Good morning, Gainesville.

With freezing temperatures ahead and families facing challenges from a government shutdown, organizations across metro Atlanta—like the Salvation Army Gainesville Corps—are opening warming centers, clothing banks and utility assistance programs to help residents keep warm.

Donors and those in need are advised to call ahead since some services require an appointment.

Ahead of the holiday festivities, Gainesville has unveiled a new chicken display featuring a chicken Santa and seven chick reindeer to replace the old metal chicken from Main Street Market.

Jingle Mingle and the Lighting of the Chicken will be held from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 in downtown Gainesville with the lighting moved to Roosevelt Square — a change meant to improve views and sound for the ceremony.

Johnson High School in Hall County placed the novel Sold under restricted status after a student’s mother complained about its explicit content on child sex trafficking—school officials said the measure is meant to protect students pending further review.

Hall County Government and the City of Gainesville are teaming with the Georgia Mountain Food Bank to open food collection sites—designed to fill the SNAP benefits gap from the federal shutdown—and will release more details on collection locations and needed items Friday, Nov.

7.

Hall County Government and Fire Rescue will hold a christening ceremony for a new 38-foot fire boat on Wednesday, Nov.

12 at 3 p.m. at the Laurel Park boat ramp in Gainesville—this vessel is outfitted with twin Yamaha 450-horsepower motors, firefighting capabilities, and a cabin for patient care to help carry public safety divers during emergencies on Lake Lanier.

After the Renaissance project on the square was completed, Doug Ivester (the former Coca-Cola chairman and building owner) moved into one of its condos in downtown Gainesville.

Gainesville, Flowery Branch, North Hall and Cherokee Bluff have qualified for the high school football playoffs (GHSA) and will play first-round games on November 14.

The teams are preparing to compete for a spot in the next round.

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.

That Arena Rock Show

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Cost varies — Experience high-energy classic rock anthems from the 70s and 80s performed live.

Turkey Trot 5K/10K/Half Marathon

7:45-11:45 a.m. — Riverside Track — Registration fee applies — A fun-filled Thanksgiving morning run for all fitness levels.