possible, use waterproof ink, marker, or paint so that they last a few days outside. The valentines will be attached by staples to ribbon or with wire to the gazebo, so keep them lightweight.

• Drop off valentines in a special box inside the airlock entryway in the front entrance at Thatcher Brook Primary School. Get them there by Friday, Feb. 5. Volunteers will set up the display before Valentine’s Day.

• Look for the exhibit in Rusty Parker Park (masked of course) as Valentine’s Day approaches. From the organizers: “Bring your true love and your dear friends. Help them find their valentine from you and enjoy what others have created!”