2023 Women of Achievement recipients to be honored at banquet
ZANESVILLE − The 2023 Muskingum County Women of Achievement inductees will be recognized at the 35th annual banquet on Wednesday, April 19, at the Zanesville Campus of Ohio University and Zane State College. Since 1988 the program has honored women who achieve excellence in their field of endeavor and through community service. This year's recipients are:
Carol Bryan is the recipient of the Muskingum Family Y Lifetime Service Award. She is a serial entrepreneur and advocate for retail, design, dining and event, and real estate investment.
Carol has contributed to the economic development of the community through her entrepreneurial spirit and mentoring of others. Her vision has resulted in the renovation of multiple properties including the former YWCA, which houses a restaurant, retail, and event space. For 45 years she has owned and operated Bryan’s Furniture Interiors. She is also the owner of the buildings in Buchanan Square, where she operates Bistro B in the Square.
“Carol does not just open these businesses and hire other people to manage them,” shared nominator Geraldine Zylinsky. “You will find her any day hard at work selling furniture, decorating a home, measuring for drapes, or cooking and serving food.”
Shala M. Aitken is the recipient of the Mary Vashti Jones Funk Business Award. She is the branch manager at Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union.
Shala volunteers for several organizations including the Foodworks Alliance, Noon Rotary Club, The Carr Center, and Big Brothers Big Sisters to name a few. In addition, she is an entrepreneur and donates thousands of cupcakes, cakes, and wood crafts to charitable events. In both her professional career and her volunteer capacity, Shala demonstrates exemplary leadership and mentoring.
“Shala is a leader who works hard to succeed and give back to the community,” shared Amy Eggleston of Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union. “Her days, nights, and weekends are filled with activities that are what drives a person with a servant’s heart.”
Dr. Susan Farus-Brown, professor of nursing at Ohio University Zanesville, is the recipient of the Josephine Phillips Health Care Award. With more than 25 years of nursing experience, she has impacted the lives of thousands of patients and nursing students.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she serves as a part time nurse practitioner for Muskingum Valley Health Centers. She is also an avid researcher, is actively involved in nursing professional organizations, and serves as an adviser to the Student Nurses Association engaging student nurses in community service. Her community involvement includes serving on the Helen Purcell Board of Lady Managers and the Board of Directors for the Animal Shelter Society and the Southeastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra.
“She has helped ‘plant the seed’ of what it is to be a professional nurse with her students,” said Pam Sealover, associate director of nursing at OUZ. “She sets the performance bar high for her students and then helps them to achieve their best.”
Heather M. Dolen is the recipient of the Mary Townsend Professions Award. She is an audit partner at SEO CPA Group and owner of Dolen Interiors, LLC. Heather is an active servant leader donating her time and talents to professional and community organizations.
She is a member of the Noon Rotary Club of Zanesville and has been recognized with several awards for her contributions. She is the chairperson of the Leadership Muskingum Alumni committee and received the Award of Excellence for her continued service. In addition, she is involved with the Hills of Ohio Planned Giving Council, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants. She also provides service to several other community organizations.
“Heather is a valuable resource for tax-exempt organizations and retirement plans including start up, staying compliant, revocation and qualification issues, and annual filing requirements,” shared nominator Mary Ann Dutro, CPA. “Heather cares about her community and the clients who she supports on a daily basis.”
Paula S. Harsch is the recipient of the Winifred K. Vogt Education Award. She is a retired Tri-Valley Schools educator.
Throughout her life Paula has been an advocate for music serving as an accompanist for choirs and in the community. “I dare say there is not an organ or piano in any church in the area that she has not had the pleasure to play,” shared nominator Dorothy Montgomery.
Paula is secretary for the Zanesville Memorial Band and is a member of the Zanesville Civic Chorus and accompanist for The Messiah. She serves as president for the Muskingum County Retired Teachers Association organizing programming and advocating for community service projects with Eastside Community Ministry and the Salvation Army. Paula served for many years at the front desk of Good Samaritan Hospital as a 10,000-hour volunteer. She also serves on the American Red Cross Board-Clara Barton Society. In addition, she devotes hours to the genealogy department at the Muskingum County Library System and is secretary of the Muskingum County Historical Society.
Megan D. Jones is the recipient of the Ethel Granger Schultz Young Adult Award. She is the Zanesville Farmers Market manager and Muskingum Soil & Water Conservation District garden coordinator at Brighton Grows Community Garden through Urban Greens.
Megan has capitalized on her education and experience, bringing her social work background to her current roles of advocating for health and wellness. Whether for the vendors, visitors, or the artists at the market, Megan’s holistic coordination and management of all aspects set a tone that respects all constituents, makes a difference in the atmosphere, and encourages shoppers to linger and shop.
“Megan was extremely supportive in aiding me to get SNAP and EBT reimbursement (like she did for the Zanesville Market),” Kaleb Wilkins, market manager of the Duncan Falls Farmers Market and nurse practitioner, shared. “Her dedication to local farming families and the customers they serve is the same level of dedication she gives to her own family.”
Ellen Shaw is the recipient of the Aldine Roach Flegal Special Recognition Award. After a long career with Zanesville City Schools, Ellen retired as food service supervisor.
She serves St. John’s Lutheran Church’s music program in several capacities, is a council member, and is on several committees. In addition, Ellen is a member of the Thursday Music Club, Greater Zanesville Singers, and the Zanesville Civic Chorus and serves as an accompanist for students. She serves on various committees at Eastside Community Ministry, is an active volunteer at Christ’s Table, Carr Center Cake Auction, and Souper Bowl. She is also active with the Daughters of the American Revolution serving on several veterans appreciation projects.
“Ellen carries the work of the congregation out into the world,” stated the Rev. Mark Combs. Jamie Trout of Eastside Community Ministry added, “She’s always willing to go the extra mile to do anything she can to bless someone.”
Camryn Welch is the recipient of the Muskingum County Community Youth Foundation Bright Futures Award. She is a senior at West Muskingum High School.
Camryn is ranked number one in her class with a 4.28 cumulative GPA. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction and was named a MVESC Outstanding Senior. Camryn also received the Teen Alcohol and Drug Awareness Award. She is a Future Business Leaders of America member and received second place at state for impromptu making her eligible to compete at the national level. She completed a summer internship with Raymond James Financial Services. After graduation Camryn plans to pursue a business degree before going to law school.
Camryn serves as state lieutenant governor for Key Club Division 18W, is a Community Bank Junior Board Member, a lunch buddy for Big Brothers Big Sisters, National Honor Society treasurer, American Sign Language Club founder and president, Film Club secretary, tutor, and a varsity volleyball team member.
Provided by the Muskingum County Women of Achievement Committee.
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: 2023 Women of Achievement recipients to be honored at banquet
