Good morning, Athens.

AMOCC is restocking local thrift stores with items left behind by Ohio University students during graduation weekend (tens of thousands of belongings were collected) after many students did not take all their items home.

Writer, artist and storyteller Lyn Ford shared folktales from her heritage at the Chauncey Public Library during the Affrilachian Folk Tales event at 29 Converse St. on May 7—photo by Al Maloney.

Ohio University announced it will close its Pride Center, Women’s Center and Multicultural Center on June 23 because a new law bans diversity efforts—its president said work done by these centers will move to other university areas while affected staff and student workers can interview for new roles and receive full separation benefits if not retained.

Former Richland Area Fire Department Station 2 on East State Street is now a private car storage facility for former Court of Common Pleas judge Alan Goldsberry, who bought the building in March with his son Stuart.

Funds from the sale and two retired fire trucks will help remodel the Hooper Ridge station to add more truck parking bays—the project is still in the planning stage.

Nelsonville hired Fred Holmes as the new city manager at the April 28 meeting — the council relieved interim manager Devon Tolliver effective May 1, with Tolliver assisting until June 30.

The council also discussed delayed payments for former city manager Scott Frank and scheduled a town hall on May 20 to address the government transition.

The State Employee Relations Board certified the Ohio University faculty union after dismissing OU’s claims about members-only meetings and ballot delays—OU has 15 days to appeal the decision.

More than 70% of faculty voted for unionizing, which sets the stage for upcoming contract talks with the university.

Weekly Meditation at Athens KTC

10-11 a.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — No cost — Experience mindfulness and community through guided meditation sessions every Sunday morning.

Superhero 5k Run

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Richland Avenue Park — Family-friendly activities — Participate in a fun 5k with kids' obstacles and bounce houses.

Sunday Morning Meditation Session

2-3 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — No experience needed — Join the Athens KTC Buddhist Center for a calming meditation practice with options for instruction and discussion.

Joseph and His Ghost Live

7 PM – 1 AM — The Side Bar — $5 — Experience the eclectic sounds of indie rock from Joseph & His Ghost hailing from central and southeast Ohio.

3rd Annual Starbrick Music Festival

3 PM to 11 PM — Hocking College — Ticket prices starting at $12.51 — Enjoy a nostalgic mix of Country and Classic rock music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

UpCycle Fest 2025

12-5 p.m. — Community Makerspace — Free entry — Celebrate creativity and sustainability through art, fashion, and hands-on activities at this vibrant community festival.

2025 Junior Bobcat Basketball Camp

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Charles J. Ping Recreation Center — Registration required — Enhance basketball skills with expert coaching and fun activities over three days.