Limestone Ledger

TODAY

Spelling Bee

Learn to Read Council of Athens and Limestone County is hosting the 24^th annual Corporate Spelling Bee at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 9, at the Athens Middle School cafeteria, 100 U.S. 31, Athens. Free admission for spectators. Refreshments will be served. To make a donation to help sponsor the spelling bee, or to obtain more information about the Learn to Read programs, call 256-230-3050 or send an email to learntoreadcouncil@gmail.com.

TUESDAY

Used book sale

The Friends of the Athens-Limestone Public Library will have a used book sale from 10:15 a.m-2:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, at the library, 603 S. Jefferson St., Athens. More information: 256-232-1233.

Gardening workshop

The Limestone County Extension office and Master Gardener’s Association will host a free workshop on herb and vegetable companions from 11 a.m.-noon Tuesday, March 12, at the Athens-Limestone Public Library, 603 S. Jefferson St., Athens.

Panel discussion

The Coleman Center for Religion Ethics and Leadership of Athens State University will host a Table Talk-based panel based on Harry Frankfurt’s popular book “Truth or Bull(expletive deleted).” It will take place at the university’s Founders Hall chapel at noon, Tuesday, March 12. The talk will deal with the issues dealing with society’s problem of low-level dishonesty, exaggeration, selective use of facts and careful drafting in politics, economics, media, advertising and customer service. The discussion will draw from behavioral science and ethics, and will discuss how to know the difference between craft and truth. The event is free and open to the public.

WEDNESDAY

Parenting class

Kids & Kin will present a parenting class for caregivers for relatives titled “Emotional Abuse: The Effects on Children” from 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, March 13, at The Haven, 810 N. Malone St., Athens. The class will be taught by Carol Copeland, Limestone County Department of Human Resources. More information: Tammie Hill, 256-724-2554.

FRIDAY

Dutch-treat luncheon

Trinity High School class of 1963 will host a dutch-treat luncheon at 11 a.m. Friday, March 15, at the Double Tree Hotel/Twist Bar and Grill, 1101 Sixth Ave. NE, Decatur.

UPCOMING

Balancing classes

The Limestone County Council on Aging will host “A Matter of Balance,” a weekly (through May 6) balancing class for older adults at greater risk of falling, at 1 p.m. Monday, March 18, at Athens Senior Center. The classes aim to increase physical activity and reduce the fear of falling. More information: Madison Curnutt at 256-233-6412.

Spaghetti dinner fundraiser

The Limestone County Foster and Adoptive Parent Association will hold its annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser 4-9 p.m. Friday, March 22, at the Revival building at 301 W. Washington St., Athens. Plates include spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, dessert and drink. Cost: $10 for ages 11 and up; $5 for children 10 and under.

Parenting class

Limestone County Kids and Kin will host a parenting class titled “Putting Autism into Perspective” from 10 a.m. until noon Wednesday, March 27, at The Haven, 810 N. Malone St., Athens. Amelia Hardin of UCP will lead the class. More information: Tammie Hill, 256-724-2554.

Ballroom dance classes

Ballroom dance classes will be given from 7-8 p.m. each Thursday from March 28 until May 30, at the Revival Building on Washington Street in Athens. Learn fundamentals of waltz, foxtrot, rumba and swing. Cost is $75 per person and no partner is required. Proceeds benefit Learn to Read. To register, contact Deb Kohlhase at 256-232-0122 or visit fpcathens@fpcathens.org.

Meet and greet

The Limestone County Democratic Conference will host a meet and greet at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 30, at Round Island Creek Missionary Baptist Association Mission Building. Brunch will be served. The guest speaker will be Huntsville City Council President Devyn Keith. Other guests include educators from Athens and Limestone County, black business leaders (male and female), city and council department heads, doctors, nurses and administration, officials from various industries, religion leaders, local county and state government and appointed and elected board members. More information: 256-874-0565.

Fish fry

The Limestone County NAACP will host a fish fry from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, April 19, at Lincoln Bridgeforth Park, 815 Westview Ave., Athens. The cost is $10 per person, which includes a fish plate, dessert and drink. More information: Terry Byrd at 256-497-4359.

Elkmont Beautywalk

The 14^th annual Elkmont Beautywalk will take place Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20. Registration is going on now through April 1. Registration fee is $35 to enter, and an additional $5 to enter the photogenic category. Registration will be in the lunchroom with places provided to use to dress and prepare for the competition. Friday night will be kindergarten through 5^th grade, beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday afternoon will be babies through preschool divisions beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday night will be 6^th grade through 12^th grade and the 12^th grade guys division. Tickets are $5 at the door, and there will be a People’s Choice category to vote for your favorite contestant. The money raised from the event goes to the Elkmont High School band.

