March 2024 – With the dramatic growth in the Port Clinton-Catawba-Marblehead-Oak Harbor area, The Beacon has grown to 6 sections, proving the value of their 2014 PIND (Print Is Not Dead) campaign. Yes, people still get their news on the internet, but nothing beats holding that newspaper in your two hands! From his winter home in the Bahamas, Publisher John Schaffner is heard to say “I told you so!”

April 2024 – Lake Erie’s Algae Control Campaign is now being duplicated in the rest of the Great Lakes as well as other inland lakes across the world. The western basin of Lake Erie is once again the #1 Walleye Fishery in the U.S. ODNR sets the Walleye Limit to 12 per day per fisherman and the perch limit to 60. 

May 2024 – Schaffner Publications announces a major improvement in the delivery of their newspapers. Circulation Manager Sage Dinse begins the use of helicopter drones to deliver the newspaper throughout Ottawa County. Speaking of aircraft, the restored Ford Tri-Motor begins passenger service to the islands. Liberty Air Museum also launches PT Boat ferry service to all of the Lake Erie Islands, as well as Cedar Point and Leamington, Ontario. 

June 2024 – The Walleye Festival, now being held at East Harbor State Park, grows to over 500,000 visitors. Ottawa County Commissioners Mac Gilliland, Joe Miller and Michelle Ish officially cut the ribbon for the 2024 Walleye Festival. The Geico Gecko and Flo from Progressive are Grand Marshals for the parade. Port Clinton native and Harvard Professor Emeritus, publishes a new book titled “Rising American Dreams” based on the amazing comeback of the City of Port Clinton from the economic abyss. Mayor Fall credits much of the revitalization to the development of Waterworks Park and the new Victory Hotel.

July 2024 – Christmas at the Bay draws over 800,000 revelers to Put-in-Bay. Mayor Eric Booker is all smiles as he watches the hordes of visitors getting off the Jet Express, the SS Julene Market and SS William Market, the new Ford Tri-Motor and the “Thomcat” PT boat. His joy is short-lived however as the island springs a leak near Joe’s Bar.

August 2024 – The 2024 Inter-Lake Yachting Association’s annual Regatta at Put-in-Bay is a record-breaker! Over 350 sailing vessels from all over Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair arrive for the big party. Thomas McRitchie sails his 20 year old 40 footer, JEB to first overall. 78 players show up for football practice as the Port Clinton Lakers (formerly the Redskins, but they adopted the name Lakers when Danbury and Port Clinton Schools consolidated in 2018) get ready for the 2024 season under veteran head coach Beau Carman. 

September 2024 – The 2023 Tall Ships Festival celebrates its 11th anniversary, as over 300,000 visitors flock to the Port Clinton waterfront for tours. Lake Erie Shores and Islands Director Laura Schlachter says that she knew it all the time that this event would be wonderful. Among the Tall Ships participating is the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) who sailed in from Boston Harbor.  

October 2024 – The Cleveland Indians win the 2024 World Series behind the incredible pitching of veteran Danny Salazar. Third Baseman Lonnie Chisenhall goes 10 for 21 with three homers and 15 RBIs in the series win over the LA Dodgers. Oak Harbor is designated as a City/Municipality by the State of Ohio and files suit to become the County Seat of Ottawa County. 

November 2024 – Jeb Bush is elected President of the United States, succeeding Hillary Clinton. Chris Redfern is re-elected to the House of Representatives, Randy Gardner is elected Governor of Ohio, and Carl Koebel isn’t elected to anything! Ohio State trounces Michigan again for the fifteenth straight season. Once again, Ottawa County Common Pleas Court Judge Fritz Hany loses the bet and is forced to play the Buckeye Battle Cry to a packed house in his courtroom with the assistance of Mike Libben, OSU Band Director Jon Waters along with PCHS Band Director, Rod Miller. 

December 2024 – Beau Carman leads the Port Clinton Lakers to their first State Championship in football. First Energy announces that thanks to the resurgence in nuclear energy power plants, the Davis-Besse site will be home to 3 new reactors which will add 1,200 jobs. Finally, if you believe any of this stuff, I have a bridge to sell you in Alaska! Happy New Year! –Swami

Our “Find Wylie” winner this week is Margi Couts of Oak Harbor who was one of 69 people who found our friendly fish in the ad for Bassett’s Market on page 3A in The Beacon’s Dec. 26 edition. Wylie was left out last week, thanks to our early deadline rush. Margi wins our weekly $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ll be hiding Wylie again this week, so 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 is holding their monthly Business After Hours tonight (Thursday, Jan. 9) from 5-7 p.m. at Common Grounds. All Chamber members and guests are invited. 

Playmakers Civic Theatre presents “Jerry Finnegan’s Sister”, a fast-paced comedy opening Friday night (Jan. 10) and running for two weekends. Friday and Saturday nights’ curtain time will be 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays, January 12 & 19. Two actors play Brian and Beth from ages 7 and 6 on through adolescence and teen years then up until their 20s. Call 419-734-5044 for reservations or log on to www.pcplaymakers.org. 

The 2013-2014 Firelands Musical Arts Series continues on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m. They will feature the guitar stylings of Robert Gruca, who is often a featured artist with the Cleveland Symphony. Tickets are $15 at the door or you can still call and purchase season tickets.  

Some of you, (I won’t say who) got an iPad for Christmas this year. The folks at Otterbein North Shore postponed their iPad basic training course at their facility on North Shore Blvd. in Marblehead originally scheduled for Friday, Jan. 3. They have moved it to Thursday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. Each time they meet, they start from the beginning and quickly get everyone up to speed. You can learn about all of the iPad’s useful and fun applications. 

