Good morning, Athens.

Athens-Clarke County Animal Services is calling on residents to foster shelter pets over Thanksgiving—participants will care for the animals using provided supplies until December 1.

Athens Community Council on Aging has collected Christmas gifts for almost 15 years through its Be a Santa to a Senior program—partnering with local stores, UGA and 200 volunteers to wrap about 3500 gifts for 700 older neighbors.

The nonprofit also accepts referrals to make sure vulnerable seniors who receive meals or dementia care get a thoughtful present.

Bigger Visions of Athens will not offer day service or lunch on Thanksgiving Day so staff can enjoy the holiday with their families—overnight services including dinner, a bed, and breakfast will continue.

The nonprofit, which has provided daily food and lodging since 1998, is asking for pre-made, pre-packed breakfast donations.

One letter from Oct. 22 urged rerouting the Firefly Trail via Coile Middle School to avoid costly drainage repairs—while another letter from residents Edward and Rita Kelly supported new affordable housing in Five Points as a means to ease congestion and boost tax revenue.

Normal Hardware in Normaltown will close on Dec.

31 as the Logan family ends decades of service, and the store will sell off its supplies before renting the building — leaving many to wonder how Normaltown will change. The closure marks the end of a long-running local tradition started by Hugh Logan and maintained by his family and longtime staff.

Voters in Athens can cast their vote for the local high school football player of the week from the GHSA second round playoffs until Dec.

1 at 5 p.m.—the nominees include standout players from Athens Academy, Clarke Central, Jackson County, Jefferson, North Oconee, Oconee County and Prince Avenue Christian.

Georgia stayed at No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings released on Nov.

25 and holds a 10-1 record— the Bulldogs will face Georgia Tech at 3:30 p.m. Friday in Atlanta and could secure a top four seed as final rankings come on Dec. 7.

Tom Sapp built UGA’s Hairy Dawg mascot three weeks before the 1981 Sugar Bowl after coach Vince Dooley approved his sketches; he worked late nights in his basement to finish the costume in time.

Sapp later founded International Mascot Corporation where he designed mascots for many sports teams.

Former Braves and Georgia high school star Jeff Francoeur said the GHSA should change its decision for suspending 35 Gainesville players after a fight broke out following a 42-0 win against Brunswick—he argued that players defending a teammate should not miss the quarterfinal game against Hughes on Friday. Four players were reinstated from an initial suspension of 39, and debates over the ruling continue.

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.

Nuçi's Space 25th Anniversary Benefit Concert

6:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. — Nuçi's Space — Ticket information not available — Celebrate 25 years of music, healing, and community with live performances from beloved local musicians.

Athens Winter Wonderland Craft and Vendor Market

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Tanger Outlets Commerce — Free entry — Discover unique handmade crafts and festive goods at this magical holiday market.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Performance by Good Grief Trio

7-9 p.m. — Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture — Tickets $15-20, Family pack for $60 — Enjoy a soulful rendition of the beloved holiday classic with the Good Grief Trio.

Now After Nothing Concert

8 PM – 12 AM — Flicker Theatre & Bar — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of music featuring Fixation Fantasy by Now After Nothing.

BloodKin Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy an evening with BloodKin & Friends featuring special guest Kevn Kinney.