Sharing the Love

This week it’s all about love – not surprising given that Valentine’s Day is Saturday.

According to Wikipedia, Valentine’s Day was originally known as St. Valentine’s Day because it started as a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus. The day was first associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. In 18th century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as “valentines”). Valentine’s Day symbols that are used today include the heart-shaped outline, doves and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.

However, Valentine’s Day is not just about the love between people, but the love of pooches. Crescenta Valley is filled with folks who adore their four-legged friends. On page 14 you can read about the “Doggy Love Index” created by the makers of Milk-Bone and other pet products. Among the information listed are those states that love their dogs the most. You might be surprised where California falls. Also on page 14 are some fun things going on around town for Valentine’s Day that you won’t want to miss.

On page 6, Mary O’Keefe shares how the love of coffee and the love of – well, love – are bringing folks together this Valentine’s Day.

But let’s face it – sometimes love is tough. Our cover story shares the trials that military wives endure when their husbands are off at war. Writer Brandon Hensley talked to local military wives – some married for years, some still in the newlywed days – to learn how they cope when their husband is far from home, sometimes in places they can’t share.

Some say that there is no love like that parents have for their children. On page 6, you’ll discover how a party for 4-year-old Novalee organized by her mom Misty raised funds for much needed medication. The event demonstrates not only a mom’s love but the love of a community eager to rally around someone who needs its help.

These fun and heartwarming stories will hopefully set a romantic mood for you this Valentine’s Day to celebrate with whoever – or whatever – you’re in love with.