Speaking of Otterbein, that same Thursday, Jan. 16 will be their first Lunch and Learn session for the new year. Chef Ron will make a delicious lunch and you can hear a program on how life goes on at Otterbein North Shore Senior Lifestyle Community and how they cope with this cold and snowy weather. Call 419-898-8203. 

The Ottawa County Safety Council Monthly meeting will be held this Wednesday, Jan. 15 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Magruder Hospital Conference Center. Their speaker will be Andy Birr, a Safety Consultant for the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation. His topic will be Rate your Safety Culture. They request an RSVP by calling Jessica Kowalski at 419-898-6242. 

The Port Clinton Knights of Columbus Council 1750 will hold their annual basketball Hoop Shoot at 2 p.m. this Sunday, Jan. 12 at the Immaculate Conception School gym. All boys and girls ages 10- 14 are eligible to compete. Children entering should bring a birth certificate for proof of age as of Jan. 1. There is no entry fee and age group winners move on to compete at the district level. For more information, call Jim Wisler at 419-573-4816. 

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Marblehead will be holding a special two part seminar to explore the personality types for married couples to help deepen communications. Session one will be Feb. 9 after the 10:30 a.m. mass. Session two will be March 16, also following 10:30 a.m. mass. The presenters will be Fr. Marty Nassr and Father Dan Zak from the Toledo Diocese. For registration information, contact Carol Arntz at carolann@cros.net or call her at 419-798-4177, ext. 303. 

One very important event to the continuing growth of our local economy is coming up soon. The 2014 Mid American Boat Show will once again take up residence at the IX Center near Cleveland Hopkins Airport from Thursday, Jan. 16 to Monday, Jan. 20, which is Martin Luther King Day. It really is an expo of the Lake Erie Lifestyle and we here in eastern Ottawa County are in the center of it all. I have often said that spending a day at the Boat Show allows me to see more friends and business associates than I would see strolling down Madison Street in Port Clinton, Main Street in Marblehead, or Water Street in Oak Harbor!

Our “Find Wylie” winner this week is Jenn Warnke of Erie Township who was one of 167 people who found our friendly fish in the ad for Erie Islands Resort on page 12 in last week’s Beacon. Jenn wins our weekly $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ll be hiding Wylie again this week, so 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. 

Main Street Port Clinton invites downtown building owners and business owners to their next quarterly round-table this evening, (Thursday, Jan. 16). They will be meeting upstairs at Slater’s Madison St. Pub with networking beginning at 5 p.m. and the meeting starting at 5:30 p.m. 

Tonight is also the first ELMS Free Community Meal of the year starting at 5 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal on East Second Street, just east of Jefferson. The congregations of St. Thomas and Peace Lutheran will once again be teaming up to serve a delicious hot meal of meatloaf, mashed potatoes and a choice of desserts. The public is welcome. The meal is free of charge and carryouts are available.

The Port Clinton Recreation Department would like announce the resumption of open swim/open gym at the high school every Sunday from now through March 2. Doors open at 1 p.m. and they will remain open until 4 p.m. The fee is $3 per person and $7 per family.

The 2013-2014 Firelands Musical Arts Series continues this Saturday, Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m. They will feature the guitar styling of Robert Gruca, a regular featured artist with the Cleveland Symphony. Tickets are $15 at the door or you can still call and purchase season tickets.  

I got a nice note this week from Denny Hammond at the Humane Society of Ottawa County, who wanted us to recognize Chase Cortez of Port Clinton who donated cat food, dog food and kitty litter to the shelter recently. The shelter is always in need of such donations. You can just drop them off at the shelter located at the corner of Sand and Christy Chapel just east of Port Clinton.

Otterbein North Shore is holding their next Breakfast of Champions this Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 9 a.m. Each month, their chef prepares a tasty breakfast followed by a speaker or other pre-arranged entertainment. You will be out of there by 10:30 a.m. Call Otterbein at 419-798-8250 for more information. 

The Ottawa County Genealogical Society will meet Tuesday, Jan. 21, at Ida Rupp Public Library at 7 p.m. Connie Cedoz, of the Ida Rupp Library staff, will present the program, Researching Ohio Newspapers. Guests are welcome.

The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will once again be making a stop in Ottawa County next Thursday, Jan. 23 at the Community Markets VFW Hall on W. Main Street in Oak Harbor from 12-6 p.m. Liven up your winter and give the gift of life to a total stranger. The food is good too!

President and CEO of Magruder Hospital, Todd Almendinger, will give a report on the State of the Hospital on Monday, Jan. 20 at 12 p.m. in the Conference Center. If you want lunch, the price will be $6. They are requesting RSVP by Friday, Jan. 17 by calling the hospital at 419-732-4061. Magruder Hospital, as you all know, is a major staple for our community. It is important for all of us that they continue to service the health needs of Ottawa County. 

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Marblehead will be holding a special two part seminar to explore the personality types for married couples to help deepen communications. Session one will be Feb. 9 after the 10:30 a.m. mass. Session two will be March 16, also following 10:30 a.m. mass. The presenters will be Fr. Marty Nassr and Father Dan Zak from the Toledo Diocese. For registration information, contact Carol Arntz at carolann@cros.net or call her at 419-798-4177, ext. 303.

