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March 2008

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 Outdoor Sports Flea Market This Weelend!

Posted in Vermilion (RSS)

The 2nd Annual Vermilion Outdoor Sports Flea Market is coming to Germans Villa this month. On March 29th outdoor enthusiasts will be able to browse from fishing, hunting, and camping displays all tailored for the outdoor lifestyle. Among the many exhibitors are dealers of Fishing Tackle, Charter boat information, boating, hunting, and camping supplies, knifes, guns and other new and used item usually sold at deep discounts. Admission is $5, Children 13-16 years old are $2.00 or free with a canned or boxed food donation. This show was so successful that it had to be moved to it's new larger location at Germans Villa. So join your fellow outdoor sportsman as springtime in Vermilion kicks off in grand fashion at the Vermilion Outdoor Sports Flea Market.

 

Posted on Friday, March 28, 2008 by Team-VMBA

 Keelhaulers Canoe Race On The Vermilion River (VON)

Posted in Vermilion (RSS)

The Annual Keelhaulers Canoe Race will take place on March 30 from 10 am to noon at Vermilion River Reservation / Schoepfle Garden. Join in, or just come to watch, the Annual Keelhaulers’ Vermilion River Race.

Start time is 10:30 am from Schoepfle Gardens in Birmingham.

View the race from the Dean Road or Gore Orphanage Road bridges, or watch them finish at Mill Hollow.

Located at Vermilion River Reservation, 51211 North Ridge Road, Vermilion, OH 44089 and Schoepfle Garden just off State Route 113 on Market Street in Birmingham, OH.

From VermilionOhioNews.com

Posted on Friday, March 28, 2008 by Team-VMBA

 Rat Packers visit the Red Clay this weekend (VON)

Posted in Vermilion (RSS)

Frank And Dean and then some will be appearing at Red Clay on the River on Saturday, April 5 from 8 pm to 11 pm.

Scott Brotherton and Damion Fontaine sing all the great songs from the Rat Pack era, but that's not all, they also pay tribute to the music of Elvis, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Joe Cocker, Neil Diamond, The Blues Brothers, and much, much more.

Scott and Damion bring together the timeless music of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, with the classics from the 40's through today.

With their state of the art sound system and over 40 years of performing experience between them, they are sure to WOW any audience.

Call for reservations, 440-967-0313.

From VermilionOhioNews.com

Posted on Friday, March 28, 2008 by Team-VMBA

 Border Patrol to open area office (Port Clinton News Herald)

Posted in Boating (RSS)

CATAWBA ISLAND -- U.S. Customs and Border Patrol will open an office in Ottawa County or Erie County to better monitor boat traffic between the United States and Canada, an official said."With the islands, there's a large amount of cross-border traffic," said Bammer, a Sandusky native. "We try to identify any of that traffic and determine if there is an illegal activity. The ultimate goal is to stop terrorist activity."We don't want to come in and disrupt any of the recreational activities," he said. "We're tasked with finding the people coming in and trying to circumvent (customs and immigration) policies."

Border Patrol to open area office (Port Clinton News Herald)

Posted on Friday, March 28, 2008 by Team-VMBA

 Going fishing? Pack your passport (USA TODAY)

Posted in Boating (RSS)

"Rick Ungar's charter fishing service promises a great time on Lake Erie. But there's a catch — and it's not freshwater fish. It's the Homeland Security Department's new anti-terrorism rules. When the 2008 charter season begins next month, U.S. citizens paying to fish on Lake Erie will have to bring either a passport or two other IDs if they plan to cross the northern border's invisible watery line. When they get back to shore in the USA, they'll have to drive to a local government reporting station and pose for pictures. They won't be posing with their fish, but for Customs officers via a videophone connection"

Entire Article Here at USATODAY.com Online.

Posted on Friday, March 28, 2008 by Team-VMBA

 Grant helps to 'quiet' the train noises in Vermilion (The Morning Journal)

Posted in Vermilion (RSS)

VERMILION -- The whistles of trains through Vermilion have become a deafening wail due to increase train traffic, but soon Vermilion residents will get some respite.U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo, joined Vermilion Mayor Jean Anderson yesterday to announce the grant.
The city will use the money to help pay for ''quad gates'' at four crossings, so that the trains will no longer have to blast their warning whistles. Vermilion has five street-railroad intersections, with those at Perry, Adams, Grand and Main streets very close together.
''I am pleased to honor this commitment to a more livable community,'' Kaptur said. ''I applaud the city and its concerned citizens for working together toward a solution that will result in a safer, more peaceful community.''

