Page 4 - The Buzz 03/06/2026

A4 | LOCAL NEWS The MARCH 6 - 19, 2026
Dresden resident, John Furek, Y-Bridge Irish World Oral

publishes first book Dash Invites Health Day

FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES EDUCATOR
BY LYNETTE DOTSON | DRESDEN BUZZ Community to BY ALEXUS MASTERSON, MPH,
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION,
Go Green in MUSKINGUM COUNTY
Downtown

Zanesville

Health, the constant in our life that
SUBMITTED requires appointments and monitoring
so that we can live a long and happy life.
Break out the green gear, lace up Almost every part of the body requires
your sneakers, and gather some lucky maintenance but one of the most for-
charms. The Y-Bridge Irish Dash is com- gotten is the mouth. Our mouths do so
ing to downtown Zanesville, and reg- much for us, helping us eat, speak, and
istration is still open for this festive St. breath. Bacteria love the mouth as it is
Patrick’s season celebration. wet and dark, making it easy to multiply.
Hosted by Visit Zanesville, the race This year, World Oral Health Day is on
invites runners and walkers of all ages Friday March 20th. When I was young-
to enjoy a spirited morning that blends er, there was a graphic in my dentist of-
fitness, fun and plenty of Irish flair. fice that said, “You don’t have to brush
Participants are encouraged to dress all of your teeth, just the ones you care
up, wear green and get creative. Think about!” which got me thinking about
shamrocks, tutus, leprechaun hats and the importance of oral care as I grew
anything that shows off your St. Patrick’s up. In a 2021 study, it was found that
Day spirit. an estimated 76.5 million adults did not
The event features a chip timed have dental insurance and those over
5K and a one-mile fun run and walk, 60 years old were the most effected by
John Furek with his book, ‘Solomon Cain and Other Profiles: Tales from the Pandemic’. Lynette Dotson making it perfect for competitive run- lack of coverage (CareQuest, 2021). Ac-
ners, families, friend groups, and any- cess to a provider, lack of coverage, and
John Furek has accomplished many Furek shared. one who simply wants to enjoy a lively obtaining oral care out of pocket are a
things; the list includes but is certainly Solomon Cain and Other Profiles: Tales morning outdoors. The course winds few issues of many, but why is oral care
not limited to being a U.S. Naval subma- from the Pandemic can be purchased on through downtown and crosses the icon- important?
rine veteran, a retired German teacher, Amazon in both hardcover for $16.99 ic Y-Bridge, giving participants a scenic When we take care of our mouth, we
current president of the Muskingum and paperback for $12.99. A Kindle ver- route over the Muskingum River and prevent disease and severe infections.
County Democratic Club, president of sion is also available. through the heart of the community. Proper oral hygiene prevents cavities,
gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth
the MCLS Friends of the Library, and, as “The only feedback I have are from The race will begin at 112 Muskingum
of the release of the book, Solomon Cain friends of mine, so of course they say Avenue in front of Muddy Miser’s Restau- loss. If issues are left untreated, it can
cause chronic pain, difficulty eating,
and Other Profiles: Tales from the Pan- they love it. I’m anxious. I’d like to hear rant and Weasel Boy Brewing Company, and heart disease. Good hygiene habits
demic, a published author. what other people think. Some of the creating a central hub of activity and cel- don’t affect just one area of the body; it
“I’ve been writing for a long time, but stories they probably won’t like because ebration. All registered participants will effects the whole body as everything is
writing to be published is something that they’re bleak, because of the subject receive a custom race shirt and a finish- connected. Here in southeastern Ohio,
is fairly new to me. And I’m experiment- matter, but some of them I think they er medal. Participants aged twenty-one there are many healthcare systems that
ing. I did a lot of experimenting in this really like. I was talking to a lady, and and older will also receive a celebratory offer oral care based on income or ac-
book. And some of what I wrote is all she read the book, and she finished the beverage ticket, with non-alcoholic op- cepts a wide variety of healthcare cover-
right. Some of it, I think, is really good. story, and she said she was crying. It tions available for younger racers. age, making it more convenient to seek
I was talking to somebody yesterday, was very emotional for her, which I could “Whether you are running for a per- treatment. Healthy teeth begin at home,
and he said, where do the ideas come understand. There’s emotional parts in sonal record or strolling with friends, this children should begin seeing a dentist at
from? And it’s like there’s different some of the stories. I’m anxious to get event is about having fun and showing 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth
things that will inspire me, I guess. And more feedback, good or bad. That’s the your community pride.” says Visit Zanes- appearing (Stanford Medicine Children’s
a lot of times, when I create a charac- only way that you grow,” Furek said. ville Marketing Specialist, Kaitlynne Mill- Health, 2026). Habits to have as part of
ter, I just let the character go. And the A second book is already in the works er. a daily routine include brushing teeth
character will determine how the story for Furek, but he has not set a date for Awards will be presented to the top over- twice a day, flossing between teeth daily,
ends. I mean, it’s really interesting how when it will be published just yet. all male and female finishers in the 5K, cleaning your tongue, and using fluoride.
it works,” explained Furek. “I write when I feel like writing,” Furek but costumes, creativity and contagious Limiting sugar in the diet helps prevent
Solomon Cain and Other Profiles: explained. ” I like to get up in the morn- energy are highly encouraged for every- enamel decay keeping teeth strong and
Tales from the Pandemic was published ing, make my cup of coffee, and sit down one. healthy. Let this be a reminder to sched-
in 2025. In this literary fiction, several and write, because I have these ideas Registration is still available, and ule a visit with your dentist today to keep
stories are told from various perspec- come out overnight. I write for a little bit, community members are encouraged to your health on track!
tives and situations during the height and then I go and do other things. There sign up soon. To learn more and secure
of the COVID-19 pandemic. The book are days when I could write several pag- a spot, visit www.visitzanesville.com. Sources:
opens with a section called Random es at a time, and other days when if I Proceeds from the race go to the Vis-
Notes, and then goes into six short sto- write a paragraph, I’m lucky.” it Zanesville Seasonal Events Fund to CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. A Snap-
ries: Collateral Damage, Prison Break, Furek plans to attend at least two continue public events that enhance shot of the 76.5 Million Americans Without
The Grandfather I Never Knew, Fred, book fairs this summer, one in Coshoc- Muskingum County tourism. Dental Insurance. Boston, MA; September
Awakening, and lastly, Solomon Cain. ton and another in Newark, where he Grab your green, rally your crew and 2021.
“The first two stories are somewhat will have copies of his book. He will also get ready to dash across the Y-Bridge in carequest.org/a-snapshot-of-the-76-5-
bleak. The middle two, I love those. have a book signing once his second true Irish style. million-americans-without-dental-insur-
The last two are very autobiographical,” book comes out. ance/#:~:text=An%20estimated%20
76.5%20million%20adults,to%20main-
tain%20their%20oral%20health.
CHAIR-ity Auction brought in over $29,000 for Stanford Medicine Childrens Health. 2026. A
Child’s First Dental Visit Fact Sheet.
Eastside Community Ministry BY LYNETTE DOTSON | DRESDEN BUZZ www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/
default?id=a-childs-first-dental-visit-fact-
sheet-1-1509

