TODAY

Community cookout

Limestone County NAACP, Athelstine Lodge No. 71, will hold a free community cookout 11 a.m.-1 p.m. today at Lincoln-Bridgeforth Park tennis courts. More information: call 931-980-8735 or 256-797-1333. Purpose of the event is to enjoy good food and fellowship, to register voters, to educate and motivate voters, and to meet Nov. 6 candidates. All candidates invited regardless of party.

Kids safety event

Lowe’s in Athens will host a free safety event for children 11 a.m.-3 p.m. today 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 today through Sept. 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.

World Day of 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) today to celebrate International Day of World Peace. More information: Karen Doehrman at karen.doehrman@gmail.com.

SUNDAY

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 meal. Discovery Church will offer a free meal at 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23, at Fifth Avenue Park in Athens. More information: 256-431-1780.

TUESDAY

• Leadership conference. The Center for Lifelong Learning in Athens will hold a free leadership conference 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, in McCandless Hall at Athens State University. Keynote presenter for the event, which is titled “Navigating the Rapids — Leading Through Change and Conflict,” is pastor Ronnie Brewer. Organ recital by Dr. Rolf Goebel. There will be a question and answer panel discussion and lunch. More information: 256-233-8260.

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. 25, at the library at 603 S. Jefferson St., Athens. More information: 256-232-1233.

Caregiver’s Tea

Athens First United Methodist Church will host a “Caregiver’s Tea” 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, at Beasley Center parlor at 202 W. Bryan St., Athens. The tea will support those caring for loved ones with physical as well as mental illness.

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.

UPCOMING

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.

Scarecrow Ball

The Robert Beaty Historical District will again feature a variety of fun scarecrow characters throughout the district during October. All of Athens is invited to participate, including businesses, merchants, churches, schools, neighborhoods and individuals. This is not a competition. Many simple ideas are available by going online to Google and typing “scarecrow ideas.” Please keecharacters family friendly; no horror figures. Questions: goehlerlee@gmail.com or 256-777-3564.

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.

AHS Class 1956

Athens High School Class of 1956 and friends will hold a luncheon at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3,

at 306 BBQ on U.S. 72 East. More information: Call 256-679-8902

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.

Women Empowering Women

Men’s, women’s and children’s clothing will be given away 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 6, at Lincoln-Bridgeforth Park on Westview near Hine streets. Free hot dogs and voter registration. Presented by Women Empowering Women.

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.

End domestic violence

Athens State University and Crisis Services of North Alabama will host a free event to try to end domestic violence 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, at McCandless Hall Auditorium at 300 N. Beaty St., on the ASU campus. The event — titled Mission Possible: Propelling the Community to End Domestic Violence — will include guest speaker Kerri Davis, executive board member for CSNA, and opening music by Susan Hood. Entertainment: We will play Kahoot. Please have the app downloaded on you mobile device if you would like to participate. Donations of toiletries, personal hygiene products and perfume will be accepted and greatly appreciated. Register for this free event at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Zd4WmsuCNpCrFj25lgBki40rvT2fBal1D3VEoYDXKOg/edit?c=0&w=1.

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.

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

• RSVP. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is recruiting school tutors to assist students in grades K-3 with reading. Call 256-232-7207.

Seeking singers

Limestone County Singers are in need of singers. Contact Donnie Marlow at 256-566-6782

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

• 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.