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I'm thinking about creating something new for Athens Scoop: the Scoop Club.

Here's how it would work:

Through the club, you get access to free stuff from local businesses.

Examples of what members would get:

This happens 2-4 times per month. New stuff each time, so you can try everything out in the city.

The price: $3/month.

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

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

That's it. Reply if you have questions.

Tucked away in the Bottleworks on Prince, Seabear Oyster Bar offers a coastal escape with its rotating list of fresh oysters, crispy fish skins, and scallion pancake "tacos". The space is intimate and modern, buzzing with an energy that suits both a spontaneous happy hour cocktail or a slow, savory dinner of low-country boil and ramen. ​

Read more here.

Hutchins Financial Harmony helps Athens business owners get their books ready NOW before the scramble hits.

If your Q4 records are a mess, your tax preparer will charge you more (or worse you'll miss deductions).

Alisa Hutchins specializes in cleaning up books and organizing everything your CPA needs: reconciled accounts, categorized expenses, accurate reports all ready to hand off.

With a background at the University of Georgia and deep experience in personalized bookkeeping for local businesses, Hutchins Financial Harmony brings clarity to your financials so tax season doesn't become crisis season.

Get ahead while there's still time. Read more on her website or book a FREE consultation to assess your Q4 books here.

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

Designs By TNT creates customized greeting cards and meaningful gifts for every moment that matters. Each piece is handmade with care, blending thoughtful design with your unique story to help you celebrate life’s most important occasions.

From seasonal cards to personalized keepsakes, we craft items that bring joy, connection, and a personal touch you can’t find in stores. As a local small business, we’re passionate about turning your milestones into lasting memories—one custom creation at a time.

Check them out here.

The Gist: Eric Gisler defeated Republican Mack "Dutch" Guest IV by 197 votes (50.9% to 49.2%) in Tuesday's special election for Georgia House District 121. The seat, which covers parts of Athens and most of Oconee County, had been held by Republicans since at least 2018.

Why It Matters: Local voters flipped a heavily Republican district, with Gisler gaining 20 percentage points in Oconee County and 17 points in Athens compared to 2024.

Read more here.

The Gist: Mayor and Commission reviewed Core Spaces' proposal to replace Hotel Abacus at 295 E. Dougherty St. with student housing and a 425-space parking deck. The $14 million project would preserve the Foundry building's facade and relocate Hoyt Street Playground.

Why It Matters: Commissioners raised concerns about displacement in predominantly Black neighborhoods, prompting discussions about minority construction contracts and community scholarships.

Read more here.

The Gist: Athens-Clarke County police stepped in after a delivery driver quit mid-route on November 29, leaving 70 packages on a sidewalk. When the company said they'd only replace items instead of retrieving them, officers delivered the original packages themselves.

Why It Matters: Local law enforcement ensured holiday gifts reached Athens families during the busiest shipping season.

Read more here.

Two years ago, Obake wandered onto the Vincent’s Place Sanctuary property after a storm, soaked, scared, and clearly in need of help. They brought her to MOAS to make sure no one was looking for her, but after two weeks with no family claiming her, they went back and adopted her. She had arrived thin, full of fleas and parasites, and unsure of the world around her. Today she is healthy, loved, and an easy friend to every rescue on the property, from the cats to the goats. Please follow them on Instagram @vincentsplace to learn about all their rescues.

🦌 Deck the Hollow | Bear Hollow Zoo | Athens | 12/11-12/14 | More Holiday lights transform the zoo with animal encounters and festive photo opportunities.

🎅 Cookies with Santa | Sandy Creek Nature Center | Athens | 12/13 | More Kids decorate cookies and craft while meeting Santa in nature center classrooms.

🎨 Holiday Hooray Market | General Time | Athens | 12/13-12/14 | More Over 150 makers and artists showcase handcrafted gifts at Athens' largest holiday market.

🎻 Athens Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert | Classic Center Theatre | Athens | 12/13-12/14 | More Free admission holiday concert featuring beloved seasonal classics and audience sing-alongs.

🎄 Jolly Jamboree | Lay Park | Athens | 12/18 | More Free family holiday celebration with games, crafts, and seasonal activities.

🎤 Karen Morgan Comedy Show | The Foundry | Athens | 12/12 | More Southern wit meets Maine living in this clean comedy evening.

🎸 Nuçi's Space 25th Anniversary Concert | Georgia Theatre | Athens | 12/12 | More Beloved Athens musicians celebrate a quarter-century of music and healing.

🎭 Movie Night II: Drag & Burlesque Show | 40 Watt Club | Athens | 12/12 | More Vibrant performance art meets late-night entertainment in Athens' legendary venue.

🎵 Lera Lynn | The Foundry | Athens | 12/13 | More Haunting folk noir and cinematic Americana from the True Detective artist.

🎸 Jake Xerxes Fussell | 40 Watt Club | Athens | 12/13 | More Intimate seated show featuring traditional American folk and field recordings reimagined.

P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of local Athenians? Email us at [email protected].