Friday

Exceptional Needs Rodeo

The annual Exceptional Needs Rodeo will take place Friday, May 19, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the arena. This rodeo is for community individuals with special needs and participants are expected to attend from the entire north Alabama region.

Saturday

Nebo under the Old Oak Tree

Singing and preaching at Nebo Community Church outside under the Old Oak Tree (1772 Nuclear Plant Rd.) on Saturday, May 20, at 2 p.m. Bro. Paul Johnson will be preaching, and the singers are Freddy Craig and Friends and James Pence and group from New Hope. The event will be held inside in case of rain.

Tanner High school class of 1973 reunion

There will be a reunion for Tanner’s class of 1973 on May 20 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., with the program starting at 3 p.m. All activities will take place at Jimmy Gill park. For more information, call (256) 227-8489.

Monday

Author visit

Athens Limestone County Library will host Karen White, author of “The House on Prytania” on May 22 at 4:30 p.m., with copies of the book available for purchase.

Upcoming

Gospel Singing

Berea Baptist Church will host The Isbells on Friday night June 2, 2023, at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Location is 16779 Lucas Ferry Rd, Athens, AL 35611. Contact Gary Wilson (256) 497-9763.

Sardis Springs Independence Day Celebration

Sardis Springs Baptist Church will host a free Independence Day Celebration, with musical guests Gold City, on July 2 at 7p.m. The concert begins at 7 p.m. followed by ice cream and fireworks.

Ongoing

TOPS meeting

Athens AL TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Evening Chapter #0616 meets weekly on Tuesdays, at the Athens Activity Center on Pyror Street. Weigh-In starts at 6:00pm and the meeting at 6:30pm. For more info, email: AthensAL616TOPS@gmail.com

Book club

We have a Book Club that meets the 4th Thursday of every month at Antiques on Jefferson.

Book club

Join the Athens-Limestone Public Library for a new book club on the third Tuesday of the month. The club meets at 6 p.m. at Athens Alehouse & Cellar.

Digital Literacy Classes

Athens-Limestone County Public Library will host a series of Digital Literacy Classes in conjunction with Calhoun Community College & Drake State Community & Technical College. Classes will boost your digital confidence & provide you with skills and training needed in today’s job market. Classes are Monday-Wednesday, 9 a.m. to noon or 1-4 p.m. Call (256) 306-2830 to learn more.

Houston Memorial Library Daily Book Sale

Houston Memorial Library and Museum, 101 North Houston Street in Athens, hosts a book sale daily. The book sale, museum and library are open Monday through Friday and the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Bingo

Bingo is running for the public at Decatur Elks Lodge each Monday. Doors open at 5 p.m. with games beginning at 6:30 p.m. No outside food or drink will be allowed. Elks Lodge is located at 2625 Centron Drive SW in Decatur. More information: https://www.loc8nearme.com/alabama/decatur/elks-lodge/6449656/.

After-school feeding program

Women Empowering Women of Alabama, in partnership with FreshWind Christian Fellowship, is offering free meals for students after school. Meals are available 3–5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. More information: Janice Williams, (256) 233-5995.

Used book sale

Friends of the Athens-Limestone Public Library host a used book sale from 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. each Tuesday and the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. — 1 p.m. at the library, 603 S. Jefferson St., Athens. More information (256) 232-1233.

Food giveaway

Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church’s food pantry will be open 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month at 1911 Hine St., Athens. Patrons must provide proof of at least one of the following: eligibility to receive supplemental food assistance (SNAP/food stamps); eligibility for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families; eligibility to receive Supplemental Security Income; income at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level; or special circumstances. Eligibility forms provided at distribution site. Must have valid ID card or driver’s license. Only one distribution per household while supplies last. Monetary and food donations accepted. More information: (256) 424-5403.

Community outreach day

Freshwind Christian Fellowship is partnering with Women Empowering Women of Alabama to create a day of fun for the whole family every fourth Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at 17200 Lucas Ferry Rd. in Athens. They will be serving food and giving away free clothing. For more information contact Janice Williams at (256) 233-5995.

Virtual exercise class

Limestone County Council on Aging presents virtual exercise class 2–3 p.m. Mondays and Fridays via Zoom. The classes are called S.A.I.L., which stands for Stay Active and Independent for Life. More information: (256) 233-6412.

Cemetery cleanup

Wallace Cemetery

Wallace Cemetery in Rogersville will host a decoration day on Saturday, May 20, starting at 9 a.m.

Gatlin Cemetery

Gatlin Cemetery on Stateline Road in Ardmore will be having Decoration on May 20 and 21. Those who are unable to attend and would like to make a donation can do so at Cadence Bank (26327 Main St., Ardmore,TN. 38449). Donations can be mailed to Gatlin Cemetery, c/o Stanley L. Mitchell, Treasurer (28766 Highway 251, Ardmore, AL, 35739).

Bethel Cemetery

Bethel Cemetery Annual monetary contributions for cemetery upkeep are due. If you have family members buried in Bethel Cemetery, send donations to Tommy Sprague at 25917 Pepper Road in Athens. Total funding for the cemetery comes from contributions. Cleanup of family burial sites is also encouraged as mowing season will begin soon. For more information, reach out to Sprague at (256) 874-8491.

New Garden Cemetery

The Annual cleanup and decoration days will be June 3 and 4. Donations are needed for the upkeep of the cemetery; donations will be taken both days. If you cannot attend you can mail donations to: Harold Atkinson 20321 Sandlin Rd. Elkmont, AL, 35620 or Daniel Adams 18505 Coffman Rd. Elkmont, AL, 35620.

City cemeteries

The City of Athens reminds residents and families of the following regarding its cemeteries: No flowers or decorations allowed on the ground between April 1 and Oct. 31, unless following a funeral; flower placement acceptable year-round on monuments, at their base or at foot markers; fresh flowers will be removed one week after a funeral; silk flowers will be removed 21 days after a funeral; approval by cemetery superintendent required before planting flowers, shrubs, trees or sod; city personnel will remove all trees or shrubs deemed detrimental to adjacent lots or grave openings; and worn, tattered or damaged U.S. flags will be removed and disposed of properly. The City of Athens does not assume any liability for any monument, flowers, shrubbery, ornaments, flags, etc. in any city owned cemetery.

Blood donations

LifeSouth

You can schedule a time with the Athens Donor Center online anytime.

For more information, or to find and participate in blood drives, visit https://donors.lifesouth.org/donor/schedules/zip.

Red Cross

American Red Cross is asking eligible donors to make an appointment for blood or platelet donation.