Saturday

Houston Memorial Book Sale

The Houston Memorial Library is having a giant book sale on Saturday, Oct. 1. The sale begins at 9 a.m. These hardback books are in like-new condition and are by popular authors of fiction and mystery. There are recently published books just donated to our library and these titles have never been on sale here before. The library is located at 101 N. Houston Street.

Swamp John’s

There will be a Swamp John’s fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena from 4-7 p.m. for $14/plate. All proceeds will go to Make A Way Foundation.

Clothes and food give-away

Women Empowering Women (W.E.W) of Alabama is hosting a clothes and food give-away at Lincoln Bridgeforth Park in Athens, on Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Coffee Call

Coffee Call, hosted by the Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives and sponsored by Rena Turner and Kenneth Croley, will take between 8 and 9 a.m., Saturday, October 1, at their location at 114 W. Pryor Street.

Upcoming

Class of ‘56 meeting

The Athens High School class of 1956 and Friends will meet for lunch at 11 a.m. on Oct. 5, at the Fish Creel in Anderson, Ala.

Job Fair

The ALC-Family Resource Center is hosting a job fair on Thursday, October 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Immediate openings and interviews are available. Please bring your identification. Location: 406 S. Jefferson St. Athens, AL (next to Dub’s Burgers).

Tennessee Old Time Fiddlers Convention

Athens State hosts the Old Time Fiddlers Convention from Oct. 8-10, at Athens State University. Tickets are $17-25 and are available in advance on www.Eventbrite.com.

Friday Fiddling

On Friday, Oct. 7, the there will be dulcimer players at the Flea Market on Highway 31, in celebration of the Old Time Fiddlers Convention. The event begins at 11 a.m.

Community Yard Sale

There will be a community yard sale at the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena Friday, October 7, and Saturday, October 8, with gates opening at 6 a.m. The rodeo arena grounds will be open for anyone who wishes to sell items. Those wishing to participate will need to pay a $20.00 fee. The fee must be received at the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office, before 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6.

Cemetery StrollAthens-Limestone County Tourism is hosting the free interactive cemetery stroll on Oct. 9 from 2-4 p.m. at Athens City Cemetery.

NAACP Youth Council Can-A-Thon

For the W.E.W. of Alabama Food Pantry, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the NAACP Youth Council is sponsoring a Can-A-Thon on October 15. Location is the Walmart Supercenter on Hwy 72 in Athens.

Elkmont Community Fest

On Oct. 22, from 4-9 p.m., the Elkmont Community Fest will take place, with food trucks, fun for kids, craft booths and a cruise-in all available with no entry fee. For the cruise-in, people can register at the Elkmont Methodist Parking lot.

Ongoing

Haunt Walks

The Athens-Limestone County Tourism office is hosting the haunt walks again this year every Tuesday and Thursday night in October (6:30, 7, & 7 p.m. sessions). Purchase tickets on eventbrite.com.

Free bread giveaway

The Frazier CME Church Ministry will be giving away free bread every Saturday morning at 10 a.m.

BrainBlast Trivia

Casa Blanca hosts BrainBlast Trivia each Tuesday night at 6. p.m. Casa Blanca is located at 1802 U.S. Hwy 72 in Athens. Athens Alehouse & Cellar will host Blazin Beatz Bingo by Pop Culture Trivia Challenge each Thursday night starting at 6:30 p.m. Athens Alehouse & Cellar is located at 111 W. Washington Street in Athens.

Chess Nights

The Houston Library and Museum is currently hosting Chess Night on Tuesdays from 5-7 p.m. for beginners and experienced players. Call the library at (256) 233-8770 for additional information. The Library is located at 101 North Houston Street and is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the first Saturday of each month from 10-4.

Athens Scarecrow Ball

The Robert Beaty Historical District invites all of Athens to participate in the 6th annual October Athens Scarecrow Ball, spanning from Oct. 1-31. This is not a competition and no judging or prizes are involved. Please keep characters family friendly.

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

Houston Memorial Library and Museum, 101 North Houston Street in Athens, hosts a book sale daily. The book sale, museum and library are open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. — 4 p.m. Tuesdays they are open from 10 a.m. — 7 p.m.

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/elks-lodge/6449656/.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cemetery cleanup

City cemeteries

The City of Athens reminds residents and families of the following regarding its cemeteries: No flowers or decorations allowed on the ground between April 1 and Oct. 31, unless following a funeral; flower placement acceptable year-round on monuments, at their base or at foot markers; fresh flowers will be removed one week after a funeral; silk flowers will be removed 21 days after a funeral; 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.

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.

Blood donations

LifeSouth

You can schedule a time with the Athens Donor Center (in the original Publix parking lot) 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.

As a thanks, all who donate in September will be entered to win a VIP NASCAR experience and a coupon for a Sport Clips haircut.

October donors will receive a $5 e-Gift card. For more information, or to find a drive, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive.