Anna Ruby Falls Scenic Area celebrated Smokey Bear's 64th birthday Aug. 9. The program included a visit from Smokey Bear, nature programs and a fire program by Georgia Forestry Commission staff. Staff from the Cradle of Forestry Interpretive Association, U.S. Forest Service and Georgia Forestry Commission were in attendance along with many visitors.

The Hall County Boys & Girls Clubs has received a $2,500 donation from Circuit City as part of the opening of Circuit City's new store in Cumming. The donation will be used to fund programming and other services the organization provides. About a dozen children from the clubs were on hand for the donation, and were able to play some video games inside the new store. More than 360 children, ages 6 to 18, attend the Hall County Boys and Girls Clubs each day, and 77 percent come from economically disadvantaged circumstances. For more information, call Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County at 770-532-8102.

The Northeast Georgia Writers featured conservative radio talk show host Martha Zoller as their guest speaker during their Aug. 6 meeting. Zoller is the author of the recent book "Indivisible: Uniting Values for a Divided America" and encouraged the writers in attendance to pursue their passion. The Northeast Georgia Writers have more than 40 members who represent a variety of writing genres. Meetings take place from 1-3 p.m. the first Monday of each month on the third floor of Peach State Bank at 325 Washington St. SW in Gainesville.