Sorry to learn about Ari Eickert’s passing. He was an amazing man, fellow sailor, father, grandfather and business owner. He had a voice that always made me smile.

Last week, our friends at Portage Resale Center in Port Clinton observed three major milestones. We already reported on their 10th Anniversary. Last Tuesday, they held their annual “Giving Tuesday” by donating $200,000 to local nonprofits, which made their total amount of giving back to the community at over $1-million!!! I spoke with Linda Snyder last week, and she wanted to make a point of thanking all of their customers, volunteers and donors for making this happen. We are truly blessed to have an organization like that in our community.

The Ottawa County Wreaths across America committee invites you to join them on Saturday December 18th for the Wreaths across America day celebration. This year’s event will take place at 11 am at the Salem Twp Union cemetery on state route 105 west of Oak Harbor. Following the ceremony, you are invited to help place the wreaths on the graves of veterans buried there. The committee’s goal is to, annually, place a wreath on the grave of every Ottawa County veteran. This goal can only be reached with your donations. Each wreath that is placed costs $15.00. We have one township that helps raise the funds for their cemeteries. Local efforts to help raise funds for the remaining cemeteries in each township would be appreciated by the committee. Contact Sara Toris at 419-898-2099 to learn more. Funds are now being collected for our 2022 ceremony. Checks payable to Wreaths across America can be sent to: Wreaths across America, 8444 W. SR 163, Oak Harbor, OH 43449. All donations are tax deductible.

Kay Morr was selected from among 120 entries who found Wylie hiding in the ad for The Que Barbecue & Brew on page 6A in last week’s Beacon. So, congratulations to Kay, 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.

This Sunday, Dec. 12, the Oak Harbor Knights of Columbus will be sponsoring a Breakfast with Santa at St. Boniface Catholic Church beginning at 9:30 A.M. Donation is $7.00 for adults and children under 12 $5.00. The menu includes sausage, scrambled eggs and ham, homemade applesauce, homemade rolls, coffee, hot chocolate and juice. Carry-outs will be available. All proceeds will benefit the Ottawa County Holiday Bureau. Santa Claus plans to arrive around 10:00 A.M.

Ørchard will hold their 6th Annual Salvation Army Toy Drive & Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 5 p.m. The seasonal celebration will include live music, bonfires throughout the farm, Ørchard Mulled Wine & holiday cocktails, $2 Ørchard ice cream scoops, shopping, and a ceremonial Christmas Tree lighting. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped children’s toy as a donation upon arrival. “For the past 5 years, we’ve hosted our Salvation Army Toy Drive at our original Ørchard Bar & Table, but with the addition of Ørchard Farm Stand in 2020, it’s a natural extension to expand the event across our entire property as we continue to grow,” said Hannah Vlk, Brand Manager for the Ørchard.

The Humane Society of Ottawa County has placed a Giving Tree in three local locations for anyone wishing to donate to the Humane Society over the Christmas holiday. Trees are located at Miller’s New Market, 22361 W. Holt Harrigan Rd., Genoa; Bassett’s Market, 3994 E. Harbor Rd., Port Clinton; and The Lake House, 3874 E. Harbor Light Landing Dr., Port Clinton.

These 6ft. Christmas trees have paper ornaments with items listed that are needed at the shelter. Shoppers take an ornament off the tree, purchase the item and return it to the store. A box is provided with the tree for these items. Items needed include dog and cat food, cleaning supplies, toys and gas cards.

The local Edward Jones offices in Ottawa County have partnered with The Salvation Army Toys for Tots Program. If you would like to contribute new unwrapped toys, please bring your donation to one of their offices through December 10th.

Benton-Carroll-Salem School District WELCOMES Officer Tom Walsh of the Oak Harbor Police Department as their new School Resource Officer (SRO). Officer Walsh replaces Officer Ryan McKinnon. Officer Walsh joins Officer Hammer to create a safe and welcoming environment for all across the district. He brings 24 years of law enforcement experience to his work, including nearly 4 years as a School Resource Officer in Medina County.

Hat’s off to Lorraine and Jack Zimmerman for opening their beautiful 80-acre Hopfinger Zimmerman Memorial Park, 4909 W. Oak Harbor SE Rd., Port Clinton to Reindeer Days. They will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus and their reindeer, hot chocolate and photos of the boys and girls with Santa. The family slots on both days are already full, but all are invited to visit without a reservation on Dec. 12 from 4-6:30 p.m. and Dec. 18 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The park was created to honor the couple’s parents, Raymond and Delores Hopfinger and Pete and Joan Zimmerman. The spacious grounds feature a large shelter and playground and a dog park, as well as fishing and boating.

Last-minute free tickets to the Burning River Brass Christmas Spectacular are still available for the 7 p.m. concert at the Port Clinton High School Performing Arts Center on Monday, Dec. 20. Don’t wait to call Peggy Debien (419-732-1039), or you will miss one of the best concerts of the holiday season. Tickets may be requested to be held at the box office by calling Debien. Those without tickets will be seated on a space available basis. Audience members must present proof of COVID vaccination or negative test within 48 hours.

To put smiles on the faces of the older citizens around town, says Ottawa County Senior Resources, think of gifting socks for seniors. And blankets, too! Ottawa County Senior Resources is collecting “Socks & Blankets for Seniors” right now to keep tootsies warm now that the cold weather has arrived. The socks and blankets will be distributed to Ottawa County seniors and homebound clients. Collection points include all Ottawa County Senior Centers, the Senior Resources Main Office in the Ottawa County Courthouse, or by calling Senior Resources at 419-898-6459.

Don’t forget to make a donation The Beacon’s annual Mitten Tree which is up and waiting for your donations-decorations. Salvation Army will be coming by this Monday, Dec. 13 to collect all the mittens, gloves, scarves, and caps to help keep heads, hands and hearts warm for the winter. We are located at the Beacon Place business center off SR 53 N next to Goodwill. Thank you in advance for your contributions.