I finally had the opportunity to visit the new Arts Garage in Port Clinton on Sunday. The Eddie Adams photographic exhibit from the Viet Nam War was extremely compelling, having lost several friends in that war. I was rejected for the draft in 1970 due to a knee injury from High School Football. I literally went from a sophomore in High School to early adulthood with the Viet Nam war. Adams’ photographs cover the entire period from 1965 to 1975. The exhibit will be closing Sunday, Nov. 14. It’s worth the time.

The Ottawa County Health Department is continuing to distribute free Covid-19 test kits to the public for at-home testing, as well as at local schools, and the Ottawa County Jail. The tests are called “BinaxNOW,” and are manufactured by Abbott, according to Katie Crowell, director of nursing at the Ottawa County Health Department.

Described as “rapid,” the tests take 15 minutes to determine results and use a simple nasal swab for the detection of Covid-19 antigens. While the tests are done at home, an online guide provides step-by-step instructions to help with the testing process.

James Javorsky was selected from among 120 entries who found Wylie hiding in the ad for the Slack House on Page 3B in last week’s Beacon. So, congratulations to James, 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.

Immaculate Conception School in Port Clinton will hold its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 12 on the Veterans Circle of the Ottawa County Courthouse lawn. The children of ICS are practicing their favorite patriotic songs and fifth graders are writing essays from the heart expressing what being a Veteran means to them. In the case of bad weather, the ceremony will be held inside at Immaculate Conception Church. Immaculate Conception School officials are especially welcoming honored veterans to join them in celebrating the bravery and heroism of those that have given of themselves for the freedom we all enjoy each and every day.

Good news! Perch dinners are back at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Marblehead on Friday, Oct. 29 from 4-6 p.m. Carry-out or dine-in dinners are $12. Call 419-702-7004 to place your order by noon the day before. Baked goods and raffle tickets for gift baskets are available to benefit the church. St. Mary is at 505 E. Main St., adjacent to the historic Marblehead Lighthouse.

The Salvation Army’s “Coats for Families” program will run through January 2022.  This program is based on donations from the general public new coats only. Last year, The Salvation Army collected and distributed over 570 coats to local families in Ottawa County. This is the 27th year this program has been providing coats to the local residents. Collection areas for new coats is at The Salvation Army’s office. If you would like to donate new coats or are in need of a new winter coat, please call The Salvation Army at 419-732-2769.

Congratulations to John Stefano of Port Clinton, who recently received a special plaque recognizing his 32 years of service to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department. He was a long-time Coroner’s Investigator. Sheriff Steve Levorchik has named him a “Special Deputy” for the department.

The ADA compliant kayak access at the Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve on Catawba is nearing completion. The contractor recently poured the concrete sidewalk and parking spaces to allow a smooth transition from a vehicle to the EZ-dock accessible kayak launch. With this addition many more people will have the opportunity to connect with nature at West Harbor. The preserve is located on East Muggy Road. It is owned by Black Swamp Conservancy and cooperatively managed by Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.

Ottawa County Community Blood Drive and the American Red Cross are hosting an upcoming blood drive on Friday, Nov. 5 at the Holiday Inn Express (Rt. 53 N) from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. There will also be a blood drive at Oak Harbor High School in the atrium of the auditorium this Tuesday. The Red Cross is reporting an extraordinary need for blood donors.

Marblehead’s inaugural Chili Cook-Off scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 23 in James Park has been put on hold until next year according to a report from the Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

The Danbury Parent Teacher Community Organization will team with the Marblehead Chamber for the 2nd annual Marblehead Reverse Raffle on Saturday, Nov. 13 at St. Mary’s Social Hall in Marblehead, with a grand prize of $10,000. The $125 tickets are now on sale and include a prime rib dinner from the Marblehead Galley at 6 p.m. and raffle at 7 p.m. Buy tickets before this Monday, Nov. 1 and be included in the reverse raffle program. For information call the chamber’s Director Teri Cassell, 419-702-7492.

St. Paul Lutheran Church, 9789 W. Oak Harbor Southeast Rd., Oak Harbor, will be hosting its annual chicken BBQ on Sunday, Nov. 7 at the church. Serving time will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or until sold out. Menu includes a half chicken, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, bread, sherbet, and a drink. Cost of the meal will be $10. Contact any church member or call 419-276-9124 to reserve your tickets. This event is carryout only. A limited number of tickets may be available the day of the event.