Our thanks to Gayle and Jerry Margraf who graciously hosted the Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce's holiday gathering at the Old Bank & Company Restaurant on Dec. 4.

Those attending had a fun evening visiting with their fellow Chamber members. Thanks to everyone for contributing to the Greene County Toys for Tots.

* The Chamber, with the assistance of the Greene County Daily World, is in the process of developing a community guide to promote Linton and our Chamber members.

The Chamber will use this directory in its efforts to promote our community and Chamber members at the wide variety of expos we participate in such as the Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show and the Visit Indiana Day at the Indiana State Fair.

We will also distribute copies to those families requesting relocation information on Linton and to visitors calling for additional Linton information. Plans are to also distribute copies of the completed guide to households in the Stockton Township reminding your neighbors which businesses in our community support and belong to the Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce.

The directory will contain a variety of information from our history to retail shopping and dining as well as our recreation facilities. The advertising staff of the Greene County Daily World is working in conjunction with the Chamber staff to produce the multi-page glossy directory. Your support in purchasing an ad in the guide is greatly appreciated.

Questions regarding the directory content can be directed to the Chamber office. Questions regarding advertising in the directory should be directed to your ad representative.

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

We will be announcing our speaker's name in the near future. Returning this year is the opportunity for audience participation. Questions will be taken from the audience to learn more about our local troops involvement against the war on terrorism.

* The Chamber 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 Street NW to get your tickets.

* Join an annual tradition and visit Santa this holiday season in downtown Linton. This will be the last weekend for Santa's workshop in the Linton Rotary Park.

Friday, Santa is available from 4-6 p.m. and on Saturday from 1-4 p.m.

* Chamber member Pleasant Grove Farms, located south of Linton, has its Christmas Light Show in full swing. This is the third year Pleasant Grove Farms has presented their display.

Additional displays have been added this year and the lights are choreographed to music. This year's display continues through Dec. 28. The show is outdoors so be sure to dress appropriately.

* 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 mail at P.O. Box 208, Linton, Ind., 47441 or by phone at 847-4846.