Catawba Island Magazine by Catawba Island Press

On the Cover… Festive sailboat photo courtesy Nick James of Nick James Productions, Catawba Island

2… Letter from the Press 3… Islands 10… The Arts IMPORTANT NUMBERS Catawba Island Township: Police, Non-emergency 419-797-2422 Fire, Non-emergency 419-797-2424 Trustees & Clerks - 419-797-4131 Zoning Office - 419-797-4131 Maintenance - 419-797-2460 Ottawa County: Sheriff - 419-734-4404 Commissioners - 419-734-6790 Auditor - 419-734-6740 Treasurer - 419-734-6750 Building Dept.- 419-734-6767 Prosecutor - 419-734-6845 Recycling - 419-734-6783 Dog Warden - 419-898-1368 Emergency Mgmt - 419-734-6900 Regional Planning - 419-734-6780 Engineer - 419-734-6777 Schools: Board of Education - 419-732-2102 Bataan Elementary 419-734-2815 Middle School - 419-734-4448 High School - 419-734-2147 Bus Garage 419-734-1516 Immaculate Conception School 419-734-3315 Utilities: Sanitary Engineer- 419-734-6725 Time Warner Cable - 888-683-1000 Ohio Edison - 800-633-4766 Verizon - 800-555-4833 Columbia Gas - 800-344-4077 Other Numbers: Magruder Hospital - 419-734-3131 Post Office - 419-732-3322 Visitors Bureau - 419-734-4386 Chamber of Commerce 419-734-4386 ∞

10… Seasonal Migration 12… Police Beat 14… Fire Department 16… Township News 18… Around Town 20… Restaurants & Entertainment 21… Horoscopes & Classifieds on page

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December, 2011 Dear friends, We have another informative issue for you this month! Hard to believe we are already at the last issue of the year... Don’t worry! We already have many more great stories and articles lined up for the new year. Hope now that things are winding down around the island, you can find time to enjoy the seasonal reprieve along with this month’s issue of Catawba Island Magazine. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday and a very happy New Year! Thanks for reading… Hope to see you around town!

Andrea J. Elliott Publisher and Photographer, Catawba Island Press

Muskrat cabins off the causeway to CI background photo by AJE

NAME________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS (Sorry, NO P.O. Boxes!)______________________________________________ CITY_____________________________________ STATE__________ ZIP__________ Subscriptions will start the month after we receive your order. If you want to start your subscription in a later month, please note it on your order. Sent monthly except January & February = one special Winter Edition. Mail Orders to: Catawba Island Press, 9841 State Road, North Royalton, Ohio 44133 with a Check or Money Order made Payable to Catawba Island Press. Subscriptions can also be ordered online at www.catawbaislandmagazine.com. Thanks!

Catawba Island Magazine

December 2011

Did you ever wonder why Catawba Island is called an island? At one time the Portage River cut it off completely from the mainland. Drainage changes caused the river to shift the location of its mouth twice in the past three hundred years. Maps from 1754 showed the mouth close to the National Wildlife Refuge near Oak Harbor. Prior to that, the river emptied into Lake Erie near West Harbor – and made Catawba a true island. CONTINUED from PREVIOUS PAGE

Lake Erie Islands Part 1 of 2 By Pat Bristley

Lake Erie Islands, Part I, begins a series of articles about Lake Erie. The author felt residents of Catawba would enjoy reading about different aspects of the lake, since they are

