The Gordon Gazette updates the Community Calendar three times per week. The Community Calendar is a listing of events in Calhoun-Gordon County that the Gordon Gazette provides as free content.

If you'd like an event added, please email the information to staff@gordongazettega.com and we will add it free of charge!

ONGOING

VETERANS COFFEE TIME EACH FRIDAY AT THE CALHOUN-GORDON COUNTY LIBRARY: Veterans coffee hour is every Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Calhoun-Gordon County Library, located at 100 North Park Avenue in downtown Calhoun. Veterans are invited to enjoy coffee and chat in a relaxed environment.

PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP: Bradley Wellness Center (BWC), 1225 Broadrick Drive in Dalton, is beginning a Parkinson’s Support Group on Oct. 2. Whether you are newly diagnosed, a long-term fighter or a caregiver, this group can help. The sessions will include tips, resources and encouragement to help with daily life. The meetings will be held in the upstairs classroom at BWC from noon to 1 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. Please call 706-278-9355 to register.

SILVER SNEAKERS CLASS EACH TUESDAY AND FRIDAY: Make sure to join in on this fun Silver Sneakers class every Tuesday and Friday mornings at 9am. Silver Sneakers is a fitness and wellness program offered to seniors that helps you get active, stay fit, and connect with others. Some insurance plans cover the class, however anyone is welcome for a price of $4 per class.

For more information visit call 706-629-2599.

HAMILTON HOSPICE GRIEF & BEREAVEMENT GROUP EVERY FOURTH THURSDAY OF THE MONTH: Hamilton Hospice will begin a new grief and bereavement group every fourth Thursday of the month. The group meets from 12 noon - 1 p.m. at the Dalton-Whitfield County Library, 310 Cappes Street, Dalton.

MUSIC LESSONS AT HARRIS ARTS CENTER: The Harris Arts Center is offering a variety of music lessons with Lauren Talley and Stephen Hare. For more information call the Harris Arts Center, 706-629-2599.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP AT PEEPLES CANCER INSTITUTE: The local Breast Cancer Support Group will meet on the first Thursday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Peeples Cancer Institute (1215 Memorial Drive in Dalton) conference room. If you have questions, please call 706-226-8966.

ATRIUM HEALTH FLOYD HOLDING STROKE SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUP: Stroke survivors and caregivers can find support, camaraderie and education during a free monthly support group organized by Atrium Health Floyd. The Stroke Survivor Support Group will meet the first Thursday of each month at noon at Suite 101, 304 Shorter Ave., Rome. The first meeting will take place Nov. 6. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet other stroke survivors, share experiences and learn how they can better navigate daily living. Topics include: – general stroke education – nutrition – disease management – physical therapy
– occupational therapy – speech therapy – spiritual support – emotional wellbeing – community – resources – peer support

For more information or to attend, contact Merrell at 706-509-5994. Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center is designated as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. The certification recognizes that the hospital has critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for stroke patients.

HARRIS ARTS CENTER TO OFFER MAKE & MINGLE MONDAYS: The Harris Arts Center is thrilled to announce their latest art offering! Every fourth Monday, the Arts Center will host their Make & Mingle class! This is your opportunity to work on whatever project you've got going on -- whether it's drawing, painting, crotchet, stitching, sewing, writing…you name it! Bring your materials and chat with other local artists and makers. You might even bounce ideas off one another. Don't have anything to work on but still want to socialize? That's perfect -- there is always something crafty to be done around the Harris Arts Center! This is completely free, however storage and supplies are not offered. Bring what you need and take what you brought! Don't miss out on this fun (& FREE) new avenue. The first Make & Mingle class will be on March 25th from 10 a.m. until Noon.

FOOD CITY PHARMACY OFFERS SEASONAL FLU SHOT: Company officials recently announced that area Food City Pharmacy locations will once again be providing the flu vaccine this immunization season. Seasonal flu vaccine provides protection against the most common strains of influenza. Vaccinations are available on a walk-up basis at Food City immunizing pharmacies and will continue throughout flu season, based upon vaccine availability. Visit foodcity.com for a complete list of immunizing locations.

