This is a sad and happy week for us old-timers in Port Clinton Kiwanis. It is sad because of the passing of Vee Reifsnyder, who served as president of the local service club and was my mentor since I took over at the end of her term. Vee went on to hold many responsible positions at the state level. She was never without her traveling companion, her sister Glenda Phillabaum. Vee did much good in her service through Kiwanis.

The happy part is that we must wish a belated happy 100th birthday to long-time Kiwanian Dick Sneary. He was the watch and clock repairman at Leo Marks Jewelers for many years and became “The Man” when it came to fixing the tower clock at the Courthouse. His wife Eleanor owned Sneary’s Tots to Teens, a clothing store for many years as well downtown.

Tuesday was “Giving Tuesday” (which follows Black Friday, Shop Local Saturday and Cyber Monday). Once again, Portage Resale Center knocked it out of the park generating over $245,000 for local non-profits. They’ve generated over $1-million since they opened. Amazing!

Kenneth Wanemacher was selected from 165 entries who found Wylie Walleye hiding in the ad for Ohler & Holzhauer on Page 4A in last week’s Beacon. So, congratulations Kenneth. You win 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!

Yes, Saturday’s Buckeye loss to Michigan was painful. However, I’m reminded of an early spring day in 1977 when Michigan secondary coach, Jack Harbaugh, came in looking at Jeff Scott. He spent the night with Port Clinton Coach Jim Hastings and they spent most of the evening doing Xs & Os. Jack was the dad of Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh and Baltimore Ravens Coach John Harbaugh. Some bloodlines!

Shores & Islands Ohio was recently honored with awards for marketing and economic impact. The Ohio Travel Association awarded the organization with two RUBY Awards. The first was received in the Marketing Campaign category for our new brand and logo launch. A second award was received in the Spirit of Community category for the creation of the Destination Development Grant program.

It is officially Christmas shopping season. Today is Dec. 1 so you all have four weeks and more to do your Christmas shopping. Please take some time this year to visit your local businesses and help our economy here move into 2023.

Magruder’s next monthly community lab screening will be Thursday, Dec. 8, between 8 and 11:30 a.m. at the Magruder Community Clinic. The main lab test is a CBC, CMP & Lipid Profile, which includes liver and kidney function, fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, HDL/LDL, Triglycerides and a complete blood count (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood) for $50.

They also offer add-ons that you can add to the testing above, or request on their own: Lipid Profile: $20; Hemoglobin A1C: $20; PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen): $30; TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): $25; Vitamin D: $35. This lab screening is held on the second Thursday each month. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 419-301-4304.

Participants are asked to fast for 12 hours prior to their appointment time, but can have water. No insurance accepted – payment can be made by cash, check or credit card (no American Express).

Have you heard about the “50 Shades of Purple” project? It is a group of local folks dedicated to supporting victims of violence in Northwest Ohio through advocacy, awareness and empowerment. They recently had an event at the Clinton House to unveil a new Matt Ritter original mural honoring victims of violence.

Logan Harris, of Oak Harbor, recently performed in a fall piano recital at the University of Findlay.

Ottawa County Probate Judge Fredrick C. Hany II is currently seeking individuals interested in serving on the Ottawa County Board of Developmental Disabilities (OCBDD) Board of Directors. Applicants must be residents of Ottawa County, and U.S. citizens. Those interested are encouraged to call OCBDD at (567) 262-3112 or email bbacak1@ocbdd.org for additional information.  The deadline for application is Dec. 12.

The Humane Society of Ottawa County is looking for volunteers to bake cookies for their upcoming Cookie Walk. This year’s cookie walk will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17 at Peace Lutheran Church, 900 Jefferson St., Port Clinton.

Anyone willing to help donate cookies, cookie bars, candies, or other baked goods can drop them off at the shelter, 2424 E. Sand Rd., Port Clinton the week of December 12 or at Peace Lutheran Church the morning of the Cookie Walk.

If you have any questions, contact the shelter at 419-734-5191.