surrounded by it on three sides. The term "Lake Erie Islands" usually refers to the Bass Islands, smaller islands near them, and Kelleys Island. These islands are in Ohio waters. Pelee Island is the major island in Canadian waters. Middle Island is the southernmost point in Canada. All of the Lake Erie Islands were carved out by glacial activity during the Ice Ages. The Lake Erie Islands are a major tourist, boating, fishing, and summer home destination. They are located in the western basin of Lake Erie, because it is the shallowest of the lake‟s three basins. The islands can be reached via ferryboat or private boat. Small airports in the area service the islands. In winter, Catawba Islanders used ski mobiles or stripped down autos to get to the islands. In the 1940s, one youth used his own power when he swam from Pebble Beach on Catawba to Kelleys Island one summer evening. Some of the islands are financially stable because of tourism. Grape growing and wineries were once the mainstay of their economy. South Bass still has a few large vineyards. Pelee is the only major island with extensive vineyards. Some of the author‟s earliest memories are of visiting Put-In-Bay with my parents or on fieldtrips from Plymouth Shore Camp for Girls on Marblehead Peninsula. I remember canoeing to Johnson‟s Island in Sandusky Bay as a camper and later as a canoe enthusiast. I cannot remember a year when I did not visit at least one of the islands. Most of the others I have seen from boats or from the shore. The Lake Erie Islands in Canadian waters are Pelee, Hen, Big Chicken, Little Chicken, Chick, East Sister, Middle Sister, Middle, Mohawk, Ryerson‟s, Second, Snow, Millionaire‟s, Rock and North Harbour. CONTINUED on NEXT PAGE

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Islands in Ohio waters are Ballast, Lost Ballast, Buckeye, South Bass (also known as Put-In-Bay), Middle Bass, North Bass (or Isle St. George), Kelleys, Rattlesnake, Green, Gibraltar, Turtle, Starve, West Sister, Mouse, Sugar, Gull, Gard, Indian and Stony Point. Information about each of the islands in Lake Erie, given in alphabetical order, will be found in this and succeeding articles. Ballast Island Ballast Island got its name because supposedly Oliver Hazard Perry used rocks from the island as ballast for his ships, before the Battle of Lake Erie. It is northeast of South Bass Island. Shoals exist between the two, but there is a passage through the shoals known locally as "the wagon tracks." A shallow reef connects the 13-acre island to a sliver of land known as Lost Ballast Island. In 1874, George W. Gardner purchased the island from Lemuel Brown (a nephew of abolitionist John Brown). Gardner sold undivided interests to wealthy friends with the right to build cottages. Gardner‟s log house was built of wood from hackberry trees found on the island. The owners planted vineyards and fruit trees. During the early 20th century, Ballast Island flourished. A hotel and dining hall were constructed on the island. A windmill supplied water. During the Depression, Ballast was

seldom used. In the 1940's, steamers took residents and their friends to Ballast, and once again it flourished. Lineal descendants of George W. Gardner still use Ballast Island. Buckeye Island Buckeye Island is an outcropping of glacial rock lying off the northern end of South Bass Island. Henry Pletsher purchased it in 1909. There he spent long summer days tending his garden and fishing. He built a cabin, tool shed, and dock for his fishing boat. But Henry‟s days on the island came to an end on his 76th birthday. After having a drink to celebrate, Henry was tricked into signing papers agreeing to sell the island. After it was sold, he moved to the Sandusky Soldiers and Sailors Home, where he died in 1922. Wind and waves destroyed the cabin, shed and dock. The islet is now abandoned. East Sister Island East Sister Island is located west of Pelee Island. It is about 12½ miles from mainland Canada. Access is by private boat. However, navigational hazards exist around the island. Eons ago, an Ice Age glacier scraped away the topsoil and carved deep scratches in the bedrock. Bedrock, thought to be about 400 million years old, is now exposed. East Sister is the only island of the Pelee Island Archipelago that was not logged. The island‟s vegetation includes plants that are rare in Canada, such as the Kentucky coffee tree. Its coffee trees shelter a breed-

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ing colony of great blue herons, black-crowned night herons, and great egrets. Other species of birds and snakes make the island their home, also. Because of the possibility of disturbing bird colonies, visitors are discouraged. Gard, Indian & Stony Point Islands Gard, Indian and Stony Point Islands CONTINUED on NEXT PAGE

View of Green Island from the water at sunset AJE

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Catawba Island Magazine

Gibraltar Island is at the entrance to Put-In-Bay harbor. The island was a lookout point for Commodore Perry during the War of 1812. As a result, its highest point is known as “Perry's Lookout.” Pierpont Edwards, a New York banker, purchased the island in 1807. Financier Jay Cooke, a Sandusky native, bought it from him in 1864. He constructed a fifteen room Victorian mansion, now known as “Cooke‟s Castle.”

