It's Harvest Time! Come glean all that Athens has to offer!!

Whether it's picking a gorgeous ripe tomato at the Farmer's Market, helping to harvest juicy grapes in a picturesque setting, or just relaxing with a glass of full-bodied local wine, it's harvest time in Athens. Come take your pick of activities!!!

Local events for the week of July 14 – 20, 2019:

07-14: Small Group Hang Out

Sand Springs Baptist Church – Host

The Spring has it's newest Small Group. They will meet at The Boathouse on Lake Athens after the 9:30 service.

07-15 to 07-19: Into the Wild VBS

Faith Fellowship Church – Host

It's not too early to go ahead and register for this year's VBS!!! Throw on your camera strap and buckle your seat belt. VBS 2019 takes you on a wild adventure - with elephants and egrets, polar bears and penguins, cockatoos and crocodiles. As you seek out exotic animals, you’ll also find snapshots of real-life encounters with Jesus in Scripture. Kids go from bewildered to believing as they get In The Wild at this summer’s VBS!!

07-15 to 07-18: Athens Drivers Ed Course

Trinity Valley Community College Continuing & Workforce Education – Host

Driving time and simulator may be scheduled outside class times on Fridays and Saturdays.

07-15: There is HOPE Recovery Weekly Meeting

Sand Springs Baptist Church – Host

A 12-step program for any addiction, recovery is available. We will be putting GOD FIRST so that he can change us from the Inside - Out. No matter what you are dealing with in life, There Is HOPE.

07-16: Baby Story Time

Henderson County Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library – Host

Join Ms. Lynn for basic sign language, songs, fine motor skills board books, finger puppet plays, and social interaction. NOTE: Due to the popularity of this activity, there are now two sessions offered - one at 10:30 a.m. and another at 11:30 a.m. Each class is approximately 30 minutes in length.

07-16: Athens Kiwanis Club Weekly Meeting

Athens Kiwanis Club – Host

Athens Kiwanis is a group of dedicated hard-working individuals who raise funds to support youth projects and programs in Athens.

07-16: Money Camp for Kids

Henderson County Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library – Host

Almost every child grows up with a piggy bank and is used to depositing coins into it for future spending. However, can this alone help your children the value of money and how to properly manage it? Join with us each Tuesday in July as we navigate the world of finance. Presented by Gateway to American Opportunities (a regional literacy initiative in partnership with A Circle of Ten, Inc.) Children ages 5 - 11 will learn good saving habits, and will learn how to look for value in their future purchases.

07-16: Canning Series

East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society – Host

We will have a "Canning Series" going on July 9th, 16th and 23rd here at the Arboretum. If you want to feel self sufficient, nostalgic and have a sense of self gratification this is for you! There will be groups of 4, so bring 3 friends with you. There is a limit of 16 participants per class. You will each go home with your canned creation. It will be another fun evening for the ladies! Give us a call...903-675-5630 - $25.00 per person, per session

07-16: The Design Process – Concept Designs

Henderson County Master Gardeners – Host

As part of the Henderson County Master Gardener Association’s Library Series, Dub Hirst will present “The Design Process - Concept Designs”. His presentation will be held on Tuesday, July 16, at 5:30 pm at the Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library, 121 S. Prairieville, Athens. In Dub’s first presentation in April, the steps involved in the Design Process were discussed, along with the importance of establishing Goals and Criteria. In July, Dub’s presentation will first review the major points from the April discussion and then continue to the next step in the Design Process, which is Concept Design. A case study will be used to explore in depth how there can be two different concept design solutions for the same set of Goals and Criteria. This demonstration is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 903-675-6130, send an email to hendersoncmga@gmail.com, or visit our website: txmg.org/hendersonmg.

07-16: Alzheimer’s Support Group Monthly Meeting

Alzheimer’s Coalition of Henderson County – Host

Vision: We are walking daily hand in hand giving support to the caregivers of Henderson County. We provide continuing education and services for caregivers touched by Alzheimer’s Disease and other related dementias.

Mission: Our mission is to provide support services for caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. We offer respite services for caregivers of persons with a debilitating disease.

