Angelica grad Don Scholla, high school coach and AD, passes at 68
OLEAN — Donald Lyon Scholla Jr., 68, of Olean, who grew up in Angelica and was a successful high school coach and athletic director, passed away at Olean General Hospital on Tuesday (Jan. 28, 2025).
BY KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE —
Cupid won’t be the only one rushing around this Valentine’s Day bringing unexpected joy to loved ones a barbershop quartet will be accompanying him.
A quartet from the Maple City Barbershop Chorus, based in Hornell, will be cruising the highways and byways delivering the joy of song to the hearts of unsuspecting recipients this Valentine’s Day.
Aptly named the Singing Valentines are taking reservations now to deliver their style of
Don was born Aug. 10, 1956 in Warsaw, the son of the late Donald and Elaine Scholla. He was a son of the Village of Angelica, growing up one of seven children on West Main Street, and graduating from Angelica Central School in 1974. The point guard for the 1974 Section V Basketball Champions, a team that recently reunited for a 50th anniversary celebration. He was influenced by this team’s success, as it set forth the path for his future in athletics and coaching. He wanted to recreate this feeling of accomplishment and pride in hard work for future student-athletes.
He received an
love songs to individuals in their homes, nursing homes, businesses, offices, stores, hospitals or wherever.
“We go wherever we’re booked to go within a 30-mile radius or so of Hornell,” explained John Schoonover of Wellsville, who is taking reservations now for the Singing Valentines’ appearances on Valentine’s Day.
For the last 20 years the four fellows dressed in white tuxedo shirts, red bow ties and red cumberbunds have been popping into surprise individuals with song.
“People don’t expect you and they don’t
associate’s degree from Genesee Community College in 1976. In 1978 he graduated from the State University of New York, College at Cortland with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. Don received his master’s degree from Alfred University in 1985 in the field of education and coaching. In addition, he earned his School Administrator Certificate in 1999 from St. Bonaventure University. Don received his Certified Athletic Administrator status in 2000. He started his career in education in 1980 at Rushford Central School, teaching physical education in grades K-12. After short stints
know how to react when you come through their door carrying balloons and roses or show up in their hospital room or suddenly appear at their desk in their office and start singing to them,” he commented.
The Singing Valentines lead singer is Steve Spencer. Don Many is the group’s tenor. Peter Gardone is a baritone and Schoonover is a bass. They arrive at their destination at a preset time. They laugh and joke and sing two songs. Before leaving they give the recipient a surprise
in the Letchworth Central and Elba Central School Districts, he arrived in Olean in 1988 to begin his career as a physical education instructor with the Olean City School District. Don would eventually take on the role of Director of Athletics in 1990 until his retirement in 2013, establishing a culture of sportsmanship, ethics and husky pride.
While at Rushford Central, Don met history teacher Janine Bender, who would become his wife and best friend of 41 years, beginning Aug. 19, 1983. Together they built a life they loved, blessed with two children, Molly (1986) and Patrick (1995). The family expanded in 2016
with Molly’s marriage to Jeff McMahon and then again in 2024 with Patrick’s marriage to Gabrielle Abraham. With the birth of his granddaughters, Madigan (2018) and Quincy (2021), he became “Poppy” and his blessings were multiplied beyond measure.
Don’s coaching career spanned from 1974 to 2013 at every level. At Rushford Central he was the boys varsity soccer, basketball and baseball coach. He began the OHS boys varsity soccer program when he arrived in 1988, and remained the coach for 10 years, earning a Section VI Class B2 title.
Don was an associate head men’s basketball
coach at Houghton College for five years and an assistant coach at Pitt-Bradford for one year. Between 2002-2005 Don lead the varsity girls soccer program at OHS. He served as an assistant varsity girls basketball coach under Martha Altmire, taking over the head coaching job in 2006 until his retirement in 2013. Building upon the “Honor and Tradition” present in OHS athletics, his teams amassed six CCAA Division 1 titles, five Section VI Class B titles and one NYSPHSAA Regional title. The recipient of numerous local, county
Photo by Kathryn Ross
The Singing Valentines from the Maple City Chorus are taking
now for their Valentine’s Day visits.
Donald Lyon Scholla Jr.
‘Harm reduction’ vending machine provides free fentanyl test strips, Narcan in Wellsville
WELLSVILLE —
Jones Memorial Hospital announced the installation of a vending machine on its campus that provides free drug testing supplies such as fentanyl test strips and Narcan aimed at preventing overdoses and saving lives.
