Valentine’s Day is observed as a special day to show someone that you care for them.
Pottsville City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said it’s important to “keep that feeling strong the other 364 days of the year.” For his wife, Theresa, he is buying flowers, a card and some lottery tickets. He said she doesn’t really have a favorite flower but appreciates the gesture. However, she likes lottery tickets.
Thomas Eye, 27, of Pottsville, is making sure his wife, Angella, 27, knows how important she is to him.
“You have to show your wife that you love her,” he said Friday as he bought a dozen red roses and two black ones at a local florist. He decided on black because it reminded him of “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” which is his wife’s favorite movie. According to Eye, his wife says every year she does not want flowers, but he knows better.
As for himself, he said he does not expect to get anything for Valentine’s Day.
“As long as we get to spend time together, that’s all that really matters,” Eye said.
The couple plans to go out to dinner while a family member watches their two children, Alexander, 5, and Ceciley, 4.
Eye said his wife is someone he leans on for support.
“She’s like my rock,” he said.
Anthony Seda, 42, of Orwigsburg, bought a half-dozen red roses, chocolate-covered strawberries and a purse for his girlfriend, Kelly Flynn. The couple has been together five years.
When asked what he likes about her, Seda said, “Everything.”
Orwigsburg Borough Manager Robert Williams is celebrating the day with his wife, Kathy. He said the day is one to spend with the person you love.
“I’m buying a dozen roses. I buy her yellow because she’s my best friend,” he said.
Williams said he will likely buy her candy and take her to dinner. His wife bought him two tickets to the World of Outlaw Sprint Car Race in Florida. They will be down there to watch the Daytona 500.
Flowers are one of the traditional ways to say “I love you” on Valentine’s Day.
At Lisa’s Floral Expressions, Pottsville, the price of flowers has not increased from the special day last year. Lisa McMullin, owner, said a half-dozen premium roses in a vase with greens and baby’s breath costs $48 and a dozen is $69.99. One rose is $5.
“A dozen red roses are the most wanted flower for Valentine’s Day. It’s traditional. It’s a sign of love,” she said Thursday.
She said men might feel “safe” buying flowers because they might be in trouble if they come home with something else. The store also sells an assortment of roses including rainbow-colored roses, which are dyed before shipping, and black roses. The store will be making deliveries today.
McMullin said some customers call in orders a month in advance.
John Hogan, a volunteer at the shop, was preparing arrangements, concentrating on the perfect placement of the roses, greens and baby’s breath.
“I’m actually allergic to the thorns,” he said before using a knife to remove them.
Hogan estimated he prepared about 15 floral arrangements as of noon Thursday.
“I hope it makes them happy,” he said.
Doris M. Kauffman, 79, of Pottsville, said she does not expect to get any flowers today. She said the day is “a wonderful day to let anyone know that you love them. She shows her love by calling family members and giving gifts.
The National Retail Federation said in a survey of 7,293 people, the average person will spend $146.84 for Valentine’s Day. Topping the list is candy, with 50 percent of responders saying they planned on buying the delicious treat for their special someone. Flowers, cards, an evening out and jewelry were other top gifts.
Donna Merkey, manager of the floral garden at Trail Gardens, Cressona, said red roses are the most ordered flower for Valentine’s Day. Pink, white and yellow are also popular colors. A half-dozen short-stem roses with greens and baby’s breath in a vase cost $29.99, while a dozen costs $44.99. Premium roses cost $40 for a half-dozen and $75 for a dozen. One rose cost $5.
The store will not be making deliveries today, but it will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Merkey said it’s important to keep the flowers away from sunlight, direct heat and drafts. She added that it’s a good idea to cut the stems again in cool water when you receive them.
Roy Guzick, Cressona, surprised his wife, Karlene, with a dozen roses Friday at her job. He said he buys her flowers every year. They plan to go to Jim Thorpe for dinner and a concert. Guzick said he does not expect to receive a gift.
Guzick summed up Valentine’s Day with one word — “Love.”
Local businesses also benefit on Valentine’s Day.
Carmelo Valenti, owner of Roman Delight, Orwigsburg, expects to be a busy day at his restaurant.
“We will be very busy. People have been calling all day,” he said Friday.
Karen Harley, manager of Gertrude Hawk Chocolates at the Schuylkill Mall, said business has been good. She said the store has hundreds of pounds of chocolate-covered strawberries. Six chocolate-covered strawberries cost $19.99 or 7 in a heart-shaped box for $26.99.
“It’s crazy. The phone has been ringing off the hook,” she said.