Athens State Student Groups Sponsoring Earth and Arbor Day Festival

For Further Information
Guy McClure
Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release
April 19, 2016
www.athens.edu

Athens State Student Groups Sponsoring Earth and Arbor Day Festival

    ATHENS, Ala. - Athens State University’s Student Government Association, the Health and Sciences Career Club, TriBeta, Kappa Pi, Phi Theta Lambda Alumni Association, and the Art Club will join forces to sponsor Earth and Arbor Day Festival 2016.  The event will be held Saturday, April 23 from noon until 4 p.m. on Beasley Field of the Athens State campus.


     The Earth and Arbor Day Festival is the biggest event of the spring semester and will feature tree tours, music, food, face-painting, rock-climbing wall, slip-n-slide, bubble ball, games and much more. All events are free and open to the public. Families are welcome. 


    “Last year’s event was very well attended and this year’s will be a great chance to learn while having fun,” says Athens State Director of Student Activities Terry Stepp. “We look forward to seeing students, families from the community, and anyone who would like to spend a day on our historic campus.”

    The Earth and Arbor Day Festival is the last student event of the academic year. It also gives Athens State graduating seniors a fantastic send-off. Call 256-233-8241 for more information.

Fish Fries, Barbecue and Everything Fried

One of the great things about Agritourism is that it includes the celebration of food!  Whether it's seafood, beef, chicken or seafood -- it's grown and harvested by farmers around the world.  Athens-Limestone Alabama has some great opportunities for upcoming "Food Exploration" including Fish Fries, Barbecue Cookoffs, Festivals and more.   Here's a collection of upcoming events where your tastebuds will thank you and you'll have fun too--



Apr 21st -- Swamp John's Seafood Fest  Tanner United Methodist  19607 Huntsville-Brownsferry Road  Tanner, AL    Enjoy a fresh cooked feast of Chicken, Catfish, Shrimp or a combination of all or any.  The meal includes fries, slaw, hush puppies and tea.  Eat in or take out for $11.00 per plate from 4:00PM-7:00PM.  For information, call and leave a message: 256-232-0482

Apr 23rd -- Saturday Supper with Belle Chevre   Belle Chevre Cheese Shop and Tasting Room  18849 Upper Fort Hampton Road  Elkmont, AL  Back by popular demand, Belle Chevre is again offering their Saturday Suppers cooked by our award-winning Chief Cheese Tasia Malakasis and Chef de Cuisine Rick Vonk. Saturday Suppers are inspired by fresh, local ingredients, including Belle Chevre’s fine artisanal goat cheeses made in Alabama. Southern-made 5 Course meals that reflect Southern heritage and our passion for spreading love around meals.  Two Seatings options:  5:30PM and 7:30PM. $75/person  To view menu or make reservation:  http://www.bellechevre.com/creamery-tours-events/saturday-suppers-2/

Apr 24th -- Island Spice - Athens Grand Opening Kickoff   Island Spice - Athens  616 U.S. Highway 31S Athens, AL   Grab your lawn chairs and come enjoy the Reggae bands on the patio for a free concert as the Island Spice family kickoff a week of celebration during the grand opening Unity Fest.  Enjoy food specials including vegetarian and gluten free offerings from 11:00AM-8:00PM.  For more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/island-spice-athens-grand-opening-tickets-24794070733

Apr 27th -- Administrative Professionals Day Celebration Luncheon  Limestone County Event Center 114 West Pryor Street Athens, AL   Family Resource Center is hosting the 2016 Administrative Professionals Day Celebration Luncheon at 11:30AM to help you celebrate and recognize your appreciation of your support staff.  Tickets are $20.00 per guest and include entertainment, food, guest speakers, door prizes and more.  For additional information: alcfamilyrc@gmail.com

Apr 29th -- Fish Fry  Emmanuel Baptist Church 1917 U.S. Highway 72W  Athens, AL  Enjoy a lunch of Catfish, Chicken Tenders, French Fries, Slaw, Hush Puppies, Drink and Dessert from 11:00AM-1:00PM.  $10.00 Advance Purchase or $12.00 at the door.  Proceeds benefit the museum.  To purchase your advance ticket, visit the Alabama Veterans Museum 100 West Pryor Street in Athens.  For more information, 256-771-7578

Apr 30th-- Sassafras Tea Day  Downtown Elkmont, AL  Come join the fun at this unique festival celebrating a very Southern drink Sassafras Tea from 10:00AM-1:00PM.  A newly found photo of the post-Civil War Sulfur Creek Trestle will be unveiled and the history of the battle will be presented.  For more information: 256-278-1262.