Grant helps to 'quiet' the train noises in Vermilion (The Morning Journal)

Posted on Friday, March 21, 2008 by Team-VMBA

 OHIO BOAT ONLINE REGISTRATION RENEWAL

Posted in Boating (RSS)

COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio boat owners with registrations set to expire March 1 are encouraged to visit ohiodnr.com on the Internet to conveniently renew their registrations well in advance of the summer boating season.

Last year, more than 10,000 watercraft registrations were renewed through the online system, which can be accessed 24 hours a day through September 30, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft.

Watercraft registrations in Ohio are valid for a period of three years. Renewal notices recently were mailed to boat owners whose registrations will expire this year. Fees remain unchanged from last year.

Ohio registered more than 414,000 watercraft in 2007 - a slight increase from the 412,578 registered in 2006.

Address changes for boat owners also can be made through ODNR's online system. Incorrect or outdated boat registration information must be corrected by directly contacting a watercraft registration agent. New registrations and those renewed online must include a 12-character Hull Identification Number.

A listing of Ohio watercraft registration agents is available at ohiodnr.com and by calling the Division of Watercraft toll-free at 877-4BOATER (877-426-2837).

Posted on Friday, March 21, 2008 by Team-VMBA

 OHIOANS URGED TO HELP PROTECT NATURAL HISTORY WITH INCOME TAX REFUND

Posted in Boating (RSS)

Donations through the check-off program support Ohio's designated nature preserves, scenic rivers

COLUMBUS, OH - When filling out their taxes this year, Ohioans can make a difference in preserving the state's wealth of natural resources for generations to come.

Ice Age glaciers, old-growth woods, bogs and fens, endangered species, prairies and other remnants of Ohio's rich natural history are all protected by a system of 131 state nature preserves and 13 state scenic rivers. Contributions by thousands of Ohioans who donate to the Natural Areas State Income Tax Check-off Program help support this system.

At dozens of sites across the state, check-off donations have constructed trails and boardwalks, improved parking and allowed greater public access to a treasure trove of nature's wonders.

Helping to protect Ohio's state nature preserves is easy. A simple check next to Nature Preserves, Scenic Rivers and Endangered Species on line 19 (IT-1040EX) or line 27 (IT-1040) of the state income tax return form can help ensure these places are conserved for future generations.

Taxpayers who are not eligible to receive a refund may send a donation to the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves at 2045 Morse Road, Bldg. F-1, Columbus, OH 43229. For additional information, visit ohiodnr.com.

Posted on Friday, March 21, 2008 by Team-VMBA

 Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Red Clay on the River

Posted in Vermilion (RSS)

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Red Clay on the River, 5150 Liberty Avenue, Vermilion, from Friday the 14th to Monday the17th. Traditional Irish menu items will be offered for a limited time.

CORNED BEEF BOXTY APPETIZER

Traditional Irish Potato pancakes wrapped around corned beef, topped with onions, diced tomato, cheddar cheese and sour cream. $8.00.

ALL MEALS SERVED WITH IRISH SODA BREAD

BANGERS, MASH & KRAUT

An Irish institution! Banger sausages served on mashed potatoes and kraut, served with brown gravy, fresh vegetables. $12.00.

SHEPHERD’S PIE

An Irish meal of ground beef. Simmered with vegetables in a traditional brown gravy, topped with mashed potatoes and Parmesan cheese baked to a golden brown. Served with salad. $14.00.

CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE

Slow cooked Corned Beef with carrots, served over boiled cabbage and red-skinned potatoes. $14.00.

GUINNESS BEEF STEW

Our hearty Choice beef stew with carrots, potatoes and vegetables, simmered slowly in a brown gravy and glorious Guinness Stout. $14.00.

BAKED COD SERVED OVER ANGEL HAIR PASTA

With a garlic lemon butter sauce served with tossed salad. $16.00.

HOUSEMADE IRISH BREAD PUDDING

Made with bread, raisins and finished with a whiskey cream sauce. $5.00.

Posted on Friday, March 14, 2008 by Team-VMBA

 Capt Tony's Lake Erie News Reel (March)

Posted in Boating (RSS)

Lake Erie News Reel

March 2008

Over the past two months I’ve written about techniques and tactics for Lake Erie walleye. I’ve covered lure selection, bottom bouncers, early spring jigging, and worm harnesses.

Well, none of this will do you any good unless you have a good idea of where to fish once you get to the lake. Contrary to popular belief, the walleye aren’t everywhere.

