Athens mayoral race heats up - Fisher raises $100k

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I have to give a special shoutout to my very favorite gym, Orangetheory Fitness Athens! (Located in Beechwood Shopping Center behind Chick-fil-A on Alps Road.) It's an incredible gym with the best coaches, great energy, and a better sense of community than anywhere else I've ever worked out.

If you've ever thought about joining but wanted to try it first, their annual Hell Week is coming up October 24–31, and it's packed with fun, themed workouts each day. For non-members, it's $39 for unlimited classes during those 8 days. If you complete at least four of the eight workouts, you'll earn an exclusive Hell Week t-shirt or tank!

It's honestly my favorite week of the year at OTF. It's the perfect mix of challenge, fun, and that group energy that keeps you coming back. If you sign up, look for me in the morning classes and let them know I sent you! 🔥

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Our Favorites:

Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen serves handmade New York-style pizza with fresh ingredients at three Athens-area locations (Five Points, Normaltown, and Watkinsville). The casual spot features a full bar, outdoor patio, seven flat-screen TVs for game days, plus wings, subs, and salads. Build your own pie or try signature options like the Buffalo Chicken Ranch or Loaded Hawaiian, with gluten-free crust available.

Learn more here.

💰 Commissioner Fisher Raises $100K for Mayor Race

The Gist: Athens-Clarke County District 5 Commissioner Dexter Fisher raised more than $100,000 at his mayoral campaign kickoff on Oct. 14 at The Venue on Broad. About 200 people attended the event as Fisher enters the 2026 race to replace Mayor Kelly Girtz.

Why It Matters: Early fundraising signals serious mayoral competition heating up almost a year before election day, giving voters plenty of time to evaluate candidates.

Read more here.

🍽️ Weaver D's Owner Plans to Retire and Sell

The Gist: Dexter Weaver announced plans to sell his property and retire, marking the end of an era for one of Athens' most iconic restaurants. The soul food eatery inspired R.E.M.'s album title "Automatic for the People" and has served the community for 39 years.

Why It Matters: An Athens landmark that put the city on the international map is entering its final chapter. Weaver said the timeline for the sale and his retirement is not yet finalized.

Read more here.

🎭 Rocky Horror Picture Show | 40 Watt Club | Athens | 10/28-29 | More 
Live shadowcast brings extra dancing, burlesque, and costume contest prizes.

🥕 Athens Farmers Market | Creature Comforts Brewing | Athens | 10/29 | More Southern Living's Best: fresh local produce, artisan goods, live music.

🎨 Lyndon Arts Openings | Lyndon House Arts Center | Athens | 10/30 | More 
Three new exhibitions featuring textile art, fiber crafts, and public art.

🏃 Jack-O-Lantern Jog 5K | Sandy Creek Nature Center | Athens | 10/26 | More Costume-encouraged run through nature trails with Goblin Fun Run for kids.

🎃 Wild Rumpus Halloween Parade | Downtown Athens | Athens | 10/25 | More 
Athens' Mardi Gras brings costume revelry, live music, and street dancing.

🎸 JOHNNYSWIM | Georgia Theatre | Athens | 10/23 | More 
Husband-wife duo delivers soulful indie-folk with intimate harmonies.

🎤 Ella Langley w/ Laci Kaye Booth | Georgia Theatre | Athens | 10/24 | More 
Rising country star brings rafter-reaching vocals and straight-shootin' songwriting.

🖤 Southern Gothic Halloween Weekend | 40 Watt Club | Athens | 10/24-25 | More Dark wave and goth vibes with Vision Video and Delores Galore.

If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.

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