Well, the big weekend is over and it's time to move on to the next thing - no, I'm not talking about the Super Bowl (although it was nice to see an exciting game for once), I'm talking about the annual semi-formal dance hosted by the National Honor Society at Weedsport High School on Feb. 2. The decorated cafeteria was packed with students in grades nine through 12 enjoying a great night of dancing, snacks and, of course, checking out each other's outfits.

Ticket proceeds are earmarked to benefit the Adam Lepak Recovery Fund and the Brandon Perrault Fund (both are Weedsport graduates who are now facing medical treatments). We set up what I called “Girl World” in our family room on Saturday afternoon with hair appliances of all types plugged in every outlet, trunks of makeup and nail polish in every imaginable color, and the aroma of vanilla, marshmallow, and raspberry in the air - basically, a place where men dare not trod if they value their safety and manliness. With the help of other moms (with hairdressing talent and a pizza delivery) and the sounds of “Hairspray” (both the movie and the beauty product), 10 already-beautiful teenagers transformed into gorgeous young women.

I think those transformations hit the dads harder than the moms, who are a little more used to this kind of thing. There was a new twist this year, too, as several of the girls had dates picking them up. I must say they were very brave to enter “Girl World,” but I imagine it was worth it when they laid eyes on the ladies. After the required photo session they all piled into cars to head to the school. Part of me wished I could go to the dance, too, and part of me (a bigger part) just wanted a nap!

Weedsport's winter sports teams continue to successfully compete, but one team in particular has a real reason to celebrate: a first-ever league title for varsity volleyball! As a “volleyball mom,” I have watched these ladies truly work together as a team under the leadership of coach Sandy Donahue, encouraging each other, celebrating together and showing the feisty spirit necessary to pull out the big wins. I think many of the parents will agree that there have been some palpitation-inducing moments, but this team has made this season really exciting and (mostly) enjoyable to watch. Sectionals will have already begun as this goes to print, but we all wish you a fantastic post-season (she says as she does her semi-famous “single wave”) - pump pump pump it up!

In APT news: Our next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, in the high school board room. We're working on plans for the fifth grade circus, Author Day at the elementary school, the middle school Spring Fling and the usual field trips and other funding for our students. Your ideas, suggestions and help are always welcome! Our next Pizza Hut fundraiser is Wednesday, Feb. 13 - whether you're dining in or taking out, just mention Weedsport when ordering and our school will receive a percentage of the proceeds. Watch for a “second chance” apparel sale this month, in case you missed out on the pre-holiday order.

We also have Weedsport window clings available at both schools for $3 each. A couple of early reminders to mark on your calendars: First, this year's high school musical, “Damn Yankees,” will be presented in the high school auditorium on March 7 and 8. The regional Odyssey of the Mind competition will take place in Auburn on March 15, with several Weedsport teams from the elementary, middle and high school levels. If you've never been to one of these competitions, you're missing out on an entertaining and interesting day! Two Lions Club talent shows are coming your way this spring: the student show is April 25 and the community show is May 2, both benefit the senior scholarship fund and other club services. Contact Wally Meier if you'd like to participate as a performer or volunteer at 834-9229.

And now's the time you've all been anxiously awaiting: my annual “Valentine, Schmalentine” rant. Okay, so you probably haven't been waiting for it, but here goes anyway: As soon as the holiday commercials cease, out come the Valentine's Day commercials.

The Christmas bills haven't all been paid yet but we're expected to go out and buy expensive jewelry, chocolates and other trinkets to properly demonstrate our love to our significant others. Perhaps I'm just bitter about Valentine's Day, because my otherwise awesome husband doesn't really get into it. Maybe it is subliminal envy of others who actually get that stuff, I don't know. But if I look deep into my feelings, I really do believe it's the little things that make Valentine's Day, and every day, special. My husband runs the vacuum cleaner (almost obsessively, but that's another matter altogether), has always been an active parent, can fix or build just about anything and loves his family wholeheartedly. If that doesn't truly demonstrate love, I don't know what does. (But a card would be nice.)

Happy “Valentine, Schmalentine” everyone!

Wendy Bates has lived in Weedsport all her life and loves to write about her community