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are near Toledo. They are in Michigan waters because of the official boundary drawn between the two states. Native Americans inhabited Gard Island at one time but white men never settled there. The Univer-

sity of Toledo now owns Gard Island. The two other tiny islands are Indian and Stony Point Islands. Stony Point was at one time attached to Stony Point Peninsula. Gibraltar Island

Ohio State University has a research laboratory on Gibraltar Island. Julius Stone, a trustee of Ohio State University, acquired the island in 1925 from descendants of Jay Cooke. He donated it to Ohio State University. It is the oldest freshwater field station in the United States. It contains classrooms, offices, laboratories, and a large auditorium. It hosts workshops for elementary school students throughout the year. During the summer college credit courses are offered. One of the first things you see when entering the Put-In-Bay harbor by boat, is the observatory on Gibraltar. For many years there was a black schooner anchored near the laboratory on the island. The author has toured Gibraltar Island. Green Island Green Island is about two miles west of South Bass Island. In 1820, Joseph Delafield, an agent of the International Boundary Commission, discovered celestite crystals that occur naturally on the island. Also known as strontium, the element was mined and used in the production of beet sugar. By 1898, the island‟s supply was exhausted. Now strontium is used mainly in the production of television color picture tubes. In 1851, the U. S. Government purchased Green Island from Alfred Edwards. $5,000 was appropriated to CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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construct a lighthouse. The wooden lighthouse was built circa 1855. A keeper's house was attached to the lighthouse. The best known keeper of the lighthouse was Charles Drake. He and his family were living there when the lighthouse burned on New Year's Eve in 1863. The day was one of the coldest ever known in the area. Temperatures reached 25 degrees below zero. Heavy rain fell during the day, followed by a full-blown storm. Waves reached 30 feet high. During the evening, the lighthouse caught fire. Because of the storm, Drake and his family did not hear the crackling blaze. Soon the entire second story of the structure was on fire. Once aroused, Drake attempted to douse the roaring flames. Finally he realized that his efforts were in vain. Drake knew they could not survive the night without protection from the bitter cold. It was impossible to cross the lake such weather. Moreover, no one could come to their aid until the storm ended. Drake entered the burning building to procure bed coverings. Wrapping them around themselves, they moved into their outhouse. It was the only building on the island still standing.

View of Kelleys Island from Lakeside. AJE

Drake's son Pitt was attending a party at Put-in-Bay that evening. He watched in horror as flames from Green Island lit the sky. Friends kept him from crossing the storm-swept lake to aid his family. The next morning, Pitt and several others set out for Green Island. They found the family in the outhouse. Though suffering from exposure, all three were alive. After the fire, the family moved to Catawba Island. In 1864, a new lighthouse was built on the island. It and its adjoining keeper's house were made of limestone. The light was used until 1939, CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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when the Coast Guard replaced it with an automated light. Green Island eventually became a wildlife refuge managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The island is not open to the public. Gull Island Gull Island is a former island in Lake Erie. Although it appears on old maps as "Gull Island" it is now a shoal south of Middle Island. The island was last seen above water in 1890. The shoal is a popular fishing spot. At one time there were two Gull Islands in Lake Erie. The other one is now called Mohawk Island.

Sunrise over Kelleys Island from Gem Beach, Catawba Island. AJE

Hen & Chicken Islands Hen and Chicken Islands are in the Pelee Island Archipelago. Hen‟s highest elevation is 571 feet. The three smaller islands surrounding it are called Big Chicken, Little Chicken and Chick. There are no plants on Chick Island. The Quinnebog Club owns Hen Island. The main clubhouse was built in 1898. In 2010 there were 25 members. Kelleys Island Kelleys Island was first known as Island Number 6 and later Cunningham Island. It was renamed in 1840 for Datus and Irad Kelley who were responsible for the island's logging and winemaking industries. It is the largest Lake Erie Island in United States waters. The first known inhabitants of the island were Erie Indians, or the Cat Nation. Across the road from the Addison Kelley home, there is a 32foot by 21-foot flat limestone boulder covered with over 100 pictographs created by the Eries called “Inscription Rock.” The pictographs are the finest examples of Indian hieroglyphics in the United States. In 1850, Charles Eastman made a drawing of the pictographs for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. A copy CONTINUED on NEXT PAGE

