Preserving Vermilion's Lighthouse

Nothing is more iconic to the local landscape than the Vermilion Lighthouse, which looks out over Lake Erie at the foot of Main Street. There's a rich, deep history to this marvelous structure. A dedicated, ongoing effort seeks to preserve it for generations to come.

Main Street Vermilion's Lighthouse Preservation Committee is dedicated to the conservation and upkeep of this important landmark. Formed in 2014, they serve as the local guardians to the lighthouse and work to educate the public about the historical significance of lighthouses.

Within two years, the committee raised funds to have a 5th order Barbier and Fenestre Fresnel lens fabricated. Installed in September 2016, the structure now stands as an active navigational aid. A lighthouse keeper was appointed the same year to carry on the tradition of keeping the structure in good order and the light shining.

Visitors are welcome at the lighthouse any time of day. Nearby is a favorite photo spot for locals and tourists. The familiar 5-ton propeller from the Tug Pennsylvania, and the popular anchor salvaged from a Great Lakes cargo vessel, are both owned and maintained by Main Street Vermilion.

For groups of 10 or more, Main Street Vermilion's Lighthouse Preservation Committee offers guided tours of the structure that includes the history, restoration and a closer look at our most popular landmark. Outside tours, or during colder weather a Power Point presentation, is available and conducted by reservation at Ritter Public Library. Donations for tours or programs are gladly accepted and will be used toward ongoing maintenance and restoration of the lighthouse.

Main Street Vermilion is one of 450 locations across the country where you can buy passports and get it stamped with the Vermilion Lighthouse insignia. Stop in at Shore Thing, close to the Lighthouse and on the beach, or the Main Street Building to add to your collection.

Learn more about the Vermilion's Lighthouse Preservation Committee at www.mainstreetvermilion.org.

Walking Tour Of Captains' Homes

Vermilion was once known as the "Village of Lake Captains," and no other place has so many captains' homes in its historic district.

Vermilion was initially settled in the early 19th century and formed as a village in 1837. In 1840, the US Corps of Engineers finished building the tow piers at the mouth of the Vermilion which provided the depth builders needed to take boats into the lake. Thus began the "Golden Age of Ship Building" on the river, in tune with great demand for the shipping on the lakes. In a period of 36 years, 48 large lake schooners were built. Lumber, fish, sandstone, iron, and lime were major commodities at the time. The Captains of these vessels made Vermilion their choice as a homeport. As research continues, more Captains' homes are waiting to be discovered.

Captain Homes Tour

Please keep in mind that most of the captains' homes are private residences and not open to the public.

1. Captain Henry C. Leidheiser House, 566 Main Street, built 1890. Vernacular style.

2. Captain Fred S. Lawless House, 5604 Ferry Street, built 1902. Vernacular style.

3. Captain Charles A. Mattison House, 538 Main Street, built 1920. Craftsman style.

4. Captain Miles Thompson House, 485 Main Street, built 1830. Remodeled Greek Revival style.

5. Captain J.C. Gilchrist House, also known as Lakeside Inn, presently a Bed & Breakfast, 5662 Huron Street, built 1885. Italianate style.

6. Captain James F. Nolan House, 472 Washington Street, built 1911. Vernacular style.

7. Captain Alva Bradley House, Captain Alva Bradley House, 5679 Huron Street, built 1848. The captain was a good friend of Thomas Alva Edison. Greek Revival style.

8. Captain Charles Horton House, 5664 Ferry Street, built 1874. Gothic Revival style.

9. Captain George A. Bell Second House, 5790 Huron Street, built circa 1900. Vernacular style.

10. Captain Frank B. Parsons House, 5831 Huron Street, built circa 1915. Remodeled Vernacular style.

11. Captain Clifford H. Parsons House, 608 Decatur Street, built 1929. Vernacular style.

12. Captain Edwin R. Pelton House, 631 Decatur Street, built 1901. Queen Anne Style.

13. Captain Lewis Stone House, 5803 Liberty Avenue, built 1896. Vernacular style.

14. Captain Frederick Rae House, 690 Decatur Street, built circa 1870. Italianate style.

15. Captain Frederick Bailey House, 5775 Liberty Avenue, built 1911. Vernacular style.

16. Captain George A. Bell House, 5760 Liberty Avenue, built 1876, presently a Bed & Breakfast. Italianate style.

17. Captain William Young House, 5815 Ohio Street, built 1848, presently a Bed & Breakfast. Transitional Greek Revival style.

18. Captain Alva Bradley Second House, 751 Decatur Street, built circa 1870. Remodeled Stick style.

19. Captain Albert Meyer House, 756 Perry Street, built circa 1853. Captain Meyer was the master of the ill-fated “Western Reserve” which sank taking the lives of many Vermilion families. Italianate style.

20. Captain Leeds Weeks House, 5676 Ohio Street, built circa 1880. Queen Anne style.

21. Captain Peter G. Minch, 743 Grand Street, built 1857. Captain Minch was the owner of the ill- fated ship “Western Reserve”. Late Greek Revival with Italianate influence style.

22. Captain W.H. Gilchrist Sr. House, 5583 Ohio Street, built 1875. One of Vermilion’s few older brick buildings. Italianate style.

23. Captain William H. Moody, 792 Exchange Street, built 1903. Vernacular with Queen Anne influence style.

24. Captain Henry Walper House, 5475 South Street, built 1899. Queen Anne style.

25. Captain Charles Gegenheimer House, 910 Exchange Street, built circa 1898. Vernacular style.

26. Captain Frederick Hasenflue House, 5332 South Street, built 1907. Vernacular style.

27. Captain Peter Full House, 5118 South Street, built 1903. Remodeled Vernacular style.

28. Captain Cornelius Young House, 5231 South Street, built circa 1880. Vernacular style.

Prepared by the Vermilion Historic Register Committee of Main Street Vermilion.

Discover Vermilion Ohio

Vermilion, Ohio is the crowning jewel of the south shore of Lake Erie. From quaint shops to fine dining, the arts, entertainment and unmatched festivities, Vermilion truly has it all. Be reminded of a simpler time when an afternoon at the beach, a hand-dipped ice cream cone and a stroll along Main Street made your day special. Stay for a day, maybe two, and take home a memory that will last forever.

This enchanting little town has always been a sea side community with New England style atmosphere. This is the kind of town that still has a working soda fountain, a town square and summer concerts on the green. People here actually sit on their front porches on a summer evening. Visiting boats are not only welcomed, they are an important part of the ambiance of what locals call "Harbour Town."

