WEDS APRIL 30TH PUT IN PARTY - Red Clay Resturant
Red Clay on the River announces Put-in-Party.
WEDS APRIL 30TH
PUT IN PARTY
FEATURING THE NAKED MONKEYS @ 7:00 PM
WE WILL ONCE AGAIN BE DUSTING OFF OUR 6 FOOT GRILL AND COOKING FOR YOU;
BURGERS, SHISH KABOBS, RIBS AND A FEW OTHER SURPRIZES!
COME BY BOAT AND THE CAPTAIN GETS A PRIZE
NEED A RIDE CALL CRUISIN CITY II, TAXI
440-242-7833
National Safe Kids Week: Make Your Kids Wear Life Jackets
The U. S. Coast Guard reminds parents that their children should always wear a life jacket while boating.
“National SAFE KIDS Week is a perfect time to remember the importance of life jackets,” said the Coast Guard’s Director of Operations Policy, Rear Admiral J.W. Underwood. “It is the parent’s responsibility to keep their children safe when on the water and insisting on wearing life jackets is one of the best ways to do that.
“Just like you make your kids wear bike helmets, make them wear life jackets.”
Many adults believe themselves capable of diving into the water to rescue a child who falls overboard. This is a dangerous misconception. Adults may not notice a child falling overboard right away. Children who fall in may not surface immediately. It can be difficult to locate a child in the water—especially when the vessel is in motion.
Life jackets could prevent approximately two-thirds of all boating-related drownings of children ages 14 and under. In fact, in most states, children under 13 must wear life jackets. It’s the law.
According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, drowning remains second only to motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 1 to 14. Furthermore, children are much more likely to practice safe habits when they experience similar behavior by parents and caregivers. “We have done research that indicates children whose parents wear life jackets around water are more likely to wear one themselves,” says Jen Medearis Costello, program manager at the National SAFE KIDS Campaign. “Therefore we recommend that parents not only actively supervise their children around water, but also demonstrate safe behavior—including wearing life jackets.”
The Coast Guard and National SAFE KIDS Campaign strongly recommend adults always wear life jackets as well – not only to keep themselves safe, but to demonstrate safe behavior for their children.
National SAFE KIDS Week runs through May 4.
The U.S. Coast Guard is asking all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage, and healthcare costs related to recreational boating accidents by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers. Essential steps include always wearing a life jacket and requiring passengers to do the same; never boating under the influence; completing a boating safety course; and getting a free vessel safety check annually from local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or United States Power Squadrons® vessel examiners. The U.S. Coast Guard reminds all boaters, "You're in Command. Boat Responsibly!”
For more information on boating responsibly, go to www.USCGboating.org or the U.S. Coast Guard Infoline at 1-800-368-5647.
Story Provided By VermilionOhioNews.com
OHIOANS CAN FISH FOR FREE MAY 3-4
COLUMBUS, OH - Ohioans are encouraged to take advantage of "Free Fishing Days" on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 to experience the great angling opportunities Ohio has to offer. For these two days only, anglers may fish any of the state's public waters without a license.
"Fishing is a great opportunity for the family to get outdoors together," said David M.Graham, chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. "Ohio's many lakes and rivers offer some of the best fishing anywhere."
During the rest of the year, anglers age 16 and older are required to have a valid fishing license to take fish, frogs or turtles from Ohio waters. Fishing licenses are available at bait and tackle stores, outdoor outfitters, major department stores, and at wildohio.com.
An Ohio fishing license is one of the best recreational bargains available, costing state residents only $19 a year. Ohio residents born on or before December 31, 1937 can obtain a free fishing license at any license vendor. Residents age 66 and older born on or after January 1, 1938 are eligible to obtain a reduced-cost senior fishing license for $10. A one-day fishing license is also available for $11, an amount that can be applied toward the cost of an annual license.
Ohio's "Free Fishing Days" were established in 1993 to promote fishing by allowing Ohioans to experience the sport before buying a license. The offer is open to Ohio residents, and extends to all public waters, including Lake Erie and the Ohio River. An estimated 1.5 million people fish each year in Ohio.
Great fishing exists around the state and throughout the year. In late winter and early spring, anglers can reel in steelhead trout and walleye from northern Ohio streams. Spring also means great saugeye and crappie fishing. During the summer, the fishing heats up on Lake Erie for yellow perch, walleye and smallmouth bass, while anglers on the Ohio River enjoy excellent striped bass fishing.
