David S. Prudhomme, Director of Mederi Wellness LLC, will present a program at 4 p.m., Thursday, March 21, at the Ida Rupp Public Library. The program will center on the DVD Touch; the winner of 10 best short film awards.
David brings a unique approach to wellness, born of his life-long quest to understand the mind and body.
The program will feature an interesting discussion about the mind and how first impressions are not always what they seem.
Together in Education (TIE) and the reading teachers at the RC Waters Elementary School in Oak Harbor hosted a night to celebrate Dr. Suess and children’s love of books. Some of the favorite characters from Dr. Suess’s books greeted more than 100 students and their families at the door.
The students were able to exchange their books from home for different books. Each student chose a new book purchased by TIE, the parents group for the school. The Lorax read “Put Me in the Zoo” to all of the students. Students stopped in six stations to hear a favorite story by each of the guest readers.
Guest readers included RCW reading teachers; Kathy Barbour, retired RCW reading specialist; Michele Jividen, BCS bus driver; Teresa Blodgett, retired Director, Kersten's Korner; Kim Geldie, Riverview; Sherry Priesman, BCS EMIS Technology Coordinator and Heidi Lutz, RCW Kindergarten Teacher. Dr. Suess characters were present thanks to the efforts of Superintendent Parmigian, Principal Karen Gruber and teachers Laurel Byington, Ann Randolph and June Beard.
On Saturday Riverview Healthcare Campus hosted a craft fair and the Easter Bunny. Several youngsters were treated to lunch with the Bunny, who then posed for photos for dozens of children in the chapel. the cha
The Port Clinton Wrestling Club would like to thank The Port Clinton Kiwanis Club for their continued support of our biddy wrestling tournament. The tournament is the only major fund raising event during the year and proceeds are used to support the wrestling programs from biddy thru high school in the school district. If you would like to become a sponsor for next year’s tournament or the Jonathan Pope Memorial Tournament in November please contact me. All proceeds from the "JTP" go into the memorial scholarship program.
Thanks
Bob Scarpino, President
Port Clinton Wrestling Club
The Woodmore Athletic Boosters are hosting a square dance on Friday, March 29, from 7-11:30 p.m. at Old Zim’s Wagon Shed, Fremont. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15 per person. A purchased ticket includes entry to the dance, snacks, soft drinks (BYOB if desired) and an entry into a raffle for a flat screen television. The dance will feature music by the Legacy II Band, raffles for items like a Kindle Fire, a portable GPS, and a Blue Ray player, and wagering with a Big Six Wheel and poker tables. Proceeds will benefit the Booster’s scholarship fund.
Kelley Baumgartner said, “Last year high school and college students had as much fun, or maybe more fun, than their parents.” For questions or to purchase tickets, please contact Kelley at 419-849-2098. Tickets can also be purchased at Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed.
As a non-profit agency, Stein Hospice’s fundraising calendar is packed with many activities, including golf outings, 5K races, pet expo and other events held throughout the year. They have need of a cadre of committed volunteers to ensure the events are successful.
Responsibilities include registering participants, baking, selling raffle tickets and soliciting donations. Special events are held throughout Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca and Lorain counties. Shift times vary, and depending on the event are scheduled during the day, evenings or weekends.
To join the special events team volunteers must attend a one-hour orientation and be fingerprinted. Men and women of all ages 18 and older are welcome.
The next orientation will be held Wednesday, March 27, at 5:30 p.m. on the third floor of Firelands Regional Medical Center South Campus, 1912 Hayes Ave., Sandusky. To sign up for the March session or for a future orientation, contact Angie Esposito, 800-625-5269 or aesposito@steinhospice.org.
Tomi Johnson, Broker Associate with Howard Hanna Real Estate, was again named the “Very Best of the Best” of Howard Hanna for 2012, which honors the top 1% Sales Associates in the company and honors the finest in the real estate industry. .Additionally, this group received the 2012 National Sales Excellence Award from the Realty Alliance, signifying that they are among the top agents in that prestigious group of Independent Brokers.
