On Saturday, Feb. 16, the community helped to raise money for United Way in Ottawa County by shopping at Bassett’s Market in an effort to meet Tom Bohlander’s challenge to match the $7,500 he donated in honor of his longtime friend and business partner, Ron Case. Bassett’s reported 259 transactions of $50 or more that day with Mike donating $5 for each, and that total was $1,295. Today is the deadline for Tom’s challenge, and according to M.J. Siewert, they are still a little shy of reaching the $15,000 challenge goal. You can drop off a donation at the United Way office located in the Sutton Center, or you can call in a pledge by phone at 419-734-6645. 

Our Find Wylie winner for this week is Nancy Wolfe of Marblehead. She was one of 138 entries who found our friendly fish hiding in the ad for Community Markets on page 5A in last week’s Beacon. Nancy wins our weekly $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ll be hiding Wylie again this week. If you find him, drop off an entry form at our office in the Beacon Place Business Center or click on the Find Wylie Icon at our website, www.thebeacon.net. 

Good luck to the Oak Harbor High School wrestlers headed to Columbus this weekend for the State Championships. They will be led by returning state placer Luke Kramer. Luke’s Mom, Danelle, a former B-C-S School Bus Driver, now lives in Columbus and no doubt will be on hand. No doubt Luke wants to add his name to the distinguished list of Rocket wrestlers who have won state titles. Also, good luck to the Port Clinton High School girls’ basketball team who notched their unprecedented 20th win of the season last Saturday in a thrilling sectional championship win over their rivals from Oak Harbor. 

The Salvation Army Port Clinton Service Unit serving Ottawa County is extending their Winter Coats Program, due to the increasing needs and the generosity of the community. The Salvation Army’s Warm Winter Coats program usually runs from Nov. 1-Jan. 31.  This year the program has been extended to run through February.  This program is based on donations from the general public of gently used and new coats to be cleaned and redistributed cost-free to local families in need of a winter coat. Executive Cleaners had provided cleaning for all donated coats. This is the 17th year this program has been providing coats to the residents of Ottawa County. Residents in need of a warm winter coat can come to The Sutton Center and pick up coats for their families. Last year, they collected and distributed over 1,100 coats to local families. This year over 1,200 coats have been distributed. If you are in need of a warm winter coat, stop by The Salvation Army in The Sutton Center or call Director Maureen Saponari at 419-732-2769.

This Sunday, March 3, the Oak Harbor K of C will be sponsoring an “all you can eat” French Toast and Sausage Family Breakfast at St. Boniface Catholic Church from 9-10 a.m. They are asking a donation of $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3 for youngsters under 12 years of age. 

The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be making another visit to Ottawa County this Monday, March 4, at the Port Clinton Moose Lodge, 1105 W. Lakeshore Drive, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This is just another great opportunity to give the gift of life to a total stranger. 

Friends of Lynn Zibert Domokos are hosting a series of fundraisers to help with the massive medical expenses for Lynn’s rare autoimmune disease. She went into cardiopulmonary arrest the day after New Years and is still receiving medical care. They are planning a Reverse Raffle on May 19 along with a Pancake Breakfast that day as well. They are also going to have a Burgers, Brownies and Beer Benefit at Our Guest Inn in downtown Port Clinton on Saturday, March 23, from 3-6 p.m. For more information, call the Our Guest Inn at 419-734-7111. 

It’s Port Clinton Youth Baseball and Softball signup time. Registrations have been sent home via the schools. If your child would like to play baseball or softball this spring and summer, you are asked to visit their Facebook Page or their Web Site at www.pcybsa.org to print a registration form. The league is also looking for volunteers. If interested, you can go to a meeting this Monday, March 4 at 7 p.m. at the Ida Rupp Public Library. For further information contact Melissa Hanson at 440-315-0747. The signup deadline is March 11. 

Attention all adults Girl Scout program leaders, past and present. You are asked to “Save the Date” of Sunday, March 10, at 10:30 a.m. for a special gathering at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oak Harbor. Following the service there will be an informal reception upstairs in the Social Room (an elevator is available). For more information, contact Vicki Wahlers at 419-898-5140 or email her at vickylwahlers@hotmail.com. 

Don’t forget the Friday night fish-lovers meals during Lent. The Port Clinton Knights of Columbus and the folks at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Oak Harbor will be hosting fish fries every Friday during Lent. The Port Clinton K of C holds theirs from 5 to 7:30 at Denny Bergeman Hall, 109 E Perry Street featuring Lake Erie Perch, shrimp and ALL YOU CAN EAT Pollock Dinners with all the fixings. Desserts are also available. At St. Boniface, the dinners will be from 4-7 p.m. featuring fried or baked fish, and all the fixings. Price for adults is $8, children ages 6-12 are $5, and kids under 5 eat free!  Carryouts are available. The St. Joseph/Marblehead Knights of Columbus will have Perch and Pierogis on Fridays March 8 and March 22 from 5-7 p.m. at the St. Joseph Church Hall, 822 Barclay Street. Dinners are $11 and sandwiches are $6.

The Erie-Ottawa-Sandusky Chapter of Pheasants Forever would like to invite individual sportsmen and couples to their 22nd Annual Fundraising Banquet on Saturday, March 9, at the Camp Perry Clubhouse. They will have both a live and silent auction, raffles and door prizes along with a dinner catered by Messenburg’s that will include smoked beef brisket, roasted Chicken, side dishes and dessert. Beer and soft drinks will be provided, with a cash bar for mixed drinks. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 6:45. Seating is limited to 325 people. For tickets contact Chapter Habitat Chairman Joe Uhinck at the Ottawa County Agricultural Office in Oak Harbor at 419-898-1595 or visit their website www.ottawaswcd.com.

There are a few ladies of our area I call “Mom”, and Lillian Hanes was one of them. That’s because she was Nadine and Anita’s mom (Nadine Hanes Jensen was a classmate and former staffer at The Beacon) and because she was such an incredibly sweet lady. She was a long and faithful member of Faith United Methodist Church in Port Clinton and used to head up the 4th Friday lunches at the Church. She made sure that they got a blurb in Telltales. She will be missed. 

Our Find Wylie winner for this week is Richard McCloy of Oak Harbor. He was one of 32 entries who found that our friendly fish wasn’t hiding anywhere in last week’s Beacon. Richard wins our weekly $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ll be hiding Wylie again this week. If you find him, drop off an entry form at our office in the Beacon Place Business Center or click on the Find Wylie Icon at our website, www.thebeacon.net. 

Congratulations to Luke Cramer, the 22nd Oak Harbor High School wrestler to win a state championship. Luke jumped from the 138 lb. weigh class to 170 lbs. this year, but just got stronger and stronger as the season wore on. He won both of his first round matches to qualify for the semi-finals. He defeated a wrestler from St. Paris Graham, perhaps Ohio’s most dominant wrestling program, in the semi-finals by a 6-1 count and then won his finals match 16-4. Oak Harbor finished 7th overall as a team in Division II. So congratulations to George Bergman and his staff at Oak Harbor on another fine season.

