TODAY

Beauty walk

Elkmont Band Boosters will host the 13th annual Red Carpet Affair Beauty Walk today and Saturday, April 14, at the Elkmont High School gym. Kindergarten through fifth grade divisions will be 7 p.m. today, infant-preschool divisions 2 p.m. April 14, and sixth-12th grades 7 p.m. April 14. The “Special Edition Senior Guys” division will take place after senior girls are crowned. Admission is $5 at the door. Registration has ended. Proceeds benefit the EHS band.

SATURDAY

Beans and rice

Tanner United Methodist Church will provide a free one-pound bag of beans and rice to every adult who visits 19607 Huntsville-Browns Ferry Road in Tanner from 9–11 a.m. Saturday, April 14. No questions asked.

Master Gardeners workshop

Limestone County Master Gardeners Association will hold a free container gardening workshop from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, at the Athens Lowe’s receiving area, 1109 U.S. 72 East.

TUESDAY

Chicken stew

American Legion will host its monthly chicken stew luncheon from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 17. Cost is $7 for eat-ins (all-you-can-eat) or $7 per quart for carryouts. Eat-ins include stew, drinks and dessert. Carryout desserts are $1 each, with a max of two per quart and four total. Containers provided for carryouts. Free delivery in Athens city limits available for businesses or homebound individuals. More information (and to make reservations): 256-230-6233 from 8 a.m.–noon Monday, April 16, and Tuesday, April 17.

Used book sale

Friends of the Athens-Limestone Public Library will host a used book sale from 10:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, at the library, 603 S. Jefferson St., Athens. More information: 256-232-1233.

UPCOMING

Annual plant sale

Limestone County Master Gardeners Association will hold its annual plant sale from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at the revival building on Washington Street in Athens. Selling vegetables, flowering plants, trees, shrubs and more. Vendors and silent auction available. More information: 256-614-3530.

Autism fundraiser

North Alabama Flea Market at 665 Sportsplex Drive, Muscle Shoals, will hold a community fundraiser to benefit J.M.’s Journey and Autism Society of Alabama 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at 65 Sportsplex Drive, Muscle Shoals. Event includes free concert, barbecue cook-off, inflatables, silent auction, door prizes and more. Bands, which begin at 10 a.m., include Angela Hacker and James LeBlanc, Charlie Markham & the Outlaws, Earl Walton & Pioneer Band, Wade Oliver, Southern Fire Band, G.I. Band and Blake Bowling & the Dollar Down Band. More information: northalabamafleamarket.com

Cemetery stroll

The Athens-Limestone County Tourism Office and Sons of Confederate Veterans will host a bicentennial cemetery stroll from 2–5 p.m. Sunday, April 22, at Athens City Cemetery, located between Hobbs and Washington streets, across from Athens State University. Attendees will learn more about Judge James E. Horton Sr., former Gov. George S. Houston, Judge William H. Walker and Daniel Barksdale, along with other county forefathers. The event is free, but donations are accepted. There is no rain date. The tourism office is currently accepting actors who would like to be a part of this year’s stroll. Those interested should call 256-232-5411 or Buzz Estes 256-434-0441.

AHS Class of 1970

Athens High School Class of 1970 will hold a class dinner and fellowship time at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 26, at 306 Barbecue on U.S. 72 East in Athens. More information: 772-486-8862.

AHS Class of 1968

Athens High School Class of 1968 will celebrate its 50-year reunion Friday, April 27, and Saturday, April 28. More information (and to register): 256-431-5715.

Houston book sale

Houston Memorial Library and Museum, 101 N. Houston St. in Athens, will hold a donations-only book sale from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 28. Buyer decides price and how many books to purchase. More information: Debbie Kolarcik, 610-304-9390.

Plant and bake sale

Athens Garden Club will hold a plant and bake sale at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 28, to support its scholarship fund for Athens and Limestone County high schools students. Held at Athens-Limestone Farmers Market, 409 Green St. in Athens, and lasts until items are sold.

Miss Crape Myrtle

The 17th annual Miss Crape Myrtle Pageant will be held April 28 in the Cedar Hill Elementary School gymnasium in Ardmore. Deadline to pre-register is April 20 and costs $40 for the beauty pageant and $5 for one 5-by-7 or 8-by-10 entry into the photogenic event. Siblings receive a $5 discount. Admission to the event will be $5 with ages 5 and under admitted free. Contestant’s age on pageant day will determine contestant’s category. More information, including rules, prizes and criteria: crapemyrtlepageant@gmail.com; “Crape Myrtle Pageant” on Facebook.

