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Giving Thanks
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on page
17
On the Cover… Coloring contest winner, DJ Webster (age 6)!
3… Letter from the Press
4… Giving Thanks
8… The Arts
11… Battle of Lake Erie Revisited
12… Police Beat
14… Township News
16… Fire Department
17… Restaurants & Entertainment
18… Around Town
20… Classifieds
21… Horoscopes
on page
20
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 ∞
Dear friends, Hasn’t it been a beautiful transition into fall around our little peninsula? I love the beautiful foliage and brilliantly colored sunsets autumn gives us. Fall seems to fly by as quickly as the leaves from the trees and the holi-days are fast approaching. This time of year our thoughts turn gratefully to those of you who support our little publication as we could not do this every month without you! And as always, be sure to thank our advertisers and visit their businesses! Christmas will be here before we know it which means our arts and craft show, Christmas on Catawba, will be here too! It is scheduled Saturday, December 11th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the community hall on Catawba. There will be over 30 local artists and crafters selling their wares. There will also be food, entertainment and even pet pictures with Santa Claus! It will be great fun and benefits the Humane Society of Ottawa County! Hope to see you then! As some of you know, when we first started the magazine, many Catawba Islanders did not receive the first two issues. We will be raffling these first two issues at Christmas on Catawba! Tickets are $2 each and area currently on sale at www.catawbaislandmagazine.com for advance sales. We also will be selling back issues for as low as $1 each at Christmas on Catawba so be sure to stop in and say “hi!” Even with the onslaught of the upcoming winter weather, our publication still reaches 3,700 plus addresses of business and residents on and around Catawba Island not including subscribers. More than 4,000 maga-zines are distributed each month via the USPS. We are proud to say that we are Catawba Island’s #1 coffee table book! Unlike newspapers or cou-pon clippers, our readers proudly keep our publication for months and many have since day one! Thanks again for your ongoing support! From our family to yours, we truly wish you the best of everything this Thanksgiving. Thanks for reading and we hope to see you around town!
West shore of Catawba Island along Sand Road after an Autumn storm by AJE
Andrea J. Elliott
Publisher and Photographer, Catawba Island Press
November 2010 Catawba Island Magazine 3
NAME____________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS (Sorry, NO P.O. Boxes!)___________________________________________________
CITY_______________________________________ STATE__________ ZIP___________
Please note: 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. 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!
Christmas on Catawba is Saturday December 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
at the Catawba Community Hall! Be sure to stop by!
Be sure to check out our Weather Vane Scavenger Hunt on page 15 for your
chance to win a $20 GC to Crosswinds! This weather vane picture was taken not
too far from where I shot this background photo off Sand Road.
It was so difficult for us to choose the winner of our coloring contest! Here is
another great entry; Brooke Gibbon (age 8) of Catawba Island.
“Betsy.” Many articles have been
written about her—but few of them
are accurate. There was even a pho-
tograph of her with one article, pro-
vided by the Ottawa County Histori-
cal Society.
The first United States camera patent
was issued in 1840. Photographic
studios did not become common in
the Midwest until 1850. It was be-
lieved that Betsy was born about
1813, although no one knew for sure.
If born in 1813, she would have been
37 years old in 1850. It is doubtful
that the picture was of Betsy, since
the Indian girl in the studio photo-
graph appeared to be a teenager.
Betsy MoJohn was believed to be the
daughter of Chief Ogontz of the Ot-
tawa tribe. Chief Ogontz lived near
Sandusky Bay in the early 1800s.
Supposedly he led his band to the
River Raisin area of Michigan (now
Monroe) in 1831, and left his wife
and seven (or eight) children behind.
They were left behind because of
some tribal misdeed done by his
squaw. No Native American chief
would have left his children behind
when he planned to move perma-
nently. Moreover, Ogontz was not
living in 1831. He was murdered
during a pow-wow near the Maumee
River soon after the War of 1812
ended.
What is true is that an Ottawa Indian
woman nicknamed “MoJohn” lived
on Catawba Island when the first
white settlers arrived in the 1830s.
The pioneers befriended MoJohn,
and helped feed her and her large
family of children. Supposedly, she
was overly fond of alcoholic bever-
ages. Her neighbors nicknamed her
“MoJohn” because “John” was a col-
loquialism for corn liquor. It was
said that she always asked people for
“Mo John.” Because of her drinking
problem, MoJohn‟s children and
livestock were left to care for them-
selves. Her children sometimes
earned a few pennies working on
neighboring farms. When they re-
turned home, however, MoJohn
would take their money and buy liq-
uor.
The following story may be a legend.
