This weekend

2nd Athens Pickleball Tournament

The Athens Alabama Pickleball Association will host the 2nd Annual AAPA Picklefest Pickleball Tournament, presented by Dream Key Real Estate, at the Athens Sportplex from Sept. 22-24. For more information, contact Jennifer Bridges at Jennifer@JenniferBridges.com or (678) 237-5131.

Saturday

VFW craft fair

The VFW Post 4765 & Auxiliary will host the second annual. craft fair on Sept. 23 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The fair will be at 18615 Jefferson St., and there will be a $1 donation at the door.

NARFE meeting

NARFE Chapter 1480 will meet Saturday, Sept. 23, at 9:00 a.m. at the Veterans Museum on Pryor street. The guest speaker will be David Malone. If you have any questions, please call Dean Morgan, (256)-233-0248.

Coffee with our community

The Central North Alabama Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Social Action Committee will host a Coffee with Our Community Forum on Sept. 23 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Big Spring Memorial Park. The forum will center around voting issues in the 2024 election.

OVFD Fall Festival

The Owens Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a fall festival Sept. 23 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Limestone County Rodeo Arena. There will be concessions, cruise-in, games, crafts, raffles, corn-hole tournament and a silent auction (ending at 2 p.m.). Call (256) 431-3868 or (256) 771-3012 for more information.

Annual Fish Fry

On Saturday, Sept. 23, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Pettusville Methodist Church (29035 Pettusville Rd, Elkmont, AL) will be hosting their annual fish fry. Plates are $14, and it is carry out or limited outdoor seating.

Sunday

Gospel meeting

West Hobbs Street Church of Christ (1602 West Hobbs St.) is hosting a gospel meeting with Mark Posey from Sept. 24-27.

Upcoming

Athens Shred Day

The Better Business Bureau of North Alabama and Keep Athens Limestone Beautiful will host Athens Shred Day on Sept. 30 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Athens State University’s campus. Up to 5 bags of documents per person. The APD will be there for drug take back. Electronic recycling (the only TV’s accepted are plasma and flat screen). Call (256) 355-5170 for more information on what can be shredded.

BYOP planting event

The Athens-Limestone Beautification Board is having a Bring Your Own Pots Fundraiser. Bring us your fall pots for us to plant. September 30th, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Call (256) 233-8000, email KALBCares@gmail.com, or send us a message for details.

Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby

Join us for the 23rd annual Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby on Oct. 2 at 4 p.m. at Big Spring Memorial Park. Adopt your ducks now for chances to win prizes. Ducks are available online (www.kalbcares.com, or at the office), $5 each or a Quack Pack (6 ducks) for $25.

Domestic violence awareness event

Crisis Services will be hosting a domestic violence awareness event on Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. The event is open to the public and will provide resources to victims and support awareness among the community.

Nonfiction book club

A book club to discuss biographies, memoirs and other nonfiction books will begin meeting Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. at the Houston Library. Call (256) 233-8770 for more information.

Author visit

The Athens Limestone County Public Library will host an author visit with Connie Pearson on Oct. 5 at 6 p.m.

Craft supply sale

There will be a craft supply sale on Oct. 7 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the ALCPL community room. Items will be gently used and new craft supplies. Call (256) 232-1233 or email mjones@alcpl.org for more information.

Neymans at Athens Church

The Neymans will be performing at Athens Church of God (17835 Quinn Road, Athens, AL, 35613) on Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. Admission is free, and a love offering will be taken.

Medicare series

The Medicare Chick will host information sessions about enrollment and new changes to Medicare on Oct. 12 at 4:30 in the ALCPL community room and Oct. 14 at 10 a.m. in the Steelcase board room.

Cook book club

The Athens Limestone County Public Library will be hosting a cook book club meeting Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. Those planning to attend are invited to stop by the front desk to choose a recipe, then make and share it with the club.

Community baby shower

The Family Resource and Women’s Resource Centers will be hosting a community baby shower on Oct. 14 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church’s Revival Center. It will be a morning of learning and support as the community showers you with resources, supplies, door prizes and lunch. Email abbey@alfrc.org or publicrelations@wrcathens.org to register.

