Dear Fellow Classmates,

You have a power unlike any other. It’s called voting. With just a few minutes of your time every few years, you have the ability to control our government as you see fit. Yet, in the last Presidential election, only 49% of our population turned out at the polls.

It’s the day before Valentine’s Day, cupid is flying about overhead, love songs are blaring around every corner, and the smell of chocolate is wafting through the air. What better way to get you in the mood for this wonderful day then by having a handful of talented singers not only sing to you but serve you dinner.

January 2004 was one of the coldest months in New England since records have been kept, and lots of people are hoping to keep the deep freeze away for the next six weeks.

Feb. 14.

To some, this day represents an expression of love marked by candy, flowers, romantic dinners and even hopes of a proposal.

But, those are the girls who are happily dating, even in love, a beautiful love that is both requited and satisfying. If you are one of those girls, I am happy for you, and you needn’t read any further.

The “Begin the Beguine” Valentine’s Day dance is coming to town as part of the Newport in the Jazz Age Festival.