By:Becki Bees On:February 17, 2026 Categories:Chef's Corner, Dining, Featured, Lifestyle, News, Press Release, Wellness

We got together, we shared our RPP community love, and we tasted all the chocolate!

Our second annual Valentine’s Day Chocolate Tasting was a delicious celebration of connection, wellness, and community. Residents and team members gathered in the 8th floor club room with our Fitness & Wellness Squad to sample a variety of rich dark chocolates, enjoy light refreshments, and share the love that makes the RPP community so special.

Beyond the joy and indulgence, we also celebrated the health benefits of dark chocolate—an ingredient featured in many evidence-based healthy eating patterns. Dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) is rich in antioxidants (flavanols) that may support heart health, improve circulation, and help reduce inflammation. It may also boost mood, support brain health, and satisfy sweet cravings with less sugar. Getting together and sharing fair-trade organic Hu chocolate, sweetened with un-refined coconut sugar, is the sweetest part.

Wellness tips for enjoying dark chocolate:

• Choose 70–85% cacao for the most benefits

• Keep portions mindful (a few squares goes a long way!)

• Pair with heart-healthy foods like berries or nuts

• Enjoy slowly and mindfully to savor the flavors

One thing’s for sure—we’ll be ordering twice as much chocolate next year—because when it comes to wellness and dark chocolate, our community has excellent taste!

Hand-Made Valentine Cards are the Best!

Residents and Associates were invited to the Jacqueline Slavney Art Studio to make Valentine’s for friends, family, and coworkers. Crafts were supplied and comraderie emerged. So many people turned up to share their creativity and share conversations. It’s so much fun to see what everyone is making!

RPP Dining Team Served Up a Week of Valentine Surprises

We started the week with “Strawberry Shortcake Cups” so residents could gear up for Valentine’s Day with a sweet surprise. On Tuesday, residents were able to take some photos in the “Love Photo Booth” to remember the occasion. Wednesday was a “Trail of Love Mix” with a fun trail mix to go! Next up was a “Love Potion #9” cocktail or mocktail. Residents enjoyed “Tuxedo Strawberries” on the eve of Valentine’s Day, and wrapped up the week with Valentine’s Day Dinner. Residents felt wrapped in love all week and are now experiencing a little bit of a sugar crash. So worth it!