Happy Valentine’s Day

2023-02-09 - WASHINGTON Jan Clatterbuck jan@rappnews.com; 675-3338

Is February the month of love? Well, it certainly is if you count the chocolates, the cards, the roses and the special dinners all centered around one day, Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. Valentine’s Day is a holiday set aside each February to celebrate our fondest a ections for our loved ones. Traditionally, that includes cards, candy and owers, or even a piece of jewelry.

Valentine’s isn’t just the day of “love.” It’s also the day for couples to recapture their relationship, for the time that they’ve been together.

There are many theories and myths surrounding the origin of the modern Valentine’s Day celebrations. Some adore Valentine’s Day, while others dread it.

Whatever your inclinations are, I hope everyone will have a nice Valentine’s Day and that the ladies will receive their red roses — the traditional Valentine’s ower.

Remember love doesn’t make the world go round — it is what makes the ride worthwhile for everyone.

As William Shakespeare said: “Doubt thou the stars are re, Doubt that the sun doth move. Doubt truth to be a liar, But never doubt I love.”

VALENTINE COUPLES

Wedding anniversary wishes go out to my brother Wayne and his wife, Ruth Burke of Front Royal, and to Danny and Hope Hu of Washington, all of whom will celebrate their special day on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14).

CHECK YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE

A reminder to everyone that February is Heart Month. So let’s make blood pressure control our goal.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, o en showing no signs or symptoms. Which is why having your blood pressure checked regularly is important.

If you know you have high blood pressure, take these steps: Ask your doctor what your blood pressure should be. Set a goal to lower your pressure. Take your blood pressure medicine as directed and reduce sodium intake, for sodium can raise blood pressure.

BIRTHDAY WISHES

Birthday wishes go out to Frank Mo ett who blows out his candles on Wednesday, Feb. 8. Birthday wishes as well to a dear friend of mine, Pastor Phil Bailey, who will celebrate his special day on Monday, Feb. 13.

Bryant Lee will eat cake on Friday, Feb. 17. Birthday wishes as well go out to Bud Clatterbuck, who is celebrating on Sunday, Feb. 19; another dear friend of mine, Lillie Corbin of Sperryville, who will be turning 95, on Thursday, Feb. 23, Mary McFarland day is on Saturday, Feb. 25, and Betty Grigsby, who will celebrate her special day on Tuesday, Feb. 28 in Heaven.

May you all have many more birthdays.

BURNING LAW

The 4 p.m. Burning Law states that from Feb. 15 through April 30 of each year, no burning before 4 p.m. is permitted if the re is within 300 feet of woodland, brushland or elds containing dry grass or other ammable material.

Since forest fuels cure during the winter months, the danger of re is higher in early spring than in summer, when the forest and grasses are green with new growth. The 4 p.m. Burning Law is an e ective tool in the prevention of forest res.

A violation of the 4 p.m. Burning Law is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 ne. In addition to the criminal violation, those who allow a re to escape are liable for the cost of suppressing the re as well as any damage caused to others’ property.

CORRECTION

In last week's edition (Feb. 2) I wrote that there was a reception for Peggy’s retirement in the courthouse on Tuesday, Jan. 31, arranged and paid for by the local bar association. It was planned and paid for by Michael T. Brown and Walker Jones PC. Sorry for the confusion.

Stay warm and have a wonderful week.

?? PHOTO BY LAURA COLLINS ?? A VIRTUAL STORYTIME FOR THE KIDS AT CCLC | David Hyde Costello, of Amherst, Mass., visited CCLC remotely on Jan. 30, providing a book reading of his famous book, “I Can Help” for the preschoolers. He worked in collaboration with the children to brainstorm more characters and problems that need to be solved. David then provided drawings of all their animal characters acting out the situations that were created by the children’s imaginations. Lisa Pendleton, program director said, “David’s visits are always exciting to our inspiring young author/illustrators!” — PHOTO BY LAURA COLLINS A VIRTUAL STORYTIME FOR THE KIDS AT CCLC | David Hyde Costello, of Amherst, Mass., visited CCLC remotely on Jan. 30, providing a book reading of his famous book, “I Can Help” for the preschoolers. He worked in collaboration with the children to brainstorm more characters and problems that need to be solved. David then provided drawings of all their animal characters acting out the situations that were created by the children’s imaginations. Lisa Pendleton, program director said, “David’s visits are always exciting to our inspiring young author/illustrators!”