TODAY

Pool opening

The Athens Municipal Pool will host opening day today. Pool hours will noon–5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for ages 12 and under. For information on pool party rentals, visit www.athensalabama.us or call the Rec Center at 256-233-8740.

Swamp Johns

TeamBlueButterflies will host a Swamp Johns fundraiser from 4–7 p.m. today at the Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo arena building. Plates are $10 each and include fish, shrimp or chicken with fixing and tea. There will also be a blood drive in memory of Gary Lovell and Esther Jernigan at 1 p.m. More information: Teresa Lovell, 256-777-7981.

SUNDAY

Free meal

Discovery Church will host a free meal 5 p.m. Sunday, May 27, at Fifth Avenue Park in Athens. The meal is part of the church’s community outreach and is open to the public.

MEMORIAL DAY

Office closings

All City of Athens offices will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 28.

Garbage pickup

Those in Limestone County who are scheduled to have garbage picked up Monday will still have garbage picked up Monday. However, due to the holiday, pick up will run earlier in the day than normally scheduled. As such, it is requested garbage be placed outside the night before.

Recycling

Recycling services will run as scheduled Monday, May 28. Residents are asked to have their bins at the curb by 6 a.m. Please note residents west of U.S. 31 have their recycling picked up on the first and third Mondays of the month, while those east of U.S. 31 have pickup on the second and fourth Mondays.

Memorial Day ceremony

The Alabama Veterans Museum will host the annual Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday at the Limestone County Event Center, 114 W. Pryor St., Athens. The keynote speaker will be Brig. Gen. Robert A. Rasch Jr., the deputy program executive officer for missiles and space at Redstone Arsenal. Attendees are encouraged to visit the museum after the ceremony. More information: 256-771-7578.

TUESDAY

Used book sale

Friends of the Athens-Limestone Public Library will host a used book sale 10:15 a.m.–2:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, at 603 S. Jefferson St., Athens. More information: 256-232-1233.

WEDNESDAY

CEU Workshop

The Family Resource Center will host a two-part workshop from 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 30, at the Revival Building, 303 W. Washington St., Athens. “Hello, My Name Is Heroin” will be presented by Angela Camp, and “Ethics for Today’s World” will be presented by Stephanie McCrary. Registration will open at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 30, though RSVPs are encouraged as seating is limited. Registration is $20 until May 25 and $25 after. Payment can be made at or sent to 406 S. Jefferson St., Athens, AL 35611. More information: Tina, 256-230-0880, alcfamilyrc@gmail.com.

THURSDAY

Contest

The 2018 Farmers Federation Women’s Committee County Contest will be held Thursday, May 31, at the ALFA office, 524 U.S. 72, Athens. Entries for the cooking contest must be an appetizer with pork bacon as one of the first three ingredients. Entries for the quilting contest must be a machine-stitched baby quilt. Contestants can drop off entries at 10 a.m. May 31 and pick them up at noon. Additional guidelines on the contest application, available at the ALFA office. More information: 256-350-1875.

Adult softball registration

Registration for Athens Parks & Recreation’s male or co-ed adult softball for ages 18 and older ends Thursday, May 31. Fee is $350 per team. More information: 256-233-8740.

FRIDAY

Bingo

The Limestone County Council on Aging is hosting a free county-wide bingo event 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Friday, June 1, at the Limestone County Event Center, 114 W. Pryor St., Athens, for Limestone County residents 60 years or older. Food and prizes also offered. More information: Madison Curnutt, 256-233-6412.

UPCOMING

Coffee call

Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives will host a coffee call from 8–9 a.m. Saturday, June 2, at 100 W. Pryor St., Athens. This event is sponsored by Isom’s Orchard.

Softball camp

Athens Softball Camp will be held 9 a.m.–noon June 4–6 at the Athens High School softball field. Cost is $75 per camper ($35 for second camper if in same family) and includes camp T-shirt. Camp instruction provided by AHS Varsity Head Softball Coach Thad Prater, Athens players and assistants Whitney Jordan and Alaina Fitzgerald. Instruction will include fundamentals on footwork, catching, throwing, hitting, bunting, slapping, fielding and base running. Sessions available for pitchers and catchers. Checks and forms may be mailed to: Thad Prater, Athens High School, P.O. Box 109, Athens, AL 35612. To register and pay online: bit.ly/AthensSoftballCamp2018. More information: thad.prater@acs-k12.org.

Boogie Shoes Bash

First Presbyterian Church will host the second annual Boogie Shoes Bash from 6–8 p.m. Saturday, June 9, at the Revival Building, 305 W. Washington St., Athens. Donations will be accepted for Learn to Read Council. The free event will also feature music from Trippin’ Dixie Band and food from Sweet Thymes.

Baseball camp

Athens Parks & Recreation and the University of Alabama in Huntsville baseball program are teaming up to offer a baseball camp for ages 6–12 to be held June 11–13 at the Athens Sportsplex. Registration ends June 6 and costs $120 ($100 for Athens youth baseball participants). More information: 256-233-8740.

Smart car rally

The 2018 All-American Smart Car Rally will make a stop Wednesday, June 13, in Athens. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., smart car drivers are invited to join the rally on the Square, where the cars will be parked for visitors to check out and observe while drivers from across the U.S. and Canada tour local establishments. The rally will then move to the Veterans Museum at 1 p.m. and Big Spring Park at 5 p.m. for photos at the Gulf station on East Street in Athens. Additional stops include Florence, Decatur and Lynchburg, Tennessee. More information: 256-606-6765; chplotz53@gmail.com.

Self-defense course

Madison Police Department will host a RAD Systems Inc. self-defense course for women ages 12 and up from 6–9 p.m. June 18–21 at Dublin Park, 8324 Old Madison Pike, Madison. To register, contact Sgt. Christie Gover at 256-722-5618 or christie.gover@madisonal.gov. More information: rad-systems.com.

Babysitting class

Ardmore Public Library will host a teen Red Cross babysitting safety course 9 a.m.–2:45 p.m. June 28 and 29 at the library in Ardmore. The class is for ages 11–16 and requires prior sign-up.

Boat Party

The 12th annual Elk River Boat Party, hosted by Bridget and Mike Jackson of Anderson Creek, will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, June 30, and will feature music by Kozmic Mama. The event is by boat only. From the Tennessee River, travel north on the Elk River and under Lee Hi/U.S. 72 bridge, then left on Anderson Creek. The nearest boat launch will be Lee Hi/U.S. 72.

ONGOING

A Few Good Yards

Limestone County Master Gardeners Association is searching for “a few good yards” to recognize in the month of June. Yards must not be professionally maintained. Nominations, including owner information and photographs of the yard, can be submitted online at mg.aces.edu/limestone/were-looking-for-a-few-good-yards/ or to tlt_brown@charter.net.

Burger night

American Veterans Post 21 hosts weekly burger nights from 5–8 p.m. Fridays at 22769 Black Road, Athens. Cost is $5 and includes fries and a drink. Veterans and members receive a 10 percent discount. Proceeds benefit AmVets and American military veterans. More information: AmVetsAl21.com; 256-444-2793.

Country-fried steak

American Veterans Post 21 hosts monthly country-fried steak dinner from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and 5–7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at 22769 Black Road, Athens. Cost is $6.50 per person and includes golden-fried chopped beef steak in country gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans and a roll. Veterans and members receive a 10 percent discount. More information: AmVetsAl21.com; 256-444-2793.

Flex class

A SilverSneakers Flex Class to improve cardiovascular health and strength will be 9 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday in the Round Island Baptist Church gymnasium, 14790 Browns Ferry Road. Everyone welcome. More Information: Janet, 256-614-3530.

Farmers Market

The Farmers Market is now open 6:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays off Green Street in Athens.

Food pantry

The Women Empowering Women food pantry will be open 9 a.m.–noon Mondays through Thursdays. More information and to contribute: Janice Williams, 256-233-5995; Laura Aldridge, 256-262-7744.

Game day

Americans Veterans Post 21 hosts weekly game days each Saturday at 22769 Black Road, Athens. Cover is $5 for nonmembers and free for members, with proceeds benefiting AmVets and America military veterans. More information: AmVetsAl21.com.

Karaoke

American Veterans Post 21 is hosting weekly karaoke nights Fridays from 8 p.m.–midnight at 22769 Black Road, Athens. Cover is $5 for nonmembers and free for members, with proceeds benefiting AmVets and American military veterans. More information: AmVetsAl21.com.

Libraries Rock!

Ardmore Public Library will host a series of summer events as part of the “Libraries Rock!” summer reading program. Each event will be held in the new addition to the library. Events include: “Hands On” with Zig, 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 13; “Rocking at the Library” with Rachel Sumner, 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 20; “Songs of Treasure Island” with Hampstead Stage, 10 a.m. Monday, June 25; “Rocking Reader Magic Show” with Bruce Almato, 10 a.m. June 27; and Safari Greg, 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 11. All events for ages 12 and under.

Libraries Rock!

Athens-Limestone Public Library will host a series of summer events as part of the “Libraries Rock!” summer reading program. Events include Book Bingo, community coloring projects, weekly solo gigs, star search and a magic show. Registration for the summer reading program begins 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 4, and continues through the rest of summer. Children and teens who register will receive a reading log to keep track of books they read, which can be turned in before July 28 for two tickets to Storybook Ball and a coupon for a free kid’s meal from Zaxby’s. More information: www.alcpl.org.

