Page 5 - Dresden Buzz 01/23/2026

JANUARY 23 - FEBRUARY 5, 2026 LOCAL NEWS | PAGE 5
Zanesville-Muskingum County Chamber of Commerce welcomes

new member, Balila Authentic Mediterranean Kitchen

BY LYNETTE DOTSON | DRESDEN BUZZ
ask questions. A lot of them buy and from the Middle East. And fresh juice
give samples. They try it, they love it. So too, fresh fruit juice. Because this is
I think it’s a good start for us,” owner something we’re missing too. Whenever
Ahmad Abu Baker said. “A lot of people you want to try just fresh juice, no sugar,
came in, and a lot of customers from the nothing pasteurized. … It’s more deli-
farmer’s market showed up too. A lot of cious when you leave it as is. So we’re
good reviews, and I believe this is what going to make it here, sell it here.”
we really want to see from the people Balila Kitchen is open at Colony
here.” Square Mall, 3575 Maple Ave., Zanes-
The restaurant offers a selection of ville, in the food court during mall hours.
fresh Mediterranean flavors, includ- You can order online at balilakitchen.
ing stuffed grape leaves, kibbeh, lentil com. Also, be sure to follow them on
soup, tabouleh salad, a falafel sand- Facebook for updates.
wich, a falafel bowl, chicken or ribeye
steak shawarma, and loaded fries. Pric-
es range from $2.50 to $12.00 for all
menu items.
“I think it’s very exciting to be able
to have this new flavor profile to offer
to our Colony Square Mall guests. And
we’re thankful for the investment that
the Balila has made in our community,
Chamber of Commerce President Dana Matz counts down as Ayam Sadaqa cuts the ribbon. and in Colony Square Mall in particular.
Lynette Dotson
And this is just going to amplify every- Lynette Dotson
thing we already have here in the food
Balila Authentic Mediterranean just a wonderful opportunity for a diverse court, and we’re really excited about it,”
Kitchen opened its restaurant in Colony menu,” said Dana Matz, President of the stated Colony Square Mall General Man-
Square Mall last month, but recently Zanesville Muskingum County Chamber ager Jessica Brailer.
made its opening official with a ribbon- of Commerce. “I’m real excited to see In addition to serving customers at the
cutting held by the Zanesville-Musk- them succeed, and they told me that new restaurant, Balila Kitchen products
ingum County Chamber of Commerce. they’ve been welcomed very kindly by can also be found at Winerak Market,
Three members of the Chamber team, our community, and I hope that they’ll Keller Market House in Lancaster, and at
as well as two representatives from the continue to have a lot of business.” the Zanesville Farmers Market, as well
mall, family, and customers, gathered to The mall has become a place for grow- as at other markets in the surrounding
welcome the new business to their first ing local businesses to thrive. From the area.
brick-and-mortar space. newly opened Chatty Cat Closet to last According to Abu Baker, new menu
“I’m just real excited to have the Medi- year’s new additions, Bin Mania and Ja- items may be on the horizon. “We are
terranean Kitchen in our community. mie’s Cheese Steaks (just to mention a adding more items. We had some ideas
You know, they work with Foodworks Al- few examples), Balila Kitchen is a per- from the customers themselves, ask-
liance, our kitchen incubator, so it’s an fect fit. ing about specific food they knew about Samples were provided at Balila Kitchen's
opportunity for them. You know, they did “There’s a lot of people who come ribbon cutting. Lynette Dotson
the farmer’s market, and now they get here for shopping or something. They
to have a place here at the mall. So, it’s look at us, they come see the menu, and

Buckeye Girls State sponsorship

opportunity open to qualifying

Tri-Valley students

BY LYNETTE DOTSON | DRESDEN BUZZ

This year, American Legion Auxilia- friendships," said Allison Brown, who is
ry Buckeye Girls State is celebrating 80 in charge of promoting this opportunity
years! This unique leadership govern- locally.
ment program is a nonpartisan event Buckeye Girls State is a transformative
that focuses on educating Ohio high experience that will include: practical
school students about city, county and workshops on leadership, government,
state government. and civic engagement; opportunities for
The American Legion Auxiliary Dres- students to run for positions and partici-
den Post 399 sponsors two Tri-Valley pate in election simulations; community
High School students each year to be building and teamwork in a supportive
part of one of the largest Girls State con- environment; and inspiring guest speak-
ferences in the nation. This annual op- ers and mentors who are leaders in pub-
portunity is open to any young woman lic service.
who is completing her junior year in May Amelia Alexander was a past partici-
prior to the June event. Interviews will pant, "I was able to connect with wom-
be conducted in February. en from all different backgrounds, and
Other American Legion Auxiliary Units meeting them was beyond worthwhile."
located all over Ohio will also be spon- By attending, Delegates will have the
soring students. The selection is based opportunity to apply for or be selected
on the applicant's academic perfor- for a variety of awards and scholarships,
mance, leadership qualities, desire to such as the Samsung American Legion
learn, moral character, and passion for Scholarship and the Buckeye Girls State
government, as well as current events. Endowment Scholarship.
Buckeye Girls State is a program that Bowling Green State University will be
is recognized nationally. Some past hosting, for the third year, welcoming
participants include women who have over 600 students and staff during the
become Miss USA, Governors, music event that runs from June 8 to June 14.
performers, television personalities, To apply, please contact Allison Brown
Congresswomen, and newscasters, to at (740) 891-3792. You can get more
name a few. information about Buckeye Girls State
"This week-long, hands-on experience by visiting their website
empowers participants to develop lead- alaohio.org/buckeye-girls-state.
ership skills, learn about the inner work-
ings of government, and form lasting