USCG Navigation Tools Available Online

USCG Navigation Tools

2021 Light Lists are available on the USCG Navigation Center’s website at: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=lightLists
Coast Guard Light Lists are a means for communicating aids to navigation information to the maritime public.

Local Notice to Mariners will continue to advise Light List correction.
Complete versions of the 2021 Light Lists are updated weekly on the NAVCEN website and mariners should download applicable copies and updates as needed at: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=lightListWeeklyUpdates

A summary of 2021 Light List corrections are available at: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=lightListCorrections
Guidance for use of electronic navigation publications onboard U.S. vessels can be found at: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/CG-5PC/CG-CVC/Policy%20Letters/2010/CG-543_pol10-05.pdf

Put-in-Bay Harbor Ice Lamentable for Winter Enthusiasts

Put-in-Bay harbor ice is visible only inside the public docks.  Those who adore the ice-skating, ice-boating, and ice-fishing wonder what February holds.  The Farmers’ Almanac call for “cold and very flaky” in our region of the country appears to need re-assessment.  Earth Development’s forecast continues in this fashion:  “Ohio’s coldest periods will be in late January and the beginning of February, with those frigid temperatures also extending into March.”  The three-month outlook from NOAA for February, March, and April suggests above average precipitation and above average temperatures.

Put-in-Bay Winter’s Day

Who knew that on a winter’s day you could take a nice, relaxing walk to some of the most beautiful views on South Bass Island?  Exploring the island, hiking with good company, taking it all in certainly makes you feel connected with nature again.  Searching for beach glass and chasing the sunset at the end of the day we hiked the Scheeff East Point Nature Preserve.  The visit left us in awe with the stunning views of the calming lake, icicles hanging from big pieces of driftwood, and sand between our toes.  Something about the peacefulness of the waves and the brisk winter sun surely put a smile on our faces.  And will on yours, too.

“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.”  -Vincent Van Gogh

Stay well friends.
Amanda Downey, aka “Grocery Gal”

Ottawa County Health Department Updates Vaccine Distribution

Ottawa County Health Department Update on Phase 1B Vaccine Distribution

PORT CLINTON – In order to assist in the vaccine distribution process, the Ottawa County Health Department has created a pre-registration form to collect information from residents who would be interested in receiving the Covid-19 vaccine. This information will be used to help local partners to plan for vaccine distribution as it becomes available in each phase.

Once Ottawa County begins each vaccination phase, the Ottawa County Health Department will notify individuals qualifying for that phase via the phone number and/or email address provided. Please double check your contact information as it is vitally important to ensure we can reach you when ready. The form can be found at ottawahealth.org. For those individuals who have a disability, no access to technology or are experiencing technical issues in completing this form, they can contact the United Way 2-1-1 line for assistance.

Each individual being vaccinated needs to complete a separate form, as some individuals within a family may be eligible for vaccination at different times.

Next Anticipated Phase: 1B
-Ohioans, age 65 and older
-Younger people with severe congenital, developmental, or early-onset medical disorders that make them particularly vulnerable –  such as cerebral palsy; spina bifida; congenital heart disease; type 1 diabetes; inherited metabolic disorders; severe neurologic disorders including epilepsy; severe genetic disorders including Down Syndrome, Fragile X, Prader Willi Syndrome, Turner Syndrome; severe lung disease including cystic fibrosis and severe asthma; sickle cell anemia; and alpha- and beta-thalassemia.
-Adults/employees who work in schools (K-12)

On January 7th, Governor Mike DeWine announced the following schedule for Phase 1B vaccine distribution.
-Week of January 18th – Ohioans 80+ years of age
-Week of January 25th – Ohioans 75+ years of age and individuals with severe congenital, development, or early onset medical disorders
-Week of February 1st – Ohioans 70+ years of age and Adults/employees who work in schools (K-12)
-Week of February 8th – Ohioans 65+ years of age

All vaccine distribution is subject to availability of doses distributed to the Ottawa County Health Department.

Keep the Faith During Winter

Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope, by Berni Steinbach

Winter weather on the Bass Islands has put us in the doldrums, in spite of northerly winds and near freezing temperatures.  No ice, no snow, and a soggy ground with heavily overcast skies continue to put us in “the blues,” and we’re not talking music.  A casual survey of friends and neighbors reveals depression and frustration creep about.  National political and COVID-19 issues unravel, and personal confrontations on social media go unabated.  Is there rest for the weary?

I’d like to suggest we direct our attention to all that is good, all that works, all that underscores our perseverance, notwithstanding the miasma.  South Bass Island school students continue with community outreach service.  Senior Tali Steidl recently delivered home-made soup and cookies.  Marine service master Bob Glauser assisted an out-of-town neighbor by securing an important shipment.  EMS Director Patrick Rogers was able to provide virus vaccinations for the Fire Department and EMS members.  Island Air and Griffing Flying Service continue to offer service to and from the islands.  The General Store, Island Beverage Center, and Hardware Store remain open for business.  The Put-in-Bay Volunteer Fire Department will host a take-out-only spaghetti dinner on 9 January from 5-7pm, and Topsy Turvey’s announces the start of the Dart League on 13 January.  And let’s not forget The Forge offers on-line menu service!  Post Office, Township, and Village business continues through tireless devotion of public servants, and there’s no stopping The Put-in-Bay Gazette, which celebrates the start of their 41st year.  Find a copy and look at all the summer employment opportunities!  Even the National Weather Service keeps a positive tone for real winter in today’s discussion: “… ensemble data is growing that an unsettled and wintry weather pattern could return by late week.”

All these particulars may seem mundane and ordinary, but they illustrate how well our community moves forward through the challenges and tumult of the times.  Keep the faith, neighbors, keep the faith!