Muskingum Valley Safetytown for 2024 has been completed. More than 61 children ready to enter kindergarten in the fall participated in the five-day program. This was the 35th year for this program.

The sponsor, Beverly Lions Club, would like to express our thanks to the following that helped with monetary donations: Luminant, Sponey’s IGA, Citizens Bank Co., Dough Boyz Pizzeria, Dietz, Futrell & Walters Insurance, Eye Care Associates, Prieto & Schott CPA’s, American Legion Post #389, Heiss Plumbing & Electric, McCurdy Funeral Home, Riverbend Family Dining, Mount Moriah Lodge #37, Rock Box, Schilling Truss, INC, Skinner Firestone, Virgil Huck Builders, Lisa’s Sweet Shop, St. John Evangelical Church, Wainwright’s Jewelry, Corner Store, and McDonald’s.

Thanks to former OCCL Club members for preparing the snacks. Thanks to McDonald’s (cups and drink cooler), Citizen’s Bank (napkins), and Sponey’s IGA (fruit and vegetables). Thanks to the Lions members for Safetytown Set Up and for running the Stoplight.

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 Sue Sampson and to the 35 volunteers who gave up nine days of their summer vacation to be a “special friend” and teacher to all the Safety Towners.

Lessons on topics of strangers, 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.

Members of the Beverly Lions Club were on hand for several days to operate the stop light on “Safety Town” while the children rode pedal cars and tractors and walked along the streets to learn car and pedestrian safety.

Thanks to the following speakers and their topic for each session included: Meredith Wagner and lifeguards from the Beverly Pool, pool and water safety; Kathryn Hartline, poison safety; Joyce Howard, bus safety; Dr. Phil Lowe, animal safety; Beverly Police Chief Bumbalough and Safety Pup with pedestrian safety; sun safety with Beth Lewis from Marietta Memorial Hospital; home safety with Helen Shoemaker; Debbie Smith, safety around dogs; Amanda Bohen with OSU Extension, handwashing safety; forest safety with Kelly Broadbear from Wayne National Forest; Deputy Martin and Deputy Tullius with stranger safety; Clara Thornberry and Shannon Road with Hopewell, personal space camp; Josh Jump with Washington Electric Co-Op, electrical safety; Beverly Fire Dept., fire safety; Beverly Squad, first aid and emergency safety; and Chief Bumbalough, fingerprint identification.

Another huge thanks go to Luminant who provided the T-Shirts this year.

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.

Thanks,

Beverly Lions Club

Kevin Adkins, President

Kay Shreve, Sec. and Chairperson