Also congratulations to Toby Bickel and his staff along with the players of the 2012-13 Port Clinton Lady Redskin basketball team. They fell to state ranked Toledo Rogers last Saturday, but had a heckuva season. They were the first PCHS girls’ basketball team to win over 20 games in a season. Unfortunately, they are in the same conference with another state ranked team, the Clyde Lady Fliers, who moved on to the Regionals. Welcome to March Madness!

Your prayers are requested for a couple of local folks who have made a big impact on our community. Former Port Clinton Mayor Tom Brown has had some serious heart issues recently, but is up and around. We spoke briefly on Monday evening and he told me his issues are probably not over. Also, Dave Audiano, a Past Commodore of Port Clinton Yacht Club, is a real fighter, according to Lock Zeis. He was moved to Hospice of Northwest Ohio last Friday, but is starting to respond to treatments. 

Speaking of prayers, Devin Kohlman, the Port Clinton Middle School Student diagnosed with metatistatic medulloblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, underwent another surgery last Friday, his third. He has been through radiation therapy and chemotherapy and is started a second regime of chemotherapy. A benefit is being planned for Wednesday, March 27 from 6-9 p.m. at Rosie’s Bar and Grill located at the Old Island House at the corner of Second and Madison Streets in downtown Port Clinton. There will be entertainment by Corduroy Road, food and refreshments will be served. They are asking a donation of $20 per person with 100% of the proceeds going to Devin and his mother.  

On a cheerier note, congratulations Ottawa County! You did it! Tom Bohlander $7,500 community challenge was met, and then some. United Way of Ottawa County raised over $9,500 to match Tom’s challenge when the campaign fell $15,000 short this year. 

It’s Port Clinton Youth Baseball and Softball signup time. Registrations have been sent home via the schools. If your child would like to play baseball or softball this spring and summer, you are asked to visit their Facebook page or their website at www.pcybsa.org to print a registration form. The league is also looking for volunteers. For further information contact Melissa Hanson at 440-315-0747. The signup deadline is March 11. 

Don’t forget the Friday night fish-lovers meals during Lent. The Port Clinton Knights of Columbus and the folks at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Oak Harbor will be hosting fish fries every Friday during Lent. The Port Clinton K of C holds theirs from 5 to 7:30 at Denny Bergeman Hall, 109 E Perry Street featuring Lake Erie Perch, shrimp and ALL YOU CAN EAT Pollock Dinners with all the fixings. Desserts are also available. At St. Boniface, the dinners will be from 4-7 p.m. featuring fried or baked fish, and all the fixings. Price for adults is $8, children ages 6-12 are $5, and kids under 5 eat free!  Carryouts are available. The St. Joseph/Marblehead Knights of Columbus will have Perch and Pierogis on Fridays March 8 and March 22 from 5-7 p.m. at the St. Joseph Church Hall, 822 Barclay Street. Dinners are $11 and sandwiches are $6.

State Representative Chris Redfern has scheduled a Town Hall meeting for 5 p.m. on Monday, March 18 at the Ida Rupp Public Library. The public is invited to attend. 

The Port Clinton Women’s Club is once again hosting a free-to-the-public library event for children preschool to first grade. It will be held on Sunday, March 17. For more information, e-mail Julie McDonald at juliemcd74@live.com. 

The Port Clinton Women’s Club is hosting a “Dig into Reading with Dinosaurs” library event this Sunday, March 17, from 1-3 p.m. at the Ida Rupp Public Library. The event is free to the public and is for preschoolers through 2nd grade. There will be crafts, coloring and story time provided. We support any program that helps young children learn to love reading.

Our Find Wylie winner for this week is Jill Wierzba of Port Clinton. She was one of 159 entries who found our friendly fish hiding in the ad for Terry’s Tavern on page 10A in last week’s Beacon. Jill wins our weekly $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ll be hiding Wylie again this week. If you find him, drop off an entry form at our office in the Beacon Place Business Center or click on the Find Wylie Icon at our website, www.thebeacon.net. 

Congratulations to former Gallery on the Lake owners Gary and Marie Perkins who are celebrating their 29th year in business at their DaVinci’s Gallery and Coffee House in downtown Fremont. They began a custom framing business in the basement of their home in 1984 and created three separate galleries, introduced Northwest Ohio to dozens of nationally known artists and created a woodturning studio for classes and demonstrations. They had to downsize a couple of years ago due to health issues, closing their Port Clinton operation. So, if you can, drive down to Fremont next Thursday, Friday or Saturday, March 21-23, and say hi to Gary and Marie for me. 

The 8th Annual Lake Erie Waterkeeper Conference will be held next Thursday, March 21, at Lourdes College in the Franciscan Center, 6832 Convent Blvd. in Sylvania from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The conference will cover all of the issues facing Lake Erie right now, from Asian Carp, to algae blooms and fish populations. For more information, call 419-691-3788. 

The Ottawa County Genealogical Society will meet this Tuesday, March 19, at 7 p.m. at the Ida Rupp Public Library in Port Clinton. Ron Davidson of the Sandusky Library Archives will present the program on genealogical resources available at that library. 

The Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding their annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 23, at 2 p.m. in Adolphus Kraemer Park at the Log Cabin. The Easter Egg Hunt will be followed by a Candy Hunt in downtown Oak Harbor and then to the Portage Fire Station on Water Street where the kids can visit with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny and take photos with the Bunny Family. This event is open to all youngsters aged 12 and under. For more information, call the chamber office at 419-898-0479. 

Don’t forget the benefit for Devin Kohlman, the Port Clinton Middle School Student diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. He has been through several surgeries, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The benefit is being planned for Wednesday, March 27, from 6-9 p.m. at Rosie’s Bar and Grill located at the Old Island House at the corner of Second and Madison Streets in downtown Port Clinton. There will be entertainment by Corduroy Road, and food and refreshments will be served. They are asking a donation of $20 per person with 100% of the proceeds going to Devin and his mother.  

The Oak Harbor Athletic Boosters are hosting their 25th Annual Reverse Raffle at Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed on Saturday, March 23. The fun-filled night will consist of dinner, drinks, games, silent auction items and the raffle with a $5,000 grand prize. Tickets are $75 each which includes dinner. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. All money earned support the Oak Harbor Rockets, all 18 programs for both boys and girls. For more information or to donate to their Silent Auction, call Becci Petersen or Lisa Morgan at the Rocket Shop, 419-898-7909 or e-mail them at therocketshop@rocketmail.com. 

The Annual Marblehead Bank 5K Daisy Walk/Run will take place on Saturday, May 11. If you thought you were someone who could not run at 5K race, this may be the opportunity you need. A 6-week training program will be taking place at Otterbein North Shore to prepare individuals for the event. The program will start next Wednesday, March 20, and run until April 24. Training sessions start at 5:30 each Wednesday evening. Each session is an hour long. There is no cost for this program but advanced registration is required as space is limited. Individuals interested should contact Sondra Marker at 419-798-8203 before March 18. 

