This week

Red Cross Blood Drive

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Thursday, Jan. 30, at Athens State University, located at 300 N. Beaty St., from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. All donors who come to give blood will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Donors are asked to book a time to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Coffee Call

Used Book Sale

The Friends of the Athens-Limestone Public Library will hold a Special Used Book Sale on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the public library, located at 603 S. Jefferson St.  For further information, please call (256) 232-1233.

Community Support Breakfast

The Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce will host a special #AthensStrong Community Support Breakfast honoring the brave individuals who helped with the Dec. 28 tornado relief efforts. The event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the Athens State Gymnasium at 8 a.m. Proceeds will be aimed at providing direct assistance to individuals and businesses who suffered damage. Registration is required, ticket price to attend is $40. For more information, please visit business.alcchamber.org/events/details/community-support-breakfast-athensstrong-2934.

AHS Class of 1956 Lunch

Athens High School’s graduating class of 1956, and friends, will meet for a dutch treat lunch at Mildred’s in Ardmore on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 11 a.m. For more information, please call 256-232-3895.

Upcoming

Chocolate Walk

Athens Main Street’s beloved 12th annual Chocolate Walk will return to downtown Athens on Saturday, Feb. 8, from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets for the event are $10 a piece, and all tickets can be purchased online at www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-chocolate-walk-tickets.

Valentine’s Evening Dinner

Athens Alehouse and Cellar will host a Valentine’s Evening Dinner, by special reservation only, for local couples to enjoy on Friday, Feb. 14. Seating for the event will begin at 5:15 p.m. at their location on the square at 113 S. Marion St.

Home and Garden Show

The 2025 Home and Garden Show, presented by IMPACT Roofing, will take place at Athens Middle School on Saturday, Feb. 15, and Sunday, Feb. 16. Indoor and outdoor vendor applications are now open. For more information, and for how to apply, please visit business.alcchamber.org/events/details/2025-home-and-garden-show.

Single Cocktail Mingle

Athens Alehouse and Cellar will host a Single Cocktail and Mingle evening for singles on Saturday, Feb. 15, at their location at 113 S. Marion St. Live jams from DJ Kay-P will begin at 7 p.m. and last until 9:30 p.m.

Wellness Fair

The Stretch Zone in Athens will host a Wellness Fair on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Athens Recreation Center, located at 21821 Sportsplex Loop, Athens, AL 35611. The event, which will feature several local fitness and body health companies, will begin at 9 a.m. and last until 1 p.m.

Pinewood Derby Race

Cub Scout Pack 7355 will organize a large Pinewood Derby Race on Saturday, Feb. 22, at Cedar Hill Elemnetary School, located at 27905 Cedar Hill Road, Ardmore, AL 35739. The races are for cub scouts, first responders, companies and any members of the public looking to get in on the action. All first responders get in for free and receive one car per kit. Companies looking to get in must register prior to the event by contacting admin7355@pack7355.com. It is a $10 entry fee for all members of the public. For more information, please reach out to Charter Organization Representative Shane Lege at 256-614-5716.

State of the City

Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks will hold his annual State of the City Address at the Athens State University Gymnasium on Tuesday, March 4, at 8 a.m. Ticket prices range from $35 to $40 depending on membership status with the Athens-Limestone Chamber of Commerce, who is presenting the event. For more information, and how to reserve a table, please visit business.alcchamber.org/events/details/2025-state-of-the-city-address.

Ongoing Weekly

Heart for Homeless

Please join The News Courier, and several others, as we try and help out our homeless population in Athens and Limestone County. Please give whatever essentials you can. All donations can be left at The News Courier’s office at 410 W. Green St. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Other donation sites include; Don Carter Heating and Cooling on 72 East, Toodlebugs on E. Hobbs St. and One Main Financial on 72 East.

Crochet Club at the Library

The Athens-Limestone County Public Library will host the Crochet Club every Saturday in December at 9:30 a.m. The event is for crocheters at any skill level.

Support Group

Support groups for domestic abuse victims and survivors will be held at the Family Resource Center on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. and on Fridays at noon. Facilitated by Crisis Services of North Alabama. For more information, please call (256)-230-1240.

Houston Memorial Library

The best kept secret in Athens — The Houston Memorial Library and Museum is open Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Home to a large collection of mystery, fiction, childrens, young adult and western books to be checked out with a $5.00 per year membership. The historic residence, which was built in 1834, also has a book sale room that is open each day. The museum has period furniture, civil war memorabilia and Native American artifacts.

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.

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.

TOPS meeting (Mondays)

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

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.