February is the shortest month of the year. Sometimes it is the coldest but it is the one special month dedicated to love. It is said that in ancient times, young men picked one girl to be their sweetheart for that year. Names were drawn from a box. At the end of the year the couple would be free to marry or free to go their separate ways.

St. Valentine is said to have helped young ladies without financial means by providing them with a dowry, a certain amount of money given to the groom by the bride's family. The first love notes or Valentines were sent in the 1400s, a custom that today is found in many parts of the world.

The Camp Fire Girls hoagie sale is March 2. Call Hope DeIaco at 610-966-4663 to place your order.

The Alburtis Lockridge Historical Society meets 7 p.m. Feb. 13 at the socieity's headquarters, Church and Franklin streets. The March meeting will be held March 14.

The borough office will be closed Feb. 18, Presidents Day.

The Alburtis Senior Citizens meet noon Feb. 10 at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Quarry Road and Penn Avenue.

Call Doris at 610-966-3653 for information about the following trips: March 6, Hunterdon Hills Theatre; March 21, Rainbow Dinner Theatre; March 26, Allenberry.

Alburtis residents are invited to attend the 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19, Alburtis Area Community Center meeting in the center's kitchen area.

Bingo will be held at the center every Friday evening until April. Doors open 5:30, games start 7 p.m. Must be 18 years old or accompanied by an adult.

The annual Spring Sportsman Flea Market will be held at the community center, Walnut and Second streets, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 3. Check out hunting, camping, fishing, boating and collectables. There is a donation requested for admission. The afternoon is sponsored by Alburtis Boy Scout Troop #86.

Check out the AACC website at www.aacconline.org for future activities.

Watch for news about the May 10, 11, 12 Alburtis Centennial Festival.

Dates to remember: Feb. 13, Ash Wednesday; Feb. 14, Valentine's Day; Feb. 18, Presidents Day; March 10, Daylight Savings begins.

News must be received by March 6 for the March 13 publication.