Page 8 - Demo

Page 8 Senior Times - February 2026Branch Area Transit AuthorityCurb to Curb Transportation %uf0a1 Half Fare for Handicapped & SeniorCitizens Over 60 %uf0a1 Weekly Subscriptions Available %uf0a1 Equipped forthe Handicapped %uf0a1 Open Seven Days a WeekCALL (517) 278-5889306 S. Clay Street, Coldwater, MI %uf0a1 www.branchareatransit.comEnjoy the best in retirement living on a beautiful 50+ acre country setting campus in the heart of Battle Creek and just minutes from downtown. Have peace of mind living in a maintenance-free, safe, and secure community. Senior living at its best!Life is Even Better atNorthPointe Woods!Call to schedule your private or virtual tour!269-964-7625 / NorthPointeWoods.org700 North Avenue in Battle Creek395 S. Shore Drive, Suite 205Battle Creek, MI 49014 (269) 963-3900Probate %u2022 Elder LawEstate PlanningErin L. Majka Phillip E. Harterwww.mielderlaw.comPeter Phelps, Special to Senior TimesSENIOR TIMES In Our%u2022 %u2018XOXO%u2019 hasn%u2019t always meant hugs and kisses. The %u2018X%u2019 was used in the Middle Ages when people signed documents with it as a symbol of faith because it resembled a cross %u2013 often sealing it with a kiss to show sincerity. The %u2018O%u2019 is believed to be linked to the game of tictac-toe, while others think it represents the shape of a hugging embrace. Your guess is as good as mine.%u2022 %u2018Conversation hearts%u2019 might be sweet and romantic now, but they began as medical lozenges in 1847. Boston pharmacist Oliver Chase invented a machine to simplify the production of apothecary pills, which were in high demand as a sore throat remedy at the time. Oliver soon transitioned from making therapeutic tablets to candy and founded what later became the New England Confectionary Company (NECCO).%u2022 In 1866, Ollie's brother Daniel discovered a method to imprint words onto the sweetened pastilles paving the way for the candy heart messages exchanged today. %u201cMe+You, Hot Stuff, OUQT.%u201d%u2022 Speaking of candy, chocolate dates to at least 450 B.C. It was eventually revolutionized in the 1800s by devout Quaker brothers Richard and George Cadbury in Birmingham, England. Now more than 36 million of their heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates are sold annually, making them the most common Valentine%u2019s Day gift of all.While not everyone chooses to celebrate Valentine%u2019s Day, it%u2019s hard to deny its social and economic impact around the world. From handing out cards, candy, and flowers to getting engaged, this heartfelt holiday represents a time to come together and show a little love, no matter what your relationship status. Valentine%u2019s is my favorite place to be together %u2018in our Senior Times.%u2019 Won%u2019t U B Mine?TOGETHER IS MY FAVORITE PLACE TO BE ON VALENTINE%u2019S DAYAlmost 1800 years ago, Bishop Valentine, later made a saint, was sentenced to death for secretly marrying couples despite the Roman Emperor%u2019s decree to halt marriages. While awaiting his punishment, Valentine met, corresponded, and fell in love with Julia, a prison guard%u2019s daughter. On February 14, 273 AD the day of his execution, Valentine wrote a short message to her that said, %u2018Love from your Valentine.%u2019 Thus began the Valentine tradition of exchanging love notes.Today most people look forward to Valentine's Day to express their love or fondness for family and friends. That%u2019s why every year at about this time we begin to see television commercials and pop-up ads on our cellular devices reminding us to open our wallets in the name of love. There are chunks of candy, glittery gems, perfect perfumes, and of course bunches of blooms from which to pick for our favorite Valentines. This is not to down play nor mock those who sell those perfect presents, for they can help us brighten the day for those we adore.To that end, here are some interesting Valentine%u2019s Day trivia.%u2022 According to the National Retail Federation, consumers will likely spend a record $27.5 billion on Valentine's Day, averaging $188.81 per person.%u2022 Around 250 million roses are grown each year in preparation for the high demand of Valentine%u2019s Day.%u2022 According to The Knot, a wedding planning website, Valentine's Day is the second most popular date for people to get engaged; the most prevalent proposal date is Christmas Day.The Legal Services of South Central Michigan-Battle Creek office will conduct interviews for legal advice and possible representation, without charge, on the following dates and times for interested older Americans.OVER THE TELEPHONE: For St. Joseph County. If you wish to speak with an attorney, please call (269) 224-5040 Wednesday, February 18, 2-4pm. IN PERSON OUTREACH:%u2022 Mon, Feb 2, 2-4pm, Bedford Senior Center, 100 S. Bedford Road, Battle Creek.%u2022 Tue, Feb 10, 9-11:45am, Burnside Senior Center, 65 Grahl, Coldwater.%u2022 Fri, Feb 13, 9am-2pm, Office of Legal Services of South Central Michigan, 123 West Territorial Road, Battle Creek.%u2022 Wed, Feb 18, 10am-12pm, Barry County Commission on Aging, 320 W. Woodlawn, Hastings.Legal Services of South Central Michigan-Battle Creek office is a non-profit organization, which provides high quality legal assistance, representation, and education to seniors in St. Joseph, Branch, Calhoun, and Barry counties. Legal Advice for Older AmericansBy: Anna Moss, Managing Attorney