Vermilion is situated along the Southern shore of Lake Erie and embraces the Vermilion River. Vermilion was once known as the “Village of Lake Captains,” and no other place in Ohio has so many beautifully maintained captains’ homes in its historic district. Our Harbour Town Historic District also features housing styles from the Victorian, Italianate, Arts and Crafts, and Queen Anne eras. Take an evening stroll in our gracious neighborhoods and experience the quality of life of a bygone era. Other neighborhoods retain the charm of Summer Lake cottages nestled along the shore, while contemporary construction blends with yesterday's heritage.

The Vermilion River, which flows into Lake Erie, endows marina facilities with more than 1,000 boat slips and ramps for easy access to the Lake, earning Vermilion the title of the “Largest Small Boat Harbour on the Great Lakes.” Lake freighters are also a regular sight on Lake Erie making their way through the Great Lakes nine months out of the year.

Public docks are within walking distance of attractions, Bed & Breakfasts, dozens of retail stores and restaurants ranging from family style to fine French cuisine, a beach and several parks, and a variety of art galleries. The wealth of attractions so close to protected dockage makes Vermilion a very popular cruising destination.

Rare is the port of call with as much to offer. The Harbour Town 1837 Historic District is the center of our attractive Vermilion community. Located in the heart of this district is Historic Downtown Vermilion. Our picturesque and quaint Historic Downtown Vermilion is the focal point for offices, the City Administration, the Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Vermilion, restaurants, shops, galleries, marinas, the Vermilion Mainline and tourist activities. Our community is dedicated to making Vermilion your destination for a day, a week, or an entire lifetime. Community wide revitalization efforts have encouraged property owners to retain the unique charm of their businesses and homes while maintaining high standards of care and construction. Nowhere will you find a community with such a diversity of housing, reasonable tax base, educational excellence, and New England style charm.

Extreme Cold Safety

Extremely cold air is affecting the Vermilion, Ohio area. According to the National Weather Service, the arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values. People exposed to extreme cold are susceptible to frostbite in a matter of minutes. Areas most prone to frostbite are uncovered skin and the extremities, such as hands and feet. Hypothermia is another threat during extreme cold. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce.

The National Weather Service offers the following tips for cold weather safety:

If you or someone you care about must venture outdoors during extreme cold, dress in layers. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Try to seek shelter from the wind as much as possible while outside. Once inside again, change into dry clothing immediately if you are wet. Understand and watch for frostbite and hypothermia.

Frostbite can happen in minutes, especially on the extremities such as fingers, toes, nose and ears but can affect any area of exposed skin. If you suspect frostbite, immediately move inside to a heated location and begin warming the affected areas using warm water or body heat. Do not use hot water or radiant heat such as a fireplace since affected areas can be easily burned. Seek medical attention for severe frostbite.

Frostbite happens when the body's survival mechanisms kick in during extremely cold weather. To protect the vital inner organs, the body cuts circulation to your extremities: feet, hands, nose, etc., which eventually freeze. To avoid frostbite, stay inside during severe cold, especially when the windchill is -50°F or below. If you must go out, try to cover every part of your body: ears, nose, toes and fingers, etc. Mittens are better than gloves. Keep your skin dry. Stay out of the wind when possible. Drink plenty of fluids since hydration increases the blood's volume, which helps prevent frostbite. Avoid caffeine, alchohol and cigarettes. Caffeine constricts blood vessels, preventing warming of your extremities. Alcohol reduces shivering, which helps keep you warm. Cigarettes shut off the blood flow to your hands. Below are indicators of frostbite:

• First degree: Ice crystals are forming on your skin.
• Second degree: Skin begins to feel warm even though it is not yet defrosted.
• Third degree: Skin turns red, pale or white.
• Fourth degree: Pain lasts for more than a few hours and skin may develop dark blue or black. See a doctor immediately if these symptoms arise. Gangrene is a real threat.

Frostbite First Aid

Get indoors as quickly as possible. Until you can get indoors:

• Don't rub or massage cold body parts.
• Put your hands in your armpits.
• Hold onto another person or animal.
• Drink warm liquids.
• Put on extra layers of clothes, blankets, etc.
• Remove rings, watches and anything other tight jewelry or related items.

Once indoors:

• Don't walk on a frostbitten foot. You could cause more damage.
• Get in a warm, NOT hot, bath and wrap your face and ears in a moist, warm, NOT hot, towel.
• Don't get near a hot stove or heater or use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or a hair dryer. You may burn yourself before feeling returns.
• Frostbitten skin will become red and swollen and feel like it's on fire. You may develop blisters. Don't break the blisters. It could cause scarring and infection.
• If your skin turns blue or gray, is very swollen, blistered or feels hard and numb even under the surface, go to a hospital as soon as possible.

Beware of Hypothermia

When your body temperature sinks below 96°F, you have hypothermia, a serious health hazard that occurs when body temperature is lowered too much. Get medical attention immediately. Move the victim inside to a heated location and begin warming the center of the body first. If the person is unconscious, administer CPR.

Hypothermia can occur in temperatures as warm as 60°F, particularly in water or if you are outside a long time and not dressed for the weather. Of the approximately 1,300 people the CDCP lists as being killed by hypothermia each year, most are seniors, according to the National Institute of Aging, but some are children and young adults. Everyone needs to be careful. Some medicines, problems with circulation, and certain illnesses may reduce your ability to resist hypothermia. As you age, your body becomes less efficient at letting you know when you are too cold. In addition, older people tend not to shiver effectively, one of the ways the body warms itself up. Remember these tips to help prevent hypothermia:

• Dress in layers
• Wrap up well when going outside in the cold.
• Avoid breezes and drafts indoors.
• Eat nutritious food and wear warm clothes to ward off winter chill.
• Wear a warm hat in the winter.
• Eat hot foods and drink warm drinks several times during the day.
• If you live alone, ask a family member of neighbor to check on you daily or have a camera installed that a family member can view on their computer.
• Ask your doctor if any medicine you're taking increases your risk of hypothermia. Drugs that may cause a problem include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, chlorpromazine, reserpine, and tricyclic antidepressants.

If your temperature is 96°F or less, you feel cold and sluggish, or are having trouble thinking clearly, see your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. It's better to be overly cautious than to die of a disorder that doesn't have to be deadly.

If you are trying to help someone who may have hypothermia, first call an ambulance. Then lie close to the person and cover both of you with thick blankets. The hotter you get, the more warmth you can give the other person. Don't rub the person or handle him or her roughly.

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the weather hazards. The latest road conditions can be obtained from the Department of Transportation web site.

10 Reasons To Go Local

#1: Buy local to support yourself

Studies show that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned business, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.

#2: Be friendly to our environment

Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

#3: Support community groups

Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.

#4: Keep our community unique

Where we shop, where we eat and have fun – all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Our tourism businesses also benefit.

#5: Local businesses create more jobs

Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally, and in our community provide the most jobs to residents.

#6: Get better service

Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers.

#7: Invest in your community

Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.

