Thanks to everyone who attended Tuesday's Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce meeting with U.S. Rep. Brad Ellsworth.

Like last year, this was a very popular meeting and we have received several positive comments.

Special thanks goes out to Jeff Lehman for standing over the hot grill cooking our hamburgers and hot dogs and to Bart Beard and the entire staff at the Phil Harris Golf Course for all their help in making the meeting a success.

Those who stayed and played golf following the meeting had a good afternoon of fellowship.

As announced at Tuesday's meeting, the September Chamber meeting has been moved to Thursday, Sept. 10. The September meeting will be at noon at Pleasant Grove Farms, south of Linton. Please mark your calendar.

We have another dynamic speaker lined up for September that you won't want to miss! Be watching for that announcement!

* We want to welcome new Chamber member Face The Music Entertainment. Owned by Marvin Holt, they offer DJ and Karaoke services for your events, functions or parties.

Face The Music can be found doing Karaoke every Wednesday night in Linton at the Bottoms Up and on the first and third Thursday and Sunday at the Dugout in Bloomfield. To get prices for your party, contact Marvin at (812) 381.3937 or e-mail him at marvinholt54@yahoo.com.

* Congratulations to Busy Bees on its recent ribbon cutting. Located on Hoosier Road, it offers a wide variety of quilting supplies. It stocks over 1,500 bolts of fabric. It also offers classes from beginners to advance, and provides Take And Go project classes.

On Oct. 28, it will be offering a wool candle mat Take And Go class and on Dec. 2 it will have a placemat Take And Go class.

These classes are a minimal charge and includes the patterns and fabric. These classes are a great way to introduce yourself to quilting. Gather up from friends and call them at 847-2417 for additional details.

The business is open Tuesday-Wednesday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m -7 p.m. It's open on the first and second Saturdays from 8 a.m. -2 p.m.

* We also want to congratulate Wal-Mart on their re-grand opening this week.

On Wednesday they conducted a ceremony and ribbon-cutting officially opening the remodeled store. If you are unable to locate a particular product, please ask a sales associate to assist you.

* Ranard's Hauling and Removal has announced a new Web site. This Web site should be easier for everyone to re-order bags and to sign up for the curbside recycling.

Ranard's can recycle your scrap metal, cardboard, aluminum/food cans, and more. Take a few moments and check out the Web site at www.ranardshauling.com

* We need chili cooks! The first Fall Festival and Chili Cook Off is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10 in downtown Linton. If you are interested in participating in the chili cook off, please stop by the Chamber office and pick up an entry form.

We welcome civic organizations, businesses and individuals to participate in this contest. Come show off

your cooking skills. An elite panel of judges will select the top two prize and the third place award winner will be the Taster's Choice award, selected by the voting public. Our judges will be a mix of local and out of town chili experts.

* If you have a special talent ... we need you! A "Linton's Got Talent" contest will be held at this year's Fall Festival.

If you are interested in participating in this event, these registration forms can also be picked up at the Chamber office. There will be a preliminary competition for the Talent Contest to be followed by the Final Competition later in the afternoon. The talent contest is open to individuals and or groups and is not limited to a musical act.

Cash prizes will be awarded!

* Also planned for the Fall Festival will be a pumpkin decorating contest.

Carve your pumpkin or just decorate it ... we welcome all pumpkins! Check in for this event will be at the Main Stage at 11 a.m. with the winners announced at noon.

* Arts and Craft booths will be set up on 1st Street SW near the Linton Public Library. Booths are scheduled to be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Watch as additional details for the day's events are released.

* The Chamber's fall fish fry is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 15 at the Roy Clark building. In addition to the fish, the menu will include baked beans, slaw, drinks, and homemade desserts.

Tickets for this event will be available beginning September.

Cheryl is the executive director of the Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at P.O. Box 208

Linton, Ind., 47441 or at 847-4846.