Don’t forget about our plans for publishing during the holidays.

I would like to extend my personal thanks to all who once again donated to our Mitten Tree. Our friends at Salvation Army came by to pick up the last of the decorations on Monday. We were able to provide to the needy of Ottawa County a total of 174 items, many of which were beautifully hand knitted just for the Mitten Tree.

Once again, through the generosity of hundreds of you out there, our Mitten Tree got all filled up with its very special ornaments, mittens, gloves, caps and scarves. We had a pickup from the Salvation Army on Tuesday morning, and they will make their final pickup on Monday, Dec.10. So there is still time to make a contribution. We also have a box in our office from Salvation Army for coats, other clothing items and toys so you can fill them up here. As always, the true spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Ottawa County.

It is definitely time to get into the Christmas spirit! If you need a little help, you can head to downtown Port Clinton this Saturday, Dec. 1, for the big Community Christmas celebration with a parade, lots of open houses and the lighting of the downtown Christmas Tree.

BY JOHN SCHAFFNER

Surprise! You are getting your Beacon a day early this week!