The “harm reduction” vending machine and its supplies are provided by a partnership between Partners for Prevention in Allegany County (PPAC), the Allegany Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (ACASA) and the Medication for Addiction Treatment & Electronic Referrals (MATTERS) organization.
The initiative is part of a broader state-funded effort to combat the ongoing opioid crisis, which continues to impact individuals and families in our community. The grant funding for this program is allocated specifically for harm reduction measures, reflecting the state’s commitment to addressing public health emergencies like the overdose epidemic.
Jones Memorial Hospital CEO, Jim Helms,
expressed his gratitude for the partnership.
“We want to thank our partners at ACASA and PPAC for working so hard to get this life saving equipment installed in Wellsville,” he said. “We can’t ignore the struggles of so many of our friends, families and neighbors. While Wellsville and the surrounding communities are wonderful places to live, to ignore the issue would be irresponsible.
“It’s our responsibility as both good citizens and health care professionals to provide compassionate care to our patients.”
Suzanne Male, community relations coordinator at Jones, said it’s understood that members of the community may have mixed feelings about the initiative, and that the hospital administration values open dialogue.
Some have raised questions about the availability of resources for other critical health concerns, such as insulin for individuals managing diabetes, she noted. Hospital officials indicated that it’s important to note that this vending machine
is funded exclusively through a state program designed to support overdose prevention, and the grant cannot be redirected to other healthcare needs.
The mission at JMH remains to support the health of the community in as many ways as possible. Male said said while the harm reduction vending machine is a targeted response to a specific crisis, JMH continues to advocate for expanded resources to address other vital healthcare priorities.
“We are also actively working with local and state partners to identify additional opportunities to provide support for chronic disease management and other pressing health needs,” JMH stated.
“The harm reduction vending machine is not just about addressing substance use; it is about saving lives and giving individuals a second chance to access the care and support they need.
“We believe in compassionate, evidence-based approaches to public health and remain committed to addressing all aspects of community health through comprehensive and inclusive programs,” the hospital stated. “We encourage members of our community to reach out with questions or concerns, and we welcome the opportunity to collaborate on solutions that strengthen our collective well-being.”
Photo provided
A vending machine on the Jones Memorial Hospital campus offers free supplies intended to combat drug overdoses, such as fentanyl test strips and Narcan doses.
BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
ALLEGANY —
Cattaraugus-Allegany
BOCES hosted students from across the region Jan. 18 for the 2025 FIRST Lego League Challenge at The Hall. This annual event brought local students together to showcase their skills in robotics, programming and creative problem-solving.
“When people first
hear ‘Lego League,’ they think kits and random building, but this experience is so much more,” said Sean Conklin, CA BOCES coordinator for arts integration and extracurricular events.
“Students not only build a Lego robot, but they write, test and implement code to have it move and interact with other items.”
This year’s participants included teams from Belfast,
Howe Library board sets public meeting dates
WELLSVILLE — The David A. Howe Public Library Board of Trustees will conduct regular board meetings at the library, 155 N. Main St., on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 a.m. Further information, including access to a copy of the meeting agenda and documents, may be obtained at the library or via the library’s website.
Cuba Library offers free nutrition classes
CUBA — Interested in learning tips to become healthier? Come Wednesdays through March 12 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Cuba Library as SNAP-Ed nutritionist Michael Nelson gives insights into health and nutrition.
She will have information on the importance of eating a variety of foods, easy ways to make smart food choices, and will also share budget savvy ideas to find a balance in your diet and develop a healthy eating style.
This program is open to anyone ages 13 and up, but parents are welcome to bring young children if they cannot make childcare arrangements. Registration is required, so email cuba@stls.org or call the Cuba Library at (585) 968-1668 to sign up.
Bolivar-Richburg, Cattaraugus-Little Valley, Cuba-Rushford, Frewsburg, Fillmore, Genesee Valley, Hinsdale, Pioneer, Wellsville and Whitesville school districts.
• Several local teams and individuals were recognized for their achievements:
• Breakthrough Award – Wellsville’s Roary’s Coders.
• Rising All-Star Award – Belfast’s School of Fish.
• Core Values Award and ACE Advancement – Pioneer’s LEGO Panthers.
