(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection - Letter to the Editor)

Muskingum Valley Safetytown for 2026 has been completed. 74 children ready to enter kindergarten in the fall participated in the five-day program. This was the 36th year for this program.

The sponsor, Beverly Lions Club, would like to express our thanks to the following that helped with monetary or other items donations: Vistra, Sponey’s IGA, Citizens Bank Co., Dietz, Futrell and Walters Insurance, Heiss Plumbing and Electric, B and W Pharmacy, Sons of American legion #389, FOE, Inc., FOE Auxiliary, Eye Care Associates, Prieto and Schott CPA’s, American Legion Post #389, American Legion Auxiliary #389, McCurdy Funeral Home, RiverBend Family Dining, Schilling Truss, Inc., Skinner Firestone, Wainwright’s Jewelry, Rock Box, Frye Dental, Smith’s Chapel UMC and Marietta Community Foundation.

Thanks to Sponey’s IGA (fruit) and Skinner Firestone (battery). Thanks to the Lions members for Safetytown Set Up/Take Down and helping prepare the snacks each day.

Thanks to Fort Frye School District for the use of Beverly-Center Elementary school and help from the staff.

Thanks to the teachers: Heidi Fryman, Caleigh Bauerbach and Jordan Huck and to the 39 volunteers who gave up five days of their summer vacation to be a “special friend” and teacher to all the Safety Towners. Thanks also to the Calvin Dixon family and Lions who painted us an outline for Safetytown. The children rode pedal cars and tractors and walked along the streets to learn car and pedestrian safety.

Lessons on topics of personal space camp, stranger, bully, bus, pool, forest, water, sun, poison, fire, emergency and first-aid, hand washing, electrical, home, gun, pedestrian, and pet safety were taught through videos, speakers, demonstrations, and activities. Each child received an I.D. card.

Thanks to the following speakers and their topic for each session included: Maridith Wagner and lifeguards from the Beverly Pool, pool and water safety; Kathryn Hartline, poison safety; Joyce Howard, bus safety; Dr. Phil Lowe, animal safety; sun safety with Lacey Wickham from Marietta Memorial Hospital; Debbie Smith, safety around dogs; Sarah Layton, with OSU Extension, handwashing safety; forest safety with Kelly Broadbear from Wayne National Forest; Peggy Mason and Laine Bradford from Hopewell, personal space camp; Ed Hawthorne with Washington Electric Co-Op, electrical safety; Josh Kasun and Darly Jones with Beverly Fire Dept., fire safety; Beverly Squad, first aid and emergency safety, and Deputy Tullius, fingerprint identification.

Without the help of the community, we would be unable to present this program to our local children. We feel we had a successful Safetytown this year and look forward to the same next year with your help.

If we have overlooked anyone, please accept our sincere apologies.

Beverly Lions Club

Larry Arnold, president

Kay Shreve, chairperson