Don't forget the Merrillville Fourth of July parade tomorrow. The parade will start at noon from 55th on Broadway and head south to 65th Ave.

Festivities at Hidden Lake Park, 6355 Broadway, will be held from 3 to 11 p.m. today and from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday. Food and beverages will be available and there will be music, activities and plenty of fun.

Weight loss seminar

Attend a free seminars on Weight Loss Surgical Options at 1 p.m. Monday, or from 10 to 11:30 a.m. July 21 at 99 E. 86th Ave., Suite D, Merrillville

Dr. Jeffrey Rosen, a surgeon with Pinnacle Hospital who has more than 10 years of experience in weight loss surgical procedures and is a Board Certified surgeon, will speak on Lap-BAND and gastric bypass procedures. Open and laparoscopic methods will be discussed, as well as long-term aftercare.

For reservations, call (866) 922-4592. For more details, visit www.LifeWeigh.com

Chamber members cut ribbons

Merrillville Chamber of Commerce members enjoyed an open house/ribbon cutting last week at the new location of Doctor's Choice Home Medical Equipment, 373 E. 81st Ave.

Everyone was impressed with the variety of medical aids available n from mobile "scooters" to knee braces. Call (219) 769-0161 for more information.

Mike Anderson Chevrolet of Merrillville, 61st Avenue and Interstate 65, held an open house/ribbon cutting June 24 that was attended by chamber members, GM representatives and the public. Owner Mike Anderson cut the ribbon to symbolize a new beginning. Al Kuchar, general manager, and other staffers passed out thank you gifts to those in attendance.

For more information, call (219) 663-0868.

The Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza and T.J. Maloney's Authentic Irish Pub hosted a scrumptious Business After Hours for chamber members June 26. Food and Beverage Director Chad Wozniak announced that a new summer menu will be coming soon, along with a summer beer garden featuring a REO Speedway tailgate party July 12.

Call (219) 769-6311 for more information.

Distinctive awards

Lakeshore Public Television recently won three National Communications Awards of Distinction.

The Award of Distinction is presented for projects that exceed industry standards in quality and achievement.

The Lakeshore PTV Media Kit was distinguished in the Print Advertising/Sponsorship category.

Another award-winning Lakeshore project was for the hearing impaired, entitled "Eye On Fire Safety." It was recognized in two categories n How-To/Instruction and Safety. This project was funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Program.

The Communicator Award is the leading international awards program. Lakeshore PTV can be viewed over the air and on satellite through DirecTV and Dish Network on Channel 56, on cable channel 17 in most NW Indiana communities, and on 17 and 21 in Chicago.

Call (219) 769-5656 or visit www.lakeshorePTV.com

Edward C. Dernulc is controller/interim 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.