S1, E29
Take a walk on the wild side with a visit to the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center. Joining us on the podcast today is Renée Fultz, Director of this Put-in-Bay attraction. Learn all about this hidden island gem and what visitors can experience here, including both live and taxidermy creatures! Enjoy interactive exhibits, an updated children’s area, and an all-new snake feature. Plus, several outdoor features like a butterfly garden, pond, and nature trails. Renée tells us all about the special events they host including the upcoming Island Green Week, August 3-10, 2024. The center is open through September and is planning a new Monarch Fest for September 14, celebrating the annual migration of the Monarch butterfly. Bring the whole family together to experience a more natural side of Put-in-Bay! Find out more at LakeErieIslandsWildlife.com.

S1, E28
Welcome to the beautiful Lake Erie coastal town of Vermilion, Ohio! In today’s episode, Jill and Dayton interview Sandra Coe, Executive Director of the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce and community leader. Sandy tells us how living in Vermilion is like being on vacation every day – endless opportunities and so many things to do. The downtown community is very pet-friendly, and a lot of merchants cater to furry visitors. We talk a bit about what the Chamber of Commerce does, how they promote the economic growth and prosperity of the community, and the variety of events they host throughout the year. We talk about the very popular monthly event from May-September, Third Thursdays – Music, Flowers, and a Sunset, where musicians set up all over town and visitors can stroll and enjoy a variety of musical genres until the sun goes down. The Chamber also sponsors a “Live at the Lighthouse” weekly concert through September. Other great events to visit Vermilion for include the Chocolate & Wine Walks, holiday season events, and the fantastic fun of annual fall Woollybear Festival, celebrating 52 years in 2024. We get a little backstory on the Woollybear Festival, which is very near and dear to Sandy’s heart, as her mother was one of the founders of the event. Learn more about the charming waterfront community of Vermilion and their many festive events at VermilionOhio.com.

S1, E27
Are you under the age of 45 and looking for a way to connect with others in the community? In this episode we learn about the local group, North Coast Young Professionals (NCYP). NCYP is a community of emerging leaders who are making a positive impact in the Ohio Shores & Islands Region. By joining, you will make friends, make a difference, and become a vital part of our local community both socially and professionally. Today, we talk to the group’s chairperson, Michael Delahunt, as well as Dario Mormina, who serves as fundraising chair. They tell us about the amazing things this group does throughout the year and also preview an upcoming special event. YP Week takes place in and around Sandusky from July 29-August 4 with seven days of professional development as well as social events. Michael and Dario walk us through some of the fun activities planned. Joining is easy and includes membership for the whole year, so it’s a great value. Learn more at NorthcoastYP.com.