Organizers of the sixth annual CVB Chocolate Fair, held Nov. 8 at Funopolis Family Fun Center at Banks Crossing, report that the event was a complete success. "The location at Funopolis was perfect and we received a ton of food donations for the Banks County Community Resource Association (BCCRA). The participants and attendees were asked to bring donations and practically everyone who came through the door brought at least one food donation. Some even brought clothing donations as well," said Banks County CVB President Bonnie Johnson.

Funopolis Family Fun Center also held a food drive that resulted in even more food donations. The donations of both of these drives were delivered to the BCCRA.

"The attendants at the BCCRA were so grateful to receive all of these donations. They said they were running low and didn't know how there were going to get more in supply and thanked the CVB and Funopolis for collecting these donations.

"So, we appreciate everyone who donated at the Chocolate Fair and at the Funopolis Food drive. Those in need in our county appreciate these donations as well." said Johnson.

Johnson also encourages other organizations to drop off an individual food donation on behalf of the BCCRA to help those who need assistance. Food can be dropped off at the Old Jail, located on Yonah-Homer Road across from the Banks County Courthouse, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Any food donations will be greatly appreciated.

Ten new Eagle Scouts were confirmed recently from Gainesville's Scout Troop 26. They are:

Joseph Tedford Tyler, 17, son of Mark and Laura Tyler and a senior at Arkansas Baptist High School, where his family recently moved. His Eagle project was a landscaping and sign replacement project for Health Access Initiative, a nonprofit community health clinic.

Kyle Davies Friese, 17, son of the late William Friese and Cheryl and Tommy Byrd and a Gainesville High School senior. For his Eagle project, Friese devised, planned and supervised the construction of a courtroom exhibit at Interactive Neighborhood for Kids.

Ricardo Javier Lopez, 17, J. Javier Lopez and Susan M. Hanson and a North Hall High School senior enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program. For his project, he landscaped and developed existing gardens and established a veterans memorial for the Guest House adult day care facility in Gainesville.

Donald Phillip Dennis, 18, son of Phil and Laurie Dennis, a freshman at Covenant College and graduate of North Georgia Christian School. He completed his Eagle project in January, designing and leading the construction of a brick barbecue pit for his church, Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity.

Daniel Von Danz, son of Jon and Karen Danz, a freshman at the University of Georgia and graduated from Riverside Military Academy with honors. His Eagle Scout project was construction of a tower at RMA for observation of air-soft, paintball and other military exercises.

Mitchell Lapleau McIntire, 14, son of Jeffrey and Monica McIntire and a student at Lakeview Academy. As his Eagle Project, Mitchell led a team of 15 volunteers to rehabilitate a pioneer camp site at Victoria Bryant State Park.

Aaron Daniel Mullican, 16, son of Dr. Morgan and Dawn Mullican of Gainesville and a sophomore at North Hall High School. His Eagle Project was replacing and enhancing the landscaping at INK.

Dennis Andrew Cagle, 16, son of Doug and Joanie Cagle and a junior at Heritage Academy. His Eagle project consisted of designing, planning and installing a prayer garden at his church, Mountain View Baptist.

Reid Bronson Schwartz, 15, son of Richard Schwartz and Lisa Bronson and a sophomore cadet at Riverside Military Academy. His Eagle project was cleaning and improving a campsite at RMA.

Tyler Alexander Hooper, 14, son of Trevor and Sheri Hooper and an eighth-grader at Hall County's Da Vinci Academy. As his Eagle Scout project, he devised, planned and installed an outdoor classroom or "mini-theatre" near the recently completed children's wing of First Baptist Church.