Owego Kiwanis has brought back their small town tradition with “Messages from the Heart”. Here is a chance to help the young ones show love, loyalty and community spirit. Kiwanis needs young, aspiring artists to create a personal Valentine to be displayed and judged in the windows of the stores in downtown Owego.

Young participants can make the valentines with their teacher’s permission or at home. They should be no larger than an 8 1/2″ by 11″ sheet of paper. The front side will be the only side visible from the street. The back side should identify the artist by school grade (kindergarten through sixth), or by age and preschool, with a school and the name of the teacher if appropriate. If you need to identify a home school or preschool valentine further, attach a separate sheet and your valentine will get a code, and Kiwanis will safeguard your information. Teachers are urged to give the school and grade, as well as the number of valentines. Teachers may have a cover valentine for their class.

All valentines should relay a fun, positive or thoughtful message. They may be designed for family, friends or public servants (i.e. the police, fireman, emergency worker). They should be non-political and in good taste.

The deadline for entry is Feb. 8, and valentines will be picked up at local schools that participate. Individuals or special groups may drop valentines off at M&T Bank, 195 Front St. in the downtown district. All valentines received will be placed in windows starting Saturday, Feb. 9.

The valentines will be judged by community leaders on Valentine’s Day. Valentine judging will be for children in third through sixth grade, and for second grade and below. Categories are: Most Beautiful, Funniest and Most Original.

Unless specifically requested, no valentines will be returned. The stores are expected to remove them by Feb. 16.

The community is invited to stroll through downtown Owego the week of Valentine’s Day and feel the love and spirit of our talented young people. For more information, contact Wayne at (607) 624-0796.