Good morning, Athens County. There's something magical happening in a quiet workshop in our corner of Ohio, where master craftsman Don MacRostie transforms local wood into world-class mandolins that sing with the soul of century-old Gibsons. At 79, he's not just crafting instruments - he's passing down a half-century of wisdom to his teenage grandson, ensuring this remarkable tradition will echo through generations.
Speaking of preserving our heritage while building for tomorrow, the historic Athens Armory is writing its next chapter. The fortress-like structure that once welcomed WWI draftees and hosted mysterious auto shows is getting a second wind as a community hub. Meanwhile, the holiday spirit is literally being blown into shape at Athens Hot Glass, where master artisan Josh Cohen recently dazzled locals with his fiery craftsmanship.
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75% ☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🎻 In rural Ohio, a master craftsman creates world-class mandolins by hand. Don MacRostie has spent nearly 50 years perfecting his craft in his Athens County workshop, where his Red Diamond mandolins are sought after by top musicians worldwide. Using locally-sourced red spruce and curly maple, he meticulously shapes each instrument to recreate the beloved sound of century-old Gibson mandolins. At 79 years old, MacRostie still produces up to dozen instruments annually, while passing his expertise to his 15-year-old grandson. Each mandolin is uniquely crafted to "feed and nourish" its player, creating instruments that inspire musicians to create beautiful music.
🏛️ Historic Athens Armory transforms from military fortress to community hub. Built in 1915 for the Ohio National Guard, the sturdy brick building on Court Street served as both a military facility and vibrant community space for decades. The fortress-like structure, purchased for just $6,500, hosted everything from WWI draftee inductions to auto shows with mysterious car displays and community basketball games. After sitting vacant since the late 1980s, the Armory is now getting a major renovation thanks to grant funding. The revamped building will house the Athens County Foundation and feature a stage for community events, breathing new life into this century-old landmark.
🎨 Master glassblower heats up Athens with dazzling holiday demonstration. New Orleans-based artist Josh Cohen showcased his expert glass blowing techniques during a special open house at Athens Hot Glass. The pre-holiday event drew locals eager to purchase handmade glassware and witness live demonstrations of this ancient craft. Among the attendees was the Williams family, whose mother Lisa had previously taken a glass blowing class and wanted to share the experience with her husband and children. The open house served as both a shopping opportunity and an educational showcase for the community to appreciate this intricate art form.
🏀 Basketball Schedule Slam (Girls)
| Team | Opponent | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|
 Athens Bulldogs | ||
| vs Harding | 12/28 @ 3:00pm | |
 Nelsonville-York Buckeyes | ||
| vs Federal Hocking | 12/30 @ 7:30pm | |
 Alexander Spartans | ||
| vs Crooksville | 12/27 @ 6:00pm | |
| vs South Gallia | 12/30 @ 6:00pm | |
 Federal Hocking Lancers | ||
| vs Minford | 12/28 @ 12:00pm | |
| @ Nelsonville-York | 12/30 @ 7:30pm |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Serene family retreat near Athens
Nestled on nearly 6 acres of serene land, this beautifully updated home is listed at $415,000 and features 4 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 baths, making it perfect for family living. Enjoy the fresh air from your expansive deck or wraparound porch while relishing recent upgrades like a brand new HVAC system, flooring, and stunning marble countertops, all just a short 15-minute drive from uptown Athens.
Spacious contemporary home in nature
Nestled in the picturesque Oakmont Subdivision of Athens, Ohio, 8 Roxbury Dr is a spacious contemporary home listed at $399,000. This 2,292 sq ft property features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sunroom with 17 windows, and a walk-out basement, all sitting on a generous 0.57-acre lot surrounded by greenery, providing plenty of room for creativity and relaxation.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
💰 Financial Friday
Think about creating a budget that incorporates both your needs and a little fun money for splurges; this balance helps you stay on track while enjoying life along the way.
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
-2 Corinthians 5:17