Valentine's Day is upon us; are you ready for fun - and romance?

You now have only 24 hours to figure out something for Valentine's Day, and you can always count on me to help.

A very fun night for deserving parents is planned with the help from the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada. If you want to take your sweetheart out to a quiet dinner, but you want your children to also have fun, sign them up for Valentine's Day Kids Camp.

For four hours, your child will enjoy movies, crafts, a pizza dinner and museum fun, while you enjoy your night out. Children need to be potty- trained, and parents must have a cell phone or pager.

During the day, the museum is offering a crafts project for children to make their very own special valentine.

Valentine's Kids Camp

When: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Where: Children's Museum of Northern Nevada, 813 N. Carson St.

Cost: $10 per child

Contact: 884-2226

Now that you have a fun place for the children to stay, make reservations at Mallard's.

I was laughing when I read the menu - it had me very intrigued. The event features a full surf 'n' turf dinner with wine pairings for each course.

Now here is the topper: They will have a full dessert bar paired up with "sexy coffee."

What is sexy coffee? I love coffee, but this is new to me.

You can also surprise your loved one by bringing your wedding song, and they will play it for your special dance.

Valentine's Day Wine and Dinner

Where: Mallard's Restaurant, Empire Ranch Golf Course, 1875 Fair Way

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday

Cost: $80 per couple

Contact: Call 885-1019 for reservations

Talking about gourmet food leads me to one of my favorite teachers at Carson High School, Penny Reynolds. Penny is one of those teachers who makes a lifetime impression on her students.

I have had the pleasure of having my own son whip up a meal for me that Penny taught him. It was fantastic, and so is Penny. I don't know if you read it in the paper recently, but the Carson High Culinary Arts program is sending a team to the state competition in Las Vegas.

In March, we will send four girls and one boy. To attend the event, the students will be graded not only food, but these categories as well: professional appearance, poise and organizational skills, public speaking and presentation.

I have known one of the girls since she was in third grade. I am so extremely proud of her and her wonderful accomplishment. Last year, she maintained a 4.0 grade-point average, and this year is carrying a 3.8. When people ask me if students in my Children-in-Transition program actually make it, this young lady always comes to mind, as well as her brothers.

On Valentine's Day, I will be at Mervyn's Department store escorting these very talented students as they select professional attire to attend the event.

If you like to help with the cost of the outfits, call Penny Reynolds.

Shopping for business attire for the ProStart Culinary Team

Where: Mervyn's Department Store

When: Tuesday

Contact: Penny Reynolds at 283-1771

-- If you would like your information included, contact Kim Riggs at kimriggs@att.net.