CHAMBER EXPRESS
February 17th to February 24th
Westchester Township History Museum
Fire Departments of Westchester Township Opening Exhibit Reception
February 18th 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Saturday
The Westchester Township History Museum will celebrate the history of the fire departments of Westchester Township with an exhibit reception. The exhibit will be available to view from Saturday, February 18th-Sunday, April 29th. The museum is housed in the historic Brown Mansion at 700 W. Porter Ave., Chesterton. The Fire Departments of Westchester Township exhibit details the beginnings of the three town departments - Chesterton, Porter, and Burns Harbor - and also recognizes the volunteer firefighters of Dune Acres as well as the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Fire Management program. In appreciation of the help they have given to Westchester Township, the volunteer fire departments of Liberty and Pine Townships will also be acknowledged. In addition to telling the departments’ stories, the museum will display artifacts that trace the development of the departments and their equipment. A special portion of the exhibit will honor the past and current fire chiefs of Chesterton, Porter, and Burns Harbor Fire Departments. A slideshow will display photographs of various chiefs, including a portion of the CFD’s video of former chief Warren “Skip” Highwood’s funeral. Be sure to come by to see the exhibit, meet some local firefighters, see some vintage fire trucks (weather permitting), and enjoy some light refreshments at the opening reception on February 18th. The Westchester Township History Museum is an educational and cultural service of Westchester Public Library and is open to the public free of charge, Wednesday – Sunday from 1-5 p.m. or by appointment. For more information call the museum at 983-9715.
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Road to Life Church
Weekly Services!
Starting February 19th 10:30 a.m.
Sunday
Road to Life Church will hold their first weekly service this Sunday at Chesterton Middle School! Check out their facebook page or website below for more news and events.
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East Wind Studios
February Specials!
February specials at East Wind Studios is buy one class, get one free! Use the free class for yourself or share the love with a friend. Beginner yoga classes are every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m.,and Thursday at 10:00 a.m so come see for yourself what the "yoga buzz" is all about. If the daytime is difficult for you, check out our night classes at the website below. Sunday, February 19th for a Self Defense Course, from 1:00-4:00 p.m led by Carter Rickey, retired police officer and personal trainer. The cost is $39/person. For more information and classes visit the link below or call 728-1647.
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The Regal Rabbit
Winter Cooking Classes Filling Up Fast!
February 20th and 23rd
Monday & Thursday
The Regal Rabbit has many different cooking classes available this winter and these last few, you won't want to miss! On February 20th at 6:30 come create a little Mardi Gras Madness! This lesson shows how you can create a great party of your own! The cost is $50 and will be taught by Joe Gaal from Sage Restaurant. On February 23rd at 6:30, have a girls night out and learn to work with chocolate in more ways than you could imagine! The cost is $55 and space is limited so register now at the link below. We hope to see you at the Corner Cookery at the Regal Rabbit. For more information please call 395-8814.
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Westchester Public Library
New Library Book Discussion Group
February 21st 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday
Children in grades 4-6 are invited to the new book discussion group at Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton, in the Bertha Wood meeting room, and discuss War Horse. The group needs a name, though, so attendees are encouraged to bring name ideas. These discussions will take place on the third Tuesday of each month and will alternate between Thomas and Hageman Libraries. The War Horse books are now in and available at both Thomas and Hageman Libraries. Attendees will sign out the book when they register and return them either when they finish reading them or at the book club meeting. Please call Thomas Library at 926-7696 or Hageman Library at 926-9080 for more information.
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Porter-Starke Services
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Insomnia
February 21st 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Tuesday
Porter-Starke Services will host its Learn @ Lunch series with an informative educational lecture at their location at 3176 Lancer Street in Portage. Christine P. Kurtz, DNP, RN, PMHCNS-BC will be the featured presenter. Chronic insomnia is a significant health condition affecting approximately 10% of the population. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a non-pharmacological treatment recommended in clinical guidelines for insomnia as first line treatment for adults of all ages, including those who use hypnotic medications. Despite this evidence, CBT-I is widely underused and its availability is sparse due in part to the deficit of practitioners prepared to deliver it. This presentation will include a rationale for CBT-I, a description of the therapies involved, and results of an intervention study conducted by the presenter. Nurses and therapists, as well as laypeople with insomnia, will learn the basic principles and practices of this evidence-based treatment for insomnia. Porter-Starke Services Learn @ Lunches are monthly educational seminars featuring informative and practical mental health and wellness topics. Seminar locations rotate between Valparaiso, Portage and Knox and are open to the general public as well as clinicians and educators. Porter-Starke Services offers 1.5 Continuing Education Credits for $5.00. There is no charge for the presentation. Please bring your own lunch. RSVP is required for attendance. For more information, please call (219) 476-4502 or email: aroof@porterstarke.org.
