Do you know what to do if there's a fire in your home? What should you do if you're threatened by a strange dog? Where should you keep poisons to keep children safe? Ask any recent graduate of Muskingum Valley Safetytown and they should be able to tell you to "Stop, Drop, and Roll!" ; "Make like a tree or lay like a log!"; and "Out of sight, out of reach!" These lessons and many more were taught during the 9-day safety camp for pre-kindergarteners in the Beverly-Waterford area.
Through the efforts of the Beverly Lions Club and Duke Energy, major sponsors of the area Safetytown program, children entering kindergarten in the fall learned valuable safety lessons from community individuals and groups. Presenters at the camp included Jessica Lauric, Fort Frye's transportation coordinator; the Beverly Police Department; Sara Forest from Wayne National Forest; the Coolville fire department 'Smoke House'; veterinarian Dr. Phil Lowe - who has presented his animal safety message at every B-W Safety Town; Ronald McDonald; Wolf Creek nurse Beth Roe; Deputy Brockmeier from the Sheriff's Office; Debbie Smith, pet safety; the Campbell family from Waterford; AEP; Washington Co-Op; Janine Satterfield; Beverly Pool staff; and the Beverly-Waterford Emergency squad. Each presenter, along with videos, crafts, and songs, contributed to the daily lessons.
Safetytown is a true community effort, whether through presenting a lesson or contributing to the program. These community businesses helped Safetytown continue to be a free program, open to all children entering kindergarten: Dennison and Associates, Beverly Auxiliary FOE 3665; Beverly Feed and Equipment; Mt. Moriah Lodge 37; Eye Care Associates of Beverly; American Legion Post 389; Duke Energy; AEP; Globe Metallurgical; St. John's Evangelical Church; Muskingum Valley Hardware; Dough Boyz Pizzeria; Sponey's; Muskingum Valley Chamber of Commerce; American Legion Auxiliary 389; Citizens Bank; Phil and Jennifer Lowe; B & W Pharmacy; Skinner Firestone; Joe Huck Contractor; Moore's Hand Cut Glass; Heiss Plumbing and Electric; Beverly Elementary P.T.O.; Schilling Truss; McCurdy Funeral Home; Jukebox Pizza; Corner Store; Mc Donald's; and Sons of the American Legion.
Snacks were provided each day by local Ohio Child Conservation League groups Miracles to Memories, Buttons and Bows, Guys and Dolls, and Delta.
Rounding out the numerous people who work together to make each year's Safetytown a success was a dedicated group of local teens who donated their time each day to mentor the 'Safetytowners', be their 'special friend' throughout the camp, and help the children become a "Safetytown Kid right now YEAH!". This year's group included: Lindsey Arnold, Breanna Grahame, Courtney Hendershot, Karlee Hill, Dakotah North, Megan Pennock, Madison Roe, Morgan Schilling, Katie Semon, Lexi Skinner, Nick Spurr, Eli Strahler, Allison Adams, Blake Campbell, Jada Clark, Caleigh Fryman, Brett Huck, Haley McCutcheon, Alex Medina, Abby Morgan, Taylor Pennock. Brennan Schilling, Tara Skinner, Alex Branham, Ashley Canterbury, Logan Fouss, Megan Giffin, Alli Hesson, Sarah Klinger, Sorella North, Adam Roe, Maddy Sury, and Kelsey Watson.
This year's Safety Town Teachers were Dawn Spurr, Heidi Fryman, and Sue Sampson.
