Good morning, Athens County. While the rest of the world chases after AI chatbots and crypto trends, Lake Hope State Park is inviting us to embrace a decidedly analog adventure this weekend. Between eagle-spotting expeditions and up-close encounters with our cold-blooded neighbors, it's shaping up to be the kind of Saturday that reminds us why "screen time" isn't always the best time.
Speaking of finding your zen, the Athens Buddhist Center is proving you don't need to trek to Tibet to discover inner peace. Their new Sunday meditation sessions at Serenity Roots are drawing both seasoned practitioners and curious newcomers alike. And for those who couldn't wait to welcome 2024, the Birth Circle's JIVE! celebration showed that you don't need to stay up until midnight to party like it's 2019 - just ask the 80 families who rang in the new year at 4:30 PM.
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73%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🦅 Lake Hope State Park invites nature lovers for eagle watching and reptiles. The Ohio park is hosting two special naturalist-led events this Saturday, January 4th, offering unique winter wildlife experiences. The morning "Cold Bloods" session will teach visitors about winter survival strategies of reptiles and amphibians, featuring live creature encounters. Later, participants can join an "Eagle Excursion" for a leisurely 1.5-mile hike along the Moonville Rail Trail, where they'll learn about bald eagles and possibly spot one in the wild. Both events are family-friendly and begin at the Nature Center, with the eagle watch requiring participants to bring binoculars and dress for winter weather.
🧘 Athens Buddhist Center offers weekly meditation sessions for all skill levels. The Sunday morning gatherings take place in the yoga studio at Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center on Lavelle Road in Athens, Ohio. The center follows a rotating schedule of meditation styles and dharma discussions throughout each month. Newcomers are welcome to attend without any prior meditation experience, and personalized instruction is available upon request. The weekly sessions run from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and will continue through December 2025.
🎈 Athens families ring in 2024 with kid-friendly New Year's bash. The Athens Birth Circle successfully revived its popular JIVE! celebration at the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery, selling 80 tickets for an afternoon of games and activities. The event, returning for the first time since 2019, featured a special 4:30 PM balloon drop countdown to accommodate young celebrants. New Birth Circle Director Megan Buskirk plans to expand the organization's services in 2024, with a particular focus on parent support groups and community feedback. The partnership with the museum proved ideal, as both organizations serve similar demographics of young families in the Athens area.
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
 Alexander Spartans | ||
@ Huntington | L 57-53 | |
 Federal Hocking Lancers | ||
@ Wellston | W 53-48 | |
vs NHCA | L 66-47 | |
 Nelsonville-York Buckeyes | ||
vs New Lexington | L 60-42 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Renovation dream on spacious land
This fixer-upper home is listed at $110,000 and is situated on 5 acres of land, perfect for those willing to put in the work. The property is a major renovation project that requires a complete makeover, including all mechanical systems and basement walls, and it is being sold as-is with all faults and defects, under a conservation easement.
Contemporary home with serene gardens
Nestled in the charming Oakmont Subdivision of Athens, Ohio, this contemporary 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is listed at $399,000 and sprawls across 2,292 sq ft on 0.57 acres of fenced greenery. The well-appointed design includes a sunroom adorned with 17 windows, a spacious kitchen-dining area, and a walk-out basement that leads to serene gardens, making it an ideal retreat for both relaxation and creativity.
Modern home near university amenities
This updated 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home, listed at $399,500, boasts an inviting open floor plan filled with natural light, a modern kitchen, and a spacious family room ideal for gatherings. The property also features a main floor primary suite, a finished basement with a rec room and fourth bedroom, a two-car garage, and a generous side yard, all just a stone’s throw away from Ohio University’s campus and local amenities.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
-Philippians 4:13