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Rittenhouse Senior Living of Valparaiso
Free Monthly Lunch N' Learn
February 22nd Noon
Wednesday
Please join Rittenhouse Of Valparaiso Wednesday, for our free monthly Lunch N Learn. This month’s topic is Advantages of Exercise with Ken Fabugais, PT of Trinity homecare. Please reserve your lunch now by calling 531-2484 or emailing bcuellar@rittenhousesl.com.
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Porter Health System
Heart-Health Awareness Programs
February 23rd
Thursday
Please join Porter Health System in celebration of American Heart Month, and attend a series of heart-healthy programs to help educate the community on the prevention and treatment of heart disease – the leading cause of death of both men and women according to the American Heart Association. On February 23rd,at 6:00 p.m. Cardiac Electrophysiologist Dr. Mark Dixon will explain how A-fib is diagnosed and when to seek medical treatment. These programs are free and refreshments will be provided. This event will be held at Education & Rehabilitation Campus, 1401 Calumet Ave. in Valparaiso. Register by calling 1-800-541-1861.
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Chesterton United Methodist Church
All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner
February 24th 4:30-6:30
Friday
The Mission’s Team is hosting an All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner at the church on 434 SOuth 2nd Street. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased at the door. Children 5 and under are free. All proceeds will benefit the CUMC Preschool. For more information, please call the church office at 926-1478 or visit the website below.
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Valparaiso Community Festivals and Events
Winter Dazzle
February 24th & 25th
Friday & Saturday
Valparaiso Community Festivals and Events (VCFE) is presenting a weekend event that features a live ice carving competition and miniature ice golf! Winter Dazzle will be held on Friday, February 24 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 25 from Noon-4:00 p.m at Central Park Plaza in Downtown Valparaiso. Friday evening will feature their first ever live ice carving competition among 10 professional carvers and they will be relying on the public to help us select the People’s Choice Award winner that evening. Friday’s activities will include free horse-drawn wagon rides and the live ice carving competition. Cash prizes and bragging rights will be among the rewards for the winning masterpieces. On Saturday, visitors can enjoy non-competitive live ice carvings, free miniature ice golf through ice sculptures and free horse-drawn wagon rides. The first 500 attendees will receive complimentary 2012 Winter Dazzle Pins. The Valpo Dining Restaurants will be offering $5 appetizers and $5 cocktails during both days of the event. For more information about Winter Dazzle, visit www.valparaisoevents.com or call 464-8332.
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The Porter County Retired Teacher's Association
Legislative Forum and Update-Meet Your Legislators
February 25th 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Saturday
The Porter County RTA and Valparaiso Community Schools are inviting you to meet your legislators at Thomas Jefferson Middle School Auditorium. Registration will be from 9:00-9:30 a.m. and forms will be available for written questions. All members of the Indiana Legislative Assembly who represent any part of Porter County are invited to participate, as well as the general public. For more information visit the website below or contact Dennis Norman at 759-2332, tanqman@hotmail.com or Barbara Stroud at 926-4962.
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Dunes IT Consulting LLC
Career Fair
February 25th 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Saturday
Dunes IT Consulting is hiring! Come to this career fair at their location at 419 South Jackson Blvd in Chesterton, dressed to impress. Interviews will be conducted during the event so bring your resume and salary requirements. They will be hiring for a Senior Systems Engineer, Systems Engineer and IT Administrative Support Personnel. For more information please call 922-6592.
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Purdue University North Central
Financial Aid Weekend
February 25th & 26th
Saturday & Sunday
Purdue University North Central will have a Financial Aid Weekend to help students and parents complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) paperwork on Saturday, from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Sunday, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. in the PNC Library-Student-Faculty Building. The event is free and is open to all students and parents of students preparing to apply for college financial aid, including loans, scholarships, grants and work-study. Many private scholarships also require the FAFSA. Any college-bound student and their parents may stop in, email or call to seek assistance or ask questions. The FAFSA application must be filed by the March 10th deadline in order for the student to be considered for state aid. Trained staff and computers will be available to allow participants to complete and file the FAFSA. There will be e-mail and instant messenger capabilities during the session and an open phone line to take incoming questions. The email address is pnctoday@pnc.edu and telephone, 877-792-2012. Those who intend to complete the FAFSA online must have an electronic Personal Identification Number (PIN). A PIN can be obtained online prior to filing at www.pin.ed.gov, or can be obtained online at the Financial Aid Weekend. Both the parent and the student will need a PIN in order to sign and complete the FAFSA. Check this list of items to bring on that day. Further information about financial aid or the Financial Aid Weekend may be obtained by calling the Financial Aid office at 785-5200, ext. 5493. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact ext. 5493.