An old Catawba Islander said he
knew of no graveyard where six chil-
dren were buried at one time on
Catawba Island Magazine November 2010 4
Betsy MoJohn and Her Log Home
By Pat Bristley
Betsy MoJohn was the last Native
American who lived on Catawba
Island. She was a full-blooded Ot-
tawa Indian. Her name was Mary
Elizabeth, but she was called
CONTINUED on NEXT PAGE
Horrified settlers decided to bring
MoJohn to trial for experimenting on
her children. Not wanting to be shut
up where she could not obtain liquor,
MoJohn wandered off and was never
seen again. However, Betsy re-
mained on Catawba Island and went
to work for a German immigrant,
Henry Luckart. According to Ottawa
County Marriage Records, Justice of
the Peace H. J. Miller married
Luckart and Betsy on May 1, 1852.
It was said that Luckart could speak
only German, so how the two con-
versed is unknown.
Luckart built Betsy a six-room, story
-and-a-half log house on East
Catawba Road, overlooking Lake
Erie. They did not get along, because
like her mother, Betsy was fond of
alcohol. It was also said that she had
a temper.
While she was living on Catawba,
Betsy took in a little white girl, Net-
tie Jewett, whose mother died in
Catawba. The legend went:
In pioneer days, white snakeroot was
prevalent in the woods on Catawba.
Settlers called the plant “tremble-
weed” because when cattle ate it,
they began to shake and soon died.
MoJohn‟s cow ate the poisonous
plant and died. She asked a neighbor
to cut up the carcass so she and her
family could eat the meat. When
warned by her neighbors not to eat
the poisoned meat, MoJohn told
them she would try it out on her chil-
dren first, and if they died she would
not eat it. They thought she was jok-
ing, but she fed the meat to her chil-
dren and dogs, and they died.
At this point the story had two ver-
sions. One said that she had seven
children, and that her daughter,
Betsy, was working as a domestic
servant in the home of the Haynes
family of Port Clinton at the time, so
she did not eat the meat. The other
version said that there were eight
children, and that besides Betsy, Mo-
John‟s son, John, was working on a
lake boat, so he too was gone when
MoJohn fed her children the poi-
soned meat.
November 2010 Catawba Island Magazine 5
CONTINUED on NEXT PAGE
CONTINUED on NEXT PAGE
CONTINUED from PREVIOUS PAGE
On the previous page: Photo of the back of the Betsy MoJohn log house as it stands today on Wine Cellar Road.
Photo by Andrea J. Elliott. Above: Moving the MoJohn Cabin. Photo courtesy of Don Rhodes.
Below: Alleged photo of Betsy MoJohn.
CONTINUED from PREVIOUS PAGE
CONTINUED on NEXT PAGE
1871 through 1873. In April 1874,
Luckart advertised his house, all its
contents, and his horse and plow for
sale. In the Ottawa County News of
April 3, 1874, appeared the follow-
ing: “Mary Luckart, whose place of
residence is unknown, is notified that
Henry Luckart has filed his petition
for divorce, charging her with willful
absence for over three years.”
Later, Luckart withdrew his divorce
suit. On December 22, 1874, Dr.
Bainbridge was called to Henry
Luckart‟s home, only to find him
dead. Just before his death he told
neighbors that he had taken poison.
An empty bottle labeled “Poison
Strychnine Cryst” was found on the
premises. It appeared that Mr.
Luckart had for years been jealous of
his wife and had expressed his inten-
tion of committing suicide.
Betsy married Henry Bonnet about
1879 and moved to his home in Erie
County. In the late 1800s Bonnet
gave up farming to run a saloon
called Bogart‟s Corners. Betsy re-
portedly entertained guests of the
saloon with stories about her past.
Betsy MoJohn lived until 1908. She
was buried in Bloomingdale Ceme-
tery, Erie County, Ohio. Her obituary
appeared in the Port Clinton Herald
on January 24, 1908. It said:
“Bonnet, Mrs. Betsy, died: Better
known in the Catawba area as Mrs.
Betsy Luckart, who is well remem-
bered by the oldest citizens here. She
was a full-blooded Indian woman
and was the daughter of the last chief
of the Ottawa tribe inhabiting Ca-
tawba Island, many years ago. In her
early days, she married Henry
Luckart, a German, and lived in our
midst for many years. The old log
house they built and occupied is still
standing and is now owned by Mrs.
Burgderfer. After several years of
married life, Mr. Luckart died and
after a few years of widowhood,
Mrs. Luckart married Henry Bonnet,
of Bogart, Ohio, near Sandusky, with
whom she lived 29 years previous to
her death.
“While living on Catawba, Mrs.
childbirth. Betsy raised Nettie until
she was about 15. Then her father
came from Connecticut with plans to
take her back with him. Nettie did
not want to leave her foster mother.
She ran into the woods and hid in a
hollow tree, where her father found
her. Later, Nettie told about many
Indian traditions she had learned
from Betsy.
In 1868, a historian interviewed
Betsy. She claimed she did not re-
member her father. She also spoke of
playing as a child in front of the
tribe‟s dwellings.