SOCKS & TOBOGGANS DRIVE UNDERWAY ACROSS CALHOUN: Calhoun’s Historic GEM Theatre is hosting a Socks and Toboggans Donation Drive, collecting new socks and hats to help local community members in need stay warm this winter.

Donations can be dropped off at any of the following locations: Calhoun Aquatic Center, Pickleball 706, Wolves Den Barbell Club, Calhoun Coffee Club, Cassie’s on Wall Street, Cheyenne’s Boutique, Gift of Season, Pete’s Music City, and Tot Roost & Teens. More locations may be added to this list, so stay tuned. You can also bring donations to the first two movies in The GEM Theatre’s FREE Christmas Movie Series - “The Year Without a Santa Claus” on November 22 and “The Polar Express” on November 23, both at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Those who donate at these showings will receive a free popcorn as a thank-you.

PUBLIC CAN NOW RECYCLE CANS AT GCF&R RANGER STATION TO ‘GIVE BURNS THE BOOT’: Gordon County Fire & Rescue’s Station 10 in Ranger invites the public to recycle their aluminum cans in the trailer outside of the station, located at 131 US-411, Ranger, to help the ‘Give Burns The Boot’ campaign through the Georgia Firefighter Burn Association. “Give Burns The Boot” is an annual campaign in which more than 100 fire departments throughout the State join together and collect funds to benefit the organization’s mission and programs. The trailer will be a permanent fixture at the fire station.

NOVEMBER 2025

GNTC ANNOUNCES FREE APPLICATION MONTH FOR SPRING 2026 SEMESTER: Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) will host a Free Application Month throughout November to help those who are seeking to enroll in the spring semester.

Through Nov. 30, GNTC will waive the $25 application fee for all incoming students. Applicants should enter the code FREEAPP26 (all capital letters) to waive the fee. The admissions deadline for the spring semester is Nov. 24; applications completed after Nov. 28 will be eligible to enroll for Term C of the spring semester. Classes are scheduled to begin on Jan. 12. GNTC’s call center is available Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., at 866-983-4682. For more information on applying for the spring semester, visit GNTC’s main webpage at www.gntc.edu and click “Apply Now.” For any questions about GNTC’s Free Application Month, contact the Office of Admissions at 866-983-4682 or via email at admissions@gntc.edu.

HAMILTON DIABETES AND ENDOCRINOLOGY CENTER TO HOST DIABETES AWARENESS EVENT: In recognition of World Diabetes Day and National Diabetes Month, Hamilton Diabetes and Endocrinology Center is hosting a free diabetes awareness event in the Hamilton Medical Center Mensa (next to the cafeteria) on Friday, Nov. 14 from 6:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will offer free blood sugar, information regarding clinic services and nutrition and popcorn snack bar with seasonings. Participants are encouraged to wear blue to support diabetes awareness that day. Hamilton Diabetes and Endocrinology Center provides several education services. They are offered at the clinic on a weekly or monthly basis.

Offered classes include:

• Diabetes Nutrition Class – group class that focuses on nutrition lifestyle change to help improve blood sugar

• Comprehensive Classes – group classes that focus on what is diabetes, the different types of diabetes, A1c and blood sugar targets, how to check blood sugar, what to do if your blood sugar is too high or too low, etc.

• Pre-Diabetes – cash-pay class ($63) which focuses on lifestyle change to manage pre-diabetes. Class covers prediabetes, nutrition and activity

• IBT – weight management program for Medicare only plans. It is covered by most Medicare plans with a physician’s referral and BMI >30. It includes up to 20 visits with a registered dietitian that focuses on lifestyle change for weight management.

• SPSR (Shred the Pounds, Shred the Risk) – cash-pay class ($46) which includes an individual visit with a registered dietitian that focuses on lifestyle change for weight management.

The diabetes education services are certified by the American Diabetes Association and are led by Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES). Classes are offered in Dalton, Calhoun and Chatsworth. For more information, please call 706-278-1622.