May 14th -- Saturday Supper with Belle Chevre   Belle Chevre Cheese Shop and Tasting Room  18849 Upper Fort Hampton Road  Elkmont, AL  Back by popular demand, Belle Chevre is again offering their Saturday Suppers cooked by our award-winning Chief Cheese Tasia Malakasis and Chef de Cuisine Rick Vonk. Saturday Suppers are inspired by fresh, local ingredients, including Belle Chevre’s fine artisanal goat cheeses made in Alabama. Southern-made 5 Course meals that reflect Southern heritage and our passion for spreading love around meals.  Two Seatings options:  5:30PM and 7:30PM. $75/person  To view menu or make reservation:  http://www.bellechevre.com/creamery-tours-events/saturday-suppers-2/

May 16th -- Vietnam Veterans Spaghetti Lunch/Dinner  Vietnam Veterans Chapter 511 Post 17915 West Elm Street Athens, AL  Join the VVA Chapter 511 for an all-you-can-eat Spaghetti meal including salad, garlic bread, dessert and beverage for $7.00.  Chose lunch from 11:00AM-1:00PM or dinner from 5:00PM-7:00PM or both!

Jun 10th & 11th -- Elkmont Lions Club Smokin' Railroad Street Barbecue Cookoff  Downtown Elkmont, AL  Join the Elkmont Lions Club for their newly Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned Backyard Division cookoff.  Categories will be Pulled Pork, Chicken and Ribs.  The Public will enjoy music, sampling and concessions.  Tickets to sample for People's Choice to be announced.  Cook teams interested in participating should visit: www.elkmontlionsclub.com  For more information: ldpylant25902@yahoo.com

Jun 11th -- Athens Grease Festival  Downtown Athens, AL  Enjoy a day of everything deep fried.  More info to come.  http://athensgreasefestival.com/

Jun 11th -- Saturday Supper with Belle Chevre   Belle Chevre Cheese Shop and Tasting Room  18849 Upper Fort Hampton Road  Elkmont, AL  Back by popular demand, Belle Chevre is again offering their Saturday Suppers cooked by our award-winning Chief Cheese Tasia Malakasis and Chef de Cuisine Rick Vonk. Saturday Suppers are inspired by fresh, local ingredients, including Belle Chevre’s fine artisanal goat cheeses made in Alabama. Southern-made 5 Course meals that reflect Southern heritage and our passion for spreading love around meals.  Two Seatings options:  5:30PM and 7:30PM. $75/person  To view menu or make reservation:  http://www.bellechevre.com/creamery-tours-events/saturday-suppers-2/

Jun 20th-- Vietnam Veterans Spaghetti Lunch/Dinner  Vietnam Veterans Chapter 511 Post 17915 West Elm Street Athens, AL  Join the VVA Chapter 511 for an all-you-can-eat Spaghetti meal including salad, garlic bread, dessert and beverage for $7.00.  Chose lunch from 11:00AM-1:00PM or dinner from 5:00PM-7:00PM or both!

Jun 24th-- Senior Lunch Matinee Show   Yesterdays Event Center 15631 Brownsferry Road Athens, AL   Join Yesterdays for a complete lunch including drink and dessert for $11.00, and entertainment featuring a special performance, Celebrate American Veterans with singer/impressionist Kevin Adams and includes a trip to the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives in Athens.  Doors open 10:30AM, Event begins 11:00AM and showtime 12:00PM with a show length 60-75 minutes. Groups of all size welcome.  Bus parking available.  Cancellation fee may apply.  Pre-reservation required, send reservation email to: Info@YesterdaysEvents.com.​

Bring your appetite ... cause we're closer than you think.

Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO Set For April 30th

125 East Street, P.O. Box 1089

Athens, Alabama 35612

(256) 233-8728

Recycling Center: (256) 233-8746

KALBCares@gmail.com

www.KALBCares.com

April 14, 2016

NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release

CONTACT
Lynne Hart, Executive Coordinator
256-233-8000  cell:  256-431-0272
KALBCares@gmail.com


KALB Hosts 8th Annual Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO

Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful is proud to host the annual Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO on Saturday, April 30th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Friendship Church, 16479 Lucas Ferry Rd., Athens, AL.  Admission is free.

Prior to the start of the EXPO, there will be an opportunity to join Damien Simbeck, TVA Natural Resources Management, on a walk through the Marbut Bend Walking Trail on Hwy. 99 in West Limestone, Alabama.  Mr. Simbeck is very knowledgeable about how this area came to be, and of the wildlife that call it home.  The nature walk will begin at 7:30 a.m. on April 30th.  The Marbut Bend Trail head is located on Hwy 99, just west of the Elk River bridge.  This trail is handicap accessible.  It is suggested that you wear comfortable shoes and bring binoculars.

Upon arrival at the Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO, guests will find plenty of activities for children and adults.  KALB strives to create an event that will have a festival atmosphere with lots of fun things to do and see.  KALB's goal is to help instill an appreciation for nature and our local environment.  "There is much to be learned by both students and adults," said Lynne Hart, KALB Executive Coordinator.  "I have been with KALB since 1999 and I love discovering new and exciting things about our world!  KALB wants to share that excitement."

Here are just a few highlights:

Alabama Wildlife Center will have raptors on display and will present from stage.
The Tennessee Valley Zoo will have lots of critters on display to pet and feed.
Jim Swanner, KIN Stables, and his very special horse, Rosie, will entertain you.
AMSTI - Athens State University will have microscopes to view water and plant samples.
Limestone County Water & Sewer Authority will present "Edible Aquifers" allowing children (accompanied by parents) to create an "aquifer" using soda, ice, ice cream, marshmallows, and more!
News Release / Page 2
April 15, 2016
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Learn about insects from Scott Clem, Auburn University Department of Entomology.  You might event find some edible insects to sample!
$1/minute massages will be available from HealthSource of Athens, with all proceeds to be given back to KALB.
Final voting will take place to determine the winners of the Paws for the Environment Photo Contest and Fundraiser.  $1 votes (proceeds to KALB) can be made online or at the event.  Winning pets will be featured in KALB's 2017 Paws for the Environment calendar.
Ludivine, Elkmont's famous half-marathon running hound dog, will be at the event giving licks and shaking paws.  Ludivine will be featured on the cover of the Paws for the Environment calendar.
Test your bird identification skills.
Find exciting places to enjoy Alabama's great outdoors.
Sample goat cheese from Humble Hearts Farms.
Create make-and-take recycled crafts (12 years and under).
Lots MORE!

Volunteers will be cooking up hot dogs to give away with chips and a drink.  Sign up for free door prize entries by testing your environmental knowledge.  Get your passports stamped at "Education Stations" and earn an extra treat!

This is a not to be missed event, especially for families.
 All KALB-sponsored events are free of charge.  Donations will be gratefully accepted.
 For information on this event and other KALB programs, call 256-233-8000, email KALBCares@gmail.com, or visit www.KALBCares.com and click the EVENTS tab.


CONTACT
Lynne Hart, Executive Coordinator
256-233-8000  cell:  256-431-0272
KALBCares@gmail.com

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Ardmore High School Future Farmers of America Plant Sale April 15th

Ardmore High School
Future Farmers of America
Plant Sale
April 15th

Written By
Cayce Lee
Social Media Specialist
Athens-Limestone County Tourism Assn.

Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.

The Future Farmers of America (FFA) students of Ardmore High School have been hard at work cultivating a variety of plants in the greenhouse.  Not only do the students learn about plant husbandry they want you to reap the benefits of their hard work during the Plant Sale on April 15 from 8:00am-12:00pm.

