Saratogans send messages of love via shop windows

Windows in the Saratoga Village are filling up with Love Notes. Sponsored by the Saratoga Village Development Council, Love Notes celebrate love and connection, expressing affection, gratitude and positivity to a significant other, family member or community. There is still time for you or your children to create a love note to those you hold dear. Notes should be 8 ½ x 11 inches and flat. Contact laurelperusa@comcast.net by Feb. 6 to arrange pickup.

The notes create a treasure hunt of love and a great excuse to walk around the Village. These messages of gratitude and kindness are sure to uplift the spirits of everyone who strolls by.

Sixth-generation Saratogan Jayce Doss, 8, says, “Love notes are my favorite because you get to draw pictures and write nice things for people you love. I love making art with my sister, and I can’t wait to see all my friends’ notes in downtown Saratoga.”

Jayce’s great-great-grandfather, Richard Locicero, co-owned the Saratoga Drug Store on Big Basin Way, now the site of the Village Burger Bar.

Since Love Notes are a nod to Valentine’s Day, Jayce took things a step further and presented Mayor Chuck Page with a special gift. “Jayce told me that he wanted to meet and he brought me a tie full of hearts that I can wear on Valentine’s Day,” Page said.

Those looking for their heart’s desire have plenty of options in Saratoga.

Montalvo is hosting the Great American Crooners, direct from New York’s Lincoln Center, on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Performers will sing classics from quintessential crooners such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Bobby Darin. Not only will you hear great music, but you’ll hear interesting true stories about these legends. Tickets: www.montalvoarts.org.

For Valentine’s Day dinners, you might want to make reservations at Saratoga restaurants including Hero Ranch Kitchen, La Fondue, GOGA Restaurant, Flowers Saratoga or Plumed Horse.

For a more casual celebration, check out House Family Vineyards. They offer wine tasting along with charcuterie and cheese in a beautiful picnic setting in the vineyard overlooking the valley. House Family Vineyard is a family-owned and operated business located on 73 acres. Winemaker Jim Cargill also serves as president of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce. www.housefamilyvineyards.com

There’s more winetasting in Saratoga at Mount Eden Winery and Big Basin Vineyard Tasting Room.

Looking for a unique Valentine? The Saratoga Chamber Champs calendar is available at the Chamber Office, featuring photographs of local dogs by Bijou Pet Photography. All proceeds benefit the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce’s community programs. www.bijoupetphotography.com

In a new twist on an old classic, a musical version of Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” is coming from Broadway to the Saratoga Civic Center Theater. The timeless tale of growing up and sisterhood in Civil War-era America will be presented by South Bay Musical Theater. Jan. 24-Feb. 14; tickets at www.Southbaymt.com.

Mayor Page invites community members to join him at his Office Hours at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m.-noon. This is an opportunity to meet the mayor, share your thoughts, ask questions and discuss issues that matter to you while enjoying the Farmers’ Market.

You can embrace the motto “Be prepared” at the Saratoga Evacuation Preparedness Seminar, set for Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 5 p.m. at the Joan Pisani Community Center. The City of Saratoga is holding the seminar in partnership with the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council. This event is designed to help community members stay safe and be ready in the event of a wildfire or other emergency requiring evacuation. The seminar is an opportunity for residents to gain knowledge, ask questions and take proactive steps toward safety and preparedness.

If you have business or social news about Saratoga, please let me know: debby@debbyrice.com.