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Volume 29 Number 45
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Merry Christmas for all Salvation Army provides gifts for families in need Salvation Army volunteers gathered at the former Portage School site last week to help make Christmas a little brighter for local families in need. The organization held its annual toy distribution, handing out gifts purchased with local donations. The Ottawa County Sheriff ’s Office also donated bikes allowing families to enter tickets into a raffle. Close to 800 families were signed up to come throughout the day and shop for the donated gifts for their kids as well as coats for the whole family. Parents are allowed two toys for kids up to age 12 and one gift – often more expensive — for kids 13 to 18. Stocking stuffers and warm hats, gloves and scarves were also available as well as gift wrapping services and lunch. A second distribution was held Tuesday for those unable to attend last week.
PHOTOS BY ANGIE ADAIR ZAM
Toys, books and other gifts were separated into age groups and piled high throughout the former Portage School. According to local Salvation Army Director Maureen Saponari, in total more than 1,800 gifts were available. For information about donating or receiving assistance, call Saponari at 419-732-2769. Coats hung in the hallway with a sign stating simply “Take what you need” — the theme of the holiday distribution.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Four join Red Cross Hall of Fame Local American Red Cross volunteers recently gathered at the Port Clinton home of Joe and Deena Camerato for a holiday open house and volunteer recognition. Entertainment was provided by Greg Fox, our local piano-man. Diane Dixon, Director of Volunteers for the Northwest Ohio Region, awarded pins for 35 years of service to Jan Overmyer of Oak Harbor, Jean Tucker of Port Clinton and Natalie Twarek of Marblehead. Others earning special years of service pins were: 25 years — Dottie Earls, Marblehead; 20 years — Mike Drusbacky, Port Clinton; 15 years — Dave Baldwin, Oak Harbor, and Debra Garrard, Marblehead; 10 years — Dr. Robert and Maureen Gedert, Port Clinton; five years — Lisa Chura, Bill Lowe and Jim Sass, of Port Clinton, Larry Coats, of Elmore, and Darcene Selby of Marblehead. Peggy Holewinski, Financial Development Officer for the region, recognized Ottawa County’s first online giving team. Team members receiving an “Extra Mile” award were: Deena Camerato, Chuck and Emily Conboy, John Gibson, Carl Koebel and Jenn Kolar, all of Port Clinton; and Molly Rosiar, Marblehead. Outstanding Community Service awards went to Phil Gravengaard and Bill Lowe, both of Port Clinton. Next, Ottawa County Director Beth Leggett, announced this year’s Hall of Fame inductees: • Cynthia Amerine, Port Clinton, who took a weekend of training at the Disaster College set up in Toledo after Katrina struck in 2005 and proceeded to Baton Rouge to help with a shelter set up there. She was inspired to further her work with the Red Cross and the following fall founded Ottawa County Club Red. Club Red currently boasts approximately 60 members, women who help educate the public about Red Cross programs and ser-
See RED CROSS 9A
By JOHN SCHAFFNER
Tell Tales
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas First of all, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all of our readers a very Merry Christmas. This is always a fun time for me because of all the young people we have gotten to know over the years who return home for the holidays. It is always a big kick to say hello and catch up. nnn
At last report, the Salvation Army was running a bit short on its goal of garnering $55,000 for this holiday season. So, Mayor Debbie Hymore-Tester rolled up her sleeves and challenged Toledo Mayor Mike Bell to a fundraising challenge. It takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. today (Thursday, Dec. 22) at Bassett’s Market! We already know that Mayor Bell raised $167 in two hours of ringing the bell. So, our challenge is to beat that with Mayor Debbie! nnn
Sharon Sanger, of Oak Harbor, was selected as our “Find
Wylie” winner. She found our friendly fish hiding in the ad for Bruno’s Pizza on page 8A last week. Sharon wins a $20 gift card from Friendship Food Stores. We’ll be hiding Wylie again this week. If you find him, just drop off an entry form at our office in the Beacon Place Business Center, or hit the Find Wylie icon at www.thebeacon.net. nnn
Now that The Beacon is legally able to carry “Legal Notice Advertising” — i.e. sheriff ’s sales, municipal bid advertising and the like — we have determined to “spread our wings” just a bit into Western Ottawa County. So, The Beacon can now be found on newsstands in the following locations: Red White & Brew, Pills and Packages, Portage Inn, The Village Restaurant, Tina’s Drive-Thru and Tanks Meats in Elmore and Ernestos, R. Café, Rayz Café, Miller’s Market and McDonald’s in Genoa. The Beacon can also be picked up at the
INSIDE RECORDS 2A
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Country Keg in Graytown and at Rob’s Limestone Tavern in Rocky Ridge. nnn
Things are getting exciting around the Port Clinton High School Band Room as the band and orchestra are practicing for their upcoming holiday trip to Florida. The band will perform in the Disney Spectromagic Parade on Thursday, Dec. 29, and the Orchestra plays a concert at the downtown Disney Marketplace Waterslide stage. On Dec. 31, the band marches in the “Fresh from Florida” Parade (formerly known as the Citrus Sports Parade) in downtown Orlando. That parade will be televised at 10 a.m. Jan. 2 on Channel 13 ABC in Toledo.
PHOTOS BY ANGIE ADAIR ZAM
McDONALD’S BACK IN BUSINESS A crowd gathered Wednesday morning to see the flag and ribbon cut in the front the new McDonald’s restaurant on Perry Street in Port Clinton.
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The American Legion Post 113 on Sand Road east of Port Clinton will be hosting a very special Christmas Morning Breakfast.
See TELL TALES 2A
OTTAWA COUNTY 4A
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SCHOOLS 6A
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SPORTS 1B n CLASSIFIED 4B
5050 E. Muggy Road, Catawba Island East of Thompson’s Landscaping
Experience
Students “spin to win” as part of McDonald’s opening day festivities. Prizes included note pads and pens, free Big Macs and McCafe drinks, McDonald’s eco bags and more.
Living
WATERFRONT COMMUNITY • MARINA W/DIRECT ACCESS TO LAKE ERIE • POOL • CLUBHOUSE
419-797-2100 or 419-341-0863 www.catawbabay.info
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BUSINESS 5B
Model Home Hours: Thurs - Sat. 11-5 Sun. & Mon. 11-4 Tue. & Wed by Appointment