CHURCHILL NEWS
by Linda Gerow

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Whatever the legend, we still continue to send those heart-shaped messages. Happy Valentine's Day everyone.

Library News: Churchill Branch: 2282 4th Line, Churchill, Ontario: (705) 456-2671 "Due to staffing shortage, Innisfil Public Library Board will temporarily change the Churchill Branch Wednesday hours to 1-8 p.m. as of February 1, 2007 and all Churchill programmes will be CANCELLED for the current Winter Session. We thank our customers for their understanding and patience. If in doubt, please call ahead to 705-456-2671 to confirm open hours.

Winterfest begins Friday, February 23rd. Don't miss out on all the fun. Check your local paper for all the events.

Junior Youth Group: Parish of St. Peter's and St. John's (St. PJ's) hold their weekly meetings at St. Peter's Anglican church in Churchill from 6:30-8:00 p.m. each week. All youth aged 9-13 are welcome to join. Call Pam at 705-735- 3484 for information.

Senior Youth Group (ages 13-18) meet every second Sunday at St. John's Anglican church in Cookstown for lunch and bible study at 1:00 p.m. All high school aged youth are welcome to join. Please call Pam at the above number for all information and meeting dates.

Euchre: Euchre is held every Wednesday afternoon at St. Peter's Anglican church parish hall beginning at 1:00 p.m. Call Reg at 705-456-6801 for information. All proceeds go to the church Building Fund.

Valentine Day Tea: Innisfil Beach Gardens in Alcona will be hosting a Valentine Day tea on Wednesday, Feb. 14th, at 2:30 p.m. Harpist, Debbie McKay, will be in attendance for your musical pleasure. Come and enjoy a musical afternoon.

The Grange Cafe will be held from 7-10 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24th, at the Grange Hall in Lefroy. This is a community event geared towards all ages. If you love coffee, tea, espresso and delicious desserts, call for information to Andrew at 705-436-7171 or Pat at 705- 436-3575 or you can email simcoeliving@rogers.com

Spelling Bee: Saturday, Feb. 17th at Churchill Community Centre beginning at 2 p.m. hosted by the Innisfil Historical Society. Representatives from local schools are challenging members and friends of the Innisfil Historical Society to a spelling bee.

Roast Beef Dinner: February 21st at the Gilford United Church. The cost is $13 for adults; $5 for children under 12. There will be two sittings at 5:00 and 6:30 p.m. For tickets call 705-456-2006.

Branch 547 Lefroy Belle Ewart Legion News: Karaoke is coming back in the spring. There will be five weeks of singing and fabulous prizes. Watch for further details. Monday night darts begin at 7 p.m. and last about 3 hours. You don't have to be a member to join in the fun. Thursday Euchre continues from 1 p.m. There is regular and bid Euchre, followed by snacks. Thanks to Maggie and Bev for serving the food. Call 705-456-2531 for further information.

Smile: An elderly widow and widower were dating for about five years. The man finally decided to ask her to marry. She immediately said "yes". The next morning when he awoke, he couldn't remember what her answer was! "Was she happy? I think so, wait, no, she looked at me funny..." After about an hour of trying to remember to no avail, he got on the telephone and gave her a call. Embarrassed, he admitted that he didn't remember her answer to the marriage proposal. "Oh", she said, "I'm so glad you called. I remembered saying 'yes' to someone, but I couldn't remember who it was."