Today

KALB Environmental Warriors Cleanup

Join our ranks on December 3rd and rendezvous at the District 4 Shed, Saturday at 9 a.m. West Limestone needs some cleanup and we are called into service. Eat a donut and slam some coffee, the caravan leaves at 9:30 sharp. Partake in goodness. RSVP for donuts. Volunteers, to action!

Chicken Stew Benefit

A Chicken Stew Benefit will be held for Joyce Bradford (stage 4 cancer) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cafe 72 on Dec. 3. Pints will be $8.00 and quarts will be $16.00. Carry out only.

Coffee Call

Coffee Call, hosted by the Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives and sponsored by Athens Masonic Lodge # 16, will take between 8:00am and 9:00am, Saturday, December 3, at our location at 114 W. Pryor Street.

Sleigh Bell Run

Join the big man himself…we mean Santa…for the most RUNderful race of the year! A holiday run/walk benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tennessee Valley. The run/walk will take place on Dec. 3 at 8 a.m. in front of the AM Booth Lumberyard parking lot. Early bird pricing is $35 for adults and $15 for children. Relay teams of 4, please contact Michelle Linville at mlinville@bbbsna.org to register.

Friends of the Athens-Limestone Public Library book sale

The Friends of the Athens-Limestone Public Library will hold a Special Used Book Sale on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 9 am until 1 pm at the library, 603 S. Jefferson St. For further information, please call (256) 232-1233.

Upcoming

American Legion Post 49 Christmas

The American Legion, Post 49, will hold its annual Christmas Dinner at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 5 at the Catfish Cabin. The dinner is free to all members who have paid their 2023 membership dues. Members may bring one guest. Payment for 2023 dues will be accepted at the door. For additional info, call Rod Huffman at (256)-233-3023.

BBB scam prevention seminar

Learn about holiday scammers’ tips and tricks by attending a free scam prevention seminar presented by RSVP and the BBB of North Alabama on Dec. 6 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at The Beasley Center. Lunch is provided, and reservations are required. Contact Tricia Pruitt at (256) 355-5170 for more information.

Public lecture and book discussion

The Curtis Coleman Center for Religion Leadership and Culture at Athens State University invites the public to lecture and book discussion by author Eric Mandela Betts. Betts has recently published his new book in November entitled: “Reconciliation–Geopolitical Perspectives of a Black Theologian.” There will be a multimedia lecture presented dealing with the Theo-political dynamics of the year 2020, its connection with the American church, and its religious-historical background. The event will be held at the University at the Founders Hall chapel, Tuesday December 6 from 11:30AM to 12:30PM.

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 511 meeting

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 511 has scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday, December 6 at 6:00 pm. This is a very important meeting and all members are urged to attend. Please plan to attend this important meeting.

Athens High School Class of 1956 Dutch lunch

The Athens High School Class of 1956 and Friends will meet for a Futch lunch on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 11:00 at Hwy. 72 Cafe located where Evans’ Barbecue/Fish Restaurant used to be on the South side of Hwy 72 West.

Piney Chapel Chicken Stew

A Chicken Stew will be held at Piney Chapel Fire Department on Piney Chapel Rd Saturday, December 10 with serving to begin about 11 a.m. First come, first serve. We will have quart containers, but, you are welcome to bring your own gallon or half gallon containers. $8 per quart or $30 per gallon.

Swamp Johns

Owens Vol. Fire Dept will host Swamp Johns December 10 4 pm-7pm for $14.00 a plate at Limestone County Rodeo Arena.

Sippin’ Cider

Athens’ 12th annual Sippin’ Cider event will be Dec. 10 from 4-8 p.m. in downtown Athens. There will be Christmas carols, smores, visits with Santa, and free carriage rides as well.

17th Annual Coat and Toy Drive for Children

Cash Express invites you to join with us in the celebration of giving. We are pairing up with our local food bank, and family resource center to become a blessing to families in our community.

We will be accepting toys, coats, shoes, clothing, and non-perishable food items in numerous drop off locations.

All donations should be received by Dec. 15.

Monetary donation are also accepted. Christmas stockings can be purchased for $1.

Bells of Christmas Tour of Homes

Returning after a 2-year hiatus due to Covid, the Home Tour will take place Dec 11th from 1:00-5:00 pm. Six beautifully decorated homes in a variety of styles will be on full display. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Pimentos, SheaLeigh’s, and Square Clock/Epiphany Boutique in Athens or from any Civitan member. For more information, call Carolyn Stair at (256) 658-1985 or Dianne Newby at (256)-777-2155. Proceeds from this fundraiser support programs for Limestone County children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, college scholarships for local youth and other worthy community causes.

Excellence is your Name

Little Ezekiel Missionary Baptist Church presents Excellence is your Name, a Christmas worship experience, on Dec. 18 at 11:00 a.m. at the Round Island Creek Mission Center.

Ongoing

Book club at Athens Alehouse & CellarJoin 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.

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.

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 through Friday and the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-4 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.

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.