Buying valentines reflects those warm thoughts

Have you noticed how, when you're feeling grumpy, some small ray of sunshine will pick you right up and brighten your day?

That happened to me at the Hallmark store on Route 47, where I stopped to scan the kiddie card section, in search of valentines for my nieces and nephews. As I reached the checkout, a nice lady named Darlene gave me a big smile, then looked at the name on my credit card.

"Are you the one who writes that column in the paper?" she asked. "I read that every week, and I really enjoy it."

Thanks, Darlene, you made my day! It's nice to know that, when so many people are in a hurry and out-of-sorts, some folks will take the time to smile at a stranger and share a kind word.

Looks like Huntley can still lay claim to that old motto, "The Friendly Village With Country Charm."

Taxing info: The Huntley Area Library will host a "Tax Time Seminar" from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the MidAmerica Bank, 13300 Route 47 in Huntley.

Norman Wierer of Liberty Tax Service will explain recent changes in the tax laws, deductions and earned income tax credits. Participants may ask specific tax questions at the end of the session. The program is free and registration is still open. To sign up, call the library's reference desk at (847) 669-5386.

• AARP's 2008 Tax Aide program started this week at the Citizens Bank, 12010 Regency Parkway in Huntley. Local volunteers will help prepare returns from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday through April 15, says coordinator Arvid Shah.

Electronic filing is offered free of charge for low-to-middle-income seniors on a first-come, first-served basis. You need not be an AARP member to use the service, Shah says. For Tax Aide requirements, call him at (847) 669-6228.

Join the Jaycees: The recently revived Huntley Jaycees will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Del Toro's restaurant on Route 47 in Huntley. The group is looking for new members and fresh ideas from local business owners and professionals, says Pam Fender.

The Huntley chapter will work to improve our community and organize such civic projects as the Huntley Fall Fest. For details, e-mail pamfenderhuntley@msn.com.

Taking the stage: Get your tickets now to see Huntley High School's choirs perform the national anthem at the March 22 Chicago Rush football game in the Allstate Arena. Choir director Nancy Cross says her students are excited to be picked for this honor, and they're hoping the Huntley community will turn out 'en force' to cheer them on. For tickets, call Ticketmaster or contact Shannon at (773) 243-3436.