For Further Information Contact:
Lindsay Deering, Division of Wildlife, Central Ohio
(614) 644-3925
-or-
Tom Lavergne, Division of Wildlife, Northwest Ohio
(419) 424-5000
-or-
Jamey Graham, Division of Wildlife, Northeast Ohio
(330) 644-2293
-or-
Susie Vance, Division of Wildlife, Southeast Ohio
(740) 589-9930
-or-
Kathy Garza-Behr, Division of Wildlife, Southwest Ohio
(937) 372-9261
Vermilion Fish Drop (VON)
The Vermilion River Fish Drop takes place on April 25 at 10 am. 50,000 fingerlings are poured into the wild Vermilion River. Join the crowd at the South Street Launch Ramp to see this phenomenal event, then relax and enjoy our friendly little town.
The Division of Wildlife annually stocks five Lake Erie tributary streams with 6-8" yearling Little Manistee River (Michigan) strain of steelhead. These fish migrate out into Lake Erie and spend the summer in the cooler part of the lake, before returning to streams during the fall through the spring. The Vermilion River is scheduled to receive 55,000 steelhead.
The stocking will take place at the Vermilion Public Ramp and will be attended by representatives from the Dept of Wildlife, ODNR, Vermilion Port Authority, and local officials.
More from VermilionOhioNews.com
ODNR TO HOLD PUBLIC FORUMS FOR BOATERS
COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft is seeking public comments for revision of its long-term strategic plan for recreational boating in Ohio.
Ten town meetings will be conducted around the state beginning April 29 at Walnut Township Elementary School in Millersport.
"Anyone interested in the future of Ohio boating is encouraged to attend an area meeting," said Pamela Dillon, chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft.
The Division of Watercraft first developed a long-term strategic plan in 1998 to serve as a guide in addressing multiple boating-related topics such as public launch ramp facilities, waterway access, law enforcement and boating safety education programs. The agency last revised its strategic management plan for Ohio's boating programs in 2004.
"Recreational boating remains very popular and is enjoyed by an estimated 3 million Ohioans annually," Dillon said. "Many communities large and small throughout the state are impacted by boating and other recreation opportunities, so it's important to us that we provide these forums as an opportunity to receive comments on how we can do a better job in serving the needs of Ohio boaters."
Comment forms are available for those persons interested in providing input, but cannot attend a meeting. To obtain a comment form, or to obtain information on the public boating forums, call the Division of Watercraft at 614-265-6500 or visit online at www.ohiodnr.com.
For Further Information Contact:
Deb Green, ODNR Division of Watercraft
(614) 265-6500
-or-
Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6860
ODNR OFFERS FREE BOAT SAFETY INSPECTIONS ACROSS THE STATE
COLUMBUS, OH - Recreational boaters seeking to get their season off to a good start are encouraged to participate in free safety inspections offered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft and its boating partners across the state. May 10, 9-11 a.m., Vermilion city ramp.
The safety inspections help increase safety awareness at a time when many Ohioans are launching their boats for the season. Watercraft officers provide written courtesy inspection reports that allow boat owners to make recommended improvements to their safety equipment.
Officers and other safety inspectors will look for properly working fire extinguishers, horns, navigational lights and distress signals, as well as life jackets and vests that are in good condition.
Information on required safety equipment, boating rules and other boating programs is available online.
For Additional Information, Contact:
John Wisse, ODNR Watercraft
(614) 265-6695
Visit Lake Erie shipwrecks via the Web (Plain Dealer)
Scuba divers and anyone interested in Lake Erie history and shipwrecks have a cool new way to look at wreck sites, courtesy of the Ohio Sea Grant. The interactive Web site Shipwrecks and Maritime Tales of the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail can be found at www.ohioshipwrecks.org
Read the entire article here CLEVELAND.COM
Romp's Dairy Dock opens online store
For Ice Cream fanatics everywhere Romp's Dairy Dock has opened an online store at:
http://Cafepress.com/dairydock
Now you can get hats, t-shirts, buttons, teddy bears all with the Dairy Dock "Peace, Love, IceCream" motto. Show everyone how you stay cool when it's hot. Wear official Romp's Dairy Dock gear this summer.
Vermilion River Steelhead Stocking April 25th
The Ohio Dept of Wildlife will be stocking the Vermilion River with Steelhead trout on April 25th at 10am. The stocking will take place at the Vermilion Public Ramp and will be attended by representatives from the Dept of Wildlife, ODNR, Vermilion Port Authority, and local officials.