07-16: Athens Masonic Lodge #165 Weekly Meeting

Athens Masonic Lodge #165 – Host

The Athens Masonic Lodge meets every Tuesday evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a monthly business meeting occurring on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.

07-17: Wonderful Wednesdays Day Club for Seniors

Alzheimer’s Coalition of Henderson County &

First Presbyterian Church – Co-Hosts

Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, the Alzheimer's Coalition of Henderson County offers an opportunity for respite to those who are caring for a loved one with Dementia. If you are a primary caregiver, you need a break! Let us help. Contact Aubry Gregory at 03-651-1502 or inquire thru email to wonderfulwednesdaysathens@gmail.com. It's a safe and engaging environment where friends are made and attention is paid. At no cost to you! Check into it and see better days!

07-17: Preschool Story Time

Henderson County Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library

Ages 2 to Pre-K are invited to join Ms. Bobbie's class for an interactive storytime and a craft as we explore books as works of art while incorporating early literacy development skills.

07-17: Women on the Go! Lunch and Learn

Henderson County Family & Community Health – TAMU AgriLife Extension and

Henderson County HELP Center – Co-Hosts

Women on the Go! Lunch and Learn series is hosted on the third Wednesday of each month during the lunch hour, from 12-1 at Maggie's House (808 N. Prairieville, Athens) Come network with other women, learn something new, and enjoy a delicious lunch all for $5. Program topics will include how to use an instant pot, tips for handling stress, financial management, and many more. Invite a friend and make plans to join us!

07-17: Weekly Faith Family Feast

Sand Springs Baptist Church – Host

Big stuff starts back up this Wednesday Night at 6pm. Join us for a family style dinner then pick which small group Bible study you want to get in on from 6:30-7:30pm. Verse by Verse Bible study, The Daniel Plan or Financial Peace. There’s also a group for every age from Babies to College age! You are not gonna want to miss it! Suggested donation of $3/person with no more than $10/family.

07-18: Nature’s Tiny Creatures Day Camp

East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society – Host

Our 2nd summer day camp of 2019 will be "Nature's Tiny Creatures." Come have fun at the arboretum and get close to nature! Kids ages 5 to 12 Members $30; Non-Members $35 Call 903-675-5630 to register to attend

07-18: James Wand and the Secret Agent Magic Show

Henderson County Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library – Host

Come join us and enjoy some exciting magic and hilarious tales of top secret adventures with James Wand. Thursday, July 18th at 10:00 A.M.

07-18: Rotary International Weekly Meeting

Athens Rotary Club – Host

The heart of Rotary is our members, dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Rotary members share ideas, make plans, hear from the community, and catch up with friends during club programs that fuel the impact we make.

07-18: Dogwood Church’s Men’s Domino Fellowship

Dogwood Church – Host

Join in the fun of the Men's Dominoes group! They meet every Thursday afternoon around 1:00 p.m. Come early, come late, come enjoy fun and fellowship! For more information and to confirm dates, please call the church at 903-677-3185.

07-18: Family Movie Night

Henderson County Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library – Host

Visit the Library every Thursday evening for a fun-filled family movie night! Festivities will begin at 5:00 p.m. This week’s FEATURE will be: Toy Story 2 (92 minutes in length). Movie and popcorn are provided FREE of charge for all ages! For additional information, please contact the Library directly at 903-677-7296.

07-18: MOPS – Mothers of Preschoolers

MOPS of Athens, TX – Host

Mothers of Pre-Schoolers (i.e., "MOPS") meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday at First Presbyterian Church Athens from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. with a potluck and free childcare. MOPS is open to any mothers & moms-to-be!

07-18 to 07-21: Disney’s Beauty & the Beast, Jr.

Henderson County Performing Arts Center – Host

Tale as old as time . . . An arrogant young prince and his castle's servants fall under the spell of a wicked enchantress, who turns him into the hideous Beast until he learns to love and be loved in return. The spirited, headstrong village girl, Belle, enters the Beast's castle after he imprisons her father. With the help of his enchanted servants, Belle begins to draw the cold-hearted Beast out of his isolation. To be presented by the HCPAC Y.E.S. (Youth Excellence on Stage) Company.

