W.I. Fire Department will have their Pancake Breakfast on July 4th at the Fire Station. Serving from 7 – 10:30 A.M.
The ever popular children's parade will begin at the Legion Hall downtown (gather about 8 P.M.) and they will leave at about 8:30 P.M. to the ballpark where they will line up. They will be on foot or on wheels decorated for the 4th This parade is sponsored by the American Legion Post #402. Following the parade, get ready for the fireworks display by the Washington Island Fire Department.
After enjoying the Lion's Club delicious fish boil lunch and dessert mid-day, join author, humorist, musician and radio host, Michael Perry, for a freewheeling evening of "behind the pages" stories drawn from the hilarious and heartfelt stories that fill his bestselling books and humor recordings. Perry has performed before at the TPAC and he fits all of the descriptions above. Be sure to see and hear him on July 16 from 7:30-9:30 P.M. at the TPAC.
The Colonial Re-enactors will be at the Farm Museum from June 29-July 5. No charge, free will donations accepted. Stop in and learn about life in the early days of our country.
** The Red Barn program begins with its annual potluck BIG picnic at the Red Barn at 6 P.M. on July 1st. After the potluck, entertainment will follow with Michael Ammons and the Water Street Hot Shots about 7:30 P.M.
*** The American Legion will have its annual fish boil at the Legion Hall "downtown" on July 2nd.
*** Krueger's Kap's Marina will again host a fireworks display to benefit the Washington Island Schools. If it rains July 2nd the event will be held July 3rd.
*** The Art and Craft Fair will be held at the TPAC on July 2nd from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M.
*** The W.I. Fire Department will have their Pancake Breakfast on July 4th at the Fire Station.
*** Children's parade before the fireworks, downtown to the ball park.
*** Fireworks display at the Island ballpark on July 4th.
*** The Farm Museum has announced its Pioneer Days for Wednesdays from 1 – 3 P.M. starting July 6th. These are great family fun days.
*** Art in the Park at the Art and Nature Center from 11 A.M. to 3 P.M.
Check the Bulletin Board at Mann's Store for other activities.
Washington Island Bird Fest was held June 3-5. After a day of bird sightings, Sandy Petersen, Biologist, presented a program in the evening. The next day groups went to Rock Island. Experienced leaders help with the spotting and identification of birds by sight and also by their songs and calls. Go to islandbirdfest.org for interesting information on birding.
The open house at the Art and Nature Center was very well attended. This event garners much community support and interest. It is great to view the variety of artistic expressions. Two of the new naturalists were introduced. Tom Pratt is also a naturalist. The exterior and interior were painted this spring giving the Center a fresh look. This is a unique place to visit with the whole family.
The play, "Dear Rhoda" was performed last weekend at the TPAC. It was based on letters Donna Russell found in an old trunk she had purchased at a rummage sale years ago. It was locked and when her husband, Larry, said it should go to the dump, Donna said, break it open then and let's see if there is something inside. What they found were clothes from the mid-1920s in Chicago and letters from a man to his beloved. The woman had been put in a sanatorium for treatment of consumption. Donna Russell and Dave Ranney worked together on the writing and production of the play based on the content of the letters. Music, dance, and politics of the times added dimension to the play. There was a full house both Friday and Saturday nights and many attended the Sunday afternoon presentation.
Graduation ceremony was held at the Trueblood Performing Arts Center (TPAC) June 10th. Teacher, Leila Nehlsen, welcomed those in attendance. Dr. Mati Palm-Leis, School Principal, gave opening remarks.
teacher, Marleen Johnson. She shared heartfelt memories of each graduate when she had them in her grades and as she watched them proceed through school to be seniors. The Junior Class served as ushers: Josh Ervin, Hailey Jorgenson, Chris Nelson, Kyra Lux, Alex Johnson, Brett Mohn, Elena Waldron. Pianist was Donna Briesemeister. Class colors were Royal Blue and White. Class Flower was the white gardenia. Class motto: "We cannot discover new oceans unless we have the courage to lose sight of the shore." The graduates wore royal blue robes and caps. Parents, grandparents, other family members, neighbors and friends were in attendance to support the graduates. Following the graduation, there was a reception and dance at the Community Center that was sponsored by the Senior Class, their parents and the Washington Island Student Council. The gym was beautifully decorated in the class colors for the occasion.
mountains of their lives. "You are unique." You are encouraged to be "you". "You are noticed," adding that they each have a home here. He noted that we, as a community, love them and will continue to pray for them. The seniors were encouraged by the closing hymn, "Go Make a Difference in the World". Graduates are Christopher Cornell, Lydia Schultz, Autumn Dompke, Micala Ervin, Matti Glines, Exchange Student - Daniel Moron.
The Art and Nature Center opens June 13th with an opening reception on June 17th. The opening exhibit will include artwork from four generations: the late Clifford Young, Lorel Gordon, Jason Gordon, and Lauren Gordon. Be sure to visit the ANC and view the variety of artistic mediums, plus the nature room has plans to expand the experience of visitors. The building originally housed the Island high school. Last year was the 50th year of the Center.
The Washington Island Post Office collected 490 pounds of food for the Island Food Pantry during the United States Post Office food drive. According to the Peninsula Pulse, the county total was 25,700 pounds, up 1,500 pounds from last year.
Everyone is invited to our End of Year School Picnic on Friday, June 10th, 12:00-2:00 PM at Red Barn Park. Sponsored by Washington Island Community Health Program! Sloppy joes, hot dogs, lemonade and plates and silverware provided. Please bring a dish to pass. The Ferry Line has again graciously donated the Packer Train to take students to Red Barn Park but parents please join your children at Red Barn and pick up is at 2 PM.
noted on a video on facebook that Iowa has more quilt shops than any other state. On display are quilts from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. Congratulations!