TODAY

Veterans Day Program

Athens State University and Alabama Veterans Museum will host their Veterans Day Program inside their event center today at 114 West Pryor Street in Athens starting at 11 a.m. Guest speaker is PeggyLee Wright, President of “The Company You Keep” and former UH-60 Blackhawk pilot. This event is part of Athens State University’s “Athens Forever” Bicentennial celebration series and is free of charge. Lunch will be provided.

Ladies Night Out: Wish List Event with Hobbs Jewelers

On Nov 11, 2021, at 571 U.S. Hwy 72 W. in Athens, from 6 to 9 p.m., is Ladies Night Out. Leave your wallet at home and come try on some beautiful jewelry, build your wish list, and enjoy some delicious food. Giveaway of Louis Vuitton Graceful MM will happen too.

FRIDAY

Virtual Storytelling Festival

Per the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce, a virtual edition of the 15th annual Storytelling Festival will take place on Friday, November 12 and Saturday, November 13. For more information, go to athensstorytellingfestival.com.

SATURDAY

Noah Revaz Live

On November 13, 2021, at Limestone Legends Billiards ( 111 South Marion Street in Athens), starting at 7 p.m., is Noah Revaz live. After 7 p.m. it is 21+ only.

Fish Fry

Pettusville United Methodist Church is hosting a fish fry on Saturday, November 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meal includes fish, slaw, hushpuppies, fries, dessert and drinks. All proceeds go to the Pettusville Building Fund. $13 a plate, and will be available for carry-out or for people to eat at the tent if they choose to stay at the church. The church is three miles north of Lockes Crossroads on Pettusville Road.

Vendor Fair and Bake Sale

May’s Memorial Baptist Church, 23636 AL Hwy. 251 (halfway between Athens and Ardmore) will host a Treats and Eats Vendor Fair and Bake Sale on Saturday, November 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event is a benefit for the Ikard Family, who recently lost their home due to flooding. Over 22 vendors will be on hand to help you get a head start on Christmas shopping. Donations will also be accepted for the family.

Stuff-a-truck

First United Methodist Church is sponsoring its annual Stuff-a-truck food drive on Saturday, November 13 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m in the First National Bank Parking Lot. All contributions go towards supporting Limestone County Churches Involved food pantry and those in need throughout Limestone County.

NARFE

NARFE Chapter 1480 will meet Saturday, November 13 at 9 a.m. at the Veterans Museum on Pryor Street. The guest speaker will be Chris Alexander, Blue Cross-Blue Shield. Breakfast will be served. For additional information, call Dean Morgan, 256-233-0248.

UPCOMING

Invitation to residents of Limestone County

Hospice of Limestone County invite you to a Community-wide memorial service called, “Celebration of Remembrance and Hope” to be held at St. Paul Catholic Church on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at 2 p.m. This invitation is to anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one. The service is a special way to honor the memories of our Loved Ones during the holiday season. Please bring a picture of your loved one to share during this service. In keeping with COVID-19 protocols – we ask that social distancing and wearing of face masks be observed. For further information call the Hospice office, 256-232-5017.

Celebration of Remembrance and Hope Service

The Celebration of Remembrance and Hope Service with Hospice of Limestone County at St. Paul Catholic Church, located at 1900 U.S. Hwy 72 in Athens, will take place on November 14, 2021, starting at 2 p.m. Please bring a large photo of your loved one to share with others during the service. Social distancing and face mask must be observed. For more information: 256-232-5017.

Gospel Singing

Nebo Community Church, located at 17772 Nuclear Plant Road, west of Jones Crossroads, will be hosting the Pylant Family beginning at 3 p.m on Sunday, November 14. for Southern Gospel Singing.

Republican Party Meeting

The next meeting of the Limestone County Republican Party will be Tuesday, November 16, at the Valley Event Center. Social hour is 6 p.m. and the meeting at 7 p.m. Email lcrecsecretary@gmail.com for more info.

Morning Coffee

Join the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce for a morning of coffee and connection. The monthly Chamber Coffee event is an opportunity to mix and mingle with other members of the business community. It is taking place on Tuesday, November 16 from 9 to 10 a.m. at Houston Memorial Library, address 101 N. Houston Street in Athens.

Buc-ee’s

Buc-ee’s is coming to Athens. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new location will be on Wednesday, November 17, beginning at 1 p.m. Buc-ee’s encourages people to join their celebration of all those who helped with the fourth location in Alabama. It is located at the southeast corner of I-65 and Huntsville Brownsferry Road.

Swamp John’s with Elkmont High School Marching Band

At Big Lots (603 U.S. Highway 72W in Athens) from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 18. Enjoy Fish, Chicken, Shrimp or Combo Platter, Fries, Slaw, Hushpuppies & Drink for $12.00 per plate.

Festival of Trees

The Donnell House will host its annual Festival of Trees starting on Thursday, November 18, 6 – 8pm. There will be no pre-sales. Admission fee of $25 will be collected at the door. There will be a fee of $5 for anyone over 12 years of age to tour the home on the following dates:

Friday, Nov. 19 – 3:00-5:00 ; Saturday, Nov. 20 – 10 a.m. -4 p.m. ; Sunday, Nov. 21 – 1 a.m.-5 p.m. ; Friday, Nov. 26 – 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ; Saturday, Nov. 27 – 10 a.m -4 p.m. ; Sunday, Nov. 28 – 1-5 p.m.

Christmas Parade sign-up

The Christmas in Limestone Committee encourages individuals and businesses alike in Limestone community to sign up for the annual Christmas Parade. The deadline for sign-ups are November 18.

Window Judging

The Limestone County window contest judging will take place on Friday, November 19. The theme is “I’ll be home for Christmas.”

