This week
Living Lighter Weight Loss Program, Gainesville An introduction to weight loss sponsored by Northeast Georgia Medical Center's Bariatric Weight Loss Center. 1 and 6 p.m. today, Gainesville branch of the Hall County Library, 127 Main St. NW, Gainesville. To register call 770-532-3311 ext. 114. Free.
Jim Hardman Southeastern Championship Bull Riding, Gainesville. Vendors, comedy and bull riding. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, Georgia Mountains Center, 301 Main St. SW, Gainesville. Friday and Saturday: adults $15 in advance, $17 day of show, children age 12 and younger $10; Sunday: $15 adults, $6 children, $10 seniors age 55 and older. 770-534-8420.
AARP Driver Safety Program classes, Flowery Branch. 8:30 a.m. Friday, Avita Community Partners, 4331 Thurmon Tanner Road, Flowery Branch. Reservations required. 770-967-1188.
Martinis and IMAX, Atlanta. Cash bar, DJ and IMAX movies. "Wild Ocean" showing through March 26; "Van Gogh: Brush with Genius" and "The Old Man and the Sea" showing through March 31. 6:30-11 p.m. Fridays, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta. Included with IMAX ticket, specially priced at $12. $7 cover charge without IMAX ticket. 404-929-6400.
Contra dance, Sautee. Calling by Vicki Herndon, music by the Blue Ridge Rounders. Potluck, 6:30 p.m.; lesson, 7:30 p.m.; dance, 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Sautee Nacoochee Center gym, 283 Ga. 255 N., Sautee. $8 adults, $7 SNCA members, $4 students, children age 7 and younger free with supervising adult. 706-754-3254.
Ballroom Dancing, Gainesville. Lanier Dance Club. Learn to waltz, foxtrot, shag, hustle, Latin, swing, country Western and other dances. Foxtrot, 6:30 p.m.; other dances, 7:30 p.m. Monday, Gainesville Civic Center, 830 Green St. NE, Gainesville. $10. 770-845-4463.
AARP Driver Safety Program classes, Gainesville. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Jan. 14, First Presbyterian Church, 800 S. Enota Drive, Gainesville. Must attend both sessions. Reservations required. 770-538-4816.
Forum, Gainesville. Gus Whalen will discuss the Warren Featherbone Foundation. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Northeast Georgia History Center, 322 Academy St. NE, Gainesville. Free for members, $5 per family for nonmembers. 770-297-5900.
Atlanta Boat Show, Atlanta. This Wednesday-Jan. 17, Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW, Hall C, Atlanta. $9 adults, $5 youth age 13-15, free for kids age 12 and younger. 954-441-3227.
Upcoming
Gainesville Singles Dance, Gainesville. Cash bar, hors d'oeuvres and DJ. 8 p.m. to midnight Jan. 16, American Legion, 2343 Riverside Drive, Gainesville. $10.
Mountain Memories Bridal Event, Dahlonega. Food samples, prizes, wedding fashion show. Noon-5 p.m. Jan. 24, North Georgia College & State University, 82 College Circle, Dahlonega. $8 per person at the door; tickets buy one, get one free online if purchased by Jan. 15. 706-969-2979 or 706-265-8500.
Northeast Georgia Writers Conferences, Gainesville. Feb. 3: Cecil Murphey; April 7, Julie Garmon; Aug. 4, Amy Wallace; Oct. 6, Sandra Brim. Workshops are 1-3 p.m. at Peach State Bank, third floor, 325 Washington St., Gainesville. Free for members; $25 preregistration required for nonmembers. No registration at the door. 770-297-0680 or holmeslynda@bellsouth.net.
Ongoing
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. $3; first three lessons free. 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.