Good morning, Meigs County. From dorm room workouts to million-dollar success, Ohio University grad Stefana Avara just proved the American Dream is alive and well in Athens. Her pandemic pivot from Instagram fitness videos to a thriving athleisure empire isn't just inspiring - it's a masterclass in modern entrepreneurship, complete with body-positive messaging and an 86% customer return rate that would make any business school professor proud.
Meanwhile, our local corridors of power are buzzing with passionate debate as Student Senate wrestles with budget allocations and faculty union endorsements. And if you think that's shaking things up, wait until you hear about the Shimmy Mob bringing belly dance activism to Point Park. Who knew fighting for social justice could look so graceful?
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🏛️ Student Senate clashes over budget control and faculty union support. The governing body debated whether to maintain $6,100 in pre-allocated funds from their $20,000 annual budget for specific campus events and organizations. Members were divided on keeping these traditional allocations, with some arguing for budget committee discretion while others emphasized protecting minority group interests. In another contentious vote, the Senate narrowly passed a bill supporting faculty unionization efforts at Ohio University, despite objections that student government shouldn't involve itself in labor disputes. The meeting concluded with additional measures passed regarding commission performance reviews and judicial panel procedures.
💪 Ohio grad turns pandemic workout videos into million-dollar athleisure empire. Stefana Avara, a 2020 Ohio University graduate, transformed her viral fitness content into Liaison The Label, a body-positive activewear brand launched from Athens. The brand hit $1 million in revenue within two years, boasting an impressive 86% customer return rate and over 200,000 Instagram followers. Liaison offers affordable, size-inclusive athletic wear, with prices ranging from $44 for sports bras to $69 for leggings. Now expanding to a Chicago warehouse, Avara connects with customers nationwide through Pilates classes and pop-up events.
💃 Local belly dancers shake up domestic violence awareness in West Virginia. The Shimmy Mob Team Parkersburg is recruiting new members for their World Belly Dance Day performances on May 10, supporting the Family Crisis Intervention Center through dance and donations. No experience is required to join the team, which currently has seven members from all walks of life. The group, part of an international movement with over 2,100 teams in 83 countries, collects monetary donations and essential supplies for abuse shelters. Performances will take place at Point Park and potentially the Grand Central Mall, with registration open until March 31.
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)
St. Joseph Central Irish danced past Wahama 62-47 in a non-league clash, with the Irish improving to 8-7 while handing the White Falcons their seventh loss of the season. The luck of the Irish continues to shine as they look ahead to a quick turnaround against Grace Christian tomorrow night.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
 Wahama (11-7) | ||
vs St. Joseph Central | L 62-47 |
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
 Eastern (2-18) | ||
@ Portsmouth West** | L 61-24 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals | |
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Serene one-level home with views: This charming 2 bed, 1 bath home, listed at $148,500, offers serene one-level living on nearly 1.5 acres, featuring modern amenities, a private covered deck, and stunning countryside views.
Secluded land ideal for retreat: This secluded 25-acre vacant land along SR 681 is just minutes from US 33, featuring a mix of trees and an open area for building, making it perfect for hunting or a private getaway. The list price is $160,000.
Serene wooded retreat for building: Kingsbury Road in Pomeroy, OH, offers a tranquil 5.697-acre wooded parcel for $60,000, featuring a flat terrain ideal for building your dream cabin, complete with trails and nearby utilities for convenience.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
💰 Financial Friday |
TIPS PRESENTED BY Farmers Bank |
Review your subscriptions and memberships periodically to determine which ones you actually use and enjoy; canceling those that no longer serve you can free up funds for savings or other financial goals.
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb |
PRESENTED BY Northbend Church |
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
-Romans 15:13
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