The John Jarrard Foundation recently presented checks to recipients of the eighth annual  benefit concert held earlier this year.
This annual concert has raised more than $700,000 for local charities, including Good News Clinics, The Boys and Girls Clubs of Hall County, Good News at Noon, Georgia Mountain Food Bank, University Of Georgia Music Business Program and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society — Georgia Chapter.

This year’s concert featured legendary blues guitarist and songwriter Steve Cropper. Next year’s John Jarrard Concert is scheduled for Sept. 23.

J.C. Penney at Lakeshore Mall in Gainesville recently donated funds raised through the store’s Round-Up program to the after-school program at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County.

The $637 donated from the program will help provide academic, physical and social development to children in Hall County.
The program was held in conjunction with Fair Street International Baccalaureate World School’s celebration of Lights on After School, a nationwide rally that highlighted the importance of after-school programs.

Local artist Jim Chapman was recently named a finalist in International Artist magazine’s painting competition for the October/November issue.

Chapman was also recently named a graduate research assistant with a full scholarship to Georgia State University in Atlanta, where he is pursuing his MFA in studio arts.

The Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville recently honored a few volunteers with its Medallion awards.
These awards recognize the time, expertise and resources donated by the volunteers recognized by the awards. This year’s recipients were Sandy Carter, Priscilla McKinnon, Dave Gines, Cheryl Hardin and Bob Stiehler.

The bronze “medallions” were created by Joe Emery from an original mold by the late Bob Owens. Proceeds from the medals are in turn donated to the Bob Owens scholarship fund at North Georgia College and State University.