Budget friendly Valentine’s gifts for students

Save the cash and show your love.

by Kassidee Wozniak News Editor

“Heart Speaks, Is Spoken For” recounts matters of the heart in regards to multiple topics, including physical health and social issues.

by Kayla LeBeau

A&E Editor

Majorie Maddox, a professor of English and Creative Writing at Lock Haven University, collaborated with Karen Elias, a photographer, author and teacher, to publish a book of poetry called “Heart Speaks, Is Spoken For.”

Maddox supplied the poems and Elias supplied the pictures for this book.

The pair went to Avenue 209, a local cafe, to speak about their book and answer questions from patrons as they drank their warm teas and coffees. Maddox said that the audience was engaged and appreciative despite the freezing temperatures and strong winds.

Maddox described working on the books as “a collaborative project in the truest sense.”

She said that they worked closely and inspired each other with their works.

The main inspiration for the book itself was a cracked heart-shaped rock that Elias found on a beach in Maine. She said, “I saw it as an emblem about the climate and the state of our world.” This rock became the cover of their book.

This one rock led to the creation of an entire book of poems and photos based on hearts. Maddox is no stranger to heart poetry, as she wrote one of her poetry books about her father’s heart transplant and was more than willing to write more on the subject and many others pertaining to hearts.

“Our book includes images and poems that respond not only to transplants, but to such wide-ranging topics as the pandemic, the mur- der of George Floyd, domestic abuse, and climate change,” Maddox said.

Anyone who wants to see the work of Maddox and Elias can see both the poems and photographs displayed for the public. The exhibits are located at the Gmeiner Art and Cultural Center, Betsy Rogers Allen Gallery, the Ross Library, Avenue 209 and the Station Gallery and will remain available for viewing until the end of February. However, if anyone wishes to own a copy of “Heart Speaks, Is Spoken For” online, orders are being accepted on Maddox’s website.

When asked for any final words of inspiration and encouragement Maddox said, “There are many talented students at LHU. Join your talents. You may be amazed and inspired by the results.”

The essence of Valentine’s Day is that people should be spending time and sharing love with family, friends, or their partner. Love speaks for itself so people shouldn’t feel pressured into buying extravagant, pricey gifts for their significant other during the holiday season. Below are four budget-friendly gift ideas for Valentine’s Day.

DUNKIN’S V-DAY GOODIES

Dunkin’ Donuts released its seasonal Valentine’s Day themed drinks and donuts on Feb. 1. They are available for the entire month. These beverages include the Brownie Batter and Cocoa Mocha Signature Lattes. For people who are not fans of coffee, they can enjoy the Strawberry Coconut Refresher.

Dunkin also offers heart-shaped donuts in two flavors: Brownie Batter or Cupid’s Choice. Brownie Batter donuts have choc-

May 4

Price Auditorium olate brownie flavored creme filling while Cupid’s Choice is stuffed with Bavarian Kreme and topped with strawberry icing.

CUPID’S LOVE POTION

Those who are competitive could make it a contest about who can make the best milkshake.

Gather chocolate syrup, ice cubes, milk of choice, maraschino cherries, and vanilla icecream. Put ingredients into a blender’s container. Blend for 30 seconds or until desired texture. Pour it into a drinking glass. Add whipped cream and top it off with a cherry.

LOVE-INFESTED MASON JAR

Instead of writing a love letter, try filling a mason jar with notes of affection. These can include reasons for loving someone special or showcasing a few beloved memories. g

Only four things are needed to make this gift: a permanent marker, ma- son jar, scissors, and some white construction paper. While brainstorming things to write, look through old photos or videos to help spark any memories.

Once all elements have been written on the paper, use scissors to cut around each one. Then fold the pieces in half placing them in the mason jar. Draw hearts all around the jar or add stickers. This gift is sentimental and proves that you care for the individual receiving it.

PLAYLIST: THINKING ABOUT YOU

Music can be used to bring people together in a wide variety of ways. Sometimes listening to certain songs can bring a person back to a memory or someone associated with it. For this gift, create a playlist on a music platform that is used by the gift receiver. This playlist will feature songs that are reminiscent of their significant other or friend along. Add the tracks and share it with the desired person.