Cornhole tournament

Registration is now open for Cornhole-for-a-Cure tournament to benefit American Cancer Society. Event is Saturday, April 28, at Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena, Alabama 99. Two-person teams needed for the event, which has 2-out-of-3 winners bracket and 1-and-done losers bracket. Fee: $40 in advance; $50 tournament day. Courts open 11 a..m.; competition at noon. Sponsored by TriGreen Equipment. More information: bitly/CornholeForACure.

Elkmont Class of 1969

The Elkmont High School Class of 1969’s ninth annual reunion picnic will take place 11 a.m. Saturday April 28, at the Elkmont Rural Village Picnic Pavilion. The classes of 1968 and 1970 are also invited to attend, as well as family of graduates. Barbecue pork, buns, beans, plates, cups and ice will be provided. Those who attend are asked to bring a drink for themselves and a dessert, chips, slaw or other barbecue condiments to share. More information (and to RSVP): Johnnie King, 256-584-7001.

Rodeo queen pageant

The deadline for Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo Queen Pageant candidates ages 16-26 to turn in their applications is May 4. Applications are available the Sheriff’s Office, Preston’s Western Wear or the Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo Facebook page. More information: Jennifer McBay, 256-232-0111.

CEMETERY CLEANUPS

Lentzville Cemetery

Lentzville Cemetery Committee will hold a work day Saturday, April 14, to clean the cemetery.

Those with loved ones buried there are encouraged to attend. Rain date is April 21. More information: Call Billy McNatt, 256-232-1601.

ONGOING

Cemetery donations

Yearly donations are now being accepted for upkeep of the Bethel Church of Christ Cemetery. Donations are $50 and should be donated to Bethel Cemetery Fund, c/o Tommy Sprague, 25917 Pepper Road, Athens, AL 35613. Family and friends of those buried are asked to remove everything from the graves at the cemetery immediately for mowing season. Exceptions will be made for saddles and vases connected to monuments. At the discretion of the caretaker, anyone who has no made a donation for upkeep of a reserved plot will be subject to removal from reserved status and having their plot made available to families in need. More information: Tommy Sprague, 256-874-8461.

Flex class

A SilverSneakers Flex Class to improve cardiovascular health and strength will be 9 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday in the Round Island Baptist Church gymnasium, 14790 Browns Ferry Road. Everyone welcome. More Information: Janet, 256-614-3530.

Lunch and Learn

The 2018 “Getting Dirty at the Library” lunch and learn series will be 11 a.m.-noon on the second Tuesday of each month, April through July, at the Athens-Limestone Public Library. Here are the dates and topics: Tuesday, May 8, “Seed saving and swap” with Taylor Reeder, ACES; Tuesday, June 12, “Turfgrass management” with Chris Becker, ACES; and Tuesday, July 10, “What’s bugging you” with Chris Becker, ACES.

Tour Athens

The Athens-Limestone County Tourism Office will host bicentennial walking tours beginning at 9:45 a.m. each Saturday in April. Tours will begin at the tourism office at 100 N. Beaty St. in Athens. The walks are 1 1/2 hours and will feature several historic districts — Beaty, Houston, downtown and two other locations to be confirmed later. Groups will meet at 9:45 a.m. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable shoes and plan for the weather. No registration is required for these free tours.

Tour Elkmont

Elkmont’s bicentennial walking tours, hosted by the Elkmont Historical Society, are set for 9:45 a.m. each Saturday in April. Tours will begin at the L&N Depot at 25460 Railroad St. Those who plan to attend should meet at the depot at 9:45, wear comfortable shoes and plan for the weather.

Elkmont’s walks are about 1 1/2 hours. No registration is required for these free tours.

Onion orders now

Athens Ladies Civitan Club is now taking orders for Vidalia onions. Cost is $10 per 10-pound bag. Buy from members by calling 256-233-0258 or 256-658-1985 or by mailing name, address, telephone number, number of bags requested to P.O. Box 1814 in Athens. Orders and payment to Ladies Civitan due by April 14. More information: Carolyn Stair, 256-658-1985 or 256-233-0258.

SNAP signup

Retired Senior Volunteer Program is taking applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for ages 60 and older. The SNAP program helps low-income people buy the food they need to stay healthy. Call 256-232-7207 or come by the RSVP office at 409 W. Washington St., Athens, Monday through Thursday to complete application.

Food pantry

The Women Empowering Women food pantry will be open 9 a.m.–noon Mondays through Thursdays. More information and to contribute: Janice Williams, 256-233-5995; Laura Aldridge, 256-262-7744.