Don’t forget the Friday night fish-lovers meals during Lent. The Port Clinton Knights of Columbus and the folks at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Oak Harbor will be hosting fish fries every Friday during Lent. The Port Clinton K of C holds theirs from 5 to 7:30 at Denny Bergeman Hall, 109 E Perry Street featuring Lake Erie Perch, shrimp and ALL YOU CAN EAT Pollock Dinners with all the fixings. Desserts are also available. At St. Boniface, the dinners will be from 4-7 p.m. featuring fried or baked fish, and all the fixings. Price for adults is $8, children ages 6-12 are $5, and kids under 5 eat free!  Carryouts are available. The St. Joseph/Marblehead Knights of Columbus will have Perch and Pierogis on Friday March 22 from 5-7 p.m. at the St. Joseph Church Hall, 822 Barclay Street. Dinners are $11 and sandwiches are $6.

State Representative Chris Redfern has scheduled a Town Hall meeting for 5 p.m. this Monday, March 18, at the Ida Rupp Public Library. The public is invited to attend. 

Sunday is St. Patrick’s Day. Wear your green, be Irish for a day, and Erin Go Braugh!!!

We were saddened to learn of the deaths of a couple of very lovely ladies in our community this week. First, Helen Grummel passed away last week. She was a school teacher for life, and I got to know her quite well back in the 1970s when her son-in-law, Denny Kersten, coached the Oak Harbor Wrestling team, starting the dynasty that we know today. She and her husband bought Gem Beach Marina about that time, which is still owned and operated by the Grummel family, Helen’s son Jack and his wife Ginger. Megan (Jack and Ginger’s daughter) Lovett also works there with her husband Steve. Also, the infamous lady who was a fixture at local Happy Hours, Miss Pat, passed away over the weekend. She was just a wisp of a lady, but always had a hug for me. I know this much, she enjoyed her life right up to the end. 

Our Find Wylie winner for this week is Mark Miesler of Port Clinton. He was one of 114 entries who found our friendly fish hiding in the ad for Baumann’s Auto Center on page 8B in last week’s Beacon. Mark wins our weekly $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ll be hiding Wylie again this week. If you find him, drop off an entry form at our office in the Beacon Place Business Center or click on the Find Wylie Icon at our website,  www.thebeacon.net. 

The Port Clinton Easter Egg Hunt will be held this Saturday, March 30, starting at 10 a.m. on the Courthouse lawn. All youngsters ages 12 months to 10 years are invited to this event sponsored by the Port Clinton Parks and Recreation Department and Champions for Children. For more information, contact Jenn Porter at City Hall at 419-734-5522, Extension 8. 

I received a lovely note last week from Mary Monak, a regular contributor for The Beacon, with her dedicated publicity for the Marblehead VFW Post. She said she thought of me during a prayer session recently. I could always use a few extra prayers out there. Anyway, she told me the story of her husband Dan who still holds State records for longest return of a pass interception against Port Clinton almost 60 years ago. The game was one-sided with PC holding a 41-0 lead and driving for a score when they arrived on the 8 yard line and attempted a pass into the end zone. Dan picked it off three yards deep and headed the other way, scoring the Stonecrushers’ only TD of the day. Dan’s 103 yard interception return still ranks in the top 10 in Ohio High School football history. The story made my day. I love it when I learn something I didn’t know before.

Mary Alice and I were able to stop for a short time at the Burgers, Brownies and Beer Benefit for Lynn Domokos, the manager at OurGuest Inn and Suites downtown last Saturday. Lynn has been stricken by a debilitating disease that has eaten up just about all of the family savings. Next up will be a Reverse Raffle for Lynn and family is a Reverse Raffle and tickets are now on sale at OurGuest Inn and Suites for $20 each. The family will get $5,000 and the winners will get $3,000 with a $1,500 first prize, a $1,000 second prize and a $500 third prize. The drawing will be held at the Pancake Breakfast being held for Lynn at the Port Clinton Elks Lodge. For more information, call OurGuest Inn and Suites at 419-734-7111.

Fine Art Creations for Community Causes will hold their Grand Opening at 136 W. Water Street in downtown Oak Harbor this Friday, March 29 at 11 a.m. The new business is owned by Jackie Bodnar and they are currently open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fine Art Creations houses watercolor, oil and photography and they also accept art on consignment. Their ribbon cutting ceremony will be this Friday, March 29, at 11 a.m. 

We are fortunate to have several local folks who are members of the Fostoria Lake Plains Barbershop Chorus. They will hold their annual Concert at Fostoria High School on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and can probably be purchased at Split Winds Gallery on North Madison Street in Port Clinton. Their website is www.lakeplainschorus.com.

The Book Exchange Book Club meets the third Monday of every month at the store located at 136 Madison Street in downtown Port Clinton. April’s selection is Sue Miller’s book, “While I was Gone”, an Oprah Book Club selection. 

We have recently updated and upgraded our website, www.thebeacon.net. In the past few weeks, we have worked closely with our webmaster Paul Wallen, our editor Donna Lueke and our graphic design staff to make it a priority to keep our website current, not just once a week, but every day. Every day we are sent or informed about breaking news. Some of it is big news, some of it isn’t. However, it is all local news about local people, places and events. There is no longer a need to wait for your newspaper to arrive in your driveway. You can get local news updates and fresh photos every day, 24/7 on www.thebeacon.net. Check us out. We hope you will be pleasantly surprised. 

As you all know, this is Easter Weekend, the most holy of holidays in the Christian world, celebrating the resurrection of a man named Jesus, who was put to death by crucifixion, and rose three days later to prove to the world that he was, in fact, the Son of God. It is also the feast of Passover celebrated in the Jewish world which goes all the way back to the days of Moses in Egypt before he led his people out of slavery. Let us all take the time to worship this weekend. It’s not just about the Easter bunny and Easter eggs. It’s about something more important than that. 

This Saturday, it’s the “Run for the Roses”, the Annual Auction night sponsored by the Friends of Immaculate Conception School. It will be held in the school gym behind the church located at the corner of 4th and Madison Streets in Port Clinton. Doors will open at 5:30. They will have live, silent and fishbowl auctions. Some of the items up for auction include a photo booth for your next party, dream trips, a jar full of cash, a brand new laptop computer, a basket full of lottery tickets and much, much more! Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at the school office. Tickets include a fabulous dinner catered by the Nor’Easter Club and 6 drink tickets. For more information or to reserve your tickets, call the school office at 419-734-3315.

Our Find Wylie winner for this week is Mary Triska of Catawba. She was one of 158 entries who found our friendly fish hiding in the Destination Designs ad in last week’s Beacon. Mary wins our weekly $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ll be hiding Wylie again this week. If you find him, drop off an entry form at our office in the Beacon Place Business Center or click on the Find Wylie Icon at our website, www.thebeacon.net.

The Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and Ida Rupp Public Library will hold a free workshop titled “From Wall Street to Main Street: Myths, Miscues and Investment Fundamentals” presented by Allison Falls. It will be held at the Library on Tuesday, April 23. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. with the workshop scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. To register, call the Chamber at 419-734-5503 or e-mail to admin@portclintonchamber.com.

The Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce will host their monthly Business After Hours tonight, Thursday, April 18, at the Thirsty Pirate at the corner of State Routes 163 and 53. It will be from 5-7 p.m. and will feature many door prizes for attendees.

