Spirit is in the air...

Cruizin the Square Reunion from May

You would not believe the number of people that showed up to Cruise downtown on May 30! Not growing up in Athens, I did not know what to expect. Well...people from all ages showed up and it was FUN! Who'd thought circling the courthouse square could be so amusing? Mike Scott, a local resident and "Cruiser," collected $410 for SOA. The money will be put in a future Facade Improvement Grant Program.

Enjoy photos taken by Alissa Rose-Clark. The sweet couple, Mr. & Mrs. Irons, is shown in an earlier post when they cruised in the 1950s.

Win this painting!!

Carole Foret, local artist and business owner, has graciously donated this painting to be given away at the Art on the Square Silent Auction August 8. For a $10 donation, you get to attend the auction as well as be entered for the drawing. You do not have to be present to win, but, believe me...this is an event you don't want to miss. The number of applicants for the 4th Annual Art on the Square festival, held on the courthouse lawn September 12, doubled this year and most will donate a piece for the auction. Bring your friends, sip some wine and buy LOCAL art!!

For more information, call 256.444.8156 (leave a message) or email artonthesquare@hotmail.com. Or mail your check to Art on the Square, P.O. Box 1560, Athens, AL, 35612. Be sure to include your contact information.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Art on the Square Silent Auction
August 8, 6:30-9 PM
Carole Foret Fine Art Gallery
Downtown Athens

What others are saying about SOA and Downtown Athens...

I received this email today from Sherry Harper Coleman:

"I grew up in Athens. I love Athens and appreciate all the hard work that the Spirit of Athens group does to keep Athens alive. My husband, daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter were visiting my Dad and stepmother, over the 4th of July weekend. After a great morning with my sister-in-law's family at their annual 4th of July breakfast, we met my brother and his wife for dinner on the square on the evening of the 4th. We had a wonderful dinner at Luvici's. The food was delicious and their waitstaff was very friendly and helpful. Our waitress held our granddaughter while we enjoyed our food. You don't find that in too many places!!! Then we enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the square to look at all of the cars on display. It brought back a lot of good memories. We also attended the AU/ALA spirit day last year. We ate at [Tortillas] Blanco and enjoyed our lunch that day, also. I hope we can time our visits so we can enjoy more of the events that you have planned throughout the year."

Sincerely, Sherry Harper Coleman, Olive Branch, MS

Marketing 101 - Carole Style

Enjoying Carole's workshop on tapping into the world of social media. What am I learning? I need to blog more (Amanda also told me this). So...this is my pledge to blog! I promise!

Now I am officially a "lovecat."

Trisha

Meet SOA's Membership Coordinator

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting Amanda Romine at Luvici's for lunch. Lunch was good as usual, but our conversation was even better. She's a mother of three and works at a local accounting firm. With boundless energy and a love for downtown Athens, she's a great addition to SOA. She has graciously agreed to serve as Membership Coordinator - so you may be hearing from her soon.

Welcome Amanda - look forward to working with you.

Trisha

Order downtown bench today!

Now until July 31, RSVP is taking orders for benches in downtown Athens. Total cost is $1750 and includes a plaque and installation. Call Betty Ruth at 256-232-7207 for more information. This is a great way to contribute to beautifying the city and leave your mark as well.

Memories Shared of Cruising Days

Mr. Paul Irons shared this great picture of him and his wife cruising the square in the 1950s. Read more in todays News Courier.

Hope to see you cruising through the square Saturday night between 6 PM - Midnight. Donations will be accepted for SOA to start a Facade Improvement Grant Program.

Hope to see you there!!

CRUISING THE SQUARE OKAYED FOR ONE NIGHT

For decades the courthouse square in Athens was the place for county and city youth to congregate on the weekends. After a curfew was implemented in the mid 90s, the youth left the popular hangout. Those memories remain some of the best for many that inched around downtown in their camaros and pickups.

Mike Scott, a local resident and 1989 graduate of Athens High school, started a Facebook group a few months ago. “Cruizin the Square” group members, nearly 700 now, share experiences and news clippings on the social networking website. After suggestions of creating a reunion emerged, Mike Scott started thinking it might be possible. Scott met with the Mayor Dan Williams and applied for a special event permit.

The Cruizin the Square reunion is scheduled for May 30 from 6 PM until midnight. Scott is asking for donations from those attending the Cruising Reunion. “I am asking that folks meet me at my minivan and donate $1-2. That money will be given to Spirit of Athens for downtown improvements.” Those that love downtown should attend and show their children what they did in their spare time.”

The Spirit of Athens plans to use the donations to start a Facade Improvement Grant Program. The program will allow downtown property owners to apply for financial assistance in improving the exterior of their buildings including painting the facade, awnings, signage, and lighting. SOA is currently looking for investors to contribute to this program.

For more on the Cruizin the Square Reunion information, contact Mike Scott at 256-233-7177. To learn more about the Spirit of Athens, call 256-278-6436 or visit www.spiritofathens.com.

Car Show

Buzz Estes

Last weekend, Athens hosted an amazing time downtown on the square!  It was the annual car show with hundreds of cars and thousands of people filling the streets!  I've never seen so many shiny,  colorful, restored cars in my life!  The weather couldn't have been nicer, and it seemed that everyone had a great time.  My favorite part was overhearing older folks talk about the memories that these cars brought to mind.  They LOVE talking about those times.

As I walked around, my favorite became the 57 Chevrolet Bel Air.  This red one was hot!

And then, Mr. Carlos, who owned a beautiful pinky/coral colored one, wanted to take MY picture with his car.  Notice how I was scared to actually touch it.  I didn't want him to have to shine it back up.  If you missed the car show--you missed a beautiful time!  Catch it again next year!  Or catch a Cruise In each month...

Carole Foret

Painting on the Sidewalk

How nice!! Carole Foret and her twin sister Claire Kayser paint with students in front of Carole's gallery. The sisters conduct a C&C Painting Journey Class. For more information, visit Carole's website.

"First Saturday" Activities-April 4

Thank you to everyone that volunteered last Saturday, April 4th. SOA participated in the Great American Clean Up sponsored by KALB (Keep Athens Limestone Beautiful), held an Easter Egg Hunt, and hosted another successful Cruise In. It was a busy day, but good to see people on the square all day.

Next Cruise In is May 2nd from 3 - 9 PM.

Please note the dogwood trees in the picture from the Cruise In. The courthouse lawn is beautiful this time of year!

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