#8: Put your taxes to good use

Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community. In addition, nationally owned businesses often demand tax incentives.

#9: Encourage future investment

A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

#10: Competition leads to more choices

A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

Historic U.S. Route 6 Signs

Historic U.S. Route 6 signs installed on the east and west entrances of historic downtown Vermilion celebrate U.S. Route 6 as the oldest, longest and highest of the "old roads". The historic highway is 3,652 miles long, with a high point of 11,990 feet. It runs from the waterfront in Long Beach, California through 14 states, to the waterfront at Provincetown, Massachusetts located at the tip of Cape Cod.

The signs were a project of U.S. Route 6 Tourist Association and were funded by Main Street Vermilion and installed by the City of Vermilion. The signs are part of an effort to preserve the unique cultural and historical heritage along the longest coast-to-coast highway ever established in the United States.

The U.S. Route 6 Tourist Association, a nonprofit corporation, assists in the economic development of those cities, towns, and rural communities located along Historic U.S. Route 6. The Association supports efforts to restore and maintain remaining portions of the historic highway by promoting tourism along Route 6. The Association seeks out and/or provides grants for preservation and restoration of significant historical structures, education, health care, the arts, and new businesses along U.S. Route 6.

Efforts are being made to establish U.S. Route 6 heritage museums and educational facilities, as well as roadside parks, rest areas, and visitor centers.

The U.S. Route 6 Tourist Association hopes to keep and restore all remaining portions of the original sections of Route 6 which were constructed prior to 1956. These portions are being designated as "historic destination roadways".

The History Of Vermilion Reservation

In 1817, Benjamin Bacon settled with his family along the top of the cliffs overlooking an oxbow in the Vermilion River that would eventually be called Mill Hollow. Soon afterwards, and at an early age, Benjamin was elected to the prestigious position of Justice of the Peace, and in 1824 was selected as one of the first commissioners for Lorain County. In 1835 he purchased an interest in a saw and grist mill that had been relocated to the oxbow in the river. A mill race was cut across the oxbow to increase the water power that turned the mill’s large water wheel. The mills were very successful and by 1845 had provided Benjamin the means to build a nice house across the road. When he died in 1868 at the age of 78, the house and mills were sold to John Heymann, a German immigrant new to the area.

Frederick Bacon was born in 1840, the youngest son of Benjamin and Anna, Benjamin’s third wife. In 1860, he enlisted in the Union army and fought in the Civil War for four years, after which he returned home to his wife Abigail (formerly Abigail Wells) and started a family in Brownhelm. In 1879, John Heymann sold the mills to Frederick Bacon. They’d been modernized with steam power after a fire destroyed them in October of 1876 which started after the close of business. Frederick now not only owned the mills, but also owned land in Geauga county and coal fields in Iowa. This diversity was very fortunate because with the advent of the railroad, fewer farmers needed to mill their grain locally and many local residents weren’t even farmers, but rather worked at the sandstone quarries instead. By 1901, the mills were no longer profitable and had to be sold and dismantled.

Frederick and Abigail had nine children, seven of whom never married. After Frederick’s death in 1901, his children continued to farm the river valley. By the late 1920s, only Sarah and Charles remained, and the house was rented to several people for decades until Charles’ death in 1957. Dorothy Bacon DeMuth, a distant cousin, inherited the property and donated it to the newly formed Lorain County Metro Parks. The Vermilion River Reservation became the first park in the Lorain County Metro Parks. The Bacon House was opened as a house museum in 1962 with the help of the Lorain County Historical Society. Today, the house is open Sundays and Holidays, Memorial Day to Labor Day, and scheduled private tours throughout the year.

Spanning two adjacent areas separated by the Vermilion River—Mill Hollow on one side and Bacon Woods on the other—Vermilion River Reservation is a favorite of picnickers, naturalists and anyone who just wants to enjoy its natural beauty. Just next to the Bacon House Museum, the Carriage Barn offers visitors information about the park and hosts nature programs. Vermilion River Reservation is located at 51211 North Ridge Road, just 4 miles south of downtown Vermilion, by the intersection of North Ridge and Vermilion Roads.

Join The Kiwanis Club of Vermilion

The Vermilion chapter currently meets at Ritter Public Library in Vermilion the 2nd Wednesday of the month starting at 6:30. It will begin meeting twice a month starting in January.

Capt Austin & The Friendship Schooner

Vermilion Railfans

Trains began running through Vermilion, Ohio starting in 1853. For over 140 years the rumbling, roaring, shaking, screaming tornados have rushed through the quiet village. Ships have come and gone in this little city by the sea, but they were never the acoustic monsters like the trains which roll along like wild demons in a race. Freight of all kinds flies through the city, and as far as we can foresee, it will continue for 140 more years. Such is life in a railroad town. 

While the sites and sounds of the railroad have long faded in many towns and cities, Vermilion's train traffic continues. Vermilion Ohio is a railfan paradise.

The railroad action in Vermilion is virtually non-stop, and no other railroad town offers a more beautiful location in a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Erie.  Local shopkeepers welcome railfans in the historic downtown, while a variety of exceptional dining choices are all within walking distance to some of Vermilion's best railfan viewing areas.  A public comfort station, located in beautiful Exchange Park, is conveniently located downtown.  Three additional historic train depots provide a wealth of photo opportunities.  Bed and breakfasts and cottages are within walking distance to Vermilion's Mainline viewing areas and several campgrounds are nearby.  The public library and several area businesses offer free internet access.

Best Railfan Viewing Locations

DOWNTOWN VERMILION: It doesn't get any better for rail buffs than Vermilion's historic downtown, with at least 5 trains racing through town every hour.  A rail-viewing platform sits in the city's historic "Harbour Town" district in downtown Vermilion at Victory Park.  The platform feaures a deck, benches, a railfan information station and radio. Shops, restaurants and a wealth of historic architecture are all close by. Both NS (ex-CR, exx-PC, exxx-NYC) and NS (ex-N&W, exx-NKP) run parallel in Vermilion, coming from Cleveland.  Just west of downtown, NS/NKP heads south to Bellevue.  A new connector is being built in the Vermilion area.

In the downtown area from Liberty Avenue (US-6), go south on Main Street (OH-60) one block and cross the ex-CR mainline.  Free parking is available right next to the mainline at Vermilion's 'Town Square', Victory Park - an exceptional location for train-watching.  This beautiful park features benches, picnic tables, barbeque grills, a Grand Gazebo, a childrens' play area and rose gardens. An historically preserved wooden station, Vermilion's New York Central Station, sits adjacent to the park.  There are ample off-railroad shots available for both am and pm shots.  Dining, restrooms, shopping and history galore are all a few steps away.

