Maria Bonita

Maria Bonita is now open on Market Street!! Early reports--It's good!! The staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is fun and casual. Happy hour and live music coming soon.

From an email sent to Spirit of Athens on March 9 following the first Cruise In:


Good Morning…I just wanted to say how much fun it was to see all those old and some newer cars Saturday. There were so many people walking around the square. I hope some stopped in to shop while the guys got their fill of engines and such. We try to visit downtown on these special event days. Thanks for all the work you and your committee do for Athens progress. Can’t tell you how I’m amazed at having a beer and pizza on the square!
Thanks, Connie

Coming To Athens!

Hey Ladies! Claire Kayser is joing up with her twin sister Carole Foret and do they have the deal of a lifetime! Now you can attend Southern Palette for less than you thought. This is a price that doesn't need much consideration. If you like to paint or THINK you'd like to paint in a getaway fun-filled weekend, then this is the weekend for you!

April 16 - 19

At Carole's Studio

Athens, Alabama

Historical downtown Athens Alabama in the springtime is a gorgeous setting. The dogwoods are in bloom, and there is an infectious energy all around. Claire and I have a great weekend planned. Check out the details at CaroleAndClaire.Com for a complete schedule of activities.

Want to know more about Athens? Visit the Spirit of Athens Site!

Read comments by those who have worked with Carole & Claire:

Carole and Claire came to Rosemary Beach to teach a few paint techniques to women, which they did. But they also spread broad brush strokes of joy, confidence, and effervescence. The beauty they brought to Girls' Getaway Weekend, on their canvases and in their smiles, was an integral part of the event. Their students left class glowing, happy with new skills and a masterpiece!

---Kim Jameson, Rosemary Beach, FL

"I've attended Carole and Claire's workshops and absolutely enjoyed them immensely. The ingredients that you can depend on in this "artistic" recipe are: relationship building, accomplishment, knowledge and most of all a large amount of FUN. Go, you will have the best time EVER!" ---Marcia Whitaker, Anniston, AL

It was such a joy to have you and your sister as our guests. Your artwork and sweet personalities were an inspiration to all! Thanks again...We hope to see you both again.

---Bev Sanders, Carmel, CA

Participating in the artist workshop was the best time I had all weekend. It gave me a chance to step outside of myself, in a fun and creative way. I met new friends that I look forward to seeing every year. And I love it when my friends in Atlanta visit my home and say "Did YOU paint that?" Then they want to hear about the whole trip and how then can attend one.....

---Sylvia Holler, Atlanta, GA

Main Street-Chicago

I am proud to announce that my trip to the Main Street Conference has already been so helpful. Meetings started today at 8:30 am and continued until 6 pm, with a reception following until 9 pm. I've received valuable information on the 4 points - economic restructuring, organization, promotions, and design. Communities from across the nation are attending this 4 day conference and are sharing their own success stories. I can't wait to get back to Athens and implement some of these ideas. Get ready!!

Ashley Winkle, Florence Main Street Director and me between meetings.

Board Member Elections

If you are a member of SOA, then you should have received a ballot in the mail with names of members who are on the slate for board member positions.  Please take time and vote and send in your choices!  Deadline to have them in the SOA office is March 9th, with results being announced at the Annual Member Meeting on March 10th. If you are not a member and wish to join SOA in order to vote so that you can have your voice heard in Athens, then join us!  Call the SOA office and see how to join: 278-6436.  For individuals it is as low as $25.

The names on the ballot that will be filling 2 positions are:

Bill Ming

Lana Boyer

Bland Allen

Leigh Key

Tony McCormack

Carole Foret on WHNT News

If you missed Athens artist Carole Foret and her husband Todd (avWORKS ) on the live show on Robert On The Road Monday morning, you can see the clips here that were filmed by clicking the links below. Thanks to Robert Reeves for coming out and doing a great job for Carole AND for the city of Athens!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Visit Downtown Athens for great shopping and food!! Check out the Old San Juan Puerto Rico restaurant at 202 S. Jefferson Street. Enjoy anything off the extensive menu or sip on the Rum Punch in this friendly environment. It's open Tues-Thurs and Sun 11-7 and Fri-Sat 11am - midnight. Lunch specials everyday for only $4.99.