They had a fantastic private opening at the new Ciao Bella last Friday evening. Barb and Mel Ayers were there to greet the attendees. Mel looked nice. Barb looked INCREDIBLE! For an opening night, the service and food preparation was superb. They will have their official Ribbon Cutting next Tuesday, April 23.

The 9th Annual Redskin Golf 5-Man Scramble will be held on Sunday, April 28, at the Catawba Island Club golf links. Registration will be at 7:30 a.m. with shotgun start at 8 a.m. The cost is $100 per golfer which includes a hot dog at the turn, a hamburger following play, 2 beverage tickets and various hole prizes.

While we are on the topic, mark down Friday, May 3, for the 2013 United Way Golf Invitational at Catawba Island Club. They will have shotgun starts at 8 a.m. and 12 Noon. The cost is $100 per golfer which includes brunch and a BBQ Luncheon. Space is limited so register your foursome by this Friday, April 19. To RSVP, call 419-734-6645 or email mj.siewert@unitedwayottawacounty.org.

St. Paul United Church of Christ (165 Toussaint Street, Oak Harbor) will be celebrating Rural Life Sunday this Sunday, April 21st during their 10:15 worship service. During the celebration, a local family will receive a tree to plant in keeping with St. Paul tradition. Additionally, children who come forward for the children's sermon will receive a small seedling that they may plant at home. Pastoral Assistant Kyle Timmons will present the sermon, "Seeds of Hope" and the handbell choir and youth quartet will use their gifts to enhance worship. For more information contact the church at 419-898-0852 or email office@stpauluccoh.org.

The Terra State Community College’s Choral Society will present “Music that Changed the World” on Friday, April 26, at the Port Clinton High School Performing Arts Center starting at 7:30 p.m. This concert celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the group. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling the Ticket Line at 419-559-2379.

Angie Wright, just 23 years old and a lifelong resident of Catawba and graduate of Port Clinton High School and Allegheny College, passed away last week with pneumonia. She was extremely talented both vocally and as a violinist. Her close circle of friends have set up a memorial to help her family with funeral and medical expenses. It was just 13 years ago her father James died in a car accident after dropping Angie off at Portage School. Donations can be made to the Angela Wright Memorial Fund at www.youcaring.com. Her funeral is today, April 18.

The 3rd Annual Oak Harbor Community Cleanup Day will be held on Saturday, April 27, sponsored by the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce. They are encouraging service clubs, youth groups, homeowners associations, community groups businesses and families to take part in this annual event. They will meet at 9 a.m. that day in the Community Market’s parking lot. They will tackle cleaning up debris in downtown Oak Harbor until 11 a.m. To get involved, call the Chamber office at 419-898-0479.

The Oak Harbor Chamber will also again be holding Farmers’ Markets in downtown Oak Harbor on the 4th Saturday of each month from June through October. They will be held between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Log Cabin Park on North Church Street. Call the Chamber at 419-898-0479 for more information or visit their website at www.oakharborohio.net.

Want to win a $500 gas card? The Port Clinton 4th of July Committee is partnering with Friendship Food Stores for the month of April at both their stations in the PC area, 1810 E. Perry Street and 3800 State Road. They will be selling raffle tickets with the winner getting a grand prize of $500 gas card. Proceeds from the raffle benefit the 2013 4th of July celebration in Port Clinton. You can purchase your tickets for $1 each of 6 for $5 at any of the stores or you can contact Mike and Mary Ann Snider along with Debbie Hymore Tester. The drawing will be May 1. Good luck!

Interested in gardening but you don’t have the space? Come to the Beech Street Park Community Garden at 3rd and Beech Streets on Port Clinton’s east side on Thursday, April 25, at 10 a.m. to learn about organic gardening. If you can’t make it, call Dave Mehl at 419-206-0482 for more information about a 4’ x 8’ raised bed for 2013. Beds are available to any Port Clinton City resident.

After a cold and rainy early spring season, the weather this week has been nothing short of delightful. I hope you have enjoyed it, because I know that I certainly have! 

Our Find Wylie winner for this week is Chuck Kurtz who was one of 125 entries who found our friendly fish hiding in Destination Designs ad on page 4A in last week’s Beacon. Chuck wins our weekly $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ll be hiding Wylie again this week. If you find him, drop off an entry form at our office in the Beacon Place Business Center or click on the Find Wylie Icon at our website, www.thebeacon.net. 

The Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their monthly “Business After Hours” networking event this evening (Thursday, May 2) at the Ottawa County Water Treatment Plant on W. Fremont Road from 5-7. 

We sure seem to be getting a lot of info coming out of Oak Harbor, which I really appreciate. First, the Oak Harbor Knights of Columbus will conduct their annual Measure Up Campaign at Oak Harbor Community Market this weekend, raising funds that will provide programs and services for folks with developmental disabilities. This is the flagship charity for the Knights of Columbus. 

The Oak Harbor Apple Festival Royalty will be hosting a “Quartermania” fundraiser this Sunday, May 5 at the VFW/Community Market Hall, 251 W. Main Street in Oak Harbor. Doors open at 12:15 and admission is $5 and includes 2 paddles. Over 20 direct sales vendors will be on hand for this fun-filled afternoon. Food and beverages will be serviced. 

Finally, St Paul United Church of Christ, 165 Toussaint St. in Oak Harbor, will host a Rummage Sale this Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Everything will be half price after 1 p.m. They will have food for purchase including Papa Murphy’s Pizza. For more information, call Jackie Timmons at 419-898-2045, especially if you have items to donate. 

From Wall Street to Main Street: Myths, Miscues and Investment Fundamentals will be a program presented this coming Tuesday, May 7, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Ida Rupp Public Library in Port Clinton. Alison Falls, a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors and the CFA Institute will conduct the program. Alison will demystify the financial pundits and, in plain language, highlight investment fundamentals such as: Asset Allocation, Diversification, Risk and Return and Market Volatility. For more information, call the Library at 419-732-3221. 

The Catawba Island Garden Club will hold their annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at John Braun Park located just north of Cemetery Rd. off State Route 53 (NE Catawba Rd.). There will be perennials from members’ gardens along with annuals, bulbs, gardening items for children and adults, assorted raffle items and the sale of home baked goods. Proceeds from the sale go toward community projects. 

The Lake Plaines Barbershop Chorus, who has a good number of its members hailing from Ottawa County, is planning an open house this Monday evening, May 6, at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 1200 Van Buren Street in Fostoria from 7:30 to 9:30. Ladies are also welcome to come and hear them sing. 

I enjoy bringing you truly joyous news. Jeremy Miller, son of Ron and Debbie Miller, Marblehead residents and owners of Our Guest Inn and Suites in Port Clinton, will be ordained a Catholic Priest on Saturday, June 22. He will celebrate his first Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marblehead the next day on Sunday, June 23. Jeremy is another “Son of Xavier”!

Vicky Avery lost her husband, Richard “Corky” Avery, her home and all her possessions last week in a fire. Her friends have set up an account on her behalf at Commodore Perry Federal Credit Union. To make a contribution to The Avery Family Fund, stop in at either the Port Clinton branch at 1711 W. Fremont Rd. or the Oak Harbor branch at 1016 State Route 19. 

