From left, Bobby Fitzgerald, Amber McCray, Carolyn Ollom, Lea Mikes, Jan Seaman, Joseph Fields, Jimmy Fields, Logan Mahaney, Joseph Fields, Matt Alloway and Seth White celebrate the achievement of all service personnel during Tuesday evening’s Muskingum Valley Beverly-Waterford Chamber of Commerce dinner. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

BEVERLY — The Muskingum Valley Beverly-Waterford Chamber of Commerce held its 21st annual dinner and awards ceremony Tuesday evening at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.

William “Sam” Skinner, the board’s chairman and the dinner’s emcee, said the event was to honor first responders including fire, police, EMS and highway patrol personnel.

Additionally, the chamber honored the business of the year, community service award and a lifetime achievement award.

“This might be one of the biggest turnouts we’ve ever had, and we appreciate everyone who came out tonight,” Skinner said.

A highlight of the evening came early as Coaches Jerry Close and Todd Gilmore were invited to the stage to recognize their Waterford girls basketball team. They finished the season with an impressive 27-1 record and clinched the state championship title.

From left, William “Sam” Skinner shares a laugh with one of the owners of El Costeno Mexican Restaurant, Jessica Gonazles. El Costeño won the business of the year award during Tuesday evening’s Muskingum Valley Beverly-Waterford Chamber of Commerce dinner. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

“This is a group that never gave up,” said Close. “Even down nine points in the fourth quarter, they fought back and won by five. That’s the kind of heart they have.”

The service awards for the 21st Muskingum Valley Beverly-Waterford Chamber of Commerce were presented in part with the Marietta Sons of the American Revolution’s President Bobby Fitzgerald and the Chapter Fife and Drum Major Seth White.

Awards included:

* Marietta Police Department – Patrolman Travis Huck

* Ohio State Highway Patrol – Trooper Lea Mikes

Jack Haessly, right, shares his appreciation for receiving a lifetime achievement award during Tuesday evening’s Muskingum Valley Beverly-Waterford Chamber of Commerce dinner. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

* Marietta Fire Department – Firefighter Logan Mahaney

* Marietta Fire Department – Lt. Matt Alloway

* Washington County Sheriff Employee of the Year – Nurse Supervisor/Assistant Director of Inmate Services Amber McCray

* City of Belpre – Police Sgt. Joseph Fields

* Washington County EMS/EMT of the Year – Jan Seaman

From left, William “Sam” Skinner presents Megan Lang with a community service award during Tuesday evening’s Muskingum Valley Beverly-Waterford Chamber of Commerce dinner. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

* Washington County EMS/EMT of the Year – Carolyn Ollom

* Washington County Fire Association Volunteer Firefighter of the Year – Lt. Jimmy Wheeler

This year’s Community Service Award was presented to Megan Lang, the founder behind the Beverly-Waterford Farmers Market. Since its inception in 2021, Lang has transformed a simple idea into a thriving community hub that connects local farmers with families and supports youth entrepreneurship.

Recognizing the need for fresh, locally grown produce and a place for farmers to showcase their goods, Lang’s efforts have provided an opportunity not just for healthy eating but for meaningful community engagement.

“Megan has been a huge part of this market from the beginning,” said Skinner. “She’s one of the young people in this community who are doers. She’s making a real difference for all of us.”

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of a special lifetime achievement award to Jack Haessly, a respected community leader whose legacy of public service and business leadership spans decades.

Haessly’s journey began with his enlistment in the Ohio National Guard during high school, rising to the rank of Captain. He later moved to Washington County and took the helm of Haessly Hardwood Lumber, a business with an 83-year history and 68 employees serving both national and international markets.

Haessly’s impact extends well beyond his business. He has held leadership roles with numerous organizations including the Washington County Port Authority, the Muskingum Watershed Association, and the Frontier Local Economic Development Association, where he served as president for 11 years. His dedication to economic development, youth programs like 4-H and Boy Scouts, and the preservation of historic sites has left a lasting imprint on the community.

The Business of the Year Award went to El Costeño Mexican Restaurant, a local eatery bringing the flavors of Mexico to the heart of the Beverly-Waterford area. Owned and operated by the Gonzalez family, El Costeño has been serving the community for six years.

“We feel so blessed to be living our dream in this wonderful community,” said Jessica Gonzalez. “This place is the best. We’re thankful every day.”

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com