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was submitted to a Native American skilled in deciphering pictographs. According to his interpretation, they told of the negotiations, turmoil and history of the Cat People during their occupancy of the island and the adjacent south shore of Lake Erie. The pictographs also told of their massacre by their dreaded enemies, the Iroquois in the 1600s. A copy of Eastman‟s drawing is on a plaque by the boulder. Inscriptions included a moon, birds, serpents and other objects. Several large figures, a wampum belt, peace pipe and magical instruments represented the Cat Nation‟s ceremonial and religious life. The number three had a special importance for the Eries, since it appeared in many of the carvings. Three large human-like figures each wore three necklaces. One of the main figures had three eyes, and may have represented a god. A small figure wore three feathers and another had three box-like objects on his head. During periods of high water levels on the lake, Inscription Rock is partially surrounded by water. Unfortunately, the elements have taken their toll and most of the pictographs have been obliterated. There is now a roof over Inscription Rock placed there to protect the pictographs by the Ohio State government. The first white man to live on the island was known onl y as "Cunningham." He moved there in 1803 with the intention of making it his home. Native Americans inhabited the island at the time. Cunningham built a cabin near the Indian village and traded with them. Eventually he had a disagreement with them. They pulled down his house and tried to kill him. He escaped to the mainland by canoe but died shortly afterwards from his wounds. For many years the island was known as Cunningham Island. Several other men attempted to squat there, but were driven off by the

Indians. Shortly after the War of 1812, the Native Americans abandoned the island. The bedrock of Kelleys Island is Devonian Columbus Limestone. It is quarried for building stone and other uses. Kelleys Island is a remnant of a limestone ridge carved around 10,000 B. C. The Clemons brothers opened the first limestone quarry on the island in 1830. They built a dock in order to ship the quarried rock to the mainland. The Kelley Island Lime & Transport Company, once the largest producer of limestone and lime products in the world, started from the Clemons and other small quarries.

feet deep. A walkway circles them. Once the park was started, topsoil and other materials that covered the grooves were removed. The park is near the northern end of Division Street. Kelley Island‟s glacial groves are the largest in the world. Datus and Irad Kelley were born in Connecticut. Datus moved to Rocky River in 1811, working as a surveyor and sawmill owner. Irad moved to TO BE CONTINUED NEXT ISSUE

Glacial grooves on Kelleys Island were carved out over eons of time. Scientists determine the direction and time periods of glaciers from glacial grooves. Glacial Grooves Memorial Park is 400 feet long and 35 feet wide. Some grooves are 17

December 2011

Catawba Island Magazine

Still Waters By Andrea J. Elliott Recently at an Akron, Ohio art show, a Catawba Island inspired photograph was awarded first place. Kaleidoscope 2011: The Alliance for the

Visual Arts Holiday Show had 183 works entered by 106 artists of which only 75 works by 57 artists were chosen. Marita Bitans of Medina, Ohio won first place for her photograph titled Still Waters which is a digital image of lily pads grow-

ing in an area on Catawba Island. She captured the prize winning photo after a summer visit with a friend on Catawba. Marita has been a medical illustrator for over 25 years, illustrating anatomy/surgery textbooks and creating drawings for medical malpractice trials. She attended Cleveland Institute of Art for several years and graduated with a BFA from Ohio State University. Marita has enjoyed photography since college but only renewed her interest around 6 years ago when she began exhibiting her work at summer art shows and art galleries. “My photography consists of nature shots, most of them in the „macro‟ CONTINUED on NEXT PAGE

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mode or very close up. I want others to see the beautiful shapes and textures that exist in the everyday things we see but most of the time overlook.” She enhances her photos by the use of filters in various software programs such as Adobe Photoshop or Corel Draw to achieve the textures, tones, and variations in light and dark. Her object is to reduce the photo to a more fundamental form and try to blur the boundaries between actual subject matter and the abstract, thereby creating a unique look. Composition and design elements are more important to Marita than the actual subject matter. “I have a fascination with textures and patterns,” she said, referring to Still Waters, her first prize photo. After running the image through a filter, she outlined shapes along the bottom, enlarged the image and presented it as a triptych - a three panel piece.

