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TOGETHER WITH
The Athens Scoop Dinner Club’s registration closes Sunday May 10th! We’ve got a couple spots left!
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How it works:
Take a short personality quiz
Get matched with 5 strangers who match your vibe
We pick the restaurant, handle the details, and you leave with 5 new friends!
You just show up.
The date: May 12th at 7:00 PM
Registration closes: May 10th at 7:00 PM
If you’ve been craving conversations with substance (the kind that remind you why community matters) this is for you. Spots are limited.
“I would definitely go again and will highly recommend to my friends!” - Sydney Burd
“I’m looking forward to the next outing!! So fun!!” - Joy Hoyt
Any questions? Just reply. See you there.
In today’s Scoop:
🥟 A Fresh Wave of Dumpling-House Culture
💰 Athens-Clarke's FY27 Budget Hits $212.5M
🪲 UGA's Live Insect Zoo Reopens
🥟 A Fresh Wave of Dumpling-House Culture
Just hitting the Athens food scene, Dumpling Master is quickly becoming a go-to spot for those looking for something delicious and different. Their steaming soup dumplings and hearty noodle bowls are already making waves. Nestled in The Mark, the restaurant boasts a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere. It’s a cozy place that offers a refreshing change from the typical college-town dining options!
The Clear Choice for Your Showers, Glass, and Mirrors
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We’re Shawn’s Showers & Glass, a family-owned team transforming bathrooms and living spaces across Athens and northeast Georgia, one custom glass project at a time.
From budget-conscious framed doors to fully custom frameless enclosures, every shower is measured with care and installed for a watertight, flawless finish, with options to add wall-to-wall vanity mirrors, home gym mirrors, and sleek glass shelving.
This season’s the perfect time to upgrade the space you use every day, and our in-house crew brings the precision, cleanliness, and pride in workmanship that have earned us 5-star reviews across Georgia.
Reach out for a free quote at shawnsshowersandglass.com or call 404-519-9550, and let’s turn that builder-grade bathroom into a clear, bright space you will enjoy for years.
What others are saying: “I had a perfect experience with Shawn's Showers and Glass. I had them install glass for 2 showers. They were very communicative, had reasonable prices, and we're on time. I would happily recommend their services for anyone needing custom glass work done.” - Francis Conley
Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏
💰 Athens-Clarke's FY27 Budget Hits $212.5M
The Gist: Mayor Kelly Girtz submitted his recommended FY27 budget to the Commission, with the General Fund at $212.5 million and the millage rate staying at 12.25 mills. The full operating and capital budget across all funds is $377.3 million.
Why It Matters: Public safety, courts, quasi-governmental agencies, and employee pay are driving the increase, while the proposal still pulls just under $4 million from reserves.
What's Next: Budget work sessions start May 12, with final adoption scheduled for June 9.
Read more here.
🗳️ Election Clock Is Running
The Gist: Athens-Clarke voters have a May 19 General Primary and Non-Partisan General Election coming up. Advance voting runs through May 15, and the absentee ballot request window closes May 8.
Why It Matters: The ballot includes the open mayoral race and local decisions that will shape the next Commission cycle.
What's Next: ACC will begin early processing for absentee ballots before Election Day, with tabulation beginning May 19.
Read more here.
🪲 UGA's Live Insect Zoo Reopens
The Gist: UGA's Live Insect Zoo reopened to the public in a permanent new home in Cedar Street Building B. The zoo features more than 30 species of insects and arachnids.
Why It Matters: It gives Athens families, students, and school groups a hands-on way to learn about insects without leaving campus.
What's Next: Summer visitors can reserve tours online, and the zoo also offers mobile programs for schools and community groups.
Read more here.
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🐻 Bears Birthday Party | Bear Hollow Zoo | Athens | 05/08 | More
Celebrate Athena and Yonah with crafts and birthday treats.
🎭 Shrek the Musical JR! | Morton Theatre | Athens | 05/08-05/10 | More
A family-friendly musical weekend at the Morton Theatre.
🌿 Mother's Day Brunch | Georgia Center | Athens | 05/10 | More
Classic brunch spread at the Georgia Center's Savannah Room.
🎷 A Night of Jazz at the Botanical Garden | State Botanical Garden of Georgia | Athens | 05/12 | More
Chamber Music Athens brings jazz to the garden.
🍛 Weaver D's Food & Entertainment Festival | VFW Post 2872 | Athens | 05/16 | More
Free soul food festival with music, vendors, and local flavor.
🎾 NCAA Tennis Super Regional | Dan Magill Tennis Center | Athens | 05/08 | More
Georgia’s national champion women’s tennis team hosts UCLA at 4 p.m. Tickets are $5.
🎸 EXPO 2026: 30 Years of Kindercore | 40 Watt Club | Athens | 05/08-05/09 | More
Kindercore celebrates 30 years with a packed Athens music lineup.
🎶 Steeln' Peaches | Georgia Theatre | Athens | 05/08 | More
Allman Brothers tribute night at the Georgia Theatre.
🕸️ Goth Prom | Georgia Theatre | Athens | 05/09 | More
Athens Goth Night takes over the Georgia Theatre.
🎤 Athens's Got Talent | Terrapin Beer Co. | Athens | 05/16 | More
All-ages talent show benefiting The Cottage.
🪕 Sandy Creek Hootenanny | Sandy Creek Park | Athens | 05/17 | More
Bring an instrument or clap along at this open jam.
If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.
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