Our “Find Wylie” winner this week is Don Kersulis of Port Clinton who was one of 147 people who found our friendly fish in the ad for Marti and Chuck Redmond at Bolte Real Estate on page 2B in last week’s Beacon. Don wins our weekly $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ll be hiding Wylie again this week, so 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 Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at the Community Market-VFW Building, 251 W. Main Street in Oak Harbor, today (Thursday, January 23) until 6 p.m. Many of our readers get their Beacon on Wednesday and early Thursday morning, so if you can make it, take the time and opportunity to give the gift of life today.

Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County is currently accepting applications for those interested in applying for a Habitat for Humanity home. They are planning on building a home in Port Clinton for a qualifying family. To find out if you qualify, contact the Habitat for Humanity office at 419-734-7074.

Oak Harbor Knights of Columbus Council 1944 is hosting their annual Youth Free Throw Championship this coming Monday, Jan. 27, at the St. Boniface Catholic School Gym. Doors open at 6 p.m. for registration and a shoot-around. Competition begins at 7 p.m. for boys and girls ages 9 to 14. There is no entry fee. Winners advance to district, regional and state competition. 

Congratulations to Lucas Kennedy of Marblehead and Erin Bryant of Oak Harbor who were named to the Fall Semester Dean’s List at Baldwin Wallace University. They had to attain a GPA of 3.6 to earn that recognition. 

The 2013-2014 Firelands Musical Arts Series continues next Wednesday, Jan. 29, with performances by the Toledo Symphony Woodwind Quintet at two local retirement communities in Ottawa County. The first concert will be held at the Elmore Retirement community at 1:30 p.m. The second concert will be at the Genoa Retirement community at 3 p.m. Both concerts are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided by Home Instead Senior Care. These concerts are made possible by a grant from the Ottawa County Community Foundation. 

Main Street Port Clinton is looking for new or used fishing poles for their Kids Fishing Derby held each year at the Walleye Festival. Over 200 youngsters participate and many children that come do not have their own fishing poles. For more information on how to donate, call the Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce office at 419-734-5503.

Kiwanis International is 99 years old, and will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary next year. The local Port Clinton Kiwanis Club that meets each Wednesday for lunch at the PC Elks Lodge is participating in the Kiwanis Worldwide Service Project to raise funds to eliminate maternal neonatal tetanus. Local donations are welcome by giving to any Kiwanian. 

Do you love to read? The folks at Otterbein North Shore are starting a Bucket List Book Club with the first session to be held tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 24, at 1:30 p.m. They will pick 10 books in 2014 to read as a group. They come from the Time Magazine list of the 10 best novels of all time. Deb Loiacono, Director of the Ida Rupp Public Library in Port Clinton, will be the leader of the group. Call Jo Anne Kirsten at Otterbein to register at 419-798-8250. The first book is “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway. 

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Marblehead will be holding a special two part seminar to explore the personality types for married couples to help deepen communications. Session one will be Feb. 9 after the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Session two will be March 16, also following 10:30 a.m. Mass. The presenters will be Fr. Marty Nassr and Father Dan Zak from the Toledo Diocese. For registration information, contact Carol Arntz at carolann@cros.net or call her at 419-798-4177, ext. 303.

Our “Find Wylie” winner this week is Cheryl Katynski, who was one of 157 people who found our friendly fish in the ad for Howard Hanna on page 2B in last week’s Beacon. Cheryl wins our weekly $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ll be hiding Wylie again this week, so 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. 

Registration forms for the Oak Harbor Soccer League are now available at BCS Schools, the Oak Harbor Public Library or by logging in to www.oakharborsoccer.com. Registration forms are due by Feb. 15. 

Last year’s Oak Harbor Wrestling State Champion, Luke Cramer, is now wrestling for Ashland University. The AU Wrestling Team is ranked 16th in the Country in Division II. Another local Ashland Student, Macy Caldwell of Port Clinton, is a member of their Women’s Track and Field team. Macy is a 2010 graduate of Port Clinton High School. The Women’s Track & Field team at Ashland is also one of the top teams in the Country.

Another iPad Class is scheduled for Otterbein North Shore on Friday, Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. Each time they meet, they start from the beginning and quickly get everyone in attendance up to speed. There are a couple of other events at Otterbein of note. They are having a Shingles Vaccine Seminar on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 6:30 p.m. Otterbein is also having a special Valentine’s Day Harp Dinner to be prepared by Chef Ron LaPointe. The Surf & Turf dinner will feature prime rib and shrimp scampi. Harpist Karen Westgate will perform during dinner. Tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information call Jo Ann or Kirsten at 419-798-8250. 

I have said it many times…Ottawa County’s biggest need is JOBS! We need JOBS! I have spoken to the folks at the Job Store at the Resource Center many times. There are many cases locally where good local jobs are available, but businesses have trouble finding folks with the proper skills. There are also many cases where the skills may be there, but no jobs. We at the Beacon want to bridge the gap between good jobs and good people. Therefore, starting with our Feb. 5 edition, we intend to begin posting help wanted ads on page 2A, right up front, taking them out of the classifieds. If your business has a job that needs filled, call us at 419-732-2154. 

Main Street Port Clinton is looking for new or used fishing poles for the Kids Fishing Derby held each year at the Walleye Festival. Over 200 youngsters participate and many children that come do not have their own fishing poles. For more information on how to donate, call the Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce office at 419-734-5503.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Marblehead will be holding a special 2-part seminar to explore personality types for married couples to help them deepen communications. Session one will be Feb. 9 after the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Session two will be March 16, also following 10:30 a.m. Mass. The presenters will be Fr. Marty Nassr and Father Dan Zak from the Toledo Diocese. For registration information, contact Carol Arntz at carolann@cros.net or call her at 419-798-4177, ext. 303.

Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County is currently accepting applications for those interested in applying for a Habitat for Humanity home. They are planning on building a home in Port Clinton for a qualifying family. To find out if you qualify, contact the Habitat for Humanity office at 419-734-7074.

Our “Find Wylie” winner this week is Vivian Saylor, who was one of 178 people who found our friendly fish in the ad for Mr. Ed’s on page 8A in last week’s Beacon. Vivian wins our weekly $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ll be hiding Wylie again this week, so 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. 

I had a chance to chat with our State Representative, Chris Redfern, last Sunday morning when I saw him and his lovely wife having breakfast at JT’s Catawba Café. We talked a little about Port Clinton and the drastic need for something positive to happen downtown. The buzz all over town is about the area around the old “Cindy’s” location at the corner of Madison and Second Streets that had to be blocked off because some bricks fell off the walls there. He told me that old friend Greg Telecky from Poggemeyer Engineering was working on gaining some grant money for the City to do some serious rehabbing on some of these buildings. Chris is a forward thinking guy, and reminded me how much good economic activity was created for the east end of Ottawa County by the Regional Water project that happened when he was Ottawa County Commissioner, which it certainly did. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed.

Another iPad Class is scheduled for Otterbein North Shore this Friday, Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. Each time they meet, they start from the beginning and quickly get everyone in attendance up to speed. There are a couple of other events at Otterbein of note. There is a Shingles Vaccine Seminar on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. They are also having a special Valentine’s Day Harp Dinner to be prepared by their Chef Ron LaPointe. The “Surf & Turf” dinner will feature prime rib and shrimp scampi. Harpist Karen Westgate will perform during dinner. Tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information call Jo Ann or Kirsten at 419-798-8250. 

I received a nice note and flier from Tori Thompson at the Ability Center about a very special program they are having next Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 1-3 p.m. at the Sutton Center in Port Clinton. They are holding a Disability Awareness Training program and the public is invited to participate. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how to communicate and work with people in your business and community who live with disabilities. To register, contact Eryn Sanders, Rural Outreach Coordinator, at 419-734-0330 or e-mail her at esanders@abilitycenter.org. The program is free.

Main Street Port Clinton is looking for new or used fishing poles for their Kids Fishing Derby held each year at the Walleye Festival. Over 200 youngsters participate and many children that come do not have their own fishing poles. For more information on how to donate, call the Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce office at 419-734-5503.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Marblehead will be holding a special 2-part seminar to explore the personality types for married couples, to help deepen communications. Session one will be Feb. 9 after the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Session 2 will be March 16, also following 10:30 a.m. Mass. The presenters will be Fr. Marty Nassr and Father Dan Zak from the Toledo Diocese. For registration information, contact Carol Arntz at carolann@cros.net or call her at 419-798-4177, ext. 303.

Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County is currently accepting applications for those interested in applying for a Habitat for Humanity home. They are planning on building a home in Port Clinton for a qualifying family. To find out if you qualify, contact the Habitat for Humanity office at 419-734-7074.

Registration forms for the Oak Harbor Soccer League are now available at BCS Schools, the Oak Harbor Public Library or by logging in to www.oakharborsoccer.com. Registration forms are due by February 15.

Our “Find Wylie” winner this week is Kathy Kast who was one of 159 people who found our friendly fish in the ad for OCTA page 4A in last week’s Beacon. Kathy wins our weekly $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ll be hiding Wylie again this week, so 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. 

A limited number of tickets are still available for the 60th Annual Magruder Hospital Foundation Charity Ball at Catawba Island Club on Saturday, Feb. 22. This year’s theme is Prom Night – A Night to Remember. Money raised is used to fund projects through the Magruder Hospital Foundation. Hors d’oeuvres will be served starting at 6 p.m. followed by dinner. The featured artists for the evening are the popular local band, The Junk. Tickets are $120 per couple or $60 per individual and can be purchased at Bassett’s Market, Mary’s Blossom Shoppe, the Magruder Hospital Gift Shop and Croghan Colonial Bank in Oak Harbor. For more information, contact Kerryn Lockhart at Magruder at 419-734-3131, extension 3105.

We picked up an interesting information piece on the internet that very much supports our PIND (Print is not Dead) campaign. Research now shows that newspaper media content and advertising rate as the most trusted, most valuable and most engaging. 158 million U.S. adults read content from newspaper media each week, more than radio, the internet and television! The Beacon’s numbers locally are even more impressive, thanks to you, our loyal readers. Nearly 8 of every 10 households from Marblehead to Catawba to Port Clinton to Oak Harbor has somebody read through The Beacon every week, and the average number of people who do so averages over 2 per household. Like I said, PIND!!!

Speaking of economics, I attended a special program featuring world-renowned economist Ken Mayland, who spent an hour last Thursday at Kalahari clarifying the vagaries of Macro-Economics. Overall, he was quite bullish on the national economy for 2014. Even with the change of leadership at the Federal Reserve, no major policy changes are expected this year. Much of the drama that filled up 2013, such as “Obama Care”, the Fiscal Cliff, the soaring stock market, international problems like Syria, China, Japan and Iran, seem to be subsiding. The basis for his optimism is that inflation remains under control, at least for now. The value of assets, such as homes and stocks are up. The example he used is the comparative value of a Big Mac compared to the Consumer Price Index. The Big Mac’s value has soared higher than the CPI! Mayland believes that fewer uncertainties in the economy will help the economy rise significantly in 2014. Yeah, but what does he know?