Tomi Johnson will once again be honored for her success during the annual Awards getaway, which this year is at Secrets Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
A 33 year veteran of the real estate industry, Johnson was also awarded the Pinnacle of Performance, the highest sales award by the Ohio Association of Realtors. She is the only winner to receive this honor again in 2012. Her goal is each year to improve her services to her clients and customers giving them the “Very Best of the Best” professional services in the area.
Johnson has moved her private office to 724 W. Main Street in Marblehead. She can be reached directly at 419.341.0276, by email at tomi@tomijohnson.com, or at www.tomijohnson.com.
The Ottawa County Veterans Service Commission has changed their second March meeting date from March 28th to March 21st. The meeting will begin at 3 p.m. All Commission meetings are conducted at the Veterans Memorial Building.
The Ottawa County Veterans Office is located at 8444 W State Route 163, Oak Harbor and can be reached by phone at 419 898-2089.
Spring migration will bring millions of birds to Ohio in the coming months, and the Lake Erie Birding Trail offers a great opportunity to view many rare and exciting species, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
The Lake Erie Birding Trail encompasses the Ohio shoreline and inland areas from Conneaut in the east to Toledo in the west. More than 80 primary birding sites are highlighted along the trail, which is divided into seven loops: Ashtabula, Cleveland, Huron and Lorain, Sandusky Bay, the Lake Erie Islands, the western Lake Erie marshes and the Oak Openings. The sites within each loop are similar in habitat and landscape. People can visit the entire trail in one trip or explore the trail loop by loop.
Many birds migrate north in the spring to reach their breeding grounds. Nearly 400 different species of birds have been spotted in these areas, and these sightings typically occur in spectacular numbers. A diverse group of migrant songbirds fill lakeside woodlands. Waterbirds pack marshes and the open lake waters, and secretive marsh birds breed in coastal wetlands.
Help protect wildlife and habitat when visiting the Lake Erie Birding Trail by following designated trails and respecting private property. Use binoculars or zoom lenses to get close to birds, and avoid chasing or flushing them.
Visit the Lake Erie Birding Trail website at lakeerieohiobirding.info for bird identification tips, checklists, events and facts on the Great Lakes. More birding resources are available at wildohio.com.
Birders and others who enjoy nature and want to help fund conservation in Ohio can now purchase the 2013 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp. This year’s collectible stamp features a black-capped chickadee photographed by Sheffield Village resident Bruce DiVaccaro. The sale of the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp benefits the Wildlife Diversity Fund, which is used to protect and manage wild animals and their habitats.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.com.
We have officially moved to the sunny side of the Spring Equinox. From now on the daylight hours are longer than the dark hours. Now, if we could only get Mother Nature to cooperate!
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.
Our Find Wylie winner for this week is Karl Busby of Port Clinton. He was one of 131 entries who found our friendly fish hiding in the ad for Bassett’s Market on page 3A in last week’s Beacon. Karl 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 singing nuns of “Nunsense” are back and heading to Hollywood in the next Playmakers’ musical “Nunsense Boulevard” which opens at the West Sixth Street Theater on April 4. The storyline goes that the nuns think they have been invited to sing at the Hollywood Bowl, and then find out it’s the Hollywood Bowl-A-Rama. The five nuns will be portrayed by Sylvia Chappell, Karen Abbott, Angela Fishburn, Louise Retzer and Donielle Yates.
There will be a very special event held this Saturday, March 23, from Noon to 6 p.m. at the Our Guest Inn and Suites in downtown Port Clinton. It’s Burgers, Brownies and Beer, a special benefit for Lynn Domokos, the manager there, who has been stricken by a debilitating disease that has eaten up just about all of the family savings. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 5 and under. The menu includes grilled burgers with all the fixings (vegan too), chips, brownie and a soft drink. They will also feature a full bar open that day along with entertainment from the new band Lake Erie Local from 3-6 p.m. Lake Erie Local is a collection of musicians and songwriters including Ron Nisch, Jerry Davenport, Frankie Bickell, Larry Fletcher, Slate Kessler and Ron Miller. Sounds like a fun time.