series of “everyday programs” such as a
Food Pantry, Eastside Essentials, and a
Year-Round Youth Program. These are
considered everyday programs because
they are offered all year long. The CHAIR-
ity Auction helps to support all three of
those programs.
“We want to be a safe place for peo-
ple where they feel loved. And we don’t
press any kind of agenda on anyone.
If you need a place to go, if you have a
need, come and see us. If we cannot
help with that need, then we have a lot
of wonderful local community partners
that we can hopefully refer them to,”
said Executive Director Jamie Trout.
If you did not have a chance to support
ECM through this year’s CHAIR-ity Auc-
tion, there are still ways to help. Mone-
Chairs on display for the CHAIR-ity Auction silent auction held at the Colony Square Mall. Lynette Dotson tary donations can be made through the
ECM website www.eastsideministry.org/
The community supported Eastside ony Square Mall. Several of the mall’s of the mall is to serve as a community Support/Donate-Online, through Venmo
Community Ministry’s annual CHAIR-ity food establishments supported the gathering place. We are always so grate- @EastsideMinistry, or by mailing a dona-
Auction in a big way. According to the CHAIR-ity Auction by donating food for ful to be able to take part in the amazing tion to Eastside Community Ministry, PO
ECM website, $29,335.45 was raised the kick-off. The 146 provided a variety work that ECM is doing on a daily basis. Box 965, 221 Stillwell Street, Zanesville,
and will go towards the programs and of appetizers, The Chatty Cat Café made It really is remarkable to see the sup- OH 43702-0965.
services that ECM provides. This in- three flavors of lemonade, and Auntie portive generosity and creativity of our
cluded funds earned through the raffle, Anne’s served pretzel nuggets. wonderful community firsthand,” shared
monetary donations, a balloon pop/em- “Eastside Community Ministries is all Colony Square Mall General Manager
POWER Hour, and the online and silent about the aspect of community joining Jessica Brailer. ADVERTISE IN THE DRESDEN BUZZ.
auctions. together for the benefit of helping peo- ECM has been serving the communi-
The event was held once again at Col- ple in need. One of the main functions ty since 1958. The non-profit provides a 740-270-2408

