by Alexa M. Ten Eyck

Cards paired with flowers or sweet treats have long been a part of Valentine’s Day celebrations. These symbols offer a visible expression of a deeper idea: adoration. Adoration is the intentional practice of noticing people and responding with care and appreciation. While it is often framed as a personal or romantic sentiment, adoration extends far beyond individual relationships.

Adoration lives in everyday moments. Ones that are often easy to overlook because they feel ordinary. A task done carefully. Time given patiently. Effort given without request. Over time, these moments accumulate. Trust grows. Connections deepen. People feel seen.

Within communities, it becomes a shared practice, shaping how people treat one another and how effort is recognized to sustain connections. When practiced collectively, adoration instills belonging, by providing the sense that each person’s presence matters. Specifically at places like the Stockbridge Area Senior Center, adoration is visible through daily action. This month the center focuses on the positive impacts of adoration by recognizing one of its most adored, our administrative assistant, Lisa Cornish.

Lisa exemplifies adoration in the Stockbridge area. Over the past year, her presence empowered the center’s ability to operate as a place where people feel adored. She notices people and that leads to understanding what is needed. Her response to those needs never fails to come from a place of care and appreciation. From rekindling relationships within the community to simply being present, she goes above and beyond.

Her ability to exude adoration in all things ensures those around her know their presence matters. With Lisa on the team, adoration is an inherent part of SASC’s culture. People and spaces are treated with care, responsibilities are carried forward no matter what challenges are present, and people willingly support one another.

Her impact is so powerful that is extends beyond the center’s walls into the broader Stockbridge community. As an ode to Lisa, for her one-year work anniversary, the culture she perpetuates will be shared outwardly with a cherished local business on Valentine’s Day. Through a volunteer collaboration, SASC will help Country Petals Florals and Gifts, Inc., meet its annual Valentine’s Day demand by assisting with flower prep and order delivery.

By blending Valentine’s Day symbols with everyday moments that make people feel adored, these two teams encourage the Stockbridge community to stop in and take part in practicing adoration by recognizing someone like Lisa—someone to be adored in their own corner of the community.

Alexa M. Ten Eyck is the board president of the Stockbridge Area Senior Center (SASC)—a great place to spend time. Experience firsthand a sense of connection and well-being at SASC. Visit stockbridgeareaseniors.org, call 517-480-0353, or stop in at 219 W. Elm Street for information.