Weather continues to keep our attention – whether with school closures, canceled meetings or mopping up basements. This is just the time to lighten up with a valentine remembrance on Thursday. Send notes to loved ones and friends and perk up this dismal month with a dash of red and pink! It doesn’t even need to be a fancy card with valentine sentiments. Just a few words or a phone message will serve the purpose – of “thanks,” “thinking of you” or “love you.”

The Legion will be doing its part on Saturday, Feb. 16. The annual Sweetheart Supper begins at 5 p.m. with a menu of Swiss steak with pan gravy, mashed potatoes and green beans. A great way to show love and appreciation would be dinner at the Laroy Farst American Legion.

This will be the month of tournaments and best wishes for a strong showing.

The girls high school team opens with a bye for the Patriots. The state-ranked team will play next week on Tuesday, Feb. 19, after Newton and Miami Valley decide the opponent.

Congratulations to the eighth grade girls in a championship win last weekend over National Trail.

Following Patriot basketball during the tournament run can help alleviate the winter doldrums.

Congratulations to Bill Riegle on his 90th birthday. Celebrating with him, his family and friends gathered this week end for a surprise day of cake and good wishes. The actual milestone day is Thursday. You can still send a card.

Also congratulations to Kara Hollinger, daughter of Amy and Doug Hollinger. She was named to the Ashland University’s dean’s list.

Fight off cabin fever by reading a good book, catching an old movie, and scanning those seed catalogs coming in the mail. Sometimes winter forces us to slow down and find ways to occupy our time. We could start our tax paperwork or clean the basement.

Enjoy Valentine’s Day.