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Last week, I asked you guys about the Scoop Club.

Your responses made something clear: you don't just want free stuff - you want to actually meet people and experience more of Athens together.

So here's a different idea: Athens Dinner Club.

Here's how it would work:

You sign up and take a quick personality quiz.

Then, we match you with 5 other Athens Scoop readers based on your personality, and book a table for you at a great local restaurant.

You show up, meet your group, have dinner, and actually get to know people in Athens who actually share your vibe, interests, and more.

I handle everything - you leave with 5 new friends.

Price: $16. Covers all the handling, matching, and logistics that I’ll do (not the meal). Not a membership, just do it whenever you’d like.

I need to know if anyone would actually use this before I set it up though.

The first 25 people who click "yes" will get early access when it launches.

Reply if you have any questions.

The Globe has been a cherished downtown Athens institution since 1989, offering the warmth of a European-style pub with an extensive selection of craft beers, wines, and single malt scotch. The recently renovated space maintains its cozy charm with hearty fare including fish and chips, gourmet burgers, and satisfying sandwiches served daily from 11am to 10pm. With its roaring fireplace and tapestries adorning the walls, stepping into The Globe feels like visiting an authentic pub across the Atlantic.

Read more here.

Samuel Duran Hutchins is the Executive Director of Hope 4 Xavier Foundation, named in honor of his late son Xavier, dedicated to autism awareness and empowerment right here in our community.

As a certified life coach with a spiritual approach, Samuel helps people discover "A New Way to a Better Way" - unlocking the better version of yourself that already exists within.

He's also the published author of "He Never Complains," chronicling his profound father-and-son journey with autism. Whether through his foundation's work, his coaching, or his podcasts "IT'S A RAP WITH REGGIE AND SAM" and "Xavier's Journey," Samuel offers authentic guidance and support for Athens families.

He's Not Your Ordinary Life Coach. 👉 Check them out here.

Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏

The Gist: A car smashed through the glass wall of the Alps Road Kroger Tuesday morning around 11 a.m., plowing into the self-checkout area. Four people were hit, including a Kroger employee who suffered a possible skull fracture. Four others were treated for non-life-threatening injuries including a suspected concussion and arm laceration.

Why It Matters: This happened at a busy grocery store just over a mile from UGA's campus, underscoring pedestrian and shopper safety concerns in high-traffic commercial areas. Furthermore, it’s seeming (not confirmed) that she did this intentionally.

What's Next: Athens-Clarke County Police are investigating what caused the crash. The driver also sustained facial injuries.

Read more here.

The Gist: Athens police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Thursday morning at Pulaski and West Broad streets. Officers found 26-year-old Cole Anargyros in the roadway around 2:30 a.m. He died at the hospital from his injuries.

Why It Matters: This marks another violent incident in the downtown area, raising safety concerns for residents and the nearby UGA campus community.

What's Next: Police are searching for suspect Jamarioun Clark, 22, of Madison. Anyone with information should contact Detective Bradshaw at 762-400-7323.

Read more here.

The Gist: Commissioners unanimously approved a temporary moratorium blocking new data center construction until March 6. The move came after Athena Studios proposed converting their film facility into a 1.3 million square foot data center, sparking resident concerns about water use, energy consumption, and pollution.

Why It Matters: Athens joins other Georgia communities regulating AI-driven data centers before they drive up utility costs for working families.

Read more here.

The Gist: The beloved Prince Avenue specialty market announced it will close December 28, citing rising costs and economic uncertainty. Owner Kirsten Hindes said the business couldn't find a path to profitability despite loyal customers and award-winning offerings.

Why It Matters: Birdies' closure reflects mounting pressures on local, independently owned businesses in Athens as rents, utilities, and operating costs squeeze small shops out of the market.

Read more here.

Note from Vincents Place:

Carbon is a black cat that found our colony of feral cats a few months ago - but he was no feral. This sweet boy had been abandoned. He was so thin and scared at first, but as soon as he realized he was safe here his loving, trusting, affectionate nature came out. He started gaining weight and confidence. We recently got him neutered and vaccinated but we couldn’t bare the thought of putting this sweet boy back outside. He had scars, scabs and fresh wounds from fighting and he deserved safety and love. We fostered him and cared for his wounds as we tried to find him a loving forever home.

Then the Athens Area Humane Society agreed to help! We brought him there on the 1st and he is looking for someone to adopt him. He is the sweetest boy and we just know that the perfect family is out there for him. He loves laps and pets and attention.

You can support @vincentsplace and learn more about him here.

You can call the Athens Area Humane Society to learn more about adopting at (706) 769-9155.

❄️ Winter WonderLights | State Botanical Garden of Georgia | Athens | 12/21, 12/22, 12/23 | More A half-mile walk through twinkling lights, featuring s'mores and hot chocolate.

🎬 Movies by Moonlight: The Grinch | Sandy Creek Park | Athens | 12/19 | More Free outdoor screening with fire pits and complimentary s'mores.

⛸️ Athens on Ice | 440 Foundry Pavilion at The Classic Center | Athens | Daily sessions | More Outdoor ice skating with seasonal treats and the Tinsel Trail.

🎶 Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas | The Foundry | Athens | 12/21 | More Old-time country ballads, traditional folk, and '40s swing harmonies.

Kind of empty week. I’m crediting it to Christmas.

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