Even though Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Groundhog's Day predicting more winter, the last few days suggest the coming of spring.

The excited activity of the birds, the budding of trees, and the lengthening of the days suggest we have made it through the depths of winter. I have even begun hearing the sound of frogs in the evening.

It seems that nature, through its subtle process of warming and awakening, encourages us to get ready by feeling a need to prune the roses, plant the seeds (indoors), and remove winter damage.

Mind you, I say "feeling a need," and kudos to those of you who have actually put their feelings into action.

Such is the case with the Kings Valley Community Center landscape and beautification plan, which is no longer just a plan but a developing reality.

Last week, holes were dug by the Kings Valley Charter School students, compost and plants were delivered and a dying maple was wrestled out of the ground to be replaced by a healthy young sapling.

During the garage sale last Saturday, a small contingent of green-thumbers kept as clean as they could as they filled holes, dug new holes and planted a variety of shrubbery and trees that will soon bring forth color, shade, and delight to a community for generations to come.

Throughout the day, Carol Shifley, Kings Valley Area Association president, took photographs to capture it all for posterity.

The coordinator for this landscaping project, Betty Malone, noted that another planting day will be held in a couple weeks to plant the sweet gum, so favored by Virginia Price, whose memorial garden will commemorate Virginia's love for plants and her community.

The parking area across the street awaits a bit more drying before the gravel can be effectively spread.

Special thanks to all who have invested time, money and sweat to make this a reality.

While it might look like a muddy mess at this point of time, it is easy to see the plan on paper becoming a reality.

Stay tuned for details on an upcoming dedication ceremony planned sometime in spring.

Community gathering

If you are curious to see how things are developing at the Kings Valley Community Center, plan on coming out on March 8.

There will be a Kings Valley community potluck that day at the community center starting at 6 p.m. and all are welcome. Bring a potluck dish, plates, and utensils.

Benton County Sheriff Diana Simpson will give a community safety presentation at or around 6:45 p.m.

For more information call Andrea 929-4054.

Auction supports trip

A spaghetti feed and auction will be held on March 13 at the Kings Valley Charter School gym.

The proceeds will benefit a scholarship fund being set up to help eighth-grade students who want to go on a weeklong trip to Washington, D.C., in June.

Dinner starts at 6 p.m. There will be silent auction items to view during dinner with an oral auction starting at 7:30.

The cost for this event is $8 for adults and $5 for kids 10 and under.

The school is actively looking for auction donations. For more information contact Mary Ackermann at 929-5716.

A time for action

Finally, today is Valentine's Day. A day to give out cards, buy chocolates, and have warm fuzzy feelings for certain special someone(s).

Last week I heard a preacher suggest that true love is an action.

True love is expressed in the willingness to give of oneself.

It can be as simple as opening a door for another or sharing your coat to keep another warm.

It can be as extreme as laying down one's life so another can live.

It is in the act of doing something for another when love is put into action.

I guess one could say that the planting of trees for the future is a sure sign of love.

Take the time today to not only feel good about another but, where possible, give unconditionally.

Perhaps there is merit in the words of the 15th century Dutch scholar Desiderius Erasmus, who said, "Give light, and the darkness will disappear of itself."

Dan Hayes reports on news in the Hoskins-Kings Valley community and can be reached at 929-2356 or travelor54@peak.org.