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Rittenhouse Senior Living of Portage
Low Vision Support Group
February 27th 2:00 p.m.
Monday
Rittenhouse Senior Living of Portage will be hosting a monthly Low Vision Support Group meeting every 4th Monday at 2:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. We can help people with impaired vision. These meetings are informal – we share comments and answer questions about coping with low or no vision. We welcome all persons at our meetings, whether or not they have low vision. Rittenhouse is located at 6235 Sterling Creek Road (just south of Lowes). "See" you there! For more information please visit www.valpolowvisionsupport.org or contact Verne R. Sanford at 219-464-1867;verne.sanford@valpo.edu.
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Duneland Family YMCA
Youth Indoor Soccer Registration Coming Up!
Winter is here! Battle through the cold and sign up your child for Indoor Soccer today! Registration will be accepted for ages 3 to 8 years until February 27th. The season will run March 3rd – April 14th. The cost is $40 for Members and $80 for Non-Members. Late registration will be accepted February 28th-March 10th with a $20 penalty. To register or for more information please visit the Member Service Desk or call 926-4204.
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The Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County
Senior Moments Presentation: "Healthy Hearts"
February 27th
Monday
The Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County will present "Healthy Hearts" at locations in Lake and Porter counties in February. This program will provide attendees with simple and practical measures aimed at reducing the risk of heart disease and heart attack. The importance of a healthy lifestyle and seeking healthcare assistance when appropriate will be emphasized as it relates to Healthy Hearts. This presentation will be at 1:30 p.m. at the Linden House in Hobart(360 E. 61st Ave.) Participants will receive a free gift and a healthy snack. "Senior Moments" is a monthly lecture series designed for seniors who take an active role in their own health care. Topics change monthly. For more information and to RSVP, please contact the Visiting Nurse Association at 219-531-8073.
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State Farm Insurance
Agent Career Information Night
February 29th 5:30-7:30
Wednesday
Explore the incredible entrepreneurial opportunity of becoming a State Farm Agent in Northwest Indiana! Join us at Casa Blanca Restaurant, 4616 Indianapolis Blvd in East Chicago, IN 46312. Refreshments will be provided and there is no cost to attend. Business casual attire is reccomended. Please RSVP via e-mail or phone to:Sonia Avalos at Sonia.avalos.ib9c@statefarm.com, call(847) 921-2373. Click here for more information about the event.
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North Shore Health Centers
Free Blood Pressure & Cholesterol Screenings
February
Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30
It's National Heart Awareness Month and according to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Heart disease CAN be prevented, so we have three convenient locations for you to come and get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked out for FREE! Please visit the link below or call 763-8112 for more information and locations near you. Remember, a healthy heart, is a happy heart!
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Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce/PIE Committee
8th Grade Reality Store Volunteers Needed
March 15th 7:30-2:45
Thursday
The Reality Store is set to be at Chesterton High School, located at 2125 S 11th Street. For more than 20 years, this event has been preparing students from Chesterton Middle School and St. Patrick’s School how to be successful in life after graduation. The Reality Store is sponsored by the PIE (Partners In Education) Committee of the Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce and the Duneland School Corporation. During the Reality Store, each student will have the opportunity to spend one month’s “salary” on essentials like taxes, food, housing, insurance savings, ect. If any money is left over, the students may visit an investment counselor or a fun station to consider spending the remainder. If they go broke before the end of the exercise, they will go to a counselor to determine what measures they need to pursue. The Reality Store also offers students the opportunity to engage in an interest inventory to learn more about general categories of careers. Working with their eighth grade teachers, and based on their educational experiences thus far, the students will try to find matches between their skills and interests and real-life professions. The event is in need of 120 community volunteers to help with the Reality Store on the day of the event. The shifts for volunteers are as follows:
All Day: 7:30-2:45
Morning: 7:30-11:45
Afternoon: 11:30-2:45
Lunch will be provided for all volunteers. Sponsorships are still available if you aren’t able to attend, but still want to help. Volunteers should contact Meghan or June at the Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce at 926-5513.