The friendly folks at Salvation Army’s Ottawa County Service Unit are looking for Bell Ringers for Christmas in July. There are openings on Friday through Sunday, July 19-21 and again Friday through Sunday, July 26-28. To volunteer, call Maureen Saponari at 419-732-2769 or e-mail her at Maureen.saponari@use.salvationarmy.org.

An exhibition of 126 miracles from around the world will be on display this weekend, June 1 and 2 in the Immaculate Conception School gymnasium. This photographic Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition was presented to the people of the United States by the Real Presence Eucharistic Education and Adoration Association. The exhibition consists of 140 panels or posters. On Saturday, June 1, the exhibition can be viewed from 4-8 p.m. On Sunday, the display will be available from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Port Clinton Knights of Columbus are sponsoring this display. 

Our “Find Wylie” winner this week is David Saylor of Port Clinton who was one of 177 individuals who found your friendly fish hiding in the ad for Marblehead Bank on page 7A in last week’s Beacon. David wins our weekly $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ll definitely be hiding Wylie again this week. If you find him, drop off an entry form at our office in the Beacon Place Business Center or click on the Find Wylie Icon at our website, www.thebeacon.net. 

With fireworks costs continually rising, and in light of the current economic decline, the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce is now raising funds for their annual Independence Day Celebration. The cost of the fireworks has been increasing steadily each year. According to Chamber Director Valerie Winterfield, because they want to keep the quality of the Oak Harbor 4th of July Fireworks at a high level, they are now selling patriotic stars that you can purchase at local Oak Harbor businesses for $1, $5, or $10. Everyone who purchases a $10 star will have their name entered into a drawing for VIP seating during the fireworks. On June 28, they will draw 5 winners who will each receive 4 VIP seats. For more information, contact the Chamber office at 419-898-0479. 

This Sunday, June 2, is the 19th Annual Run/Walk for Humanity hosted annually by the Catawba Island Club. Registration is from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. the day of the event. For more information or to sign up online, visit www.cicrunwalk.org. Also, beginning in June, Habitat for Humanity in Ottawa County will begin building a home for a qualified family at 733 N. Locust Street in Oak Harbor. If you or an organization you belong to would be interesting in helping out, contact the Habitat office at 419-734-7074.

Over on Put-in-Bay they are having a “Mountain Murder Mystery” Dinner Theatre at Put-in-Bay Yacht Club this Saturday, June 1. “Moonshine Time” is 6:30 p.m., “Vittles” will be served at 7:15, and the “Mountain Murder Mystery’ begins at 8 p.m. Desserts will be served afterward, along with announcing the results and the presentation of prizes. Cost for the event is just $25 per person. For reservations call 419-285-4505. 

A new film from Emmy Award winning writer and producer Linda Midgett is coming to Port Clinton’s Ida Rupp Public Library. A national Christian non-profit organization called “Sojourners” has produced this half-hour film titled “The Line”. According to their press release, the film “uncovers the emerging and entrenched faces of poverty in our country–such as the suburban former banker who now relies on a food pantry; to an aging career fisherman, whose shrimping business has been devastated by the after-effects of Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill along the Gulf Coast. The movie will be played at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, at Ida Rupp Public Library. A local program about how to help our own community’s efforts follows the screening. Refreshments will be served and donations to the food pantry will be accepted during this special screening event. 

The Danbury Township Board of Trustees has approved the sale of surplus property by auction on Saturday, June 8, at the Lakevue Marina Storage Buildings across from Lakevue Marina, 8549 North Shore Blvd. Steve Pitzer with the Pitzer Auction Company will conduct the sale. Items to be auctioned include a dump truck/snow plow/salt spreader, an F250 pickup truck, furniture and an antique Coke cooler along with many other items. Preview and registration will begin at 8 a.m. with the sale to begin promptly at 10 a.m. For complete details and photos, visit www.stevepitzer.com and click on the “auctions” tab; or you can call Steve Direct at 419-341-5235. 

The Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce is coordinating the 4th Annual Village-wide Garage Sale Days on June 7 & 8. A complete list of sales will be available at the Chamber and the Oak Harbor Public Library and also at www.oakharborohio.net starting this Wednesday, June 5. If you would like to place your sale on the list, there is a $3 minimum donation and must be turned in by Monday, June 3. Questions? Call Valerie Winterfield at the chamber office, 419-898-0479. 

Miami University’s Chemical Engineering–Paper Science department recently recognized Nathanial Hartman, a junior from Marblehead, who received the Bob and Barbara Williams Leadership Award in that department. 

Monday, June 24, is the date of the 24th Annual Chick Schaffner Memorial Charity Golf Classic at Catawba Island Club. Last year we raised over $25,000 for the American Heart Association and Stein Hospice. This year, we hope to do even better. Once again, the price is $600 per team; with shotgun starts at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Lunch between the end of morning play and the beginning of afternoon play is included, along with a great buffet dinner at CIC afterward. For more information on registering, contact Bonnie Knepper at bonnie.knepper@materion.com; or Amy Skolnik at askolnik@steinhospice.org. 

Put-in-Bay is hosting the Amazing Island Raise, an event similar to TV’s Amazing Race, on Saturday, June 15. Teams will race through South Bass Island, solve clues, complete challenges and win prizes. Teams can be made up of 4 to 6 adults and is $30 per person to compete. Each team must bring one camera (digital or phone) and wear tennis shoes. Teams must register by May 31. It’s all part of a fundraising effort to support Joyful Connections, a supervised visitation and exchange center in Oak Harbor that provides a healthy, safe and homelike environment where children can interact with family members. For more information, contact Sheila Powell at 567-262-3181 or joyfulconnections08@gmail.com. 

I would like to wish my lovely bride of 42 years a happy birthday! Mary Alice, my “Trophy Wife” is “*^*&” years old today! So if you see her, please wish her a Happy Birthday!

Our “Find Wylie” winner this week is Janet Vodicka of Marblehead who was one of 146 individuals who found your friendly fish hiding in the ad for Culligan’s on page 6A in last week’s Beacon. Janet wins our weekly $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ll definitely be hiding Wylie again this week. If you find him, drop off an entry form at our office in the Beacon Place Business Center or click on the Find Wylie Icon at our website, www.thebeacon.net.

The Humane Society of Ottawa County will have animals up for adoption and other items for sale this weekend at Cleats, 6801 E. Harbor Rd., headed toward Marblehead. They are sponsoring a fundraiser this Saturday, June 8, beginning at 3 p.m. There will be great entertainment, food and a silent auction.

It seems like only yesterday that a new business started up that changed the face of our area tremendously. The Jet Express began operations in June of 1988, offering fast catamaran ferry service to Put-in-Bay and late night service off the Island, something that wasn’t available before. I remember Mack McCann speaking at a Kiwanis meeting in 1989 that the result was a 40% increase in business on South Bass Island. The business has also been a tremendous asset to the mainland side of things, as they employ over 50 folks during the season. Congratulations to the founders, Mack, George Stoiber and the late Skip Duggan. The Jet Express is a true example of the philosophy, “A Rising Tide Raises All Boats”.

