As previously announced, the Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce will be hosting The Van-Dells on March 14 at the Linton-Stockton High School auditeria.

The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are now available at the Chamber office.

Tickets would make a great Christmas gift for that hard to buy for person. Ticket prices are $22 and $20.

Contact the Chamber office at 847-4846 or stop in at 159 1st St. NW to get your tickets.

* The Chamber holiday gathering will be Thursday at the Old Bank and Company Restaurant from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Come enjoy a relaxed evening before the holiday season gets to hectic.

Cost is $5 per person and we ask that you bring a gift to donate to the Greene County Toys for Tots program.

* 2009 is fast approaching and that means the Chamber calendar is getting full with activities. Mark your calendar and plan to join us at our annual awards dinner.

This year's event will be Jan. 22 and will be at Linton Elks Lodge 866 on State Road 54 East. Our featured speaker this year will be a returning soldier from the Indiana Army National Guard 1st Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment based in Linton.

As the troops return home from deployment, we will be able to announce our speaker's name.

Returning this year is the opportunity for audience participation.

Questions will be taken from the audience to learn more about our local troop's involvement against the war on terrorism.

* A reminder that as part of their year-long 50th anniversary celebration, Francis' Jewel Box is "Counting Our Blessings" during November. Each customer making a purchase at Francis' Jewel Box will be entered into their monthly drawing for a $50 gift certificate, but they will also donate $1 to the area food pantries.

Customers can also bring in non-perishable food items and receive $2 off their watch battery purchase during November.

* Attention Gentlemen: Francis' Jewel Box, Charlotte's Unique Boutique and Main Street Gifts, along with others, will be on hand Tuesday to make your holiday shopping easier.

The 12th Annual Men's Night Out will be at the Old Bank and Company Restaurant beginning at 6 p.m. So bring along some friends (the restaurant will be open to the public, too) and shop while you dine from a special feature menu.

* The Bloomington Area Arts Council has announced two opportunities to learn more about the Regional Arts Partnership grant initiative made possible by the Indiana Arts Commission and the Bloomington Area Arts Council.

The first grant session is set for Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. at the Waldron Arts Center in Bloomington and a special second session has been scheduled for Jan. 7 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Owen County Heritage and Culture Center in Spencer, which will include a grant writing workshop.

If your organization is interested in applying to this competitive, regional arts grant program it is strongly encouraged that someone from your organization attend an information session to familiarize yourself with the guidelines, policy updates and process.

Additional information is available at the Chamber office or by contacting the BAAC at (812) 334-3100. The Bloomington Area Arts Council is a member of the Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce.

* The holiday season is fast approaching. We would like to remind local shoppers to visit our Chamber members when shopping this holiday season.

Our local businesses are those who continue to support our community and school functions year after year. We never hesitate to ask them for a donation to a good cause, let's remember to repay the favor and shop with them this holiday season ... and throughout the year.

Don't see what you're looking for? Ask. Perhaps they are able to locate that special item for you.

Remember to support those who support us.

Cheryl is the executive director of the Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached by telephone at 847-4846.