For an industry that exists to create, entertain and bring people together through shared experiences, the pandemic gave a particularly brutal blow to those in the business of the Arts, including the Performing Arts Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas. For 17 long months, the doors were closed, the seats were empty and the stage was without entertainment. This hiatus – no Broadway shows, musical acts, family experiences and educational outreach programs – resulted in not only a decline in community engagement and economic development but in revenue. “The Performing Arts Cent...

CHISHOLM/CHERRY—A local couple is traveling to New York City where they are set to perform music as part of an ensemble in one of the oldest parades in the nation. Ryan Freitas, Band Director at Chisholm High School and his wife, Marie Freitas, Band Director at Cherry High School have been accepted to be part of Saluting America's Band Directors Marching Band performing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. "Saluting America's Band Directors is providing a way to recognize the extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of band directors everywhere—public and private schools at all levels...