BY JOHN SCHAFFNER

I talked with Port Clinton Mayor Mike Snider last week and he told me about a new change they are making this year. Having looked at the statistics on how many people use the Port Clinton City Beach, even in the winter, they have decided to leave the Perry Street stoplight there operational for the year. The light can only be activated by the button for pedestrians. So, be on the lookout for pedestrians and a light change when driving on Perry Street.

The annual kickoff for the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at Catawba Island Club starting at 7:30 a.m. All prospective “Bell Ringers” are invited to attend. Breakfast will be served. They are asking for RSVP reservations by calling 419-732-2769 by Friday, Oct. 21. It will also be an opportunity to say goodbye to dynamic Salvation Army Director Maureen Saponari and give a big “hello” to new director, Kami Sayre.

Thelma Bledsoe of Port Clinton was selected from 165 entries who found Wylie Walleye in the ad for Otterbein Senior Life on Page 6A in last week’s Beacon. So, Thelma wins our weekly $25 gas card graciously donated by Friendship Stores.

Each week we hide Wylie in an ad for our readers to find. If you find him, log onto our website, www.thebeacon.net, and let us know where he is. You might be our next winner!

The free ELMS community meal will be held today (Thursday, Oct. 20) at 5 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church Hall in Port Clinton. They will be serving genuine Goulash with garlic bread and lots of desserts. This monthly event is sponsored by St. Thomas and Peace Lutheran Churches. Carryout only.

The Family Advocacy Center is looking for mentors for their TNT Mentoring Program. Ottawa County has many young men and women who could use a little extra guidance in their lives. They also need to know there is somebody out there who has their back. For more information call 419-301-0226. They are located at 570 McKinley Dr. in Port Clinton.

The Port Clinton Kiwanis Club is bringing back their popular Evening at the Races starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4 at the Port Clinton Elks Lodge. Tickets are $30 each and are available from any Kiwanis member (including myself) or can be purchased at Our Guest Inn on E. Perry St. from Mayor Mike Snider.

What better time to give blood than on Halloween?

The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be visiting the Holiday Inn Express on SR 53 just north of SR 163 on Halloween Day, Monday, Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds, and most of us will need blood in our lifetime. One unit of donated blood saves three lives.

For the first time since 2010, Port Clinton High School has state qualifiers in girls’ tennis! Congratulations to Reagan Ruthsatz and Gracie Arnold for winning their first two matches at the District Championships, earning their ticket to State!

The Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council is sponsoring the Ottawa County Grades K-12 Fair Art Show. It will be held this Saturday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. at The Arts Garage (317 West Perry St., Port Clinton). All the artwork from the Ottawa County Fair will be on exhibit.

There will be an opening night reception and awards will be presented to the winning artists.

The Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and the Danbury Parent Teacher Community Organization will be hosting their 3rd Annual Reverse Raffle on Saturday, Nov. 12 at St. Mary Byzantine Social Hall. Tickets are on sale now for $135 for a chance to win $10,000! Your donation includes one delicious Prime Rib Dinner catered by the Marblehead Galley Restaurant, along with dessert, beer and wine (extra dinner tickets are $35).

This is always a fun and exciting event, so be sure to get your tickets now by calling the Marblehead Chamber at 419-702-7492.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, Nov. 13 from 2-5 p.m. for the annual Big Band Dance honoring local veterans at the Port Clinton High School Cafeteria. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door to hear the “Night Session Big Band.” Advance tickets can be purchased at Mary’s Blossom Shoppe in downtown Port Clinton.

The event is sponsored by Veterans Dance Committee, American Legion Post 113 and the Ottawa County Veterans Service Office. For more information, call John at 419-967-0516.

Oak Harbor American Legion Auxiliary Unit 114 will hold a Cabbage Roll Dinner on Sunday, Oct. 30 from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. (or sold out) at American Legion Post, 221 Park St., Oak Harbor. Public welcome. Eat-in or Carry-out.  Available in dinners or cabbage rolls only.

Pre-orders will be accepted until Friday, Oct. 21 and must be paid for when placing order. Pre-orders should be picked up between 11 a.m.-noon on Oct. 30. To pre-order visit American Legion Post on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays from 4 – 9 p.m.