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Porter County Parks and Recreation
Girls on the Run of Northwest Indiana Team Coming to Valparaiso and Chesterton Area
As girls prepare for middle school, they deal with a variety of pressures and uncertainties. Self-confidence and a strong support system become necessary tools to navigate through the difficulties they face. Molly Barker developed Girls on the Run in 1996 in Charlotte, N.C., to offer that support system and provide a team atmosphere where pre-teen girls could learn and grow. Since that first team was created, the organization has spread to 45 states and Canada. Porter County Parks and Recreation is the first organization to offer the program in the Valparaiso and Chesterton areas. The new team will begin meeting at Sunset Hill Farm County Park, 775 Meridian Road in Liberty Township, on March 5, 2012! Girls on the Run is a not-for-profit program that encourages pre-teen girls in third, fourth and fifth grades to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running. Girls train for a 5K running event using workouts that enhance self-esteem. The curriculum addresses girls’ physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual well-being. The team will meet every Monday and Wednesday, from 4:00-5:30 p.m., at Sunset Hill Farm County Park from March 5th to May 23rd. Every lesson begins with an ice-breaking game that will encourage participation and interaction. The team then warms up and begins the workout portion, which includes running games and exercise activities that will build up endurance and fitness in preparation for the 5K. The cost of the program is $85. The fee includes registration for the 5K race that is May 19th in Highland and a T-shirt. Space for this program is limited. To register, or for more information, contact Sara Grassmeyer at 219-707-8281 or sgrassmeyer@porterco.org.
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Delta Theta Tau Sorority
2012 Delta Theta Tau Winter Gala
March 9th 6:30-11:00 p.m.
Friday
Please join the Delta Theta Tau Sorority in benefiting Opportunity Enterprises at their Winter Gala held at Valparaiso University Harre Union Ballroom. Come for elegant hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar,silent and live auctions featuring "bid-by-text" technology,music and dancing. Also, enjoy their "Denim & Diamonds" theme and come casual! Tickets are $90 a person, and are available now! For more information please call Chris Schneidt at (219) 464-9621, ext. 233 or at christene.schneidt@oppent.org.
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American Cancer Society
Daffodil Days
Now-March 9th
Think Spring and help out the American Cancer Society! Getting involved is easy. Take orders of daffodils now through March 9th. To guaruntee delivery please return order forms by March 9th to our local office. Click herefor more information about the program, or call Hanah Tepe at 574-257-9789 or email daffodilsnorthwestindiana@cancer.org.
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James O'Connor Martial Arts & Fitness
Open House and Activities at Team O'Connor!
March 10th 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Saturday
Bring your whole family to James O' Connor's Martial Arts & Fitness for a fun-filled day to celebrate our new location at 534 Broadway in Chesterton. Check out the agenda for the things we have planned that day. Also, visit our website below for more information about what we have to offer.
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Indiana Dunes Environmental Learning Center
Project Learning Tree
March 10th 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Saturday
Come join the Indiana Dunes Environmental Learning Center for their newest environmental education workshop! Learn ready-made lessons and activities for your own environmental programs. The cost is $30 and lunch will be provided. Prior registration is required by February 22nd. For more information please call 395-1812 or visit the link below.
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The Rail Summit
Rail Delivers Jobs & Drives Economic Development
March 16th 11:15 a.m.
Friday
You are cordially invited to The Rail Summit luncheon at Sand Creek Country Club at 1001 Sand Creek Drive in Chesterton. The keynote speakers will be Paul Fisher,President and C.E.O Centerpoint Properties and John Vickerman, President of Vickerman and Associates,LLC, both experts to discuss economic development. Sponsorship and tickets are available now by filling out this invitation.
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Duneland Education Foundation
1st Annual Gala
April 20th
Friday
Save the date! This will be the first annual gala hosted by The Duneland Education Foundation to "empower excellence in education". This event will be held at the Sand Creek Country Club and more information will follow closer to the date. For more information please visit the link below.
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Prompt Ambulance
Winter News E-Blast
Prompt Ambulance strives to be the leading provider of medical transportation by doing what is right for their patients, associates and the community. View news and events coming up here.
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Comfort Keepers
"Best of Home Care" Award!!
Comfort Keepers of La Porte, Porter and Northeast Lake Counties announced that it has been recognized with Home Care Pulse's "Best of Home Care" distinction. Awarded to the top agencies in client and employee satisfaction scores from Home Care Pulse, the Comfort Keepers offices located in La Porte and Portage,IN are now ranked among a select few of the best agencies in the country. Home Care Pulse, a company which measures client and employee satisfaction, created the award to identify those agencies in the private duty home care space that demonstrated a passion for client and employee satisfaction. Home Care Pulse believes that honoring such companies can both educate and help families to make better care decisions for their aging loved ones. For more information about Comfort Keepers and how they can care for your loved ones please call 763-9898.
