ROSWELL, GA -- Georgia Senator John Albers (R-Roswell) recently announced his desire for middle and high school students to enter the annual statewide Holocaust Art and Writing Contest.

Sponsored by the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust in cooperation with the Georgia Department of Education, the contest's theme is "What Are the Lessons of the Holocaust?" The program began in 1995; this is the first year that the contest will include a Music category.

"These contests are a great educational tool that inspires students to take the initiative to learn more about a critical time in our history," said Sen. Albers. "This program is a great example of the kind of creativity our schools need to truly engage students.

WOODSTOCK, GA -- Susan Rosson Spain, a children's and young adult author, recently visited Carmel Elementary School in Woodstock to read from her newest book, "The Twelve Days of Christmas in Georgia."

The book includes fun letters -- one for each of the 12 days -- that feature entertaining, unusual and kid-friendly facts about Georgia.

FoxTale Book Shoppe (105 East Main Street, Woodstock, 30188) helped arrange this special visit.