Otterbein North Shore is having a special Valentine’s Day “Harp Dinner” to be prepared by their Chef Ron LaPointe. The surf & turf dinner will feature prime rib and shrimp scampi. Harpist Karen Westgate will perform during dinner. Tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information call Jo Ann or Kirsten at 419-798-8250. They are also having a Shingles Vaccine Seminar on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m.

The State of Ohio Mobile Computer Lab is coming to Danbury! They will be holding a full range of computer classes from Feb. 26 through March 3 at Danbury High School. Classes include: iPad Basics, Tablet Tryouts, eBook Basics, Photoshop I, Pinterest, and One-on-One Help. Call the Ida Rupp Public Library at 419-732-3212 for a full list of classes and times. Registration is required. 

Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County is currently accepting applications for those interested in applying for a Habitat for Humanity home. They are planning on building a home in Port Clinton for a qualifying family. To find out if you qualify, contact the Habitat for Humanity office at 419-734-7074.

Registration forms for the Oak Harbor Soccer League are now available at BCS Schools, the Oak Harbor Public Library or by logging in to www.oakharborsoccer.com. Registration forms are due by Feb. 15.

Our “Find Wylie” winner this week is Jeff Hendrickson, who was one of 175 people who found our friendly fish in the ad for Bassett’s Market on page 3A in last week’s Beacon. Jeff wins our weekly $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ll be hiding Wylie again this week, so 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 public is invited to a delicious free dinner at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on E. Second Street in Port Clinton this evening, Thursday, Feb. 20, starting at 5 p.m. On the menu will be ham with scalloped cheesy potatoes, a vegetable and a variety of homemade deserts. These meals are provided by the members of St. Thomas and Peace Lutheran Churches in Port Clinton. The two Port Clinton congregations share a Pastor as well as a mission to help their neighbors. 

The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be making two stops in Ottawa County this week and weekend. Friday, Feb. 21, you have the opportunity to save a life at Magruder Hospital from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Bloodmobile will be back on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Zion United Methodist Church in Graytown. Here are two magnificent opportunities for you to give the gift of life to a complete stranger. 

Speaking of Magruder Hospital, this is the last call for tickets for the 60th Annual Magruder Hospital Foundation Charity Ball at Catawba Island Club this Saturday, Feb. 22. This year’s theme is “Prom Night–A Night to Remember”. It’s always been the adult prom this time of year, and always a night to remember. Money raised is used to fund projects through the Magruder Hospital Foundation. Tickets are $120 per couple or $60 per individual and can be purchased at Bassett’s Market, Mary’s Blossom Shoppe, the Magruder Hospital Gift Shop and Croghan Colonial Bank in Oak Harbor. For more information, contact Kerryn Lockhart at Magruder at 419-734-3131, extension 3105.

The Oak Harbor Knights of Columbus Council 1944 will be sponsoring an all you can eat Pancake and Sausage Family Breakfast at St. Boniface Catholic Church on Sunday, Feb. 23, beginning at 9 a.m. The menu includes homemade rolls, homemade applesauce, coffee, hot chocolate and juice. The donation is $6 for adults, $5 for “seasoned” citizens and $3 for youngsters under 12. Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit the Heartbeat Pregnancy Center of Ottawa County. They will also be holding a Big Hearts for Little Hearts baby shower to benefit Heartbeat. 

Otterbein North Shore is having two big events this week. First is a Healthy Heart Lunch & Learn session on Friday, Feb. 21, at noon. February, as you remember, is Heart Month. Remember the Heartline Radiothons we used to have at WRWR back in the 70s? At the Otterbein event you can learn about foods that are both tasty and good for you. Chef Ron will prepare a lunch that features such food items. Then, next Wednesday, Feb. 26, is the Breakfast of Champions at Otterbein, near the North Shore Boulevard entrance to Lakeside. The program will feature Shirley Stary, Vice President of Programming at Lakeside-Chautauqua, who will fill attendees in on all the activities at Lakeside this summer. For either event, call Kristen at Otterbein at 419-798-8250. 

The State of Ohio Mobile Computer Lab is coming to Danbury. They will be holding a full range of computer classes from Feb. 26 through March 3 at Danbury High School. Classes include: iPad Basics, Tablet Tryouts, eBook Basics, Photoshop I, Pinterest, and One-on-One Help. Call the Ida Rupp Public Library at 419-732-3212 for a full list of classes and times. Registration is required.

This Saturday, March 1, is Community Preparedness Day. It will be observed at the Ottawa County Riverview Healthcare Campus near Oak Harbor. Activities start at 8:30 a.m. with a free Pancake and Sausage Breakfast followed by presentations from Ottawa County Sheriff, Steve Levorchick on Home Security; Kenan Mylander from Mercy St. Vincent’s Burn Unit on Fire Safety; Mike Drusbacky on what to do in the event of a nuclear accident, chemical spill and train derailment; Kimberly Newman, a Toledo TV meteorologist on severe weather preparation; and finally Beth Leggett from the Ottawa County office of the American Red Cross with what should go into an Emergency Supply Kit. 

The Port Clinton High School Leadership Council is hosting the Ohio Association of Student Councils State Conference from April 24 to 26. They are looking for community help in housing the 500 to 800 students who will be in attendance that weekend. What’s involved? First, select the number of students you can house (they don’t need beds, just floor space for sleeping bags). They will need transportation to and from PCHS. They will need a good breakfast on Friday and Saturday mornings. Forms are available at the high school. For more information, call 419-734-2147. This is obviously a big endeavor and your help is very much needed and appreciated. 