• Innovation Project Award – Wellsville’s Plastic Police.
• Robot Design Award and ACE Advancement – Belfast’s Hurricane Hounds.
• Robot Performance Award – Gold went to Hinsdale’s Team No. 2 for achieving the highest score of 230 points, while Wellsville’s Coop Coders earned Silver and Genesee-Valley’s GV Bricks secured Bronze.
• Champion’s Award – Wellsville’s Coop Coders.
The two ACE Advancement teams and the Champion’s Award team will advance to represent the Cattaraugus-Allegany area at the Finger Lakes Region Championship event to be held at Nichols School in Buffalo on Sunday, Feb. 16.
Also during the Allegany event, William Washburn of Fillmore
CA BOCES host 2025 FIRST Lego League Challenge event
was recognized for his longstanding dedication to the program and mentorship, exemplifying the FIRST Core Values. Through participation in structured challenges during these events, Conklin said students gain valuable experience in machine design, prototyping and problem solving.
Additionally, the Inno-
vation Project pushes them to think of ways to improve their world, requiring research and critical thinking to identify problems and explore solutions.
“These ‘beyond the classroom’ experiences are incredibly valuable and reinforce skills taught in school through an exciting, competitive environment,” Conklin added.
Photo provided by CA BOCES
Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES area students compete in the FIRST Lego League Challenge event Jan. 18 in Allegany, showcasing their robotics skills and problem-solving abilities.
home improvement
Want a luxury bathroom? Opt for modular designs
(BPT) — Bathrooms are more than just a necessity of modern living. It’s true that they’re practical spaces,
but practicality doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice luxury.
nents - such as different textures, finishes, materials and colors - while maintaining a cohesive and polished look.
Modular designs also offer the flexibility to maximize space in a bathroom, creating a sense of openness and elegance, giving people a chance to enjoy the benefits of functionality and personal expression. That includes customizable lighting and integrated technology.
design elements with a suite of complementary products. Robern ensures that every bathroom feels thoughtfully unified, functional and luxurious.
What luxury bathroom trends or features do you expect to see in 2025?
Creating a bathroom that combines functionality and luxury isn’t difficult if you use the right design principles. George Wahlgren, Director of Product Development of Robern - a manufacturer of bespoke bathroom furnishings and fixtures - has answered a few questions to shed some light on how incorporating modular designs and products into your bathroom can enhance the space.
What are the benefits of modular design for bathrooms?
Robern is a leader in modular design and the luxury bathroom space. How would you describe the company’s modular design ethos?
This year, we’re going to see bathrooms go beyond the basics and become more dynamic, multifunctional retreats. Whether they incorporate saunas, dressing rooms, beauty stations
Modular design can enhance the look and feel of any bathroom especially when creating personalized spaces. Robern was the first in developing and commercializing modular storage and styling systems. So, it will come as no surprise that our designers and engineers know a thing or two about the benefits of modular design for customers.
Robern’s modular design ethos is rooted in a long history of delivering a sophisticated blend of luxury, functionality and personalization. We design, engineer and manufacture all modular products in-house, ensuring a meticulous level of quality and seamless integration across our lines.
There are many advantages to using modular designs in building or renovating a bathroom. For example, modular bathroom features can help seamlessly integrate various design compo-
It’s these elements of our design ethos that allow Robern to stand apart and deliver exceptional products and services for our customers. With a legacy of innovation and craftsmanship, every product we offer can help transform a bathroom into a refined sanctuary that inspires and elevates everyday life.
We’re also committed to a holistic approach by combining cohesive
or home fitness areas, these versatile spaces will focus on offering a holistic experience.
Along the same lines, wellness and relaxation will take center stage in bathroom design in 2025. The idea of the bathroom as a sanctuary is stronger than ever, with spa-like atmospheres creating an escape from the stresses of daily life.
A major part of the spa-ification of bathrooms relies on providing an immersive sensory experience. You’ll see more bathrooms with dimmable lighting systems, allowing users to adjust the color and intensity of light based on their mood or activity.
As part of the sensory experience, designers lean toward a mix of
natural materials and finishes, offering clients textural variation. Whether that’s achieved through contrasting textures or carefully curated patterns, bathroom designs will trend toward richness and luxury.
In terms of colors, you’ll see more deep hues and gold accents. Statement hardware, like pieces from the Robern Islamorada collection, add a distinctive, artistic flair, giving the space a unique, customized identity. What are some modular bathroom products you’re excited for customers to try?