Christmas Open House

The 35th annual Christmas Open House will take place from Friday, November 19 to Sunday, November 21. Events will include skating with Santa, photos on the square and more.

Child Advocacy Center

November 20, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m, it is the Holiday Open House and Silent Auction for the Limestone County Child Advocacy Center. The Child Advocacy Center will have items from the following retailers to auction: Trash Pandas, Huntsville Havoc, Dave and Busters, Stars and Strikes, Kendra Scott, Express Oil Change, Mellow Mushroom, Holiday wreath assortment and more. All proceeds will go directly to their center and used to provide critical services for children in the community impacted by abuse or neglect, free of charge.

Beans and rice giveaway

Beans and rice will be given away on the third Saturday of the month, November 20, from 9 to 11 am by volunteers at Saint Timothy’s Episcopal Church in front of 207 East Washington St. in Downtown Athens. No names taken, no ID required. More information is available at 256-232-2567 or email sttimothy.athens@gmail.com.

Support Local / Small Business Saturday

The Chamber’s Support Local campaign is holding Small Business Saturday on November 27.

County Commission Tree Lighting

The Limestone County Commission will host their tree lighting on December 2 at 5 p.m. from the east side of the Limestone County Courthouse.

Sippin’ Cider

The annual Sippin’ Cider event will take place on December 11 from 4 to 8 p.m. in Downtown Athens.

Ardmore Christmas Parade

Ardmore will hold their Christmas parade on December 13 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

North Pole Stroll

Athens-Limestone Tourism is inviting you to come Home for the Holidays to enjoy Christmas in Big Spring Memorial Park (AKA the Duck Pond) in the Historic Beaty District of Athens from Dec. 1 through Dec. 31. The beautiful Douglas fir trees are decorated by members of the community, local businesses, non-profits, churches, girl-scouts/boy-scouts, and civic groups. Many also allow this time to be one of remembering their passed loved ones by decorating a Memorial Tree. One of the conditions for the décor is to keep it as green-friendly as possible by using SOLAR Lighting. Trees may have themes that match the sponsor’s mission, or they can be uniquely designed. Contact the Athens Limestone Tourism Office at 256-232-5411 or stop by 100 N. Beaty Street to learn how you too can sponsor a tree when your family comes home for Christmas! https://www.visitathensal.com/north-pole-stroll.html.

ONGOING

Richard Martin Largest Tree Search

The trail needs your help in finding the biggest living tree on the Richard Martin Trail property in Elkmont. There will be a $150 cash prize for individual and $250 cash prize for non-profit. Measurements must be taken four feet from the ground. Take a picture of the tree and send in the location. Send all entries to richardmartin2218@gmail.com. All entries must be submitted by December 9 at 11:59 p.m. The winner will be announced Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. There is no second place.

Bingo

Bingo is back up and 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.

Food Drive

First Baptist Church of Athens is conducting The Larry Hicks Memorial Food Drive sponsored by the senior adults (faithful followers). Non-perishable food items and financial donation collections will be taken Sunday, Oct. 17 through Wednesday, Oct. 27. Items may be left for pickup in the Church Foyer, the Family Life Center parking lot or the Church office.

Spanish Class for beginners

Conversational Spanish class for beginners, instructed by Maria Taylor, will be held from 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. beginning Thursday, Oct. 14 through Thursday, Nov. 18 at the Learn-to-Read office located at 410 South Jefferson Street (Crutcher Center). The fee for the program is $85. For more information, call 256-230-3050 or email learntoreadcouncil@gmail.com

Women empowering Women of Alabama

Women empowering women of Alabama will be holding it’s annual target food giveaway. Registration will from 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20 through Wednesday, Nov. 10 located at Fresh Wind Christian Fellowship, 17200 Lucas Ferry Road, Athens, AL, 35611. To register, photo identification and proof of residence must be provided. For more information, contact Janice Williams at 256-233-5995.

Haunt Walks/Horse and Wagon Tour

The Haunt Walks will be each Tuesday and Thursday in October beginning at 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. walking tours and the Horse and Wagon Tours will be at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 for children 12 and under, $10 for age 13 and older. The Horse and Wagon will hold eight people at $20 per person.

Job fair

The Athens-Limestone County Family Resource Center will host job fairs from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. each Tuesday and Friday through November 19. Full and part-time positions available at different companies with benefits packages. More information: alcfamilyresourcecenter.org; 256-230-0880

COVID-19 testing

The Athens-Veteran’s Museum is holding COVID-19 testing from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. You can sign up at testing.nomihealth.com/signup/al/vm

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 starting Aug. 16. More information: Janice Williams, 256-233-5995

Used book sale

Houston Memorial Library and Museum’s used book sale room is now open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Tuesdays; and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. the first Saturday of each month. More information: 256-233-8770

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% of the federal poverty level; or special circumstances (fire, flood, illness, injury, etc.). 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 10:15 a.m.–2:15 p.m. each Tuesday and first Saturday of each month 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

Corruption hotline

The Alabama Attorney General’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are asking residents with knowledge of public corruption in Limestone County to email details to reportcorruption@ago.state.al.us or call the tip line at 844-404-TIPS

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.

Limestone Ledger is a community calendar in which nonprofit organizations can notify the public of events. Publication of donation requests or services offered should not be considered an endorsement by this newspaper. The News Courier encourages residents to research organizations before donating or accepting services. All items will run as space allows until the day of the event and should be submitted at least one week prior to the event for best results. Ongoing items run for up to one month but can be resubmitted regularly. Email your event to newscouriersoundoff@gmail.com, fax to 256-233-7753 or bring to The News Courier, 410 W. Green St., Athens.