Once again, through the generosity of hundreds of you out there, our Mitten Tree got all filled up with its very special ornaments, mittens, gloves, caps and scarves. We had a pickup from the Salvation Army on Tuesday morning, and they will make their final pickup on Monday, Dec.10. So there is still time to make a contribution. We also have a box in our office from Salvation Army for coats, other clothing items and toys so you can fill them up here. As always, the true spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Ottawa County.

It is definitely time to get into the Christmas spirit! If you need a little help, you can head to downtown Port Clinton this Saturday, Dec. 1, for the big Community Christmas celebration with a parade, lots of open houses and the lighting of the downtown Christmas Tree.

BY JOHN SCHAFFNER

Surprise! You are getting your Beacon a day early this week!

It has been fun to watch young Jacob Tetzloff grow up. He is the son of Glen Tetzloff, our bass player in The Travelin’ Lounge Lizards band, and he recently achieved Eagle Scout.

Most of you know that I have lived here most of my life (50 years) and that I am a proud graduate of Port Clinton High School. Every now and then an event happens that just fills me with pride.