BY JOHN SCHAFFNER

We spoke about the passing of Barb (Wierzba) Drusbacky last week. Her death has left a vacancy on the Port Clinton City Schools Board of Education, which they are trying to fill quickly.

The Board of Education will interview all interested candidates on Wednesday, Aug. 11 beginning at 6:30 p.m. and will name a replacement by Aug. 23. The newly appointed member will serve until Dec. 31. If the appointed member desires to continue serving, he or she must run in the upcoming general election on Nov. 2.

Those interested in serving on the Port Clinton City Board of Education should contact Beth Sandwisch at the Board of Education office or go online at the District’s website for an application under the news section. People serving on Ohio school boards must be at least 18 years old, district residents, and registered voters.  Applications will be accepted until Noon on Aug. 10. All applicants will be contacted by Noon on Aug. 11 with an interview time. All interviews will take place at the Board of Education Office.

Margaret Phillips of Port Clinton was selected from among 158 entries who found Wylie hiding in the ad for S&H Blinds on Page 6A in last week’s Beacon. So, congratulations to my friend Margaret, 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.

The Ottawa County Improvement Corp. has announced that Experience Ottawa County (EOC) will be held on Thursday, Aug. 19th this year. While they were unable to hold the annual event last year, they were determined to make it happen in 2021. The purpose of EOC is to bring local business leaders, county and community leaders, elected officials, and prospective clients together to demonstrate that Ottawa County is a great place to expand existing business and relocate new business.

The Oak Harbor Rotary Club is hosting a “Back to School” Chicken Barbecue on Sunday, Aug. 22 at the Rotary Shelter House in Veterans’ Memorial Park starting at 11 a.m. They will serve delicious chicken dinners until they are all sold out! Tickets can be purchased from the Oak Harbor Veterinary Clinic.

The Perry Group is excited to be hosting a free viewing party for the Sunset at Perry’s Victory on Wednesday, Aug. 11. There are spots for only 75 people so it is necessary to RSVP at Perrygroupinfo@gmail.com.  A presentation by The Perry Group and the National Park Service will be held at the Perry’s Monument Visitors Center at 6:30 p.m.

Finger food will be served, but bring your own refreshments. After the presentation the group will move to the Top of the Monument for spectacular sunset views of the Lake Erie Islands and Canada.

Bistro 163 in Port Clinton has picked next week to feature its amazing Peach Palooza. Peach season is upon us, said GM Babs Klacik, celebrating the local history of peach farming along the Lake Erie shore. Join Bistro 163 for Chilled Peach Soup, Peach Chicken Bacon Flatbread, and Peaches and Cream Bread Pudding.

Bistro 163 also hosts a free take-out community dinner on the second and fourth Mondays of each month from 4-6 p.m., and offers free delivery of the fresh, nutritious meals to shut-ins, seniors, or those who live far from the restaurant. To enroll for free delivery call 419-734-9887.

Speaking of peaches, the 16th annual Perch, Peach, Pierogi and Polka Festival at the Knights of Columbus Hall in downtown Port Clinton, 109 E. Perry St., is on again over the Labor Day Weekend. The fun-filled event will be held Friday through Sunday, Sept. 3-5. They like to polka late each night, so get your dance card ready.

Hanging out at the hospital is seldom a lot of fun, but Magruder Hospital and President & CEO Nick Marsico wants everyone to have a good time on Thursday, Aug. 12, celebrating the hospital’s 81st anniversary as well as taking part in a Wellness Event.

The anniversary bash is from 3-6 p.m., with games and refreshments for the family.

An August private tour event for the Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council’s “Evening Out with Art” will be at The Arts Garage (TAG) with Barbara Radebaugh explaining the Eddie Adams: Vietnam art exhibit, the first major exhibit at the new facility.

Everyone is invited to join the tour on Monday, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. The exhibit opens on Saturday, Aug. 7 and runs through Nov. 14. It is free and open to the public. TAG is located at 317 W. Perry Street, Port Clinton.

There will be a required OHSAA meeting for Port Clinton Middle School fall sports parents and athletes on Aug. 12 at 6 p.m.  in the Middle School cafeteria. Please plan on attending this meeting as many items will be discussed regarding the fall sports season at PCMS.  Fall sports are for grades 7-8 and PCMS offers Cross Country, Cheerleading, Football, and Volleyball.  See more news and updates at www.pccsd.net.