A variety of plants are available for purchase including Spider Plants, Ferns, Geraniums, Petunias, Dianthus, Coleus, Begonias, Carnations, Lantanas, Lilies, Vinca, Monkey Grass, Sweet Potato Plants, Swedish Ivy, Elephant Plants, Tomatoes and Peppers.

Anyone wishing to purchase plants should come to the FFA greenhouse at Ardmore High School 30285 Ardmore Avenue in Ardmore Alabama.  The greenhouse can be accessed off First Avenue as well.

For more information, please contact Lauren Graham at the school by calling: 256-423-2685.

Athens Garden Club Annual Plant & Bake Sale

PLANT AND BAKE SALE

 April 30, 2016

8:00am - ? 

 

The Athens Garden Club Annual Plant & Bake Sale is scheduled for Saturday April 30, 2016.  This event will be held at the downtown Athens-Limestone Farmers Market beginning at 8:00 am. The sale continues until plants are all sold.  

Come early for the best selections!

 

A myriad of plants will be available, donated by the AGC member's residential gardens, as well as local businesses.

Our members are knowledgeable in the North Alabama area gardening, and will be available to answer any questions .

The Bake Sale promises a variety of homemade culinary delights available for your enjoyment!   

 

This event is the primary AGC fundraiser supporting the club's college scholarship program.

College scholarships are made available to graduating high school seniors who intend to major in horticulture, agriculture, botany or other related fields. Applications are available at every Limestone County high school.

Come out and support your community!

 

Please direct inquiries to: athensgardenclub@aol.com     

______________________________________

Limestone County Farmers Market
409 West Green Street
Athens, Alabama 35611 

 

 

 

 

Elkmont BBQ Cookoff Newly Sanctioned By KCBS

Written by
Cayce Lee
Social Media Specialist
Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association

The Elkmont Alabama Lions Club Smokin' Railroad Street Barbecue Cook-Off Backyard Division is newly sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society.  This new recognition means professional judges that work the KCBS circuit will be the tough tastebuds to please for the non-professional cook teams.  It also means that teams will have a chance to earn points not only with the Alabama Barbecue Association but also with the Kansas City Barbecue Society.

The Elkmont Lions Club Smokin' Railroad Street Barbecue Cook-Off has been a long-standing member of the Alabama Barbecue Association and the Alabama Barbecue Trail and adding the KCBS sanctioning adds another feather to this popular cookoff.

The teams pour into downtown Elkmont early Thursday before the actual competition.  They set up shop - coolers of ice, trimming meat, making sauces and talking things up -  before they prepare for a night of bringing the smokers and cookers to temp.  After a long night of tending with special wood blends, charcoals, and other such backyard secrets to get the cookers and smokers up-to-temp up, it's time for the real business on Friday.  The cook teams commence the very aromatic process of the competition that has filled the air of Limestone County to the point it has even caused pause and inquiry among the citizens in Athens to figure out where the tasty smell could be emanating from (image how alluring the smell must be at the interstate at Elkmont and the State of Alabama Welcome Center).


Backyard Teams are encouraged to signup early via the elkmontlionsclub.com website.

Athens Garden Club Presents: Experiencing Bird Migration in Your Backyard with Mr. Herb Lewis

For Publication:    Athens Garden Club (AGC)

The AGC is sponsoring a special event on Saturday morning, March 12, 2016. The event is free to the public and will be held at the Athens Public Library, 603 S. Jefferson Street, Athens, AL 25611.   The event begins at 10:00 am, with door prizes awarded.

Mr. Herb Lewis, Honorary Master Gardener, will present: 

 "Experiencing Bird Migration in Your Backyard"

Upon retiring from the Defense industry, Mr. Lewis' hobbies of gardening, landscaping and birding were focused on creating a backyard wildlife habitat to attract a myriad of birds to his residential yard. The yard provides the  perfect backdrop for photographing many different species of birds.
Mr. Lewis' successful efforts resulted in certification from the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat. For inquiries regarding this event please call:       256-233-7408  or   256-998-0232

The Athens Garden Club monthly meetings are held at the First Baptist Church in Tanner, AL on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, September thru May. More information may be obtained by emailing the AGC at:  athensgardenclub@aol.com