Good morning, readers, take a look at what’s going on today:

Weather:

Today: Sunny, with a high near 70. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Calm wind.

Best bets for today:

Advanced QuickBooks class: The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the County Extension office, will offer the Advanced QuickBooks class today, in the Chamber’s Freedom Insurance Room. This is an advanced class for people who have covered the basics and intermediate levels of QuickBooks. The cost is $20 and spaces are limited. Online registration is offered at www.cullmanchamber.org or contact the Chamber at 256-734-0454.

Booksigning at Deb’s: Deb’s Bookstore will hold a booksigning from 6 to 7 p.m. today at the store at 207 3rd St. SW, Cullman 35055. Jeff High, author of “More Things in Heaven and Earth”, will sign copies of his second book, “Each Shining Hour”. This book was selected as a fall OKRA Pick (best of Southern writers, fresh off the vine). For more information, or to reserve your copy of either book, contact the store at 256-736-2622.

Healthy aging tips for women seminar: Most women experience a variety of physical and emotional changes during the aging process. Howard F. Williamson, M.D., gynecologist, will discuss these changes as well as tips on maintaining good health from midlife through the golden years. This lunch-and-learn program will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. today in Cullman Regional Medical Center’s Colonel Cullmann Room. Cost is $5/WomenFirst and SeniorChoice members and $8/all others. To reserve your spot, register online at www.crmchospital.com or call 256-737-2600.

Midway community dance: The Midway Community Center will hold a dance at 7 p.m. today featuring the Classic Country Band. Admission is $4; all proceeds go to upkeep of community center, 164 Midway Road, Union Grove 35175.

NAMI: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will meet at 6:30 p.m. today at Cullman Mental Health Center, 1909 Commerce Ave. NW, Building 2, Cullman 35055. Guest speaker will be Assistant Police Chief Craig Green.

New Vision Support Group: This group will meet at 10 a.m. today at Hilltop Community Center, 1545 Vine Circle, Cullman 35055. Speaker will be Cordelia Cunningham. Bring something to share for lunch.

SWCCHS: The Southwest Cullman County Historical Society will meet at 6 p.m. today at Brushy Pond Community Center, 2729 County Road 143, Bremen 35033. Info: Joan Calvert at 256-615-9249.

Upcoming events:

Pink 5k run: The Cullman County Bosom Buddies’ Pink 5k run will be at 3 p.m. October 18, at Sportsman Lake Park. Pre-registration can be completed at Wendy’s Nutrition, Peoples Bank across from Wal-Mart and CRMC’s Nurse Navigation office located in POB 1, Suite 101. Entry fee is $25/person before October 11 and $30 on race day. Medals will be awarded for first, second and third places for each age division. The overall winner will receive a $100 cash prize. All proceeds from the event will benefit cancer patients in Cullman County who are struggling to pay utility bills, transportation costs, and etc. while in treatment. Participants are invited to a family-friendly Pinkfest, including live music by the Horizons following the race. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, contact cullmanbosombuddies@gmail.com or CRMC’s Nurse Navigation at 256-737-2588.

German lunch at festival: Trinity Lutheran Church will sell German lunches at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 18, in downtown Hanceville during the Mud Creek Arts and Crafts Festival in front of the Hanceville Library, 201 Commercial Street, Hanceville 35077. Lunch is $8: Bratwurst, German potato salad, sauerkraut or red cabbage, and a German dessert. All proceeds will go to Hanceville Schools, and funds raised will be supplemented by Thrivent Financial. In case of rain, the lunch will be served at the church, 505 Commercial St. SE, Hanceville 35077.

HFUMC pageant: Hanceville First United Methodist Church, 702 Commercial St. SE, Hanceville 35077, will hold a pageant October 18, with all proceeds going to the church’s preschool classrooms. Cost is $50 to enter all events. Registration will be from 5 to 8 p.m. October 17. No door entries. To obtain a form, email taleahhancevillefumc.org or call Adrian Burtis at 256-595-3382 or Taleah Shenutt at 256-532-3237. Forms may be mailed to 1349 County Road 520, Hanceville 35077.

Swamp John’s meal: Corinth Methodist Church (1384 County Road 1101, Vinemont 35179) will sell Swamp John’s meals for $10, from 4 to 7 p.m. October 23. Fish, chicken, shrimp or combo and all trimmings. All proceeds to benefit the church’s general fund.

Bake sale at WDG: The CHS Chamber Choir will sell baked goods at Warehouse Discount Grocery, 5754 Highway 157, Cullman 35055, at 11 a.m. October 25. Proceeds will go to help fund the choir’s trip to Florida for the state competition.

