🧘 Summer zen returns

Good morning, Athens County. Roll out your yoga mats and mark your calendars! Summer wellness returns to College Green as "Yoga Under the Elms" makes its comeback July 10th. After last year's enthusiastic reception, these free Thursday sessions offer a perfect midday refresh beneath OU's historic trees—just bring your mat and sign a waiver. The outdoor wellness initiative arrives as the university breaks ground on another community enhancement: the $99.2 million Violet L. Patton Center for Arts Education, funded substantially by an alumna's $50 million gift.

Amid these positive developments, our community mourns the loss of 65-year-old motorcyclist Clem J. Mace, who died following a collision on Ohio 691 Friday afternoon. The tragic accident, which remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, serves as a somber reminder of road safety as we move into the summer travel season. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Athens

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Nelsonville

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The Plains

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Albany

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87%

Chauncey

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🧘‍♀️ Free outdoor yoga returns to Ohio University's historic College Green. Starting July 10, WellWorks will host six weekly "Yoga Under the Elms" sessions every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. through August 14. "Following a fantastic response last year, we're thrilled to bring back our free outdoor yoga program," said Jenn Bennett, executive director of OHIO Wellness. No registration or membership is required—simply bring your own mat and sign a waiver at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Classes will be canceled for inclement weather, and participants can attend any or all sessions.

🎭 Ohio University breaks ground on transformative arts education center. The Violet L. Patton Center for Arts Education, funded by a $50 million gift from a 1938 alumna, will create a collaborative hub for artists across disciplines. The facility will feature a 350-seat theater, rehearsal halls, and gallery space as part of a $99.2 million plan to enhance arts education. Construction is expected to be completed by Summer 2026, with students moving in by Fall 2027. The center aims to serve not only the university community but also the wider Appalachian Ohio region.

🏍️ Tragic collision claims motorcyclist's life in Athens County. A 65-year-old Harley-Davidson rider, Clem J. Mace, died Friday after colliding with a Honda CR-V that was turning into a private drive on Ohio 691. The car's driver, Julie Howard, 49, was treated at the scene while Mace was transported to Marietta Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The accident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. and remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol with assistance from multiple local agencies.

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Rented investment with fireplace: This charming $277,000 Athens home offers 3 bedrooms, a gas fireplace, and screened porch, currently rented at $1,450 monthly with possession available after July 2025.

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🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

♿ May 21 - Disabilities Commission Meeting: Join the Athens City Commission on Disabilities for their monthly meeting at the Community Center on May 21 at 5:30 p.m. Open to all community members interested in accessibility matters!

🎸 May 22 - Todd Burge Live: Catch soulful singer-songwriter Todd Burge as he brings his captivating melodies to Casa Nueva on May 22. Doors open at 7:00 PM at 6 W State St, Athens—don't miss this intimate performance!

🎭 May 23 - John Heffron Comedy Night: Laugh out loud with John Heffron, Last Comic Standing winner, for one night only at Stuart's Opera House in Nelsonville on May 23. Don't miss one of comedy's most relatable performers!

🏞️ May 25 - Wolfe Plains Mounds Tour: Step back in time at the Wolfe Plains Mounds Tour on May 25! Explore 30 ancient earthworks from the Late Adena culture at Rising Appalachian Warriors in Millfield, where history comes alive.

🍹 May. 25 - Customize Your Bloody Bar: Spice up your Sunday at the monthly Bloody Bar on May 25! Customize your perfect Bloody Mary with your choice of liquor, rim, spice level, and tasty toppers at 7 W State St, Athens.

💃 May 25 - Columbus Party Review: Brush up your dance moves at Athens Community Center's free Columbus party review on May 25! Perfect for intermediate dancers who want to polish steps for the upcoming June 5 Columbus dance party.

🌿 May 25 - Mini Kava Market: Browse local treasures at the Mini Kava Market! Sip kava while shopping handmade goods, art, and wellness products at Big Run Kava Bar on May 25th, 12-4 PM. Perfect Sunday vibes in downtown Athens.

🎸 May 25 - Joseph & His Ghost: Catch indie rockers Joseph & His Ghost at The Side Bar on May 25! Doors open at 7pm with the show kicking off at 8pm—just $5 to experience this eclectic Ohio-based sound.

🙏 In Remembrance

Clem J. Mace

Clem J. Mace, a 65-year-old Nelsonville resident who enjoyed fishing, gardening, and video games, passed away on May 17, 2025, at Marietta Memorial Hospital. Born in Athens, Ohio in 1959 to Arthur and Rose Mace, he is survived by his wife Polly of nearly 47 years, his daughter, several grandchildren, a great-grandson, and five siblings. Funeral services will be held on May 21, 2025, at the Warren-Brown Funeral Home, with the family requesting donations to help with funeral expenses instead of flowers.

Janet "Jan" Williams

Janet "Jan" Williams, 64, of Nelsonville, Ohio, passed away on May 10, 2025, at O'Bleness Hospital in Athens, Ohio. She is survived by her husband, Joe Williams, and her son, Justin Romine. Warren-Brown Funeral Home of Nelsonville is handling the arrangements for her simple cremation. No further service details were provided in the obituary.

Betty Laverne Trowbridge

Betty L. Trowbridge, 100, passed away on May 17, 2025, at Licking Memorial Hospital in Newark. Born on March 9, 1925, in Longstreth to William and Mable Justice, she was a Carbon Hill High School graduate who enjoyed shopping and gambling, especially slot machines. She is survived by her daughter Judith, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a daughter-in-law. Funeral services will be held on May 22, 2025, at Souers-Cardaras Funeral Home in Nelsonville, with interment at Carbon Hill Cemetery.

Robert Joseph Shostak

Robert Joseph Shostak, 81, of Athens, Ohio, passed away on May 19, 2025, after a life dedicated to environmental law and community service. Born in Germany during WWII, Shostak immigrated to the U.S. in 1949, later earning his Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. Throughout his distinguished legal career, he argued before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, addressed the United Nations, worked as a law professor at Ohio University, and served on the Athens City Council. Remembered for his charismatic personality and commitment to championing the underprivileged, Shostak is survived by his life partner, three daughters, four grandchildren, and two siblings.