Rotary Centennial Park overlooks the Vermilion River under the historic water tower on West River Road in Harbour Town.  This award winning park features flowering trees, plantings, benches, picnic tables and breathtaking views of the river and railroad tracks.  The park also features an historical marker plaque highlighting Vermilion's railroad history.

At this site the Lake Shore Electric Railway crossed a bridge that spanned the Vermilion River. The western abutment of the former bridge is plainly visible just below along the river bank. Widely known as the "Greatest Electric Railway in the United States," the flaming orange trolley cars of the Lake Shore Electric Railway transported people and freight for thirty-seven years (1901-1938) along the southern Lake Erie shores from Cleveland to Toledo often reaching speeds of sixty miles per hour. The interurban line played a primary role in the development of the western Cleveland suburbs and also carried throngs of summer visitors to Lake Erie recreation facilities. The power lines still standing along the system's right-of-way attest to the fact that it also assisted in bringing electric power to the entire region. 

All along the ex-CR and ex-NKP lines in the downtown area are terrific photo locations.  Spend the day, maybe two, to take in all that is Vermilion.

The Nickel Plate Station is also being restored and will serve as a second railroad museum and commuter train station.  The Vermilion Train, Rail, and Depot Buffs record history, preserve artifacts and has bimonthly meetings on the Commuter Rail Program which will offer commuter rail from Cleveland to Vermilion and beyond.

VERMILION'S EAST END

Coming into Vermilion from the east on Liberty Avenue (US-6), you will cross over the NS (ex-N&W, exx-NKP) mainline.  Going west on US-6, turn left onto Vermilion Road and you will come to the NS (ex-CR, exx-PC, exxx-NYC) tracks at grade.  Walk along the tracks for a short distance to the east, and you will see the point where ex-CR crosses over ex-NKP.  Go back to Liberty Avenue (US-6) and make a left towards town.  Right after passing over the Vermilion River, make a left on West River Road, and go under the ex-CR tracks.  The beautiful Vermilion Public Boat Docks park on the left offers fantastic view of trains passing over the Vermilion River bridge.  Don't miss the views from Rotary Park when heading back into town (see above.)

VERMILLION'S WEST SIDE, NS/EX-CR CONNECTION

In the infrastructure work done by Norfolk Southern prior to the break-up of Conrail, this connection was a key piece in northern Ohio.  Just west of Vermillion, the ex-CR, exx-NYC, Chicago line and the NS, ex-NKP line are parallel and quite close to each other.  Both lines are just south of US-6.  A connection was put in as follows: The junction at the north, the ex-CR line, was put in to the south of Daylon Court, a subdivision-type street.  There is no access to the tracks without getting permission from a home-owner.  The south end junction with the ex-NKP is just to the east of Coen Road, and is wide open. This connection serves three major purposes:  1.  It can take NKP freights that had to crawl thru the western suburbs of Cleveland, and get them thru town via the much faster ex-CR tracks.  2.  Slow freights can be taken off the ex-CR and routed west via Bellevue.  Therefore, it should be easier to get time-sensitive trains over the ex-CR.  3.  Either line can serve as a safety  valve/relief outlet for the other.

The Lake Shore Electric Railway

The first trolleys ran from Sandusky to Vermilion in 1899, an offshoot of the Sandusky Street Railway, the Sandusky & Interurban Electric Railway. City-style cars prowled the rails when it opened from Sandusky to Vermilion via Huron on July 26, 1899, a 24-mile sprint. Work gangs toiled eastward to meet the Lorain & Cleveland in Lorain, another 10-mile hop. The S & I was built with an expansive eye to the future -- double track provisions were engineered into all bridges as well as into the roadbed. It was a combination roadside and private right-of-way operation. In the autumn of 1901, the Everett-Moore Syndicate absorbed the S & I and others to create the Lake Shore Electric Railway.

The Lake Shore Electric Railway (LSE) was an interurban electric railway that ran primarily between Cleveland and Toledo, Ohio. Through arrangements with connecting interurban lines; it also offered service to Fostoria and Lima, Ohio, and Detroit. The line served many communities along the south shore of Lake Erie, at a time of mostly horse-drawn vehicles on dirt roads, with innovative, high-speed transportation that rivaled the area's steam railroads. It helped to develop tourism as a major industry in northern Ohio; by serving several lake shore recreation areas (some owned by LSE and others privately owned) such as Avon Beach Park in Avon Lake; Linwood Park in Vermilion; Crystal Beach, Beulah Beach, Mitiwanga Park and Ruggles Grove (Ruggles Beach) between Vermilion and Huron; Sage's Grove and Rye Beach in Huron. It also brought large numbers of visitors to a ferry dock serving a small beach park and picnic ground off Sandusky called Cedar Point, that evolved into the giant amusement park resort of today. It was formed August 29, 1901 through the merger of several smaller interurban railways: Lorain and Cleveland Railway, running between Cleveland and Lorain, and intent on building westward at the time of the merger. Sandusky and Interurban Railway (S&I), which had begun as a local transit operation in Sandusky, and was building eastward from Huron to Lorain at the time of the merger. Toledo, Fremont and Norwalk Railway (TF&N), serving Toledo, Fremont, and Norwalk and building eastward toward Lorain at the time of the merger. Sandusky, Milan and Norwalk Railway, formed in 1893 and one of the earliest interurban railway companies in the United States, between Sandusky and Norwalk, via Milan. This line served as the earliest physical connection between the Sandusky and Interurban Railway and the Toledo, Fremont and Norwalk Railway after the merger. It became a branch line after completion of the previously planned TF&N line east from Norwalk to connect to the S&I at "Ceylon Junction", a few miles east of Huron. It was also the first portion of the Lake Shore Electric system to be abandoned, ending service on March 29, 1928. The LSE later added the following interurban lines and operated them as branches: Lorain Street Railway, which ran between Lorain and Elyria and operated Lorain local transit services. 

Avon Beach and Southern Railway, which ran between South Lorain and "Beach Park" in Avon Lake, the location of a Lake Shore Electric resort park, passenger station, car barn and electrical generating station. A small portion of this line is the only part of the original LSE system still in operation today, becoming what is now a Norfolk Southern Railway branch serving the FirstEnergy Corporation's Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company(CEI) generating station at Avon Lake. This plant was first built to replace the LSE power plant at the same location that was destroyed in an explosion and fire in 1925. 

The Lake Shore Electric built a short branch to Gibsonburg, Ohio that opened on December 21, 1901. This branch was built as part of a planned expansion by LSE south and west to Findlay and Lima. This goal was reached instead by joint services with the Fostoria and Fremont Railway and the Western Ohio Railway and the line never went beyond Gibsonburg. It built a new route between Fremont and Sandusky via Castalia, commencing service on July 21, 1907, and later relocated some of its lines in Huron (opened in 1918) and Sandusky (opened in 1931).

