TODAY

Pumpkins 4 Punkins

Panther Branch Pumpkin Patch will hold a pumpkin sale fundraiser called Pumpkins 4 Punkins today and Saturday, 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.com/pumpkins4punkins.

SUNDAY

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.

TUESDAY

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, Oct. 2, at the library at 603 S. Jefferson St., Athens. More information: 256-232-1233.

Haunts Walk

Tickets are on sale now for the annual Haunts Walk events in Athens. Cost is $5 for adults or children. The event begins Tuesday, Oct. 2, and continues Oct. 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.

WEDNESDAY

AHS Class 1956

Athens High School Class of 1956 and friends will hold a luncheon 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, at 306 Barbecue 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.

Launch party

The Athens Boys & Girls Club will host author April Collins as part of a book launch party Wednesday, Oct. 3. The free event will feature food, music and book signing. More information: 256-232-4298.

THURSDAY

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.

UPCOMING

Coffee Call

State Sen. Tim Melson and former state Rep. Henry White and his wife, Marsha, will sponsor Coffee Call 8-9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives, 100 W. Pryor St., Athens.

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 Avenue near Hine Street. 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 now 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 256-233-8728 for information.

AHS homecoming week

Athens High School homecoming week is Oct. 8-12 this year. Sponsored by the Athens High School Alumni Association, the week of events, which are open to the public, will include: Freshman, junior varsity football game against Cullman — 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8; Fashion show with $5 admission and Thomas “Tre” Townsend III as master of ceremonies — 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9; Food truck at Athens High Stadium parking lot — 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11; Homecoming football game against Columbia High School and Alumni Black & Gold Night — 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12.

End domestic violence

Athens State University and Crisis Services of North Alabama will host a free domestic violence awareness event 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, in McCandless Hall Auditorium 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. Download the Kahoot app to participate in entertainment. Donations of toiletries, personal hygiene products and perfume will be accepted and greatly appreciated. Register at http://bit.ly/MissionPossibleASU.

Rice and beans giveaway

Tanner United Methodist Church will give away 1-pound bags of rice and beans to adults in need between 9-11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 12, at the church at 19607 Huntsville-Browns Ferry Road. More information: 256-232-0482.

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 or the Best-Decorated Duck – Judges’ Choice ribbon. KALB will provide a free wooden duck with base. Ducks may be decorated, painted or embellished in any tasteful manner. They should be displayed as soon after Monday, Oct. 15, as possible. For guidelines or to register, visit www.KALBCares.com and click the EVENTS tab to find this event or call 256-233-8728.

Car show/barbecue lunch

Truth Baptist Church of Athens will hold its third annual car show and barbecue lunch Saturday, Oct. 20, at 19297 Sewell Road, Athens. Entry fee is $25 per vehicle; free to spectators. Barbecue plates or sandwiches with sides are $7. Presale whole pork butts are $30 and can be ordered through Oct. 13. Jars of homemade sauce are $5. Pick up the day of the car show only. Door prizes will be drawn every 15 minutes starting at 11 a.m. for car owners only. Awards, including preacher’s choice ($100 plus a trophy) and people’s choice ($100 plus a trophy), will begin at 2 p.m. People’s choice tickets are $1 and can be purchased by owners and spectators. There will also be a 50/50 drawing at 2 p.m. Tickets are $1 and may be purchased by owners and spectators. More information: Terrie Wright, 256-679-7545 or Dan Rollins, 256-651-9132.

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. Characters should be family friendly. No horror figures. Questions: goehlerlee@gmail.com or 256-777-3564.

North Pole Stroll

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 email 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 seeking tutors

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 is 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

• NSDAR. National Society Daughters of American Revolution, John Wade Keyes chapter, will meet 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the Limestone County Archives in Athens. Social time at 9 a.m. More information: Brenda Winter, 256-771-3536 or Dana Henry, 256-777-7694.

• American Legion. American Legion Post 49 will meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at the Post home at 124 Cloverleaf Drive, Athens.

• Master Gardeners. Limestone County Master Gardeners Association will meet Monday, Oct. 8, at Athens-Limestone Visitors Center, 100 N. Beaty St., Athens. Social time, 5:30 p.m.; plant swap, 6 p.m.; and meeting, 6:30 p.m. Public welcome. More information: 256-614-3530.

• 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.