BY JOHN SCHAFFNER

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Everybody is Irish today! Erin Go Braugh!

A big “R.I.P.” for Bill Dupps, longtime owner of Dupps Printing in downtown Port Clinton. Bill was also a big advocate for the downtown area for over 40 years.

On Tuesday, the buzzards were traditionally return to Hinckley, Ohio. However, I can report as an “eye witness” that the buzzards have been swirling around Catawba Island for at least two weeks already! Every March 15, dating back to 1957, the buzzards — actually turkey vultures — are welcomed back to the Hinckley Reservation by the Cleveland Metroparks official buzzard spotter.

Liz Serin of Port Clinton was selected from among 118 entries who found Wylie Walleye hiding in the ad for Friendship on Page 1 in last week’s Beacon. Liz wins our weekly $25 gas card graciously donated by FriendShip Stores. Each week we hide Wylie in an ad for our readers to find. When one does, they 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!

Poets, novelists, singer-songwriters and others can join the new Writer’s Circle at The Arts Garage, 317 W. Perry St., Port Clinton starting on Thursday, March 24 at 6-8 p.m. It will become a regular gathering on the fourth Thursday of every month. Writers of all types are encouraged by the Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council to join local authors Vickie Heinsen, RJ Norgard, Patrick Lawrence O’KLeefe and Keith A. Fleming as they lead the new Writer’s Circle. There will be introductions, discussion and open mics to share their work, as well as refreshments.

For folks who enjoy bluegrass music, especially those who like to play a bluegrass instrument, there is an open invitation to visit Segaard’s Gypsum Bluegrass Crossing every Friday from 6-9 p.m. for a weekly “Bluegrass Jam.” They’re located at 3520 E. State Rd. There is a $5 cover charge.

The free ELMS Community Meal will be held Thursday, March 17 (today) at 5 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, East Second St., Port Clinton, in conjunction with Peace Lutheran Church. The free meal will include Mac’n Cheese, smoked sausage, green beans and cookies. Drive-up only.

Terra State Community College is hosting a career fair on Tuesday, March 29, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Student Activities Center on Terra State’s campus. The event is free and open to the public. Free workshops will be offered by The Kern Center for Workforce and Community Education on resume writing, interview skills and how to attend a career fair. Workshops will be offered in person on different dates in the weeks leading up to the career fair.

Pre-registration is encouraged by emailing kern@terra.edu, calling 419-559-2464 or stopping by Building B, the General Technologies Building, Room 104. There is no pre-registration required for job seekers.

The deadline is fast approaching for candidates to apply to take virtual and hands-on classes at the Ottawa County Skilled Trades Academy available to high school seniors. The deadline is Friday, March 25. Apply online with the Ottawa County improvement Corporation at icic.biz/ocbac, or call 419-898-6242. This is the fourth year for the highly successful Skilled Trades Academy. Its purpose is to educate and expose Ottawa County students to the skills and continuing education needed to fill in-demand jobs in Ohio, with an emphasis on Ottawa County.

Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge invites local artists and craftsmen to apply for a spot at the Wildlife Stop and Shop at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge on May 14-15. The Wildlife Stop and Shop will be held during the Biggest Week in American Birding on World Migratory Bird Day Weekend.

The Friends are looking for unique nature-themed products, artwork, upcycled/recycled items, and woodcrafters following the theme of birds and wildlife. Those interested may find more information and apply on the Friends website through April 15: www.friendsofottawanwr.org/spring-migration For questions about the event please call the Friends at 419-707-7756.

Oak Harbor American Legion Post 114, 221 Park Street will hold Lake Erie Yellow Perch Fish Fries on Fridays during Lent. Fish Fries will be March 18, March 25, April 1, April 8 and April 15 from 4-7:30 p.m. or sold out. Eat in or carry out.

The Port Clinton Knights of Columbus are again holding their Lenten tradition of holding their weekly Friday Fish Fries from 4-7 p.m. at the Denny Bergeman K of C Hall on East Perry St., Port Cliinton. It’s carry out only again this year.

Congratulations to John Young, son of John and Mary Young of Catawba, graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Toledo.