She disappeared from home between
Catawba Island Magazine November 2010 6
Above: The addition on the front of the addition used
as a real estate office today. Left: Oil painting of the
MoJohn log house as it once stood on E Catawba Road by Pat Bristley.
it was costly and took too long to
build. The only lapped-notching
found in Ohio is on the MoJohn
house. The log house was not only
the home of the last Indian of Ca-
tawba, but it was uniquely built.
Betsy MoJohn‟s house was donated
by the owners to the Ottawa County
Historical Society. It was moved to
the grounds of Mon Ami Winery in
1968. It is now on the Register of
Historic Places. If you visit the win-
ery, stop and look at the log house
and remember Betsy MoJohn, the
last Native American who lived on
Catawba.
Thanks to Don Rhodes of Catawba,
whose records were the basis for the
article. ∞
November 2010 Catawba Island Magazine 7
CONTINUED from PREVIOUS PAGE
Luckart took and raised a white
child, Nettie Jewett, whose mother
died in her infancy. When [Nettie
was] about 15 years of age, Mr. Jew-
ett came from the east and claimed
his daughter, and took her home to
Connecticut with him, where she has
lived, married and made her home.
She didn‟t forget her foster mother
and has visited her occasionally.
Mrs. Bonnet didn‟t known her age,
but it is thought she was over 95
years. Funeral took place January 21
from the family residence. Buried in
Bloomingville Cemetery.”
Like Betsy, the home she lived in on
Catawba Island has always interested
local people. Older residents remem-
ber its forlorn appearance; its roof
sagged and it had vines crawling all
over it. The Progressive Times, of
Port Clinton, on August 6, 1928, had
the following to say about the struc-
ture:
“…This weather-beaten old house
was huddled down in a tangle of old-
fashioned myrtle, snapdragons, tiger
lilies and honeysuckle, while its
porch and roof were smothered by
clinging vines. It reminded me of a
delicate old lady with a gossamer
shawl about her shoulders gazing
into the past and reliving her early
romance. An old juniper tree,
gnarled and twisted with the winds
of many years, bent protectingly
above the little house and whispered
to it tales of long ago. The monoto-
nous swish of the waves on the lake-
shore blended with the juniper‟s
tale…This fascinating little house is
on Catawba Island, and from it one
can look across to Kelley‟s Island…
It is the oldest house on the island.”
The timbers of the house were of
black walnut from Catawba. The
builders used “Scandinavian lapped-
notching” on the corners of the
building. When pioneers began con-
structing log cabins in the Midwest,
they used another method. Although
Scandinavian lapping was superior,
Above: Inside of the log house today.
Right: Inside the front addition, a fireplace slides to
the side to reveal the entry into the log house.
Photos by Andrea J. Elliott.
local art shows and the Rosemary
Schramm Gallery. George shares a
few hints on taking colorful sunrise
or sunset photos.
Sunrise, Sunset
by George Krejci
How fortunate we are to live on Ca-
tawba Island - a photographer‟s
dream! If you‟re into nature photog-
raphy, there are wonderful places to
photograph our specialty, sunrises
and sunsets. We also have an array
of wonderful birds and animals that
nearly pose for the camera—but
that‟s another story. The public ac-
cess areas on both coasts of Catawba
provide great photo opportunities in
the morning and evening.
What makes the wonderful colors
that are seen in a beautiful sunset?
Dirt! It‟s the small particles in the
atmosphere that provide the wonder-
ful color spectrum. Major volcanic
eruptions to our west offer rich sun-
rises and sunsets for several years
following the event. Key West sun-
sets are famous, but Catawba sunsets
are just as good, if not better. I dis-
covered the joys of photography
about 40 years ago in Guam and Ha-
waii. As I look back at old 35mm
slides, I recall the added costs, issues
and developing delays. How won-
derful are the new digital cameras of
today. Often when Mary and I go on
a shoot, we take 100-150 shots to
catch one or two shots that may have
commercial value. Digital cameras
come in many sizes and shapes and
some have the “feel” of a classic
35mm—my own camera even emits
the sound of a focal-plane shutter
each time I take a shot!
Here in the northern latitudes, sun-
sets last longer than those in the
South where the sun‟s path is more
directly overhead. The sun rises
nearly straight up and sets almost
straight down. In Hawaii there were
no lovely, long twilights and after-
glows like we enjoy here in Ca-
tawba. It was humorous watching
Waikiki Beach tourists as the sun
began to set—rushing to their hotel
rooms to retrieve a camera, only to
discover on their return it was al-
ready pitch dark!
Let‟s get ready to shoot a sunset.