So, to make things interesting for this March issue of Lake Erie News Reel, I put together a map that shows the approximate locations of known walleye hangouts. I’ve successfully fished all of these areas numerous times in 24 years of charter work. Keep it handy and learn from it.

Every year on Lake Erie is different, from water temperatures, to fish migration, to weather. So boating fishermen are always forced to go with the flow.

In starting the season we first head out to familiar areas that we know always hold walleyes. Generally these areas include the reef complex northwest of the city of Port Clinton , and the nearshore areas from the Davis Besse power plant to Toledo . This is where a lot of the spawning activity occurs. Fish are always here, maybe not in the exact location as last year, but this is their early spring home.

After spawning, the fish start to spread out. Some move north into Canadian waters by June 1, some move east into the Central Basin . The game plan always is to tag along.

Lake Erie fishermen spend a great deal of time moving from one fishin’ hole to the other. It’s no wonder. Biologists tell us that walleyes often move 20 miles in one day. Consequently, the spot where I limited yesterday may not hold any fish today. But then again they just may have only moved 100-200 yards to get away from all the boat traffic. Always have a look around before acting on a tip 10 miles away.

The locations that I’ve marked on the map are approximate. I’m not giving out waypoints so use this map as a general guide. Explore these areas and wet your lines. In most cases you won’t be alone as other fishermen know these waters just as well.

Capt. Tony Denslow

Mega Bites Charters

Lake Erie News Reel© is a publication of Mega Bites Charters at http://www.eriecaptain.com. Reuse is permitted provided Mega Bites Charters is notified by email beforehand. If you do not want to receive News Reel please reply with a request to remove your email address. Send questions and comments to captlad@yahoo.com. The newsletter is emailed 24 times a year and is free.

Posted on Friday, March 14, 2008 by Team-VMBA

 O Canada! Boat sales navigate north (The Toledo Blade)

Posted in Boating (RSS)

Our northerly neighbors are coming across the border in droves to purchase new and used boats and take advantage of the strong Canadian dollar and its weak U.S. counterpart. "Thank goodness for them," exclaimed Chuck Hutchins, operations manager for Friendship Sailing Group in Bolles Harbor, outside Monroe, Mich. "Pretty much a lot of the phone calls we're getting are from across the border. Their dollar's so strong compared to ours that they're finally deciding to take our boats."

O Canada! Boat sales navigate north (The Toledo Blade)

Posted on Friday, March 14, 2008 by Team-VMBA

 Water forum focuses on toxic algae in Lake Erie (Toldeo Blade)

Posted in Boating (RSS)

"Western Lake Erie's newest form of toxic algae is a tough nut to crack.... "You can't solve the problem by reducing phosphorus alone," Mr. Paerl said. "I know phosphorus is important here. But take a look at nitrogen, too." Nitrogen is a largely overlooked area of research in fresh water. It is associated more often with the growth of nuisance species in salt water, he said."

Entire Story Here @Toledo Blade

Posted on Friday, March 14, 2008 by Team-VMBA

 Vermilion Outdoor Sports Flea Market is back!

Posted in Boating (RSS), Vermilion (RSS)

The 2nd Annual Vermilion Outdoor Sports Flea Market is coming to Germans Villa this month. On March 29th outdoor enthusiasts will be able to browse from fishing, hunting, and camping displays all tailored for the outdoor lifestyle. Among the many exhibitors are dealers of Fishing Tackle, Charter boat information, boating, hunting, and camping supplies, knifes, guns and other new and used item usually sold at deep discounts. Admission is $5, Children 13-16 years old are $2.00 or free with a canned or boxed food donation. This show was so successful that it had to be moved to it's new larger location at Germans Villa. So join your fellow outdoor sportsman as springtime in Vermilion kicks off in grand fashion at the Vermilion Outdoor Sports Flea Market.

 

Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 by Team-VMBA

 National Marine Manufacturers Association survey boating one of the top three stress relieving activities.

Posted in Boating (RSS)

"As soon as you cast off, you begin to leave your troubles behind. Drop a line and listen to nature while enjoying the seclusion of fishing, or bring the family and have a lazy day in the sun. Above all, owning a boat improves quality of life. Whether enjoying the warm glow of an evening sunset or bouncing on a wakeboard, a boat has something to enrich everyone’s lives. Boating promotes bonding with family and friends by providing quality time that may include sporting activities or social time at the beach. Although private time on your boat is an excellent way to get away from it all, most boaters are rarely alone; boats are usually filled with friends and family having a good time".

