On Dec. 18, Hall County Sheriff Steve Cronic and his son Cody Cronic made their annual trip to the Georgia Sheriff's Boys Ranch in Hahira to deliver a load of bicycles to the kids at the youth home. This marks the fourth year that the sheriff and his son have made this trip. The Georgia Sheriffs Youth Homes has provided quality care for hundreds of children. It is a commitment of the Sheriff's of Georgia to continue this history.

At the 2010 Harvest Balloon Festival Sterling on the Lake raised a lot more than just balloons. The community in Flowery Branch raised $22,500 for two deserving charity partners: The National Military Family Association, which provides support to military families, and Challenged Child and Friends, which serves children with disabilities. Each nonprofit organization received a check for $11,250 from Sterling on the Lake.

"We're just so grateful to the many people who came to the festival and for all their support," said Jennifer Landers, marketing director for Newland Communities, the developer of Sterling on the Lake.

The Harvest Balloon Festival attracted more than 7,500 festivalgoers. Next year's event will take place on Oct. 15-16, 2011. For more information, visit www.harvestballoon festival.com or www.sterlingonthelake.com.

Artist David Singuefield of Murrayville was recently chosen to exhibit his work at this year's 59th annual juried show for the Arts and Crafts Festival in Fairhope, Ala. The exhibit will take place March 18-20, 2011.