You may find many hidden “modes”
in which you can operate your cam-
era, so be sure to read the instruction
manual. There may be modes for
shooting portraits, scenery, snow,
Local nature photographers George
and Mary Krejci enjoy the numerous
photo opportunities available in our
area. Their photos can be found at
Catawba Island Magazine November 2010 8
CONTINUED on NEXT PAGE
shots after the sun has risen. There
are many web sites which provide
the sunrise/sunset times for this area.
I prefer the weather site Intelli-
cast.com which can be customized to
your area. Note that during the sum-
mer the sun rises very early in the
morning—much earlier than it does
November 2010 Catawba Island Magazine 9
CONTINUED from PREVIOUS PAGE
and miss the afterglow. The after-
glow can often be more spectacular
than the sunset itself, which may
take another 15-20 minutes. While
everything is occurring, occasionally
look over your shoulder; the clouds
behind you may be the best part.
All of this works in reverse when
shooting a sunrise. Arrive early to
get the pre-glow, keep shooting the
sun as it rises, and take a few extra
beaches, and even a mode for sun-
sets. A digital camera provides you
with immediate results, so experi-
ment with the different modes. Re-
member, the sun will not wait for
you! You might use your camera in
a completely manual mode, but by
the time you get everything set up
you may miss your shot. When
shooting sunsets you may have to
“stop down” or decrease the lens
opening. Most of the various modes
will do this for you.
With the auto-focus option it‟s some-
times difficult to get a good, crisp
photo. Moving waves are notorious
for confusing an auto-focus camera.
Most digital cameras allow you to
focus on a distant object, like an is-
land, then while holding the shutter
release button halfway down, com-
pose your shot and take the photo by
completely pressing the button.
There is something very important to
watch when shooting sunrises and
sunsets—your eyes. It‟s easy to get
wrapped up in the wonderful sight
and not realize you are staring di-
rectly into the sun. Please don‟t stare
at the sun too long—take the picture
and enjoy looking at the print in-
stead. Wearing sunglasses will help,
but may cause difficulties using the
camera. Polarized lenses are great,
but the polarity usually blocks the
image in an electronic viewfinder or
the screen on the back of the camera.
When shooting a sunset, plan on
some time to take many different
photos. Arrive early and take a
photo of the sky before the sun gets
too low. While the sun is descend-
ing, keep shooting as the sky
changes color as the sun moves.
Once the sun has set, don‟t leave yet
as you could miss the best part! A
good weekend sunset attracts many
visitors to the Catawba Island State
Park pier—and one of our favorite
sites. Just like those Hawaiian vaca-
tioners who missed the sunset, many
visitors leave as soon as the sun sets Krejci
CONTINUED on NEXT PAGE
Catawba Island Magazine November 2010 10
lake‟s presence. We can see the lake
on both the sunrise and the sunset
sides of Catawba, and since the lake
looks different every day, one never
knows what to expect. Sometimes
the water will give a glass-smooth
reflection; other times the waves pro-
vide a very unique effect. If you are
into setting your camera manually or
wish to experiment with the various
modes, you can shoot with different
shutter times. This will give you
either a crisp, motionless wave ac-
tion or somewhat blurred moving
waves. Remember the horizon on
the lake is supposed to be level, so
take an extra second or two to assure
the lake is level in your photo. You
may be able to straighten a photo on
your computer, but it helps to start
with a level photo.
Don‟t be afraid to zoom in on the
sun. What may look good to your
eye may be disappointing when
printed when all you see is a distant
pin-hole of light! If part of the sky
has the colors you seek, ignore the
rest of the sky and zoom in on that
part only. Note, too, your camera‟s
white balance may change the over-
all appearance of the sky as you aim
or zoom in on different areas.
Remember the sun‟s path across the
sky changes throughout the year, and
this affects the sunrise/sunset points
from winter to summer. During the
winter the sun rises and sets more to
the south than in the summer provid-
ing a different background horizon
every time. From the north end of
Catawba in the summer, the sun rises
over Kelleys Island—during the win-
ter; over Marblehead. While taking
sunset photos, consider whether you
want the Davis-Besse power plant in
the background.
Once the lake freezes, unique sun-
rise/sunset photos become available,
and the results can be startling. I
have winter sun-setting photos over
crumpled ice resembling a shot of
Mars. Good books are available on
digital photography and a bookstore
such as Borders carries an excellent
selection. Check out the bargain sec-
tion too.
So enjoy, experiment, and take a lot
of digital shots—they don‟t cost any-
thing until you print them. If you see
us on the pier or beach, stop and say
hello! ∞
CONTINUED from PREVIOUS PAGE
in the winter, and that‟s why Mary
does summer sunrises and I do those
in the winter.
Another advantage of sunrise/sunset
photos on Catawba Island is the
Above- Painting by Rosemary Schramm inspired by
George & Mary Krejci’s photography.
November 2010 Catawba Island Magazine 11
CONTINUED on NEXT PAGE
Catawba Island Township Police Department
Excerpts from the Police Call Summary for October, 2010
the residence for his prescription
drugs.