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D&D Restoration and Remodeling, Inc.
Opportunity for Mutual Benefit!
Mike, from D&D Restoration and Remodeling,I has started a new company that can offer most of you savings on your monthly bills or savings on new services. Please read this letter and see if you want to get any of these services and save money! Contact me at 406-4733 to set up an appointment or fill out this form and send it to me at mike_dunlap7@hotmail.com and I can get you a quote.
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The Chesterton Tribune
Special Offers
Have the Chesterton Tribune delivered to your business and keep your employees up to date on community news. For over 100 years, we have been reporting the governmental, community, social and crime news of Porter County. Special offers for new subscriptions and re-subscribers are available on our website below. Subscribe today and be an active part of your community!
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Albert Photographic Services
Your Chesterton Photographer
Trent Albert of Albert Photographic Services has been a professional photographer for over 20 years. During that period he worked in many aspects of the photographic field, developing his eye for fine detail and establishing a confidence and style that are set forth in his work. Trent is always looking for the unique features that make people, places and things special. Capturing that detail photographically is the challenge that motivates him. From stunning senior portraits to breathtaking landscapes, from poignant family vignettes to refined corporate branding campaigns, Trent’s photographic artistry is unparalleled. In addition to capturing images, Trent has also partnered with his daughter Quinn to create the Photo Experience, a technique that mixes new and old photographic elements and techniques to create one-of-a-kind art pieces. Whether it be your own photographs or photographs that you create with Trent, the goal is to make your Photo Experience one that you can enjoy and proudly display for years to come. The moment you enter the Photo Experience you will notice a nostalgic sense of photographic style – a converted 1952 Sylvania Television that is used to showcase varied photographic services. The mahogany cabinet now boasts a 30” flat screen with a sound system and graphics package that converts it into a media center. A black and white Photo-Me photo booth from a 1968 London manufacturer adds to the experience by allowing you to create your own photo portraits in just five minutes. Quinn and Trent have a number of fun props available to help you enhance your photo booth "experience". Big wax lips to fake mustaches are but a few. There are index cards that you can write your very own message into your photo strip; Blank greeting cards with a slot for your personalized photo strip that can make the perfect card for any occasion; Tools to help you hand color your own photographs. There is also a scanner that allows you to scan your images and enhance them to a poster size. For more consultation or booking information, please visit the website below, call (219) 406-2191 or visit Trent’s Downtown Chesterton studio, located at 105 S. Calumet.
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Kramer & Leonard
Big Savings with Managed Print Services
Printer, supplies, and service tied into a flat per-page cost. We'll quantify the total costs of your existing printing & imaging infrastructure, then, we'll identify your savings opportunities...for free! With managed priting you can recieve ongoing supplies, service & support, remotely monitored performance and we'll call you when your printer needs maintenance! Contact our printer specialist for a free personalized quote on Managed Print Services, Scott Kimmel at skimmel@kramerleonard.com or 219-331-3136 to save some money today!
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Framing Concepts Gallery
Earn Free Framing!
Are you a member of our Rewards Program? With the FCG Rewards Card, you can earn FREE framing! Every time you frame a project, you will earn 10% back on your card to use toward your next project. Save up enough Rewards points and you can FRAME AN ENTIRE PROJECT FOR FREE. Stop by either of our locations to pick up your complementary Rewards Card and start earning today! For more information please visit the link below or call 926-6000.
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Comcast Business Services
Chamber Referral Program
Comcast Business Services has joined with the Chamber to offer a great opportunity for the Chamber and its members! Your chamber could earn 2% recurring credit for each member that becomes a comcast customer. Chamber members will recieve a special discount on Business Class Internet and Phone products available exclusively to members of Chambers participating in the Referral Program. Just visit the link below to register. Once registration is confirmed, you can set-up your profile and your Comcast Business Class sales representative will help you manage your profile and market the services to your members. Finally, watch your referral proceeds grow and save money! For more information please contact your local Business Class sales representative or email association_referral@cable.comcast.com.
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Want to be Included in the Chamber Express?
The Chamber Express is a weekly publication in which member's events, sales and notifications are sent out to the ENTIRE membership! If you are a member of the Chesterton/Duneland Chamber, it's FREE! The newsletter is sent out around 12:00 every Friday. You can also sponsor the Chamber Express on a weekly or monthly basis. For more information please call or email Meghan at mbuckmaster@chestertonchamber.org or call (219) 926-5513.
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