February is the month for romance
CHURCHILL NEWS
by Linda Gerow

The history of Valentine's Day, and its patron saint, is shrouded in mystery.

But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. 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, that may have been his jailer's daughter, who visited him during his confinement, according to www.history.com.

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. Although the truth behind the Valentine legend is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France. Have you remembered your special Valentine this year? I hope so.

Library news: Churchill branch manager, Debra Mann. Phone number is 456- 2671. The branch is closed on Sundays, Mondays and Fridays. The current session of programs runs from Jan. 15 to Feb. 26. Check with the branch for space availability.

F3 (Food, friends, fun) - Hang-out with us as we make tasty snacks, play games and do other activities in this after school club. Tuesdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Family Storytime - A storytime for children of all ages accompanied by their caregivers. This storytime includes games, rhymes, fingerplays and stories is designed for the whole family to enjoy. Thursdays from 2 to 2:45 p.m.

First Nations Public Library Week runs from Feb. 11 to 16 this year. Ontario celebrates First Nations Public Library Week in February each year during the week in which Valentine's Day occurs. The winter timing of the week observes the First Nations' traditional snow-on-theground time for storytelling.

Celebrate Family Day, Feb. 18th, with the Frosty Challenge by building a snowman together. Teams of two to five people will have one hour to build a snowman. The team with the best snowman will win four passes for tubing at Snow Valley. This a free event, registration. Saturday February 23 at 1 p.m. See library for rules and regulations.

Silver Birch: A reading program for children in grades 3 to 6. This program includes 10 fiction and 10 non-fiction titles. It also includes 10 express titles that are aimed at grades 3 to 4. Children are invited to read at least five titles from each category and vote on their favourite. Call your branch for details.

Movies: All tickets are $2, Refreshments are $1. Churchill branch: Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium on Feb. 16 at 1 p.m. Bee Movie on March 1 at 1 p.m.

Coming Soon: Alvin and the Chipmunks and The Water Horse.

Churchill United Church news: Visit the website at www.churchillgilfordunitedc hurches.org. Check it out.

Churchill Community Play Group meets Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. at the Churchill United Church on Highway 11. Toys, crafts, songs, books and snacks are available along with coffee and friendship. Please call Kim for information at 456- 1859.

The Parish of Churchill and Cookstown Junior Youth Group (COOL) has its next meeting on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14th at St. Peter's, beginning at 6:30 p.m. This is for youth aged nine to 12 years. Call Pam at 735-3484 for information. The youth group now has a new name, Christians Obey our Lord (COOL).

Senior youth group: The Teen youth group will meet alternate Sundays at St. John's Anglican Church in Cookstown from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Please contact Pam for any information and upcoming dates at 735-3484.

Euchre: Euchre at St. Peter's Anglican church takes place on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to drop by any Wednesday and join in.

Looking ahead: World Day of Prayer March 7th at Lefroy United Church, beginning at 1 p.m. The country represented this year is Guyana. For information call Lynn Johnston at 733- 3692.

Ham and scalloped potato dinner at St. Peter's Anglican Church, Friday April 4th from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for the students (12 and under). Preschoolers are free.

Smile: A New York family bought a ranch out west where they intended to raise cattle. Friends came to visit and asked if the ranch had a name.

"Well," said the wouldbe cattleman. "I wanted to call it the Bar-J, my wife favoured the Suzy-Q, one son liked the Flying-W, and the other son wanted the Lazy-Y. So, we're calling it the Bar-J-Suzy-Q-Flying-WLazy Y."

"But, where are all your cattle?"

"None have survived the branding."

If you have any news/items for this column, please contact me at 436- 9769 or e-mail lagerow@rogers.com.