SATURDAY

Owens VFD fundraiser

Owens Volunteer Fire Department will hold a barbecue chicken fundraiser 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at 15359 Elk River Mills Road. Plate includes half chicken, potato salad, baked beans and bread for $10. Whole desserts will be available for purchase. More information: Tiese Chambers, 256-278-9975.

Free workshop

Limestone County Master Gardeners Association is offering a free workshop 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Limestone County Extension System office at 1109 W. Market St., Suite C, across from the Post Office. This month’s workshop is on native plants.

SUNDAY

Cemetery decoration

Legg Cemetery decoration will be Sunday, Sept. 16. Those unable to attend are asked to make a donation for upkeep. Send it to: Legg Cemetery, c/o Delois Mason, 27359 Leggtown Road, Elkmont, AL 35620. More information: Delois Mason, 256-233-6046.

MONDAY

Constitution Day celebration

Athens State University and John Wade Keyes chapter of Daughters of American Revolution will host a free public Constitution Day celebration 11 a.m.-noon Monday, Sept. 17, at Athens State University. A hot dog lunch will be served at 11 a.m. in the ASU ballroom. A program featuring patriotic music, a dramatic presentation, awarding of scholarships, and guest speaker retired Col. Joseph Gaines, U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery, will follow at noon at McCandless Hall.

TUESDAY

American Legion chicken stew

The American Legion will hold its monthly chicken stew 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, in Athens. Price is $7 for all-you-can-eat stew, drinks and desserts or $7 per quart carryout. Desserts for carryout orders — two per quart purchased up to four maximum — cost additional $1 each. Containers provided. Free home delivery in Athens city limits for businesses or homebound. To reserve carryout order, call 256-230-6233 Sept. 17 or 18.

Used book sale

Friends of the Athens-Limestone Public Library will hold a used book sale 10:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, at the library at 603 S. Jefferson St., Athens. More information: 256-232-1233.

UPCOMING

Human trafficking

Athens-Limestone County Family Resource Center, Women’s Resource Center and Summit Crossing Community Church will host a human trafficking awareness event 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, at Summit Crossing, 740 E. Roy Long Road, Athens. Speaker: Carolyn Potter, executive director of The Wellhouse.

Limestone Democratic Club

Limestone County Democratic Club will hold a potluck supper to honor Limestone County’s first-responders 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, at Democratic Headquarters, 22143 U.S. 72 East, during its September meeting.

Trinity class reunion

Trinity Class of 1963 will hold a reunion noon Friday, Sept. 21, at Double Tree Hotel/Twist Bar & Grill, 1101 Sixth Ave. NE, Decatur. More information: 256-355-3150.

World peace

Yoga Center of Huntsville invites beginners and the experienced to participate in Rocket City Global Mala for a free yoga practice with 108 Surya Namaskar (sun salutation) on Saturday, Sept. 22, to celebrate Internatioinal Day of World Peace. More information: Karen Doehrman at karen.doehrman@gmail.com.

Kids safety event

Lowe’s in Athens will host a free safety event for children 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at the store at 1109 U.S. 72 East. Event will include emergency vehicles, fingerprinting, face painting, games, food and live music by Mercedes Gilliland, Athens High School Band, Darwin McCluskey, Bitter Creek, Exit 361 and Jeremy Ezell.

Pumpkins 4 Punkins

Panther Branch Pumpkin Patch will hold hold a pumpkin sale fundraiser called Pumpkins 4 Punkins from Sept. 22-29 and Oct. 6 at the intersection of Mooresville and Copeland roads in Athens. Proceeds will go to two families planning adoptions. There will be 15 pumpkin and gourd varieties available. More information at https://www.facebook.come/pumpkins4punkins.

Blankenship and Lee reunion

The Blankenship and Lee family reunion will be 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23, at Owens Community Center off Alabama 99. More information: Patricia Uselton, 265-431-0708.

Free carpentry course

Alabama Homebuilders Foundation and Limestone County Schools will host a free eight-week basic residential carpentry course for adults from 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 25-Nov. 13 at the Limestone County Career Technical Center. Taught by Jerry Haggermaker, the course will cover safety, blueprints, layout, framing, window and door installation, siding and exterior trim. NCCER credits available. To register, call Kory Boling at 1-800-745-4222 or send email to koryboling@hbaa.org.

Book drive

United Way of Athens-Limestone County will host Stuff A Bus 2018 book drive through Sunday, Sept. 30, at 419 S. Marion St., Athens. Donations of used and new books will be given to students in Athens and Limestone County schools as reading incentives.

Haunts Walk

Tickets are on sale now for the annual Haunts Walk events in Athens. Cost is $5 for adults or children. Dates will be Oct. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 and 30. Tickets sell fast, so don’t wait until October. More information: Call Athens-Limestone County Tourism, 256-232-5411.

