Valentine's Day is celebrated every year on February 14. It has cultural, religious and commercial ramifications. It is a holiday about romance and romantic love all around the world. However, it is not a public holiday in any country. I was surprised the total expenditures in 2017 topping $18.2 billion, which is over $136 per person.

The saint that Valentine's Day is named for was put in prison for performing weddings for soldiers, which were not allowed to marry. He also ministered to Christians that at the time were being persecuted in the roman empire. According to legend, during his imprisonment Saint Valentine restored sight to the blind daughter of his judge, and before his execution he wrote her a letter signed "Your Valentine" as a farewell.

Although we often associate Valentine's day with romance, but it is celebrated all over the world as an opportunity to do good for your community. An opportunity to do a kind deed for individuals who need to be encouraged, or need to be thank, or acknowledged.

I would like to give a Valentine to the town of Big Sandy or to the people of Big Sandy. I moved here 1972, 47 years ago. And still don't know who is related to who. I've spend the years getting to know the people in Big Sandy and so many of them deserve to be acknowledged. I've come to appreciate the culture of a small town, those that face each day with celebration and a smile, and those who frown their way through life. I believe my ability to enjoy each person is a result of working for the clients of Big Sandy Activities for so many years. I learned that each person has value, and a reason for their behavior. They can't always communicate with words what they are feeling, but it isn't important that I necessarily know why only that they are communicating. Every human becomes who they are as life often gives them difficulties hard to overcome. So, for letting me get to know them I'd like to give my first Valentine to the Clients of Big Sandy Activities, and then the next Valentine to those who give them support.

My next Valentine goes to everyone who shows up to work in down town Big Sandy. The bank tellers, who always greet me with a smile. To the restaurant owners, we have great food in Big Sandy and I love eating the different menus they come up with. The library is becoming the hot spot to meet. And it's great to have a lawyer in town who knows me and cares about me. The Post office personal know how many times they have been so patient with me. The next Valentine goes to Leslie at the Mountaineer, no one knows the work she has done on your

behalf. We have a great grocery store. Ok they don't have all the unique food stuff, but if you ask they can get it. I love going into the store, and do most every day. And it's wonderful to have Julie who cares about our health. Senior Citizens is there giving us good food and a great place for events. We do have a number of individuals who keep our engines running. In our fast pace world, what a difficulty it would be without them. A big valentine goes to everyone who takes care of our health-the medical center, providers, pharmacy, and EMT. Thank you for your service to our community.

Next Valentine goes to the educators in our town that help our youngest members to reach their best selves. And to the pastors who help us all know that we are first and for most spiritual beings.

And again, just today I needed to be plowed out. And they are always working the town streets to make them passable.

We have many people in leadership roles in our town-city council, school board, church boards, Rotary, CSI, and Big Sandy Booster Club. There is lots of organizations for our kids to belong to and volunteers who help with youth sports.

And then there is just the ordinary people, who live out their lives in gentle and quite ways whose personalities helped make our local culture. They do for others quietly and without fanfare. It's important we value each other, and not respond or take behaviors personally when others are having a bad day. I thank you all and I'm asking you to be my valentine.