RSVP celebrated 40 years of serving Athens-Limestone County on March 19.

The celebration was held at the First United Methodist Church Beasley Center.

Dr. Sidney Sandridge, former president of Athens State College wrote the first RSVP grant for Limestone County in 1973. Today, RSVP has 381 active volunteers serving more than 145,000 hours annually working with 55 volunteer stations. 

Guest speaker at the RSVP volunteer recognition luncheon was Peggy Allen Towns, who retired three years ago after working more than 25 years for the 5th Congressional District of the U.S. House of Representatives. 

Towns authored the book, “Duty Driven,” about her Civil War ancestors, and details encounters with Civil War troops. 

RSVP board of directors chairman Henry White welcomed everyone on behalf of the board of directors — Marty Bruce, Jimmy Gill, Bill Daws, Robert Malone, Hazel White, Deborah Schaus, Myrna Burgreen and Judge Robert Baker.

Entertainment was provided by pianist Jimmy Messer. Classic Catering and Paulette Young provided lunch. Telephone Pioneers assisted with hosting the lunch along with Ivory Kennebrew, Shirley Akins, Bobbie Brooks and RSVP Staff Dean Morgan, Marilyn Posey and Doris Black. 

Those attending received a 40th anniversary lapel pin as a remembrance of the occasion, along with other memorabilia.