October 12th Accident. 1999 Ford
Ranger making a turn onto Wine
Cellar from RT 53 turned into the
path of a 1984 Volkswagen causing a
collision and the Ford to spin out 180
degrees. Passenger and driver trans-
ported. Other driver cited for failure
to yield right of way on a left turn.
October 13th Abandoned car re-
ported in a parking lot near the point.
Registration for the Dodge Neon
went back to a subject with a warrant
out of Toledo. A recent parking
ticket from Put-in-Bay police was
inside the vehicle. Subject possibly
employed on South Bass Island.
Turned over to Put-in-Bay police.
October 14th Suspicious call. Resi-
dent reported a female caller solicit-
ing from a retirement company say-
ing they had permission with Ottawa
County to solicit senior citizens.
Caller asked unusual questions so
subject requested house watch in
anticipation of the arrival of the sus-
picious person. No one arrived.
Nothing further.
October 15th Shots fired call. Three
gun shots on Charles Lane. Unable
to locate.
October 16th Disturbance complaint
from Harbors End. Property owners
were fixing up property and making
excessive noise. Neighbor con-
fronted subjects and were allegedly
pushed and choked. Words were ex-
changed until police arrived. Charges
were filed. Apparent ongoing prob-
lem.
October 20th Call received regard-
ing a boat stuck on a sand bar off
Moore‟s Dock. Stranded boater was
an older diabetic male. Coast Guard
and Division of Watercraft called.
Once on shore subject was checked
by squad. Subject stated he was near
the ramp when his motor quit.
Another boater brought him back
Catawba Island Magazine November 2010 12
October 6th Call received from a
resident requesting patrol at their
home between the hours of 3:30 AM
to 7:30 AM during the time their
lawn crew worked. The subject
feared the lawn crew may break into
October 29th Dog barking com-
plaint received from a resident on
West Catawba. Dog owner stated
that if his neighbor would stop blow-
ing leaves in front of his dog then the
dog would stop barking. ∞
out. A line was tangled in the propel-
ler.
October 21st Officer out on a dis-
abled vehicle scene heard a nearby
collision. A vehicle darted in front of
another vehicle turning on to West
Catawba causing it to brake hard and
get rear-ended. Driver and 6 year old
passenger transported. Vehicle towed
by Don‟s Body.
October 22 DUI. A 2007 Chevy
pickup was observed crossing over
the centerline on NE Catawba Road.
Officer followed vehicle and ob-
served it cross over the centerline 3
times and stopped the vehicle. Driver
omitted the odor of an intoxicating
beverage, admitted to violation stat-
ing he had a back brace and was try-
ing to get comfortable. Driver also
admitted to consuming six beers and
was instructed to get out of the vehi-
cle for a field sobriety test. After ex-
iting the vehicle the driver walked
into the rear fender. Field sobriety
test was not completed, breath test
refused. Driver arrested for DUI and
marked lanes violation.
October 23rd Loud party complaint
from Terrace Circle. Party asked to
tone it down.
October 24th Trespassing complaint
regarding fisherman on a pier at Har-
bor Park Marina. Fishermen stated
they had permission to fish there.
October 26th Driver reported paint
damage to their vehicle when they
drove on Muggy Road. They were
headed eastbound, turned into a
parking lot and heard wet paint as
they drove over the centerline. Lines
were recently striped on the roadway
without any warnings.
November 2010 Catawba Island Magazine 13
POLICE CALL SUMMARY
for October 2010 181 incidents including:
1 DUI • 5 Civil • 4 Shots Fired 3 Trespassing • 2 Injury Crashes
CONTINUED from PREVIOUS PAGE
Above: Call received regarding a boat stuck on a sand bar off Moore’s Dock on October 20, 2010.
Catawba Island Township Board
of Township Trustees
Special Meeting Minutes
October 4, 2010
A special meeting of the Catawba
Island Township Board of Trustees
was called to order by Chairman
Gary Mortus on October 4, 2010 at
7:00 p.m. in the conference room. In
attendance were Gary Mortus, Wil-
liam Rofkar, Matt Montowski, Pat
Cerny, and Police Chief Bob Rogers.
Matt Montowski made the motion to
accept Patricia Cerny‟s resignation
as Township Fiscal Officer, Zoning
Inspector, and Assistant Administra-
tor effective October 4, 2010. The
motion was seconded by William
Rofkar and all voted aye.
Meeting adjourned.
Catawba Island Township Board
of Township Trustees Special
Meeting Minutes October 7, 2010
A special meeting of the Catawba
Island Township Board of Trustees
was called to order by Chairman
Gary Mortus on October 7, 2010 at
7:00 p.m. in the conference room.
In attendance were Gary Mortus,
William Rofkar, Matt Montowski,
and Karen Shaw.
