Over the past month or so, I have been able to work with a number of medical professionals in our area. It reminded me just how lucky we all are to have a community hospital in our midst. Magruder Hospital is a tremendous part of our community here in Ottawa County. We are blessed to have them here.

Once again, I am so very proud that my niece Dr. Jennifer Willford will be inducted tonight (Thursday, May 4) into the Port Clinton High School Academic Hall of Fame. Jen faced a lot of obstacles when she was in school here, but managed to overcome them all while going on to an amazing academic and professional career doing vital research work.

Congratulations to the newly-elected members of the Port Clinton Athletic Hall of Fame. The class of 2023 includes Port Clinton Basketball Coach Ryan Hicks, record-setting tennis player Blake Troller and former state champion swimmer, Mackenzie Stewart-Gluth. Hicks was a member of the State Finals basketball team of 2010 and was named 1st Team All Ohio.

The Oak Harbor Chamber will host a big “Reverse Raffle” at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 13. Tickets are $50 each, which includes dinner. That $50 ticket could win you $2,500. Proceeds go to help with Oak Harbor’s 4th of July Fireworks. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Each year Toledo Opera’s Residence Artists go on the road, bringing the experience of opera to children in grades K-6 in elementary schools. The program is called Toledo Opera on Wheels, and on Thursday, May 11 at 7 p.m. Adults will also have the opportunity to attend the performance by four singers and a pianist of The Pirates of Penzance production. It will be held at St. John Lutheran Church at 207 Adams Street in Port Clinton. The Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council is hosting the 40-minute production at no charge.

The Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council invites the community to meet and learn from talented local illustrator Josh Janes at its free monthly “Evening Out with Art” series next week. Josh will be the presenter Monday, May 8 at 6 p.m. at The Arts Garage in Port Clinton. Janes grew up in northwest Ohio and attended the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art.

There will be a “Designer Bag Bingo” event this Saturday, May 6 at Erie Shores Church on Gill Rd. just east of Port Clinton. The event will be hosted by Heartbeat Pregnancy Center. Call 419-734-9359 for reservations.

Miller Ferries will offer active U.S. military personnel and veterans free passenger fares during Memorial Weekend, Saturday, May 27 through Monday, May 29.  “This is a small token of appreciation for all they have given our country. We want to make it easy and affordable for Veterans and current military personnel to get away and enjoy Lake Erie,” said Katrina Reed, Miller Boat Line Communications Manager. To receive round trip ferry tickets, military personnel and veterans need to present military identification at the Miller Ferry ticket booth.

Class A Performing Arts presents “Alice, Looking for Wonderland” at Oak Harbor High School Theater on Sunday, May 14 at 3 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and are reserved seating only. One show only. For tickets, call 419-341-9007. There will be box office hours for pick up.