Good morning, Athens County. The transformation of an old motel into a shelter for those facing housing insecurity shows the remarkable impact of community collaboration. As Athens Beautification Month unfolds this April, Ohio University students are rolling up their sleeves alongside local organizations to revitalize the city and support initiatives like the Sunset Shelter Project—proving that meaningful change often begins with neighbors simply deciding to make a difference together.
From service to celebration, OU's spring commencement is approaching with former Dairy Queen CEO John Gainor returning to his alma mater to address graduates on May 3. Meanwhile, Greek life is experiencing a remarkable renaissance on campus, with membership more than doubling since the pandemic—from 954 members in 2022 to a robust 1,823 today. Students cite finding community and belonging as driving forces behind this surge, reminding us that connection remains a powerful draw in our increasingly digital world.
🌤 Sky Skoop | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🏫 OU students make a difference through community service projects. Athens Beautification Month, held throughout April, invites volunteers to help clean up and revitalize the city. The Sunset Shelter Project is transforming Columbus Road's Sunset Motel into temporary housing for those facing housing insecurity in the Appalachian region. Ohio University students have joined with local organizations to support these community initiatives. Meanwhile, Vibrancy Theatre produced "Booty Candy," a comedy exploring the complexities of black and queer identities in America.
🍦 Former Dairy Queen CEO returns to alma mater for commencement speech. John P. Gainor, who graduated from Ohio University with a communications degree, will deliver the address at both undergraduate ceremonies on May 3. The spring commencement weekend includes a graduate ceremony on May 2, followed by two undergraduate ceremonies featuring traditional elements like the Alma Mater and Ceremonial Mace. Graduates can purchase regalia at Baker University Center, while attendees will have access to ADA parking, general admission parking, and free shuttle services to the Convocation Center.
🏛️ Greek life at Ohio University doubles in membership since pandemic. Student participation soared from 954 members in 2022 to 1,823 in 2024, with fraternities like ACACIA growing from 40 to nearly 70 members. The university currently hosts 31 Greek organizations and plans to expand by bringing back historically Black sororities like Sigma Gamma Rho and Zeta Phi Beta. Students cite finding community, structure, and belonging as key reasons for joining, while officials attribute the growth to intentional rebranding efforts and social media trends like "BamaTok" that sparked interest in Greek life experiences.
⚾ Baseball Scoreboard
The Nelsonville-York Buckeyes outlasted Alexander 9-7 in a high-scoring affair Tuesday, improving to 3-9 while sending the Spartans to a 2-4 mark. The win gives the Buckeyes some momentum before hosting winless Federal Hocking, while Alexander will look to rebound against Wellston's Golden Rockets, who enter Wednesday's matchup with hot bats after a recent 10-1 victory.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Nelsonville-York (3-9) | ||
@ Alexander | W 9-7 | |
Alexander (2-4) | ||
vs Nelsonville-York | L 9-7 | |
Federal Hocking (0-10) | ||
vs Eastern | L 26-0 |
🥎 Softball Scoreboard
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Nelsonville-York (8-3) | ||
@ Alexander | W 8-4 | |
Alexander (0-6) | ||
vs Nelsonville-York | L 8-4 | |
Federal Hocking (0-5) | ||
vs Eastern | L 23-3 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Historic Craftsman on six acres: Priced at $330,000, this historic 1930 Craftsman Style two-story home sits on nearly 6 acres near Ohio University, featuring updated interiors, large rooms with natural light, and four bedrooms with stunning views.
West Side whimsy under 225K: This whimsical West Side charmer, listed at $224,500, offers 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, hardwood floors, and inviting porches, all within walking distance to schools, shops, and the Village Bakery.
Spacious Athens acreage near amenities: This Athens-area gem on Della Drive offers 12.89 acres of outdoor paradise just a half-mile from Menards, featuring a possible century home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, newer siding, and beautiful woodwork for $335,000.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🙏 In Remembrance
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🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
-Philippians 4:13
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