ZANESVILLE, Ohio (Oct. 20, 2004) -- Ohio University-Zanesville received a grant from Ohio Hill Country Heritage Area by virtue of a grant from the State of Ohio Governor's Office of Appalachia to perform a community service and restoration project at the Dr. Increase Mathews House and Museum in the historic Putnam District. Gerald Westgerdes, professor of art at the university, is coordinating the work of Ohio University-Zanesville Students, The Master Gardeners, The Pioneer and Historical Society and area youth to improve the grounds surrounding the museum.
"We will be planting native and historical plants, updating plant identification with hand painted signs and performing general clean up at the Woodlawn Avenue location," says Westgerdes. "We're glad to get involved in this year's Make a Difference Day."
Make a Difference Day is a national day of giving back through community and volunteer service. The Ohio Hill Country Heritage Area's projects are part of Ohio First Lady Hope Taft's Make a Difference Day State initiative. "We anticipate having anywhere from 25-30 volunteers before and during the event," explains Westgerdes. "We invite those who are interested in preservation of our community's heritage to come out and join in the day of fun on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m."
The Dr. Increase Mathews House is located at 304 Woodlawn Avenue in Zanesville. To find out how you can get involved in preserving the community's heritage contact the Pioneer and Historical Society of Muskingum County at (740) 454-9500.
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Media Contact: Christine Shaw, (740) 588-1509 or ouzpr@ohio.edu
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