Even though I was gone all weekend, we still had our Editor, Jasmine Cupp, at Saturday’s Magruder Hospital Charity Ball. We always do a photo collage of the big dance, and so it is this year. Check out page 6A. 

Don’t forget our “Coffee with the Editor” session at Common Grounds every Wednesday at 9 a.m. According to Editor Jasmine Cupp, we had a good group there last Wednesday. Lots of interesting local topics are discussed. It is our opportunity to have a sit-down with our readers and learn about what you want to see in The Beacon as we enter our 32nd year of community publishing. Also, don’t forget that Common Grounds is offering their gourmet coffee for just 99-cents with one refill. 

I met Jack Miller during a breakfast speaking engagement at Otterbein North Shore a couple of weeks ago. Jack owns Beacon Point Driving Range at the intersection of State Route 2 and Lakeshore Drive. Jack has begun a “Golf Quiz” which you can find on one of our sports pages each week. Check out your golf knowledge.

The Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Monthly Business After Hours will be held this evening (Thursday, March 6) starting at 5 p.m. at Baumann Auto Center on SR 53 N, or 625 SE Catawba Rd. Baumann’s just completed a major renovation of their GM showroom and a ribbon cutting ceremony will also be held right at 5 p.m. According to the press release from the Chamber, Baumann’s used all local contractors to do the job, which is important to our area.

The Toledo Symphony Brass Quintet will present two free concerts on Wednesday, March 12, thanks to a generous donation from the Ottawa County Community Foundation and arrangements made by the Musical Arts Series at Firelands Presbyterian Church. The Brass Quintet will perform at 2 p.m. at the Riverview Health Care Campus just east of Oak Harbor, then will travel to Otterbein North Shore Retirement Community in Marblehead for a concert there at 3:30 p.m. Friends and family members of residents are invited as are members of the community. 

They’re having another iPad class at Otterbein North Shore this Friday, March 7. The beginner’s class starts at 10 a.m. with an intermediate class at 11 a.m. For more information, call Kirsten or Jo Ann at 419-798-8250. 

Don’t forget our “Coffee with the Editor” session at Common Grounds every Wednesday at 9 a.m. According to our Editor Jasmine Cupp, we had a good group there last Wednesday. Lots of interesting local topics are discussed. It is our opportunity to have a sit-down with our readers and learn about what YOU want to see in the Beacon as we enter our 32nd year of community publishing. Also don’t forget that Common Grounds is offering their gourmet coffee for just 99-cents with one refill. 

Four local students have been named to the Dean’s List at Hocking College in Athens, Ohio. From Put-in-Bay are Wyatt Auger, Max Leicher and Michala Werternmach; and Adam Marks from Oak Harbor. Congratulations to all.

The Port Clinton High School Leadership Council is hosting the Ohio Association of Student Councils State Conference from April 24 to 26. They are looking for community help in housing the 500 to 800 students who will be in attendance that weekend. What’s involved? First, select the number of students you can house (they don’t need beds, just floor space for sleeping bags). They will need transportation to and from PCHS. They will also need a good breakfast on Friday and Saturday mornings. Forms are available at the high school. For more information call 419-734-2147. This is obviously a big endeavor and your help is very much needed and appreciated.

Our “Find Wylie” winner this week is Dione Geary of Catawba who was one of 178 people who found our friendly fish in the ad for CMP Civilian Marksmanship on page 3B in last week’s Beacon. Dione wins our weekly $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ll be hiding Wylie again this week, so 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 Knights of Columbus will have their final Fish Fry of the Lenten Season on Good Friday, April 18 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. It’s “all you can eat” for just $8 for adults and $4 for children under 12. The menu includes hand breaded fish, French fries, coleslaw, mac and cheese, lemonade, coffee and your choice of a variety of desserts. It is held at the Denny Bergeman K of C Hall, 109 E. Perry Street.

All are invited to join the congregations of St. Thomas Episcopal and Peace Lutheran Churches in Port Clinton for a Spring “all you can eat” Maundy Thursday Roast Port Dinner tonight (Thursday, April 17) starting at 5 p.m. at St. Thomas Guild Hall. Carryouts are available. The two churches will hold a Joint Service at Peace Lutheran, 900 Jefferson Street in Port Clinton starting at 7 p.m. 

The Leadership Ottawa County class of 2014 is hosting a very special “Pop-Up Talent” night at the Port Clinton Elk’s Lodge on Saturday, April 26. They will be featuring local celebrity talent for the event, including the Naked Bacon Band. Tickets are $40 per person and $70 per couple which includes dinner and the entertainment. Tickets can be purchased at Mary’s Blossom Shoppe in Port Clinton; the Danbury Zoning Department in Marblehead, the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce and The Crafty Needle in Elmore. The fundraiser supports United Way’s Pop-Up Adventure Play Program. 

The Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce will hold their monthly Business After Hours tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tadsen Diversified Insurance, 124 E. Second Street in Port Clinton. An RSVP is requested. They are also hosting a special “Business over Breakfast” on Wednesday, April 23 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Victorian Inn on SR 163. There will be a $10 charge for breakfast and the featured speaker will be Joan Washburn. Her topic will be “Playing the Field of Life”. RSVP is a must for that one. Call the Chamber at 419-734-9777 or e-mail at info@themarbleheadpeniinsula.com. 