The Secret Priorities of Boaters (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
Survey by Leading Boat Insurer, Progressive, Reveals Boaters Put Their Vessel Ahead of Major Milestones in Their Lives and Are Happier for It
MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio----Are you worried about the value of your home or the cost of your daily commute? Well, maybe its time to rethink your priorities. A recent survey of more than 1,000 boat owners conducted by Progressive, a leading boat insurer and the number one seller of personal watercraft insurance in the country shows some pretty happy boaters. While some may believe a “boat owner’s two greatest days are the day he buys his boat and the day he sells it,” most boaters surveyed (38 percent) disagree. In fact, 66 percent of boaters say they “love boating” and describe their overall experience as “smooth sailing.” One in four boaters surveyed even said their biggest worry was simply finding time to use their boat. In , nearly half of boaters surveyed said they bought their boat before ...
The Secret Priorities of Boaters (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
Great Lakes cleanup could be a boon for Cleveland (The Columbus Dispatch)
Cleveland could get an economic boost of $2.1 billion to $3.7 billion because of its location on Lake Erie, but only if federal officials follow through with money to clean up the Great Lakes. That's the conclusion reached this week by the Brookings Institution, a research and policy group in Washington, D.C. The nonprofit group released a city-by-city analysis gleaned from its own November 2007 report. That study had projected that environmental restoration of the lakes could bring $80 billion to $100 billion in short-term and long-term economic gains to the eight-state region. Wednesday's report said cleaner water for fishing, swimming, boating and drinking would translate into direct benefits to each city near the Great Lakes.
Great Lakes cleanup could be a boon for Cleveland (The Columbus Dispatch)
Kick-off Pary Tonight at the Red Clay
Red Clay on the River will celebrate it's annual Put In Party on Wednesday, April 16th with an outside grill, limited menu and entertainment featuring Colin Dussault at 7 pm. Boat rides will be provided by the Mystic Belle from 7 pm to 10 pm.
Guest are asked to park at the South Street Boat Ramp. A free shuttle will be provided, both ways, starting at 6 pm. The shuttle will continue until all guests have gone. Service will be provided by Crusin City Taxi, tips accepted.
Crusin City will also pick you up and drop you off at home. Please call them direct to make these arrangements at 440-242-7833.
Red Clay is located at 5150 Liberty Avenue, Vermillion, at McGarveys Landing. 440-967-0313.
WWW.REDCLAYONTHERIVER.COM
REDCLAYONTHERIVER@YAHOO.COM
Spring Boating Tips (VON)
Warm days after a long winter are alluring to everyone who enjoys the outdoors, especially boaters. Whether taking advantage of early season fishing, navigating fast-moving streams pumped by spring rains or water releases, sailing at the will of good spring winds, or just testing out the boat after a long hibernation, many boaters find their way to the water this time of year.
While the air warms quickly, water temperatures stay colder longer. If a boater is unprepared for an accident this time of year, events that might be minor incidents in warmer weather can quickly turn to tragedy.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft offers the following safety tips to keep that spring boat outing safe and enjoyable:
Prepare your boat for the water again. Plan ahead to check out the condition of your boat and its equipment before you decide to go boating. Are your decals current? Are the life jackets still in good condition? Is the motor ready to run?
Check the latest weather forecast and keep an eye to the sky. Prepare for the possibility of encountering bad weather on every boat outing. Strong winds and waves or high fast-moving water brought on by bad weather increase the risks of a boater ending up in the water.
File a float plan. Tell family or a trusted friend the general area of the waterway you plan to use, whom you are taking with you, when you are leaving, and when you plan to return. Include information about your vehicle, boat, and watercraft registration number. Remember to let that person know when you have returned safely.
Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. While the days may be warm and sunny, water temperatures stay cooler longer. One of the major causes of boating fatalities is hypothermia, the rapid reduction of body temperature, which occurs when boaters fall into cold water. Consider wearing a wetsuit under your layers or a U.S. Coast Guard-approved "float coat" with built in flotation on top of your layers.
Do not overload a boat. An overloaded boat sits lower in the water, which increases the chances of swamping or capsizing by waves. Do not exceed the carrying capacity in passengers or total gear. Keep as much weight as possible in the middle of the boat. To keep the boat riding high in the water, limit the load to only essential items.
Always wear a life jacket. A life jacket keeps a person afloat even after the shock of falling into frigid water. Additionally, life jackets provide excellent insulation against cold, wind and rain. Ohio law requires that all watercraft be equipped with a Coast Guard-approved, wearable lifejacket for each person on board. Lifejackets must also be worn at all times by children under 10 years of age on boats less than 18 feet.
Keep a proper lookout. Not heeding this basic navigation rule is a leading cause of accidents. Always be aware of your surroundings before changing course or speed.
