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Thanks for the support

Dear Editor:

Last week, we held the Empty Bowls event to raise money for agencies that address hunger and food insecurity in Athens and Limestone County.

The generosity of artists and craftsmen allowed us to offer wonderful items in the silent auction and a handmade pottery bowl for each guest. Restaurants in our area provided delicious soups.

We have come to depend on the students of Clements Key Club as well as RSVP who also sent experienced volunteers. Individual volunteers, friends and family gave their time to pour soup, pass bread, greet patrons and clean up. Most of all I am thankful for the camaraderie of the people who attended and supported the effort to reduce hunger in our community.

These businesses are our sponsors: Steelcase, T & C Stamping, Clem Tire, Tripoint Solutions. We thank you for your wonderful gifts and community support.

The restaurants that provided good soup were 306 Barbecue, Curry’s, Terranova’s, Cracker Barrel, Los Trojas, Applebees, Suzanne’s Bakery and Eatery, Sweetest Things, Wildwood Deli, Sweet Thymes, Chick-fil-A, Food Fite. Your generosity is essential to this project and we know we can depend on your support.

A special thank you to the Potter’s Hand at First Presbyterian Church for coordinating the pottery and the church employees who supported us.

The steering committee includes devoted people who believe in the cause. Its members include Emily Clem, Karan Baker, Jenni Sisk, Randi Harbin, Melanie Newton, Tere Richardson, Tavia Slaton, Donna Cotten and Julie McNeese.

Sincerely,

Emily Clem

Athens-Limestone Empty Bowls

Steering Committee

Fire department appreciation

Dear Editor:

To the volunteers of the Clements Fire Department, thank you so very much for giving your time away from your families, your favorite TV show and at times putting your very lives on the line for people you have never seen before.

Last Saturday night, you went above and beyond your enjoyment to help my family agin. My husband collapsed in a very small bathroom in a painful position. He was unable to move and was there for probably 45 minutes.

Four of your people worked to free him from his predicament. Repeatedly, they told each other, “Be careful; don’t hurt him.” I appreciated their concern then, but little did I know how important it was.

I heard yesterday the father of a friend in Maryland fell in his bathroom, wedging himself between the lavatory and wall. Either in the fall or extraction, his arm and leg were broken.

The doctors were unable to operate due to his fragile condition. He died within the week. How lucky my husband was.

I hope we, the public, will give honor where honor is due to all those who unselfishly give of themselves for the welfare of us all. I do not know these four men’s names or what unit they were from, but I thank them for caring.

I pray God’s richest blessings on them and their families.

Sincerely,

Mary Ann Hughes

Athens