The Lake Shore Electric at its height offered multiple-unit trains of interurban cars from Cleveland and Toledo. These trains would split in Fremont on the west and at Ceylon Junction (a passenger station on the former S&I line east of Huron at the connection with the former TF&N branch to Norwalk) on the east. After splitting; some cars would travel via the Huron, Sandusky and Castalia route and other cars would go via the Norwalk, Monroeville, Bellevue, and Clyde, route. The service was scheduled so the cars would re-join at Fremont and Ceylon Junction, respectively, to continue on to their destinations in Toledo or Cleveland.

The Lake Shore Electric achieved national notoriety through the heroism of a motorman, William Lang, who climbed out of his moving trolley car and snatched a 22-month old child off the tracks on August 24th, 1932 near Lorain, Ohio. The young girl, Leila Jean Smith, grew to adulthood and they remained friends for the rest of his life.

As its passenger business waned with the increasing number of private automobiles on paved roads, it outlived most connecting interurban lines by concentrating on freight services. However, the Lake Shore Electric went into bankruptcy on October 5, 1932 and ended interurban rail operations on May 15, 1938, with Car #167 making the last run out of Cleveland.

Several physical remnants of the Lake Shore Electric can still be found today. In the cities of Bay Village and Avon Lake are streets named "Electric," running over the former right-of-way. Also, bridge piers can be found at the Cleveland Metroparks Huntington Reservation and in Rose Hill park, both in Bay Village, and at several other locations. Much of its route can still be traced in northern Ohio by power lines on unusually high utility poles, where LSE's former electrical transmission infrastructure became the property of area utility companies.

Norfolk Southern Railway

The Norfolk Southern (AAR reporting marks NS) is a major Class I railroad in the United States, owned by the Norfolk Southern Corporation. The company operates 21,500 route miles in 22 eastern states, the District of Columbia and the province of Ontario, Canada. The most common commodity hauled on the railroad is coal from mines in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The railroad also offers an extensive intermodal network in eastern North America. The current system was planned in 1982 with the formation of the Norfolk Southern Corporation, merged on December 31, 1990 with the lease of the Norfolk and Western Railway by the Southern Railway which had been renamed Norfolk Southern. In 1999, the Norfolk Southern Railway grew substantially with the acquisition of over half of Conrail.

Norfolk Southern is currently buying DC traction diesel locomotives. There are a small number of AC traction diesels on their roster. They are EMD SD80MACs, all of which were inherited from Conrail. Currently, 10 of the 17 EMD SD80MACs are assigned to the locomotive pool in South Fork, Pennsylvania. Other AC locomotives also on the roster include a dwindling number of aging GP38ACs of Norfolk & Western and Southern Railway heritage.

Norfolk Southern's GE Dash-9 locomotives are often called "catfish" by railfans, as the stripes are said to look like catfish whiskers. The locomotive numbered 4610, a GM-EMD GP59, is painted in predecessor Southern Railway colors of green and white with gold trim and is a favorite of railfans. The work was done at the Debutts Yard in Chattanooga, Tennessee during the summer of 1994 and the locomotive received a repaint in the summer of 2004.

The current paint scheme for NS locomotives is black and white. Many of the locomotives are painted with a rearing horse on the nose, which is consistent with prior marketing campaigns where NS has billed itself as "The Thoroughbred".

In 2005, Norfolk Southern added two new types of locomotives to its roster: the EMD SD70M-2s, which when all are delivered, will be numbered 2649–2778, and GE ES40DCs, which will be numbered 7500-7719.

In September 2008, Norfolk Southern purchased 24 new GE ES44AC locomotives numbered 8000-8023 and they began receiving these units in October 2008. They are the first new AC locomotives ever purchased by NS. These new locomotives will be used for pusher service on long haul coal trains.

New York Central Railroad

The New York Central Railroad (AAR reporting marks NYC), known simply as the New York Central in its publicity, was a railroad operating in the Northeastern United States. Headquartered in New York, the railroad served most of the Northeast, including extensive trackage in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Massachusetts, plus additional trackage in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Its primary connections included Chicago and Boston. The NYC's Grand Central Terminal in New York City is one of its best known extant landmarks.

In 1968 the NYC merged with its former rival, the Pennsylvania Railroad, to form Penn Central (the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad joined in 1969). That company soon went bankrupt and was taken over by the federal government and merged into Conrail in 1976. Conrail was broken up in 1998, and portions of its system was transferred to the newly-formed New York Central Lines LLC, a subsidiary leased to, and eventually absorbed by CSX. That company's lines included the original New York Central main line, but outside that area it included lines that were never part of the NYC system.

The famous Water Level Route of the NYC, from New York City to upstate New York, was the first four-track long-distance railroad in the world.

For most of the twentieth century the New York Central was known to have some of the most famous train routes in the United States. Its 20th Century Limited, begun in 1902, ran from Grand Central Terminal in New York to LaSalle Street Station Chicago and was its most famous train, known for its red carpet treatment and first class service. The Century, which followed the Water Level Route, could complete the 960.7-mile trip in just 16 hours after its June 15, 1938 streamlining (and did it in 15 1/2 hours for a short period after WWII). Also famous was its frequent Empire State Express service through upstate New York to Buffalo and Cleveland, and Ohio State Limited service from New York to Cincinnati. In addition to long distance service, the NYC also provided vital commuter service for residents of Westchester County, New York, along its Hudson, Harlem, and Putnam lines, into Manhattan.

CSX Transportation

CSX Transportation (AAR reporting marks CSXT) is a Class I railroad in the United States, owned by the CSX Corporation. It is one of the three Class I railroads serving most of the East Coast, the other two being the Norfolk Southern Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway.

CSX Transportation was formed on July 1, 1986 as a renaming of the Seaboard System Railroad and Chessie System, Inc. into one entity. The originator of the Seaboard System was the former Seaboard Air Line Railroad, which previously merged Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, and later Louisville and Nashville Railroad, as well as several smaller subsidiaries. On August 31, 1987 the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, which had absorbed the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad on April 30 of that year, merged into CSX. The merger had been started in 1982 with the merger of Chessie System and Seaboard Coast Line Industries to form the CSX Corporation.

On June 23, 1997, CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern filed a joint application with the Surface Transportation Board for authority to purchase, divide and operate the assets of the 11,000-mile Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail), which had been created in 1976 by bringing together several ailing Northeastern railway systems into a government-owned corporation. On June 6, 1998, the STB approved the CSX-Norfolk Southern application and set August 22, 1998, as the effective date of its decision. CSX acquired 42% of Conrail's assets, and Norfolk Southern received the remaining 58%.

As a result of the transaction, CSX's rail operations grew to include some 3,800 miles of the Conrail system (predominantly lines that had belonged to the former New York Central Railroad). CSX began operating its trains on its portion of the Conrail network on June 1, 1999. CSX now serves much of the eastern U.S., with a few routes into nearby Canadian cities.