There are plenty of products I could suggest, but I’ll stick to our bread and butter: cabinets. The Modular Cabinets M Series Reserve collection includes products that are sophisticated and versatile, raising the bar for bathroom storage and blending advanced technology with thoughtful design. Customers should
also take a look at our InLine 2.0 Lighting collection. Lighting can make a huge difference in the practicality and ambiance of a bathroom. Robern offers beautiful vertical and sconce lighting options to complement any design and flawlessly pair with our medicine cabinets and mirrors for exceptional design flexibility.
No bathroom would be complete without a vanity. Our Cartesian and Profiles modular vanities offer luxurious personalization that is specially made for your space. The Cartesian line features wall-mounted, floating vanities with clean lines that are an ideal centerpiece for
your bathroom. If you’re looking to add a little drama to your space, opt for statement pieces like the Profiles modular vanities.
I would encourage every customer looking at our products to use our 3D Visualizer tool. This intuitive design tool empowers users to envision and create their ideal bathroom sanctuary with precision and ease. The online tool can streamline your product selection, enhance your decision making and allow you to share your designs with contractors, designers or family members, ensuring everyone involved is aligned on the project vision for a truly luxurious bathroom.
➡Don Scholla continued from PAGE 1 and state service awards such as NYSAAA Chapter VI Distinguished Service Award (2023), CCAA Distinguished Service Award (2013), City of Olean Service to Youth Award (2002) and IAABO Cattaraugus County Basketball Officials Service Award (2000). He was named NYSAAA Athletic Administrator of the Year Chapter 6 in 2002. Don is a member of five athletic halls of fame: 2008 Allegany County, 2010 Genesee Valley (Angelica), 2013 Cattaraugus County, 2024 Olean High School and 2024 NYSPHAA Section VI Hall of Fame. In 2009 he was selected as Olean Times Herald “Big 30” Coach of the Year and the BCANY Section VI Class B “Coach of the Year.” His desire to give a voice to the Southern Tier led him to serve on the NYSPHSAA Committee as the Section VI boys rep from 2003-2013. For 27 years he served as a member of the Section VI Girls Basketball Committee and was the program chair.
in 1990 and continued to serve on its Board of Directors.
Don was a 27-year member of the City of Olean Division of Youth and Recreation Services Advisory Board. He reestablished the Olean Sports Boosters Club
He appreciated the opportunity to become the color commentator for St. Bonaventure Men’s Basketball games in 2011… ”having the best seat in the house.” From 2014-2023 he enjoyed his role as treasurer and Executive Committee member of Section IV, NYSPHSAA, expanding his professional and personal friendships throughout Western New York and the state.
An unspoken purpose that is reflected in Don’s life is one of selfless service and com-
mitment to the task at hand, the person before him, and service to the community around him.
A person whose faith was obvious by the way he walked humbly, and always “helped the next one in line.” A legacy that was built in the classroom, on the court and on the field, but also through simple words, small gestures and fine details. A life of unparalleled goodness that we are all the beneficiaries of…
“Remember this your lifetime through, tomorrow there will be more to do, and failure waits for those who stay, with some success made
yesterday. Tomorrow you must try once more, and even harder than before.” — John Wooden He is survived by his wife, Janine M. Scholla; children, Molly O. (Jeff) McMahon of Portville and Patrick D. (Gabrielle) Scholla of Rocky River, Ohio; seven siblings, Shawn L. Scholla, Pam R. (Bob) Sandlas, Jim O. (Mary) Scholla of Angelica, Chris W. (Robin) Scholla of Wolcott, Sheri L. (Rich) Reynolds of Paris, Tenn. and Doug M. Scholla of Scio; sisterin-Law, Jodell M. Bender, South Euclid, Ohio; brother-in-Law, Gregory D. (Dawn) Bender of Frewsburg; and grand-
daughters, Madigan O. McMahon and Quincy R. McMahon. A beloved and respected uncle to many nieces and nephews he cherished. Letro-McIntosh Spink Funeral Home, 646 E. State St., Olean, was in charge of arrangements. Donations can be made to the
Wellsville movie theater committee gets official name
BY KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE —
When the movie theater committee meets at 6 p.m. Feb. 11 in the David A. Howe Memorial Library, it will be under a new name: the Babcock Movie Theater Preservation Society, Inc. Last month, a newly formed board of directors for the Main Street movie theater project met for the first time and selected the name for the committee, as required for funding purposes.
