Grant purchases recycled furniture

PORT CLINTON — The Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council recently received two local grants: Grant No. 1 • The Ottawa Sandusky Seneca Solid Waste District awarded the council with a $7,500 grant. "With a match of $2,500, primarily donated by The Gristmill, new recycled furniture in glorious artful colors adorns the east side of The Arts Garage, 317 W. Perry St., in Port Clinton," according to a council statement. Jack's Amish Country Connection in Marblehead provided the actual furniture. Gary Baty, the solid waste district's executive director, noted how, "The furniture is beautiful." "It will certainly stand the test of time," Baty said. "We are super happy to help." The grant requires purchased items to be 25% recycled materials. The furniture purchased by the council contains 90% recycled materials. The solid waste district has numerous programs to help the community recycle and learn about the importance of recycling. Grant No. 2 The council also received a grant of $1,500 from the Harry Stenson Memorial Trust Fund for children's art class programs. Key Bank manages the fund, and branch manager Michael Milefchik said, "It feels good to be part of a system that gives back to the community." The council offers free classes to children in Ottawa County, and this grant — along with a grant from the Port Clinton Rotary Foundation — will help defray the cost of instructor fees and class materials. Sign up is online, at gpcaac.org, where website visitors can see all classes for adults and children, events, history and additional information.