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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, February 10, 2012 · 14 Spreading the love without breaking the bank By Shailee Koranne Grade 10, White Oaks S.S. ove is a powerful word. Millions of love stories have been told, some are waiting to be heard, and even more are L waiting to happen. Many of these stories revolve around Valentine's Day, which is observed on Feb. 14. Traditionally, it is a day that lovers express their deep affection to each other -- most of the time it's through simple gestures such as flowers or hand-written `Valentines'. Since Valentine's Day is known for being the most romantic day of the year, many people choose the day to take those big steps in their FLOOR MODEL lives, such as proposing to their partner. In general, it is a day for people to truly emphasize their love. It certainly has come a long way and changed significantly since it was established officially by Pope Gelasius I in the year 496 A.D. With the ever-expanding reach of the Internet, exchanging Valentines has turned electronic. According to the U.S. Greeting * Card Association, an estimated 10.5 million electronic Valentines were sent in 2010. For some reason, thousands of coloured pixels sent over e-mail doesn't seem as sincere as actual words to me. Valentine's Day has also quickly become a holiday on which people might feel forced to purchase gifts for their loved ones, because of the commercial component that has become so intertwined with the day. Many stores have deals on chocolates and other sweets leading up to Valentine's Day. They also sell other things such as stuffed animals, bath and body creams and gels, and mass-produced greeting cards, all usually revolving around the colours red and pink. Ads for limited-edition versions of popular candy and chocolates are seen during commercial breaks prior to Valentine's Day. Suddenly, just like birthdays, Mother's and Father's days, and many other holidays, Valentine's has lost its meaning and become a commercial holiday. People are anxious to see what their partner has purchased for them -- who sometimes go to great lengths to make sure the gifts they are going to give are just as valuable as the ones they are receiving. The point of Valentine's Day is to take it as an opportunity to let someone know that you love him or her. This can be done with a simple hand-written note or even just a few words from the heart to your special person. It's that easy to make someone happy and let them know they are loved. Money doesn't have to go into that, and stores don't have to exploit you. Words can be just as sincere as an expensive gift, and just as kind and caring -- sometimes they can be even more powerful than any physical gift. So this Valentine's Day, let your special someone know that you care about them. Spread the love -- without having to break the bank. If you are a teacher or student interested in participating in an upcoming Kids Speak Out - School News column featured in the Beaver, please e-mail Tom Dykes at dykes@cogeco.ca. www. HURRY! GOVERNMENT REBATES END SOON ACT NOW! FINAL DAYS! $ HEATING & COOLING .com ON GOVERNMENT REBATES Gas Furnace High Efficiency FURNACE & CENTRAL AIR SAME DAY PACKAGE ONLY INSTALLATION AVAILABLE INCLUDES: MISSISSAUGA HOME AND DESIGN CENTRE N ar * ac nuf rw ma labou 1 9 0 0 r e and l u e $ime off a Free turer's pranty. r 10 y r ts 96% EFF. Va mited t *li Winston Churchill Fine Furnishings & Accessories In home design consultation available * On floor sample items only. **Not applicable with any other promotions. 2575 Dundas St.W., Mississauga (between Winston Churchill & Erin Mills Pkwy) Tel: 905-820-4111 Fax: 905-820-4445 Dundas Erin Mills Pakrway · 96% High Efficiency DC motor, Gas Furnace · 15.75 SEER High Efficiency Central Air R410A Refrigerant · 10 Years Factory Warranty *After Government, Aire One and Manufacturer OVER 120,000 Rebates. Must have existing Furnace and A/C. SATISFIED CUSTOMERS *Call now for details. Offer cannot be combined. OAC. Accessories excluded. Call us to see if you qualify. 3990 INSTALLED * Furnace diagnostic service Only $ SEER 49 15.75 NO INTEREST NO PAYMENT FOR 6 MONTHS OAC While Su LIMITED TI OFFER ME pplies La st 9 Locations To Serve You Better! *Call Dealer for Details Q.E.W. 905-849-4998 A+ Rating www.aireone.com 1-888-827-2665