And also don’t forget our “Coffee with the Editor” session at Common Grounds every Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. Lot’s of interesting local topics are discussed. It is our opportunity to have a sit-down with our readers and learn about what YOU want to see in The Beacon as we enter our 32nd year of community publishing. Also don’t forget that Common Grounds offers their gourmet coffee for just 99-cents with one refill or you can also get 10% off your order on Wednesday mornings.  

The Annual Community Good Friday service will be held this Friday, April 18 from Noon to 1 p.m. at Lakeside United Methodist Church. All are invited to participate in this ecumenical gathering sponsored by t he Danbury Ministerial Association. Food items and a free will offering will be collected for the Danbury Food Pantry.  

Kathy Jo Schweitzer sent me an email trying to unload a collection of old vinyl records. She has something like 300 “45s” and over 30 older albums of all kinds. She wants to sell the whole batch of them. 

Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce is holding their annual Community Cleanup Day on Saturday, May 3 from 9-11 a.m. They are looking for Service Clubs, youth groups, Church groups and individual volunteers to help clean up downtown Oak Harbor. If you would like to help, just meet in the back of the Community Markets parking lot at 9 a.m. on that day. 

The Ottawa County Republican Party is hosting its first Mother’s Day luncheon, fashion show and fundraiser on Saturday, May 10 at Catawba Island Club. This even includes great food, fabulous fashions and jewelry, raffles and a silent auction. Tickets are on sale for $40 per person and open to the public. Seating is limited so contact Renee Claycomb at 419-960-7371 or visit www.ottawacountyohiogop.com for more information. Proceeds benefit the Ottawa County Republican Party. 

Don’t forget the Port Clinton Kiwanis Club will hold its annual Spaghetti Dinner at St. John Lutheran Church on Friday, April 25. It’s an “all day” deal, and you can be served lunch or dinner, as they will be serving from noon to 7 p.m. The Kiwanians will even deliver. Just phone your order in any time after 9 a.m. to 419-734-1325 that day. Yes, it is once again the famous Giaco family spaghetti and meatballs!

Our “Find Wylie” winner this week is Margaret Mizla of Marblehead who was one of 249 people who found our friendly fish in the ad for Common Grounds on page 12A in last week’s Beacon. Margaret wins our weekly $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ll be hiding Wylie again this week, so 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 thebeacon.net. 

I got a mysterious email this week from a Linda Alexander about a Ballet Production in Toledo. Linda is the former Linda Brooks, who along with her identical sister, Laura, graduated from PCHS a few moons ago. Both loved to dance, as I recall. Now, Linda is the proud mama of her daughter Johanna (pictured above) who will be performing with the Ballet Theatre of Toledo with a full chamber orchestra this weekend (May 2-4) at Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Toledo. Linda, who learned to sew from her grandma Florence from Oak Harbor and her mom, is the costume designer for the production. For more info on the production, call Ballet Theatre of Toledo at 419-861-0895. 

The Red Cross Bloodmobile is back in Ottawa County and will host no less than four giving opportunities in the next ten days. First, they will be at Magruder Hospital tomorrow (Friday, May 2) from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3, they are at the Catawba Township Hall from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Wednesday, May 7, the bloodmobile will be at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Marblehead from noon to 5 p.m. Finally, they will be at St. John Lutheran Church in Oak Harbor on Saturday, May 10, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

The box office for Playmakers’ Civic Theatre’s final show of the season, “Its A Grand Night for Singing” featuring the music of Rogers and Hammerstein, is now taking reservations. “A Grand Night” will be presented May 8-10 and May 16-18 at Playmaker’s West Sixth Street theater in Port Clinton. Call 419-734-5044 for reservations.

Debby Krofft stopped into my office this week to announce that she is organizing a series of Antique and Collectables Markets to be held on the Adams Street Boulevard in Port Clinton starting the end of May and running through the end of September. She is looking for venders who would like to rent spaces. You can reach her at 419-341-0721 or you can e-mail her at asampc@hotmail.com. 

The Ottawa County Republican Party is hosting a special “Meet & Greet” for Steve Kraus, candidate for the Ohio House of Representatives in the 89th District and Roni Reid, who will be running for County Auditor in November. The event will be held this Sunday, May 4, from 2-4 p.m. at the new Republican Headquarters in the front of the Denny Bergeman K of C Hall, 109 E. Perry Street in Port Clinton. Also, the deadline to purchase tickets for the Mother’s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show at CIC on Saturday, May 10, and hosted by the Ottawa County Republican Women’s Club is this Monday, May 5. To make your reservation, contact Renee Claycomb at 419-960-7371. Tickets are $40 per person with proceeds benefitting the Ottawa County Republican Party. 

And also don’t forget our “Coffee with the Editor” session at Common Grounds every Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. Lot’s of interesting local topics are discussed. It is our opportunity to have a sit-down with our readers and learn about what YOU want to see in The Beacon as we enter our 32nd year of community publishing. Also don’t forget that Common Grounds offers their gourmet coffee for just 99-cents with one refill or you can also get 10% off your order on Wednesday mornings.  

The Ottawa County Senior Resources and Magruder Hospital present this year’s Spring Senior Day – Hawaiian Luau – this coming Wednesday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Clubhouse at Camp Perry. This year’s entertainment will be provided by Ohana Aloha, a Polynesian dance troupe. They will also present the awards for the 2014 Senior Hall of Fame class. Attendees are asked to provide their favorite Hawaiian outfit for the event. For more information or to purchase a ticket for the event, contact your local Senior Center, the Magruder Hospital Gift Shop, or the main office of Senior Resources at 1-877-898-6458.