Author visit

The Athens Limestone County Public Library will be hosting an author visit with Thomas O. Ott on Oct. 19 at 6 p.m.

ASU community block party

Athens State University will be hosting a Community Block Party on Friday, Oct. 20, as part of its annual Homecoming Celebration. The event will take place in front of Founders Hall and feature food trucks, magic from world-class magician Scotty Wiese, and entertainment from The Flashbacks Show Band. Children ages 12 and younger can also enjoy face painting, games and activities at the event’s Cubs Corner. The block party will begin at 6:30 p.m., with the Flashbacks concert to begin at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Master Gardeners plant sale

Limestone County Master Gardeners will host a Fall Plant Sale Saturday, Oct. 21, from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the greenhouse behind Athens Middle School. Perennials and shrubs available. 10” potted Mums $12.00. Website: https://mastergardeners-limestonecountyalabama.org Facebook: Master Gardeners of Limestone County, Alabama.

All about 911

The Athens Limestone County Public Library is hosting an “All about 911” information session on Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. where visitors can learn about the tools E-911 provides and waht to expect when you call 911.

Ongoing

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.

Bingo

Bingo is running for the public at Decatur Elks Lodge each Monday. Doors open at 5 p.m. with games beginning at 6:30 p.m. No outside food or drink will be allowed. Elks Lodge is located at 2625 Centron Drive SW in Decatur. More information: https://www.loc8nearme.com/alabama/decatur/elkslodge/6449656/.

Used 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.

Support group

Crisis Services of North Alabama in Athens will have support groups for domestic violence victims and survivors every Wednesday starting at 5:30 p.m. at 406 S. Jefferson Street. For more information, call (256) 262-7760 or (256) 230-1240.

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.

After-school feeding program

Women Empowering Women of Alabama, in partnership with FreshWind Christian Fellowship, is offering free meals for students after school. Meals are available 3–5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. More information: Janice Williams, (256) 233-5995.

Monthly

AMVETS Post 21 monthly breakfast

AMVETS AL Post 21 (22769 Black Road, Athens, AL) hosts a veterans breakfast every second Saturday of the month at 7 a.m. The breakfast is open to the public for a $6 donation, and it is free to veterans, first responders and their families. The proceeds go to help meet the needs of the post’s veterans and their families.

AMVETS Post 21 themed dinner

AMVETS AL Post 21 (22769 Black Road, Athens, AL) hosts a monthly German dinner 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.

Senior Game Nights

The Athens Activity Center is going to start hosting Friday Night Game Night on the third Friday of each month from July 21-Dec. 15. Games will be available from 3-7 p.m.

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

Cemetery cleanup

Bethel Cemetery

Bethel Cemetery Annual monetary contributions for cemetery upkeep are due. If you have family members buried in Bethel Cemetery, send donations to Tommy Sprague at 25917 Pepper Road in Athens. Total funding for the cemetery comes from contributions. Cleanup of family burial sites is also encouraged as mowing season will begin soon. For more information, reach out to Sprague at (256) 874-8491.

City cemeteries

The City of Athens reminds residents and families of the following regarding its cemeteries (City, Hine-Hobbs St., Old City, Roselawn and Thatch-Mann): No flowers or decorations allowed on the ground, unless following a funeral; flower placement acceptable year-round on monuments; fresh flowers will be removed one week after a funeral; silk flowers will be removed 21 days after a funeral or to be placed on the monument; approval by cemetery superintendent required before planting flowers, shrubs, trees or sod; city personnel will remove all trees or shrubs deemed detrimental to adjacent lots or grave openings; and worn, tattered or damaged U.S. flags will be removed and disposed of properly. The City of Athens does not assume any liability for any monument, flowers, shrubbery, ornaments, flags, etc. in any city owned cemetery.

Blood donations

LifeSouth

You can schedule a time with the Athens Donor Center online anytime. For more information, or to find and participate in blood drives, visit https://donors.lifesouth.org/donor/schedules/zip.

Red Cross

American Red Cross is asking eligible donors to make an appointment for blood or platelet donation.