TODAY

Parade

The Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Parade will be 11 a.m. today at the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena off Alabama 99. Parade lineup is at 10. More information at Limestone County Sheriff’s Office: 256-232-0111.

Trash attack

Individuals, families, clubs and other groups are invited to join Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful, the Tennessee Valley Authority and WOW! cable for today’s countywide cleanup day. Targets will include roadsides, waterways (including the Elk River), and public lands. Meet at 8 a.m. at Big Spring Memorial Park (The Duck Pond) in Athens for coffee, doughnuts, supplies distribution and instructions. After cleanup, return to The Duck Pond at noon for lunch and a drawing for thank-you gifts. Information and registration at 256-233-8000 or KALBCares@gmail.com.

Golf tournament

Elkmont High School Quarterback Club will hold its third annual golf tournament to benefit Elkmont football. Event is 8 a.m. today at Southern Gayles Golf Course. Cost is $55 per person or $220 per team, which includes 18 holes, golf cart and lunch. $10 for two team mulligans. Several prizes are available. Register by May 7. To register or sponsor a hole, email joey.scroggins@advance-auto.com; neil.miller@pepsico.com; cmiller@mpbi.com; afterglo@hotmail.com; or duane.wales@lcsk12.org.

Food drive

United States Postal Service will host the 26th annual Stamp Out Hunger letter carriers’ food drive today. Residents are asked to place non-perishable food items in a bag by their mailboxes. Letter carriers will pick up the items for delivery to a local food bank.

MONDAY

Spirit Night

Athens Girl Scouts Troop 1922 will hold a Spirit Night fundraiser 4–8 p.m. Monday, May 14, at Lawlers Barbecue, 1506 U.S. 72 East, Athens. Mention Girl Scouts Spirit Night or turn in a ticket to donate 10 percent of your check to Troop 1922. Proceeds will go towards summer camp and the purchase of first-aid supplies. Dine-in, carryout and drive-thru orders eligible. More information: Bonnie Webster, 256-431-7503, bonnib9@aol.com.

Political forum

The Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce, Alabama Veterans Museum and The News Courier will host a political forum at 6 p.m. Monday, May 14, at the Athens High School auditorium. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Local, state and congressional candidates who will appear on the June 5 primary ballot have been invited to attend. The forum is open to the public.

TUESDAY

Chicken stew

American Legion will hold its monthly chicken stew lunch from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, at the American Legion building. Prices: $7 dine in (all you can eat), including stew, drinks and desserts; $7 per quart carryout; containers provided. Dessert carryouts are additional $1 each (two per quart purchased – four desserts maximum). Free delivery within Athens city limits to businesses or to homebound; call 256-230-6233 from 8 a.m.-noon Monday, May 14, or 8 a.m.-noon Tuesday, May 15, to reserve carryout orders.

Used book sale

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

Ride the wave

Deadline is Tuesday, May 15, to turn in applications for membership on the Limestone County Democratic Party Executive Committee to the Limestone County Democratic Party. Must be an active Democrat and registered to vote in Limestone County. Contact Gordon Niessen, 256-998-2244.

THURSDAY

Felder Rushing lunch

The TIE Foundation will host the “Felder Rushing: Gardener Extraordinaire” lunch at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 17, at the Beasley Center at 108 W. Bryan St. in Athens. Tickets are $25. More information: 256-497-8231 or 256-232-0323. The Tie Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides assistance and support to foster children and foster parents.

UPCOMING

Gardening workshop

Limestone County Master Gardeners Association will host a free workshop from 10–11 a.m. Saturday, May 19, in the receiving area of Athens Lowe’s. The workshop topic will be “Drip Irrigation” and will be presented by Rhonda Britton, regional extension agent. More information: Janis Dill, naturechase@outlook.com.

CEU Workshop

The Family Resource Center will host a two-part workshop from 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 30, at the Revival Building, 303 W. Washington St., Athens. “Hello, My Name Is Heroin” will be presented by Angela Camp, and “Ethics for Today’s World” will be presented by Stephanie McCrary. Registration will open at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 30, though RSVPs are encouraged as seating is limited. Registration is $20 until May 25 and $25 after. Payment can be made at or sent to 406 S. Jefferson St., Athens, AL 35611. More information: Tina, 256-230-0880, alcfamilyrc@gmail.com.

ONGOING

Summer concert series

Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association and Jimmy Smith Buick-GMC are hosting “Singing on the Square” again this year. The free events are open to the public and will take place 6–8 p.m. at the Limestone County Courthouse, Marion Street side, on the following dates: Friday, May 18, with The Valley Cats; Friday, June 15, with Tom McClung and Friends; Friday, July 20, with Briana and Garrett Dean; and Friday, Aug. 3, with the Athens State Community Band. Attendees are asked to bring their own seating. Rain location: Vietnam Veterans of America, 17915 W. Elm St., Athens. More information: 256-232-5411.

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.

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.

Farmers Market

The Farmers Market is now open 6:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays off Green Street in Athens.

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.

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, Mondays through Thursdays to complete an application.

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.

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.com; 256-444-2793.

Karaoke

American Veterans Post 21 is hosting weekly karaoke nights Fridays from 8 p.m.–midnight at 22769 Black Road, Athens. Cover is $5 for nonmembers and free for members, with proceeds benefiting AmVets and American military veterans. More information: AmVetsAl21.com.

Game day

Americans Veterans Post 21 hosts weekly game days each Saturday at 22769 Black Road, Athens. Cover is $5 for nonmembers and free for members, with proceeds benefiting AmVets and America military veterans. More information: AmVetsAl21.com.

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.