ONGOING

Vidalia onion sale

The Athens Ladies Civitan Club’s annual Vidalia onion sale is ongoing, with delivery available the first or second week of May. The cost of a 10-pound bag is $10. Orders can be placed by calling Carolyn Stair at 256-658-1985; Trudy Romine at 256-232-8891; or Beverly Blakely at 256-874-4080. Orders can also be made by mail, by sending your order and a check to Athens Ladies Civitan Club, P.O. Box 1814, Athens, AL 35612. Checks should be made payable to ALCC. Include name, address, contact telephone number and the number of bag of onions you are ordering. Payment must be received by April 13. Orders can also be taken by any Athens Ladies Civitan Club member.

Cancer support

Discovery Church hosts faith-based cancer support group meetings each Tuesday from 10–11:30 a.m. and on the second Tuesday of each month from 6–7:30 p.m. No RSVP necessary. Refreshments and snacks provided. Open to individuals affected by any type of cancer, including patients, survivors, caregivers and supporters. Meetings are held at the church, 1207 E. Forrest St., Suite G, Athens. More information: Diane Hammond, 256-431-1544; Jo Brown, 256-230-4802.

Headstart applications open

Community Action Partnership of North Alabama is now accepting applications for early Headstart, preschool Headstart, and state Pre-K Headstart for the 2019-20 school year. The Headstart programs are for children age 3, ages 3 and 4, and age 4. Parents must provide proof of birth, preferably a birth certificate; verification of 2018 income in the form of a W-2 form, check stub, Social Security statement, child support, unemployment, etc.; and Medicaid or insurance card, if available. More information: 256-444-1240.

Tax prep

RSVP offers free income-tax assistance for low-income, disabled or elderly taxpayers through April 15. Those who need assistance can visit First United Methodist Church Youth Center from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays in March and April. The center is at 203 N. Jefferson St., Athens. Tax service will also by provided at Ardmore Public Library, by appointment only, Wednesdays through April 10. More information: RSVP, 256-232-7207.

Nonperishable food drive

Lil Red Wagon Collections at 208 N. Houston St., Athens, is open 9 a.m.–7 p.m. the first week of each month to collect nonperishable food for local homeless people. Donated items will be given to Limestone County Churches Involved, which will distribute them.

Flex class

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

Spaghetti dinner

The Vietnam Veterans of America will host a spaghetti dinner the third Monday of each monththrough October. Dinner consists of spaghetti, cole slaw or salad, garlic bread, dessert and drink. People can either eat in or carry out. The cost of a plate is $8. Dinners will be served from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. at the VVA building at 17915 W. Elm St., Athens. Dinners will also be available for group carryout or in-town business delivery. More information, call 256-431-3213.

Medicare Prescription drug plans

Anyone needing assistance choosing a Medicare Part D Plan is encouraged to contact Limestone Council on Aging at 256-233-6412.

Paid subs needed

Community Action Partnership of North Alabama is recruiting substitutes in Limestone and Madison counties. Requirements: Must be age 19 or older, hold high school diploma or GED, have medical form and tuberculosis test completed within past six months. Benefits: Flexible work hours, biweekly pay schedule and on-the-job training. More information: 256-444-1240, www.capna.org or @CAPofNAL.

RSVP seeking tutors

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is recruiting reading tutors to help students in kindergarten through third grade. Call 256-232-7207.

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

• Quilters Club. The Athens Friendship Quilters will meet Monday, March 11, at First Presbyterian Church’s Rogers Center. Social time will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the meeting beginning at 10. More information: 256-233-3113.

• Athens Toastmasters Club. The Athens Toastmasters Club will have a comedy and improv meeting from 5:45-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, at 124 Cloverleaf Drive, Athens. The meeting is free to visitors. More information: 708-691-2447.

• Disabled American Veterans. The Disabled American Veterans will hold its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, at the Alabama Veterans Museum. Members and visitors are welcome. More information: 256-374-2072 or 256-509-1306.

• Athens Garden Club. The Athens Garden Club will meet Wednesday, March 13, at Tanner Baptist Church. Fellowship begins at 9 a.m., with the meeting beginning at 9:30. The meeting theme is “Getting to know your fellow AGC gardeners.”

• Support Group. Positive Look Support Group for the blind and visually impaired and their friends, family and caregivers, will meet from 10 a.m.-noon Friday, March 15, at the Athens Recreation Center. Bring finger foods to share. The speaker will be Tricia Pruitt from the Better Business Bureau. More information: Cynthia Turner, 256-919-3175.

• NAACP. The Limestone County NAACP will have its March general membership meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 18, at Hobbs Plaza, 809 Ala. 72W, Athens. More information: Wilbert Woodruff, 256-227-8489.

• Democratic Conference. The Limestone County Democratic Conference will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, at Newby’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Chapel on Nick Davis Road. More information: James Lucas, 256-431-3744.

• 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, 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.