Page 4 - The Buzz 07/24/2026

A4 | LOCAL NEWS The JULY 24 - AUGUST 6, 2026
Basket Festival saw over 755 registered Money Matters:

guests and many other visitors Small Steps Can
Make a Big
Next year’s date already set for Saturday, July 17, 2027 Difference

BY ALEXUS MASTERSON, MPH,
FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES EDUCATOR
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION,
MUSKINGUM COUNTY

Talking about money can some-
times feel stressful, but improving
your financial wellness doesn’t have
to involve major lifestyle changes. In
fact, small steps taken consistent-
ly can have a big impact over time.
One of the best places to start is
with a simple budget. A budget helps
you see where your money is going
each month and can help you make
choices that align with your financial
goals. Whether you’re saving for a
vacation, paying down debt, or just
trying to make ends meet, tracking
your income and expenses provides
Visitors admire the World’s Largest Woven Basket located on the corner of Main and 5th Streets Dresden. Lynette Dotson a clearer picture of your finances.
[publications.aap.org]
Another important habit is build-
ing an emergency fund. Life hap-
pens—cars break down, appliances
stop working, and unexpected bills
appear when we least expect them.
Having even a small amount of mon-
ey set aside can help reduce stress
and keep a financial setback from
becoming a financial crisis. The Con-
sumer Financial Protection Bureau
notes that regular saving, even in
small amounts, can improve finan-
cial security over time. [fda.gov],
[snaped.fns.usda.gov]
If saving feels difficult, consider
making it automatic. Setting up a
An attendee watches during a basket weaving The final splints are placed on a basket being Shoppers browse through dozens of vendor recurring transfer to a savings ac-
demonstration. Lynette Dotson made at the festival. Lynette Dotson booths. Lynette Dotson count can help you build your sav-
ings without having to think about
it each month. Many people find
CONTINUED FROM A1 that automatic savings makes it
Dresden Melon Festival easier to stay on track and reach
their goals. [snaped.fns.usda.gov].
It’s also important to keep learning
the Dresden Parks is looking for page. For more information and a com- about money management. Under-
people who are interested in join- The Dresden Melon Festival is a plete schedule of events, please standing topics such as credit, debt,
ing. fundraiser for The Friends of the visit dresdenmelonfestival.com. and savings can increase your confi-
“Having people who are either Dresden Parks. Although most of Updates can also be found on the dence and help you make informed
hands-on and want to be part of, the money raised each year from Dresden Melon Festival Facebook financial decisions. Free educational
maintaining the village is helpful. the festival goes back into the page. resources are available to help indi-
And then also anybody who has event for the upcoming year, the viduals and families strengthen their
experience with grant writing and remaining proceeds go towards im- financial skills. [healthychildren.org],
development,” said Stanford. If you proving the park spaces, most no- [publications.aap.org]
are interested in helping, you can tably supplies for the annual spring READ THE BUZZ IN FULL COLOR ONLINE. Financial wellness isn’t about be-
contact the Friends of the Dres- clean-up and flowers for the plant- DRESDENBUZZ.COM ing perfect with your money. It’s
den Parks through their Facebook ers down Main Street. about making steady progress and
building habits that support your
The J.W. & M.H. Straker Foundation’s small goals. By taking small steps today,
you can create a stronger financial
grant cycle SUBMITTED | THE J.W. & M.H. STRAKER FOUNDATION foundation for tomorrow.

SOURCES:
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Your
The J.W. & M.H. Straker Founda- Accredited educational institu- Foundation staff encourage grant Money, Your Goals Toolkit. https://www.con-
tion’s small grant cycle will open tions, governmental entities, and writers with questions to contact sumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educa-
August 1, 2026, and close August 501 c 3 non-profits in Muskingum them before submitting at info@ tor-tools/your-money-your-goals/toolkit/
31, 2026. The Foundation will award County are eligible to apply. strakerfoundation.org, or by phone
grants of up to $25,000 for select- Eligible applicants can find the at 740-297-7007. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Evidence-Based Strategies to Build Emer-
ed projects. Preference will be given grant application on the Straker gency Savings. https://www.consumerfi-
to ‘start to finish’ projects that can Foundation website at Grant Appli- nance.gov/data-research/research-reports/
be completed in their entirety for cation - Request A Grant - Near Me evidence-based-strategies-build-emergen-
$25,000.00 or less. - Ohio on August 1. Celebrate cy-savings/
New Concord Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. An
Essential Guide to Building an Emergency
Ohio Pottery Zanesville Presents Fund. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/
consumer-tools/savings/emergency-sav-
Waltz Family Owned Since 1951 Roscommon ings/
Veteran Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Money Smart Financial Education Program.
Owned Sessions https://www.fdic.gov/resources/consum-
ers/money-smart/
SUBMITTED | CELEBRATE NEW CONCORD

The 2026 Celebrate New Concord CONTINUED FROM A3
summer outdoor concert series con-
tinues on Tuesday, July 28 at 7 p.m.
with a performance by Roscommon Friendship VII
Sessions in Village Park, 2 West Main Chorus
Street.
Roscommon Sessions were drawn
together as friends and bandmates by in New Concord, Ohio. Rehearsals are
their love for traditional Irish music. open to women 13+ to visit and expe-
Their unique style is defined by dynam- rience the fun and fellowship that the
ic arrangements, featuring powerful chorus provides.
fiddle duos, thoughtful songs, and in- The Friendship VII Chorus
ventive percussion, deftly held togeth- 50th Anniversary Tour dates:
Largest Selection of USA er by skillful guitar work. Their colorful • Sat, Aug 15, Salt Fork Festival,
tapestry of Irish jigs and reels is bright-
Made Planters in Ohio! ened by melodic threads of Scandina- Cambridge
• Sat, Aug 29, Cornerstone
via, Canada, and America, with an oc-
HUNDREDS TO CHOOSE FROM casional humorous anecdote thrown Restaurant, Beverly
in for good measure. Roscommon • Tue, Sept 8, Friendship VII Day,
STARTING AT $3.00 Sessions demonstrates the inspiration New Concord
that strikes when good friends and cul- • Sun, Oct 4, 50th Birthday Bash,
Plus bird baths, outdoor plaques, hen & tures come together.
chick pots, 1-10 gal. crocks, mixing bowls, All Celebrate New Concord concerts Cambridge Country Club
• Sat, Nov 7, Dicken’s Opening Day,
hanging bird feeders, religious plaques, are held at Village Park, 2 West Main Cambridge
hundreds of flower pots, outdoor lantern WE’VE Street. Admission is free. Bring your • Sun, Nov 29, The Bethlehem Walk,
jockeys, concrete benches, statuary GOT family, friends, and your favorite fold- Chandlersville
including angels, Indians, dogs, calves, GEESE! ing chair. Come early and enjoy the
New Concord Farmers Market from • Fri, Dec 4, Christmas Grams,
eagles, military, religious, rabbits, concrete 5–7:30 p.m. in the Village Hall parking Guernsey County
porch geese, and more! lot. Rain location for all Celebrate New • Sat, Dec 5, Christmas Grams,
RETAIL • WHOLESALE Concord concerts is the New Concord Guernsey County
United Methodist Church (20 E. High
1905 W Main St, Zanesville | 740-408-2624 Street).
Follow us on Facebook at facebook.
com/CelebrateNewConcord.