From Lori DiTaranto Association of Marine Industries in Soundings Magazine; Entire Article Here

Posted on Wednesday, March 05, 2008 by Team-VMBA

 Cap't Tony's Lake Erie News Reel

Posted in Vermilion (RSS)

Lake Erie New's Reel ; Courtesy of Mega Bite Charters

 

Posted on Wednesday, March 05, 2008 by Team-VMBA

 ST. PATRICK'S DAY AT THE RED CLAY AND MORE

Posted in Vermilion (RSS)

GEEZ CATS TO PLAY SAT MARCH 8TH AT THE RED CLAY ON THE RIVER

8:30 PM

CALL 440-967-0313 TO RSVP

GeezeCats (geez kats) n. Slang

1 Some cool old guys.

2 Aging Hipsters, hepcats.

3 A topnotch premium quality show band from

Cleveland, Ohio.

MORE INFO LATER IN THIS EMAIL ON THE GEEZECATS

*************************************

ST. PATRICK'S DAY

LET'S CELEBRATE ALL WEEKEND

Available Friday 14th -- Monday 17th

CORNED BEEF BOXTY APPETIZER

Traditional Irish Potato pancakes wrapped around

corned beef, topped with onions, diced

tomato, cheddar cheese and sour cream. $8.00

ALL MEALS SERVED WITH IRISH SODA BREAD

BANGERS, MASH & KRAUT ~

An Irish institution! Banger sausages served

on-mashed

potatoes and kraut, served with BROWN gravy,Fresh

vegetables...$12.00

SHEPHERD’S PIE ~ SERVED WITH TOSSED SALAD

An Irish meal of ground beef. Simmered with

vegetables, in a traditional brown gravy,

topped with mashed potatoes, and Parmesan cheese

baked to a golden brown ... $14.00

CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE ~

Slow cooked Corned Beef with carrots, , served over

boiled cabbage and red-skinned potatoes $14.00

Guinness Beef Stew

Our hearty Choice beef stew with carrots, potatoes

and

vegetables, simmered slowly in a brown gravy

and glorious Guinness Stout … $14.00

BAKED COD ~ SERVED WITH TOSSED SALAD

BAKED COD SERVED OVER ANGEL HAIR PASTA TOSSED WITH A

GARLIC LEMON BUTTER SAUCE $16.00

HOUSEMADE IRISH BREAD PUDDING

made with Bread, raisins AND, finished with A

whiskey cream sauce .$5.00

**********************************

****EASTER SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET*****

OMELETTES MADE TO ORDER

BISCUITS & GRAVY

CHEESEY POTATOES

WAFFLES

BACON

BREAKFAST BREADS

ASSORTED ROLLS

VEGETABLE

CHICKEN CORDON BLEU

BAKED ROTINI

CARVED HAM

CARVED SEASON CRUSTED SIRLION

HERB CRUSTED TILAPIA

FRESH FRUIT SALAD

PASTA SALAD

CREAMY POTATO SOUP

WIDE VARIETY OF DESSERTS

COFFEE, TEA AND SODA INCLUDED

ADULT ~ $19.95

SENIOR ~ $17.95

CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER ~ $11.95

CHILDREN 5 AND UNDER ~ FREE

*****SEATINGS TIMES*****

11:00A.M. TO 12:30P.M. & 1:00P.M. TO 2:30P.M.

3:00P.M. TO 4:30P.M. & 5:00P.M. TO 6:30P.M.

ENJOY A MINOSA, BELLINI OR BLOODY MARY

( after 1:00p.m.)

************************

BACK TO THE GEEZE CATS!!!!!

Now that you've heard from Mr. Webster, we'd like to

expand a little on definition number 3. Here's a

quartet of veteran musicians---seasoned players with

uncommon vocal capabilities. Featuring the classic

songs of the pre-Beatle days of the late '50s and

early '60s -- the Golden Age of Rock 'n' Roll --

along with improv-style comedy which includes sight

gags, one-liners, skits, bits, and costumes, this

band is a "must see!" Authenticity is the key here.

The doo wop hits of the Skyliners and the Diamonds

sound like the Skyliners and the Diamonds. The

Beach Boys tunes sound like the Beach Boys. The

Four Seasons songs sound like the Four Seasons. And

all this is presented in a stage package the likes

of which we know you've not seen before unless

you've seen The GeezeCats.

