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School News: By Mr. Scott Mangas, Supt.
The semester came to a close on January 16th, marking the halfway point of the 2025–2026 school year. As we move into the second half of the year, it is a good time to reflect not only on academics and activities, but also on the values that make Put-in-Bay School and our island community so special.
We will be celebrating our senior athletes at the February 7th home basketball game. Seniors Lukas Kostura and Cody Kowalski have both dedicated four years to the Put-in-Bay basketball program. Their commitment, leadership and sportsmanship represent the best of what it means to be a Panther. We invite the community to come out, cheer them on, and support our Put-in-Bay Panthers as they continue their season.
I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible Put-in-Bay Panther moms—DD Duggan, Suzanne Kostura and Susan Cooks. When the Bowling Green Christian basketball team and coaches found themselves unexpectedly stranded on South Bass Island due to canceled flights on January 10th, these ladies stepped up without hesitation. They provided meals, drinks and a warm place to land, making sure our guests felt cared for and welcomed. Acts like this remind us that on this island, we don’t just look out for our own—we look out for everyone.
This moment is a perfect example of what makes living and learning on South Bass Island so unique. Here, neighbors help neighbors. Families support families. Our school is not just a building where learning happens; it is a reflection of a community that values kindness, responsibility and compassion. Students witness these actions firsthand, and those experiences become powerful life lessons—sometimes more meaningful than anything found in a textbook.
It truly takes an entire island to make our school great. Thank you to our families, staff, volunteers and community members who continue to support our students in ways both big and small. Your involvement, your kindness and your belief in one another are what make Put-in-Bay School—South Bass and Middle Bass Islands—such a special place to learn, grow and call home.
Senior Center News: By Chris Joyce
I hope everyone had a wonderful start to the New Year. January was a quiet month here at the Senior Center. Many are enjoying warmer climates this time of the year. We did have a fun “Soup & Show” evening and a small “Senior Social” at Topsy’s.
We have a couple of special events planned for February. On Feb. 10th we’ll have another Soup & Show evening, and on Tuesday, Feb. 24th, we’ll be enjoying our winter monthly Senior Social at Topsy Turvey’s!
Check out the calendars posted at the Senior Center, Post Office, Hardware Store and the Twp. Office, for our activities in February! Our calendar remains full of regularly scheduled activities which include Strength Training, Coffee Socials, Yoga, Mah Jongg, Bridge and our Senior Lunches. Any last-minute additional events or changes to scheduled events will be posted at the Post Office. The Put-in-Bay Senior Center loves to see new faces attending our activities, and we welcome you to stop by and join in the fun anytime!
Our Senior Lunches continue every Monday at Topsy’s at noon. Please make your reservation by 12pm on the prior Friday by signing up at the Senior Center or calling the center at (419) 285-5501. Thank-You to all the staff at Topsy’s for keeping the senior lunches running smoothly!
The wonderful people at the EMS continue to take Blood Pressures every Monday at 10 a.m.Tthis is a great free service they provide, so come in and get yours checked. The “60+ Clinic” is scheduled for Tuesday Feb. 17th. This free health clinic is put on by the Ottawa County Health Dept. for those 60 and older. If you’d like to take advantage of this wonderful program, please call 419-734-6800 to make your appointment.
As we enter the heart of the winter season, many here on the island are keeping their fingers crossed that Mother Nature continues to cooperate so they can enjoy ice fishing and other fun winter sports! Keeping active is vital for both our mental and physical health. If we’re moving and it doesn’t matter how fast or hard … whether doing housework or ice fishing … just keep it up and you’ll begin to enjoy all the wonderful health benefits that come with being active!! Wishing all a safe winter … Please remember to be extra careful when you venture outside; the ice and ground are harder than they look when your feet slip out from underneath you!
Library News : What's Happening At Your Local Library?
We know the island has some talented, crafty people. Would you like to share your hobby or a craft you think others would like to make? We need some fun, fresh ideas for the coming months. If you do not want to instruct the event, let us know and we may be able to do it for you. All reasonable ideas accepted. Call us today with your idea!
We are still looking for a paid clerk to work at the library. Approximately 15 hours per week. Sick and vacation days plus paid federal holidays. Application can be found at www.idarupp.org under “Careers.”
You may be seeing some new faces in the library in the next few weeks. Some of the OWLS have volunteered to come in to assist us in our daily tasks. We’ll keep you posted!
Tue., Feb. 10th – 3:30 p.m.: Bingo for Books! – Bingo for Books is back! Let’s play a little bingo to win some books. We will do regular bingo games and a coverall. Participants need to be able to read numbers from 1 to 75 and have knowledge of the bingo card set-up. Intended for children over the age of 6. No registration required.
Wed., Feb. 11th – 11 a.m.: Wood Valentines Coasters – Looking for an easy craft project for Valentine’s Day? We have wood slices that can be made into cute coasters for a friend or even to decorate your home. If you have a photo of your friend or a special Valentine picture that is 3”x3” or less, feel free to bring it along to create a personalized coaster. If not, we’ll have everything you need. Space is limited to 10, registration is required. Registration opened on January 28. Register at idarupp.org or by calling the library.
Thu., Feb. 12th – 5 p.m.: Movie Night “Charlotte’s Web” – February’s selection is “Charlotte’s Web”, based on the heartwarming story by E.B. White. It’s about the friendship between a young girl, a pig, a rat and, of course, Charlotte the spider. You’ll love these characters! Rated G. 96 minutes. Popcorn and beverage will be served.
Mon., Feb. 16th – All three branches of the Ida Rupp Library will be CLOSED for President’s Day
Tue., Feb. 17th – 3:30 p.m.: Make Your Own Paper Airplanes – Join us and fold your own paper airplane. We have preprinted designs you can fold to create a flyable airplane.
Wed., Feb. 18th – 5 p.m.: Words & Wine Book Club – Join us at the Duff Homestead and share a book you have read while enjoying a beverage of your own choosing. Even if you haven’t had time to read, you are welcome to join us to hear what others are suggesting. We can’t wait to hear what you have been reading! New adult members are always welcome.
If you are doing a “staycation” this winter, do not forget we have a great DVD collection. Not a movie person? We also have audiobooks, both books on CD and playaways, available to take out. Just want to read? Try a magazine or book! We have an outstanding selection of newer books. We hope you will visit us soon! PS We also enjoy people just stopping in to relax in our quiet sitting area.
The previous piece is published in this month’s Put-in-Bay Gazette. The Gazette has been producing incredible independent Put-in-Bay island news for over 40 years. If you have any interest at all in what is happening on South Bass Island, we urge you strongly to subscribe to the Put-in-Bay Gazette. One-year online subscriptions are only $15, and print subscriptions are available as well. To subscribe please click here.