07-19 and 07-20: Blanc Harvest Event

Tara Vineyard and Winery – Host

Friday harvesting Blanc topped off by long table dinner at dusk & Sat event w/ Brunch.

07-19: Pea Pickers & Single Peas Square Dance

Pea Pickers & Single Peas – Hosts

7:00 p.m. - Meet & Greet (with snacks) 7:30 p.m. - Dancing Begins $7/person donation suggested. Ages 8-16 Free Square dance attire is encouraged but not mandatory.

NOTE: Subject to change. Please confirm prior to attending. Harry Zaiontz: 903-677-6050 Betty Gore: 903-675-2120

07-19: Friday Night Singing

Wesley United Methodist Church – Host

We are a small country church that was originally a "Mission Church" until May of 1969 when the Mission was declared a separate church. We have been in our current location since August of 1989. We would welcome you to join our Friday Night Singing every third Friday of the month from 7:00 pm until 9 pm.

07-20: Texas Animal Sanctuary Experience

Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch – Host

Explorer Chick Experience at Black Beauty Ranch! Join Explorer Chick Adventure Co. for an Exclusive and Private Women-Only all day Experience at the sanctuary! The group will get to have a behind-the-scenes experience, with the opportunity to prepare diets, muck stalls, or feed farm animals—depending on what needs to be done, and no experience is necessary. Along with helping our animal care teams out, you will get a yummy plant-based lunch and a private tour of the ranch. It only cost $99.00 per adult (21+). Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity!

07-20: Athens TX Farmer’s Market

Athens TX Farmer’s Market – Host

Join us for local produce, products, and community. In addition to amazing locally sourced only produce, we will have activities and education for children as well as education for adults too! To be a vendor, please register via our google form at https://forms.gle/i47kFww1rGSphXYJ8

07-20: Handmade Serving Tray Class

Our House – Vintage Items, Home Décor, and More! – Host

Come learn how to paint your custom serving tray. We will teach you how to paint stripes, use stamps and other techniques from our own Dixie Bell Paint Expert! Class is $35 includes all materials and we will also have light refreshments! Please call 817-475-8155 to reserve your space - which is limited to 10 - so be sure to book soon! Come join the fun at Our House!

07-20: Vive la France!

McNair Farm – Host

Pre-Dinner reception at McNair Farm Saturday, July 20, 2019 1 hour before your dinner, join us !

07-20: Sip & Shop

Sip & Shop Texas, Castle Oaks Vineyard and Winery, Athens TX Farmer’s Market, 3P’s in a Vine, White Fox Vineyards, Cannon Creek Vineyard, Inspired Best Life, Our House – Vintage Items, Home Décor, and More!, and Visit Athens TX – Hosts

Sip & Shop Texas is coming to Athens! Join us July 20th for a sippin', shoppin' Saturday to remember. The Sip & Shop van will leave downtown Athens at NOON - so get there early, if you'd like to enjoy lunch before your tour! Athens hosts its Farmers Market Saturday morning from 9:00-1:00. Park in the city lot, support your local Farmer's Market and then head over to the city square. The Athens square is home to everything from antiques to boutiques! - It is even the home to Athens Brewing Company! The Sip & Shop van will leave downtown Athens at NOON - and visit 4 of the best local wineries.

07-20: Billie Jo Full Band with Hunter Douglas in Concert

The Texan: A Landmark Venue – Host

Great Show! Billie Jo will be performing with her Full Band with Hunter Douglas starting off the show! Bring your dancing shoes! Food trucks will be there and BYOB (no glass)! Tickets are $10 (+tax).

07-20: The Brush Poppers in Concert

Boogie’s – Host

Saturday July 20th we will be hosting The Brush Poppers! This is going to be a fun night of music, friends, and dancing!

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For complete details on each of these events, including specific times and locations, please visit www.athenscommunityconnection.com. Athens Community Connection is proudly sponsored by Steve Grant Real Estate.