Another honor for Dave Zavagno and his happy warriors who brought us the Tall Ships extravaganza last Labor Day weekend! The Documentary on the re-enactment of the Battle of Lake Erie has been nominated for an Emmy Award for Special Event Coverage. Nick James of Catawba and Peter Houston of Put-in-Bay were the producers of this outstanding film. Congratulations all the way around!

Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce is holding their annual Community Cleanup Day this Saturday, May 3 from 9-11 a.m. They are looking for service clubs, youth groups, church groups and individual volunteers to help clean up downtown Oak Harbor. If you would like to help, just meet in the back of the Community Markets parking lot at 9 a.m. on that day. 

Who’s the Top Dog in Ottawa County? We may just find out on Sunday, May 18, at a special Bark Until Dark Dog Show to be held at the “off-the-leash” dog park located at 310 Bridge Road in Danbury Township (next to Bayside Comfort). Everyone is welcome to bring their pup to support the Humane Society of Ottawa County. The Entry fee is $10 per mutt donated to HSOC. Registration begins at 11:45 a.m. with judging starting promptly at 1 p.m. Big Boppers will be on hand to serve a “hot dog” lunch (what else?) for a $5 donation to HSOC. The whole event is sponsored by the Danbury Township Board of Trustees. I hope they have plenty of “pooper-scoopers”!

Our “Find Wylie” winner this week is Neil Wilson of Oak Harbor who was one of 216 people who found our friendly fish in the ad for Cleats Club Seat Grille on page 10A in last week’s Beacon. Neil wins our weekly $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ll be hiding Wylie again this week, so 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 thebeacon.net. 

Would you be interested in receiving instant messaging on your cell phone or your email with news updates as we get them at The Beacon? If so, send your email address to noreply@thebeacon.net and we will begin to build a data base of readers who want those instant updates. I know I have mentioned it many times that our website thebeacon.net is updated maybe a couple of times daily with fresh news and photos. Soon to come: video. 

We here at The Beacon have always struggled with the notion of carrying crossword puzzles and word games in our weekly newspaper. I have personally resisted it because I would not want to have to drop an important local news item to accommodate space for such recreation. I do, however, recognize the popularity of these games. So, when you send us your email address, let us know online if you would like us to add word games to our weekly copy of The Beacon. 

We are so honored to have a living legend among us. Lt. Col. Harold Brown, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen from World War II.  Bassett’s is a sponsor of the traveling Tuskegee Airmen exhibit titled “Rise Above” which will be at the Airport all weekend long through May 17. Don’t miss it. 

The Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce will hold their 77th Annual Banquet at Catawba Island Club Tonight, (Thursday, May 15). Social hour begins at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. They will be presenting their traditional awards that evening. 

National Safe Boating Week starts this Saturday, May 17, and runs until next Friday, May 23. This is a good opportunity for the boaters in our area to give their boats a good, comprehensive safety check. Tomorrow, May 16, is “Wear your Life Jacket to Work Day”. We are just a couple of weeks from that terrible boating accident that took 4 lives. That should be incentive enough.

The Firelands Musical Arts Series continues this Saturday, May 17, with the “Sixth Edition” vocal and instrumental jazz show. Tickets are $15 at the door, students are free. The show will be held at Firelands Presbyterian Church, 2626 E. Harbor Rd. (SR 163) just east of Port Clinton. 

Thank Goodness for Grandparents! That is a new program being put on by the folks at Oak Harbor High School to offer support and information to adults raising grandchildren, nieces, nephews or other related children. Their next sessions will be on May 22 at 10 a.m. and again at 6 p.m. in the Oak Harbor theatre lobby to talk about available services that can offer support when children are visiting with biological parents. They will also discuss plans for their summer sessions. Childcare during the sessions will be provided if you RSVP by May 19. Call Judy Peters, Director of Student Services, at 419-898-3280 or text your name and session choice to Sara Stahl at 419-341-6535.

Don’t forget our “Coffee with the Editor” session at Common Grounds every Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. Lot’s of interesting local topics are discussed. Last week we had a very lively conversation on the Waterworks Park issue. Also don’t forget that Common Grounds offers their gourmet coffee for just 99-cents with one refill or you can also get 10% off your order on Wednesday mornings.  

It is a busy month at Otterbein North Shore Retirement Center near Lakeside. The public is invited to attend a special Potluck and hear all about the tremendous programs they have lined up at Lakeside this summer. It is today at noon. They are holding a special program in recognition of the “Biggest Week in American Birding”. It is a special field trip. Come to Otterbein by 9 a.m. for coffee and pastries. Then take the bus and travel east along the coast of Lake Erie. Space is limited. Call Kirsten at 419-798-8250 for reservations.

Homemade macaroni and cheese headlines the menu this month as the congregations of St. Thomas and Peace Lutheran Churches in Port Clinton welcome friends and neighbors to the final community meal of the season tonight at St. Thomas Guild Hall on East Second Street. The meal is free of charge.

Who’s the Top Dog in Ottawa County? We may just find out on Sunday, May 18, at a special “Bark Until Dark” Dog Show to be held at the off-the-leash dog park located at 310 Bridge Road in Danbury Township (next to Bayside Comfort). Everyone is welcome to bring their pup to support the Humane Society of Ottawa County. The Entry fee is $10 per mutt donated to HSOC. Registration begins at 11:45 a.m. with judging starting promptly at 1 p.m. Big Boppers will be on hand to serve a hot dog lunch (what else?) for a $5 donation to HSOC. The whole event is sponsored by the Danbury Township Board of Trustees. I hope they have plenty of pooper-scoopers!