Serenade time

Romantic songs: Last week we told you about a women's Sweet Adelines chorus that will surprise your sweetie with a song on Valentine's Day. Not to be outdone, the men are at it, too. Members of Cincinnati's Delta Kings Chorus will send barbershop singers all over the Tristate starting Feb. 10 to sing songs of love to your special valentine.

Your recipient will get two songs sung in barbershop harmony, a long-stem rose, a sampler of Aglamesis Bros. gourmet chocolates, and an instant photo with the quartet in their colorful costumes. Cost is $45.

To reserve your singing valentine, call (513) 851-0984 or get more information at www.deltakings.org.

Another group of singers, VocalPoint, will serenade lucky valentines Feb. 13 and 14 with an elegant twist: they show up wearing tuxedos. Your recipient will get two songs from a wide repertoire, including Let Me Call You Sweetheart, I Love You Truly, and Never My Love, plus a flower and a souvenir card.

A quartet costs $75, a duet is $45. Payment must be made in advance; call (513) 591-0265 to set up your serenade.

YWCA tribute

Get carded: Give a woman you love an extra valentine this year - courtesy of the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati. When you make a contribution in her name, the special woman in your life will get a lovely, personalized card printed with a heart and verse. It's part of an effort to raise money for the organization and its programs, that include shelters for abused women and their children, and lots more.

Minimum donation per card is $25. Details, (513) 241-7090, or order online at www.ywcacincinnati.org.

Book it

Bodice rippers begin here: Do you swoon over romantic novels? Can you picture yourself in a love embrace under a moon on a deserted desert isle? Here's your chance. Kathy M. Newbern and J.S. Fletcher (who lived and taught school in Milford for four years) are a married couple who write under the name Fletcher Newbern. They'll pen a romantic novel, 150-190 pages long, starring you and your husband or wife with details like your names, hometown, eye color, friends' names, and favorite perfume. Cost is $49.95, plus $6 shipping. Call (800) 444-3356 or order online at www.yournovel.com. Order by Feb. 9 to ensure Valentine's Day delivery.

Stamp on

Duck and cover: Students, get out your paints and markers and get to work on your masterpieces of waterfowl - it's Ohio Junior Duck Stamp Contest time.

Awards will go to the top 25 artists in four grade groups. Deadline for entries is March 1. Judging is by the Ohio Decoy Collectors and Carvers Association.

Call the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge for an entry form, (419) 898-0014, or get one online at duckstamps .fws.gov.