Page 5 - The Buzz 08/07/2026

A4 | LOCAL NEWS The AUGUST 7 - 20, 2026 AUGUST 7 - 20, 2026 The LOCAL NEWS | A5
3,355,828 Minutes read for MCLS Summer Packing Healthy 2026 Dresden Melon Festival in Photos Lynette Dotson

Reading Program BY LYNETTE DOTSON | THE BUZZ Lunches That
Kids Will

Actually Eat

BY ALEXUS MASTERSON, MPH,
FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES EDUCATOR
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION,
MUSKINGUM COUNTY

As the school year begins, many
parents face the challenge of pack-
ing lunches that are both healthy
and appealing to their children. The
good news is that nutritious lunches
do not have to be complicated. With
a little planning, families can create
meals that support learning, growth,
and energy throughout the school
day.
A balanced lunch should include
foods from several food groups.
Aim to pack a source of protein, a
A budding reader looks through a selection of books in the children’s room at the John McIntire Library. Daegan Lusk Media whole grain, a fruit, and a vegetable.
Protein foods such as lean meats,
The Muskingum County Library mer reading at MCLS. The annual cheese, yogurt, eggs, or beans help
System’s “Unearth A Story” Sum- challenge allows library patrons of children stay satisfied longer. Whole
mer Reading Program was a mas- all ages to register for the program grains provide lasting energy, while
sive success with readers amassing and log minutes read in order to gain fruits and vegetables contribute im-
a total of 3,355,828 minutes read digital badges, reach milestones portant vitamins, minerals, and fi-
throughout the two-month program, that earn tickets that can be entered ber. Children are more likely to eat
which concluded on July 31. toward prize drawings, as well as foods they enjoy, so include familiar
“Our community definitely showed pick up weekly rewards for logging favorites whenever possible. Instead
up and participated and read a lot,” minutes each week. of introducing several new foods at
said Sean Fennell, MCLS Marketing “You know, we do have our weekly once, pair one new item with foods
& Community Relations Director. “It prizes for kids and adults to come in your child already likes. For example,
warms my heart every time I think and pick up every week so that we add cucumber slices to a lunch that
about how much people participat- are really making sure that folks includes a favorite turkey sandwich
ed this year. We’re going to have to have that incentive to visit because and apple slices.
set a really crazy goal next year, so we want to see you more. Obviously, Getting children involved in lunch
I apologize to everyone in advance participating online is awesome too. planning can also increase the like-
that we’re going to have an even big- You can participate in summer read- lihood that they will eat what is
ger goal next year to really challenge ing without ever having to step foot Andrew Ashby and Hoobert pose for a picture packed. Allow them to choose from
our community, because everybody inside a building,” said Fennell. during Roseville’s Summer Reading Kickoff Party a variety of healthy options each
really proved that they are not only The challenge is about promoting in June. Sean Fennell week. Giving children some control
up to the challenge, but beyond that learning throughout the summer no ferent badges and perks. Right now, helps build healthy decision-mak-
as well.” matter the age, but especially for a Back-to-School Challenge is active ing skills and reduces food waste.
Many families participated in the children to help prevent summer for school-age children, the 1000 Think beyond traditional sandwiches
challenge. Through the Beanstack slide. Books Before Third Grade Reading to add variety. For example, whole-
app, family members can compete “It is proven as a very effective Challenge, and the year-long Read grain wraps, pasta salads, home-
and see who has read the most each strategy to prevent that summer Your Socks Off Challenge (open to all made snack boxes, cheese and
week, adding a little friendly compe- slide where kids just lose abilities ages) takes place until the end of the crackers, or bean quesadillas can all
tition at home. over the summer because they don’t year. Look for challenges monthly on make nutritious lunch options. Pack-
“We have about twice the amount practice them. You know, I mean, the Beanstack App or stop by the li- ing foods in small, easy-to-eat por-
of youth readers that we do adult practice makes perfect, and reading brary to participate. tions may also encourage children to
readers,” mentioned Fennell. “One and literacy is a skill which must be In addition to reading challenges, finish their meals.
of the most important things that continually practiced throughout the the MCLS always has something
we’ve done recently with summer rest of a person’s life to maintain engaging, educational, and fun Sample Healthy Lunch
reading is expanding that to all ages, and grow,” Fennell explained. planned for a variety of ages and in- • Turkey and cheese wrap on a
because we understand that liter- The prize drawings for summer terests at the John McIntire Library whole-grain tortilla
acy and lifelong learning and being reading have taken place, and the and all five branches. Be sure to fre- • Baby carrots with hummus