Lunch and Learn

The 2018 “Getting Dirty at the Library” lunch and learn series will be 11 a.m.-noon on the second Tuesday of each month through July at the Athens-Limestone Public Library. Here are the dates and topics: Tuesday, June 12, “Turfgrass management” with Chris Becker, ACES; and Tuesday, July 10, “What’s bugging you” with Chris Becker, ACES.

SNAP signup

Retired Senior Volunteer Program is taking applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for ages 60 and older. The SNAP program helps low-income people buy the food they need to stay healthy. Call 256-232-7207 or come by the RSVP office at 409 W. Washington St., Athens, Mondays through Thursdays to complete an application.

Spaghetti dinner

Vietnam Veterans of America hosts an all-you-can-eat spaghetti meal from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and 5–7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month, except November and December, at 17915 W. Elm St., Athens. Cost is $7 and includes spaghetti, cole slaw, garlic bread, dessert and drink. Eat-in and carryout available. Entertainment provided. Profits pay for scholarships for local students. Group orders are asked to call ahead. More information: 256-431-3213.

Summer concert series

Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association and Jimmy Smith Buick-GMC are hosting “Singing on the Square” again this year. The free events are open to the public and will take place 6–8 p.m. at the Limestone County Courthouse, Marion Street side, on the following dates: Friday, June 15, with Tom McClung and Friends; Friday, July 20, with Briana and Garrett Dean; and Friday, Aug. 3, with the Athens State Community Band. Attendees are asked to bring their own seating. Rain location: Vietnam Veterans of America, 17915 W. Elm St., Athens. More information: 256-232-5411.

Tanner book-lending machine

Athens-Limestone Public Library staff will be at the Tanner book-lending machine Fridays from 9:45–10:45 a.m. to make library cards, teach patrons how to use the book-lending machine and answer questions about library services. More information: Visit www.ALCPL.org or call 256-232-1233.

Veterans breakfast

American Veterans Post 21 hosts a veterans breakfast from 7–10 a.m. the second Saturday of each month at 22769 Black Road, Athens. Cost is $6 per plate (free for veterans and active members) and includes cooked-to-order eggs, bacon, grits, sausage, pancakes, omelets, potatoes, toast and bottomless cups of coffee. Proceeds benefit AmVets and American military veterans. More information: AmVetsAl21.com.

Youth tennis

Athens Park & Recreation is offering a youth tennis program for ages 5–12. Registration is $45 and ends Thursday, May 31. Classes will be held at Swan Creek Park on June 4, 7, 11, 14, 18 and 21. More information: 256-233-8740.

CEMETERY CLEANUPS

Jackson Cemetery

Jackson Cemetery near Minor Hill, Tennessee, will host a decoration day Saturday, June 2. Those who are unable to attend may send donations for upkeep to Brad Alsup, 686 Alsup Hollow Road, Minor Hill, TN 38743.

New Garden Cemetery

New Garden Cemetery will host a clean-up day Saturday, June 2, with decoration to follow on Sunday, June 3. Donations will be taken each day for upkeep of cemetery. Those who are unable to attend can submit donations payable to New Garden Cemetery to Harold Atkinson, 20321 Sandlin Road, Elkmont, AL 35620, or Harold Robinson, 14016 Robinson Lane, Elkmont, AL 35620. More information: 256-732-4548.

Reunion Cemetery

Reunion Cemetery will host decoration day with a chicken and goat stew fundraiser Saturday, June 2. Attendees are asked to bring their own containers. Donations made payable to Reunion Cemetery Fund should be sent to: Nicole Collins, 25172 Alabama 127, Elkmont, AL 35620. More information: Nicole, 256-874-8035.

Cemetery donations

Yearly donations are now being accepted for upkeep of the Bethel Church of Christ Cemetery. Donations are $50 and should be mailed to: Bethel Cemetery Fund, c/o Tommy Sprague, 25917 Pepper Road, Athens, AL 35613. Family and friends of those buried are asked to remove everything from the graves at the cemetery immediately for mowing season. Exceptions will be made for saddles and vases connected to monuments. At the discretion of the caretaker, anyone who has no made a donation for upkeep of a reserved plot will be subject to removal from reserved status and their plot being made available to families in need. More information: Tommy Sprague, 256-874-8461.

MEETINGS

• NARFE. NARFE Chapter 1480 will meet 9 a.m. today at the Alabama Veterans Museum. The guest speaker will be from Athens Police Department. Breakfast will be served. More information: Dean Morgan, 256-233-0248.

• Al-Anon. Al-Anon group meets at 7 p.m. Mondays at Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Rogersville. An time for relatives and friends of alcoholics and other addicts to share their experiences, thoughts and support to solve common problems. More information: Call Sue Vial at 256-762-5977.

Limestone Ledger is a community calendar in which nonprofit organizations can notify the public of events. 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. Email submissions to newscouriersoundoff@gmail.com, fax to 256-233-7753 or bring to The News Courier, 410 W. Green St., Athens.