NEW CALHOUN AUTO AUCTION HOLDING FOOD DRIVE THROUGH NOV. 19: This November, New Calhoun Auto Auction, located at 417 Lovers Lane in Calhoun, is turning their gratitude into something that touches homes and fills tables right here in Gordon County. Through Nov. 19, New Calhoun Auto Auction is asking the public for donations of non-perishable items such as Canned Meat, Canned Foods and Soups, Dried Pasta/Beans/Rice, Pop Tarts, Breakfast/Granola Bars and Snack Cakes. New Calhoun Auto Auction will match every donation received. Drop-offs can be made at the auction: 417 Lovers Lane Rd Calhoun, GA 30701.

HARRIS ARTS CENTER’S FESTIVAL OF TREES BEGINS NOVEMBER 3RD!!! The 21st Annual Festival of Trees Silent Auction Fundraiser is almost here! Mark your calendars — bidding opens NEXT Monday, November 3 and runs through Saturday, December 7! Experience the magic of the season both online and in the Harris Arts Center galleries, where dozens of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and holiday centerpieces await your bids. Visit www.32auctions.com/HarrisArtsCenter to bid online, or 212 South Wall Street in downtown Calhoun to bid in person!

MORNING POINTE OF CALHOUN INVITES COMMUNITY TO SPECIAL EVENT: Morning Pointe of Calhoun Assisted Living and Memory Care invites the community to join them for “Stronger Together: Celebrating Our Morning Pointe Family” on Thursday, November 13, from 4–6 p.m. at 660 Jolly Road NW in Calhoun. The free, family-friendly event will bring together residents, families, associates, and friends for an evening of celebration, music, and community connection. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, a grazing table with desserts and refreshments, and fun for all ages—including face painting, coloring, and games.

SATURDAY, NOV. 15! MISTLETOE MARKET ART AND CRAFT FESTIVAL TO BE HELD! Join Calhoun First Presbyterian Church, located at 829 Red Bud Road in Calhoun, this Saturday, Nov. 15, for their annual Mistletoe Market Art and Craft Festival from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Looking for unique gifts, holiday cheer, and a little festive fun? There will be: One-of-a-kind handmade gifts & crafts;

Delicious treats and holiday goodies; A warm, festive atmosphere for the whole family. Bring your friends, family, and holiday spirit! Don’t miss your chance to snag some amazing finds and support a great cause. Admission is FREE — Everyone is welcome!

FRIENDS OF NEW ECHOTA FOOD DRIVE BEGINS NOV. 15: Would you like to help a community in need and learn about the Cherokee people? New Echota State Historic Site along with Friends of New Echota State Historic Site are teaming up with Voluntary Action Center of Calhoun, Ga, with a food drive from November 15th-December 20th. Nonperishables, canned meat, protein, and breakfast items are preferred along with cash donations. You can drop items off at New Echota State Historic Site, 1211 Chatsworth Highway NE, Calhoun, GA, 30701. Food items may be dropped off Tuesday-Saturday, 9a.m.-4:30p.m.

SUPPORT GORDON COUNTY 4-H WITH A FARM-FRESH BOX FROM FRONT DOOR PRODUCE! There is still time to order your 20-pound box of produce to support Gordon County 4-H! It's Georgia Grown Produce coming straight to your door! Support Gordon County and Georgia 4-H while enjoying the best of fall’s harvest! To support local 4-H, simply order by Friday, November 7th, 2025 (no orders accepted after this date!), then pick up produce the Week of November 17 (more information will be published as date approaches). Each produce box includes a fresh, seasonal assortment of fall vegetables – a combination of items such as bell peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, yellow squash, corn, jalapeños, green beans and cabbage. Please note: contents will vary. Boxes are $30 each. For questions or to order, please call Gordon County 4-H at 706-629-8685

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO RESACA NEXT SATURDAY, NOV. 22! Join the Town of Resaca on Saturday, November 22 from 1-5 p.m. for a visit with Santa Claus and friends! There will be plenty of milk and cookies. Will be held at the Resaca Rec Center at 330 Walker Street!

CORN AND BEANS - TRADITIONAL CHEROKEE RECIPES AT NEW ECHOTA ON NOVEMBER 22: Rangers are going old school with this particular recipe, from "Cherokee Cooklore". Rangers will present a traditional Cherokee recipe in the middle-class cabin which is located behind the museum. From 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Admission fee required. Admission covers Ranger led programs, self guided tours, and guided site tours. $6-$8. 706-624-1321.