William Rofkar made a motion to
appoint Karen Shaw to fill the unex-
pired term of the Fiscal Officer. Matt
Montowski seconded the motion. All
voted aye.
William Rofkar made a motion to
hire David Robenstine, Harris Town-
ship Fiscal Officer, as a consultant to
our office. Matt Montowski sec-
onded the motion. All voted aye.
Matt Montowski made a motion to
appoint Walter Wehenkel as interim
Zoning Inspector with expectations
to work part time by appointment
and for approximately 8 to 10 hours
two set days per week.
Meeting adjourned.
Catawba Island Township Board
of Township Trustees Meeting
Minutes October 12, 2010
The regular business meeting of the
Catawba Island Township Board of
Township Trustees was called to or-
der by chairman Gary Mortus at 7:30
p.m. in the conference room.
In attendance were Gary Mortus,
Matt Montowski, William Rofkar,
Karen Shaw, Dan Barlow, John
Gangway, Jack DeVore, Mark
Cencer, and Deborah Beck.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited
by all and bills were approved and
paid in the amount of $37,101.79
seconded by Matt Montowski. All
voted aye.
John Gangway said they are taking
fire engine 222 in to have an ongoing
problem with the brakes reviewed.
He said they are not going to make
any repairs at this time but the fire
department would be advised on any
necessary repairs.
John Gangway also said they had a
mishap with one of the compartment
doors on engine 21. The manufac-
Catawba Island Magazine November 2010 14
CONTINUED on NEXT PAGE After the storm October 27, 2010. View of scenic Rock Ledge Inn, Catawba Island by Andrea J. Elliott.
turer was contacted in hopes of re-
placing the damaged door since it is
brand new, but it was too expensive.
He said they have received a quote
for $700 to repair the dent, repaint,
and restripe the door.
Matt Montowski asked Dan Barlow
if he had followed up with ODOT on
cleaning up Pebble Beach. Dan Bar-
low said he has called both his con-
tacts but they were not available. He
said their secretary said she would
give them the message, but he has
not received a call back from either
of them. Dan Barlow also stated the
maintenance department has not had
time to go out and clean it up. He
said he would call ODOT again to-
morrow.
Dan Barlow said they have ordered
the material to make the roof repairs
to the salt shed. He said the materials
were around $800 and they should be
here in a week or so.
William Rofkar made a motion to
approve the sale of the 1998 GMC
Dump Truck to the City of Olin,
Iowa, high bidders on Govdeals.com,
for $18,025. Matt Montowski sec-
onded the motion. All voted aye.
Gary Mortus thanked William
Rofkar for his hard work getting the
truck sold on Govdeals.com. William
Rofkar said he thinks the township
should utilize Govdeals.com more
often. He said Erie and Ottawa
County are listing many items for
sale and the site is a good way to
dispose of unused items.
Matt Montowski made a motion to
contract with Barnes Nursery in the
amount of $2,200 to turn over our
mulching material. William Rofkar
seconded the motion. All voted aye.
Meeting adjourned.. ∞
November 2010 Catawba Island Magazine 15
Please note: Meeting minutes contained
herewith are edited for space. The full
version is available through the Township
Administration.
CONTINUED from PREVIOUS PAGE
ardous materials emergencies possi-
bly by news reports of incidents such
as the recent oil spill in the Gulf of
Mexico. Did you know that there are
many different hazardous materials
that can be found in stationary facili-
ties on Catawba Island or that are
transported on our roads on a daily
basis?
Chemicals such as chlorine, bromine,
hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlo-
rite and sulfuric acid can be found in
our sewer treatment plants, swim-
ming pools, marinas and gas stations.
Propane, gasoline, liquefied natural
gas, diesel fuel and large batteries in
hybrid vehicles are all used for mo-
tive power on vehicles. These are just
a few examples of more than 36 mil-
lion registered chemicals and com-
pounds. A hazardous materials inci-
dent results if an accidental spill or
fire occurs where these everyday
chemicals are involved.
Our recent training included hazard-
ous materials recognition, characteris-
tics of hazardous materials, toxicol-
ogy, and appropriate use of personal
protective equipment, decontamina-
tion and confinement or containment
of a hazardous material. We practiced
proper use of chemical protective
suits and decontamination procedures
which you can see an example in the
picture above.
In addition to personnel training,
trailers are dispersed at different fire
departments in our county that con-
tain equipment and supplies to con-
tain and control many hazardous ma-
terial emergencies. Members from
any fire department within the county
may volunteer to be part of the Ot-
tawa County Hazardous Response
Team and receive additional training
enabling them to utilize the special-
ized equipment in these trailers.
Hazardous material response is one of
the many diverse and interesting re-
sponsibilities of your local volunteer
fire department. I am always proud of
our member‟s dedication and willing-
ness to receive specialized training to
better serve the residents and visitors
on Catawba Island.
