Good morning, Athens.

Chesterhill Produce Auction—started by Jean and Marvin Konkle in 2005—is celebrating 20 years on Monday, April 28.

The event will begin at 3 p.m. with an opening day auction and potluck gathering and will feature a flower basket benefit auction to raise funds for Rural Action’s Farm to School program.

After Ohio University cancelled the Black Alumni Reunion, Athens residents and alumni Aaron Thomas and Brandi Baker quickly organized a four-day Black Alumni Weekend with a cookout, networking events and cultural activities—drawing support from local nonprofits, businesses and officials. The event will begin Thursday and will include campus gatherings, heritage tours and a film screening to celebrate African-American history.

An article recommends four movies for Ohio University graduates who are getting ready to finish school and start new lives.

The films (The Devil Wears Prada, Pitch Perfect 2, Legally Blonde and High School Musical 3: Senior Year) show both the challenges and hopes of graduation.

Ohio University will host an Earth Day Celebration from noon to 4 p.m. Monday, April 14 in the Walter Hall Rotunda, with keynote speaker Geoff Dabelko, Mayor Steve Patterson, poets Stephanie Kendrick and Wendy McVicker, and OHIO Sustainability Hub faculty.

The free event will offer a full-day thrift store — along with an EV Showcase from 2 to 4 p.m. at Peden Stadium and music from local band The Houseguest — to highlight efforts for local and global sustainability.

Ohio University’s Plant Biology Club has preserved native species in Athens by leading nature walks and conservation projects for over ten years.

The club will partner with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for an invasive species removal event at the end of April — strengthening local conservation work.

This week, community and government groups announced several key dates including the April 15 deadline to submit election letters about the May 6 ballot and the Athens tax town hall at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 14, at the Athens Community Center.

Meetings have been cancelled or rescheduled, job openings and road work updates—including Joneswood Drive closure, SR 682 ramp flagging, and SR 7 resurfacing from April 28 to July 15—were also announced along with a Good Works volunteer retreat from June 15 to August 2.

Ohioans had until last Monday to register for the May 6 primary, which features one statewide issue to renew the State Capital Improvements Program—early voting began Tuesday at county centers.

Leighann Lord Standup Comedy Show

7-11 p.m. — Baker University Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughs with seasoned NYC comedian Leighann Lord.

Sunday Meditation Session

2-3 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — Free entry — Join the Athens KTC Buddhist Center for a peaceful meditation experience tailored for all levels.

Jazz Night at Rhapsody Restaurant

6-8 p.m. — Rhapsody Restaurant — Enjoy drinks and food while listening to Kay Carter and the Bernie Nau Quartet play great jazz.

My Morning Jacket & Grace Cummings Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the soulful sounds of My Morning Jacket and Grace Cummings during this captivating live show.

Athens Art Guild Art Market

9 AM – 12 PM — Athens Community Center — Free admission — Discover unique handcrafted arts and crafts from local artisans.

Sunday Meditation Sessions

10-11 a.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — Free entry — Find tranquility each Sunday with guided meditation at Athens KTC Buddhist Center.

OhioHealth Race For A Reason

5:30 p.m. — Ohio University — Check the website for registration fees — Participate in this annual race benefitting local causes and promoting wellness.

Sunday Meditation Class

2-3 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — Free entry — Experience mindfulness and meditation in a welcoming community setting.

First Saturday at the Pantry

5-7 p.m. — Food Pantry — Free entry — Learn about fighting hunger and receive a special recipes booklet while volunteering opportunities await.

Weekly Meditation Sessions

2-3 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — Free entry — Join Athens KTC for a calming meditation experience suitable for all levels.