It’s the annual “all you can eat” Pancake & Sausage Breakfast this Sunday, March 24, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carroll Township Service Complex, 11080 W. Toussaint-East Rd. north of Oak Harbor. They will feature pancakes, bacon, sausage, OJ, milk and coffee for just $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children under 12. Youngsters 4 and under eat free. Carryouts will also be available. The whole meal is prepared and served by Carroll Township Fire and EMS.
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 will be 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.
The Oak Harbor Athletic Boosters hold their 25th Annual Reverse Raffle at Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed this 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. All money earned support the Oak Harbor Rockets. That means 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.
Fine Art Creations for Community Causes announces their Grand Opening at 136 W. Water Street in downtown Oak Harbor on Friday, March 29, at 11 a.m. The new business is owned by Jackie Bodnar. 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 on Friday, March 29, at 11 a.m.
Don’t forget the Lenten Fish Fries. The Port Clinton Knights of Columbus and the folks at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Oak Harbor are hosting fish fries every Friday during Lent. The Port Clinton K of C holds theirs from 5 to 7:30 p.m. 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 this Friday, March 22, from 5-7 p.m. at the St. Joseph Church Hall, 822 Barclay Street. Dinners are $11 and sandwiches are $6.
An Easter Candy Hunt and Easter Bunny visit will be held on Saturday, March 23, in downtown Oak Harbor. The Candy Hunt will begin at 2 p.m. at the Log Cabin at Adolphus Kraemer Park, across from the post office. After the hunt, the Easter Bunny will be available at the Fire Station. The event, sponsored by the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce, is open to all children ages 12 and under. Bring your own basket and camera.
The Port Clinton Easter Egg Hunt will be held on 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.
The third annual Easter Egg Hunt at East Harbor, sponsored by the Friends of East Harbor, will be held on Saturday, March 30, beginning at 2 p.m. It will begin in front of the Camp Store. In case of inclement weather it will be held at Lockwood Shelter House. The hunt is open to children ages 0-12, who will be hunting in one of four age groups. Special prizes will be awarded in each age group. There will be a visit from the Easter Bunny and his helper. There is no fee but donations will be accepted. Bring your own baskets. For details, call the park at 419-734-4424, ext. 2.
Frank Anthony Septaric, 24 , of Port Clinton, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 19, at his residence in Bowling Green. He was born on October 13, 1988, in Port Clinton, the son of Michael and Sherry (Catley) Septaric.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 22, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 414 Madison Street, Port Clinton. Private burial will take place at Catawba Island Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.neideckerleveckcrosser.com.
Frank Anthony Septaric, 24 , of Port Clinton, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 19, at his residence in Bowling Green. He was born on October 13, 1988, in Port Clinton, the son of Michael and Sherry (Catley) Septaric.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 22, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 414 Madison Street, Port Clinton. Private burial will take place at Catawba Island Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.neideckerleveckcrosser.com.
The annual appearance of migrating walleye in the Maumee and Sandusky rivers brings fantastic spring fishing opportunities, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
An annual phenomenon in northwest Ohio occurs each spring when a portion of Lake Erie’s walleye population moves up the Maumee and Sandusky rivers to spawn. Although the fish caught represent a small portion of all Lake Erie walleye, the run brings hundreds of thousands of fish within casting distance of eager shore anglers.
Walleye spawning normally occurs in these rivers anytime from mid-March through mid-April, but the peak activity usually occurs the first week of April when the water temperatures range from 40 to 50 degrees. Moderately-high water also increases the number of walleye in the rivers, especially if river temperatures are warmer than lake temperatures.