The name came about during merger talks between Chessie System, Inc. and Seaboard System Railroad, Inc., commonly called Chessie and Seaboard. The company chairmen said it was important for the new name to include neither of those names due to its being a partnership. Employees were asked for suggestions, most of which consisted of combinations of the initials. At the same time a temporary shorthand name was needed for discussions with the Interstate Commerce Commission. CSC was chosen but belonged to a trucking company in Virginia. CSM (for Chessie-Seaboard Merger) was also taken. The lawyers decided to use CSX, and the name stuck. In the public announcement, it was said that "CSX is singularly appropriate. C can stand for Chessie, S for Seaboard, and X, the multiplication symbol, means that together we are so much more." The T had to be added to use CSXT as a reporting mark, since company initials that end in X can be used only by non-railroad railcar owners.

Nickel Plate Road

The New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad (AAR reporting marks NKP), abbreviated NYC&St.L, was a railroad that operated in the mid-central United States. Commonly referred to as the Nickel Plate Road, the railroad served a large area, including trackage in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Its primary connections included Buffalo, New York, Chicago, Cleveland, Ohio, Indianapolis, Indiana, St. Louis, Missouri and Toledo, Ohio.

The Nickel Plate Railroad was constructed in 1881 along the South Shore of the Great Lakes connecting Buffalo, New York and Chicago to compete with the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway. In 1964, the Nickel Plate Road and several other mid-western carriers were merged into Norfolk and Western Railway and the Nickel Plate Road was no more. The N&W was formed to be a more competitive and successful system serving 14 states and the Canadian province of Ontario on more than 7,000 miles (11,000 km) of railroad. The profitable N&W was itself combined with the Southern Railway, another profitable carrier, to form Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS) in 1982.

Radio Frequencies

Norfolk Southern:
Former N&W Territory:
161.190 - Ch. 1 Road
161.250 - Ch. 2 Road
161.440 - Ch. 3 Road
161.490 - Ch. 9 MofW

Former CR Territory:
160.800 - Ch. 1 Road (includes Chicago Line and Indianapolis Line)
161.070 - Ch. 2 Road (includes former TOC lines)

Systemwide:
161.115 - End-of-train telemetry
161.205 - Police
161.535 - Ch. 4 Signal Dept.

Bellevue:
161.340 - Hump
161.190 - Yardmaster
160.665 - Locomotive Shop
160.485 - Car Department
161.490 - MoW

Columbus:
161.250 - Ch. 2 Yard
161.280 - Yard
160.380 - Signal Department

Portsmouth:
160.470 - Crew Bus
161.385 - Car Shop
160.485 - Car Department
161.250 - Ch. 2 Yard

CSX:
160.230* - Ch.1 Road and dispatcher
161.370* - Ch.2 Road and dispatcher
160.590* - Ch.3 Road and dispatcher
160.800* - Former Conrail Road (includes Indy & Columbus Lines)
160.785 - MofW-Systemwide

Note: An asterick (*) indicates that Amtrak may operate over that route.

Stay Safe & Save Energy During Extreme Cold

As frigid weather impacts Vermilion, Ohio, FirstEnergy Corp. utilities remind customers of steps they can take to stay safe and better manage energy bills that may climb as a result of the cold weather. Company line workers also will be ready to assist should the arctic conditions cause any customers to lose power.

"Our electric system is designed and maintained to operate safely and effectively on extremely cold days that create high demand for electricity," said Samuel Belcher, senior vice president of FirstEnergy and president of FirstEnergy Utilities. "In addition, our line crews are trained to safely make repairs in all weather conditions in the event a power outage occurs."

Customers should review important winter safety information and prepare in case weather-related outages do occur. Frigid temperatures also can increase energy bills for those who use electric heat sources, such as space heaters, heat pumps and electric furnaces.

Safety Tips:

• Heating appliances, such as space heaters and electric blankets, should never be left unattended or used while sleeping.
• Never fold an electric blanket while it is in use. This can damage wires inside of the blanket, causing it to overheat or spark.
• Only use space heaters designed for indoor use. Keep all heat sources at least three feet away from curtains, carpet or furniture that could catch on fire.
• Never use a gas stove, charcoal grill or lantern intended for outdoor use inside your home because it could lead to a buildup of deadly carbon monoxide gas.
• When operating a portable generator, place it outside of your home and far away from windows, doors and vents. Never use a generator inside your home!
• Keep electronic devices, such as cell phones, laptops and tablet computers, fully charged to be ready for an emergency.
• Have a flashlight, portable radio and extra batteries handy in the event a power outage occurs.

Energy-Saving Tips:

• Make sure your home is properly insulated to help reduce heat loss. Inspect doors and windows and apply caulk or weather stripping where necessary to keep cold air out. Close drapes, blinds and garage doors to retain heat.
• Keep your thermostat at a temperature where you feel comfortable. Each degree lower has the potential to save about 2 percent on your heating bill. Install a programmable thermostat and it will do the work for you.
• Schedule an annual furnace inspection and tune-up by a qualified and experienced HVAC professional.
• Clean or replace the furnace filter to improve efficiency.
• Keep furniture and drapes from blocking heat registers and return vents to ensure heat can get into the room.
• Close the vents in rooms that are not being used.
• Avoid frozen pipes by opening faucets and maintaining a constant drip, or wrap pipes in insulation or layers of newspapers.

Employee Safety Procedures:

FirstEnergy utilities are reviewing staffing levels and cold weather operational procedures to ensure any potential localized power outages caused by the excessive cold are handled promptly.

Company employees, including line workers, substation electricians and meter readers, also are receiving briefings about what steps they can take to stay safe on the job when the temperatures drop below freezing. Company personnel often take extra measures to stay warm when working in extreme cold to restore power after an outage, such as taking more frequent, short breaks to stay warm and change into dry clothing.

Customer Communications Options:

If winter weather does cause an outage, customers who are without power should call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) to report their outage, or click the "Report Outage" link on www.firstenergycorp.com.

Customers should never go near a downed power line, even if they think it is no longer carrying electricity. Extra caution should be used in areas where downed lines are tangled in trees or other debris. Motorists are cautioned to treat intersections with inoperable traffic signals as four-way stops.

FirstEnergy customers also can subscribe to email and text message alert notifications to receive weather alerts in advance of major storms, and updates on scheduled or extended power outages. Customers can also use two-way text messaging to report outages, request updates on restoration efforts, and make other inquiries about their electric accounts. More information about these communications tools is available online at www.firstenergycorp.com/connect.

Buy Green, Buy Local

The “green ripple” effect of buying local, like the local multiplier effect, can yield multiple rounds of benefit.

