The Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner and Awards Presentations are just around the corner.

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

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.

Tickets are available at the Chamber office.

Come join us as we recognize our local heroes. This is open to the public.

* The Chamber is gearing up to promote Linton and our many recreational activities at the 55th Annual Boat, Sport and Travel Show at the Indianapolis State Fairgrounds.

This year's event is Feb. 20 through March 1. If you attend this event, be sure to stop at the Chamber's booth located in the Pepsi Coliseum and say hello to our volunteers working the booth.

* The Linton Freedom Festival's annual Scholarship Pageant will be March 7 at the Linton-Stockton High School Auditeria. This event is open to all senior girls at Linton-Stockton High School or senior girls who live in the Linton-Stockton School Corporation.

Any interested young lady should contact the guidance office at Linton-Stockton High School or the Chamber office. The application deadline is Jan. 30.

The Freedom Festival queen and court represent the Linton Freedom Festival throughout the 34 Days of June and at the Indiana State Festival Association's scholarship pageant in November.

* 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. 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.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Linton Freedom Festival.

* The Chamber's Spring Expo is scheduled for March 21 at the Linton Armory. This event is free to the public.

The hours for this year's Expo will be 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Concessions will be provided.

Businesses and non-profits interested in participating can contact the Chamber office for more information.

* 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.

* The kick off for the 2009 Steppin On Up Program will be Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. at the Glenburn Community and Wellness Center.

Information on how to ensure a proper fit for your tennis shoes will be presented.

Participants input will also be asked to help determine the 2009 schedule.

There will be a drawing for $100 gift certificate from Linton Sporting Goods for those who participated in the 2008 walking program. Refreshments will be served.

To confirm your seat and participation, contact Alma Kramer at 1-800-742-9002.

* Jan. 25-30 has been designated as Meth Awareness Week in Greene County. The third annual Meth Awareness Candlelight Vigil will be Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. at Bloomfield First Baptist Church, 500 Lincoln Drive, Bloomfield.

The public is invited to attend. Included in the program are a musical performance by Linton-Stockton Elementary School's choir under the direction of Hope Ault, and a personal testimony about being in recovery.

A methamphetamine basics seminar will also be offered in 2009 for community professionals who work with families and children, those involved with on-site visitation or services, those who work outdoors and may be exposed to meth residue, and the general public.

This is a free training.

A morning seminar is scheduled for Jan. 28 from 9 -- 11:30 a.m. and an evening seminar is scheduled for March 3 from 6 -- 8:30 p.m. Both seminars will be at the Greene County 4-H community building.

For more information on how to register for the seminar please call 384-8769.