Page 23 - The Buzz 05/15/2026

MAY 15 - 28, 2026 The NEARBY NEWS |C3
COTC Celebrates Spring Commencement with Milestone

Achievements SUBMITTED | CENTRAL OHIO TECHNICAL COLLEGE

COTC Spring Commencement. COTC

pioneers. “We stepped into some- as president of Mental Health Amer-
thing new and trusted the process ica of Licking County and current-
even when the path wasn’t always ly works as an outreach manager
clear. In a lot of ways, we didn’t just for Licking County Aging Partners,
complete this program — we helped where he connects older adults with
build it.” critical resources.
As they take the next step, they’ll
build upon the foundation they es-
tablished at COTC. “We’re stepping
into roles that require more than
just knowledge and technical skill,”
Simon, who was honored as her pro-
gram’s Most Outstanding Student,
said. “It’s about bringing compas-
sion, patience and humanity into ev-
ery interaction. We have the oppor-
tunity to make a real difference. If
NEWARK, OHIO — Central Ohio mencement ceremony, during which this journey has proven anything, it’s
Technical College (COTC) hosted two esteemed graduates gave a key- that we are capable of far more than
a landmark commencement on note speech. we ever imagined.” Instead of inspiring, Haught
May 8, honoring all graduates who Brian Haught took a different offered his practical but powerful
completed their degree and/or cer- tack with his address to the group approach to success. “It isn’t a mo-
tificate requirements in the spring of graduates. “I’m not here to inspire ment,” he said. “It’s what you build
2026 semester. you,” he started. over time. If there’s anything I can
COTC President John M. Berry, Yet Haught is inherently inspir- offer you today, it’s a few ways ‘to
PhD, presided over the ceremony, ing. His impressive professional ca- be.’ Be present. Be curious. Be open.
which featured the first graduating reer and contributions as a volunteer Be kind. Be silly. Be patient. Be inten-
classes from the college’s respira- earned him this year’s John C. “Jay” tional. If you can do that — even im-
tory therapy technology and RN to Barker Community Service Alum- perfectly — that’s the kind of success
BSN programs. “They will send pas- ni Award. It recognizes outstanding that actually lasts.”
sionate, skilled healthcare profes- commitment to both COTC and the And with his last thought, Haught
sionals into the communities that broader Licking County community. ushered his now fellow COTC alumni
need them most,” Berry proclaimed. He graduated with a digital me- into their next phase. “Congratula-
“History was made here today.” Ally Simon spoke to her entire grad- dia design technology degree from tions, COTC graduates,” Haught con-
Those degrees are now among uating class as a representative of COTC in 2007. For more than a de- cluded. “Now go be.”
the more than 20,000 credentials the respiratory therapy technology cade, his knack for marketing and
COTC has awarded to its more than program. “When we first started this storytelling drove the creative direc-
18,000 graduates. The college journey, there was no roadmap,” tion of the Midland Theatre and The ADVERTISE IN THE BUZZ.
740-270-2408
crossed each of those thresholds she began. But her cohort entrusted Works: Ohio Center for History, Art
during this special spring com- COTC, and perseverance made them and Technology. Haught has served

Pennyroyal Princess Party at Universe Bridal & Prom
Opera House to June 14, 2026

host bluegrass SUBMITTED | UNIVERSE BRIDAL & PROM
show SUBMITTED Bridal and Prom is hosting a Prin- have had so many requests to have Princess spots are limited and
COSHOCTON, OHIO — Universe at Universe Bridal and Prom. “We June 28th.

cess Party for girls ages 2 to 10, on another party and we are thrilled to must be pre-registered by calling
Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 10am- finally make it happen. All our staff Universe at 740-545-5005. (Please
4pm. The $20 admission for the and volunteers are excited to meet do not leave a message as registra-
princess (payable as a cash payment our future Universe Girls!” tion requires that you speak to a per-
on the day of the event) includes a “This year we will have several son.) Reservations can also be made
tiara, name tag, and tickets for the food trucks that will be onsite with through Universe Bridal and Prom’s
planned activities. offerings at an extra charge includ- Facebook messenger and by email
Princess participants get to play ing: Little Lao Kitchen; The Flying universe.bridal.prom@gmail.com
games, win prizes, do crafts, take a Naked Pig; and Hot Dog Diggity,” Universe Bridal & Prom has been
carriage ride, pictures and more. It continued Goch. “The Sno Shak will under new management since 2021.
Edgar Loudermilk Band. submitted generally takes 60 to 90 minutes also be on site from 10-2 with snow It is located at Unusual Junction,
for each princess to complete all the cones. Chairs and tables will be lo- 56310 US Hwy 36, West Lafayette,
FAIRVIEW, OHIO — The Penny- activities. Princesses will then enjoy cated outside. The food trucks are Ohio, and is open by appointment
royal Opera House will host a blue- cupcakes and punch. open to the public as well!” for prom, homecoming, bridal and
grass show Friday May 22nd fea- “We hosted this party three Princesses can bring up to two or bridesmaids dress shopping. For
turing the Edgar Loudermilk Band. years ago and even though it rained three guests. All princesses must be more information, contact the store
Rural Rhythm Records recording in the afternoon that day, everyone accompanied by a responsible adult at 740-545-5005, visit the website
artist Edgar Loudermilk’s signature had fun and it was a great success!” at all times. In the event of serious or social media.
voice, bass skills, and songwriting shared Carly Goch, store manager rain, the event will be held Sunday,
are a family tradition for this Louvin
Brothers’ descendant. Loudermilk’s
distinctive and powerful vocals cut CONTINUED FROM C2
to the heart of a song, while also
winning over audiences with his Central Ohio Restaurant
friendly, down-home style.
Opening Band - TBA Barry and Jennifer Rhonemus have and dream has become reality – a social hub for recreation, relax-
The kitchen and doors open poured their hearts into every aspect and we are bringing joy to our cus- ation, and community connection.
at 5pm and the show begins at of this experience. From the com- tomers while doing something that The working winery is the foundation
7:00pm. pletely reimagined golf course to the also brings us joy. It’s truly a dream of the stunning, 8,000-square-foot
Tickets are $20 per person, 12 three on-site vineyards and state-of- come true. This recognition only un- contemporary West Coast-inspired
and under are FREE the-art wine production facility, the derscores for us that we are doing building, which includes a restau-
The Pennyroyal Opera House entire project is driven by their love something pretty incredible here.” rant, bar, lounge, tasting room and
consists of a 100% volunteer staff of the property and the community Visitors can look forward to a event spaces designed to unite peo-
and is located in Fairview Ohio just that surrounds it. year-round calendar of events, from ple and place. Learn more at
off Interstate 70 at exit 198. For “We are so proud to be bringing wine tastings to live music and sea- www.rhonemuscellars.com.
more information check our website national recognition to our commu- sonal family celebrations. Fusing the
www.pennyroyalbluegrass.com or nity through this labor of love,” said experiences of wine, food, and golf
our Facebook page. Barry. “What started out as a vision on one campus, the facility offers