🎭 Bare necessities

Good morning, Athens County. The stage is set for a revealing performance at Stuart's Opera House, where six unemployed men are finding the courage to bare it all in "The Full Monty." ABC Players' production isn't just about the strip act – it's a heartwarming exploration of friendship, insecurity, and what people will do for those they love. With tickets under $13, this musical comedy offers both laughs and unexpected emotional depth as these unlikely performers prepare to go the full monty.

Nature is the classroom at Athens' Solid Ground School, where children organized into "roots," "shoots," and "branches" are learning through outdoor exploration rather than traditional desks. Teacher Keith Barron's innovative approach has students creating original stories that OU music students transform with custom compositions. Meanwhile, on campus, Student Senate meetings are heating up with debates over divestment referendums and transparency requirements, showing that passionate discourse remains a hallmark of Athens civic life.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Athens

33°

47°

Nelsonville

33°

47°

The Plains

33°

47°

Albany

33°

47°

Chauncey

33°

47°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎭 Six unemployed men strip down insecurities in "The Full Monty." ABC Players are bringing the beloved musical to Stuart's Opera House with performances running March 7-9 and 14-16. The show follows struggling steelworkers who plan a strip act to earn money after seeing their wives' enthusiasm for male dancers. As they prepare for their revealing performance, they overcome self-consciousness and find strength in friendship. With tickets ranging from $8.50-$12.50, this heartwarming comedy explores what people will do for loved ones while delivering both laughs and emotional depth.

🌳 Solid Ground School nurtures imagination through nature-based learning. Founded in 2019, this Athens educational institution organizes students into "roots," "shoots," "saplings," and "branches" groups while emphasizing outdoor exploration and creativity. Teacher Keith Barron has pioneered an innovative storytelling project where pre-K and kindergarten students create original stories that OU music students then enhance with custom compositions. The curriculum follows children's interests and creates a "home-like school environment" where play and discovery are central to learning. "Everything we do can be a story," says Barron, whose teaching philosophy celebrates children's voices and imaginations.

🏛️ Student Senate clashes over referendum and transparency at heated meeting.The Athens Justice Coalition's demand for a referendum on divestment from climate crisis contributors and military conflicts was tabled after concerns it could harm Jewish students. Senate unanimously passed a resolution condemning Ohio Senate Bill 1, which they argue threatens university programs, faculty rights, and diversity initiatives. After extensive debate, a resolution to improve transparency in Senate proceedings passed 28-1, requiring documentation of Judicial Panel decisions. The meeting concluded with members approving a cancellation of their March 19 session to attend a town hall addressing university concerns.

Wooded acreage with rustic cabin: Priced at $298,700, this 29.24-acre property in Athens, Ohio, offers wooded tranquility with oak trees, hunting opportunities, a converted garage cabin with utilities, and hiking trails just 5 miles from town.

Spacious ranch near Athens: Priced at $469,900, this tasteful contemporary ranch in Athens features 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a walk-out daylight basement on a .633-acre lot, located in Hickory Hills just 3 miles from town.

Athens Money Maker: Priced at $215,000, this Richland Avenue triplex offers investment potential with three one-bedroom units, two currently used as AirBNBs generating $2,200 monthly, plus convenient access to Athens attractions.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🧠 Mar. 7 - Athens Friday 12-Step Meeting: Find support and community at the Athens Friday Twelve Step Meeting Group, gathering March 7 at 141 Mill St. Everyone on the recovery journey is warmly welcomed to join this healing space.

🎤 Mar. 7 - BTD Shelly Hip Hop Shop: Hip-hop heats up The Side Bar as BTD Shelly presents "The Hip Hop Shop" featuring special guest NWM Cee Murdaa. Catch the Brothers Till Death showcase March 7 for just $5 at the door.

♿ Mar. 7 - Disability Awareness March: Join the empowering March on Court Street for Disability Awareness! Gather at Baker University Center on March 7 to kick off Athens County's Developmental Disability Awareness Month with signs, friends, and community spirit.

💎 Mar. 7 - DIY & Repair Jewelry: Craft your own dazzling accessories or breathe new life into beloved pieces at Community Makerspace's Jewelry Making and Repair workshop. Drop by 751 W Union St on March 7 for creative sparkle!

🧑‍🌾 Mar. 08 - Athens Winter Market: Fresh winter produce awaits at the Athens Farmers Market this Saturday! Browse local goods under the solar panels at Athens Community Center from 9am-12pm. A perfect way to support area farmers.

🎻 Mar. 8 - Dixon's Violin: Experience the mesmerizing magic of Dixon's Violin at ARTS/West on March 8! This premier visionary violinist will transform your understanding of what's possible with strings and bow. 132 W State St, Athens.

💰 Financial Friday

Explore the benefits of automating your savings; by setting up automatic transfers to your savings account, you can effortlessly build your financial cushion without even thinking about it, allowing you to reach your savings goals more comfortably over time.

🙏 In Remembrance

Irena Mickunas

Irena D. Mickunas, born in Lithuania in 1936, passed away peacefully at home on March 4, 2025, at the age of 88. After emigrating to the United States in 1949, she earned degrees from Roosevelt University and Ohio University, later working as an accountant for research grants at Ohio University. She was an avid traveler who explored numerous countries, contributed to her community as a founding member of the Dairy Barn arts center, and enjoyed reading and creating knitted works. Irena is survived by her husband of 66 years, Dr. Algis Mickunas, their three children, a son-in-law, and two grandchildren.

Joanne Worstall

Carolyn "Joanne" Worstall, 89, of The Plains passed away peacefully at home on March 3, 2025. She was retired from Beacon School in Athens, Ohio, and was active in numerous organizations including the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd and various service clubs. Joanne shared her life with her husband Don Frazier until his passing, enjoying travel together, especially abroad and winters in Florida. She is survived by her son Mark, daughter Michele, six grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and numerous stepchildren and their families. At Joanne's request, there will be no public services, with private interment handled by Jagers and Sons.

Carol Potter

Carol Florence Potter of Canal Winchester, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on March 1st, 2025, with her family by her side. She was surrounded by loved ones during her final moments. The Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home is handling arrangements for her funeral services. No further details about her life or surviving family members were provided in the brief obituary announcement.

Joe Schloss

Athens S. Joseph Schloss, a 75-year-old Vietnam Navy veteran, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025. He was a devoted husband to Carole for 27 years, a loving father, step-father, and grandfather who worked for 36 years as a surveyor for AEP. Joe was deeply committed to his Athens community, actively participating in organizations like the Elks Lodge and American Legion, while being known for his generosity, loyalty, and willingness to help others in need. An avid sports fan and outdoorsman who invented "rollerblade basketball," Joe left behind a legacy of love, friendship, and community service that will be remembered by his large extended family and numerous friends.