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Property Owners Sponsor Non-Profits’ Reports to the Community
About 60 members attended the July meeting of the Put-in-Bay Property Owners’ Association (PIBPOA) held on the 24th at the Perry’s Cave Pavilion. They heard reports from some of the major not-for-profit organizations serving the island community.
Kathy Schrader, Vice President of the Garden Club, described the fundraisers used to support the seven gardens and the hanging baskets in De Riviera Park. The Club holds monthly meetings on horticultural topics from May through September. Once again high water has washed out prospects for cleaning the bathing beach. But it is still on their agenda.
Dick Bliss reported for the Skip Duggan Antique Car Club founded by Skip with the able assistance of John Borman and Jack Whelan. He noted that every video clip used to promote the island included shots of the Sunday Old Car Parades which have, on a Labor Day, attracted as many as one hundred 25-years-old-or-older vehicles. So far this year the top number has been 84. In addition to its primary task of managing the parades, the club assists with the Duggan Old Car Museum. Dick says the dues are $10 per year, and “If that hurts, don’t pay it.”
Dave Frederick spoke for the 100-year-old (in December) Scheible-Downing American Legion Post 542 which has members on Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass and North Bass. The Post cooperates with the national organization to support programs for disabled vets, widows and orphans, civics education for high schoolers in Boys’ and Girls’ State and other patriotic activities. On the local level the Legion conducts graveside services with rifle volleys and the playing of Taps . Members regularly visit vets at the Veterans’ Home in Sandusky and maintain the DoughBoy statue and 57mm cannon in De Riviera Park. The Post also sells American flags large and small as well as flag poles. On or about Flag Day, June 14th, the members conduct a flag burning ceremony to assure that old, worn or damaged flags turned over to them are properly honored and destroyed. Then, as Dave says, “Give us your old flag; we’ll sell you another one.”
Renee Fultz reviewed the physical progress of the Nature Center which has added a 1000 sq. foot addition which houses offices, meeting areas and displays. The Center also has a new turtle pond, a wildlife window and an active beehive. Activities sponsored by The Center include summer Nature Camps and weekly “Wild Tuesday” talks from 1 to 3 p.m. She pointed out that Island Green Week, August 7-15th, will also include Middle Bass and Kelleys Islands. “Green Week” will also include a stargazing trip on one of the Miller Ferry boats on August 9th and the much-awaited Pig Roast on the 11th. Volunteers are always needed and appreciated.
Peter Huston described the Great Lakes Island Alliance, which is a non-profit dedicated to encouraging relationship building and opportunities to benefit islands. The 2021 GLIA summit will be held on Put-in-Bay October 3rd through 6th. The summit will bring together 100+ island officials including government officers and business and education leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with island living. Costs of the summit are partially underwritten by a Mott Foundation Grant of $35,000. The local host committee seeks the support of local donors and sponsors. Island residents can participate in the four-day summit for $100. Details can be found at phuston@Stewardshipnetwork.com.
Kelly Faris drew a sharp distinction between the PIB Township Park district, which is a government agency affirmed by the voters in 2007 and the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy (LEIC). The district is dedicated to protecting and preserving unique areas that enhance the heritage of the Lake Erie Islands. The Commissioners are Lisa Brohl, Kelly Faris and Kendra Koehler. They are appointed by the Judge of Common Pleas Court and have public meetings on the second Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. Over 160 acres on the islands are now protected .
Lisa Brohl explained the role of the Lake Erie Island Conservancy which is not a governmental agency, but a private not-for-profit organization. It began life as a part of the Black Swamp Nature Conservancy in 1993 and became the LEIC as a free-standing entity in 2015. Properties donated to the LEIC have been turned over to the Township Park District for perpetual care. The LEIC has led the fight to conserve local properties such as Coopers’ Woods and on August 8th will celebrate the acquisition of Benjamin Woods. Kelly and Lisa represent a welcome cooperation between government and non-profit organizations.
Jack Bergan remembered how Harold Heidenreich, historian and industrialist, persuaded him to help the Perry Group campaign for a visitors center at the monument as well as employee housing. With the help of Judge George Smith and local politicians, the government and the Perry Group agreed on the Visitors Center if the group could raise $100,000. It did! And the rest, as they say, is history. A 1959 ranger considered these additions to be vast improvements. In 2021 the Perry Group is sponsoring an August 11th viewing of the rising moon from the top of the monument and a September 10th Jet Express trip to witness the annual wreath laying at the site of Perry’s Victory.
Trustee Bob Smith spoke for the Lake Erie Island Historical Society and reminded us that the Resale Shop is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum’s Annual Fundraiser Island Auction will be held at the Heineman Winery at 4 p.m. on August 5th.
President Bob Smith announced that the August meeting of the PiBPOA will be held on August 28th. While closing the meeting he noted that the August topic might be water/sewer.
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