Along similar lines, next Thursday, June 13, will be the very special Open House and Ribbon Cutting at the Lake Erie Shores and Islands Regional Welcome Center on SR 53 (770 SE Catawba Rd.), celebrating the 10th year anniversary of the facility. They will have an evening of remembrance and fellowship with refreshments to be served from 5-7 p.m. There will be a brief program at 6 p.m. They would like reservations by this Friday, June 7, with Cathy. Call 419-734-4386 or e-mail her at cathy@shoresandislands.com.

Looking for something to do for Dad on Father’s Day? Why not put a team together and help support Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County at their 7th Annual Golf Outing on Saturday, June 15, at Oak Harbor Golf Club. The shotgun start is at 8 a.m. and a 4-person team is only $280, which includes a pulled pork dinner and prizes. Call 419-734-7074 to enter your team. The entry deadline is this Tuesday, June 11.

We need to correct a couple of errors saluting our graduates from Oak Harbor and Danbury High Schools last week. We had incorrect addresses for Neidecker LeVeck Crosser in the Danbury ad, and the one in the Oak Harbor ad should have read “Crosser Funeral Home” on Locust Street in Oak Harbor. They are good folks and we apologize for the errors.

Congratulations to Larry Facemire who was the guy responsible for naming the former Nick’s Roadhouse. He is the one who came up with the name “Lock, Dock and Barrel”.

Former NCAA Coach and current ESPN analyst Bruce Pearl will be visiting Port Clinton and the Friendship Food Stores on Thursday, June 13. Bruce will speak at the Port Clinton basketball camp followed by a meet & greet at the Friendship Food Stores on Perry Street from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Stop by and say hello.

The Danbury Township Board of Trustees has approved the sale of surplus property by auction this Saturday, June 8, at the Lakevue Marina Storage Buildings across from Lakevue Marina, 8549 North Shore Blvd. Steve Pitzer with the Pitzer Auction Company will conduct the sale. Items to be auctioned include a Dump Truck/Snow Plow/salt spreader, an F250 pickup truck, furniture and an antique coke cooler along with many other items. Preview and registration will begin at 8 a.m. with the sale to begin promptly at 10 a.m. For complete details and photos, visit www.stevepitzer.com and click on the “Auctions” tab; or call Steve Direct at 419-341-5235.

The Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce is coordinating the 4th Annual Village-wide Garage Sale Days on June 7 & 8. A complete list of sales will be available at the Chamber and the Oak Harbor Public Library and also at www.oakharborohio.net starting this Wednesday, June 5. Questions? Call Valerie Winterfield at the chamber office, 419-898-0479.

Monday, June 24, is the date of the 24th Annual Chick Schaffner Memorial Charity Golf Classic at Catawba Island Club. Last year we raised over $25,000 for the American Heart Association and Stein Hospice. This year, we hope to do even better. Once again, the price is $600 per team; with shotgun starts at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Lunch between the end of morning play and the beginning of afternoon play is included, along with a great buffet dinner at CIC afterward. For more information on registering, contact Bonnie Knepper at bonnie.knepper@materion.com; or Amy Skolnik at askolnik@steinhospice.org.

Put-in-Bay is hosting the Amazing Island Raise, an event similar to TV’s Amazing Race, on Saturday, June 15. Teams will race through South Bass Island, solve clues, complete challenges and win prizes. Teams can be made up of 4 to 6 adults and is $30 per person to compete. Each team must bring one camera (digital or phone) and wear tennis shoes! It’s all part of a fundraising effort to support Joyful Connections, a supervised visitation and exchange center in Oak Harbor that provides a healthy, safe and homelike environment where children can interact with family members. For more information, contact Sheila Powell at 567-262-3181 or joyfulconnections08@gmail.com. 

With fireworks costs continually rising, and in light of the current economic decline, the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce is now raising funds for their annual Independence Day Celebration. The cost of the fireworks has been increasing steadily each year. According to Chamber Director, Valerie Winterfield, because they want to keep the quality of the Oak Harbor 4th of July Fireworks at a high level, they are now selling patriotic stars that you can purchase at local Oak Harbor businesses for $1, $5, or $10. Everyone who purchases a $10 star will have their name entered into a drawing for VIP seating during the fireworks. On June 28, they will draw 5 winners who will each receive 4 VIP seats. For more information, contact the Chamber office at 419-898-0479.

Our “Find Wylie” winner this week is Jerry Rooney of Rocky River who was one of 132 individuals who found our friendly fish hiding in the ad for The Catawba/Marblehead Parade of Homes on page 8C in last week’s Beacon. Jerry wins our weekly $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ll definitely be hiding Wylie again this week. If you find him, drop off an entry form at our office in the Beacon Place Business Center or click on the Find Wylie Icon at our website, www.thebeacon.net. 

Our new intern, Jasmine Cupp, is giving a presentation on photography this evening (Thursday, June 27) at 7 p.m. at Ida Rupp Public Library. Jasmine’s presentation is part of the Greater Port Clinton Area Artists’ Art Walk. 

The Erie Township Volunteer Fire Department is hosting their 45th Annual Chicken & Ribs Barbecue this Sunday, June 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fire Hall in LaCarne, between Port Clinton and Oak Harbor on State Route 163. A chicken dinner is just $8, while a Ribs dinner is $12. We believe that any time we can help out ANY of Ottawa County’s dedicated 1st Responders, we ought to do it!

Congratulations to a couple of new businesses opening up in Downtown Port Clinton. First, congratulations go out to Kelley Rigoni and her Hot Shots Photgraphic Studios on Madison Street. Another new business on Madison Street is Cakery’s Bakery, where “Life is Sweet”! Their official grand opening and ribbon cutting at 109 Madison Street is this Monday, July 1, at Noon. They will have free samples and a gift certificate drawing. 

That familiar drone of the Ford Tri-Motor will once again be heard overhead from July 4-10 when we can all take a step back in time in one of the world’s first mass produced airliners. The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has two Ford Tri-Motors touring the country, one of which will once again call the Erie-Ottawa Regional Airport on State Rd. east of Port Clinton home for a week. Rides will be available daily…$75 for adults and $50 for children. Discounts are available by booking in advance. Call 1-877-952-1247 or go online to www.flytheford.org. 

Port Clinton High School is hosting the 2013 Port Clinton Open Tennis Tournament this weekend, June 29 and 30. Cost of the Tournament is $15 per player, plus one can of tennis balls for one event or $25 per player for two events plus one can of tennis balls. There is a 2-match guarantee. A registration form can be picked up at the main office at Port Clinton High School or downloaded at www.leaguelineup.com/pcopen. Deadline for entering is this Monday, June 24. For more information call 419-202-2671. 

Friday, July 5, the Peninsula CCL is having a fundraiser featuring Barbecue Traveler’s Chicken Dinners. It will be at Jamestown Tavern in Marblehead from 4-7 p.m. Half Chicken Dinners are $9 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. They have a limited number of tickets, so get yours in advance by calling Jennifer Newman at 419-341-9825 or Julie Oglesbee at 419-340-0827. 

