This week

Peace Corps in Madagascar, Gainesville. Peace Corps volunteer Leslie McAbee will speak about teaching English in rural Madagascar. 6 p.m. today, meeting room, Gainesville Branch library, 127 Main St. NW, Gainesville. 770-532-331, ext. 114 or mhunter@hallcountylibrary.org.  

The Progressive Arts Club of Gainesville meeting, Gainesville. Architect Garland Reynolds will speak on "The Holy Sepulcher." Open to guests. 3:30 p.m. Friday, First Baptist Church, 751 Green St. N.W., Gainesville.

2009 SCAA American Road Race of Champions, Atlanta. Sports Car Club of America. Friday-Sunday, Road Atlanta, 5300 Winder Highway, Atlanta. 800-849-7223.  

Writer's Conference, Dahlonega. "The Business of Art... or Art as a Business." Part of the Dahlonega Literary Festival. Catherine Coulter, Sheree Bykofsky, Steve Savage and William Rawlings, Jr. will present lectures, critique query letters and answer questions about the writing process and getting published. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Room 214, Young Hall, North Georgia College & State University, 82 College Circle, Dahlonega. $75; $65 students. 706-864-6848.

Cars for Kids Car Show, Dahlonega. Benefits Rainbow Children's Home, Lumpkin County Family Connection and Class of 2015. Registration, 9 a.m. to noon; show until 4 p.m. Saturday. Lumpkin County Middle School upper parking lot, 152 School Drive, Dahlonega. $20 show car entry; free for spectators. 678-878-5016.

Literary Extravaganza, Dahlonega. Sheree Bykofsky, author of "Secrets the Pros Won't Tell You about Winning Hold'em Poker," will talk about winning poker strategies and conduct a tournament. Some attendees will be chosen to play. 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Montaluce Winery, 501 Hightower Church Road, Dahlonega. $5 per person. cregina@windstream.net.

"Meet Them All," Gainesville. Meet the people featured in "My Anchor Holds: The Difference Jesus Makes," Gloria Stargel's book. 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Jacobs Communication Building, Brenau University, Green Street, Gainesville. Reservations required. 770-718-1897 or myanchor@bellsouth.net.

Chocolate Fair, Commerce. Amateur bakers bring chocolate creations, which will be available for sampling by guests. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, Tanger Town Centre, Banks Crossing, 800 Steven B. Tanger Blvd., Commerce. $20 for two entries for bakers; $5 for attendees. $10 for bakers, $2 for attendees with a donation of food, gently used clothing or a toy. 706-677-5265 or bankscvb@windstream.net.

Second Annual United Way TLC Chili Cook-off, Gainesville. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, second floor classrooms, The Longstreet Clinic, 725 Jesse Jewell Parkway, Gainesville. $5. Benefits the United Way.

Veterans Day Celebration, Dawsonville. Parade, ceremony honoring Dawson County veterans and fire department, law enforcement and emergency medical personnel. Parade, 2:30 p.m.; ceremony, 3:30 p.m.; private banquet for veterans and their spouses, 1 p.m. Wednesday. Parade, downtown Dawsonville; ceremony and banquet, Dawson County Middle School, 233 Allen St., Dawsonville. Call to reserve seats at banquet. 706-265-6278.

Upcoming

Book signing, Gainesville. Janice Hardy, author of "The Shifter," will read excerpts and sign books. 1-3 p.m. Nov. 14, Hall Book Exchange, 1854 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville. For ages 10 and older only. 770-532-6693.

It's a Wonderful House, Braselton. See homes in Chateau Elan decorated for Christmas. Strolling carolers, Christmas choirs, shopping and dining will be featured. Benefits the Gwinnett Children's Shelter. 5-8 p.m. Nov. 20, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 21, 1-5 p.m. Nov. 22. Tour originates at Chateau Elan Sports Club, 1965 Sports Club Drive, Braselton. $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

Ongoing

Southern Living Idea House tours, Dahlonega. Tour the house featured in August's Southern Living. Decorated for Christmas. Benefits the United Way of Dahlonega/Lumpkin County. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 20. Achasta, 150 Birch River Drive, Dahlonega. $5. 706-867-1660.

Beginning Mainstream Square Dance lessons, Gainesville. Lakeshore Squares square dance club. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays. First Presbyterian Church, 800 S. Enota Drive, Gainesville. First three lessons free. $3. 404-372-6707. 

Toastmasters, Gainesville. Improve your public speaking skills. 5:45-6:45 p.m. Mondays. Downstairs radio production room, Jacobs Building, Brenau University, 340 Green St., Gainesville. Free. 678-469-2777 or gainesvilletoastmasters@yahoo.com. 

Old-fashioned square dance, Hiawassee. 7 p.m. Mondays. Senior Center, 48 River St., Hiawassee. Free. 706-896-1060 or info@townshistory.org.

Tasteful Tuesdays, Gainesville. Get a taste of food, drinks or services from downtown businesses. Noon Tuesdays. Downtown Gainesville square. Free.