Local Sourcing

Local independent businesses — especially restaurants and retailers — typically carry a greater portion of locally-produced goods and use more local inputs, meaning less fuel consumption is required to keep the business running and shelves stocked. Also, those locally-produced items likely will come from smaller-scale farms, factories, artists, and producers than the huge suppliers for large chains. Finally, millions of independent grocers, restaurants, nurseries and other businesses making individual sourcing choices helps protect biodiversity.

Location and Transportation

Local businesses tend to serve a local customer base, rather than depending on drawing people from a wide area. They usually locate in downtowns and neighborhood — serving business districts where more people enjoy choices to walk, bike, or take mass transit rather than being compelled to drive. This means less air and noise pollution for residents, as well as the opportunity to lead a healthier, more enjoyable lifestyle.

Local Decision-Making Authority

While publicly-traded corporations are designed to be profit-maximizing machines, local business owners typically take a broader view of their role. Local owners often choose more environmentally-sound practices as a personal choice, even when they are not the most profitable path. For publicly-traded corporations, environmental costs are usually not part of business equations unless public laws force such costs to be internalized (a rare occurrence).

Efficient Land Use

Massive “big box” stores and the warehouses of online mega-retailers may be efficient for minimizing corporate costs, but they consume inordinate amounts of land for both buildings and parking lots (often 15 acres or more for “superstores”). The environmental harm caused by such vast expanses of asphalt and increased driving to reach them is large, including absorbing heat, increasing water run-off (contaminated by oils), lowering water tables, and reduction of habitat. Of course, the cost of infrastructure that enables large volumes of cars to reach those parking lots is paid for by all residents and businesses, increasing taxes and many forms of pollution. In contrast, most local merchants use land far more productively and occupy existing structures.

Product Durability

For most chains and online giants, sourcing products at the lowest possible price is a top priority. Their products tend to be mass-produced and sell themselves on cheapness, convenience, selection and features. Craftsmanship and durability rarely are selling points or even considerations at these retailers. Rather than compete head-on with discounters, independent retailers are more likely to stock products that emphasize quality and reliability as well as price, and many even service what they sell.

The increasing dominance of mega-retailers has continually driven down the product lifespan of hard goods and even clothing. The environmental impacts are enormous, as TVs, lawnmowers, appliances and many other products formerly built to last many years or decades of normal use (and were worth fixing when problems arose), now end up in landfills after short lifespans. This cycle consumes land, releases more toxins into our environment and creates far more waste and pollution from manufacturing low-quality goods rather than durable products.

As we’ve shifted from producing and maintaining durable products to disposing ever-cheaper goods, repair shops have vanished from many communities. Since few consumers know product lifespans details about materials used, or even whether the manufacturer actively prevent repairs, knowledgeable salespeople are needed to explain that the better value often is a product with a higher price tag, but a longer lifecycle (and lesser environmental impact). While online reviews have some value, they’re typically written within weeks of purchase, so offer no insight on product durability and post-warrantee fixability.

Join Kiwanis Club

Reasons to consider joining Kiwanis Club of Vermilion:

Join The Club

The Vermilion Rotary Club #3514 meets every 1st, 2nd and 3rd Wednesday from 12 pm to 1 pm at Ritter Public Library in downtown Vermilion, Ohio. The Rotary motto, "Service Above Self", conveys the humanitarian spirit of the organization’s members. Strong fellowship among Rotarians, and meaningful community and international service projects, characterize Rotary.

The Vermilion Rotary Club was chartered in 1928. Some of the projects supported by the Vermilion Rotary Club then have continued up to today, while the club has also picked up new projects to fund.

Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Rotary clubs work together to: Promote peace; Fight disease; Provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene; Save mothers and children; Support education; Grow local economies.

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our community, and in ourselves. Rotary clubs provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through their fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary's people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace, to water and health, Rotary is always working to better the world and they stay committed to the end.

The Simon Kenton Boulder

One of the first explorers of the Vermilion area was Simon Kenton (April 3, 1755 - April 29, 1836,) a famous United States frontiersman and friend of the renowned Daniel Boone, the infamous Simon Girty, and the valiant Spencer Records. Simon Kenton was born in the Bull Run Mountains, Prince William County, Virginia to Mark Kenton Sr. (an immigrant from Ireland) and Mary Miller Kenton. In 1771, at the age of 16, thinking he had killed a man in a jealous rage, he fled into the wilderness of Kentucky and Ohio, and for years went by the name "Simon Butler."

Kenton served as a scout against the Shawnee in 1774 in the conflict between Native Americans and European settlers later labeled Dunmore's War. In 1777, he saved the life of his friend and fellow frontiersman, Daniel Boone, at Boonesborough, Kentucky. The following year, Kenton was in turn rescued from torture and death by Simon Girty.

Kenton served on the famous 1778 George Rogers Clark expedition to capture Fort Sackville and also fought with "Mad" Anthony Wayne in the Northwest Indian War in 1793-94.

In 1782, he returned to Virginia and found out the victim had lived and readopted his original name.

In 1784 Kenton chiseled his name, S. Kenton 1784, on a boulder about 2 miles south of the Vermilion River mouth on the southern border of the old Rossman farm in a spot about 600' east of the State Road.

Presumably, Kenton marked the boulder to substantiate his claim to a 4 square mile area surrounding the river mouth, a likely settlement someday. Kenton claimed similar areas throughout the State but lost his claims due to his lack of education. He was too early and too ignorant of drawing up legal claims of his discoveries.

We do have the satisfaction of knowing that he was the first to find and realize that the Vermilion River would some day be the nucleus of a growing community. How right he was!

In 1937 the Vermilion Centennial "Stone Committee" discovered the stone. The stone now stands as a memorial to Kenton at the Ritter Library.

Kenton moved to Urbana, Ohio in 1810, and achieved the rank of brigadier general of the Ohio militia. He served in the War of 1812 as both a scout and as leader of a militia group in the Battle of the Thames in 1813.

Simon Kenton had 6 children in his second marriage. Kenton died in New Jerusalem, Ohio (in Logan County) and was first buried there. His body was later moved to Urbana, Ohio.

He died a poor man and might have been governor if he had had the proper background. As it was, though, he was an outstanding explorer in the Ohio wilderness and his efforts added considerably to the opening of the country to the settlers.

Layer Up For Winter Boating

Vermilion, Ohio is sometimes gifted with unseasonably warm days throughout the traditional winter months, and paddlers take advantage of warmer weather to rescue their boat from storage and take it for a float down the river. If you’re that avid paddler, it is extremely important to dress appropriately in order to have fun and stay safe out on the water.

