Only 156 Days Till Christmas!!

With the announcement of “only 156 days till Christmas” earlier this morning, I found myself longing for Fall and the wonderful, cooler temperatures that come with it – sometimes. After all, in Texas you never know just how severe the temperatures will be in ANY season. Who would’ve thought that it’s nearing the end of July and we still haven’t seen a 100° day. And then the speculation begins . . . if we are having a mild summer, does this mean that the upcoming Fall/Winter will be more severe? Who knows?

In any event, let’s enjoy these “milder” temperatures while they last! Get out and enjoy all there is to do in Athens! For starters, here are the events we’ve been notified about for the week of July 22 – July 28:

July 22 – 25: Athens Drivers Ed Course

Trinity Valley Community College Continuing Education

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

July 22: Athens City Council Meeting

City of Athens

The Athens City Council meets in Regular Session on the second (2nd) and fourth (4th) Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City Hall Annex, 501 N. Pinkerton St., Athens, Texas (*). The agenda for each meeting will be posted in advance at www.athenstx.gov. Contact the City Council by emailing council@athenstx.gov.

July 22 – 27: Shipwrecked! Rescued by Jesus VBS

Released Free! Church

Calling all Pre-K to 6th Graders!! Join us for Vacation Bible School Monday - Saturday, July 22 - 27, 2019. We will conclude the week with a Back to School Bash Cook Out and Water Party on Saturday, July 27, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Registration begins June 23, 2019 with Sarina Brown or online at www.releasedfreechurch.com. For more information, call Sarina at 817-637-0629 or email jsbrownr@gmail.com.

July 22: There is HOPE Recovery Weekly Meeting

Sand Springs Baptist Church

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.

July 23 – 26: ACC Kids Kamp 2019

Athens Country Club

ACC Kids Kamp 2019 is going to be a BLAST! We will have Golf and Tennis, Swimming, Food, Crafts, and More....four days of FUN! Kamp is open to Members and Non-Members (Grandchildren of members are considered non-members). Members Cost: $180 Non-Members Cost: $225 Price includes a Kamp T-Shirt, lunch, afternoon snack, bottled water, and all craft supplies. Space is limited and will fill up fast, so don't wait!! You can come by the club for a registration form in the lobby, or call us at 903-675-8594 and we can email it to you.

July 23: Baby Story Time

Henderson County Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library

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.

July 23: Athens Kiwanis Club

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

July 23: Money Camp

Henderson County Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library

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. For additional information, please call 903-590-0288 or email: palustig@yahoo.com. Space is limited so parents, please register online to reserve space for your child.

July 23: Blood Drive (Recurring)

Walmart Supercenter #413

Carter Blood Care Center

Help to ensure that blood is available to those patients who need it most. Stop by the Carter Bloodcare Blood Mobile every other Tuesday at the Walmart Supercenter in Athens to make your regular donation!!

July 23: Canning Series

East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society

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

July 23: Athens Masonic Lodge #165 Weekly Meeting

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.

July 23: Square Dance Lessons

Pea Pickers & Single Peas Dance Club

For just $4.00/lesson, you can learn to Square Dance! Learn how to square dance then join in the fun at all Pea Pickers Square Dance nights. PLEASE NOTE: This schedule is subject to change! To confirm or to request additional information, contact Betty Gore at 903-675-2120 Harry Zaiontz at 903-677-6050, or Barbara Neighbors at 903-675-7661.

July 24: 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 story time and a craft as we explore books as works of art while incorporating early literacy development skills. Classes are weekly on Thursday and Friday unless otherwise announced.

July 24: Faith Family Feast

Sand Springs Baptist Church

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.

July 25: Rotary International Weekly Meeting

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.

July 25: Men’s Dominoes Fellowship

Dogwood Church

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.

July 25: Family Movie Night – FEATURING: Toy Story 3

Henderson County Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library

Visit the Library every Thursday evening for a fun-filled family movie night! Festivities will begin at 5:00 p.m. Movie and popcorn are provided FREE of charge for all ages! For additional information, please contact the Library directly at 903-677-7296.

July 25: East Texas Independent Business Alliance Monthly Meeting

Supporting businesses throughout East Texas, the East Texas Independent Business Alliance meets monthly to discuss ways to self-promote and support. Together, we can make a difference for the small independent businesses in East Texas. Whether you are a new or existing business, our Alliance can assist you in expanding your reach and growth.

July 25 – 27: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr.

Henderson County Performing Arts Center

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. Sponsored by Sara and Rik Drummond

July 26: Space Crafts!

Henderson County Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library

Come join us in crafting a space themed necklace and other space themed crafts. Remember to visit: https://stardate.org/nightsky/moon to find your moon phase. Sign ups begin on July 12th. Call the library at 903-677-7295 to reserve your space Ages: 8-12

July 26: Small Town Scallywags in Concert

Boogie’s

Friday July 26th we will be hosting Athens very own Small Town Scallywags! This band plays a wide variety of music from country to alternative! Another great night with great people and great music! Thank you to our sponsors Reigning Jewels Fine Jewelry and Danny's Smokehouse Bar-B-Q

July 27: Athens Farmer’s Market

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!

July 27: Back to School Bash

East Texas Crisis Center – Athens, Salvation Army – Athens Service Unit

The Henderson County HELP Center in conjunction with the Athens Service Unit of Salvation Army are having a Back to School Bash at Cain Park II (the adult softball fields) off of Robbins Road on Saturday, July 27th from 9-12. There will be back packs and school supplies and several vendors handing out great goodies - WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. This event is open to all school districts in Henderson County.

July 27 – 31: Over the Edge PreTeen Camp

Dogwood Church

Our kids are headed to Over the Edge Preteen Camp July 27-31. The week is an amazing experience and they have lots of fun, but they also learn how to study their Bible independently and the importance of being fed spiritually on their level. It's transformative for our young ones! Message us for more information.

July 27: Full Steam Ahead!

Walmart Supercenter #413, Athens

Gear up for Full STEAM Ahead! This family-friendly event is bringing you a day of engaging activities that parents and kids will love. Come visit us in-store to tie-dye your own shirt, make your own slime or cereal necklace. Let's make the most of the last days of summer!

July 28: Small Group Hangout

Sand Springs Baptist Church

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

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PLEASE NOTE: It is ALWAYS advisable to contact the event host prior to attending in order to confirm.

Please visit www.athenscommunityconnection.com for complete event details, then, share consider sharing this post so that your FACEBOOK Friends will be alerted to these great events!!

Athens Community Connection is proudly sponsored by Steve Grant Real Estate.