Still Waters is on display at Kaleidoscope 2011 through December 31 from noon to 5 p.m. ThursdaySaturday at Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. For more infor-

December 2011

mation you can call 330-376-8480 or visit www.summitartspace.org. More of Marita Bitans‟ work can be viewed and purchased online at www.MBphotoart.com. ∞

Catawba Island Magazine

Catawba Island Township Police Department

Excerpts from the Call Summary November, 2011. November 3 Civil complaint received regarding an issue with a marina. Complainant hired the marina to paint the bottom of their boat light blue this past Spring. Hull was painted and put into the water for the season. When the boat was taken out of the water for Winter the complainant saw the hull was painted brown and was told by the marina it would

turn blue after a month or so. Work order reflected the hull was to be painted blue. Marina would not release boat until $400 bill was paid. November 5 Call received regarding juveniles playing on Lime Kiln in Catawba Cliffs. Four male juveniles were later observed removing rocks and throwing rocks around the south-

west corner of the lime kiln. The corner was missing a substantial amount of rocks to the point of structural concerns. Out of state owner was uncertain of what to do. November 5 Credit card fraud. Complainant stated their credit card was used fraudulently twice at a Walmart in Indiana for $500 gift cards and also at a gas station in Indiana. Under investigation. November 6 Shooting complaint received. Anonymous caller stated subjects were shooting skeet off a breakwall over the lake. Subjects were shooting in a safe manor. Nothing further. November 10 Possible burglary and attempted entry call received regarding a W Catawba Road residence. Neighbor called the property ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x;s son regarding a broken window at his fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x;s home while he was out of town. Nothing was missing or disturbed at the property. Possible vandalism. November 22 Call received regarding hunters off the shore of Colony Club. All were set up properly. Nothing further. CONTINUED on NEXT PAGE Photo of damage to Lime Kiln November 5. Details above.

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Police Call Summary for November 2011 Total calls 179 including 3 speeding • 4 suspicious persons • 11 alarm calls 2 fraud • 1 car VS deer CONTINUED from PREVIOUS PAGE

November 22 Vehicle reported in ditch near Orchard Beach. Responded and found driver who stated a white vehicle cut him off. He claimed to swerve off road to avoid collision. No damage and no other vehicle found. Report made. November 24 Call received to assist Ottawa County Sheriff at Walmart. An injury vehicle crash with wires down caused a power outage. Officers observed “Black Friday” shoppers behavior approaching riot status. Parking lot was beyond full. Store manager stated there was fifteen minutes of emergency lighting and store needed to be evacuated. Many shoppers were unhappy with the situation and verbalized it. Several officers were needed for crowd control. Coast Guard, Marblehead Police, Danbury Police along with other area police including those off-duty were called for back up. Situation controlled. Nothing further. November 29 Theft from residence on Buchanan reported. Ten to fifteen Vicodin pills and money were reported missing. November 30 Suspicious person call received from Firelands Road resident. Complainant stated a subject called them regarding bringing a Mercedes Benz vehicle to their residence for potential purchase. Complainant did not know why he would receive such a call. Subject never showed. Nothing further. ∞

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Catawba Island Magazine

Letter from the Chief December 2011 Even for the most experienced ice trekker, Lake Erie offers uncertainty. Its unpredictable currents and temperatures, especially in early winter and spring, often make the lake unsafe for travel. A tragic tale of a fateful crossing years ago serves as a grim reminder. Late December in 1958, two young men, Charles Kindt and James House, decided to head out across the ice to Put-in-Bay to visit family. They proceeded off the north point of Catawba Island on foot early in the morning. After about 15 minutes into their lake crossing journey, the boys were just west of Mouse Island where they unknowingly came onto thin ice which quickly gave way - both plunged into the icy water.