The best fishing areas in the Maumee River are from Orleans Park in Perrysburg upstream to the end of Jerome Road in Lucas County. Sandusky River anglers will find better success from Brady’s Island to Rodger Young Park in the city of Fremont. Fishing is prohibited upstream from Rodger Young Park to the Ballville Dam.
Anglers are reminded the bag limit for Lake Erie and its tributaries is four walleye until April 30. Anglers are also reminded that there is a year-round 15-inch length limit for walleye on Lake Erie and its tributaries to the first dam or designated landmark. Anglers can see the latest on the walleye bite or review the 2013-2014 Ohio Fishing Regulations at www.wildohio.com.
Fishermen who are wading also need to ensure they are prepared to experience an unexpected cold water immersion and should consider wearing a flotation device as well as fish with a partner. Though most anglers wade in the rivers while walleye fishing, some choose to fish from boats. ODNR advises boat anglers to always properly wear life jackets, take precautions against overloading their boats and capsizing, be well dressed to avoid the onset of hypothermia and be prepared to handle any emergency. Boats should never be anchored off the stern.
Special regulations are in effect for Maumee and Sandusky river walleye fisheries during March and April. Fishing is only allowed between sunrise and sunset in specified areas, and treble hooks are prohibited. Anglers may only use a single hook that is no larger than 1 inch from shank to point. Only fish that are hooked inside the mouth may legally be taken, and any snagged fish must be immediately released.
The sales of fishing licenses, along with the Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) program, continue to fund ODNR Division of Wildlife fish management operations. No state tax dollars are used for these activities. These are user-pay, user-benefit programs.
The SFR is a partnership between federal and state government, industry and anglers/boaters. When anglers purchase rods, reels, fishing tackle, fish finders and motor boat fuel, they pay an excise tax. The federal government collects these taxes, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers and disburses these funds to state fish and wildlife agencies. These funds are used to acquire habitat, produce and stock fish, conduct research and surveys, provide aquatic education and acquire and develop boat accesses.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at www.ohiodnr.com.
Beginning Monday, April 8, through Friday, April 19, the Ottawa County Sanitary Engineering Department will be flushing fire hydrants. The flushing will commence in southern Portage and Danbury Townships continuing into the remainder of Portage Township, Catawba Island, Erie, Bay, Harris and Salem Townships. Customers may experience short-term, temporary discoloration of the water in areas near the flushing activity. Check the water for discoloration before use. Be advised that the water will be safe for consumption. If you have any questions, call the Sanitary Engineering Department at 419-734-6725.
The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) created the March For Meals campaign in 2002 to raise awareness about senior hunger. We Are Meals On Wheels, so no senior goes hungry™ is the rallying cry of the campaign and MOWAA. March For Meals unites Meals On Wheels programs in a collective effort to improve the visibility of senior hunger. Since 2002, there has been tremendous growth in the number of participating Meals On Wheels programs in the annual March For Meals campaign.
This year, Ottawa County Senior Center Site Managers decided to encourage increased awareness of the needs of our home delivered meal recipients of Ottawa County by organizing a gift bag fundraiser. The fundraiser project was based on an idea from Danbury Senior Center site manager, Paula Shenkel. Site managers Tammy Reichert, Mary Jane Happel-Meadows, Candace Pucci along with Ms. Shenkel planned a “March for Meals” event whereby seniors from each of the county’s six senior centers collect items to fill a reusable grocery bag. Each bag will contain items such as paper towels, hand soap, toothpaste, facial tissues and other basic necessities that home bound seniors are often unable to get without assistance. At the end of the month, the gift bags will be delivered to each of the nearly 200 home delivered meal clients along with their daily hot meal.
Ms. Shenkel suggested the idea to encourage members of the senior centers to help their fellow seniors by giving them practical items that they can really use. She and fellow site managers organized their respective sites to collect the items and assemble the gift bags for delivery. Walker Funeral Homes also helped with a monetary donation for the project.
