As 2009 comes to an end, few people are likely to regret its passing into the history books. The nation, our state and county, and most of us individually have weathered unprecedented economic challenges since 2008. After this troubled year, it would be tempting to just lay low as 2010 dawns, waiting to see what the new year will bring.

If you haven't checked out any of these local home tours in the past, you're missing out on some great holiday fun and a chance to make a difference for those deserving our attention during the holiday season.

In the third quarter of this year,11 organizations serving Gwinnett County residents have received $106,077 in grants from the Jackson EMC Foundation, funded by the contributions of the cooperative's members to Operation Round Up.