Valentine phantom asks: Do you believe in love, Jericho?

FIRST A BRIEF EXPLANATION of what the Valentine Phantom or Valentine's Bandit is all about.

From Wikipedia

The Valentine Phantom, often referred to as the Valentine Bandit refers to an unidentified individual or group who each Valentine’s Day secretly decorate the downtown area of a city in the United States with a series of red hearts printed on sheets of letter-sized paper.

The reports began in Portland, Maine in 1985, and the perpetrators remain unknown. Speculation about the individual or group which decorates before dawn each February 14 is popular in conversation, and local media, and over the past ten years has emerged as an example of vernacular culture.

…

Beginning in the early 2000s, red hearts drawn on white sheets of paper have been attached to the doors of businesses along the Pearl Street business district in Boulder Colorado …

In 2002, the city of Montpelier, Vermont became a part of the yearly tradition, with the added twist of each heart including a poem signed “the Valentine Bandit”.

On Valentine’s Day 2010, pink hearts appeared up and down St. Johnsbury, Vermont’s Railroad and Main Street, even finding their way to the local police and fire department buildings.

On Valentine’s Day 2017, the bandit allowed a Bangor Daily News reporter to accompany them on their travels, in return for anonymity.

 All the folks in these photos were zapped with the bright light from Men in Black. They have no memory of who the Phantom is or are.

Apparently, the Valentine Phantom's territory has expanded this year - TO JERICHO!

And a special added twist for Jericho - not only a poem, but also a theme (Do you believe in love, Jericho?)


I caught some of the action, but am sworn to secrecy as to who the perpetrator(s) is or are.

Be bold in blizzards

move in stealth
stalwart and true
to your mission
be true.
Be not seen, nor heard.






Cover the town
with paper red hearts
shun all media
never wear ‘your’ heart
on your sleeve.



This is the mantra
of the Valentine ‘phantom’
called by some the
 Valentine ‘bandit’.


She, he, or they
work magic
creating
hearts red afire
or so they say.


Apostle of love
cousin of cupid
descendent of Saint Valentine
creed equal to mail carriers
delivering tidings 
of goodwill
and happiness
amidst snow and cold
blooming, warming,
hearts of red.



Bear not a frown
 hearts abound
in a sea of smiles
what’s not to love
of such a town?



Awaken Jericho
and answer the
Phantom's question-
Do you
believe in love,
Jericho?

Slumber away 

after Valentine’s Day,

Phantom

-until next year.

Time to dream 

of a 

2020

Valentine theme
to convey.

Do you believe in Love, Jericho?

 Yes, we know you love your Bentley Snowflakes, 

your white church steeple towering over the Jericho Center green (read about Lil Desso and the heart of Jericho Center). You are rightfully proud and loyal to the Jericho Country Store 
where everyone knows your name and spend more time chatting with you than taking your coin.

You love…

The artworks at Emile A. Gruppe Gallery in the 1860’s English Sheep barn showing and promoting local New England artist - offers the joy of art that only a heart can explain.

You love...
 Local artists like Mary Lacy who not only create individualized, creative, and unique Vermont quality art, but also coordinate and facilitate community art projects, like school murals and making pollinator bee houses. Love the enterprising all hands-on art concept.

And you love...

A post office of local postal workers, so local that if someone sends you a letter with only your first name and your zip code on the envelope – it arrives at your mailbox without a second thought.

For sure the fire department, staffed mainly by community member volunteers, that works quite amiably not only at efficient and effective fire protection, but also in community affirmation in land deals.

Nevertheless, Jericho, do you really BELIEVE IN ROMANTIC LOVE?

Poet Mary Jane Dickerson with her lovely southern accent reads us poetry of Vermont winter behind her 1800’s home – 


 "watching children pointing sled runners down the snowy sloping pasture, with each downhill slide, feeling her own land of North Carolina sandhills – opposing landscapes joined in one in Jericho, Vermont".

Remind us again what is love, what is that warm, friendly, caring feeling we get in the pit of our stomach that rolls up inside us?

Is it joy like that we see in the faces of children as they line up inpatient polite persevering determination to visit with Santa at the Jericho Country Store? 

Is love the heartfelt thanks we have upon receiving an anonymous kindness? How many lost items announced, found, returned through Jericho FPF? A tool or truck needed, offered, utilized. Disagreements, varied opinions, politely discussed openly and honestly. You find Jericho FPF is a forum of sharing, caring, contributing members.

Is there a mystery of love in Jericho? Well read the story of the Jericho Mermaid sighting and Empty Chairs. Is there humor and intrigue in Jericho's love? Read about the controversial proposed Ski Resort for Jericho Center.

Does love extend to Jericho pets you ask – just view photos from the Jericho pet parade. What about love for gardens – view the Jericho Garden Tour photos. Is there love for open land? View the Jericho Center Pond photos, and the Natural Resources Overlay meeting photos. Moreover, view Mobbs Farm winter-wonderland. Events and Places for social cohesion through interaction with neighbors.

Is love sometimes framed in oddity? Read how I lassoed a goat in Jericho. Gotta love our small town with all its quirks.

Of course, nearly everyone loves cookies from the Jericho Christmas cookie sale at the beloved Community Center, 










and maple samples, great books, stories, and other events at the Library including Maple tree tapping event.



 And you love the fresh wholesome local foods from Jericho Settlers Farm.

Yes, I do believe that Jericho believes in Love of all kinds.
I believe there is love and community in Jericho, Vermont.

Happy Valentine’s Day

The Valentine's Phantom

Celebrating Jericho events and places for social cohesion through interaction with neighbors. Caring and sharing (and a wee bit of humor & fun) plus contribution equals community. Jericho provides an opportunity for relationships, trust, and a sense of belonging. 



Valentine's Bandit Strikes Again. WCAX