Boat sober. Alcoholic beverages and boating do not mix. Alcohol affects balance, vision, judgement, and coordination -- all factors of safe boating. Research has shown that when combined with boating stressors such as sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion, alcohol can impair a person on the water much faster than on land. It is illegal to operate a watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Operate at a safe speed -- another basic navigation rule that can cause problems when ignored. Boats don't have brakes, so always operate your boat at a speed at which you are sure you can avoid a collision.
All you need is Boat (VON)
Boating: Affordable & Fun
Boating is affordable and there’s a boat for every age, lifestyle and budget. Most people don’t realize how affordable boating is: in some instances, you can buy a brand new boat financed for around $250.00 a month, like a car. Boats provide tax deductible and cost effective second homes. Interest on a boat loan can be deducted if the boat has a galley, berth and head.
Average boat prices in 2006:
• Average price of a new boat was $13,035
• Average price of a pre-owned boat was $10,491
• Average price of a new outboard engine was $10,790
• Average price of a pre-owned outboard engine was $3,776
• Average price of a new outboard boat, motor and trailer package was $26,085
Fuel:
• The typical boater only operates his or her vessel about 75 hours a season.
• Nearly 95 percent of boats on the water today are under 26’ in length. These crafts do not require exorbitant amounts of gas, so any impact would be negligible.
• In fact, 64 percent of boaters say they purchase less than fifty gallons of gas per season—roughly two trips to the gas station to fill up your SUV or Minivan. (NMMA/RMRC, July 2005)
• Boating isn’t an activity like driving where you are using gas all the time. In fact, when a person is boating, they may be fishing or swimming and not using the motor at all. If you own a sailboat the motor is used even less.
• Higher fuel prices present a marginal increase in the operating cost of your boat. For owners of $500,000 boats that use 100 gallons in a weekend, a 50 cent increase in gasoline means that a weekend of fun on the water will cost $50 more, while owners of smaller boats that use 20 gallons of gas will end up spending $10 more on gas. The small increase in operating cost isn’t expected to limit boaters’ time on the water.
Insurance:
• Boat insurance costs vary by boat length and type, cost of the boat and level of coverage.
• Consult your insurance agent for quotes or compare rates online. Some smaller boats can be insured for a nominal sum as a rider on a homeowner’s policy.
• You can reduce the cost of marine insurance premiums by taking a boater’s education course.
Maintenance:
• Boat, trailer, and motor maintenance can be as simple as a freshwater wash down after each use and keeping them covered between adventures, helping to keep maintenance costs at bay.
• Costs for routine maintenance vary by region, but for more involved services, such as oil changes and winterizing, expect to pay what you would for your car on an hourly basis. Pre-owned boats can require significantly more maintenance.
Storage:
• You have several options depending on the size of your boat. You won’t find a less-expensive way to keep a boat than storing it on a trailer in your driveway or backyard. Another alternative for smaller boats is rack storage. A typical rack storage facility keeps your boat in a covered shed with trailer-like cradles.
• For owners of larger boats, and owners of small boats who crave convenience, a marina slip is the best way to go. Costs vary by state/region as well as by the size of your boat.
Lake Erie charter captains face new rules on fishing in Canada (Candapress.com)
"SANDUSKY, Ohio — Lake Erie charter boat captains who venture into Canadian waters to look for fish won't need to phone ahead after all so the U.S. government can run background checks on their passengers. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials also have decided to relax rules on requiring passengers on charter trips to have a passport or two forms of identification. Charter captains who make their living taking people out on fishing excursions are happy with the change of plans.
Customs officials told charter operators in March that they would need to call ahead an hour before they crossed into Canadian waters and provide a passenger list so that the government could conduct background checks.
They also said everyone on the boat would need a a passport or two forms of identification.
Charter captains complained, saying the rules were too cumbersome.
Customs officials decided last week to change their mind and now say U.S. citizens will need only to report if they plan on stopping at a Canadian port, not if they just plan to fish or drop anchor. Proper identification will be needed only if boaters visit a foreign port."
Full article here at Canadapress.com
Inland sheriff's office gets 33-foot boat (Morning Journal)
Editors note: Below is a link to an article about the new patrol boat that will be used to patrol the Canadian/US border throughout Lake Erie. Many boaters have expressed concern about aditional patrols in the Vermilion River, this boat will not be policing the river but be used exclusily by the Dept of Homeland Security for border protection. Only those boaters crossing back from Canada should take note.