John Gangway, Fire Chief
November 2010
LETTER FROM THE CHIEF
Our members recently completed re-
certification training to safely respond
to a hazardous materials emergency.
These classes were conducted by fac-
ulty of the University of Findlay All
Hazards Training Center and were
held at the fire station.
Many people may be aware of haz-
Catawba Island Magazine November 2010 16
Abe Woods (to the left) and Breann Christiansen,
CIVFD Photo courtesy of Amanda Horn
ordered a pepperoni pizzabella with
pizza sauce on the side.
Our pizzabellas soon arrived. Quite
different from a pizza, pizzabellas
are served on a flat, thin crust some-
what like a thicker tortilla. They
were a tasty treat! I ended up getting
a side of salsa for my pizzabella
which, for me, seemed more appro-
priate for dipping than the pizza
sauce. Despite my dislike for tradi-
tional pizza, I am almost embar-
rassed to say that I ate all of my piz-
zabella. Dave did as well. No left
overs here!
Our check was under $20 which was
great for a few beers and our first try
at a tasty twist on pizza. The Bell
Mell Tavern is highly recommended
if you are looking for a casual “pizza
night” just don't expect table-side
service. The bar is open 11 a.m. to 1
a.m. seven days a week. The kitchen
closes at 9 p.m. in the winter. They
are open year round and offer “take
and bake” pizzabellas as well. Pool,
darts, the casual neighborhood bar
atmosphere, cold beer and a warm
pizzabella would make this a cool
place to warm up any chilly fall or
winter evening. ∞
November 2010 Catawba Island Magazine 17
Bell Mell Tavern
Port Clinton, Ohio By Andrea J. Elliott
A lazy Saturday afternoon with not
much to do soon found my husband,
Dave and I hungry and looking for a
“new” place to enjoy dinner. As long
as we have lived part-time on Ca-
tawba, we had never tried the Bell
Mell Tavern in Port Clinton. We
heard they have some killer pizza so
we figured it would be a good time
as any to try it out.
Off the beaten path to downtown,
The Bell Mell Tavern is nestled on
Fulton Street off E. Perry. Its a de-
cent size bar with an ample dining
area. Despite the older decor, I was
impressed with its cleanliness and
welcome atmosphere. The bar was
busy and there were many customers
in the dining area.
We sat ourselves in a high-top table
not far from the bar. Dave walked
over to the bartender and got us a
few beers and menus. We were sur-
prised by Bell Mell‟s “serve your-
self” style. A sign on the wall stated
drink orders were placed at the bar
and food orders were placed directly
with the kitchen. Even though I am
not a big fan of pizza (yes, I know,
Dave thinks I‟m nuts too), I did order
a pizzabella with cheese, mushrooms
and black olives. The pizzabellas
came with a dipping sauce of your
choice; I choose pizza sauce. Dave
painted numerous watercolors
capturing Ohio's splendor. Prints
of Jim's Lake Erie watercolors are
available in Lake Erie area gift
shops and galleries on Middle
Bass Island, Port Clinton, Put-in-
Bay, Catawba Island, Marblehead
and Vermilion. Jim recently
launched a website called
LakeErieArt.com where it is pos-
sible to order his art online. ∞
Winter “Coats for Families”
The Salvation Army in Ottawa
County has partnered with the
News Herald, Executive Cleaners
and Howard Hanna to provide
warm winter coats for local fami-
lies in need.
Catawba Island Magazine November 2010 18
Lake Erie Watercolors Exhibit
Now thru Nov 28, 2010 Mon -
Fri: 8:30 am - 5 pm Lake Erie
Shores & Islands Welcome Cen-
ter - West, 770 SE Catawba Rd.
(SR 53), Port Clinton.
Jim Siemer is an artist from Co-
lumbus, Ohio whose family built
a cottage on Middle Bass Island
in 1983 and Jim was inspired by
the beauty of the Lake Erie area
to begin painting watercolors. Jim
believes that Ohio is one of the
most beautiful states in our nation
and over the last 20 years he has
The Salvation Army‟s “Coats for
Families” program will run now
through December 31st, 2010.
This program is based on dona-
tions from the general public of
new and gently used coats to be
cleaned by Executive Cleaners, at
no charge and redistributed, cost
free to local families in need of a
winter coat.
Last year, The Salvation Army
collected and distributed over 800
coats to local families in Ottawa
County.
This is the 15th year this program
has been providing coats to the
local residents. Collection areas
for coats are the News Herald,
Executive Cleaners, Howard
Hanna and The Salvation Army.
Executive Cleaners is offering a
10% off cleaning coupon to every
person who brings in a coat for
this program. They are providing
cleaning of all coats, at no cost,
and offered to be a satellite col-
lection and distribution site for
The Salvation Army.