Muskingum University Nursing Programs Achieve 100% NCLEX

Success, Strengthening Ohio’s Healthcare Workforce SUBMITTED

Muskingum University nursing gradu- Muskingum’s traditional undergradu- class sizes, intensive clinical training, and the nation continue to face per-
ates have achieved exceptional results ate BSN program has achieved a 100% and close faculty mentorship, students sistent nursing shortages, Muskingum
on the National Council Licensure Ex- first-time NCLEX pass rate in seven of develop the critical thinking, technical graduates are entering the profession
amination (NCLEX), with both its Accel- the last ten years, including consecutive competence, and professional confi- equipped to make an immediate and
erated Bachelor of Science in Nursing 100% pass rates in the two most recent dence required to succeed as modern meaningful impact in hospitals, clinics,
(ABSN) program and its traditional Bach- years. In 2026, the program is ranked healthcare professionals.” and community healthcare organiza-
elor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program second in the State of Ohio out of 92 Students in both the traditional BSN tions.
earning significant 100% first-time pass programs by RegisteredNursing.org. The and Accelerated BSN pathways com- For more information about Musking-
rate milestones that underscore strong ranking evaluates NCLEX performance, plete rigorous coursework supported um University’s Accelerated BSN pro-
workforce readiness. affordability, job placement, clinical and by online learning, on-campus labora- gram, visit www.muskingum.edu/gal/
The University’s Accelerated BSN pro- laboratory resources, curriculum align- tory experiences, and hands-on clinical accelerated-bachelor-science-nursing.
gram has maintained a 100% first-time ment with employer needs, and student practicums in leading healthcare set- For the traditional BSN program, visit
NCLEX pass rate for four consecutive support. tings. This comprehensive preparation www.muskingum.edu/academics/nurs-
years. Designed for individuals who al- “At Muskingum, our goal is to prepare ensures graduates are not only success- ing.
ready hold a bachelor’s degree in anoth- graduates who are fully ready to step ful on licensure exams but also prepared
er field, the 15-month program provides into today’s complex healthcare environ- to provide safe, high-quality patient care
an efficient pathway into high-demand ments,” said Dr. Joe Shaeffer, Director from day one.
nursing roles. of Nursing Programs. “Through small As healthcare systems across Ohio