Good morning, Athens.

Recent romance scams in Athens have victimized two seniors, with losses of $296,000 and prompting warnings from law enforcement—FBI data shows that older adults are often targeted.

The Athens Community Council on Aging will host a Scam Jam workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 135 Hoyt St for $19 to help seniors and their families spot fraud.

Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services will host a 60-minute Sunset Yoga class at Dudley Park on September 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.—participants aged 12 and older will pay $5 for residents and $7 for non-residents as online registration continues.

Last week in Athens, the State Botanical Gardens hosted Insectival—where visitors saw monarch butterfly releases—while UGA Volleyball held the Bulldog Classic and local groups organized a marching exhibition, Drag Bingo, a vigil for Charlie Kirk, and LatinxFest downtown.

Jim Adams has run Adams Optics in downtown Athens for 50 years — he still charges $99 for a pair of glasses while other stores now charge much more.

He spends his time working in the busy city and enjoying a simple life near Lake Chatuge.

Grammy Award-winning mandolinist Chris Thile returns to the UGA Performing Arts Center at Hodgson Concert Hall on Thursday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m.—he will perform selections from his solo work blending classical, folk, and improvisational music.

Erik Hogan, an Athens police officer and photographer, tells how he sees art as a way to share human spirit and nature—he will start training for a 112-mile thru hike on the Bartram Trail in a month after past delays from bad weather.

LaKeisha Gantt, a former board member, launched her campaign for Athens mayor on Sept.

20 during a tour in the city—visiting neighborhoods where she grew up and ending at City Hall. She said she will work to give city workers livable wages, help small minority and women-owned businesses, and fix issues with affordable housing and mental health resources.

The University of Georgia equestrian team held its annual Red and Black scrimmage on Sept.

20 at the UGA Equestrian Complex in Bishop — where the Red team beat the Black team 9-7 — with riders showing both jumping and horsemanship skills.

Kirby Smart’s Georgia football is ranked No. 3 in the Coaches Poll released Sept 21 after a 44 to 41 overtime win at Tennessee— the Bulldogs will face No. 16 Alabama in Athens Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on ABC with SEC Nation broadcasting from campus.

Mico Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Georgia Theatre — Tickets from $43 — Experience an electrifying performance by Mico at a local favorite venue.

Night of Comedy with Brad Upton

8-10 p.m. — Rialto Club at Hotel Indigo — Check the venue for ticket prices — Experience a laugh-out-loud performance from comedy veteran Brad Upton, known for his viral specials and engaging humor.

Waylon Wyatt Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $37 — Catch Waylon Wyatt perform live in a vibrant atmosphere at one of Athens' top venues.

Georgia Bulldogs vs Alabama Crimson Tide Tailgate Party

3-9 p.m. — Sanford Stadium — All-inclusive access — Enjoy a tailgate extravaganza with BBQ, drinks, and live entertainment while cheering for your team.

Classic City Sprint, Duathlon and Aquabike

7 AM – 2 PM — Sandy Creek Park — Check website for entry fees — Compete in a thrilling triathlon event combining swimming, biking, and running.

Deerhoof Live Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Ticket info unavailable — Celebrate 31 years of Deerhoof with an evening of avant-garde tunes.

Braxton Keith Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Georgia Theatre — Tickets starting at $50 — Experience an exciting night of live music with Braxton Keith at a popular local venue.

Guardians of the Jukebox Concert

7-10:30 p.m. — The Foundry — $12 adv, $15 door ($10 with college ID) — Experience the ultimate 80s tribute band transporting you back in time with high-energy hits and a vibrant visual backdrop.

Dolphin Group Live

8 p.m. — Flicker Theatre & Bar — $12 — Experience the aquatic synth-pop sounds of Dolphin Group and local indie talent in a lively night of music.

Tini Semeria 6th Annual Spark in the Dark 5K

6-8:30 p.m. — University Golf Course — Registration required — Participate in a fun, multi-activity event with face painting, live music, and glow in the dark fun.