Yard sale donations

Clements Volunteer Fire Department is now taking donations for its upcoming yard sale, which will be Oct. 3-5. More information: 256-998-0103 or 256-867-3741.

East tailgate party

East Limestone High School Band will hold a tailgate party Thursday, Oct. 4, to celebrate the Home Sweet Homecoming Parade. A $10 ticket, available at any home football game in September, buys you a barbecue sandwich, fixings, chips, beverage and dessert served before parade. Proceeds from the event will be used to support the band program.

Reunion

There will be a reunion 1–4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Bethel Community Center in Bethel, Tennessee. Those who attend are asked to bring a lawn chair, drinks, snacks, pictures and memories. More information: Jane Mankin, 615-604-0598.

Duck Derby adoptions open

Ducks can be adopted for Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful’s 18th annual Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby on Saturday, Oct. 6, at Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens. There are 24 prizes available so far, including a $1,000 American Leakless Co. grand prize. One need not be present to win. A $5 donation will place one numbered duck in the race in your name. A $25 donation, will put six ducks in the race in your name and buy you a coupon from Papa Murphy’s Pizza for 25 percent off an entire order. For Derby details or to adopt online, visit www.KALBCares.com and click the EVENTS tab to find this race or call 256-233-8000 for information.

Duck decorating open

Businesses, groups and individuals are invited to enter Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful’s second annual Duck Decorating Contest to win the Best-Decorated Duck – People’s Choice ribbon and the Best-Decorated Duck – Judges’ Choice ribbon. KALB will provide a free wooden duck with 11-inch tall base. Ducks may be decorated, painted or embellished in any tasteful manner. They should be returned as soon after Monday, Oct. 15, as possible. Make them whimsical, beautiful or unique. For guidelines or to register, visit www.KALB.com and click the EVENT tab to find this event or call 256-233-8000 for more information.

Balance class

Limestone County Council on Aging is offering “A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls” classes 1–3 p.m. Mondays through Oct. 15 at the Athens Senior Center. The 8-week program is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. More information: Madison Curnutt, 256-233-6412.

North Pole Stroll

Also, Athens-Limestone County Tourism is now accepting sponsors for the 7-foot Christmas trees to be featured in the annual North Pole Stroll in Athens. Sponsorships are $100 and available until Nov. 1. To reserve a tree, call Athens-Limestone County Tourism at 256-232-5411 or send email to VisitAthensAl@gmail.com.

Photo contest

Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area is hosting a photography contest — deadline Dec. 3 — for amateur and professional photographers, including those in Limestone County. Prizes include dinner at Marriott Shoals and national recognition through promotional materials. Entries should celebrate the people and places of Alabama. For entry forms and rules, visit msnha.una.edu.

ONGOING

Vets Affairs office now open

Limestone County’s Department of Veterans Affairs Office is now open five days a week from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at 1109 W Market St., Suite B, in Athens. Office staff assists veterans and dependents with filing claims with FVA, obtaining car tags, copies of records and more. More information: David Whitten, 256-233-6459.

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.

New food pantry hours

The Women Empowering Women food pantry is now open 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. More information and to contribute: Janice Williams, 256-233-5995.

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.

Pop tab drive charity

Limestone County Farmers Federation is collecting aluminum pop tabs to raise money for Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham. Drop off tabs from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at ALFA Insurance office at 524 U.S. 72 West in Athens, across from Hobbs Jewelers. More information: 256-233-0938.

Flex class

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

Farmers market

The farmers market in Athens is now open 6:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays off Green Street.

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 from 9:45–10:45 a.m. Fridays 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.

Game day

Americans Veterans Post 21 hosts weekly game days Saturdays 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.

A few good yards

Limestone County Master Gardeners Association is searching for “a few good yards” to recognize. Yards must not be professionally maintained. Nominations, including owner information and photographs of the yard, can be submitted online at mg.aces.edu/limestone/were-looking-for-a-few-good-yards/ or to tlt_brown@charter.net.

Donnell House

The Donnell House will host special tours in honor of its placement in the Alabama PastPort, part of Alabama’s bicentennial celebration. Tours are by reservation by calling 239-249-2211. Donations are appreciated.

MEETINGS

• NAACP. Limestone NAACP will hold general membership meetings 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17, and Monday, Oct. 15, at 809 U.S. 72 West, Suite D, Athens. Election of officers and executives meeting will be 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19, same location. More information: Wilbert Woodruff.

• SCV meeting. Sons of Confederate Veterans Thomas H. Hobbs Camp 768 will meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, at Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives, 100 W. Pryor St., Athens. No guest speaker. Group will view Part 1 of the three-part documentary film “Jefferson Davis: An American President.” Public invited.

• 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.

• Grief support group. A grief support group will meet the first Thursday of each month at Traditions Senior Living Center, 22171 Traditions Way, Athens. Group is free and open to the public. Sponsored by Amedisys Hospice. More information: Amy at 256-760-7877.

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.