Congratulations to Jessica Warns of Oak Harbor who was named to the Dean’s List at Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio. 

The 7th Annual Magruder Hospital Auxiliary Golf Classic “Golfing for the Goal” will be held on Monday, July 15, at Catawba Island Club’s spectacular links. The event is a 4-person scramble with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Lunch will be served at the course from 11:30 to 12:45. Dinner and awards will be held following golf that day. The fee is just $130 per person for the 4-person scramble, which includes 2 drink tickets. Magruder is using the funds raised at the golf outing this year to help fund the current renovations in “1-South”. This area mainly serves cancer patients, creating a better overall environment for them to receive care and for family members who wait during extended treatment times. For more information call the Hospital at 419-734-3131 and ask for Lis Brand. 

Amateur Performers are needed for the Marblehead International Festival on August 17. For more information, call Tomi Johnson at 419-798-5132.

The Beacon is the Signature Sponsor for a brand new Golf Tournament event. We are sponsoring the 2013 Ottawa County Open, which will be held over two days, July 20 and 21, at Catawba Island Club and Oak Harbor Golf Club. Participants must live, work, or be a member of a golf course/Club in Ottawa County. Net division participants must have a USGA Ghin Handicap. There will be flights for Men, Senior Men and Ladies. The first round is Saturday morning, July 20, at Oak Harbor. The second round will be Sunday afternoon at CIC followed by an Awards Banquet. The entry fee is $125 per player which includes golf, cart and range balls each day, Saturday lunch, Sunday Awards dinner, a tee gift and trophies for all winners and runner-ups. Deadline for entry is July 17. For more information, call either golf course. There is a signup sheet located in Section B of The Beacon this week.

I got this information early, then misplaced it…but better late than never! Congratulations to Jeff and Mary Williams of Port Clinton for celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary on June 22. Jeff, a former teacher at Port Clinton High School, was my golf coach my senior year, and never forgave me for dropping out of golf that spring to participate in the senior play. 

Welcome to the new church leader at Peace Lutheran Church and St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Port Clinton, Rev. Holli Burkard. She celebrated her first service at Peace last Sunday, June 30th. The two congregations have shared a pastor for the last four years. 

That familiar drone of the Ford Tri-Motor will once again be heard overhead from July 4-10 when we can all take a step back in time in one of the world’s first mass produced airliners. The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has two Ford Tri-Motors touring the country, one of which will once again call the Erie-Ottawa Regional Airport on State Rd. east of Port Clinton home for a week. Rides will be available daily…$75 for adults and $50 for children. Discounts are available by booking in advance. Call 1-877-952-1247 or go online to www.flytheford.org. 

The Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce will again be sponsoring the Independence Day Celebration tonight (Wednesday, July 3). Gates open at 5 p.m. along the Portage River, with festivities getting under way at 5:30. The Chamber Tent will be serving beer, pop and water. All proceeds help fund the Fireworks Show. The Apple Festival Royalty will again sponsor the Duck Race in the River. There will be non-stop activities down by the River in Oak Harbor tonight, finished off by the big fireworks show at dusk. 

Amateur Performers are needed for the Marblehead International Festival on August 17. For more information, call Tomi Johnson at 419-798-5132.

Please stay safe this 4th of July weekend!

Our “Find Wylie” winner this week is Lila Hohenfeld of Marblehead who was one of 188 individuals who found our friendly fish hiding in the ad for the Erie-Ottawa Regional Airport on page 5A in last week’s Beacon. Lila wins our weekly $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores as well as a new prize, a beautiful decorative nautical floor mat from “Capn’s Custom Carpets” at Fort Firelands. We’ll definitely be hiding Wylie again this week. If you find him, drop off an entry form at our office in the Beacon Place Business Center or click on the Find Wylie Icon at our website, www.thebeacon.net. 

The Great Ottawa County Fair opens Monday at the Fairgrounds on SR 163 between Oak Harbor and Port Clinton. Mike Libben called to let us know that State Senator Randy Gardner will be visiting the Fair on Monday, July 16, at the Lions Club Shelter beginning at 6 p.m. to talk informally to his constituents. The Fair will run through Sunday, July 21. 

The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to ring the bell for their “Christmas in July” Red Kettle Campaign. This community event will take place on July 19, 20 and 21 as well as July 26, 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be several kettle sites set up with volunteers needed for each site. The participating sites are Community Market in Port Clinton, Bassett’s Market and the Jet Express at both Port Clinton and Put-in-Bay locations. All proceeds help support the mission of the Port Clinton Salvation Army Service Unit. If you are interested or would like to make a donation, call Maureen Saponari at 419-732-2769. Their office is located at the Sutton Center on the east edge of Port Clinton. 

As we have stated before, we have a lot of new businesses opening up this summer. I stopped in for a visit the other day to the Victory Café, 724 Main Street in Marblehead. Great coffee and pastries! They are getting ready to introduce a lot of really different Panini sandwich offerings. They are open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day with coffee, lattes, mochas, smoothies, sodas, tea, lemonade, juices, as well as bagels, muffins, cookies and croissants. Stop in and check ‘em out!

We received an e-mail from a long-time competitor at the National Rifle and Pistol Matches asking that we bring back some of the outstanding history articles written by Karin Messner many years ago. What do you think? Send me an e-mail and let us know. My e-mail address is john@thebeacon.net. 

The Beacon is the Signature Sponsor for a brand new Golf Tournament event. We are sponsoring the 2013 Ottawa County Open, which will be held over two days, July 20 and 21, at Catawba Island Club and Oak Harbor Golf Club. Participants must live, work, or be a member of a golf course/Club in Ottawa County. Net division participants must have a USGA Ghin Handicap. There will be flights for Men, Senior Men, and Ladies. The first round is Saturday morning, July 20 at Oak Harbor. The second round will be Sunday afternoon at CIC followed by an Awards Banquet. The entry fee is $125 per player which includes golf, cart, range balls each day, Saturday lunch, Sunday Awards dinner, a tee gift and trophies for all winners and runner-ups. Deadline for entry is July 17. For more information, call either golf course. There is a signup sheet located in Section B of The Beacon again this week.

The Danbury High School Class of 1988 will be holding its 25 year reunion on Saturday, August 17. They are, of course, looking for classmates they have lost track of over the years. Any member of that class who wants more info on the reunion, contact Robert Lenthe at RLenthe@yahoo.com. 

The Second Annual Island Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary Poker Run will be held on Saturday, July 27. The ride begins at Mad River Harley Davidson with registration beginning at 10 a.m. It’s $15 per person or $25 per couple to participate. The ride ends at Excuses Lounge in Sandusky. Cars and trucks are also welcome. The event benefits ISHAS and the Erie County Humane Society. 

Amateur Performers are needed for the Marblehead International Festival on August 17. For more information, call Tomi Johnson at 419-798-5132.

