Page 4 - Dresden Buzz 06/13/25

PAGE 4 | LOCAL NEWS JUNE 13 - 26, 2025
APG Architects relocate to downtown Zanesville HEALTH & WELLNESS

by Lynette Dotson
Flour, Sugar, and

Self-Care: The
Therapeutic
Power of Baking

by Alexus Masterson, MPH,
Family & Consumer Sciences Educator
Ohio State University Extension,
Muskingum County

School is out and summer has offi-
cially started with travelling, sports and
cookouts. If you were asked what your
signature dish is, what would you say?
Personally, mine would be buffalo chick-
en dip, a classic. I am not much for bak-
ing, but I have started trying new things
in the kitchen. Baking is an activity that
channels creative therapy, and studies
show that engaging in art therapy can
impact stress levels. One of my best
Brian Addis, APG Senior Architect, cuts the ribbon during a ribbon cutting ceremony held outside APG Architects new downtown Zanesville location. friends, Keala, has recently been ex-
Lynette Dotson perimenting with sourdough by making
APG Architects held a grand opening the Gateway District to downtown. So schools including, Tri-Valley, West Musk- bagels, loaves, and other baked goods.
celebration on Friday, June 6, to com- we’re really seeing it as an arts and en- ingum, Mid-East, Zane State, and Zanes- She is constantly telling me how excited
she is to try new things and how much
memorate relocating to their new down- tertainment district. So all that should ville, among many others.
town Zanesville office. be complete by the fall of 26.” APG Architects is located at 26 North more creativity she has while baking.
Challenging our creative side gives us a
The move starts a new chapter in the The firm has also worked with or has 3rd Street, Zanesville, and online at apg- sense of accomplishment that will allow
firm’s long history, which dates back to ongoing projects with Genesis Health- architects.com. us to continue trying a new hobby. Bak-
1963. Care System, Nationwide Children’s ing also stimulates the senses, boosts
“In the 80s, there was a firm that was Close to Home Center, and several area self-confidence and create or strength-
called Architectural Planning Group, en relationships (Northern Healthcare,
which was one of the successions,” ex- 2025).
plained Ryan. “When Jeremy and I be- If baking is something you do regu-
came partners, we wanted something larly, have you ever considered it a mind-
that wasn’t just a principal’s name. And ful practice? The step-by-step action of
so, sort of in reference to our history, we following a recipe can be a mindful prac-
went back to APG.” tice as well as the physical act of knead-
APG offers architecture and design ing bread. The repetitive nature provides
services, owner representation and con- a calming effect by doing things like
sulting services, and construction ad- kneading dough. Today culinary arts pro-
ministration. grams have been created focusing on
“We do everything from the ground therapy approaches with benefits like
up. So pre-planning all the way through time-management, brain development
construction administration,” explained through using the senses, and increased
Davis. The back offices and work spaces at the new APG Architects office located at 26 North 3rd Street in awareness about health and nutrition.
The move to downtown Zanesville Zanesville. Lynette Dotson The art of cooking, sharing recipes, and
means that the firm can be closer to relationship strength all foster a sense
their current projects and all of the ex- of community. Food holds a strong tradi-
citement that is happening downtown. tion in many cultures whether it is dur-
“So we’ve got some really exciting ing holidays or weekly. It can be a time
stuff going on in downtown Zanesville to gather, talk, and spend time with
right now,” said Ryan. “The library is a loved ones. On days like today, when the
major renovation project that’s under- weather is cold and rainy, staying inside
way. We’ve actually already broken and baking can serve as a great activity
ground on Secrest Auditorium, a new to pass the time. Reading is another way
addition that will be going up there over we care for our mental health as it pro-
the next about year and a half. As well vides an outlet to discover new worlds
as the MCCFA project, which is adjacent and relaxation. This summer, the Buck-
to the Welcome Center. And then all the eye Bookworms Book Club is hosting a
streetscapes in and around those two One Night Only Event featuring the book
projects are all going to be completely A meeting room, work station and hall leading to the front entry of the new APG Architects office The Baking Games by Rachel Hanna.
redone. The area is being recoined as located at 26 North 3rd Street in Zanesville. Lynette Dotson The meeting date is August 28th from
6-7:30 (EST), If you want to sign up go
to https://go.osu.edu/fcsbookclub and
Adventure Begins at The Elk’s Eye Art Market register!

Sources:
submitted Good Reads. (2025). https://www.
Art is an adventure, and the adven- The Elk’s Eye Art Market is open every to find that you may have some shared goodreads.com/book/show/212053239-
the-baking-games
ture is awaiting you at The Elk’s Eye Art Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Satur- history- and many of the pieces or artists Northern Healthcare. (2025). The Mental
Market. This June, you are invited to em- day from 10 am to 6 pm, so if you can- have ties to the community. Health Benefits of Baking. https://www.
bark on a journey of the senses as you not make it for First Friday, feel free to The Elk’s Eye Art Market is more than northernhealthcare.org.uk/news-resources/
the-mental-health-benefits-of-baking/
browse the showrooms of the Market’s be adventurous on your own schedule. a gallery; the work is intended to sell- so Sponaugle, K. (2017, April 24). Baking
retail space. With 33 local artisans and There is a lot to take in in the 3 show- come prepared to pick up some souve- Therapy. https://sites.bu.edu/daniellerous-
artists, your eyes will not believe every- rooms. Each trip brings new sights and nirs. The variety is so wide, there will be seau/2017/04/24/baking-therapy/
thing they are seeing. There are so many discoveries. There has been the addition items for any of those you shop for- spe-
different types of art, with everything of several new artists this year, and new cial occasion gifts or just because- and
from photography and fine art to ceram- art comes in throughout the month, so don’t forget to treat yourself!
ics, glass, metal and fiber. The crafts- the selection changes. Made with
manship and skill is outstanding. The Don’t travel alone- this adventure
geometric and free form designs are a is one that can include friends, as you Find Us Online 100%%
delight. The feel of the wood, the sparkle share your discoveries with each other,
of the glass, the texture of the weaving- and maybe a story or two. With the art- DresdenBuzz.com local news.
this adventure will take you everywhere! ists being local, you would be surprised