Page 3 - The Buzz 10/30/2026

OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 12, 2026 The LOCAL NEWS | A3
Kevin Martin’s Visit Highlights Straker Small Grant Awards

Growing Community Support for announced SUBMITTED

Gus Macker Zanesville 2027 The J.W. & M.H. Straker Chari- • Humane Society of Muskingum

table Foundation received almost County: supplies for fosters
Local partnerships and a shared vision are helping bring a $900,000.00 in requests during its • Junior Achievement: support
major basketball tradition back to Zanesville. August 2026 small grant cycle. The Aspire event
Foundation had $200,000.00 to ex-
SUBMITTED pend. Its disbursement team recent- • Limestone Valley Food Pantry:
remediate box truck
ly finalized decisions, which included • Newton Township Fire
full and partial awards to Musking- Department: LifePak training
um County nonprofits (organizations • South Zanesville Fire
with 501 c 3 status), accredited ed- Department: turn-out gear
ucational organizations, and govern- • Southeastern Ohio Area Transit:
ment entities. establish training/community
room
Recipients of the August 2026
small grant awards include the fol- •Trulight Ministries: rehab newly
lowing: acquired building
• Brave Beginnings Child •United Way of Muskingum, Perry,
Advocacy Center: forensic and Morgan Counties: weekend
medical supplies and holiday food for students

• The Carr Center: resurface •Y-City Youth Baseball League:
playground space safety netting
• Chatty Cat Compassion Fund: • Zanesville City Schools; support
shelter and rehoming costs drivers’ education costs
• Zanesville Memorial Concert
• David Schubach Band: 2027
programming costs Band; 2027 programming costs.

Former NBA player Kevin Martin visits with the Gus Maker organizing committee and supporters. • Dresden Elementary Amateur For more information, please con-
Submitted Radio Club: antenna repair tact the Foundation at info@straker-
The excitement surrounding the Ohio University Zanesville and the • Forever Dads: replace worn foundation.org or at 740-297-7007
carpet
return of the Gus Macker 3-on-3 YMCA will serve as host partners for
Basketball Tournament to Zanesville the tournament, helping provide a • Franklin Youth Baseball:
continues to grow following a recent foundation for an event expected to support field drainage
visit from former NBA player Kevin attract players, families, and basket-
Martin. ball enthusiasts from Zanesville and
tunity to highlight the tournament’s The tournament has also received Four Tri-Valley FFA Members
surrounding communities.
Martin’s visit provided an oppor-
sors, including presenting sponsor receive American FFA
return and the growing community significant support from local spon-
effort behind bringing this nation-
ally recognized basketball event to Orthopaedic Associates of Zanes-
Zanesville on July 10–11, 2027. ville, The Fink and Taylor Team as Degrees at 99th National FFA
While the tournament will feature well as other businesses and organi-
competitive basketball, organizers zations committed to investing in the Convention SUBMITTED
emphasize that its purpose extends community.
far beyond the court. For the organizing committee, the
Under the leadership of Executive return of Gus Macker represents an
Chair Dominque Proctor, the Gus opportunity to promote youth en-
Macker Zanesville Committee has gagement, strengthen community
worked to establish partnerships relationships, support local busi-
with local businesses, educational nesses, and create positive experi-
institutions, nonprofit organizations, ences for families.
and community leaders to create an As preparations continue, the com-
event that brings people together. mittee is working toward the official
“Our vision has always been big- launch of team registration in early
ger than basketball,” said Proctor. 2027, with additional announce-
“We want Gus Macker to be some- ments regarding registration, volun-
thing that our entire community can teering, and tournament activities
take pride in. Kevin Martin’s visit expected in the coming months.
was another exciting moment in our “We are not simply organizing
journey, but what makes this event a basketball tournament. We are
special is the number of people and working to build something that can
organizations coming together to become a lasting tradition for Zanes-
make it possible.” ville,” Proctor added.

CONTINUED FROM A1
Taste of Muskingum

Event Details: https://foodworksalliance.bet-
terworld.org/events/2026-taste-
What: 8th Annual Taste of Musking- muskingum-chef-compet#tickets- The Tri-Valley FFA attended the 99th National FFA Convention, where four chapter members received
um Chef Competition form their American FFA Degrees, the highest honor bestowed by the National FFA Organization. Pictured
from left to right are Caiden Hogue, Dyllon Ault, Aaron McConnell, and Eli McDonald. This prestigious
When: Wednesday, November 4, Community members who can- achievement recognizes their dedication, hard work, and commitment to agricultural education and the
2026 not attend can still support the FFA. Submitted
event by donating silent auction
Where: Weatherington Woods, items, gift cards, or Ohio-made
3625 Olde Falls Road, Zanesville, wines. For donation information,
Ohio 43701 contact foodworks.alliance1@
gmail.com.
Tickets: Individual tickets and FoodWorks Alliance invites the
group tickets are available now. community to come hungry, cheer
Advance purchase is required. on local chefs, and help strength-
en the future of food businesses
Tickets and event information: and workforce opportunities in
https://foodworksalliance.bet- Muskingum County.
terworld.org/events/2026-taste-
muskingum-chef-compet

Genesis encourages

community members to get

their annual flu shot

SUBMITTED
Flu season can interrupt work, ways to help reduce the spread of in-
school and time with loved ones. fluenza and protect those most vul-
Community members can take a nerable to serious illness. According
simple step to help protect them- to the CDC, flu vaccination prevents
selves and the people around them millions of illnesses and flu-relat-
by getting an annual flu shot. Flu ed doctor visits in the United States
shots are available at five Genesis each year.
Pharmacy locations. To make vaccination convenient,
“We know families want to stay flu shots are available through Gene-
healthy and avoid missing the mo- sis Pharmacies at the following loca-
ments that matter,” said Jignesh J. tions:
Modi, M.D., Board-certified in Infec- • Taylor Pharmacy
tious Disease and Internal Medicine. • Maysville Pharmacy
“A flu shot helps you take control of • Somerset Pharmacy
your health while also helping pro- • Roseville Pharmacy
tect friends, family members, co- • New Concord Pharmacy
workers and neighbors. When each
of us takes this step, we help build
a healthier community and face flu
season with greater confidence.”
A flu shot is one of the simplest