The Bloodmobile will be back in Ottawa County for a number of upcoming visits. On Tuesday, July 30, they will be at the Put-in-Bay Senior Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Next Thursday, Aug. 1, they will be at the Community Market VFW Hall in Oak Harbor from 12 noon to 6 p.m. Also that same day they will be at the Port Clinton Schools Summer Pint-Size Heroes at the Holiday Inn Express on SR 53 just north of SR 163. 

The Marblehead Bank is featuring The Twisted Sister Gallery with displays in the lobby of their branch office located on Bridge Road during regular business hours now through Aug. 2. The Twisted Sister Gallery is a collaboration of Donna Schoonmaker and Sheri Warner and is located at 318 W. Main Street in Marblehead. The Marblehead Bank has established this marketing program to provide opportunity for area businesses to promote their business and display their wares. Neat idea! Interested businesses can call Marblehead Bank’s Lori Fletcher or Sheila Carr at 419-732-6263. There is no charge for this unique display service. 

The next downtown Oak Harbor Farmers’ Market will be held this Saturday, July 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Log Cabin Park on North Church Street. Along with farm fresh produce, farm market vendors can also provide quality poultry products, fresh baked goods, herbs, fresh cut flowers, all types of plants, fruit, cider, hand-made crafts, garden décor, antiques, art, music, jewelry and gourmet food items. If you are interested in being a vendor, call the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce at 419-8898-0479 or visit their website for an application at www.oakharborohio.net. 

The Second Annual Island Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary Poker Run will be held this Saturday, July 27. The ride begins at Mad River Harley Davidson with registration beginning at 10 a.m. It’s $15 per person or $25 per couple to participate. The ride ends at Excuses Lounge in Sandusky. Cars and trucks are also welcome. The event benefits ISHAS and the Erie County Humane Society. 

The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to ring the bell for their “Christmas in July” Red Kettle Campaign. This community event will take place this weekend, July 26, 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be several kettle sites set up with volunteers needed for each site. The participating sites are Community Market in Port Clinton, Bassett’s Market, the Jet Express at both Port Clinton and Put-in-Bay locations. All proceeds help support the mission of the Port Clinton Salvation Army Service Unit. If you are interested or would like to make a donation, call Maureen Saponari at 419-732-2769. Their office is located at the Sutton Center on the east edge of Port Clinton. 

Oh yes, it is class reunion time again. The Port Clinton High School class of 1978 will be holding its 35 year reunion on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 10 & 11. Friday night they will be gathering at Dock’s Beach House while the official reunion will be at Port Clinton Yacht Club on Saturday evening. Contact information on class members can be e-mailed to cfox@cros.net. The Danbury High School Class of 1988 will be holding its 25 year reunion on Saturday, Aug. 17. They are, of course, looking for classmates they have lost track of over the years. Any member of that class who wants more info on the reunion, contact Robert Lenthe at RLenthe@yahoo.com. 

Speaking of Reunions, it’s hard to believe that the Standard Products plant in Port Clinton has been closed for 20 years. The annual reunion for all past union and salary personnel of Standard Products will be held on Saturday, Aug. 31 starting at 1 p.m. at Lakeview Park in Port Clinton. Participants can bring a covered dish to share. Meat, utensils and some beverages are provided. No alcoholic beverages are allowed at the park. For more information, call Arlene at 419-732-2375.

Our “Find Wylie” winner this week is Joyce Bremyer of Catawba who was one of 97 individuals who confirmed that we forgot to hide our friendly fish in last week’s Beacon. Joyce, therefore, wins our weekly $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores as well as a beautiful decorative nautical floor mat from “Capn’s Custom Carpets” at Fort Firelands. We’ll definitely be hiding Wylie again this week. If you find him, drop off an entry form at our office in the Beacon Place Business Center or click on the Find Wylie Icon at our website, www.thebeacon.net. 

The Salvation Army-Port Clinton Service Unit would like to thank our local community, NWO Toledo Salvation Army and “weekenders” for their generosity during the Christmas in July campaign July 19th – 28th.  Once again, the staff and volunteers at our ringing sites (Bassett’s, Community Market, Put in Bay and Jet Express) made this campaign a success by helping raise $8,011.23. Thanks to all involved!!! A big thank you to the Jet Express for donating round trip tickets to the volunteers ringing at Put-in-Bay. Catawba Moorings (Dockers with Donations) once again stepped up to the plate as they managed to collect 2 heaping shopping carts full of non-perishable items and collect $1,136 in their kettle! The Port Clinton Salvation Army Service Unit is currently accepting applications for our Tools for School Program. If you would like to make a donation to any of The Salvation Army-Ottawa County Programs, please call Director, Maureen Saponari at 419-732-2769.

The 5th Annual Chemo Pub-Crawl will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10. The “crawl” starts at OurGuest Inn at 220 E. Perry Street and goes to the area’s top pubs, including: The Bait House, McCarthy’s, Madison St. Pub, Rosie’s Kokomo Bay, and the Jet Express Bar. Afterward, they will have a “Celebration of Life” at OurGuest Inn from 8-11. For more information, call OurGuest Inn at 419-734-7111 or go to their Web Site at www.pcchemocrawl.com. Also that day, they will have a Duck Drop starting at 11 a.m. You can purchase a Duck Ticket for $10 each which gives you either a round trip ferry ticket on the Miller Ferry or a day pass to Monsoon Lagoon. You can purchase your tickets at OurGuest Inn or Mutach’s Market. 

Reservations for the upcoming Business Over Breakfast Networking Session are due by Friday, August 2. The breakfast will be on Thursday, August 8 at 7:30 a.m. at the VFW Memorial Hall in Oak Harbor. It is a great opportunity to network and learn some interesting information about the business world and issues that affect every small business. The Speaker will be Mani James from the Ohio Attorney Generals Office, speaking on Consumer Law updates and what it means for your business. Member cost for each session is $10 per person. As an added incentive, members who attend 3 of the 4 sessions each calendar year will receive 2 complimentary tickets to the Oak Harbor Chamber Annual Dinner Meeting AND a $10 Oak Harbor Chamber gift certificate!

While we are on the topic of the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce, the next downtown Semi-Annual Village-wide Garage Sale Days will be Friday and Saturday, Aug. 23 and 24. A complete list of sales will be available at the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce at the Oak Harbor Public Library or online at www.oakharborohio.net starting Aug. 21. For more information, call Valerie Winterfield at the Chamber at 419-898-0479. 

Next Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 12 Noon, Otterbein North Shore retirement community is hosting a special “Lunch and Learn” session. The subject will be “Financial Myth Busters about Senior Living. If you would like to attend this program, RSVP to Otterbein by Friday, Aug. 2, by calling 419-798-8250. 

Oh yes, it is Class Reunion time again. The Port Clinton High School class of 1978 will be holding its 35 year reunion on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 10 & 11. Friday night they will be gathering at Dock’s Beach House while the official reunion will be at Port Clinton Yacht Club on Saturday evening. Contact information on class members can be e-mailed to cfox@cros.net. The Danbury High School Class of 1988 will be holding its 25 year reunion on Saturday, Aug. 17. They are, of course, looking for classmates they have lost track of over the years. Any member of that class who wants more info on the reunion, contact Robert Lenthe at RLenthe@yahoo.com.