FEEDING THE NEEDY CALHOUN SEEKS DONATIONS, VOLUNTEERS FOR THIS YEAR'S THANKSGIVING EVENT: The 2nd annual Feeding the Needy Calhoun, a FREE Thanksgiving event for, not only those who are in need financially, but for anyone who is seeking fellowship and friendship during the holidays, is set to take place on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The event will be held at Calhoun First United Methodist Church in the Christian Activities Center, 205 East Line Street. Those interested in volunteering at the event, please call Dr. Walter Harris at 706-263-4584. The time slots for the day are 8 – 11 a.m., 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., and 2 p.m. until the event is over. Volunteers are also needed the day prior, Nov. 26, for set-up and prep work. Anyone who would like to make a financial donation, make checks out to “Walter Harris” and add “Feeding the Needy Calhoun” in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to Feeding the Needy, 120 Yarbrough Street, Calhoun, Ga. 30701.

4TH ANNUAL WINTER WONDERLAND TO BE HELD IN FAIRMOUNT ON SATURDAY, NOV. 29: The most magical day of the season is almost here — and we want you and your family to be a part of it! Winter Wonderland is Fairmount’s annual community celebration filled with festive cheer, small-town joy, and holiday memories made together.

WHAT TO EXPECT
• Free Kid Craft Stations — creative fun at every corner (no hot glue needed for most!)
• Santa Shop — a special place where kids can “shop” for gifts for those they love
• Sweet Treats & Hot Drinks — warm up with snacks and seasonal goodies
• Holiday Music & Photo Ops — capture that picture-perfect moment
• Games, Smiles & Community Spirit — enjoy the simple joys of the holidays
• Special Guests & Surprises — you never know who might show up to spread cheer!

Winter Wonderland is all about bringing our community together — neighbors, families, kids, and local businesses — to kick off the holidays with generosity, joy, and connection. Whether you’ve lived here forever or are visiting for the first time, there’s a place for you in the celebration. This event is completely free to attend, kid-friendly, and meant for all ages. Grab your crew, bundle up, and come make some holiday magic with us!

DECEMBER 2025

REGISTER NOW TO BUILD A SNOWMAN! The 3rd annual community-wide Snowman Building Competition will take place in December at the Calhoun Recreation Department, at 110 Recreation Drive in Calhoun. The Frost Fest Launch Party will be held on Friday, Dec. 5, from 4 - 7 p.m. with Food Trucks, Train Rides, Crafts and Free Family Fun! To register to build a snowman this year, visit ExploreCalhounGordon.com or call 706-625-3200.

NUTCRACKER PAINT EVENT AT THE HAC ON SATURDAY, DEC. 6: Studio 306 and the Harris Arts Center are teaming up to offer a Nutcracker Pain Event on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the HAC, located at 212 South Wall Street. 11x14 canvas. Can choose between Nutcracker and Nutcracker Doll. Painter's Choice on colors. See Harris Art Center Facebook or website to sign up for this event.

ANNUAL POLAR EXPRESS EVENT AT THE CHATSWORTH DEPOT ON DEC. 6: Come out to the Chatsworth, Georgia Train Depot on Dec. 6, 2025 from 12 - 4 p.m. for the annual Polar Express Event. Admission: Adults $3.00, Children Free when accompanied by paid adult (extra donations are always welcome and appreciated!) The Whitfield-Murray Historical Society is proud to announce that the Polar Express is returning to the Chatsworth Depot on Saturday, December 6th. Dramatic readings of the book, THE POLAR EXPRESS, by local retired educator C. L. Dunn, will take place inside the depot on each half hour. The Chatsworth Train Depot will be elaborately decorated for the Christmas Holidays. The Depot’s Big Blue Train will take riders to visit Santa at the Wright Hotel located around the block from the Depot. Highlighting the afternoon will be a model Christmas train set up and running in the freight room of the depot. Trains just seem to go with Christmas! The Wright Hotel will also be open for tours during the same hours. The hotel will be decorated for the Christmas season and a display of vintage Christmas cards from the Hotel archives is planned. Refreshments will be served by the Chatsworth Depot Committee members. The event is free for children 10 and under (must be accompanied by a paid adult), but a $3 donation for those ages 11 and up is requested for Depot admission. Big Blue Train rides to see Santa are free, but donations are always appreciated. The event is sponsored by the Wright Hotel Committee and Chatsworth Depot Committee.

