The American Tapestry Alliance has given its Award of Excellence to Tommye McClure Scanlin of Dahlonega for her piece, “...to the essence of every nature...”.  The tapestry measures 34 inches wide by 54 inches long and was woven of wool and cotton.  It was exhibited at the Blue Ridge Handweaving Show in Asheville, N.C., in October.
Scanlin, a longtime professor at North Georgia College & State University, said she enjoys the surface of flat woven tapestry, the intensity of color in the yarns and the significance of each movement of the weaver’s hands to the finished work. Her tapestries, she added, are based on ideas and images important to her and the environment of North Georgia and western North Carolina.

The North Hall Community Education Foundation recently gave a $5,000 check to Riverbend Elementary School for supplies, programs and books. 

Hall County Deputy Sheriff Joe Groover was presented with the Gainesville Elks Lodge’s Public Safety Officer of the Year award during a March 27 ceremony at the lodge. Elks Exalted Ruler Calvin Sneed presented the award.
Groover, a member of the Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. team, was shot while providing cover for fellow officers in March 2008 when an armed man opened fire on the officers in Lula. He has undergone four surgeries on his right arm and hand and has yet to regain full use of them. Hall County Sheriff Steve Cronic took the opportunity during the Elks’ ceremony to also present Groover with awards from the National Sheriff’s Association. Groover was awarded the Medal of Valor, the association’s highest honor, and also the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in the line of duty protecting the citizens of Hall County.