Residents and staff from Lanier Village Estates retirement community in Gainesville recently collected 1,300 pounds of food for a local organization in need.
ACTS is the parent company of Lanier Village Estates, a not-for profit, faith-based organization committed to serving seniors and helping neighbors in need.
Nearly 14,000 residents and employees from ACTS locations nationwide participated in its third annual food drive, collecting nearly 14 tons (27,895 pounds) of food distributed to 19 different food banks in Georgia and seven other states.
More than 30 volunteers with the Gainesville Jaycees gathered at Walmart on Nov. 20 to purchase Christmas gifts for more than 400 needy children as part of the Jaycees Empty Stocking Fund.
The gifts will be given to elementary students throughout Hall County.
The annual tradition began in 1955, and includes not just toys but also shoes and clothes for each child.
An ongoing fundraising campaign continues until Dec. 16 to aid in the cost of the presents. To donate or receive more information, visit www.gainesvillejaycees.org
Dlynn Armstrong-Williams, director of the Center for Global Engagement at North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega, has been appointed to a national committee dedicated to international education.
The NAFSA: Association of International Educators has chosen Armstrong-Williams as a member of its International Education Leadership Knowledge Community.
In addition to leading the university's Center for Global Engagement, Armstrong-Williams also is an associate professor of political science at NGCSU. She lives in Gainesville.
The purpose of the International Education Leadership Knowledge Community is to assist those charged with leading internationalization efforts on their campuses through networking and leader development.
Dr. Michelle Byrne, professor of nursing and coordinator of the master's in nursing education program at North Georgia College & State University, has been named a Georgia March of Dimes' 2010 Nurse of the Year.
Byrne was one of 14 nurses from various specialties across the state honored during an awards gala and banquet held Nov. 20 at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta.
Earlier this year, Byrne also was awarded the Excellence in Education award from Sigma Theta, Tau Chapter.
Nine students in the master's in nursing education program will be presenting their projects and celebrating their December graduation.
The event is set to begin at 10 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 2 in room 137 of the Health and Natural Sciences Building. A luncheon reception will follow.