It’s time once again for my post Labor Day sermon. School has begun and careful driving early in the morning and mid to late afternoon is now in order.

Many over the years believe Labor Day is the end of the local summer season. Here is the explanation of why it is not. The water temperature of Lake Erie in the Western Basin is still 70 degrees, or warmer. In the fall, the Lake Erie water temp has a tremendous influence on the air temperatures along the Lakeshore.

Therefore, we can expect for glorious weeks temperature-wise and weather-wise, at least through the end of October. So take advantage of the next eight weeks along the shores of Lake Erie.

The Annual Green Island Race was held last Sunday sponsored by Port Clinton Yacht Club. Due to COVID-19 the race was limited to the boats of the Port Clinton Yacht Club. Congratulations to the crew of Dave Nighswander in his J-24 who took first in Class B and first overall. The A Class winner was yours truly and nephew Tim Willford aboard SCOOP.

Audrey Sprenger of Port Clinton was chosen from among 121 entries who found Wylie in the ad for Furniture-Mattress Liquidation on Page 3A in last week’s Beacon. So, Audrey wins 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 Port Clinton Friends of the Cemetery has cancelled its annual chicken BBQ that is always held on the fourth Sunday in September because of the Ohio Department of Health rules for crowds due to COVID-19. “We want to thank everyone who has come out to support us in the past and we have every intention of bringing it back next year,” said Dana Alvarez. For information contact Alvarez at 419-967-0495 or acatdana@gmail.com.

Folds of Honor and Bay Point Resort and Marina have joined forces to benefit families of fallen and disabled service members. Bay Point Resort is inviting golfers to hit the links to celebrate Patriot Golf Day through Sunday, Sept. 13. The grassroots golf fundraiser benefits Folds of Honor, a non-profit organization providing educational scholarships to children and spouses of fallen and disabled veterans.

All greens fees will be donated to Folds of Honor. Golfers will be eligible to enter to win a driver autographed by golf legend Jack Nicholas by making a $10 donation. Tickets are available in the Welcome Center of Bay Point Resort. Patriot Golf Day events have awarded 20,000 scholarships to Folds of Honor recipients.

For information contact David Barth, 419-798-1080.

On Friday, Sept. 18 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. the Knights of Columbus will again partner with the American Red Cross to conduct a Blood Drive. The drive will take place at the Denny Bergeman Hall, 109 E. Perry St., Port Clinton. Everyone who donates blood will have it checked for coronavirus antibodies.

To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponson code PCKOC. Walk-ins are also welcome, but those with appointments will be served first.

Two great golf events that have NOT been cancelled or postponed by the pandemic include the 31st Annual Chick Schaffner Memorial Charity Golf Classic scheduled for Monday, Sept. 21 and the Magruder Foundation Tournament scheduled for Monday, Sept. 28. There are still openings for each tournament.

Catawba Museum at Union Chapel will be open on Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon to participate in the statewide Ohio Open Doors event. The Catawba Island Museum is set up to provide visitors a chronological journey through area history. The timeline tale begins with Catawba’s geological birth and transitions to prehistoric and Native American people, pioneers, orchard and wine fame, and transformation to a lakeside recreation mecca.

The museum’s newest exhibit focuses on trade between early European explorers and the Indian nations. It is called “Trapping, Trading and Other Trivia,” and reveals how a single animal – the beaver – shaped the interaction of indigenous and non-indigenous cultures.

The businesses at Put-in-Bay are teaming together to give you the experience of the Ohio State/Michigan game as they host the B1G Weekend at the Bay this Saturday, Sept. 12. The establishments will decorate as if it were the actual game day and welcome guests to come dressed in their team colors.

Past Ohio State-Michigan games will play on TV screens while the sound of marching band music and the aroma of tailgate food will fill the air. All social distancing requirements of the State of Ohio will be followed to provide for a safe environment for this fun event.

The Oak Harbor Conservation Club will host an open house on Sunday, Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to feature local emergency agencies. The various first responders will present rescue demonstrations, equipment, and lots of other safety gear. Fire, rescue, and law enforcement people are on the front line every day, so come out see what they do for you and show your appreciation.

There will also be chicken dinners for take-out. The Oak Harbor Conservation Club is located at 975 Gordon Rd., Oak Harbor. For information call Paul Dornbusch at 419-559-7742.

Otterbein Senior Life patio home resident, Ruth Muntis celebrated her 98th Birthday with a surprise from her friends.