This week

Poetry at the library

On April 25 at 6 p.m. local poets Harry V. Moore, Joel Fry and Mike Wahl will be at the Athens-Limestone County Public Library in honor of National Poetry Month.

Fridays after Five and Merchant’s Alley Happy Hour Music Series

Athens Main Street’s Fridays after Five series presented by The Orthopedic Center-Athens returns Friday, April 26, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. as they kick off the festivities in downtown Athens. Explore the charming streets, support our beloved small businesses, and indulge in delicious bites from our array of restaurants. It’s the perfect opportunity to rediscover the heart and spirit of our community. Also, see DJ Zillion from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and headliner The Midnighters from the Shoals from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the east side of the Limestone County Courthouse.

Men’s conference

Round Island Creek Missionary Baptist Association is hosting a men’s conference with the theme “Men working together through unity” on April 26-27. The event will take place at Round Island Creek Mission Center (13829 Lucas Ferry Road, Athens, AL, 35611) and will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday.

NARFE meeting

NARFE Chapter 1480 will meeting Saturday, April 27 at 9:00 a.m. at the Veterans Museum on Pryor Street. Our guest speaker will be Ms. Laurel Esposito from Energy Alabama. Call Dean Morgan, (256)-233-0248 if you have any questions.

North Alabama Canine Expo

The North Alabama Canine Expo is a celebration of all things canine, bringing together dog lovers from our community. The expo on April 27 at the Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena will feature a diverse range of activities and attractions, including demonstrations, meet the breed sessions, canine education, adoption information and various vendor booths offering dog products, services and accessories.

Gospel singing

Nebo Community Church (1772 Nuclear Plant Rd., Athens, AL, 35620) will host a gospel singing featuring the Troy Burns Family (SGM Hall of Fame Inducted) on April 27 at 5 p.m. Admission is free, and a love offering will be received.

Joann Christopher Memorial Elk River Cleanup

Join us at Sportsman’s Park (11155 Elk River Mills Rd #4601, Athens, AL 35614) on April 27 at 8 a.m. We will have breakfast, registration and supplies ready. We are honoring the decades of dedication that Joann Christopher put into Limestone County, especially keeping the Elk River clean. This is a TVA sponsored cleanup, and they will even provide a free thank you gift.

Owens Volunteer Fire Dept. fundraiser

From 4-7 p.m., April 27, at Owens Senior Center, 20011 AL Hwy 99. $15 per plate. Pre-sale tickets available. Catering by Swamp John’s. Call (256)-431-3868 or (256)-771-3012 for information.

Upcoming

Cinco de Mayo party

Dream Key Real Estate, LLC is hosting a Cinco De Mayo Eve Block Party on May 4, 2024, starting at 4 p.m. in downtown Athens. Each stop will have specials to enjoy. Limestone Legends Billiards will have the after-party beginning at 8 p.m.

Coffee Call

Coffee Call, hosted by the Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives and sponsored by Eugene & Jason Sanders, will take place between 8-9 a.m., Saturday, May 4, at location at 114 W. Pryor Street.

Roping competition

Slack competition for team roping contestants and contestant overflow will take place at the Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena located on Alabama Highway 99 on Thursday, May 16, 2024. Gates open at 8 a.m. and the competition begins at 9 a.m. Admission is $5.

Exceptional needs rodeo

The annual Exceptional Needs Rodeo will take place Friday, May 17, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena.

42nd Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo

Rodeo’s main events are scheduled for May 17 and 18, 2024. Gates open at 6 p.m. on both nights with competition starting at 8 p.m. Daily ticket prices are for adults $15 (advance) or $20 (gate) children 12 years and younger $8 (advance) or $12 (gate), and children 3 years and younger free. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Limestone County Sheriff’s office and online at https://www.showpass.com/42nd-annual-limestone-sheriffs-rodeo/.

Young professionals meetup

Athens-Limestone County young professionals are invited to these free-to-attend monthly meetups. Learn more about the Athens Rotary Club and Athena League, network, socialize and support small businesses. Each meet-up is from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with April 15 at Village Pizza, May 20 at The Salty Cod and June 17 at Old Black Bear Brewing Co.

