spirit

Raising Shayla

Administrator — Sat, 31 May 2008 11:28:40 -0700

Shayla, 9, is a typical girl who loves watching TV, playing with her friends and going to the park. When Shayla was younger, her mother, Christy, 26, was not there to raise her. Since then, she has been living with her grandmother, Shirley, 68. After her return, Christy realized that her bond with her daughter was not as strong as she had hoped. Through it all, daughter, mother and grandmother lean on each other as they continue to face life's challenges.
Editor's note: The family's last name has been withheld at their request.

Life with Dan

Administrator — Sat, 31 May 2008 11:48:37 -0700

Beloved Athens local, Dan Foose, 72, can often be seen walking throughout uptown Athens. All his life, Dan has suffered from a severe case of Scoliosis and mental handicaps. Tracie Pittman-Davis has been his caretaker for more than five years. Five days a week, Tracie arrives at 7 a.m. to help Dan with basic necessities such as cooking and shaving. Beyond her daily duties, Tracie takes Dan and his best friend Ed, who also has mental handicaps, shopping every Saturday.

Athens Farmers Market

Administrator — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 02:09:42 -0700

Since its inception in 1972, the Athens Farmers Market has emanated a thriving philosophy of sustainability and community action. From the farmers who find economic support to the customers who cherish its welcoming atmosphere, the market remains an anchor for local food security and serves as a pathway from the soil to the plate.

Homecoming

Administrator — Sat, 31 May 2008 11:55:58 -0700

In the 20 years since Gay Hammon graduated from Ohio University, she picks up the cymbals once a year as a member of the Marching 110 Alumni Band. The alumni band comes together every fall for homecoming, performing in the parade and halftime show at the football game. Hammon's annual return is greeted with love and excitement from her fellow band members. A quick glance at either the alumni or current Marching 110 and one may never have guessed that when Hammon made the percussion line in 1986, she was only the third woman to have done so.

Faith. Prayer. Love.

Administrator — Sat, 31 May 2008 12:18:54 -0700

Sadie Roth, a graduate student at Ohio University, participates in Campus Crusade for Christ, a nondenominational Christian organization. She plays the keyboard and sings in the praise band with her boyfriend, Daniel Evans. After playing in the band for three years, Roth’s motivation has remained the same; “It’s an opportunity to lead God’s people in worshiping him and that’s just an amazing privilege,” she says.

Hip Hop in Appalachia

Administrator — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:24:22 -0700

Hil Hackworth and Ryan Schwartzhoff make up the hip-hop group, DysFunktional Family, and have been performing together ever since meeting in Athens High School. Their Athens roots play a big role in their music, as they try to create a unique sound that doesn’t fit into the stereotypes surrounding hip-hop.

Veteran Portraits

Administrator — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 21:01:39 -0700

Through the years, Athens residents have displayed a strong commitment to community and military service. For many, serving their country meant traveling overseas and risking life and limb to secure our nation's liberty. Pictured here are some of Athens' war veterans.

Free Spirits

Administrator — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 21:02:43 -0700

Athens County is rich in spirituality. Pictured here are people of diverse philosophy and faith.