Happy February, everyone, as we continue onward with our winter of 2025.

This year, there’s much more excitement in the air as the Philadelphia Eagles will be competing for a Super Bowl win this upcoming Sunday. With the addition of former Whitehall standout Saquon Barkley, the Eagles look lean and mean and ready to unseat the Kansas City Chiefs. I hope our local fans enjoy what should be a great game, as the Eagles fight to bring home the Lombardi Trophy.

Even though we’re in what we locals call the “winter doldrums,” there are still plenty of exciting things happening in February, especially if you’re a fan of romance or presidents.

As a reminder to all of our husbands and boyfriends in town, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Don’t forget to remember your lovely wife or significant other with some beautiful flowers or some other memorable keepsake. Northampton has fine florists and jewelry stores to meet your every romantic notion.

Valentine’s Day, also called St. Valentine’s Day, is celebrated annually Feb. 14. It originated as a Christian feast day honoring a martyr named Valentine. In 18th-century England, it grew into an occasion for couples to express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery treats and sending greeting cards known as valentines. Valentine’s Day symbols used today include the heart-shaped outline, doves and the figure of the winged Cupid.

The tradition continues to share a token of our love and appreciation to those who mean most to us. Though our modern-day skeptics say it’s a holiday contrived by Hallmark cards and Russell Stover candy to sell more of their products, me, I’m going with the “love” angle. Who’s your valentine?

Next is Presidents Day, where we celebrate the combined birthdays of two of our most emblematic presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. As a national holiday, it’s a time to reflect on the trials, tribulations and historical significance of our greatest leaders.

Their decisions and initiatives shaped America into the country we love today, for better or worse — something I’ve definitely taken note of in my historical research and readings.

Concerning our local initiatives, the colder weather has put many of our projects on hold for now. Be sure, though, there’s plenty of activity behind the scenes on the borough level.

If you’ve been to borough hall lately, you may have noticed that fresh smell of paint, as the entire office goes through a face-lift. As we grow, we’re quickly running out of space, so some adjustments were made and offices were relocated. Thankfully, it’s been a seamless transition, and with the superior painting talents of our public works department, the hall looks beautiful.

As you know, I’m very passionate about our parks and recreation sites around town. Though it’s weeks away, I’m incredibly anxious for the planting season to get here so I can get my crew back down to Canal Street Park and continue my mission, making our park “the most picturesque 1.4-mile stretch” along the Delaware and Lehigh Trail.

Along with Canal Street Park, there’s another exciting initiative in the wings.

The Fourth Street Playground renovations are on the drawing board, assisted by the efforts of the Cindy Miles Adaptive Fund. The goal is to provide a playground that affords opportunities for physical activity that is accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities.

The Cindy Miles Adaptive Fund was founded in February 2023 to honor the late Cindy Miles, a beloved and admired teacher, mentor, friend and pillar of the physical therapy community through her practice, teachings and professional stewardship. Cindy believed in fun and fitness for all abilities.

She saw fitness as a priority for all children and families and a fun way to reach their full potential. The fund’s mission is to continue her legacy and build an inclusive playground in Northampton. Cindy was a 1972 graduate of Northampton, and the organization has many ties to the borough. The fund aims to make this a welcoming, inclusive playground for families of all abilities to gather.

The fund will partner with me and the borough to facilitate fundraising and planning of the Fourth Street Playground. The project aims to create an inclusive environment that promotes physical activity, social interaction and overall well-being.

The playground has been designed to cover an area of approximately 10,000 square feet and will include slides, activity panels, crawl tubes, climbers, overheads, audible activities, swings and wheelchair-adaptive equipment. The area will be covered with a specially coated surface to allow for movement of individuals with wheelchairs or other mobility tools.

Upcoming fundraising events include a February fitness challenge. Join the borough or school district teams for $25, log your activity minutes and help your team compete against others. They’ll host the second annual Miles for Kids Run, Walk and Roll April 13 at the Northampton Area School District track. Mark your calendar and look to participate in these events, befitting the playground and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

To learn more, visit the fund’s website at cindymilesfund.org or follow on Instagram or Facebook.

I’ll be certain to keep you updated as to opportunities to contribute in any way possible to this exciting initiative.

In the meantime — fly, Eagles, fly, and enjoy a very happy Valentine’s Day!