Good morning, Athens.

Local restaurants and community organizers in Athens will serve free Thanksgiving meals during the week—starting November 23 at the Classic Center, followed by events at Athens First United Methodist Church, El Paso Tacos & Tequila, Sparrow’s Nest, Chuck’s Fish and Weaver D's on subsequent days.

The Northeast Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce hosted its first annual Black Business Expo at Georgia Square Mall on Nov.

15 to empower Black businesses from 13 counties with workshops, live performances, and family entertainment—organizers also received a $145,000 grant and plan to return next August for Black Philanthropy Month and Black Business Month.

Historian Lorissa Rinehart will discuss her biography of Jeannette Rankin—the first woman elected to the US House and a longtime Athens resident—today at 3 p.m. at the University of Georgia's Russell Library, where she used oral and written archives to reveal Rankin's political impact.

ACC Leaf & Limb crews will complete work in Area F and collect yard debris in Area A during the week of November 17th—residents can expect the service to run as planned throughout the week.

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department was honored by the Georgia Recreation and Park Association with the GRPA District 7 Agency of the Year award—Sandy Creek Nature Center Trail Guides received the District 7 and State of Georgia Volunteer Awards for its long-running program that leads nature hikes for school children.

LeapFrog’s study (released recently) rated Georgia hospitals on patient safety from A to F, with Savannah’s Candler Hospital receiving a D and St. Joseph’s Hospital an F.

Piedmont Athens Regional Medical is among 19 hospitals (earning an A) that met high safety standards.

A new ranking shows 11 Georgia cities made the top 500 list for dog lovers based on parks, veterinary services, and pet-friendly amenities.

Athens is ranked No. 32—reflecting strong local support for pet care.

This week, Athens sports teams played many games—football defeated Texas, men’s basketball faced Morehead State and Georgia Tech, women’s basketball beat USC Upstate, and volleyball hosted LSU for senior night.

Additional events included a high school basketball contest between Oconee County and North Oconee, a student choreography concert by the UGA Department of Dance, a first-round NCAA women’s soccer tournament match, and a SEC Nation broadcast from Myers Quad.

Georgia football will play a top-15 opponent at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thanksgiving weekend and may face an extra game for the SEC championship if the team finishes 11-1.

Head coach Kirby Smart said the team will focus on winning every game to avoid more risks and injuries as playoff seeding is set.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart updated injury statuses ahead of the Charlotte game—ILB CJ Allen is week to week and RB Chauncey Bowens is day to day after treatment this morning— as the Bulldogs plan for the contest.

They will host Charlotte on Saturday, Nov 22 at 12:45 p.m. on the SEC Network.

Northeast Georgia Livestock Auction

11:00 AM – 12:59 AM — Northeast Georgia Livestock, LLC — Free entry — Experience the thrill of real-time livestock auctions and enjoy a unique online viewing experience.

JD Graham & Gabe Lee Performance

8:00 – 10:30 p.m. — The Rialto Club — $15 adv, $20 Day of Show — Enjoy an exciting cobill featuring soulful performances by JD Graham and Gabe Lee.

Yacht Rock Schooner: A Tribute to Steely Dan

7-8:30 p.m. — The Foundry — $20 adv ($25 door) — Experience a smooth sailing night with Yacht Rock Schooner performing Steely Dan classics and favorite yacht rock tunes.

Charlotte 49ers at Georgia Bulldogs Football

12:45-2:15 p.m. — Sanford Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate game day in Athens with passionate fans and the Redcoat Marching Band energizing the crowd.

A Tribute to The Band

7-8:30 p.m. — The Foundry — Fundraiser for Food Bank of Northeast Georgia — Celebrate the spirit of community with an evening of legendary music and local songwriters.

Athens Farmers Market

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Bishop Park — Free entry — Discover fresh local produce and handmade goods from over 40 vendors every Saturday.

YBH® Symbiotic Birth Course

7-9 p.m. — M2b Family Farm — Registration required — A comprehensive birth course for expecting parents focused on natural and low intervention childbirth.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Classic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a breathtaking holiday spectacular combining circus arts with beloved seasonal favorites.

Corey Smith Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Georgia Theatre — Tickets required — Experience Corey Smith's homecoming performance showcasing songs from his 10th album.

WILLIS Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $32+ — Experience the indie rock sound of WILLIS, a band with viral success and a loyal fanbase.