Two new vice presidents have been appointed to serve on the administration of Reinhardt University. David Leopard is the Vice President for Finance and Administration; He replaced Robert G. Bob McKinnon, who served in the position from March 2008 until his retirement in March 2015. Timothy A. Tim Norton is the Vice President for Advancement; Norton filled the position of JoEllen Bell Wilson 61, who retired from Reinhardt after serving in many roles for 33 years (July 1982-2015).

Mr. Norton and Mr. Leopard bring years of experience to their respective positions and will be joining an already strong leadership team, said Dr. Kina Mallard, president. The future of Reinhardt is bright. With our excellent leaders, faculty and staff, we are ready to soar into the future as we continue shaping lives and building futures.

When you ask most six-year-old girls what they want for their birthday, many would ask for a new doll, a tablet, clothing or even a new pet. However, Jailyn asked her family to raise money to donate clean water to children in Africa. She and her family researched several agencies that provide water to sub-Saharan Africa and selected The Water Project, Inc. They set their initial goal at $700. However, within 24 hours, they had raised $750 in donations. In two weeks, they received donations of $2,666.33! They are thankful to all who donated and those who sent encouraging messages. They hope that Jailyns unselfish act of kindness and efforts benefit many children. For her 8th birthday, Jailyn says she wants to donate food to children in Africa who dont get enough to eat.

The Cherokee Music Teachers Association recently held its annual Awards Ceremony at Reinhardt University. Twenty-six students received trophies for points accumulated by participating in CMTAs yearly Auditions and Solo Festival. CMTA Summer Scholarship winner, Joshua Anderson, and guest artist Alexander Wasserman performed for attendees.

Thomas M. Brady, Post #45 of the American Legion, located in Canton, Georgia, honored several firefighters and staff members with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services during their annual Community Service Awards Banquet, held at the local legion hall. Those recognized included: Battalion 1 Firefighter Award, James Laughlin; Battalion 2 Firefighter Award, Capt. Kevin Lanier; Battalion 3 Firefighter Award, Chris Ginn; Volunteer Firefighter Award, Michelle Ice; EMS Employee of the Year Award, Scott Coppola; Fire Administration Award, Michael Priest; Special Operations Award, Todd Weidman, and Explorer of the Year Award, Josiah Gnanamuttu.

On Saturday, May 16, several men from First Baptist Church of Woodstock arranged a fishing rodeo for 39 young men of Goshen Valley Boys Ranch. The morning was spent enjoying each others company while fishing for prizes. While several fish were caught, including some bass weighing in at nearly 5 lbs., the focus was truly on the boys having the chance to spend quality time with the men of FBCW. The event was also made possible by Family Life Publications, who donated fishing poles and tackle for the boys to use. It was truly a Saturday that will not soon be forgotten for the young men who participated.

Hope comes through the healing Goshens young men receive. Hope, combined with intentional services and education results in life direction for each young man. Goshens greatest achievement is how they equip the young men at Goshen Valley to see past the burden of their circumstances by helping them not only overcome their past, but to use their story as a blessing to themselves and others. With spiritual mentorship and training in life skills, Goshen Valley Boys Ranch provides every possible opportunity for a hopeful future. Goshen Valley Boys Ranch is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization based in Cherokee County.

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, during their June Good Morning Cherokee breakfast, recognized the 2015 group of Cherokee Countys Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch. The Top 10 in 10 initiative is designed to cultivate and showcase exceptional Cherokee County young professionals, said Pam Carnes, Chamber President and CEO. Coordinated by the Chamber, in partnership with Enjoy! Cherokee Magazine, this recognition program focuses on Cherokee County residents under age 40, who are considered to be Cherokee Countys up and coming leaders over the next 10 years. Those rising stars recognized as Cherokee Countys next generation of community leaders include Meagan Biello, teacher, Creekview High School; Matt McClain, owner, the McClain Agency/Nationwide Insurance; Ben Thacker, retail sales specialist, LGE Community Credit Union; Matthew Thomas, Economic Development manager, City of Canton; Paul Ghanouni, owner and founder, Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm; David Pitts, operations support coordinator/customer satisfaction, Georgia Power Company; Kryss Roch, assistant Solicitor General, Cherokee County Solicitor Generals Office; J. Mark Smith, Principal, Woodstock High School; Adam Smith, commercial banker, Bank of North Georgia and Kyle Wallace, partner/attorney, Alston & Bird, LLP.

The Rotary Club of Canton was honored at the District Conference by receiving the Club of the Year Award for Medium-Sized Clubs, making the sixth year in a row that the club has attained this honor.  The Rotary Club of Canton was recognized as a Gold Club. Additionally, the club received Certificates of Recognition from Rotary International Director Robert Hall and Zone 34 Chair Betsy Owen for the Rotary Has Heart project selected by District Governor Bill Strickland among all such projects submitted to the Zone from across District 6910. In addition to the certificates, the club will receive 1,000 Rotary Foundation recognition points and a watercolor painting of the clubs choosing by artist George Lewis, who sells his art exclusively to raise money for Rotary water sanitation programs throughout the world. Club President Hugh Beavers will have the honor of designating the recipient of the 1,000 Foundation recognition points and watercolor painting.

Since 1909 the Congressional Baseball Game has been the only annual partisan showdown beloved by all and enjoyed by thousands. Every year, with a few interruptions, Senate and House members of each party team up to settle scores and solidify friendships off the floor and on the field. U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk recently wore the colors of Cherokee High School and River Ridge High School at practices for the upcoming Congressional Charity Baseball game.

Canton resident Kaye Anne Starosciak recently won the Publix Georgia Marathon in 3:05:01, the race was held in downtown Atlanta. She ran as a Rally Athlete honoring 4-year old, Peyton, who is fighting cancer. Starosciak raised $3,000 for the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research. She was also scheduled to run her sixth Boston Marathon on April 20 in memory of Kylie Myers, who lost her battle on February 13, 2015. Kaye Anne is committed to help fight childhood cancer and build awareness. You can join in the fight and donate toward her Boston effort at: https://www.RallyFoundation.org/Campaigns/BostonStrongForKylie/

Memorial Day will be observed at the Georgia National Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2015. The keynote speaker will be Ret. Brigadier General Denis Shortal, USMC. Attendees should carpool and arrive early due to parking constraints. Folding chairs, blankets, and weather related items (umbrellas, hats, hand fans, and water) are recommended items to bring to enjoy the ceremony. Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Veterans Cemetery Road, Canton. 770-479-9300.