Catawba Island Magazine

December 2011

Kindt was able to crawl free and walked to the local bait store where he awoke the owner who called in the accident. Marblehead Coast Guard responded and searched for 18 year old James House. Not only was it was feared that a current may have carried the youth away from the spot he had fallen through but recovery tools were limited to ropes and poles - not the modern search and rescue dive equipment we are familiar with today. After a two hour search, the Coast Guard was unable to find him and recovery at this point seemed hopeless. Catawba Island Volunteer Fire Department was on the scene and continued the search efforts opening a 75â&#x20AC;&#x; X 75â&#x20AC;&#x; hole in the ice with axes. They soon found House, and only about four feet from where he CONTINUED on NEXT PAGE

FIRE CALL SUMMARY for November 2011 Total calls 23 including 3 false alarms 1 CO2 detector 19 EMS had gone under, but unfortunately it was too late. A devastating loss for friends and family of James House and a somber lesson of the lake. Fifty years later, family members of James House came to the Catawba Island Volunteer Fire Department with a generous donation in James Houseâ&#x20AC;&#x;s memory. With the advancement of technology since the rescue, the House family graciously donated a SCUBA divers underwater communication system to the department to assist in future water rescues. A plaque hangs in the fire station in remembrance of James House and his familyâ&#x20AC;&#x;s contribution. Winter is upon us once again and soon the lake will freeze as she does every year. Please remember James House and know that no ice is completely safe. John Gangway, Fire Chief Left - newspaper photo of the search dated December 27, 1958 courtesy Sandusky Register. Far right - Plaque that hangs at the station. Below - Charter member, Don Rhodes (far left) and Fire Chief, John Gangway (far right) with family members of James House and their donation.

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Catawba Island Magazine

Catawba Island Township Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes November 8, 2011 Bills, including the last payroll, in the amount of $185,903.85 were approved and paid. Notice of Police Officer Jeff Hickman‟s resignation. Fire Chief John Gangway said he would like approval of a probationary volunteer fire department member Stephen Knowles. He said Stephen Knowles is already an EMT and fire fighter and has passed all his background and driving checks. All voted aye. Motion carried.

John Gangway said the prescription medication drop off program was very successful. The next scheduled prescription medication drop off will take place in April. Bob Snyder asked if there was any chance the Trustees would consider requesting ODOT put the bike path on Route 53 down one side of the road only. Gary Mortus said he didn‟t feel that would work because runners run against the traffic and bikers bike with the traffic for safety. Karen Shaw gave a brief cemetery report which included the sale of 36 sites year to date totaling $13,625. She also said there have been 35 burials. Meeting adjourned. ∞

Meeting Minutes November 22, 2011 Bills, including the last payroll, in the amount of $41,148.23 were approved and paid. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried. Maintenance Supervisor Dan Barlow said they are getting the trucks ready for winter. Dan Barlow said he spoke with ODOT about sealing all the termination points where township roads meet Route 53. He said ODOT said they will be back soon to take care of those areas and repair the manholes. Dan Barlow said he would like to place an order for beet juice for the winter. He said he would like to get one tote of the regular product and one tote with salt brine to see how it works. The Trustees agreed to the purchase. Gary Mortus said he would rather use the current part time officer now and wait until spring to hire another part time officer. William Rofkar said he would like to see a part time officer hired now, as requested by the police chief, to replace the one who recently resigned. Ron Lajti from the Ottawa County Engineer‟s Office spoke regarding resurfacing Appell, Roger, Delwood, Karwood, and Linda Drives. He said the total estimate is $248,800. Ron Lajti also spoke about repairing the township parking lot around the maintenance building. Ron Lajti recommended excavating the existing parking lot, regrading the area, and CONTINUED on NEXT PAGE

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replacing the pavement. He gave an estimate of $228,000 to complete the project. Ron Lajti said to add a 50 by 30 concrete pad for the recycling containers would increase the project cost to $236,000.

for the maintenance and fire department parking lot excavating, regrading, and resurfacing project contract coordinated through the Ottawa County Engineer‟s Office. Gary Mortus seconded the motion. All voted aye. The motion was carried. The Trustees expressed their appreciation to Ron Lajti for all of his

Ron Lajti said a third option would be to not excavate all the way over to the west side of the fire station because that area is still in good condition. This option would reduce the cost by about $60,000.

help with the Muggy Road resurfacing project. William Rofkar made a motion to appoint Reggie Langford to the Park Board. Gary Mortus seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned. ∞ Please note that the meeting minutes contained herewith are edited for space. The full version is available through the township administration.

