Athens past and present was the topic of discussion during the Athens Rotary Club meeting Friday. Chris Paysinger, a local historian who is shown here with wife Suzanne, told club members lessons are to be learned from surrounding communities who have lost their identities and their place. “We can’t afford to forget our past to save the future of this community,” Paysinger said. “Athens has culture, education and history. To keep focused we must be specific in branding this identity.” Buildings dated to the 1820s still remain in Limestone County. Paysinger also serves as history teacher at Sparkman High School in Harvest. Pat King, right, and Ann Laurence were responsible for the Rotary program.


