Good morning, Gainesville.

Eight nonprofit groups serving Hall County will receive Jackson EMC Foundation grants—including Ferst Readers, Georgia Mountains YMCA, Diamond in the Rough Youth Development, Girl Scouts, Comics Appreciation Project, Whispering Angels Youth Ranch, Bloom Enterprises, and Prince of Peace Catholic Church—and one grant will cover vehicle accessibility modifications for a local woman.

Belk has moved its men’s and children’s sections to its women’s store as Lakeshore Mall prepares for a mixed-use redevelopment—Books-A-Million left recently and other retailers relocated—leaving only Belk and Dick’s in the mall.

The shift marks a continued change in the mall’s tenant lineup as the property transforms.

AAA reported that gas prices in Gainesville held steady at $2.78 while the national average climbed to $3.07 and statewide prices dipped to $2.79.

The agency said drivers paid less than last year and that lower prices will continue as gas demand falls with colder weather — a trend set to persist.

The Hall School District Work-Based Learning program held its annual Young Professionals Seminar at Lanier Tech where more than 650 high school seniors learned key career skills.

Local business leaders — including Lincoln Electric, Regions Bank, Ryals Brothers and Perfectly Polished — led sessions on networking, financial planning and communication to help prepare students for future jobs.

Everwood Elementary School is hosting a therapy dog program to help students feel relaxed and ready to learn as the school year continues.

Teacher Dana Patterson arranged certified therapy dog teams to visit classrooms and the library to support learning (the program includes visits by golden retrievers in matching costumes).

Jessica Dudley, president of United Way of Hall County from Lula, was selected as one of 40 fellows for the Appalachian Leadership Institute—an eight month program that began last week in Ashland, Ky and trains leaders to use economic development to drive community change.

Flat Creek Baptist Church Trunk or Treat

6-8 p.m. — Flat Creek Community Center — Free entry — Enjoy popcorn, candy, and a pumpkin carving contest at this festive event for all ages.

Drake Milligan Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Check local listings — Experience the authentic country sound of rising star Drake Milligan.

SkynFolks - Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — $15+ — Experience the authentic sounds of Lynyrd Skynyrd performed live by tribute band SkynFolks.

Bob Ross Paint Party

2-4 p.m. — Hall County Library Blackshear Place — Free participation — Create your own Bob Ross landscape painting in a relaxed, guided setting.

Dueling Pianos Friendsgiving Celebration

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — $20 — Enjoy a night of high-energy music and festive fun with the Andrews Brothers' dueling pianos show.

Rodney Atkins Live Performance

7-9:30 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening filled with heartfelt country music and stories from Rodney Atkins.

Ryan Montgomery Concert

6:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of country music with rising star Ryan Montgomery.

PiCATso Paint Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Hall County Library Downtown — $10 supply fee — Unleash your creativity with a cat-themed paint workshop in celebration of National Cat week.

Watercolor Workshop with Vicki Paulus

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Hall County Library North Hall Technology Center — $2.94 — Unleash your creativity at this engaging watercolor workshop.

The Carole King & James Taylor Story - Tribute Show

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — $ — Experience the musical journey of two legends through a critically acclaimed tribute show.