🌱 Local Fun For Everyone + Senseless Gun Violence Too Close

Good Saturday morning! I hope you're enjoying a late cup of coffee and some extra time in your comfy clothes! I'm back this morning to update you on local news and walk you through some festive happenings around town today:

• If you're looking for a fun, and festive-filled afternoon, Lawrenceville's 'Merry Little Christmas' event has it all!
• A 16-year-old boy is recovering from a gunshot wound sustained this week in Loganville.
• Gov. Brian Kemp gives Georgia drivers an early gift as the gas tax suspension remains in place.

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But first, today's weather:

Good news is, you won't need your umbrella as you start your day. Bad news is, you'll need your umbrella as you finish your night. It'll be a pretty chilly day, so jackets and cozy hats aren't a bad idea. The high is only 57 and the low is 47, but it the rain should stay away long enough for fun adventures around town.

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Here are the top stories today in Loganville-Grayson:

1. A 16-year-old boy is recovering after being shot outside of his home in Loganville on Wednesday afternoon. Police arrived at the scene to find the boy's father holding a towel on a wound to his arm. He was transported to Piedmont-Walton. According to surveillance video, the teen was talking with the suspect when he pulled out a gun and shot him. (Monroe Local)
2. A little holiday happiness for drivers in Georgia as Gov. Brian Kemp extends the gas tax suspension through the holidays. In an effort to help families struggling with inflation and holiday spending, Kemp signed the order to withhold the 29.1 cents per gallon tax until Jan. 10. Rather than continuing the gas tax break into 2023, Kemp will seek another round of tax rebates and a property tax break for Georgians. (Yahoo!News)
3. Gwinnett County's RED program, or Rehabilitation Enables Dreams, has just graduated the first 29 students into a new start. The program will mentor and educate nonviolent offenders in a classroom-like setting in an effort to give them the skills and help they need to move forward in a positive direction. (13 WMAZ)
4. Looking for something unique for your "most difficult to buy for" loved ones? Well, our local chicken restaurants save the day — and I don't mean in an edible way. Chick-fil-A is now offering apparel and gifts created with your favorite menu items in mind. Here's the link to shop at the Chick-fil-a Originals Store. (WSBTV)

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Today in Loganville-Grayson:

• Breakfast is covered at Boss Brothers Country Store. You enjoy pancakes while the proceeds help the Fergus Lodge 135 Families in Need Fund. Leave with a full belly and photos of the little ones with Farmer Santa too! (9:00am-12:00pm)
• Jump in your Jeep and head to Downtown Flowery Branch! Just a quick trip up the road, our neighbors and BSA Troop 228 are hosting Santa's Jeep Festival. Win prizes, create crafts, and visit local vendors while showing off your best Christmas Jeep decorations. (10:00am-4:00pm)
• Find your favorite ride at the 2nd Annual Toys For Tots Car Show in Loganville. You can still enter your own car for the show for a chance to win. Make sure to bring an unwrapped toy for a great cause. (11:00am-4:00pm)
• A short drive can be worth it. Statham Church has created a Walk Through Bethlehem, an indoor experience giving you a glimpse into the first Christmas night. (5:30pm-7:30pm)
• Looking for some live music and a nightcap? Moonshiners Bar and Grill-Grayson and the Brown Liquor Band will be rocking late into the night. (9:00pm-12:30am)

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From my notebook:

• Start your weekend off with lots of Christmas magic and holiday cheer at Lawrenceville's 'Merry Little Christmas Experience.' Beginning at noon Saturday on the Lawrenceville Lawn, you can enjoy live music, performing artists, and Central Gwinnett's Marching Band. Visit the Holiday Market for unique gifts, take photos with Santa and create your own gift in Santa's Workshop, and finish off your shopping gift list at the Christmas Crawl on the square offering extended hours and special discounts! (Facebook)
• Emotions are a plenty during the holidays. If you know a young adult who may feel overwhelmed, Cope to Hope Check-In is a special event being held at Spirit and Truth Worship Center on Saturday at 3 p.m. because "Youth & Young Adult Mental Health Matters Too." The event will offer live music and a panel discussion focused on Mental Health during the holidays. (Happening Next)
• Want to take a stroll through an enchanted land? Nearby Roswell offers the Enchanted Woodland Trail, a delightful event for the outdoor enthusiast. And this Sunday, you can enjoy a festive afternoon at the Enchanted Woodland Wonders family fun day... maybe even get up close to a real reindeer! (Chattahoochee Nature Center)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Holy Light: Candlelight Service of Carols (December 11)
• An Advent Service of Lessons and Carols (December 11)
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Housing:

• NEWLY LISTED Amazing senior independent living community in Lawrenceville (Details)
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Hoping this news jump starts your day. Tune in next time for more local "can't miss" holiday events! Don't forget to grab a jacket!