The Coshocton County Beacon December 17, 2020 | Page 6

6 • The Beacon December 17 , 2020

How should we celebrate the season this year ?

As the year has worn on for all of us , many of my weekly columns have contained a paragraph or two about the COVID-19 pandemic . Lately though , I decided to focus on somewhat more mundane topics — figuring you hear enough about the pandemic from other sources . Hopefully , those sources are reliable and informed .
With Christmas but a week away , most of us — if not all — are perhaps wondering about how this Christmas and holiday season will look . Do we celebrate in
Mark Fortune
Mark ’ s Musings
a somber atmosphere , or do we go all out with the knowledge this could all be behind us next year ?
I can only give you my own opinion and personal thoughts . I believe this year , of all years , we do need to celebrate while also remembering those we have lost to the virus . Our community has suffered real losses from COVID-19 , and others have come very close . Families have lost loved ones , friends have lost dear friends and I would imagine all of us are now at a point where we know someone who lost their struggle with the virus .
For many , this holiday season will be one of sadness , whether it is because of the loss of a loved one or not being able to have the normal large family gathering .
This year certainly puts a renewed focus on family and friends and staying in touch with our loved ones . Most people do seem more friendly and open to conversation . Maybe that is something we take out of this — something we have always known and perhaps took for granted . The season is about loving and giving to others and holding on to people , not things . Let ’ s make this Christmas and holiday season one to remember for all the right reasons .
As many predicted , the conference relaxed the rules , and the Buckeyes will play in the conference championship against Northwestern on Saturday . A victory should put the scarlet and gray into the playoff as the number-four team . However , there is no guarantee of that , but I think everyone would be shocked if it didn ’ t happen .
The dilemma for the Buckeyes is they will only have played six games versus other teams like Florida , Cincinnati , Texas A & M and others who have played eight , nine or even 10 games . What if Florida knocks off Alabama in the SEC title game ? There is always speculation , and that ’ s why they play the game on the field .
As I am writing this column ( Monday , Dec .
14 ), the Browns are gearing up for their big game against the Ravens with playoff scenarios on the line . It ’ s fun to be able to make a prediction for this one : Browns 27 and Ravens 17 .
We all know we have many choices when it comes to shopping for Christmas . Let ’ s remember to shop local first . If you are not comfortable browsing the shops and aisles , let a gift certificate speak for you . Think of everyday needs along with the unusual and your shopping and spending money locally becomes easy .

Kent State Tuscarawas adds new animation degree

The Bachelor of Science in Animation Game Design is now being offered in full at Kent State University at Tuscarawas and at the Stark and Kent campuses . While this degree is new for Kent State University , the animation and game design program has been training
students in industry-relevant skills since 2001 . Previously existing as a concentration within the Bachelor of Science in Technology and then Engineering Technology , enrollment has seen growth to nearly 300 students .
The BS AGD is a professional degree that has
received accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design . Accreditation by NSAD indicates the BS AGD program meets satisfactory industry standards and provides assurance of the quality and integrity of the program .
The program offers students a major area of study in foundational core classes of 2-D and 3-D art , modeling , animation and interactivity design , leading to a choice of concentrations in either animation or game design . Students also are given guidance to choose from other specific areas of interest to complement the completed professional degree .
Graduates of this program will be prepared for jobs in technical illustration and modeling , as well as in artistic production , exhibition , broadcast or in the numerous emerging internet applications .
To learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Animation Game Design at Kent State Tuscarawas , visit www . kent . edu / tusc / animation-game-design .
toll free 800.359.7522 1.5 miles West of Winesburg 4.5 miles East of Berlin on US 62 Hours : Monday – Friday 6:30am – 4:30pm Closed for the Holidays 12 / 24 – 01 / 06
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Cherish the Memories … Send Love for

Christmas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Linton Township Residents

The Linton Township Trustees will be holding a special year end and reorganizational meeting on Monday December 28 , 2020 at the Linton Township House in Plainfield beginning at 8:00 PM .
The Linton Township regular January meeting will be held on Monday January 18 , 2021 at 8:00 PM in the Township House located at 104 Jacobsport Drive in Plainfield , Ohio . This date will allow Trustees to prepare for the new year .
Regular meetings will be held for the balance of the year on the second Monday of each month beginning at 8:00 PM
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Coshocton 740.622.5171
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Nathan W . McNeal , Fiscal Officer , Linton Township
Nathan W . McNeal , Fiscal Officer Linton Township 15736 Tr 108 Kimbolton , Ohio 43749