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Findings In and Under ACHS&M

by Kelee Riesbeck, Executive Director, Athens County Historical Society \& Museum

Well this is embarrassing. Here I thought me, of all people, with always plenty to say, would be more forthright in submitting her blogs that she agreed to do every week. The only excuse I can offer is that our rather large and extensive remodeling project demanded more of my attention than I had planned. Namely, weve found a few things inside the highest reaches of the building as well as underneath the building that have made this particular renovation project intriguing.

One of the construction workers found what appeared to be animal bones while he was digging out the pit for the elevator we are installing. To make sure, we called Dr. Nancy Tatarek, Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Ohio University. She is an expert in skeletal biology and is the instructor for some of ACHS&Ms student interns. She determined the bones were from a young horse. Next, an archeology student noticed some interesting-looking stone slabs in the pit that appeared to be purposefully set. So we called Dr. Elliot Abrams, a professor in the same department who specializes in Ohio Valley Archaeology. He determined that, since the North end of Court Street was home to many liveries, we had probably stumbled upon the edge of the livery building, making he horse bones make a lot more sense. Both neat things to have happen underneath the historical societys building.

posted in: athens, athens county, buldings, infrastructure, living in athens, quality of life, real estate, sites, transportation, unique
October 20, 2009 | comments (0)
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Democracy in Action!

by Sarah Conley, Market Manager, Athens Farmers Market

Last Thursday, I joined over 150 fellow Athenians for a Town Hall Meeting. The topics ranged from Transportation Infrastructure to Uptown Economic Development. I facilitated the panel on Increasing Food Security, and was impressed when ten eager and knowledgable individuals sat down at the table. Our group whipped up an incredible brain storm discussing ways in which we can inform and improve the way our City tackles the issue of food security. There must have been an inspirational spark at many of the other tables, too, because after each group met indivdually, we collectively shared some highlights from our discussions. A lot of great ideas were shared, and most groups made plans to meet again before the next Town Hall meeting.

It’s a real testament to this community to see that many citizens excercise their civic responsibility. I was equally impressed with the Mayor and City Planner, as they voiced high regard for hearing the voices of their citizenry.

posted in: athens, development, economic development, government, infrastructure, leadership, networking, strategy, sustainable, uptown
March 18, 2009 | comments (0)
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Dial-Up Land

by Sarah Conley, Market Manager, Athens Farmers Market

Remind me, next time you see me, to thank my lucky stars. Yes, I need reminded from time to time that life works out, and that my list of blessings is truly endless. Life in our country home is a dream come true and I’ll never look back on the chance we took two years ago to buy nine acres in the hills of Southeastern Ohio.
That said – I will take the next three sentences to complain.
Dial-up internet is for the birds. No, perhaps even the birds would complain, because they can certainly fly faster than the time it takes for me to upload one simple webpage. There are days when I actually consider applying for a tech job with Verizon simply to infiltrate the business and run hi-speed internet service to me and my neighbors.

Living in rural Athens County, such is life. Roads are paved with tar and cinder and may become impassible with a hard rain. Access to utilities is not a guarantee, some places just now getting pipelines installed. Ridges are steep, bridges narrow, but there’s nothing like the view from atop Hooper Ridge.

posted in: , athens, athens county, balance, development, infrastructure, place, quality of life
February 16, 2009 | comments (0)
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