Jody Victor : If you are looking for a 2-to 4-day or even a week trip somewhere close but still near water, try Sandusky, Ohio. With over three million visitors to the city of Sandusky each year, this historic downtown is a beautiful, charming, and enchanting place to visit.

Established in 1818, the central business district has one of the most beautiful collections of historic architecture in the medwest. Many buildings can be found on the National Register of Historic Places. You can stroll through this waterfront downtown, leisurely going in and out of the many antiques and collectible stores. Eat at a local restaurant. Shop at a unique gift store. Find almost any service you might need!

Downtown Sandusky is also well known for its beautiful parks. Sandusky is an Ohio "Tree City," and has won many competitions for its floral displays. There are many parks located downtown, both on the water and off Washington Street. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon or evening in one of the park picnic areas, or just take a break in one of the park gazebos. Historic Architecture and Downtown Parks Walking Tour brochures are available at venues throughout the Downtown area.

Downtown Sandusky also boasts several attractions and museums. The Maritime Museum, Merry-Go-Round Museum, Follett House Museum, Eleutheros Cooke House, and Sandusky Library are all well worth a visit.

Fish off the Jackson Street Pier and have lunch at beautiful Shoreline Park on the waterfront. Relax at Schade/Mylander Plaza, or visit the "Boy with the Boot" statue. Marvel at the working floral clock in Washington Park.

You can also enjoy all of the sites and attractions aboard the new Downtown Main Street Trolley. The Red Line Trolley does a continuous loop through the downtown area.

For a schedule of special events held in the downtown area go to www.ci.sandusky.oh.us and have some fun this summer.

Jody Victor

Jody Victor : If you will be celebrating this Memorial Day weekend on or around water, here are some general safety tips from the American Red Cross that should get you through without mishap.

* Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. Always swim with a buddy; never seim alone. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To enroll in a swim course, contact your local Red Cross chapter.

* Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.

* Read and obey all rules and posted signs.

* Children or inexperienced swimmers should take precautions, such as wearing a US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PVD) when around the water.

* Watch out for the dangerous "too's" - to tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, to much strenuous activity.

* Set water safety rules for the whole family based on swimming abilities (for example, inexperienced swimmers should stay in water less that chest deep).

* Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential hazards, such as deep and shallow areas, currents, depth charges, obstructions and where the entry and exit points are located. The more informed you are, the more aware you will be of hazards and safe practices.

* Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.

* Use a feet-first entry when entering the water.

* Enter headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.

* Do not mix alcohol with swimming, diving or boating. Alcohol impairs your judgement, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body's ability to stay warm.

* Know how to prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies.

Have a great Memorial Day!

Jody Victor

Jody Victor : This Saturday, May 17th is Armed Forces Day. Here's what it's all about. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department - the Department of Defense. The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by parades, open houses, receptions, and air shows. Here is what some former presidents and other individuals have said about our men and women in uniform over the years.

"Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America's defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, towards the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense."  Former Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson

"The heritage of freedom must be guarded as carefully in peace as it was in war. Faith, not suspicion, must be the key to our relationships. sacrifice, not selfishness, must be the eternal price of liberty. Vigilance, not appeasement, is the byword of living freedoms. Our Armed Forces in 1950 - protecting the peace, building for security with freedom - are "Teamed for Defense..."  General Omar N. Bradley - Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

"Armed Forces Day this year should serve to emphasize the practical application of unification in action, and to remind us of the continued need for unity in our Armed Forces and among all of our citizens in the interests of security and peace." Robert D. Lovett - Former Secretary of Defense

"...Word to the Nation: Guard zealously your right to serve in the Armed Forces, for without them, there will be no other rights to guard." President John F. Kennedy, 1962

"Armed Forces Day, above all, honors the dedicated individuals who wear the uniforms of their country. Each serviceman, wherever he may be, whatever his task, contributes directly and importantly to the defense of the nation. the task of each one is the task of all the Armed Forces: to protect the freedoms which underlie the greatness of America." General Earle G. Wheeler, 1967 - Former Chairman, Joint chiefs of Staff

