Volunteers recognized at annual chamber meeting

Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce recently held its annual meeting at Avalon Manor. In addition to installing the Board of Directors, the chamber recognized several members.

Mary Wright, Horizon Bank, received the Ambassador of the Year Award. She has not only been a strong financial supporter, but has volunteered her time working at many of the chamber events and attended the most Business After Hours events.

Hyon Kwak, First Midwest Bank, received the Shining Star Award. He has held many positions on the board and was one of the leaders in the merger of the Merrillville and Crown Point chambers of commerce.

Carol Kalmar, Pretty Woman Gentleman's Touch Hair Salon, received the Distinguished Volunteer Award. She has served on the Board of Directors for many years and has also chaired many chamber committees.

Jim Waters, USA Insulation, received a Chairman of the Board Award. Not only has he been a financial sponsor for many chamber events, he has donated his, and his staff's, time to work at many of the community events.

Blood donors needed

Sterling House, 8253 Virginia St., Merrillville, is having a blood drive from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Come in to donate and be entered into a region-wide drawing for a $1,000 Visa gift card. Call Amy at (219) 306-9745 with questions.

Sharing the warmth

Methodist Hospitals has once again teamed up with The Salvation Army to donate Angel Tree gifts. This program collects and donates gifts to families with children who would otherwise not receive presents on Christmas morning.

Hospital staff members received an "Angel Tree" tag and donated gifts for the child identified on the tag by age. A total of 140 gifts were distributed by The Salvation Army in Gary.

Rusty the RailCat mascot and Max the Methodist Hospitals mascot will make their rounds through hospital hallways to spread Christmas cheer. Rusty and Max will visit patients in pediatrics and rehabilitation units and distribute Methodist T-shirts, and RailCats lanyards and baseball bats. Patients will also have photos taken with Rusty and Max.

Gary Literacy Coalition, a Methodist Hospitals partnership, is hosting a Christmas Book Giveaway. The purpose of the program is to give a book to a child as a Christmas gift and encourage reading all year long.

New year, new look

Jane Leslie, CEO of Jane Leslie Design, will share insights on Design, Wall Color, and Eliminating Clutter at a free workshop at 10 a.m. Jan. 28 at First Financial Bank, 11890 Broadway, Crown Point. RSVP to Judi Mariola at (219) 226-2066 or Judith.mariola@bankfirst.com.

Photos with Santa

Photos with Santa Claus are available daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Saturday for $5 at the Indiana Welcome Center, intersection of Interstate 80/94 and Kennedy Avenue South, Hammond.

Sue Reed is executive director of Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce. Reach her at (219) 769-8180 or geninq@crossroadschamber.org. Opinions expressed are solely those of the writer.