"ELYRIA -- The Lorain County Sheriff's Office is getting its own boat, though the department's jurisdiction does not include areas bordering Lake Erie. The 33-foot boat will be docked in the Erie County portion of Vermilion, according to a dock lease with the Vermilion Port Authority approved yesterday by the Lorain County commissioners. The boat was obtained through an Ohio Department of Homeland Security grant, according to Homeland Security spokeswoman Lindsey Wayt. Two other boats are going to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Craft, Wayt said. The department got the boat, ''To increase law enforcement presence in keeping with the Northern Border Initiative, to secure Ohio's international border with Canada,'' Wayt said"
Full article here at MorningJournal.com
LAKE ERIE NOTED FOR REELING IN TROPHY-SIZED FISH (ODNR)
(ODNR)Columbus, OH - Lake Erie and a dozen inland lakes were among the best places to reel in “Fish Ohio” catches during 2007, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The “Fish Ohio” program recognizes noteworthy catches among 19 fish species.
With 2.25 million Lake Erie water acres, 451 miles of the Ohio River, 40,000 miles of streams, some 200 inland lakes and thousands of private ponds, Ohio anglers have great opportunities to catch fish that qualify for the “Fish Ohio” recognition program. Among the state’s best “Fish Ohio” waters in 2007 were:Minimum Length Requirements to Obtain “Fish Ohio” Recognition
Brown Trout 25"
Carp 26"
Channel Catfish 26"
Crappie 13"
Flathead Catfish 35"
Freshwater Drum 22"
Hybrid Striped Bass 21"
Largemouth Bass 21"
Muskie 36"
Northern Pike 32"
Rainbow Trout 28"
Rock Bass 10"
Sauger 16"
Saugeye 21"
Smallmouth Bass 20"
Sunfish 9"
Walleye 28"
White Bass 16"
Yellow Perch 13"
LAKE ERIE: Top spot for walleye, yellow perch and smallmouth bass
Trophy walleye received the highest number of entries with more than 2,300. Lake Erie was the top place to catch them, followed by the Maumee and Sandusky rivers.
Catches of yellow perch were the third most caught fish at the lake with more than 1,000 entries. Mogadore Reservoir in Portage County and Indian Lake in Logan County followed in the yellow perch take.
Lake Erie is also the top lake for smallmouth bass, followed by Big Darby Creek, Ohio River, Alum Creek Lake in Delaware County, Piedmont Lake in Belmont County, and the Grand River.
Romp's Marina offers gear online
Looking for gear to show people where your boat likes to spend the summer? Look no further now you can buy it online at Romp's new online store.
Visit http://www.cafepress.com/romps
You'll find hats, t-shirts, hoodies, kids clothes, coffee cups and more. Something for everyone with the Romp's logo. Dairy Dock gear will be available shortly for those fans of the brain freeze.
Put-in-Party at Red Clay kicks off boating season
Red Clay on the River will celebrate it's annual Put In Party on Wednesday, April 16th with an outside grill, limited menu and entertainment featuring Colin Dussault at 7 pm. Boat rides will be provided by the Mystic Belle from 7 pm to 10 pm.
Guest are asked to park at the South Street Boat Ramp. A free shuttle will be provided, both ways, starting at 6 pm. The shuttle will continue until all guests have gone. Service will be provided by Crusin City Taxi, tips accepted.
Crusin City will also pick you up and drop you off at home. Please call them direct to make these arrangements at 440-242-7833.
Red Clay is located at 5150 Liberty Avenue, Vermillion, at McGarveys Landing. 440-967-0313.
WWW.REDCLAYONTHERIVER.COM
REDCLAYONTHERIVER@YAHOO.COM
Red Clay on the River Rat Pack Revival
FRANK AND DEAN and then some
APPEARING AT RED CLAY ON SAT 4-5-08 8-11PM
CALL FOR YOUR RESERVATION 440-967-0313
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!
Frank & Dean doin' their thing!
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 YOUR RESERVATION 440-967-0313
Dairy Dock is open...all is right with the world
Every fall with the cool air of autumn sweet tooth enthusiasts get a feeling of emptiness when Vermilion's long time Ice Cream hotspot, Romp's Dairy Dock, closes for the onset of winter. Kids go back to school, life seemingly shifts it's focus from boating, warm weather, sunny days on the beach, and a Dairy Dock ice cream cone in the shade, to a period of waiting, and wanting. Oh the wanting.
Today the waiting is over. With Spring comes a sense of renewal and also a chance to get your brain freeze on. Whether it's orange, vanilla, chocolate or a swirl combination with nuts (or other toppings), the thought of a sugar fix on a April afternoon watching the Vermilion River roll by is a part of the fabric of living in Vermilion. Soon little leaguers will start to appear in mass, then bike riders, boaters, soccer moms, baseball dads and all will be right with this small piece of the world.
Don't let todays soggy start stop you from what's important in life, PEACE.. LOVE... AND ICE CREAM!
