Good morning, Athens County. The curtains are rising on a revolutionary approach to theater this weekend at Stuart's Opera House. ABC Players' "F Is for Friends" breaks traditional barriers with sensory-friendly performances that keep the lights on and the atmosphere relaxed—proving that sometimes the most inclusive experiences come when we simply let everyone "just be themselves." These free Saturday shows featuring Winnie the Pooh-inspired tales remind us that friendship, like good theater, should be accessible to all.
Meanwhile, athletic excellence continues to bloom locally as Buckhannon-Upshur star Samantha Shreve signs with Ohio University's Division I program. The accomplished distance runner chose the Bobcats after feeling an immediate connection to both the scenic campus and coaching staff. And as spring semester winds down, Palmer Fest has returned with its distinctive energy, colorful "fest wear," and safety measures in place—marking the final celebration of OU's festival season.
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84%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🎭 Sensory-friendly theater welcomes everyone to "just be themselves." ABC Players' production "F Is for Friends" opens Saturday at Stuart's Opera House with a focus on accessibility for neurodivergent audiences. The show features choreographed songs about friendship and a musical play based on Winnie the Pooh stories, chosen specifically because the characters' supportive relationships exemplify true friendship. Unlike traditional theater, this production uses regular room lighting, gentle sounds, and flexible seating arrangements to accommodate sensory sensitivities. While specially designed for those with sensory needs, the free performances at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. are open to all community members.
🏃♀️ Star runner Samantha Shreve signs with Ohio University for D-I athletics. The Buckhannon-Upshur standout chose the Bobcats after connecting deeply with coach Sarah Pease, who impressed her with a commitment to "investing in people." Shreve, an accomplished state champion in both cross country and track, plans to major in exercise physiology with aspirations of earning a doctorate in physical therapy. The scenic Athens campus and team atmosphere felt like family to Shreve, who aims to continue setting records while pushing teammates at the collegiate level. "This is a dream come true," says Shreve, who hopes to leave a lasting legacy as one of the best distance runners in her high school's history.
🍻 Palmer Fest returns with hundreds of students flocking to the street. The last festival of the Ohio University spring season saw massive crowds gathering in backyards, on roofs, and porches by early afternoon, playing beer pong and enjoying music. Students cited the energetic atmosphere and unique "fest wear" fashion as highlights of the celebration. Safety measures were in place with the Southeast Ohio Hope Center providing Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and water bottles to promote harm reduction. Despite concerns about unauthorized celebrations, attendees expressed confidence in fellow students' ability to have fun responsibly.
⚾ Baseball Scoreboard
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Athens (6-1) | ||
vs Alexander | W 6-2 | |
Alexander (0-2) | ||
@ Athens | L 6-2 | |
Federal Hocking (0-7) | ||
vs Trimble | L 6-1 |
🥎 Softball Scoreboard
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Athens (6-3) | ||
vs Alexander | W 16-3 | |
Alexander (0-4) | ||
@ Athens | L 16-3 | |
Federal Hocking (0-4) | ||
vs Trimble | L 19-2 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Rustic fixer-upper with acreage: You can snag this partly-finished 3-story log cabin on 10 acres for $224,000, featuring a pond with writer's cabin, ridgetop pasture, animal pens, and woods – though you'll need to bring tools to complete some unfinished projects.
House plus mega garage heaven: Priced at $260,000, this Athens-area property offers a spacious two-story home with 3 bedrooms alongside an impressive 6-car garage building with heated floors, shower bath, and multiple outbuildings on 4 acres.
Spacious family home on acre: This manufactured home is available for $170,000, featuring five bedrooms, three full baths, a two-car garage, and sits on over an acre of land with a deck overlooking a fenced backyard.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🙏 In Remembrance
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🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
-Galatians 6:9
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