BY JOHN SCHAFFNER

Our Christmas tree in the foyer at The Beacon was once again FULL of gloves, mittens and stocking caps for our annual “Mitten Tree” program. Here is a list of items delivered to Salvation Army on Monday: 73 pairs of gloves and mittens; 19 sets of hats and gloves; 16 scarves; 87 hats and 25 pairs of socks. Many of the donated items were beautifully “handmade.” Thank you to all who donated and Merry Christmas!

Over the years, we have had many “colorful” characters in our communities. Octi Alvarado (pronounced Ah-kee) was one of them. He was a big local sports fan and a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Almost every week he served as a greeter at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He had a great supportive family. He wasn’t famous for doing anything special. He was famous because he was Octi … and there was only one.

Norrita Bennet is the winner this week in our “Find Wylie” contest. Norrita was chosen from 67 entries who found Wylie hiding in the ad for Miss Mercedes on Page 5A in last week’s Beacon. So, Norrita wins our weekly $25 gas card graciously donated by Friendship Stores. Each week we generally 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 the contest.

There will be a very special Christmas Day Free Dinner at Holy Assumption Orthodox Church in their Social Hall next Wednesday. They start at 12:30 p.m. and serve until 4:30 p.m. They will serve ham, potatoes, vegetables, salad, dessert and coffee or tea. Reservations are not necessary, but are appreciated. Call 419-798-4591.

Congratulations to the 2019 Tree-A-Rama charity auction at Mon Ami Restaurant and Historic Winery for the local Salvation Army. They raised over $14,500.

It’s been four weeks since the tragic fire at African Lion Safari. Danbury Township has decided to name the ridge overlooking the meadow, forest and pond at Meadowbrook Marsh “Rainbow Ridge” in honor of the animals lost in the fire. They are asking for donations for a commemorative sign and bench at the site. Donations will be accepted through March 3 and can be mailed or taken to any branch of Marblehead Bank.

The Salvation Army is still in need of bell ringers. For more information to volunteer, call them at 419-732-2769.

Benton-Carroll-Salem Schools has announced new times for the Sunday Fun Open Swim at the Oak Harbor High School Pool for all B-C-S students, families and community members starting on Jan. 12. Racquet ball courts will also be open to adults during these times. The pool and racquet ball courts will be open on the following Sundays from 2-4 p.m.: January 12, 19, 26; February 2, 9, 16, 23; March 1, March 8, March 15.

Pool admission paid at the door for B-C-S students is only $1, and B-C-S adults pay $2. Racquetball courts will be open to B-C-S adults only for an additional charge of $2 (limit four per court). A lifeguard and site director will be on site to ensure safety. Please note that these Sunday Fun times will be cancelled if Ottawa County is on a Level Two or Level Three Snow Emergency as announced by the Ottawa County Sheriff. Call Assistant Principal Alison Wolf at 419-898-6216 if you have any questions.

Jane Pittman, Otterbein’s Director of Development, stands next to the Tree of Hope. Residents, friends and family of Otterbein can make a donation in memory of a family member, friend, or fellow resident.  An ornament with the name of their loved one will be hung on the tree with a celebration to follow on Dec. 18. Donations benefit Otterbein’s Benevolent Care Fund.

The Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce will be offering gift wrapping services for the Holiday Season. All proceeds will benefit the Olde Fashioned Christmas Celebration in downtown Oak Harbor, and prices will range from $1 to $5, depending on the size of the gift. Customers can drop their gifts off Monday through Friday between 8 a.m.-4 p.m. They will wrap through December. If you have any questions, call 419-898-0479 or stop by at 161 W. Water Street, Oak Harbor.

Kylie Cunningham will offer Beginner Yoga in the Magruder Conference Center on Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 7. Cost is $10 a class, or $50 for 6-week sessions. These classes will be an introduction to yoga postures, stretching, proper breathing, proper relaxation, positive thinking and meditation. Students should bring a floor mat and wear layered comfortable clothes. For more information call 419-341-6163 or 419-732-4061.

This will be our last edition before Christmas. So, on behalf of the people who bring you The Beacon each and every week, thank you for reading and have a very Merry Christmas.