Let them call you sweetheart

LIMA — It's never too early to start planning ways to show your best girl, or guy, a little Valentine love.

To help you out, the Lima Beane Chorus will again offer their popular Singing Valentines all day on Feb. 14.

“We say this is cheaper than a dozen roses and healthier than a box of chocolates,” said chorus member Charles Huffman.

On that day, chorus quartets, dressed either in tuxedos or the official red blazers of the Lima Beane Chorus, will visit your loved one and serenade them with two songs.

“We usually call the person by name and give them a chair to sit in, then we circle that chair and sing. We also deliver any message we've been given for that person,” said Jim Michael, president of the chorus.

“Normally, there's some tears shed. That can be hard on the chorus members because once these ladies start crying, it's easy to shed some tears with them, and it's hard to sing when you cry,” Michael said.

Of course, it's gone south on a few occasions too.

Michael said more women prefer the serenade than do men.

“And we've had a time or two when the marriage wasn't real good and the lady didn't appreciate the song. We had one who wouldn't stay,” Michael said.

Memorable results, always.

After the serenade, recipients are handed a mug filled with candy and information on the Lima Beane Chorus's March 10 barbershop show.

“This is a fun day for us, and we make certain it's a fun day for everyone getting a singing valentine,” Michael said.