I have been pleased with the reports on the Waterworks Park meeting from last Thursday. I had three major concerns based on my involvement back in 2000-07 when the referendum on the zoning change was defeated. Working with Poggemeyer Design Group, our Coastal Management Steering Committee established over 20 criteria points to guide in the development of that valuable property. First is ACCESS. It appears that the design allows for continuing access to the property for residents in perpetuity. Second is OWNERSHIP. My concern was that if Mike Rose’s company owned the property, at some point, he could turn over operation to a Condominium Association, which may deny access to the public. The ownership question still has to be resolved. Third is YEAR ‘ROUND ACTIVITY. As a business person, I believe it is in their best interest to promote the Hotel/Lodge with winter activities. None of the previous proposals from 6 years ago included the “carrot” of making serious improvements to the downtown buildings, which could be huge! We shall now see how things work out when they get down to serious negotiations.
Speaking of Port Clinton and City Council, I would like to congratulate Margaret Phillips for her appointment and intention to run for a 3rd Ward Council position. She will be running against Trish McCartney, thus a race between two of my favorite people.
Our “Find Wylie” winner this week is Bonnie Hicks of Port Clinton who was one of 224 individuals who found our friendly fish in the ad for Recycling 101 on page 7A in last week’s Beacon. Bonnie 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 Sixth Annual Appetite for the Arts will be held this weekend at the Erie-Ottawa Regional Airport. The event, sponsored by the Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council and Lake Erie Shores and Islands, will be chock full of artwork from local artists, kids activities, food and music. For more information and their entire schedule, log on to www.portclintonarts.com. The Airport is going to be a busy place the next few weekends. The “Warbirds over Port Clinton” featuring some of the neatest model airplanes you will ever see, will be held Aug. 24 & 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Then on Labor Day weekend, the traveling monument honoring the Tuskegee Airmen titled “Rise Above” will be at the airport Aug. 29 through Sept. 1. It is the second visit by the exhibit. They are back by popular demand.
Tonight (Thursday, Aug. 15) is the Marblehead Chamber Business After Hours to be held at Otterbein North Shore Retirement Center from 5-7 p.m. Call the Chamber to make a reservation. Also, there will be a complemetary rib lunch at Otterbein tomorrow (Friday, Aug. 16) featuring the music of Jimmy “Cleat” Bolger. But you must call in your reservation a.s.a.p. at 419-798-8250. Otterbein is also hosting their monthly stroke support group entitles Gathering of Stroke Champions on Tuesday, Aug. 20. The program will be “Ways to increase mobility and independence”. The program starts at 2 p.m.
Fun and good food will be on the agenda when Ottawa County’s Democrats host a picnic tonight, Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Bay Township Hall on State Route 53 south of Port Clinton. The meal will begin at 6 p.m. with hot dogs, burgers and all the trimmings. Guests are asked to bring a side dish. Table service will be provided so just come and enjoy the fellowship and meal. It is a “kid-friendly” event, it is free and reservations are not required.
The Redskin Bowling Parents Club is holding their annual fundraiser at Star Lanes at the Harbor this Saturday evening from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Community members, adults and youth, are invited to participate and bowl for two and a half hours for only $5. To reserve a lane, contact Kevin at Star Lanes at the Harbor, 419-734-1001.
The Ottawa County Genealogy Society will meet this Tuesday, Aug. 20, at a new location…the Liberty Aviation Museum, 3315 E. State Rd. A tour of the museum will begin at 4 p.m. followed by an optional dinner at the Tin Goose Diner. Guests and Guests and members are invited to join the group for their summer outing.
Avery’s Café at 306 Main Street in Marblehead is holding a Pig Roast this Saturday, Aug. 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. as a fundraiser for the Humane Society of Ottawa County. Cost is only $10 and the meal will consist of roasted pig, baked beans, cole slaw, a dinner roll and dessert. The animals at the Shelter will appreciate your support and you will appreciate the good meal There will be another event supporting the animals of the Humane society on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Community Markets Store on Maple Street in Port Clinton. “Raining Cats & Dogs” will be the theme and it will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are asking for donations of pet supplies and/or $$$. Each school-age youngster depositing pet supplies in the Dog House will receive a ticket for a chance to win at $25 back-to-school gift cart from Wal-Mart.
The Friends of Port Clinton Parks are holding their Annual Flea Market/Garage Sale this Saturday, Aug. 17. The sale will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lakeview Park. The “Friends” will serve a pancake breakfast and a hot dog lunch. For more information or to become a vendor, contact Sharon Mefferd at 419-734-2954.
The Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce is coordinating the Semi-Annual Village-wide Garage Sale for Friday and Saturday, Aug. 23 & 24. A complete list of sales will be available at the Oak Harbor Chamber office and at the Oak Harbor Public Library. You can also download a list by logging on to www.oakharborohio.net starting this Wednesday. If you want to participate with a sale, there is a $3 minimum donation and they need to receive your information by this Monday, Aug. 19. For more information, call Valerie Winterfield at 419-898-0479.