Valentine’s Day is Tuesday and while many believe that it is a holiday created by the greeting card companies, the origin of Valentine’s Day is traced back to the Roman Empire.
It is said that in the Rome of ancient times people observed a holiday on February 14th to honor Juno – the Queen of Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also regarded Juno as the Goddess of Women and Marriage. In later years, the Emperor Claudius II cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome because he found it tough to get soldiers to join the Roman army because they did not want to leave their wives and families.
A priest in Rome named Valentinus (aka Valentine) defied Claudius’ order and secretly married couples. When his defiance was discovered, Valentine was brutally beaten and put to death on February 14, about 270 AD. After his death Valentine was named a Saint. By the Middle Ages, Valentine assumed the image of a heroic and romantic figure amongst the masses in England and France. Around 498 AD, Pope Gelasius declared Feb. 14 as St. Valentine’s Day to honor the martyred priest Valentinus.
The popularity of St. Valentine’s Day has grown to mark the day lovers exchange love notes called ‘Valentines’ with their sweethearts. In the beginning the trend was to send handmade cards but this changed at the beginning of the 19th century when mass-produced greeting cards caught fancy with people. Over the course of time, Valentine’s Day has come to be regarded as a day to celebrate love, not just romantic love, and cards are gifted to teachers, parents, friends, siblings, and sweethearts.
Have you ever wondered about the book of Revelation? Pitsburg Church of the Brethren is sponsoring a study of the book of Revelation on Wednesday evenings at 7, beginning Feb. 15. They have invited Larry Lutz, a pastor from Piqua, to come and lead the study. He has been working with the book for over 20 years and will bring insight to our understanding. Although he has studied it deeply, he does not know it all and will encourage questions and discussions on various interpretations. The expected outcome is for all to have a deeper appreciation of the writings and the relevance it has for us today. Organizers expect the evening to last until 8:30 p.m. each week. Pitsburg COB is located at 8376 Pitsburg Laura Road, Arcanum. If you have questions, you may call Pastor Ken Oren at 937-546-6808.
Congratulations to the seventh-grade Arcanum boys’ basketball team for completing their regular season with an unbeaten record! By the time this article is printed, they will have started Cross County Conference tournament action. Coaches are Don Taylor, Colton Troutwine and David Baker.
Are you looking forward to the Arcanum Farmers Market? Are you thinking spring and what to plant in your garden? The Arcanum Farmers Market will be looking for vendors to set up at the Veterans Park area besides the AWTHS this summer. If you are interested in participating please call Sharon Troutwine for details at 937-692-5128. The Farmer’s Market will start on Saturday mornings starting in June. Think ahead plan your gardens and flowers so you will have something to share — produce, hand made soaps, antiques and quality crafts are examples. No junk or garage sale items please.
Arcanum Athletic Boosters are planning their Third Annual Monte Carlo Night on March 18 at the Stillwater Valley Golf Club, 9235 Seibt Road, Versailles, from 7 to 11 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 which includes the event entry, appetizers, and 1 FREE raffle entry. For tickets or questions, please call or text Karin Baker at 937-604-5752 or Tish Rademachir 937-417-5253.
A group of mothers of military members have started a local Blue Star Moms Chapter and are looking for new members. The group has members from five counties: Butler, Preble, Darke, Randolph and Wayne including local resident and AHS grad Julian (Baker) Jones. They have been very active in supporting deployed military personnel at Christmas with 200 care packages and plan to send 25 Easter care packages. They are a small group doing big things and would like to attract more members. Additionally they are supporting two veterans to make a bus trip to Washington, D.C. for a memorial tour. There next meeting is Feb. 21 at L&M Products on Barron Street in Eaton at 6:30 p.m. If you have any questions, please call President Linda Samuels 937-456-1588.
May your Valentine’s Day be special; the greatest Valentine’s are those from the heart.
“Love is like playing the piano. First you must learn to play by the rules, and then you must forget the rules and play from your heart.” — Anonymous