Ranch sorting national championship: This special event, sponsored by the Lonesome Dove Cowboy Church, will be held October 25, at the indoor arena in Vinemont: Cullman County Ag Center, 17645 U.S. Highway 31, Cullman 35058. Books open at 10 a.m., event at 11 a.m. All new contestants will receive a free RSNC membership for the 2014-15 season. Fee for rider is $28 for all levels HC, No. 8 HC, Beginner Sort, $18 for Youth 12 and Under, Youth 13-18; and is $20 for 1-man sort-non sanctioned and Round Robin-non sanctioned – all have a 50 percent payback. Entry fees include a $3 entry RSNC sanctioning fee; 5 ride limit; mandatory draw, pick 1/automatically draw one (rider can pick up to 4 or draw all 5). Proceeds go to the church’s building fund and church’s community projects. First come, first serve for stalls (limited); RV hookups available. Concessions are available. Info: Jim Walker (producer) 205-533-1439; Paul Chamblee at 256-708-8668; or Christie Chamblee at 256-352-9998.

Mini Relay For Life event planned at WSCC: A Mini Relay For Life event will be held at Wallace State Community College, hosted by the WSCC Relay For Life team, on Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Tom Drake Coliseum. The event is planned as a way to give those who may not normally get an opportunity to participate in the annual May event a chance to take part in fundraising for the American Cancer Society. There is no registration fee to participate and everyone is welcome to attend. The Mini Relay For Life will include the ceremonies traditional to Relay, including the Survivors’ Lap and the Luminaria Ceremony. Everyone in the community is welcome to attend, with cancer survivors, their caregivers, family and friends receiving a special invitation to drop by during the four-hour event. Info/register: Gail Crutchfield at 256-352-8064 or email her at gail.crutchfield@wallacestate.edu.

Bikes, Bands and Barbecue! This event will be from noon to 11 p.m. October 25, at Smith Lake Park, 416 County Road 385, Cullman 35057. Bands featured to include Shallow Side, Down South (of Addison, Alabama), Peewee Moore (son of Hank Williams Jr.), Chris Posey, Sarah Gayle Meech, 7 Stone Riot, Dark Before Dawn, Wayland, Acidic, Fire For Effect, Koralyst, Wayland and more. Tickets are $10/advance, $15/at door, $50 VIP. Proceeds to benefit Anthony and Sarah Harbison who lost their home to a fire. Go online to purchase your tickets early at www.deepsouthtattoo.com or visit the business at 1357 County Road 437, Cullman 35057. Food and merchant vendors will be on site; spaces are $100 and spaces with power hookup are $125; to reserve a vendor space, contact Donna Whitney at 256-531-8822.

Baileyton School’s 6th annual pumpkin 5k run: The sixth annual Pumpkin Run is a fun 5K race through Baileyton, beginning at Parkside School (12431 Highway 69, Baileyton 35019) and ending at Baileyton Town Park (95 Fire Station Road, Baileyton 35019) willl be Oct. 25 at 9 a.m. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Awards will be given for overall winners and age group winners. Registration is $20/advance or $25 at the door. Registration begins at 8 a.m. on race day. Proceeds to benefit education-related needs for students/teachers at the school.

Fall turkey shoots: Notices for turkey shoots may be emailed to sallee@cullmantimes.com. Please include address of venue, prizes available, cost of shoot, any requirements, where proceeds will go to, and submitter’s name and phone number four our records. Hanceville High School’s Quarterback Club will hold a turkey shoot (for meat and money prizes) every Saturday from October 25 through November 22, and Thanksgiving Day, from 8 a.m. to noon, on the lot on Highway 31 S at Johnsons’ Crossing. Also, register to win $500 cash. Tickets are available at each shoot for $1. Drawing will be held Thanksgiving Day-ticket holders do not need to be present to win. Info: Leann Waldrep at 256-338-0927 or Lanita Long at 256-347-2425.

HOPE run and ride: The Evelyn Burrow Legacy Ride and Run for HOPE (Horses Offering People Encouragement) will be held on November 1, 2014. HOPE, a non-profit center, provides therapeutic horsemanship programs to special needs individuals. The trail ride and run proceeds will go to benefit the HOPE programs. The location of the benefit event is the Evelyn Burrow estate, 1315 County Road 222, Cullman 35057. The day activities will begin with a 7:30 a.m. registration; 8 a.m. Trail Run for $15; 10 a.m. to noon horse trail ride (negative coggins required) $20 (rides get a free raffle ticket and t-shirt); 12:30-1:30 p.m. lunch; 1:30 p.m. live auction; 2 p.m. special activities/demonstrations, hay maze, inflatables, music and more. An arena will have riders demonstrating different types of horse riding including therapeutic riding, dressage, jumpers, reining, gaited and western. Also, special breed identification. A demonstration by Brandon and MC Jackson of Riverside Fly Shop teaching tying flies and casting from a Nu Canoe. A very special guest appearance 3 p.m. with Jim Swanner, a natural horseman teacher, instructor, clinician, keynote speaker, host of “All About Horses” radio on WKAC 1080, writer for “The Valley Star”, and board of directors for Alabama Horse Council. Mr. Swanner is the owner of KIN Stables in Athens. Mr. Swanner will conduct the “From the Ground Up” clinic. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the day and help support HOPE provide therapeutic horsemanship programs to special needs individuals. Visit www.hopehorses.org.