Ron Lajti said to go with the third option and add a concrete pad for the recycling containers would cost approximately $175,000. He said the estimate for both projects combined would be around $420,000. The Trustees agreed the parking lot project should be completed by June or not until after August of 2012. William Rofkar made a motion to participate in the advertising of bid for grinding and resurfacing Appell, Roger, Delwood, Karwood, and Linda Drives contract coordinated through the Ottawa County Engineer‟s Office. Gary Mortus seconded the motion. All voted aye. The motion was carried. William Rofkar made a motion to participate in the advertising of bid

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Catawba Island Magazine

2nd Annual Island Days Downtown, Sandusky Jan 6, 2012 - Jan 8, 2012 Festivities begin on January 6 with Alex Bevan at the Water Street Bar & Grille (7 pm, $5 at the door) and continue on January 7th with Colin Dussault at Cabana Jack's (2 pm, $5 at the door). An island-themed Happy Hour on January 7 at the San-

dusky State Theatre's State Room from 5-7 pm features lobster bisque from the Boardwalk at Put-in-Bay and Brandy Alexanders from the Village Pump at Kelleys Island. Pat Dailey continues the party Saturday night (7:30 pm, $15-$20 in advance). The weekend is rounded out with a performance by Mike "Mad Dog" Adams at Cabana Jack's (2 pm, $10 at the door). ∞ Pat Dailey Sandusky State Theatre 107 Columbus Ave., Sandusky Jan 7, 2012 7:30 pm $15-20/person∞ Garden Series: Antique Flowers Ida Rupp Public Library 310 Madison St., Port Clinton 419.732.3212 idarupp.org Jan 10, 2012 2-3 pm Free ∞ Winter Birds at Your Feeder Milan Library 19 E. Church St., Milan 419.499.4117 milan-berlin.lib.oh.us Jan 11, 2012 6:30 pm ∞

Holiday lights in Marshes Edge 2011 by AJE

Annual Gun Show & Sportsman's Swap Meet Oak Harbor Conservation Club 975 S. Gordon Rd., Oak Harbor Jan 15, 2012 9 am - 3 pm $3/ personohcc.us 419.734.3751(day) 419.797.2569 (evening) Hunting & fishing equipment, decoys, lures, sporting goods, collectibles, raffles, tools and guns (all State & Federal gun laws apply). Lunch CONTINUED on NEXT PAGE

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available ($5) Dealers welcome. ∞ Historical Series Program "Invasive Species in the Great Lakes" presented by Jeff Tyson Jan 21, 2012 1 pm Maritime Museum of Sandusky 125 Meigs St., Sandusky 419.624.0274 sanduskymaritime.org Free with admission to the museum∞ Polar Bear Plunge Jan 28, 2012 Thirsty Pony/Rain Waterpark 1935 Cleveland Rd., Sandusky 419.202.9627 sooh.org The Polar Plunge is a unique opportunity for individuals, organizations, and businesses to support local Special Olympics. Plungers will jump into a super-sized pool set up outside. Plungers are asked to raise a "bear" min. of $75 to participate. ∞ Ice-A-Fair to Remember Downtown (Liberty Ave. & Main St.), Vermilion Feb 4, 2012 10 am-4 pm Ice carving demonstrations, ice scuptures on display throughout downtown, visit with Frosty the Snowman, and more! ∞

Historical Series Program "Ice Harvesting on the Sandusky Bay" presented by Jim Miller. Maritime Museum of Sandusky 125 Meigs St., Sandusky 419.624.0274 sanduskymaritime.org Feb 4, 2012 1 pm Free with admission to the museum∞

demonstrations, ice boat races, Underground Railroad trolley tours, soup cook-off and more (weather permitting). ∞

Arctic Ice Festival Maritime Museum of Sandusky, Erie County Senior Center & Sandusky Sailing Club, Sandusky 419.624.0274 sanduskymaritime.org Feb 4 & 5, 2012 10 am-4 pm Bring your family for a fun and educational weekend of winter activities. Events include ice carving, ice harvesting, ice fishing & ice diving

AJE

December 2011

Catawba Island Magazine

“Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right.” – Oprah Winfrey New Years Resolutions by Lindsay Smith

ing each other and much more about helping ourselves.