The act is staged on a theater set in front of a

backdrop depicting a cozy apartment scene. With its

glowing fireplace, cat family photos, robin's egg

blue kitchen, distant dining room and curiously

inviting staircase, it creates a truly unique

setting for the show. On the set, The GeezeCats are

seated amongst their stage props, which include

rocking chairs, stools, end tables with lamps, and

their various wigs, whistles, bells, and other

accessories used in the show. How do ya like us so

far?

Their uniqueness, their harmony, and their quality

of presentation have brought them rapid success.

Another aspect of the show that has contributed

greatly to The GeezeCats success is the volume at

which they perform -- always comfortable and

appropriate for any venue. The GeezeCats don't have

to play loudly to get your attention.

Take a look at their song list. When was the last

time you heard these tunes performed live? Maybe

never! Yet here are the classic songs that everyone

knows and loves, performed with authenticity,

perfection, and full range four-part harmony you

simply can't find in just any band. In fact, The

GeezeCats aren't just any band, they're an

attraction! You'll hear TV themes, radio jingles,

and novelty tunes from the era, nostalgic

instrumentals, and the best doo-wop that ever bopped

a bop, all served up with their own unique style of

tongue-in-cheek comedy entertainment!

Harmony and hilarity -- just flat-out fun! That's

what you get with The GeezeCats. A delightful

mixture of rock 'n' roll, doo-wop, and improv

comedy. These Cats truly like each other and get a

hoot out of performing together. This all comes

across on stage, which spontaneously invites the

audience to include themselves in the fun. People

come, people stay, people dance, people come back

with friends. This is all part of The GeezeCats

mystique, which has made them so successful in so

many venues.

For More Details visit RedClayonTheRiver.com

Posted on Wednesday, March 05, 2008 by Team-VMBA

 LAKE ERIE COMMISSION SPONSORS 2008 “LIFE ON LAKE ERIE” PHOTO CONTEST (ODNR)

Posted in Boating (RSS)

Deadline for submitting photos is July 19

TOLEDO, OH – Camera buffs and photo aficionados are encouraged to enter this year’s “Life on Lake Erie” photo contest, sponsored by the Ohio Lake Erie Commission. The 2007 contest is open to amateur photographers taking snapshots in and around the Lake Erie watershed. This year’s competition has no specific subject categories and may depict a person, plant, wildlife, activity or scene that captures the unique character of the region.

All photo entries must have been taken between August 4, 2006 and July 9, 2007. Black and white, well as color photographs, will be accepted. All contestants must be age 18 or older. No more than five entries will be accepted from one household. Individuals can win up to two times. To enter, send a 5 by 7-inch print and a completed entry form via U.S. Mail to the commission’s office at One Maritime Plaza, Fourth Floor, Toledo, Ohio 43604. Complete rules and entry forms for the 2007 “Life on Lake Erie” photo contest are available at the commission’s web site. The deadline for submitting entries is July 19.

Winning photographs will be exhibited at various points of interest along the lake as part of the Lake Erie Commission Photo Gallery. The Sandusky/Erie County Visitors Bureau at 4424 Milan Road, Suite A, in Sandusky is hosting the current gallery through the end of March. Phone 1-800-255-ERIE for more information.

The “Life on Lake Erie” photo contest is one of many events planned for Ohio’s Coastweeks 2007, which runs September 5 through September 22. Coastweeks is a nationwide celebration of America’s coastlines and waters. Ohio’s goal is to increase awareness of the value and fragility of Lake Erie and its shoreline as the state’s great natural resource.

For additional information on how to get involved in Ohio’s Coastweeks program, visit http://www.epa.state.oh.us/oleo or call 419-245-2514

Posted on Wednesday, March 05, 2008 by Team-VMBA

 POACHING IN OHIO WILL LEAD TO STIFFER PENALTIES (ODNR)

Posted in Boating (RSS)

COLUMBUS, OH - Legislation raising the restitution value of wildlife taken illegally took effect today, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

"The new standard reflects the present-day value of Ohio's wildlife," said Jim Lehman, law enforcement administrator for the Division of Wildlife. "The monetary value of most of our wildlife can range anywhere from $20 to nearly $2,500, depending on criteria and weighting factors. Trophy deer are an exception; their value can range much higher."

The new restitution schedule stems from legislation (HB238) passed by the Ohio General Assembly last year. House Bill 238 revised provisions governing the restitution value of wild animals that are unlawfully held, taken, bought, sold or possessed. It is the first revision since 1994 and establishes a formula that reflects the current status and scarcity of various species.

SPECIES RESITITUTION VALUE

new old

walleye 50 10

largemouth bass 50 10

steelhead 50 10

Posted on Wednesday, March 05, 2008 by Team-VMBA