I was sad to hear about the passing of Valda Holzapfel, the widow of long-time former St. John Lutheran Church Pastor Harry last week. She was absolutely the sweetest lady and always had a smiling and happy greeting whenever she saw me. Her kids were friends and almost family, too.

Steve (the oldest) was one of my prize prodigies at WRWR, who went on to a successful career as a producer for CNN News in Atlanta. Younger son Scott sailed with me on a variety of boats over many years. Daughter Karen is also a favorite of mine. She was a great mom!

A local group will be holding a Port Clinton Ecumenical March for Life this Sunday, Jan. 23. The group will meet at the Waterworks property at the foot of Jefferson Street between 12:30-1 p.m., with the March starting at 1. They will make stops along with way at St. John Lutheran Church and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at the Memorial for the Unborn. The march will continue to the Denny Bergeman K of C Hall on E. Perry Street for reflection and refreshments. In case of a Level 3 snow event, the event will be cancelled.

Barbara Blank from Northeast Ohio was selected from among 119 entries who found Wylie hiding in the ad for St. Boniface Bingo on Page 5 in last week’s Beacon. So, congratulations to Barbara, the winner of our weekly $25 gas card graciously donated by Friendship Stores.

Each week we hide Wylie Walleye in an ad and our readers, when one of them finds him, can either bring in a contest entry cut out of the paper or log onto our website … www.thebeacon.net … and let us know where he is, thus entering, and possibly winning our weekly contest.

Ottawa County Transitional Housing, Inc. is holding a fundraiser on Saturday, February 12. They will host a “Winter Wonderland” gala at the Port Clinton Elk’s Lodge from 8-11 p.m. Tickets will go on sale soon at $35 per person and $60 per couple. They can be purchased at Visions in the Port Clinton Plaza or from TDH Enterprises inside the Sutton Center.

Love is in the air at The Resort at Erie Landing in Port Clinton, with General Manager Mike Schenk taking early reservations for a special Pre-Valentine Dinner, Dance and Show Celebration.

“Treat your special someone to dinner on Friday, Feb. 11 and have a wonderful meal — and more — in a romantic setting,” said Schenk, who has developed the resort into a premier recreational vacation site on the Portage River. The evening’s cost per person is $48.50 for Veal Oscar, CAB tri tip steak or perch. A champagne toast and a rose for the ladies is included. Call 419-734-2460 for the perfect date night. After dinner, go dancing and enjoy the performance of father/daughter duo Rennie and Esther Kauffman.

It’s that time of year, once again. The Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations of businesses and individuals that have positively contributed to the Greater Port Clinton Community. Nominees will be reviewed by the Award Selection Committee and the recipients of these awards will be announced at the Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards Program in April. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Feb. 11. Nominate a coworker or business today!

Gary Coon, who joined the Port Clinton Board of Education in August to fill the vacancy of long-time board member, Barb Drusbacky, who passed away in July, was sworn in recently to a permanent seat on the board. He will bring his expertise as a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones Investments. Coon has served on the Port Clinton City School District Financial Advisory committee.

“I believe in quality public education for current and future students. I look forward to working with parents, teachers, and staff to achieve success with the children as the ultimate focus,” said Coon, who lives in Port Clinton with his wife, Michelle, and son, Mitchell, a Port Clinton High School graduate.

The monthly ELMS Meal that is sponsored by St. Thomas Episcopal Church and Peace Lutheran Church in downtown Port Clinton is being held today at 5 p.m. (Thursday, Jan. 20). A celebration of the New Year, the free carryout-only meals feature roast pork with all of the fixings, including delicious deserts.

Congratulations to Madelynn Gerwin of Port Clinton. The University of Mount Union has announced that she has been named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2021 semester. Madelyn was one of 636 students named to the Dean’s List. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must have completed at least 12 credit hours of traditionally graded coursework while achieving a grade point average of 3.550 or better with no letter grade below a B.

The Red Cross is experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade, and patient care is being affected. Without enough blood on hospital shelves, some doctors may have to delay potentially lifesaving and life-enhancing treatments and surgeries. We can’t let that happen. The Bloodmobile will be at the Holiday Inn Express just north of the intersection of SR 53 and SR 163 on Friday, Jan. 28 from noon to 5:30 p.m.