As the New Year approaches, so does the day when everyone expects you to share your New Year‟s resolution(s). The tradition of setting New Year‟s resolutions began in ancient Rome when moral resolutions were made, such as being good to others in the new year. It seems resolutions have become less about help-

If your resolution for 2012 is to get healthy by losing weight or exercising more, let me help. If you‟re interested in joining a gym, check out Bodi N Balance, a 24-hour gym located at Harbor Light Landing on Route 53. Another choice is the CIC Fitness Center. If you‟re interested in trying a group fitness class, I highly recommend Zumba classes. Zumba is a Latin-inspired, dance fitness program. You may have seen the infomercials or played the video game, but to really get a feel for it, you have to take a class. One of my very good friends, Jenn Kolar, has been a certified Zumba instructor for over two years. She offers Zumba classes at Bodi N Balance and at The Ballet School in downtown Port Clinton. Having been a dancer all her life,

Pictured below - Lindsay Smith, Andrea J. Elliott and Katie Derry NYE at the Inn 2010

Welcoming in the New Year at everybody’s favorite party spot - the Catawba Inn! NYE 2010

Jenn really makes her classes seem more like a dance party and less like a workout. But make no mistake, there are some serious calories burned during Zumba classes, making it necessary to shower before going out for a much desired margarita following class. For questions or a January class schedule, visit Jenn‟Z umba on Facebook or call Jenn Kolar at 419-656-7827. As Jenn would say, “Ditch the workout. Join the Party!” Maybe a serious resolution isn‟t for you. If you want a resolution, but don‟t want to risk the disappointment of breaking it by February, how about a resolution like “I will stop drinking orange juice after brushing my teeth” or “I will watch more cute and cuddly kitten or dog or baby videos on YouTube.” If you decide this last one if for you, search for “Charlie Bit My Finger.” Watch it twice, the first time is funny, the second time is even better! When you‟re making your New Year‟s Eve plans, don‟t forget the Walleye Drop in downtown Port Clinton. It‟s family friendly, with kid‟s activities, music, games, food and more! If you haven‟t rung in the New Year with Wylie the Walleye, be sure to check it out this year! Happy New Year!! ∞

Catawba Island Magazine

December 2011

By Starr Sagittarius “The Archer” November 22nd thru December 21st Your fun and mischievous side emerges this month - Enjoy the Holidays! Capricorn “The Mountain Goat” December 22nd thru January 19th You should feel happy & enthusiastic this month, especially on your birthday! Aquarius “The Water Bearer” January 20th thru February 19th Make sure you communicate as clearly as possible this month, so as not to be misinterpreted. Pisces “Two Fishes” February 20th thru March 20th Put your Best Foot forward……but still proceed with caution.

Aries “The Ram” March 21st thru April 19th Keep reaching out for someone at a distance as the holidays will bring happiness. Taurus “The Bull” April 20th thru May 20th Your organizing talents promise advancement at this time. Gemini “The Twins” May 21st thru June 20th During this holiday season your ability to process things will mark your direction of decision. Cancer “The Crab” June 21st thru July 22nd Follow the guiding Star & try to see the positive side even when you seem to have hit rock bottom. Leo “The Lion” July 23rd thru August 22nd

December 2011

Destiny calls this month. It‟s sure to be a real turning point. Virgo “The Virgin” August 23rd thru September 22nd Being spontaneous this Holiday Season will gain you the advantage. Libra “Scales” September 23rd thru October 22nd Get back to basics this month. Be open for some great advice that will come your way. Scorpio “Scorpion” October 23rd thru November 21st Your heart will be open with love & joy as the holiday happiness unfolds. ♥

Catawba Island Magazine