Tanner book-lending machine

Athens-Limestone Public Library staff will be at the Tanner book-lending machine Fridays from 9:45–10:45 a.m. to make library cards, teach patrons how to use the book-lending machine and answer questions about library services. More information: Visit www.ALCPL.org or call 256-232-1233.

Burger night

American Veterans Post 21 hosts weekly burger nights from 5–8 p.m. Fridays at 22769 Black Road, Athens. Cost is $5 and includes fries and a drink. Veterans and members receive a 10 percent discount. Proceeds benefit AmVets and American military veterans. More information: AmVetsAl21.org; 256-444-2793.

Karaoke

American Veterans Post 21 is hosting weekly karaoke nights from 8 p.m.–midnight each Friday at 22769 Black Road, Athens. Cover is $5 for nonmembers and free for members, with proceeds benefiting AmVets and American military veterans.

Game day

American Veterans Post 21 hosts weekly game days at 6 p.m. each Saturday at 22769 Black Road, Athens. Games include chess, checkers, Monopoly, Rook, bridge, trivia, poker, billiards, tabletop shuffleboard, dominoes and more. Admission is $5 for the public and free for veterans and members, with proceeds benefiting AmVets and American military veterans. More information: AmVetsAl21.com; 256-444-2793.

Veterans breakfast

American Veterans Post 21 hosts a veterans breakfast from 7–10 a.m. the second Saturday of each month at 22769 Black Road, Athens. Cost is $6 per plate (free for veterans and active members) and includes cooked-to-order eggs, bacon, grits, sausage, pancakes, omelets, potatoes, toast and bottomless cups of coffee. Proceeds benefit AmVets and American military veterans. More information: AmVetsAl21.com.

Spaghetti dinner

Vietnam Veterans of America hosts an all-you-can-eat spaghetti meal from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and 5–7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month, except November and December, at 17915 W. Elm St., Athens. Cost is $7 and includes spaghetti, cole slaw, garlic bread, dessert and drink. Eat-in and carryout available. Entertainment provided. Profits pay for scholarships for local students. Group orders are asked to call ahead. More information: 256-431-3213.

Country-fried steak

American Veterans Post 21 hosts monthly country-fried steak dinner from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and 5–7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at 22769 Black Road, Athens. Cost is $6.50 per person and includes golden-fried chopped beef steak in country gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans and a roll. Veterans and members receive a 10 percent discount. More information: AmVetsAl21.com; 256-444-2793.

MEETINGS

• ALERA. ALERA will meet at 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 13, at Athens Recreation Center. Linda Nelson and Bonnie White will present and introduction to the historical society and how to trace you ancestry. There will be a short memorial program. New officers for the 2018-2020 biennium will be installed. Michael Smith, candidate for state Senate District 2, will speak for a few minutes. Please bring school supplies or hygiene products for homeless or displaced students.

• NAACP. Limestone NAACP will hold its April general meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 16, at 809 Hobbs Plaza, Suite D, on U.S. 72 West in Athens. More information: Wilbert Woodruff, 256-227-8489.

• Historical Society. Limestone County Historical Society will hold its quarterly meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, at First Presbyterian Church’s Rodgers Center. John Allen, intermediate past president of Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society, will give a Power Point presentation on Alabama’s three-year bicentennial. Coffee and dessert at 6:30 p.m. This meeting is open to the public. More information: 256-232-6501.

• SCV. The Sons of Confederate Veterans Capt. Thomas H. Hobbs Camp 768 will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 19, at the Alabama Veterans Museum. Journalist and author Kelly Kazek will speak on Alabama’s Mount Vernon Arsenal. This meeting is open to the public.

• Democrats. The Limestone County Democratic Club will hold its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 19, at the Democrat Headquarters, 22143 U.S. 72 East. Guest speakers are Chris Christie, attorney general candidate, and Anthony White, candidate for governor.

• Beekeepers. Limestone County Beekeepers Association will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 12, at the Limestone County Water Authority building at 17218 U.S. 72 West in Athens.

• Al-Anon. Al-Anon group meets 7 p.m. Mondays at Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Rogersville. An time for relatives and friends of alcoholics and other addicts to share their experiences, thoughts and support to solve common problems. More information: Call Sue Vial at 256-762-5977.

Limestone Ledger is a list of events hosted by nonprofit organizations. Items must be submitted in writing. Email submissions to newscouriersoundoff@gmail.com, fax to 256-233-7753 or bring to The News Courier, 410 W. Green St., Athens.