Two of the most time-honored Valentine’s Day traditions are exchanging cards and eating Necco’s Sweethearts. Both practices are much older than people may think.

Today’s modern version of exchanging Valentines seems to have been inspired by Valentine himself. Historical details about Valentine and his works vary and are difficult to pinpoint accurately. According to the website Catholic.org, Valentine was brutally executed by the order of Claudius II. The exact year isn’t known, but estimates range from 269 to 280. Valentine was said to have restored the sight of a jailer’s blind daughter, and he gave the girl a note on the day of his execution, February 14th, that was signed “Your Valentine.” He was eventually named a Saint by the Catholic Church who traditionally held a feast day in his honor on February 14th.

Over the years the Feast Day of St. Valentine became a widely celebrated holiday. Necco’s official website states that they began making sweethearts candy in 1866. Necco Wafers had already been a successful product, but when Daniel Chase, brother of Necco founder Oliver Chase, devised a way to print food coloring on the wafers, a new phenomenon was born. Necco now makes billions of the tiny candy hearts each year.

THOT “Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.” William Shakespeare

Many happy birthday wishes are sent to my sweet great aunt, Doris Baysore, who will be marking her special day on February 19th. Happy birthday, Aunt Doris! I love you and I hope you have a wonderful year!

You can receive a 15% discount on Hometown Hero Banners if your order is placed by April 6th. Forms are available the Montgomery Borough Office, the Clinton Township Office, at Montgomery Weis, and online at the Lycoming County website under the Veterans Affairs page.

The Montgomery Lions Club is currently accepting new members. If you’re interested, please call Roger McRae at (570) 971-2825.

If you would like a birthday, anniversary, or special event recognized in this column, please e-mail it to news@muncyluminary.com.

Montgomery events

Weds. Feb. 14 The Montgomery Area Public Library will have Toddler Tales from 11-noon.

Thurs. Feb. 15 Fae Herb will give a talk at the Montgomery Area Historical Society entitled “Who Was Henry Hand?” that will give details about the life and murder of Henry Hand, the only police officer in Montgomery’s history who died in the line of duty. The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Adam Room with an Open House to follow. All Historical Society activities are free and open to the public.

Fri. Feb. 16 The library will debut a new program for teenagers called “Chat & Chew.” Teens can gather informally to talk about books and related topics from 4-5 p.m. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be provided.

Sat. Feb. 17 Virtuoso Junior will perform their annual show at 7:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium. This year’s play is “Law and Order: Fairy Tale Unit.”

Mon. Feb. 19 Teen Movie Day will be from 2-4 p.m. at the library. “Maze Runner” will be shown on the library’s new 55-inch TV and free popcorn will be available.

Tues. Feb. 20 The library will have Family Movie Night from 5:00-6:30 p.m. “Moana” will be shown and popcorn will be provided.

Weds. Feb 21 Toddler Tales will be held at the library from 11-noon. Children age 1-5 will have a story, snack, and a craft activity. Pre-register at 547-6212 and plan to accompany your child.