Jody Victor

Jody Victor : Have you made plans for a vacation this year? How about a trip to the Carribbean right here in Ohio? With a tropical Caribbean theme, Cedar Point's Castaway Bay will make you feel like you just landed on an island paradise upon entering the lush indoor waterpark resort. The centerpiece of Castaway Bay is its elaborate enclosed waterpark with a five-story structure featuring a vaulted wood ceiling that covers a natural setting of plam trees, huts, inland lagoons and plenty of wet and wild water adventure.

The resort hotel features 237 hotel rooms and suites including family-oriented units, a 38,000-square-foot indoor waterpark loaded with water activities for all ages, a day spa, fitness center, 6,000-square-foot state-of-the-art arcade, a craft and child activity center, three restaurants, retail shops, adjacent marina and space for meetings, group events and birthday parties.

Highlights of the huge indoor waterpark include:

Cargo Crossing - Interactive play area in which you have to cross a pool of water using floating lily pads and a cargo net.

Castaway Bay Wave Pool - A 100,000-gallon wave pool that generates 3-foot-tall waves which you can body surf. A cascading waterfall serves as a scenic backdrop.

Creature Cove - Pool area offers basketball hoops and numerous flotation devices.

Lookout Lagoon Family Funhouse - A gigantic multi-story interactive play area with more than 100 different elements, including a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket that drenches you every two minutes with a downpour of water.

Mango Melee - One of four water slides located within the Lookout Lagoon Family Funhouse.

Toddlers' Tide Pool - A children's play pool with a tandem slide, water pipes, spraying gadgets and sea creature play structures designed especially for kids.

Tropical Twister - One of four water slides located within the Lookout Lagoon Family Funhouse.

Tropical Tube Slides - Three indoor/outdoor covered body slides.

For info on hotel reservations, day passes, and availability go to www.castawaybay.com. Have some fun this summer!

Jody Victor

Jody Victor : The North Coast of Ohio - of the US - is right in our backyard. The US Coast Guard patrols it and we vacation on it. Here are some highlights of two more counties for you to visit this summer along the shores of Lake Erie.

Lake County - The Lake County Getaway Renaissance offers $50 million in new/renovated hotels, B&B's and unique dining on the east side of Lake Erie. Renaissance Quail Hollow Resort is Ohio's newest premiere retreat. Unique, stylish, eclectic lakefront/riverfront and gourmet dining, European style tea rooms, Ohio's second largest winery, and a microbrewery restaurant, are coastal samples of a delightful, fresh, relaxing getaway. USA's largest arboretum, Holden at 3400 acres, is part of 15,000 acres. Nature preserves, beaches, sand dunes, bird watching, a high caliber park system, and two Ohio designated scenic rivers add credence to Lake County's claim as Lake Erie's last frontier. Lake County also features the Fairport Lighthouse & Marine Museum, a National Historic Site.

Ashtabula County - Nestled along 27 miles of Lake Erie shoreline, Ashtabula County, Ohio is a haven for travelers looking for affordable family vacation sites. Discover the harbor district of Ashtabula with quaint shops, Maritime and Underground Railroad Museums and views of the Ashtabula Harbor Light. Conneaut offers exceptional wildlife viewing along the shoreline and the Conneaut Lighthouse. Geneva-on-the-Lake features summertime fun at this historic resort district, featuring amusement park rides, miniature golf, go-karts, waterslides, nostalgic dinners and more. Inland discover the 16 covered bridges, both historic and new, AC&J train ride and other historic buildings synonymous with the Western Reserve architectural style. Ashtabula County also produces over 65 percent of Ohio's grapes and has developed a hard-earned reputation for developing some outstanding domestic wines; sample them at 17 wineries. When visiting stay at one of many bed & breakfasts, motels, hotels, a lakeshore cottage or one of 18 campgrounds.

Jody Victor