Free back-to-school shoes

Free back-to-school shoes event at First Baptist Church, Family Life Center, Athens, 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, June 8, 2024. Children must be present to try on shoes.

Ongoing

One-bag trash challenge

KALB and ASU will draw names for winners of the one-bag trash challenge on April 20. The first name drawn will receive $500, and another $500 will be divided between following winners. KALB will provide supplies. Participants must completely fill one trash bag and dispose of it properly; photos of the trash and cleanup must be sent to KALB via Facebook or KALBCares@gmail.com to be entered. Name and contact information must be provided. Each bag gets one entry.

Historic walking tours

The Tourism office will be offering guided tours during our Saturday morning tours (Saturday from 10-11 a.m.) at the Tourism Office located at 100 N. Beaty Street (located at the Duck Pond) during the month of April. There is no fee; just come and enjoy the history of our historic communities with knowledgeable guides. Show up at the Tourism meeting room before 10 a.m. There will be a different tour each Saturday morning.

Quilt show

The Athens-Limestone County Public Library is hosting a quilt show during the month of April. The quilts will be available for viewing on weekdays from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

RSVP tutors needed

RSVP needs volunteers, age 55 and older, who are willing to tutor students in reading and math. If interested, please call (256) 232-7207 or come by the RSVP Office at 409 West Washington Street, Suite A.

Athens City cemeteries regulations

Weekly

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 (Tuesdays)

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.

Community Choir Rehearsals

The Athens State University Community Choir holds rehearsals on Tuesday nights from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Athens High School Choir Room. For more information, contact Teresa Edwards at tedwards32815@gmail.com or learn more at the choir’s Facebook page.

TOPS meeting (Wednesdays)

The Athens, AL TOPS Club Inc.® Chapter #615 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), a nonprofit weight-loss support organization, meets weekly on Wednesday mornings at 8:30 a.m. at the Athens City Activity Center located at 912 West Pryor Street, Athens, AL 35611. Your first visit to any TOPS meeting is free. For more information about TOPS Club, Inc. and our chapter, contact our Leader, Kimberly Harbin, at kh2458@charter.net.

Domestic abuse victims/survivors support group

Crisis Services of North Alabama will have support groups for domestic abuse victims/survivors every Thursday afternoon from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and every Friday from 12-1 p.m. at The Family Resource Center (406 S. Jefferson St.) For more information, call (256) 230-1240 or (256) 262-7760.

Crochet Club

Athens-Limestone County Public Library hosts a crochet club every Saturday at 9:30 a.m. for every skill level. Bring your current projects to work on or help others learn.

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

The Houston Library has a large selection of paperback Westerns for sale. Fifty cents each. First come first serve. The Houston Library is located at 101 N. Houston St., Athens AL 35611 and open M-F and the first Saturday of the month, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call (256) 233-8770 for more information. Houston Memorial Library and Museum hosts a book sale daily.

Monthly

Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary meeting

The James L. Daniels unit 51 of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary will host its monthly meeting on the second Saturday of each month at 2 p.m.

Delivered plate lunches

The Lighthouse Pentecostal Church hosts a monthly plate lunch sale for its land/building fund. Each plate is $13 and must be ordered by the Wednesday before the second Friday of the month and can be purchased at lapc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/686458, marie9404@gmail.com or (256) 998-0195. Each month has a new menu that can be found on the church’s Facebook page the week before. Deliveries begin as early as 10:30 a.m. to the Athens, Elkmont, Ardmore and Tanner areas.

AMVETS Post 21 themed dinner

AMVETS AL Post 21 (22769 Black Road, Athens, AL) hosts a themed dinner, usually on the third Monday of each month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The dinner is open to the public and costs $15 per person.

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.

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.

Book club

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

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 through October. They will be serving food and giving away free clothing. For more information contact Janice Williams at (256) 233-5995.