The committee has been meeting since August. The name selection came after the recent survey for the movie theater restoration project found that the majority of the responders wanted the name to reflect the building’s long history as the Babcock Theater.
Out of nearly 900 responses, 346 selected the Babcock as their preferred name. Fewer votes were received for the names Lin-Ray, Grande and Twin.
The movie theater
in Wellsville was just one of many that were opened over the years in the village. The theater, which concerns the committee, opened at the turn of the 20th century. From the mid-1920s to the late 1960s, it was known as the Babcock Theater and most recently was owned by Alex Litchard under that name. As reflected in the recent survey, gener-
ations of Wellsville people knew it by that name. Also, as reflected in the survey, there are many shared memories of attending the theater. Most centered around memories of seeing movies with family and friends. Many recalled first dates, special occasions and fond memories of other special movies such as the debut and reissue of “Gone With The Wind” or the debut of “Star Wars” or Disney movies such as “Bambi” and “The Lion King.”
“It seems that there are a lot of people who want this theater open again and that they have a lot of the same memories,” said Barry Glickstein, who heads up the committee board of directors.
The board, under the direction of Gluckstein, believes that these
memories of attending the theater should be shared. Binding the memories in three separate publications, one each to be located at the library, chamber of commerce and village office where they can be shared with the public is under consideration. With the name of the project the board also embarked upon attaining 501(c)3 nonprofit status for the restoration and preservation project. The application has been forwarded to the state. The theater building is currently owned by the Village of Wellsville. In recent months, the village has used funding from The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Covid funding) to repair the building’s roof and address the water and electrical needs to stabilize the structure.
(It was required by law that the funding be used for the benefit of the community.) It has been estimated that the restoration project will cost between $250,000 and $300,000.
The board of directors for the Babcock Movie Theater Preservation Society consists of Glickstein, Vice Director Tim Colligan, Secretary Kathryn Ross, Treasurer Kate Williams and atlarge members Charles Lagreca. Cory Lunn and Jackie Comstock. Trustee Jeff Monroe is the group’s liaison to the village board, while Trustee Mike Roeske is also involved. Within the next few weeks, the board will formalize its mission statement and look into funding sources and architectural consultants for the restoration project.
gift and then depart for their next gig.
“We’ve had some funny things happen over the years,” Schoonover recalled. “We were nearly mobbed by a group of second graders when we made their teacher cry. Another time, we could barely keep it together when a couple who had been married for 60 years started smooching during our songs.
“Sometimes it’s a challenge to get around because we never know what the roads will be like this time of year,” Schoonover said. “One winter, we got the car stuck in a driveway in Birdsall when we tried to turn around. The quartet had to get out and push. We ended up singing for the couple in the house, so they didn’t get upset when we tore up their driveway.
“The best part of the day,” he added, “is seeing the joy our songs bring to people and the embarrassment when we step into a place of business or office lobby and start singing.”
The Singing Valentine’s are up with the sun on Valentine’s Day, gathering their supplies and finalizing their route before hitting their first gig at 9 a.m. They sing into the evening, many times ending up at a restaurant and singing for someone else’s dinner. This year, because Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday, the quartet will continue their gigs on Saturday.
The cost of getting the Singing Valentines to walk through the door is $40. Reservations can be made by calling Schoonover at (585) 593-8031 or by emailing the Chorus at
maplecitychorus@gmail. com. Reservations should be made as soon as possible.
“Women are usually right on it, but men procrastinate, so we will take reservations right up until the day before Valentine’s Day,” Schoonover said.
Last year they had 16 reservations, and they are hoping to increase that number this year. The funds raised by the Singing Valentines from the Valentine’s Day mini concerts help to support the Chorus, buy music and pay for insurance.
The Maple City Barbershop Chorus has been around for several decades and raises
funds to support the food bank. It was organized to promote and preserve the barbershop style of singing. They perform a number of concerts each year to raise awareness, support music students and the food bank. They are part of the national organization of barbershop choruses.
In recent years their ranks have thinned to just 16 active members, but they are always recruiting.
“Many of our members have aged out,retired or moved to Florida,” said Schoonover who is also the man to contact if you’re interested in joing the group.
