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The first thing I want to mention is how appreciative I have been of this wonderful autumn season. I don’t ever remember a fall that was so gloriously perfect as this one has been. Days have been warm with lots of sunshine. Foliage has remained on the trees, longer than I ever remember it from other years. Today I went out to the Riverview senior health care campus to give a presentation to retired state employees. Just outside the front door there was a tree clothed with wonderful scarlet red leaves and it appeared that nearly none of them had fallen. In a word, it was “magnificent.” This season caps off a wonderful summer, too. With cooler than normal temperatures and sunshiny days, the “hot” season was one of the nicest ones ever. Many people have said that they used their air conditioners very little this past summer. So, over all, it has truly been a great to live in the Lake Erie Vacationland. It does make me wonder, though, what the winter will bring. Today, Nov. 9, I was in and out all day long without a coat on. And that includes going to my church circle meeting this evening. My guess is that when it does turn cold, it’s going to be frightfully cold. Does anybody know what the almanac predicts for the coming season? ——— Speaking of church circle, our focus tonight was on the work of the Salvation Army. We collected a few nonperishable foods and paper products to be distributed to anyone who needs them. Executive Director Maureen Saponari will speak to our group sometime during the winter or spring. Right now she is busily preparing for the red kettle bell-ringing season. She is also collecting coats for people who will need them during cold weather. Your monetary donations to the Salvation Army will be greatly appreciated. And if you can assist in ringing those bells, that would be a help, too. Call Maureen at 419-732-2769 to find out how you can be of service to this good organization. ——— Next I do want to mention that my nephew John Kirk told me that several folks have called to ask the Port Clinton Boy Scout troop to do some various chores to help raise funds for a trip to New Mexico in 2010. The boys, who are ages 13 to 15, will work for donations. Money raised will be used to fund the $900 per person fees to make the trip. So, if you need some work done, just call John Kirk at 419-734-5755. There is no downside to this; you’ll get your work accomplished and help a good cause at the same time. ——— The Friends of Stone Laboratory (on South Bass/Gibraltar Islands) are promoting two endowments to assist students with tuition fees at the lab. The Stone Laboratory is the nation’s oldest freshwater biological Field Station. For more than 25 years, the “friends” group has been dedicated to improving the education, research and outreach conducted there. Donations will be accepted at the Ohio State University, Office of University Development, 1480 Lane Avenue, Columbus, OH 43221. And remember that in the spring volunteers spend a weekend cleaning and repairing facilities on Gibraltar Island to prepare the lab for returning students. This is a great way to help out and get involved. Contact the Ohio Sea Grant College program at OSU, if you are interested in participating. ——— The Put-in-Bay Gazette showed a front page color picture of Richard Warren with a huge pumpkin that he had grown on South Bass Island. The pumpkin weighed in at 546 pounds and looked gigantic. ——— Do any of you readers know where I could find some good used clothing for a boy? Without mentioning any name, I know someone (not from this area) who could use some size 16 boy’s clothing. If you call me, I’ll pick up the items from you and then deliver them without fanfare. This boy could really use some dress clothes and a coat — but any kind of clothing would help. ——— This Friday, Nov. 13, there will be a sale at the Otterbein North Shore gift shop. Everything except greeting cards will be offered at a 20 percent discount. Time is 10 to 3 p.m. The shop is in the main building at 9400 North Shore Blvd., just west of the west gate into Lakeside. This would be a good time to get some Christmas shopping done. The auxiliary at Otterbein needs volunteers to work in the gift shop, wrap gifts and even make some cookies for the sale event. Can you help? If so, call North Shore. ——— Don’t forget that the glass artistry of Dale Chihuly is on display now through Feb. 7 at the Glass Pavilion at Toledo Museum of Art. Admission is free. Also at the Museum is a display called LitGraphic showcasing graphic novels. ——— The Well Workplace Health Newsletter has an article that says that it’s very important to clean your hands often during the flu season. Lather your hands with soap and warm water, then rub your hands vigorously to scrub all surfaces. Wash your hands for 15 to 20 seconds. Here is what it said: “It is the soap combined with scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs.” If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or sanitizers may be used as a substitute. Purchase them in most supermarkets or drugs drugstores. Rub these products into your hands until your hands are dry. The alcohol will kill germs that cause flu and colds. ——— Don’t forget to make sure that your furnace at home is working well and is ready for the coming season. Changing the air filter on your furnace not only helps improve heating, but also cuts down on the expense of running your system. And another reminder: this is a good time of year to make sure your car is serviced. You might also want to check out those people who will plow or remove snow. That way you’ll know who to call if the snow piles up. Comments
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I wanted to thank you for mentioning the two endowments for scholarships that the Friends of Stone Laboratory are trying to complete this year. Your note should be a big help. Since 1990 our students have come from 107 different colleges and universities. Furthermore, high school students participating in our introductory courses and receiving college credit while still in high school, have come from over 360 high schools. While participation in these hands-on, challenging courses gives these students and unparalleled learning experience, financing this opportunity during the summer when most students are trying to earn money, is very challenging. These endowments should help. Thanks again for your support.
Jeff Reutter, Ph.D, Director
Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab