When you write out a “valentine” you are taking part in a tradition with a rich and tragic history that has become increasingly obscure over the years. St. Valentine, for whom we celebrate the day, defied an emperor’s ban on marriage, illegally marrying couples in support of true love until he was caught for assisting in these ceremonies, and was sentenced to death. His last act before his execution was to write out his own declaration of love to the woman that had captured his heart, and signed it: “From your Valentine.” The act carried a heavy weight, being his final words. Traditionally, when you ask someone to be your valentine, what you are saying is that if I were to die today, I would want my last act to make my love to you known. While it has been commercialized down to focusing more on buying chocolates and roses, I often try to remind myself that the true message of this holiday is that love is worth fighting for at all stages of life, even in your final moments.
This past week has been a beautiful reminder that love exists in all forms and is worth making time for. Whether you spent Galentine’s Day with your favorite ladies at brunch, made your partner a homemade card, bought yourself a treat as a form of self-love, or simply made an effort to love a little more freely in general, I hope you made the most of and were able to enjoy this Valentine’s Day!
Library food programs
The Wyoming Free Library has opened a community food pantry. This pantry will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The library is seeking non-perishable and household items for the pantry. Please contact the library for a full list of acceptable items.
The library also is hosting a children’s produce market. The distribution is scheduled from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Stop at the front desk to pick up an application.
Girl Scout cookies
Cadette Girl Scout Troop 33262 will have a cookie booth at the Wyoming Library on Saturday, Feb. 25 starting at 10 a.m. The troop is filled with entrepreneurial girls in sixth to eighth grade. They are raising funds for their end-of-year trip and Silver Projects. This year there are some new cookies like Toast-Yay and Lemonades, and favorites like Thin Mints. Come out and support the library and the Girl Scouts.
Exeter ambulance memberships
Greater Pittston Ambulance memberships in Exeter for 2023 have been delayed. Therefore, people who had paid their 2022 membership will be extended in coverage until Feb. 28.
The ambulance association apologizes for the delay and any inconvenience this has created.
Career fair at WA
The Wyoming Area School District’s career fair will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 22, in the Secondary Center gymnasium.
Organizers are hoping some wonderful Wyoming Area alumni will be willing to volunteer to meet with junior and senior students to talk about their different job paths and various careers. They also want to extend the invitation to local businesses and industries in the Wyoming Area community who would like to attend to advertise their services to the students.
Please contact Christine Rutledge at crutledge@wyomingarea.org for information or to reserve a spot.
Wyoming Free Library LEGO programs
LEGO Club at the Wyoming Free Library has resumed with new themes like Ninjago, DC Heroes, Super Mario and James Bond 007. Scheduled so far is a DC Superheroes themed event that will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. The program is free but space and LEGO kits are limited, so contact the library to register. This program is recommended for ages 8 and older. Saturday, March 18, the program will be Avatar themed.
A new preschool LEGO story time also will begin for young children with programs planned from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, Feb. 28 and March 7, 14 and 21. In this free program for ages 3 to 5, children will enjoy a story and create with LEGO DUPLO blocks. Space is limited. Contact the library to register.
Friends of the library
Friends of the Wyoming Free Library is a group of dedicated volunteers who serve as a voice of advocacy for our wonderful library.
The Friends invite new members to join them at any time throughout the year to assist them in their mission: “To keep the Wyoming Free Library an active place to educate patrons in the ever-changing world in which we live.”
It’s easy to join. Stop by the library and fill out an application. Call the library at 570-693-1364 for information about some of their fundraisers. Dues are $5 a year. Friends meetings are to be announced.
Exeter refuse stickers
Residents of Exeter Borough can now purchase their 2023 refuse stickers at the Exeter Borough Building, 1101 Wyoming Ave., Exeter. Stickers also can be purchased by mail by mailing a check with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the borough building and the sticker will be mailed back to you.
Refuse stickers are $170 until Feb. 28. For residents 65 and older, the stickers are $130 if purchased by Feb. 28. On March 1, the stickers will increase to $200 and $150 for seniors, until March 31. After March 31, penalties will be added. For information, call 570-654-3001, ext. 2.
Exeter Legion meeting
Exeter American Legion Post 833 meets the second Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m. at the American Grill. New members are welcome, and anyone who has served in the military with an honorable discharge is eligible. New members will receive a paid membership for one year.
BSA Girl Troop
West Wyoming BSA Girl Troop 3366 is seeking members. The Girl Troop in BSA is a traditional scouting experience for young girls in fifth grade through high school. It promotes leadership development, community engagement through Scout-led service projects, and allows Scouts to work toward their very own Eagle Scout rank.
To join the adventure or to learn more, call 570-510-2133 or contact them by email at cmadar@vantagetrustfcu.org.
Grace Berlew writes about Exeter, Wyoming and West Wyoming every week. To list an item, email gberlew@pittstonprogress.com or call 570-301-2185 by 5 p.m. Monday.