The Georgia Mountains YMCA received a $2,500 award from PepsiCo.

The award will be used to support health and wellness programs related to Active America, a YMCA initiative to promote healthy lives. One aspect of the program will provide home-schooled students with a physical education program at the J.A. Walters YMCA that includes a fitness evaluation, cardio classes and swimming lessons.

This is one of 400 grants PepsiCo is awarding to YMCAs around the country.

Keith Karnok, who performs around Northeast Georgia as Mr. Keith the Magic Man, was recently named a finalist in the Performer of the Year competition at the annual Kidabra International Conference in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Karnok, who has also performed at the Gainesville, Flowery Branch and Clermont branches of the Hall County Library System, was selected to perform before conference attendees following an evaluation process. Kidabra is an international association of family and kid show performers with members that include magicians, ventriloquists, jugglers and clowns from around the world.

Karnok and his wife Melinda live in Watkinsville.

The Rotary Club of South Hall — Sunset recently held its Charter Night, celebrating the organization's new charter.

The event included appearances by Rotary Governor Shane Burr and District Governor Garland C. Moore. The president of the club, Jean Cornett, offered a challenge to other members to add at least one new member each by July 31. The Rotary Club of South Hall — Sunset is sponsored by Rotary Club of Gainesville, Doug Langman, immediate past president, and Rick Boyd, current president.

The club meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Sweetfire Lodge, 1701 Browns Bridge Road, Gainesville.