Thursday

American Legion meeting

The American Legion Post 49 will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at the DAV building (25396 Airport Rd., Athens, AL). For additional information, call Rod Huffman at (256) 233-3023.

This weekend

Gospel meeting

There will be a gospel meeting with Willie Ragland at the Church of Christ at 807 Sanderfer Road in Athens from Oct. 5-8. Thursday and Friday will begin at 7 p.m.. Saturday will begin at 6 p.m., and Sunday will begin at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. For more information, contact Bobby Peppers at (256) 206-0873, James Brown (256) 447-5457 or Jeff Barnett (931) 607-8610.

Fiddlers Convention

The 56th Annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention will be from Oct. 4-7 on the campus of Athens State University.

Thursday

Riddles Chapel fall festival

As part of Riddles Chapel Global Methodist Church’s Fall Festival on Thursday Oct. 5, the gospel group One Voice will be singing starting at 5:30 p.m. The festival will take place at 11327 Ripley Road, Athens, AL. For more information, call (256) 729-6351.

Author visit

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

Saturday

Free food and clothing

On Oct. 7, Women Empowering Women will host a free food and clothing event for the public from 10 a.m.-noon. The event will be at Lincoln-Bridgeforth Park.

Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby

Join us for the 23rd annual Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby on Oct. 7 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.

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.

Fill a bag book sale

The Houston Memorial Library is having a Fill-a-Bag Book Sale the first Saturday of the month beginning Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fill up a bag for only $2. Bags will be available onsite. The Houston Library is located at 101 N. Houston Street, Athens, AL.

Sunday

Athens Cemetery Stroll

The 2023 Athens Cemetery Stroll will be Sunday, October 8 from 2-4 p.m. This is an unticketed event at The Athens City Cemetery. Fair weather only. No rain date.

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.

Upcoming

Gettin’ Dirty at the Library

The Alabama Master Gardeners of Limestone County will be hosting Gettin’ Dirty at the Library on Oct. 10 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. in the ALCPL community room. The event is free and open to the public and will discuss tower gardesn and DIY designs for vertical gardening.

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.

Pink Lady Walk

The 2023 Pink Lady Walk 5K will be Oct. 14 at Big Spring Memorial Park. Resgister online at https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Athens/PinkLadyWalk. For more information, contact pinkladywalk@gmail.com.

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.

Animal shelter gala

The Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter will host their second annual gala on Oct. 14 from 5-9 p.m.

Limestone County Historical Society meeting

The Limestone County Historical Society will hold its quarterly meeting on Sunday, Oct. 15, at First Presbyterian Church Rodgers Center. Refreshments will be served at 2:30 p.m., and the meeting begins at 3 p.m. Guest speaker is Melanie Barksdale Newton from Athens whose topic of talk is “An Economical Home Built to Last: History of The American Foursquare.” The public is invited.

Rifle giveaway

Old South Clays is hosting a rifle giveaway at their location at 27246 Wooley Springs Rd., Athens, AL on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 3 p.m. There will be door prizes, sporting clay shooting, chicken stew and more.

Drive thru Flu Clinic

The Limestone County Health Department will be hosting a drive thru Flu Clinic at the Athens Sportsplex on Hwy 31 N. on Oct. 18 from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The flu shots are free to those with Medicaid, Medicare Part B and BC/BC Insurance Cards. For all other insurance or no insurance there will be a $2.00 charge. For more information please call (256)-232-3200.

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.

BBQ chicken fundraiser

On Friday, Oct. 20 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena, the Limestone County Council on Aging will host their BBQ chicken fundraiser consisting of a menu of half chicken, baked beans, potato salad, slaw and roll. Dine in, carry out and delivery in Athens are available with a minimum of 6 orders. Presale only — $15. For tickets or more information, call (256)-233-6412. Deadline for tickets is Oct. 18.

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.

Chicken stew and silent auction

The Friends of Former Sheriff Mike Blakely will be hosting a chicken stew and silent auction on Oct. 21 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Stew is first come first serve for $10/quart.

Storytelling festival

The 17th Annual Athens Storytelling Festival will be Oct. 24-28. Visit athensstorytellingfestival.com for more details and to purchase tickets.

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.

Fall chicken stew

The Athens VFW Auxiliary 2765 (18615 jefferson St, Athens, AL, 35611) will be hosting a chicken stew on Oct. 28. Pre-order pickup (call Nina at (562) 879-2557 to place) starts at 1 p.m. and walk-in serving starts at 2 p.m. Stew will be $10/quart and $30/gallon.

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.

Haunt Walks

The Athens Haunt Walks will be every Tuesday and Thursday night in October (except for Oct. 31). Tickets can be purchased on eventbrite.com.

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.

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Community Choir Rehearsals

{span class=”print_trim”}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.

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TOPS meeting (Wednesdays)

{span class=”print_trim”}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.

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Support group

{span class=”print_trim”}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.

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Digital Literacy Classes

{span class=”print_trim”}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.

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After-school feeding program

{span class=”print_trim”}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

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AMVETS Post 21 monthly breakfast

{span class=”print_trim”}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

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City cemeteries

{span class=”print_trim”}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.