Posted on Jan 31, 2022 in
COVER STORY
COVER STORY | By Patti Parish-Kaminski –
February 14th is traditionally the day we shower our sweethearts and those dear to us with gestures of our appreciation and affection for their special place in our hearts. It’s the day for flowers, candy, romantic dinners, jewelry, thoughtful gestures, cards – even convertibles according to a Facebook poll I took last month! Basically, any grand gesture that would make a girl swoon is the perfect target for Cupid’s arrow.
There are any number of stories relating to the genesis of Valentine’s Day, and many are related to martyrdom according to Chaucer and the Cult of Saint Valentine. One account is that of Saint Valentine of Rome. In the third century, it seems that Saint Valentine was imprisoned for ministering to Christians who were persecuted under the Roman Empire at the time. According to the legend while imprisoned, Saint Valentine restored sight to the blind daughter of his jailer. According to Rosemary Guiley’s The Encyclopedia of Saints, the legend later went on to state that his gesture was out of love as it claims he wrote the jailer’s daughter a letter signed “Your Valentine” as a farewell before he was executed.
So, was Saint Valentine’s gesture purely altruistic or was it a symbol of his undying – or apparently dying – love? We’ll probably never be certain, but one thing that is for certain is that this Valentine’s Day, you can do something meaningful with your sweetheart and do something good for your community – all in the name of love. Here’s a list of some heartfelt activities just in time for the day of love that will make your sweetie swoon and support your favorite organizations. Now that’s love!
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3rd Annual Sugar Land Rotary 5K Running with a Heart
Saturday, February 5th
7:30 am
Don matching leggings with your free race t-shirts for signing up, and start the day off with your babe burning calories for a cause. The race starts and finishes at Sugar Land Town Square, 15958 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX.
Information and To Register: http://www.sugarlandrotary5k.com/#Top.
Benefiting: The Fort Bend Rainbow Room.
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Valentine’s Fun at the Ranch
Saturday, February 12th • 9 am to 5 pm
The George Ranch Historical Park • 10215 FM 762, Richmond, TX
Pack up a basket and picnic with your sweetheart under the open skies and majestic oak of your choice at The George Ranch Historical Park. Handcraft a Victorian valentine for your love and enjoy a stroll in the park surrounded by nature. Sample heart-shaped cookies from the wood burning stove, and capture a photo of your love on the Texas plains.
Tickets: https://www.georgeranch.org/event/park-admission/
Benefiting: The George Ranch Historical Park.
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New Territory Blood Drive
Sunday, February 13th • 1 to 5 pm
The Club at New Territory • 1200 Walker School Road, Sugar Land, TX
Give the gift of life this Valentine’s Day at the New Territory Blood Drive. The Blood Center needs 1,000 pints of blood to be donated every day to meet the current need, and every two seconds someone needs a blood transfusion. What better gift to give during the month of love?
Contact The Blood Center at www.CommitForLife.org to schedule an appointment. Use Sponsor Code: S050.
Benefitting: The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center.
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Texana Café Exceptional Food from Exceptional People
Open Monday – Friday • 11 am to 2 pm
7440 FM 359 S • Fulshear, TX
Texana Cafe’s mission is to make and serve exceptional food while supporting meaningful employment for neurodiverse individuals. Texana Cafe serves exceptional soups, salads, sandwiches, coffee creations and sweet treats – just in time for Valentine’s Day! Place your orders now to pick up a special treat for your Valentine, Galentine or special person in your life for Valentine’s Day! Cookies, brownies, cupcakes and more!
All delicious menu items at Texana Café are created by individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities. Texana Cafe serves not only as a great option for delicious breakfast and lunch for the Fulshear community but also serves as a training ground for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities to gain important work experience.
Information: www.TexanaCafe.com. Benefiting: Texana Center.
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3rd Annual George Ranch Rodeo
Saturday, February 19th • Gates open at 4 pm; Rodeo begins at 7 pm
The George Ranch Historical Park • 10215 FM 762, Richmond, TX
You’ll be a Rodeo sweetheart with tickets to the only Rodeo at the George Ranch! Featuring bull-riding, barrel racing, steer-wrestling, tie-down calf-roping and much more, the Rodeo is a fun-filled evening of activities honoring Fort Bend County’s Black Cowboy Legacy complete with entertainment and vendors.
Information and Tickets: www.georgeranch.org/rodeo
Benefiting: The Educational and Preservation Efforts of The George Ranch Historical Park.
