While the Federal Emergency Management Agency offices in Munster and Gary closed Nov. 14, they re-opened as U.S. Small Business Administration offices on Monday.

They will continue processing applications for a few more weeks. The Munster location is in former Manuszczak Appliance Store at 9450 Calumet Ave. and its hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday (phone: (219) 836-4910).

There are two locations in Gary n Ivy Tech Community College at 1440 E. 35th Ave. (phone: (219) 980-2706) and Christ Temple Church of Christ Holiness at 4201 Washington St. (closing Nov. 20).

Tree lighting & bazaar

Take your family out for a heart-warming evening to put you in the holiday mood as the Town of Merrillville holds its second Tree Lighting and Holiday Bazaar from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5 at Town Hall. There will be carolers, refreshments, craft vendors, wreath displays, door prizes and last but not least - Santa Claus! The tree lighting will take place at 7.

The town's Christmas Festival Committee, consisting of many volunteers, prides themselves on not using tax dollars for this event. Donations n large or small n are appreciated from the business community or individuals. Send donations to the Town of Merrillville Donation Fund, c/o Clerk-Treasurer, 7820 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410.

Christmas show

Chicago Street Theatre in Valparaiso will present a unique adaptation of the well-known play, "A Christmas Carol," shown through contemporary eyes. This show promises to quickly become a Christmas tradition.

Opening night is Friday and performances continue on Friday through Sunday through Dec. 20, with a special Thursday night show Dec. 18. Curtain rises at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, as well as Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, 18 and 19, with 11 a.m. performances on Saturdays, Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13 and 20, and 2:30 p.m. matinees Nov. 23, 29 and 30 and Dec. 6, 7,13, 14 and 20.

Tickets are available at the box office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday; call (219) 464-1636 or e-mail boxoffice@chicagostreet.org

Congratulations

Two Merrillville Chamber of Commerce members received high honors in the past few weeks.

Canon IV has achieved HP Partner ONE Public Sector Elite status. The designation identifies HP solution providers who are focused on public sector customers and have established public sector practices, dedicated sales and technical resources and met minimum sales revenue requirements. Contact local representatives Jerry Jones or Beth Watts at (800) 825-7779.

Also, Express Employment Professionals has been named one of AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50, according to Jean Phelps, Valparaiso Express franchisee. This annual program recognizes organizations that are addressing issues of the aging work force through cutting-edge best practices and policies.

Call Express at (219) 465-1868 or e-mail jean.phelps@expresspros.com

Edward C. Dernulc is executive director of the Merrillville Chamber of Commerce. Reach him at (219) 769-8180 or geninq@merrillville.coc.org. Opinions expressed are solely those of the writer.