Good morning, Gainesville.

Yesterday, Gainesville nonprofit My Sister’s Place celebrated 25 years on the downtown square with the Hope on the Square event held from noon to 4 p.m. The event featured coat donations and gift basket drawings, and Gainesville Mayor candidate Sam Couvillon — who read a proclamation declaring November 6 as Marty Owens Day — joined executive director Jennifer Bero as she outlined plans to expand shelter services for more women.

SNAP recipients are turning to 20 local food pantries after not receiving benefits this month due to the government shutdown; the list guides residents to food support.

The Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County will host its third EmpowHER Safe + Savvy event Tuesday, November 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Brenau University's Walters Theatre — providing women with practical safety tools — as part of the group’s ongoing efforts to boost confidence.

The main entrance to Gainesville 85 Business Park at James Simpson Boulevard and Athens Highway—U.S. 129 is now open to allow easier access for trucks and visitors.

The new access is expected to support local businesses moving goods and people into the park.

Since 1965 the Appalachian Regional Commission has tracked poverty in Appalachia and its new report shows a drop from 297 to 119 high-poverty counties, with only Elbert, Franklin, Madison, Polk & Chattooga remaining in north Georgia.

The U.S. Drought Monitor reported that northeast Georgia has seen a slight increase in drought-free counties while nearly 30 counties in deep south Georgia now face extreme dryness.

Lake Lanier's water level dropped by 0.2 foot to 1065.7.

Hall County Government and the City of Gainesville are hosting a community food drive from today through Nov.

25 to support the Georgia Mountain Food Bank in distributing donations to households facing food insecurity amid SNAP cuts. Monetary donations can be made directly to help provide 50 meals for each $10 contribution.

Hall County Government and Fire Rescue will hold a christening ceremony for its new 38-foot fire boat at Laurel Park Wednesday at 3:00—equipped with twin Yamaha 450 horsepower motors, firefighting tools, and a temperature-controlled cabin that will help save lives on Lake Lanier.

The vessel is now fully operational following weeks of training and will lower response times during emergencies.

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.

Christmas on Green Street 2025

3-7 p.m. — Gainesville Civic Center — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays with a festive parade featuring antique cars, floats, and live music.