$10,000 drawdown/dinner/Bingo: The West Point Quarterback Club is currently selling tickets ($100 each) for their drawdown fundraiser on November 1, at West Point Middle School, 4541 County Road 1141, Vinemont 35179. The evening will begin with a barbecue dinner for two at 6 p.m., followed by Bingo, with prizes awarded. All proceeds will go to the Club for facility upgrades and equipment. To obtain tickets, contact Tim Martin at 256-303-2037 or Greg Wrenn at 256-339-7898.

West Point Band’s 8th annual car show: The West Point Band Boosters will hold a “Salute to Millitary and Veterans” car show from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, November 1, at West Point High School, 4314 County Road 1141, Cullman 35057. All proceeds will benefit the band. Open to anything with wheels: Entry fee is $20 ($10 per additonal car); $15 for military members and veterans; $17 for students and faculty of West Point Schools. No charge for tractors. Door prizes, dash plaques, family activities, 50/50 drawing, and the 2015 Polaris Ranger giveaway are among the day’s planned events. No judging, no trophies — just lots of fun.

Holiday dinner/auction: Cullman Christian School will host their holiday dinner and auction Friday November 7, at The Loft, 212 4th Street SE, Cullman 35055. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Silent and live auctions. Full meal served. Tickets are $25/person or $45/couple. To purchase tickets, call the school office at 256-734-0734 or email secretary@cullmanchristian.org. Last day to purchase tickets is October 31. All proceeds go to benefit Cullman Christian School.

Iron Bowl tickets raffle: The Pilot Club is selling raffle tickets for the November 9 Alabama vs. Auburn football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Seats are located in the South Upper-Section SS 8, Row 31, Seats 11 and 12. Raffle tickets are 1/$5 or 5/$20 at the Cullman County Museum or at the Pilot Club Rummage Sale Oct. 24-25 at the Cullman County Fairgrounds at Sportsman Lake Road, Building No. 1. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Pilot Light Home for abused and neglected children, Project Lifesaver, Cullman County Center for the Developmentally Disabled, Field of Miracles, Alzheimers Support Group, Brain Minders Puppet Shows, Alabama Camp for special children and adultss, and Alabama Pilots Traumatic Head Injury Camp. The winner will be announced Friday, November 14. Info: Elizabeth Hays or Brenda Hightower at 256-723-8745.

Priesters Pecans for sale: The Pilot Club of Cullman will sell Priesters Pecans now through December for $12/1-pound bag. Available are: Pecan Halves, Pecan Pieces, Chocolate Covered Pecan Halves, Honey Glazed Pecan Halves, Cinnamon-Sugar Pecan Halves and Praline Halves. Proceeds will be used for Pilot Club’s community projects. Info: Peggy Day at 256-734-6049.

Vanna White afghan to be auctioned: The American Legion Auxiliary recently received a donation of a hand-crafted baby afghan by Wheel of Fortune’s Vanna White. Proceeds will go to the Auxiliary so they can regain their tax exempt status. It is listed on E-Bay under American Legion Auxiliary Vanna White. $400 is needed; donations are also accepted. To donate, contact the American Legion Auxiliary, Cullman Unit 4, P.O. Box 391, Cullman 35055.

CEMS Ambulance Service fundraiser: Cullman Emergency Medical Services (CEMS) Ambulance Service is selling canvas bags to raise money for new furnishings and equipment destroyed in the April 27, 2011 tornado. The April 27 tornado also destroyed the CEMS building at 601 2nd Avenue SW, Cullman 35055. The new building will be reconstructed in the same location as the previous building and is nearing completion. Canvas bags will be sold for $4 each. All proceeds from the sale of the bags will be placed in a CEMS Fund established by the CRMC Foundation. Anyone interested in purchasing one of these bags should contact the CRMC Foundation at 256-737-2565.

Of note:

Total Access: Had to get out-and-about and didn’t bring your paper? No time to run and find a paper? Wonder what everyone is talking about, but you’re far from home? Neighbor’s dog play fetch and not bring it back? Well, we have a simple solution: Try Total Access. Anyone who has a print subscription to The Times, can have a free online subscription. Access it on your work computer, your smart phone or any device you can use to access your email. To activate it, contact the Circulation/Audience Development Department at 256-734-2131. Information needed: Valid email address and a password at least six characters long, a valid phone number, and the current address the paper is delivered to. Digital-only subscriptions are available; contact the same department for more information.