Norine M. Snyder, 73, of Port Clinton, passed away, Thursday, March 21, at her residence in Port Clinton. Arrangements are pending at Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Clinton.
The Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Port Clinton held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for PC Discount located at 121 Madison Street in downtown historic Port Clinton on Friday, March 15.
Representatives from the City, Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce, and Main Street Port Clinton congratulated P.C. Discount on their grand opening and for their commitment to the Port Clinton community.
The March monthly workshop sponsored by the Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce is planned for Tuesday, March 26, at the Ida Rupp Public Library. “Self-Care 101: Receiving and Demonstrating Love, Forgiveness, and Healing” will be presented by Margy VanLerberghe, Ph.D.
Dr. Margy VanLerberghe is a psychotherapist in private practice in the greater Port Clinton area. She received her Ph.D. in 2009 from Union Institute and University in Cincinnati and is a former longtime guidance counselor for the Port Clinton City Schools. Her area of specialization is psychospiritual therapy and healing. Dr. VanLerberghe lives on Catawba Island with her husband Dale VanLerberghe. Her daughter and son-in-law Molly and Scott Sass, and grandson Ramble, live in Lakewood, Ohio.
The Chamber and the Ida Rupp Public Library have teamed up for Workshops that are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Ida Rupp Public Library. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 9 a.m. To register, contact the Chamber at 419-734-5503.
Magistrate Louis P. Wargo III presided over a special session of the Ottawa County Municipal Court Tuesday, March 5, at 10 a.m. Wargo recognized two graduates of its Benchmark Alcohol/Drug and Mental Health Intervention Court Program, the 20th and 21st graduates overall, after its regularly scheduled weekly session. The Court session, followed by a reception for the graduates and their supporters, honored the program’s graduates for their successful completion of the approximately two-year court program. Judge Frederick C. Hany II noted that, “Since its inception in July 2008, the Benchmark Program has served the families and citizens of Ottawa County by addressing the County’s mental health and substance abuse issues. That these are the Court’s 20th and 21st graduates, speaks volumes, in and of itself, to the court’s long term commitment to the families and citizens of this county.”
Magistrate Wargo, who regularly presides over the weekly court sessions, commended the graduates, stressing the fact that “each of them have made great strides turning their personal lives around for not only their individual betterment but also their families, friends, and our community as well. These graduates have seen that through perseverance, hard work and commitment, that they have not only bettered themselves, but others as well. These graduates have continued the tradition of this Benchmark Program by surpassing all of the Court’s previous graduates, not only in terms of their personal accomplishments but also by serving as a positive role model and mentor for those participants following them in the program.”
The Court’s Benchmark Intervention Program has been, with the assistance of the Ottawa County Prosecutor’s Office and other community agencies, supervising a rehabilitation program for chemically dependent individuals as well as individuals with serious mental health problems charged with misdemeanor offenses since July, 2008. Funding for the establishment and operation of the Intervention Court was initially being supplemented by a Department of Justice Grant, but has, since that date, received the full support of the Ottawa County Commissioners.
All are invited to the annual Community Good Friday Service for the Peninsula which will be held March 29, 12-1 p.m., at Lakeside United Methodist Church.. A free-will offering for the Danbury Food Pantry will be received. Food items are also welcome. Participating in this ecumenical worship are Rev. Dr. Kurt Burows, Resurrection Lutheran Church; Rev. Robert Butcher; Rev. Kay Cox, First United Church of Christ; Very Rev. Bryan Eyman, St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church; Rev. Brad Hall, Chapel on the Lake, Rev. Dan Ring, St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church; Rev. Marvin Rettig, Chaplain, Danbury Twp. Fire Dept.; Rev. Vern Shepherd, Lakeside United Methodist Church; Rev. Chris Young, St. John & St. Paul Lutheran Churches. This worship experience is sponsored by the Danbury Ministerial.