In the excitement to get out and paddle, don’t forget to be prepared for all sorts of weather—no matter what the thermometer is reading. Temperatures and weather can change quickly and drastically throughout the day, so it is essential to be prepared for worst-case conditions. Remember: Air temperature is NOT an indication of water temperature. The 120-degree Rule is an easy way to determine what type of clothing is appropriate to wear while boating. The rule is this: If the air and water temperatures add up to less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, you need thermal protection.

So what is thermal protection? Thermal protection refers to a way of dressing yourself that always includes at least one insulated (base) layer and one protective (outer) layer. The qualities of these layers combine to keep you warm in the event of a mishap such as a cold-water immersion. Insulated layers should consist of fabrics such as synthetic fleece. Avoid 100 percent cotton materials, as they tend to draw heat away from the body and take a long time to dry.

Protective layers include clothing such as parkas, rain suits and nylon jackets; these outer “shell” garments guard against wind and also help to hold heat in, preventing cold air and/or water from cooling the insulating layer(s). As a final, topmost layer, a life jacket should always be worn for maximum protection in the event you would fall in the water. Not only does it serve to keep you afloat while your body is adjusting to the cold-water shock, but a life jacket provides excellent insulation.

Advance preparation for inclement weather and cold-water immersion will give you the chance for survival should the worst occur. By following the 120-degree Rule and dressing properly for the weather, you’ll be keeping yourself safe while enjoying a break from winter on the water.

Cold Water Boating Safety

While most Vermilion, Ohio boaters prefer to enjoy the summer months, winter boating is just as enjoyable but does have its own challenges. Water temperatures are dropping, and the threat of hypothermia is rising. Hypothermia is a potentially dangerous drop in body temperature that is caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Should a cold-water accident occur, make sure you’re prepared to survive an incident. It is important to remember that cold water will cool a body 25 times faster than cold air of the same temperature.

Falling into cold water is downright dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. If this event is to occur, there are distinct stages of reaction that the body will show. Failure to recognize these stages will lead to hypothermia. In the first 3-5 minutes of immersion, the body will go into cold shock. This means that the body will have an immediate gasp reflex. It is important to focus on keeping your head above water. In 3-30 minutes, the body will begin to experience swimming failure. It is after about 30 minutes that true hypothermia will set in. Something to remember during this traumatic event is to not remove any clothing or shoes. The air trapped between the layers of clothing will keep a person afloat and protect from direct exposure to cold water.

Be sure to inspect your boat often to make sure it is ready for the cold waters and wind. Freezing temperatures can make equipment on or inside the boat not function properly. This is also a concern for boat ramps. During freezing temperatures, be cautious that the ramps can develop a layer of ice, making it dangerous to launch or retrieve your boat.

When embarking upon a winter boating adventure, remember to dress to get wet. If you find yourself wet during the winter climate, you run the risk of hypothermia. It is strongly recommended that you always wear your personal floatation device (PFD), no matter the weather. Take the time to explore alternative options to your PFD such as a float coat, which has extra stuffing to keep you warm.

No matter what season you’re hitting the water, always be aware of the threats that are present and follow safe boating practices. If you prefer the warm season of boating, use this off-season time to take an Ohio Boating Education Course. It is also a great time to visit boat, sports, and travel shows to find new places to explore with your boat.

Winter Storm Tips

Mother Nature is always keeping us on our toes. With winter weather soon on its way, FirstEnergy wants you to be prepared for the cold months ahead. These tips will help ensure you’re ready when the wind whips and ice and snow accumulate.

Winter Storm Preparation Tips

• Prepare in advance of severe weather by having emergency supplies on hand:
• Fully charged cell phones, laptops and tablets.
• Car charger to charge devices if your power is out.
• Flashlight, portable radio and extra batteries.
• Hard-wired phone to report an outage or emergency. A plain, hard-wired phone can operate on power delivered through the phone line.
• Extra blankets or a sleeping bag for each person.
• First-aid kit.
• Medications and other personal health items for each person.
• Emergency supply of bottled water and/or fill your bathtub with fresh water.
• Supply of convenience foods that do not require cooking. Don’t forget the can opener!

If you should lose power, manage through safely by following these tips:

• If you’re using a backup generator for emergency power, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use it safely.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. These appliances are well insulated, so food will keep for several hours if doors are closed as much as possible.
• Use a flashlight or battery-powered lantern for light. Use care when burning candles; open flames are a dangerous fire hazard.
• To safeguard your equipment and appliances – and to ease the initial load when power is restored – turn off or unplug televisions, VCRs, DVD players, stereos, computers and appliances that use electric motors, such as refrigerators, freezers or air conditioners, until power is restored. Leave an incandescent light on so you know when the power comes back on.
• DO NOT use gas stoves, charcoal grills or other open-flame heat sources for warmth. Deadly carbon monoxide gas – which is odorless and invisible – may build up in your home without you realizing it.

Grace Community Kitchen Offers Free Meals

Meals are served on Tuesday and Thursday evenings throughout the month and are prepared by the churches on a rotating basis. Thanks to these great volunteers and donations, Grace’s Community Kitchen is able to provide a full nutritional meal free of charge for an average of $1.50 per person, making your donations count.

To donate to Grace's Community Kitchen, send donations to: Grace’s Community Kitchen, 5055 Liberty Ave, Vermilion.

Meals are carryout only via a drive up care line at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3747 Liberty Avenue, Vermilion.

Where: Trinity Lutheran Church

When: Tuesdays & Thursdays

Time: 5:00-6:00 pm (or until meals are gone)

All are welcomed.

Grace Community Kitchen is a 501 (c) 3 charity, locally, state and federally recognized and approved. Grace Community Kitchen has a board of community volunteers with hearts for the hungry, lonely and poor living in its extended community. Grace Community Kitchen offers a free service and is open to all who walk through its doors. Its mission is to provide food that has nutritional value. It provides balanced meals for in-house guests and offers much needed take-home meals for the weekend.

The Kitchen is also an agency of Second Harvest, part of the federal program of Feeding America. This standing has provided access to free or very low cost meats, produce, and staples. The Kitchen is dependent on Second Harvest to be able to provide evening dinners. Currently, Grace Kitchen serves an average of over 1,100 meals monthly, and the need is ever growing.

The following churches and groups provide support: Bill Mills Bible Study Group; Grace Methodist; Hands On Volunteer Group; Lakeview Baptist; St. Mary Catholic Parish; Trinity Lutheran; United Church of Christ, Congregational; and Vermilion E&R.

For more information or if you wish to donate, please contact the kitchen at 440-595-2005.

Essentials Pantry Offers Free Essentials

The Essentials Pantry is a monthly pantry of essentials items - soap, shampoo, toilet paper, feminine hygiene items and more. Essentials Pantry is open every 3rd Tuesday of the month from 11 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm at First Baptist Church in Vermilion. 

Come get what you need, volunteer, or make a donation!

First Baptist Church is located at 6716 West River Road in Vermilion, Ohio.