Diane Lehr, SOA Member and Trisha Black, SOA Project Director, enjoy a evening at Old San Juan.

Family Fun at the Athens Storytelling Festival

The 2nd Annual Athens Storytelling Festival was held downtown October 30 - November 1. This was my first storytelling experience and was enjoyed by my entire family. My daughter has been unable to sleep in her bed all night since hearing Lyn Ford's ghost stories on Halloween night. AND my son ran down the sidewalks yelling, "i am ready for my whoop-in'" after hearing Andy Irwin's recount of a favorite game he plays with his son.

Congrats to the Storytelling Festival for their success and for bringing the art of storytelling to Athens.

Make plans to attend in 2009.

Trisha

MEMBERS MEETING - OCTOBER 28

SOA would like to invite the public to "Catch the Spirit Under the Tent" Tuesday, October 28 at 5:30 pm. If you would like to know more about SOA, this is the time to attend. From 5:30-6 pm, some of the nationally acclaimed storytellers attending the annual Athens Storytelling Festival this weekend will be there to mingle and enjoy refreshments from downtown restaurants.

So brave the cold, bundle up and check us out!

Haunts Walks!

Click to enlarge the flyer and make plans to hear some scary ghost stories!  This is wonderful walk that is sure to thrill all who go!

College Inn Dedication--You're invited!

Join us in the dedication of the College Inn this Saturday September 13th 2008 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, in its new location on East Street and Hobbs. Live Music Featuring ‘Elvis’, Offering Quiznos, Blue Bell Ice Cream, RC Cola & Moon Pies. The Public is invited!

The recently relocated & renovated 1930's, Prairie Style Service Station and Café will serve the city in promoting Athens. The Service Station will be used as a museum with period memorabilia and will be staffed by volunteers dressed for the times. The Café Building was completed this summer and is now occupied by Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful (KALB).

The College Inn, previously located on Pryor and Clinton Sts, was a lively stop and a favorite hangout for servicemen returning from World War II and for those attending nearby Athens College.

More info @ www.athensplus.com/collegeinn.htm

SOA on WAFF 48

Yesterday, Trisha Black and Carole Foret were on WAFF 48 morning news with Georgi Bragg.  They were discussing the Spirit of Athens and all the great things going on downtown, including Art on the Square coming up this Saturday, September 6th.  Thank you, Georgi for having SOA on the show!

Project Director

Congratulations to Mrs. Trisha Black for being chosen Spirit of Athens Project Director.  She has already shown such leadership and enthusiasm, having only begun work a week ago!  Thank you, Trisha for accepting the position.  We know that you will be great for the city of Athens.  Look for Trisha around town meeting the merchants and looking for ways to enhance our great town.

Sister Grace at the Red Caboose

Click to enlarge this flyer and don't miss Sister Grace performing at the Red Caboose this Saturday Night in Elkmont!  

Listen to the Radio Commercial!

Tide & Tiger Showdown

Click on the flyer above to read all about the Tide & Tiger Showdown going on right now with the downtown merchants.  And don't miss the day's events on the 16th that will be the grand finale with all kinds of activities for all ages as well as the chance to win great prizes!  Don't miss Sanders Woodroof get dunked in the dunking booth.  Wish I could throw that one!

Right now, when you spend $5 at participating Spirit of Athens merchants downtown, your name is put in a pot for the drawing to win all sorts of prizes.  So mention it when you shop down town!  You just may be the winner of a flat screen TV!  Wouldn't that be nice to watch the Iron Bowl?  Shop down town and catch the Spirit of Athens!