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 through July at the Athens-Limestone Public Library. Here are the dates and topics: Tuesday, June 12, “Turfgrass management” with Chris Becker, ACES; and Tuesday, July 10, “What’s bugging you” with Chris Becker, ACES.

CEMETERY CLEANUPS

Limestone

Limestone Church Cemetery cleanup will be 8 a.m. today at the cemetery off U.S. 72 West. Bring string trimmers, etc. If you have a loved one buried there, please come and help or make a donation for upkeep to: Robert Evans, 14919 Reid Road, Athens, AL 35611. More information: Cecil Monk, 256-771-0987.

Wesley Chapel

Wesley Chapel Cemetery will hold its annual cleanup day at 8 a.m. today. Those who attend are asked to bring yard tools, mowers, string trimmers and garbage bags. Donations for upkeep will be accepted at cleanup day or may be mailed to: Jane Tucker, 19430 Sharp Road, Athens, AL 35613. More information: 256-431-1338.

Sunny Hill

Sunny Hill Cemetery will hold decoration and cleanup day from 9 a.m.-noon today. Donations for upkeep may be mailed to: Mahlon Nixon, 17232 Blackburn Road, Athens, AL 35611.

Oneal decoration

Oneal Cemetery decoration will be today at the cemetery on Oneal Road. If you are unable to attend, please mail donations for upkeep to: Charlotte Bates, 10576 U.S. 72, Athens, AL 35611.

Johnson decoration day

Johnson Cemetery decoration day is today at the cemetery off Alabama 251. Turn from Alabama 251 onto Johnson Lane and then onto Johnson Cemetery Road. A business meeting will be held at 2 p.m. All donations will be appreciated. More information: George Johnson: 256-423-6384.

Gatlin Cemetery

Gatlin Cemetery will host cemetery decoration on Saturday, May 19, and Sunday, May 20. Those unable to attend can send donations to: FNB Bank, 26327 Main St., Ardmore, TN 38449.

Sylone Cemetery

Sylone Cemetery will host cemetery decoration Sunday, May 20. Donations for upkeep appreciated. More information: 256-732-3994.

Reunion Cemetery

Reunion Cemetery will host decoration day with a chicken and goat stew fundraiser Saturday, June 2. Attendees are asked to bring their own containers. Donations made payable to Reunion Cemetery Fund should be sent to: Nicole Collins, 25172 Alabama 127, Elkmont, AL 35620. More information: Nicole, 256-874-8035.

Cemetery donations

Yearly donations are now being accepted for upkeep of the Bethel Church of Christ Cemetery. Donations are $50 and should be mailed ated 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 their plot being made available to families in need. More information: Tommy Sprague, 256-874-8461.

SHERIFF’S RODEO EVENTS

Kickoff

Preston’s Western Wear Rodeo Kickoff will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, May 14, at Preston’s off U.S. 72 in Athens. Free activities include: kids day, horseback rides, pace painting. More information at Limestone County Sheriff’s Office: 256-232-0111.

Street dance

A street dance and western fashion show will be 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, on the east side of the Limestone County Courthouse Square in Athens. More information at Limestone County Sheriff’s Office: 256-232-0111.

Slack

Rodeo slack event begins at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 17, at the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena off Alabama 99 in Athens. Cost is $5. Gates open at 8 a.m. More information at Limestone County Sheriff’s Office: 256-232-0111.

Special needs rodeo

A rodeo for individuals with special needs will be 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Friday, May 18, at the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena. This event is open to the public. More information at Limestone County Sheriff’s Office: 256-232-0111.

Rodeo

The annual Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo begins at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 18-19, at the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena off Alabama 99 in Athens. Cost is $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 12 and under. Gates open at 6 p.m. More information at Limestone County Sheriff’s Office: 256-232-0111.

MEETINGS

• Friendship Quilters. Athens Friendship Quilters will meet 10 a.m. Monday, May 14, at the Revival building on West Washington Street. The program will be the guild’s birthday party. Those who attend are asked to bring a covered dish and a friend. Social time will be 30 minutes prior to the meeting. More information: Gloria Carden, 256-233-3113.

• Master Gardeners. Limestone County Master Gardeners Association will hold its May meeting 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 14, at the Limestone County Cooperative Extension Office on Market Street, Athens. Social time, 12:30 p.m. Speaker Rick Pressnell will speak about garden hacks at 1 p.m. Public welcome. More information: 256-614-3530.

• Archives. The Friends of the Limestone County Archives will hold its quarterly meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, at the Limestone County Archives. This meeting is open to the public. More information: 256-233-6404; foa_44@yahoo.com.

• Democratic Club. The Limestone County Democratic Club will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 17, at the Democratic Headquarters, 22143 U.S. 72 East. Guest speaker is James Fields Jr., candidate for governor.

• SCV. The Sons of Confederate Veterans Captain Thomas H. Hobbs Camp 768 will meet 6 p.m. Thursday, May 17, at the Alabama Veterans Museum. Guest speaker will be historian and author Sam Grant. Topic is “Battle of Franklin, Tennessee.” This event is open to the public.

• Limestone NAACP. Limestone County NAACP will hold its May general meeting at 7:30 a.m. Monday, May 21, at 809 U.S. 72 West. More information: Wilbert Woodruff, 256-227-8489.

• Al-Anon. Al-Anon group meets at 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 community calendar in which nonprofit organizations can notify the public of events. Items will run as space allows until the day of the event and should be submitted at least one week prior to the event for best results. Email submissions to newscouriersoundoff@gmail.com, fax to 256-233-7753 or bring to The News Courier, 410 W. Green St., Athens.