Letter to the Editor: Recognizing 2 billion people’s celebration shouldn’t be political test
The recent decision to recognize Lunar New Year as a school holiday has unexpectedly revealed more about the Wellsville community’s growing pains than about calendar logistics. While our district’s announcement sparked disproportionate outrage, it also presented an opportunity to reflect on what we value in education and each other.
According to Pew
Research, more than 2 billion people worldwide observe the Lunar New Year, including 22% of Asian Americans. This recognition aligns with preparing students for a globalized world. Our children will enter workplaces where understanding Diwali, Eid, and Hanukkah matters as much as knowing Christmas traditions. Shouldn’t schools be the
place where this cultural fluency begins?
Zero school days were lost (the calendar remains unchanged), and nearly 2 million New Yorkers of Asian descent gained recognition. They saw their importance reflected in the world around them, and we gained opportunities to discuss history, migration patterns, and comparative mythology — a privilege we
take for granted every Fourth of July, Christmas, and Thanksgiving, among other holidays. The visceral reaction to this change seems less about educational policy than about the polarization of our culture. When a governor’s competence becomes conflated with acknowledging that multiple civilizations developed calendar systems, we’ve strayed far from con-
structive dialogue. Rather than weaponizing school calendars, let’s model intellectual curiosity for our children. The family making jiaozi dumplings this Lunar New Year could teach us about symbolic foods. The Vietnamese student celebrating Tet might share why they clean houses before the new year. These aren’t threats to tradition — they’re
living lessons in our interconnected world.
Our community faces real challenges: learning recovery, teacher retention, housing costs, food prices, and infrastructure needs. Let’s channel our passion toward solving those together, using cultural moments not as wedges but as windows into our shared future
— Joshua Johnston, Wellsville
6 Valentine’s Day Traditions
Valentine’s Day Traditions
Valentine’s Day is a day of love nestled in the middle of February. Sweethearts use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to show the people they care about just how deep those feelings run. A 2023 survey from the National Retail Federation found consumers expected to spend $25.9 billion on Valentine’s Day, up from $23.9 billion in 2022. Forecasters suspect spending is likely to increase this year as well. Valentine’s Day is awash in many different customs. Here’s a deep look at some of those enduring traditions and others that some may feel should be brought back into favor or adopted entirely.
Handwritten cards
It’s a common scene each year in card retailers and pharmacies: people three-deep in the aisle trying to pick out Valentine’s Day cards in the eleventh hour. People can save themselves
the hassle of fighting the crowds if they make their own handmade cards. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, sweethearts created unique cards from scratch, according to Country Living. And prior to products produced by Hallmark and other greeting card companies, people used to send one another cards customized with personalized messages.
chocolates for their male partners, family members and coworkers as tokens of appreciation and affection. Never fear, a month later on White Day (March 14) men reciprocate with candy, cake and flowers.
Bouquets
Puzzle purses
Sweethearts in Victorian England created “puzzle purses,” which were a series of love letters that could be read separately, but also fit together to create a design and message. These intricately folded sheets of paper had parts of messages or verses written on different corners and were meant to be read in a specific order.
Pampering gentlemen
It is common in North America for Valentine’s Day celebrations to lean significantly toward favoring women, who are often on the receiving end of flowers and chocolates. However, in South Korea and Japan, it is the men who are pampered with such gifts. Women purchase
These days a dozen long-stemmed red roses might be the norm for Valentine’s Day gifting. However, roses weren’t always the preferred flower for the holiday. History.com reports that, in the nineteenth century, bouquets might contain all sorts of flowers, each chosen to convey certain messages. Individuals can research the meanings behind certain flowers and put together a Valentine’s Day gift this year that expresses exactly what they are feeling.
Heart-shaped chocolate boxes British chocolatier Richard Cadbury is credited with creating the first heart-shaped box for Valentine’s Day. The boxes were intended to be so beautiful they would be kept to hold trinkets or love letters. Ornate chocolate boxes are not quite as common today, although the gifting of chocolate for the holiday is still strong.
Celebrating in June?
Many Brazilians skip Valentine’s Day in February and choose to celebrate Saint Anthony, the patron saint of marriage and matchmaking, on June 12. Celebrating both is fine for those who prefer to shower affection on loved ones multiple times a year. Valentine’s Day traditions are still strong and can add a little something extra to celebrations this February.
