Good morning, Athens.

Sam Debatin, an OHIO art history graduate, has worked as a freelance piano tuner since 2022 and returned to Athens on April 17 to teach a masterclass for piano technician students—he has tuned pianos for clients in Columbus and Pittsburgh and for the Burning Man festival.

Ohio University will close its diversity, equity and inclusion offices after this semester following Ohio’s SB 1, which bans DEI programs on state-funded campuses—this shutdown affects the Multicultural Center, Pride Center, Women’s Center and Office of Inclusion while keeping accessibility and veteran services open.

Ohio University undergraduates are invited to apply for the Scripps Semester in D.C. program this fall—offering internships, classes and networking opportunities in Washington—and can receive scholarships of up to $4,000.

Students must submit a 250-word personal statement, résumé and three references in an application available on the new OGO App system.

Ohio University professor Basil Masri Zada has built a supercomputer for the College of Fine Arts—letting students run advanced programs on older devices.

It is testing with up to 80 students and will expand with IT and college support over the next four years.

Today, local government and community groups announced several events including the Athens County EMA hazards meeting at 5 p.m. at 75 Connett Road in The Plains and a special meeting for the Champions for Children Dinner at 5:30 p.m. at Ohio University Inn, while future plans feature office hours on May 1, a board meeting on May 5, multiple bid deadlines for public projects, traffic work with specific closures, a township cleanup on May 10, and a Beginner Scottish Dance Series starting May 7 at the Athens Community Center — all reflecting current community and government schedules.

First Saturday at the Pantry

5-7 p.m. — Food Pantry — Free entry — Learn about fighting hunger and receive a special recipes booklet while volunteering opportunities await.

Weekly Meditation Sessions

2-3 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — Free entry — Join Athens KTC for a calming meditation experience suitable for all levels.

Weekly Meditation at Athens KTC

10-11 a.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — No cost — Experience mindfulness and community through guided meditation sessions every Sunday morning.

Superhero 5k Run

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Richland Avenue Park — Family-friendly activities — Participate in a fun 5k with kids' obstacles and bounce houses.

Sunday Morning Meditation Session

2-3 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — No experience needed — Join the Athens KTC Buddhist Center for a calming meditation practice with options for instruction and discussion.

Joseph and His Ghost Live

7 PM – 1 AM — The Side Bar — $5 — Experience the eclectic sounds of indie rock from Joseph & His Ghost hailing from central and southeast Ohio.