Chloe Holden placed third in a competition featuring young musicians from the Southeast, ranging in age from 7 to 18 — all competing for the same prize. Holden, 10, has been a concert harpist for one year. She began her studies in voice and harp in Gainesville but has moved on to study with nationally renowned harpists in the Atlanta area.
Justin Hadden from Troop 26, Gainesville, has obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. For his eagle project, Justin organized a crew of people to go with him to Enterprise, Ala., to help with cleanup from a tornado. Hadden’s crew provided several days of service totaling more than 185 hours of labor.
Boy Scout Troop 15 held a "gateway" dedication recently on behalf of Eddie Walker of Gainesville. A "gateway" is the front of a Boy Scout outdoor campsite, complete with American flag at the entrance. This gateway, located at the Bethel Church of the Nazarene in Gainesville, will be called the "Eddie Walker Gateway" in honor of his more than 20 years of support for the community.
J&J Foods recently donated 400 Christmas cookies to be distributed to the residents of Harrison Square apartments.
World War II veteran Richard Smith, of the Disabled American Veterans and The American Legion Post No. 521, and Cmdr. Stephanie Watkins were invited to speak at Chestatee Middle School’s Veterans Day Celebration. They presented Bonnie Bready’s social studies’ class with an American flag as a symbol of Americanism and to honor all who have served. A POW/MIA moment of silence was observed for those who are still unaccounted for. Smith and Watkins were two of many veterans who came out to share their experiences. The coordinator of the event, Erin Behman of Chestatee Middle School, escorted President Dave Dellinger, Ralph Souther and other members of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter No. 772 around the school to meet with other students.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Nikia P. Harris is currently deployed in southwest Asia as part of the 386th Expeditionary Wing, providing support to those in Kuwait and Iraq. She is the daughter of Delores Sirmans of Gainesville. She is a 2000 graduate of Gainesville High School.
Chick-fil-A has awarded its national leadership scholarship to Steven Matthews of Flowery Branch. Matthews will use the $1,000 scholarship to study management at Gainesville State College in Oakwood.