Good morning, Athens CountySlug. In the heart of Ohio, Black Diamond Brewery & Distillery is blending education and entrepreneurship, offering local brews and spirits as it embraces its new for-profit identity, all while highlighting the talents of former students like Head Brewer Gwyn Armstrong. Meanwhile, the Athena Grand theater is set to dim its lights for the last time on January 5 after nearly 20 years of bringing films to the community, facing challenges from digital streaming and competition from the university's cinema. On a more cheerful note, the fourth annual Home Away from Home Thanksgiving feast drew a full house at the Patton College of Education, showcasing a delightful spread for international students and fostering a sense of community.
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88% ☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🍺 Black Diamond Brewery & Distillery blends education and entrepreneurship. Located at Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio, this innovative establishment began as a hands-on lab for fermentation sciences students and has recently transformed into a for-profit business. Customers can now enjoy locally brewed pints and spirits, with products including a bourbon and vodka hitting shelves this November. Head Brewer Gwyn Armstrong, a former student of the program, is eager to carry on her mentor's legacy while experimenting with new recipes. The venture not only serves as a brewing hub but also supports the local culinary scene, showcasing a commitment to community and collaboration in craft brewing.
🎬 Athena Grand to Close After 19 Years. The Athena Grand theater in Athens, Ohio, will screen its final showings on January 5, marking the end of nearly two decades of cinematic history for co-owners Rick Frame and Mike Little. Despite successfully navigating challenges like the pandemic and competing institutions, the duo faced increasing competition from the university-owned Athena Cinema, which recently began screening first-run blockbusters. Frame and Little’s planned upgrades were complicated by the landlord’s long-term lease demands, prompting their difficult decision to close rather than continue risking financial instability. As they prepare to dim the lights for the last time, the beloved local theater reflects a broader struggle in the movie industry, where the shift to streaming has transformed how audiences seek entertainment.
🦃 *Home Away from Home dinner grows in popularity.* At the fourth annual Home Away from Home Thanksgiving feast hosted by the Patton College of Education, a festive gathering filled all 210 reservations with a warm meal and camaraderie. Initiated by Thom Stevenson in 2021 to support international students staying on campus during the holiday, the event has steadily increased its participation over the years. This year, 160 guests enjoyed a traditional holiday spread, with mouthwatering options like 17 turkeys, 275 mini pies, and 60 pounds of smashed potatoes. Beyond just a meal, the gathering fosters community and provides hands-on learning for students in the restaurant, hotel, and tourism program.
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
 Nelsonville-York Buckeyes | ||
| @ River Valley | W 55-50 | |
| vs Alexander | W 54-42 | |
| @ Trimble | W 61-41 | |
 Athens Bulldogs | ||
| @ Federal Hocking | W 62-30 | |
| vs River Valley | W 66-51 | |
 Alexander Spartans | ||
| vs Vinton County | L 63-47 | |
| @ Nelsonville-York | L 54-42 | |
| vs Southeastern | L 56-44 | |
 Federal Hocking Lancers | ||
| vs Athens | L 62-30 | |
| vs Belpre | L 72-47 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Affordable land with financing options
For $25,000, you can snag Lot #10 in Heatherstone, measuring 99' x 382'. Confucius would likely advise you to secure this lot now and build later, especially with public sewer and water available, plus a land contract option with some attractive financing terms. If you're feeling ambitious, consider adding Lot 19 on Rosemary Drive for a potential discount—it’s 180' x 183' and going for $35,000.
This affordable three-bedroom, one-bathroom ranch home on the Far East Side is listed for $168,000. The property has undergone essential updates, including new siding, flooring, and a fresh coat of paint, making it a versatile blank canvas for the next owners or a potential investment opportunity, all while being conveniently located near Sells Park and the Athens City bike path.
Expansive ranch with pond paradise
This stunning property, listed at $700,000, offers a unique opportunity to own 41.37 acres featuring a move-in ready 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch home, a tranquil pond with a dock, a large barn, and open fields surrounded by mature trees. With convenient access from multiple roads and located just minutes from Athens City Schools, this expansive estate promises endless possibilities for family living and outdoor fun.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
Out of This World Book Club
The Plains Public Library, 14 S Plains Rd, The Plains, OH
Dec 18
More Info🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
-Deuteronomy 31:6