CONTINUED on NEXT PAGE
The Ohio Statehouse in winter by Jim Siemer
23rd. 419.732.3582. ∞
Sandusky Christmas Lighting
Ceremony
Nov 26, 2010 from 6 - 9 pm
Washington Park Gazebo & His-
toric Downtown, Sandusky. Stop
by and check out the beautiful
lighting ceremony, sure to get you
in the Christmas spirit. Carousel
rides are offered at the Merry-Go-
Round Museum for $1. ∞
November 2010 Catawba Island Magazine 19
Anyone needing a warm winter
coat can stop by The Salvation
Army at The Sutton Center and
pick one out.
If you would like to donate gently
used coats, please drop them off
at one of the collection sites listed
or call The Salvation Army at 419
-732-2769 and speak with Mau-
reen Saponari. ∞
ODNR Ohio Boating Safety
Education Course
Dec. 11, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the
Sandusky Watercraft Office, 1407
Cleveland Road, Sandusky. 419-
621-1402 An 8-hour class in boat-
ing and water safety designed by
ODNR Division of Watercraft. It
covers the fundamentals of safe
boating: state-required equipment,
watercraft laws, navigation Rules
of the Road, basic safety and risk
management, and aids to naviga-
tion. Classes are enhanced with
videos, slides, overheads, hand-
outs, and other visual aids. Pre-
registration and a pre-paid materi-
als fee generally are required.
Some classes may have additional
fees due to site rental. $5 ∞
Rock-Paper-Scissors
Now thru Nov 28, 2010 Sun -
Fri: 1 - 4 pm Sandusky Cultural
Center, 2130 Hayes Ave. (SR 4),
Sandusky. Rock-paper-scissors is
a popular two-person hand game
often used as a selection method
in a similar way to coin flipping
or drawing straws. The artists of
Rock-Paper-Scissors have been
given this title as a theme. Their
interpretations of it will range
from conceptual ideas inspired by
the title to the very literal use of
its materials or images. 419.
625.1188 ∞
CONTINUED from Previous Page
20th Annual Thanksgiving
Feast
November 15, 11:30am - 2pm
Trinity United Methodist Church
Fellowship Hall, Corner of Ad-
ams & 2nd Sts., Port Clinton.
For the 20th year on Thanksgiv-
ing Day, the Port Clinton area
will come together for a free com-
munity meal. Bring your family
and friends, or come alone and
join in celebrating this important
time of togetherness. Reserva-
tions are never required. To sign-
up for shut-in delivery, call
Marion by Tuesday, November
Catawba Island Magazine November 2010 20
ORGANIST WANTED. Resurrection
Lutheran Church, 2370 N. E. Catawba
Road, Port Clinton, is seeking an
organist full or part time. Please call
419-797-4628 to apply.
ing to play devil‟s advocate and just
say No!
Gemini “The Twins”
May 21st thru June 20th
In November it„s time to react to
those ideas that seem to keep pop-
ping into your mind.
Cancer “The Crab”
June 21st thru July 22nd
The Full Moon this month will re-
mind you that since you have only
one life to live, it should probably be
your own.
Leo “The Lion”
July 23rd thru August 22nd
Take time during November to earn
those extra credit points with those
you love.
Virgo “Virgin”
August 23rd thru September 22nd
Relax and enjoy the ride this month.
It‟s time to “trust” that the horse
knows the way.
Libra “Scales”
September 23rd thru October 22nd
Do your best job at listening in No-
vember, you may pay a price for ig-
noring advice.
♥
By Starr
“Scorpion Success”
Scorpios are brilliant and very per-
ceptive. They prefer a career that
allows them to work hard and to be
passionate about what they are do-
ing. Best-suited in a field where am-
bition, insight, and intelligence are
key factors. Scorpios do not like to
be interrupted and need the freedom
to perform on their own terms.
Scorpio “Scorpion”
October 23rd thru November 21st
Remember….Flexibility is a good
thing. Be sensitive to all possibilities
during the month.
Sagittarius “The Archer”
November 22nd thru December 21st
Now is the time to get your ducks in
a row. You‟ll be more relaxed and
ready for the Holidays.
Capricorn “The Mountain Goat”
December 22nd thru January 19th
You need to do a quick reality-check
& make sure you have all the facts
before reacting.
Aquarius “The Water Bearer”
January 20th thru February 19th
Release your natural charm! The un-
expected occurs when you least ex-
pect it.
Pisces “Two Fishes”
February 20th thru March 20th
Try to override your impulses during
November. Action without thought is
like shooting without aim.
Aries “The Ram”
March 21st thru April 19th
Focus on what you really want and
will be happy with. Be true to your-
self.
Taurus “The Bull”
April 20th thru May 20th
Stay on top of your game - Be will-
November 2010 Catawba Island Magazine 21