Good morning, Athens County. Arts leadership in Appalachia just got a powerful boost with Devin Sudman stepping into the executive director role at Stuart's Opera House. His journey from volunteer to education director to the top position embodies the spirit of community dedication that makes our historic venues thrive. With his infectious energy and commitment to accessible arts education, Sudman represents the homegrown talent that keeps Southeastern Ohio's cultural scene vibrant.
Meanwhile, Athens streets transformed into a sea of voices Saturday as thousands joined the nationwide "No Kings" demonstrations, exercising their constitutional rights through peaceful protest. And for those seeking lighter fare, College Green rocked with the return of "Battle of the Greens," where local bands competed for campus glory after a pandemic hiatus. Guy Music took home the crown this round, but with three more battle nights scheduled, the competition is just heating up.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🎭 Longtime Stuart's Opera House volunteer rises to executive director role. Devin Sudman, who began as a volunteer in 2015 and later became education director, will now lead the historic Nelsonville venue. With over a decade of experience at Stuart's and a background in music education, Sudman plans to strengthen arts programs through community partnerships in Southeastern Ohio. His leadership approach emphasizes listening to community needs before taking action, with goals to enhance existing education programs and explore new collaborations. Colleagues praise his infectious energy, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to making arts education accessible to all students at little or no cost.
✊ Thousand protesters flood Athens streets in second 'No Kings' demonstration. The Saturday protest along East State Street was part of a nationwide movement against the Trump administration's policies, with over seven million Americans participating in 2,700 demonstrations across all 50 states. Participants voiced concerns about cuts to education, healthcare programs, and increased ICE funding, with teachers, social workers, and even a hospice patient joining the peaceful protest. Many demonstrators emphasized the importance of unity and non-violence, with some wearing costumes to reinforce the peaceful nature of their constitutional right to protest. Despite some initial nervousness, participants described a supportive atmosphere where people shared signs and stood together against policies they view as harmful.
🎸 Ohio University bands battle for campus glory on College Green. The "Battle of the Greens" competition returned Wednesday after a pandemic hiatus, featuring four musical acts competing for the title of best band. Performers included opener Airbag, solo artist CAMEØ, crowd favorite and ultimate winner Guy Music, and the genre-blending band Beagle. Students gathered on blankets to enjoy the free performances, rating each act on a scale of one to ten. Three more battle nights are scheduled across campus locations, with winners invited to perform at OU's Spring Festival.
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Expansive countryside retreat near Athens: For $899,999, this Athens County, Ohio property offers 70 acres featuring a two-story home, ADU, barn, garage, stocked pond, and wooded surroundings—all just minutes from Athens, Ohio University, and about 90 minutes from Columbus.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
-2 Timothy 1:7
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