*The Jackson County Animal Shelter is offering free pet adoptions through Dec. 17. 9am-4pm Tuesdays and Thursdays; 9am-1pm Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, call 706-367-5480.
*Gwinnett County's yearlong bicentennial celebration comes to a close Dec. 15. The festivities will include a free Family Cultural Birthday Party from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hudgens Center for Art & Learning and the Infinite Energy Theater and a gala that evening. Visit www.gwinnett200birthday.com/events to buy tickets for the gala and to learn more about the free daytime event.
*The City of Gainesville has been presented with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs' PlanFirst award, given to communities that show a pattern of successfully implementing their local comprehensive plan. Designated communities are eligible for technical assistance, as well as bonus points and enhanced eligibility for certain DCA funding opportunities. Find the city's plans at https://www.gainesville.org/community-development-department.
*LifeSouth has issued a call for holiday blood donors. Would-be donors can find a bloodmobile or center by visiting LifeSouth.org.
*Jackson EMC has donated $50,000 to the Jackson County multi-use agriculture facility.