COOKIES WITH SANTA AT CALHOUN COFFEE COMPANY: Join FC Calhoun Girls Soccer & let’s kick off the Christmas season with cookies, cocoa, Christmas carols, and Santa at Calhoun Coffee Company (117 South Wall Street) on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 3 - 4:30 p.m.! $25 first child; $20 additional child (sibling). Cookie Decorating, Hot Cocoa, Christmas Carols and a Professional Photo with Santa! Limited tix available. Call/text 706.766.0089 for your tickets today!

CFBC WALK THROUGH BETHLEHEM AND LIVE NATIVITY ON SUNDAY, DEC. 7: 'Tis the Christmas season, and there is no better way to begin celebrations than by joining Calhoun First Baptist Church for our annual Walk Through Bethlehem & Live Nativity event! On this night, you and your family will travel through a detailed Bethlehem market and then take a journey straight into a live Nativity scene! Date: Sunday, December 7th; Time: 6:00 PM; Location: Calhoun First Baptist Church (411 College Street). This will be a great night for all ages! See you there!

CALHOUN'S CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS TO BE HELD THURSDAY, DEC. 11: Dust off your boots and get ready to jingle all the way—western style! The 2025 Calhoun’s Christmas Parade of Lights rides into town on Thursday, December 11 at 7:00 PM, bringing holiday cheer to spectators of all ages. This year’s theme is Cowboy Christmas, and the streets of Calhoun will transform into a magical winter wonderland, complete with unforgettable floats decked in twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the joyful sounds of local school choirs filling the air. From cowboy hats to Christmas lights, it’s a holiday celebration you won’t want to miss—and yes, Santa Claus himself will be there, spreading cheer with his famous jolly wave! Hosted by the Northwest GA Regional Fair, Explore Calhoun–Gordon County, and Downtown Calhoun. Come join us and be part of Calhoun’s cherished holiday tradition—whether you’re watching from the sidewalk or riding in the parade, it’s going to be a night to remember!

Parade Route
The parade begins at Line Street and makes its way through downtown, ending at Oak Street.

Traffic Notice
North Wall Street will be closed to local traffic from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM for parade line-up. Please plan your route accordingly.
Want to be part of the parade?

Parade registration is now open! Secure your spot and help make this year’s event the best yet. Register here: https://bit.ly/45ICy2l

RING IN THE HOLIDAYS WITH CANDLELIGHT TOURS AT CHIEF VANN HOUSE: Candlelight Tours at the Chief Vann House Historic Site will be hosted the second weekend of December, Friday the 12th and Saturday the 13th, from 5 – 9 p.m. To best enjoy your experience please arrive by 8:00 p.m., the candles will be extinguished at 9 p.m. No reservations are needed for this event; if you are bringing a large group, try to arrive earlier in the evening. There is no rain date for the event, and it will be held rain or shine. This annual event celebrates the many Christmases hosted by the Moravian missionaries who operated a western-style school (sponsored by the Vann family) for Cherokee children from 1801 until 1835. It is likely the missionaries were hosting the first formal Christmas celebrations within the Cherokee Nation. 82 Hwy. 225 N. · Chatsworth, GA 30705 ·706-695-2598 · vann_house_park@dnr.ga.gov

MISSION HOLIDAY - TRADITIONAL CHEROKEE RECIPES: The holidays are right around the corner and while Christmas was not a traditional Cherokee holiday they did celebrate it along side the missionaries in the early 19th century. Mission Holiday: Traditional Cherokee Recipes will be held at New Echota, located at 1211 Chatsworth Hwy in Calhoun, on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. This recipe comes from the Moravian journals written at Springplace Mission. Admission fee required. Admission includes Ranger led programs, entry to the grounds. $6-$8. 706-624-1321.