Published: August 07, 2009 11:53 am      

Athens-Concord Town Social has 'green' agenda

ATHENS — On Sunday, the 23rd Athens-Concord Town Social will again celebrate the unique relationship between Concord University and the Town of Athens, with music, activities and honors.

“We are emphasizing going green this year. The Town of Athens will have a booth showcasing their recycling program,” ACTS Committee Chair Lynne White said last week.

Entertainment for the event, to be held on the front lawn of Concord University from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., she said, will be the “MidKnight Ramblers” and “Poor Taters.” The MidKnight Ramblers will perform 2:10 p.m.—3:30 p.m. with Poor Taters performing 4 p.m.—5 p.m.

Plus, the Town Social features craft vendors, live musical entertainment, door prizes, children’s games, a complimentary hot dog lunch and more.

The 1959 Athens High School State Championship basketball team will hold a reunion at the Town Social with cheerleaders, the team manager and team members in attendance. Reunions for the Athens High School Class of 1959 and Class of 1979 will also be held that day.

Concord University student, Jesse Ratcliffe of Hinton, will be performing a recital on the Marsh Carillon 1:50 p.m.—2 p.m. Joe Lively will again serve as emcee.

Awards will be announced between 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Honorees for 2009 include two Athens residents — Merlie (Mert) Fain Turner and Otis Mann - who will both receive the esteemed Elder Citizen Award.

The Total Community Involvement Award is being presented to Paul Hodges for his tireless efforts on behalf of area activities and projects. Senate Minority Leader Don Caruth, R-Mercer, is being honored with the Extra Miler Award. Poff’s Body Shop in Athens has been selected to receive the Business Longevity Award. Recipients of the 2009 Outstanding Citizen Award, the Beautification Award and the town social scholarship awards will be announced during the social. Each year two Athens area students who will be attending Concord University in the fall receive scholarship funds. This year’s recipients will each receive $500 per semester.

For general information, contact White at (304) 384-4117.

White said, “We’re looking forward to another great year with a picnic, great friends and good music and another opportunity to celebrate the town we’re fortunate enough to live in. We’re very grateful to our sponsors ARAMark, BB &T, First Community Bank and the State of West Virginia.”

Concord University’s Sarah Dalton contributed to this report.