The Coastal Club met for its regular weekly meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 10:30 a.m. at the Y. President Faith Meyer called the meeting to order, and after welcoming the group, including several guests, Vivienne Daniels at the piano led members in some romantic songs such as "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" and "Always."

After the pledge to the flag, Bob Zimmerli gave a short devotion on Valentine's Day. He said that there were many interpretations of the history of Valentine's Day, going back to the 12 th century, when Emperor Claudius II forbade his soldiers to marry, a priest called Valentine continued to marry people and was thrown in jail. While in prison, Valentine restored the sight of the jailer's blind daughter, and Claudius cut Valentine's head off. Another story says that just before he died, Valentine sent a note to the girl he healed and signed it "From your Valentine." That's how the idea of sending Valentines started. As previously said, there are several versions - so you can take your pick. One interesting note Bob mentioned was that Valentine's Day, and many Holy Days or Holidays have become very commercial and often the real meaning of the day has been lost. Christmas, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Easter, and Hallowe'en have become days when millions of cards are sent. Valentine's Day is the second largest day for cards.

The president then introduced the program for the day and what a great time it was with Mary Miller singing, accompanied by Dominic Garvey on the piano. They were right in tune for the day as Mary sang wonderful romantic songs from many Broadway shows. From "Oklahoma" - "People Will Say We're in Love." From "Music Man" - "Goodnight My Love." From "Rosalie" by Cole Porter - "In The Still of the Night" and from "The Bells are Ringing," "Just in Time" and "People Who Need People." Dominic paused and said what many people do no know, that Mary is not only a great music teacher at our schools, but she also has a beautiful voice, and he presented Mary with a red rose as they concluded with "What I Did For Love" from "Chorus Line."

Following this beautiful presentation, members all adjourned for lunch which was really a Valentine's party. Betty Johnson, Mary Jo (and others) baked Valentine cupcakes, cookies, and all sorts of "goodies," along with Valentine cards.

Some upcoming programs are: Feb. 26 - Allan Johnson will talk about the Student Aid Fund. March 4 - We'll hear from the new director of Camp Knickerbocker. March 11 - Students from the Southport Central School will entertain us. March 18 - Bob Zimmerli will give a presentation on "The Holy Land - then and now."

We hope you will join us.