a library patron, those are all things winners have been contacted. Al- quently check the event calendar on • Fresh grapes
that are learned from the adults in though one challenge is done for the MCLS website. • Low-fat yogurt
children’s lives.” now, others are planned throughout For further information, visit • Water or milk
2,839 People registered for sum- the year, each earning readers dif- muskingumlibrary.org
This lunch provides protein, whole
grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy
‘Knot Alone: United in Purpose’ in a combination that is both nutri-
tious and appealing to many chil-
Overdose Awareness Day dren. A simple formula to remem-
ber is: Protein + Whole Grain + Fruit
+ Vegetable + Drink. Following this
Community Event to take place guideline can make lunch packing
easier while helping children meet
their nutritional needs.
August 31 at Zane’s Landing Park Healthy school lunches do not
need to be perfect. Small, consistent
choices can help children develop
healthy eating habits that support
BY LYNETTE DOTSON | THE BUZZ
success both in and out of the class-
Ohio Pottery Zanesville More than 20 partners providing room.
resources and education activities
Waltz Family Owned Since 1951 will be joining Drug Free Musking-
um, Mental Health and Recovery
Veteran Services Board, and the Zanes- Additionally, a free meal ticket (1
per person) for Happy Camper Hot
Owned ville-Muskingum County Health De- Dog Stand will be provided.
partment for the annual Overdose
Awareness Day Community Event on Any organizations wishing to par-
ticipate by hosting a table and activi-
Monday, August 31, from 5:00 until ty may contact Monica Doan at Mon-
8:00 p.m. The event will be held at a icaD@zmchd.org by August 21.
new location this year, Zane’s Land- This is a great family-friendly event
ing Park. for all ages that focuses on educa-
Music by K-Sound Entertainment tion, prevention, resources, support, CONTINUED FROM A1
featuring DJ Kurtis, a 3D Photo- and remembrance.
booth provided by Hardwick Events, More information can be found at Alice in Wonderland
In Memory Of fabric tying and but- facebook.com/drugfreemuskingum.
ton making activities will be held,
games, crafts, a bounce house, face is played by Izzy Householder, Foley son Mount, Amelia Shaffstall, Amelia
Guy is portrayed by Scott Robinson, Nicholopoulos, Landry Dale, Karson
painting, and more can be expected. King of Hearts is played by Maddox Kirkpatrick, Mac Blair, Max Knight,
Turner, Executioner is performed by Payton Barr, Finley Dale, Crsily Dalrym-
Happily serving the
Largest Selection of USA community since 2011! Keegan Every, Card Guards 2, 5 and 7 ple, Ophelia Harkins, Jess Jewell, Athe-
are played by Violet Browning, Aubrey na Middleton, Seneca Moorhead, Avie
Mosebrook, Michelle Robinson, Emma
Thompson, and Eric Turner respec-
Made Planters in Ohio! Meats, cheeses, bulk foods, milk, tively, with an additional Card Guard Sevcik, and Elin Misel.
played by Hayden Weck, and Cordelia Tickets for Alice in Wonderland are
HUNDREDS TO CHOOSE FROM ice cream, snacks, and more! Plance portraying a Hedgehog/Flower. $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and
CURRENT SPECIALS
STARTING AT $3.00 DELI SPECIALS SPECIALS During the first weekend, the Queen students, and $8 for children 11 years
Fried Chicken Brst .. $ 5.69/lb. Frozen Onion Rings $ 3.99 /lb. of Hearts is being played by Olivia and younger. Tickets can be purchased
Plus bird baths, outdoor plaques, hen & Mini Colby Cheese .. $ 3.49 /lb. 32 OZ. Frozen $ Kirkbride and the Princess of Hearts at the door, online at zanetraceplay-
Whip’n Ice Vanilla ... 7.39 /ea.
chick pots, 1-10 gal. crocks, mixing bowls, 32 OZ. Yoplait Yogurt $ 3.39 /ea. is being played by Audrey Kirkbride. ers.ludus.com, or by calling 740-453-
NEW ITEMS!
hanging bird feeders, religious plaques, Rootbeer Extract, Essence of 6 OZ. Breton Ranch $ 4.39 /ea. For the second weekend, those same 8481. The Renner Theater is located
roles is being played by Andie Schmitt at 148 N. 7th Street in Zanesville. For
Veggie Crisps ............
Vanilla (concentrate), &
hundreds of flower pots, outdoor lantern WE’VE Pizza Seasoning (silver bags) and Waverly Miller. An additional Card more information about upcoming
jockeys, concrete benches, statuary GOT SPECIALS END AUG. 19. Guard, played by Kinley Pulley, is also shows and auditions, visit therenner.
including angels, Indians, dogs, calves, GEESE! joining the Red Rose cast. Lily Kelty is org and follow Zane Trace Players on
eagles, military, religious, rabbits, concrete playing an additional Hedgehog/Flow- Facebook.
porch geese, and more! er as part of the White Rose Cast. Looking ahead to fall, The Renner
Additional members of the cast(s) will be bringing The Monster of Phan-
RETAIL • WHOLESALE are Jay Shaffstall, Maci Burns, Noah tom Lake, the Musical to the stage
5790 Dresden Adamsville Road, Adamsville Several partner organizations took part in last Yarbrough, Elizabeth Gilliam, Piper the weekends of October 23 and 30.
1905 W Main St, Zanesville | 740-408-2624 Hours: Mon., Tue., Wed., Fri. 8:00-5:00, year’s Overdose Awareness Community Day Murphy, Paislee Watson, Jordyn Cot- Tickets can be purchased online or in
voicemail: 740.297.9131
Sat. 8:00-4:00, Thur., Sun. Closed event. Lynette Dotson trell, Isaac Misel, Arlina Lipps, Jack- person.