The Signs on Main Road

It may be that traffic has lessened or school has started and there is less bustle about but there are times when all one has to do to see what is happening or what is coming up on the Island is take a drive down Main Road.

 Harvest Weekend Doings -

There may be more movies coming this Fall...Sievers Gathering will present the musical stylings of Cindra Hokkanen and Dan Hansen @ the TPAC on Saturday, September 22.

Signs of the times - Scholastic Book Fair - time to think Christmas Shopping.

and

a second look shows another Season is upon us:

 Hunting Season (Saturday was the opening day of Bow Hunting Season.) .... Look closely at the yellow sign...no hunting is allowed in the areas of the Clinic and the School. It may have always been there but I hadn't noticed it before.

Death's Door Pig Roast - September 22 @ KK Fiske...

...but then again, to me the hands down best place to check out signs may be where my ride ended:
the Bulletin Board @ Mann's Grocery Store!

Do note that I followed the road this time so events are spanning 2 weeks and not necessarily in chronological order.... Oh! and don't forget the Gathering Activities sponsored by Sievers coming Saturday, September 22 and Sunday September 23. There is a poster on that on the Board @ Mann's to check - just look up in the upper right corner.

So get out your calendars and make a few notes!


Almost forgot - Capital Brewery sponsored Harvest Fest '12 over this past weekend and introduced at that time a new label for its brew Island Wheat - the labels are still being "tweeked" according to company reps at the event. Here's what was displayed on Saturday afternoon.

 

Uniform six-pack holders, too. I guess the old ones will be collector items. I will miss them.

 

 

Have a great week!

Pumpkins, Plum, and Print

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This quote is so true . A few days ago one of our regular visitors wrote to ask about a rental possibility. That in itself is not unusual. The last sentence was what really made my day.

He wrote:

Also, thanks for the blog posts! They allow me to 
connect with the Island every week 
and help me find peace
every Monday.

Fanmail ... Wow!  That comment means this effort is working. Thanks!

 

Pumpkins, Produce & More

Doing errands last Friday, I came upon a great place .... in West Jacksonport.  I  like to take the back roads when my time is limited and that would be most days off Island. The clock is always ticking and the ferry schedule is always in the back of my mind. So it was that I was traveling South on CR A then West on CR V and I came up to CR T. I turned to look both ways and found just North of the intersection -of V & T was a great array of Pumpkins! Okay it was raining - steadily - but that didn't stop me. As I examined, cogitated, and compared, the owner came out with an umbrella! Then I really had fun! Red/orange - as if the pumpkin was blushing, white, blue/gray, "Knuckleheads", "Goosebumps" and many others - lots of fresh produce, too. Now I hasten to say there are wonderful sources of produce on the Island, but, it's always fun to stumble upon a place when one's mind is totally on other things. What a treat!


Plum Island Updates
           


Don't forget ...

The Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Land Protection Plan has been released and an Open House w/ US Fish and Wildlife Staff is set for today, Monday, September 10 from 5 to 8 pm at the Rutledge Room of the Community Center. Further info and a link to the plan(s) can be found in last week's entry.

 

 

 

 

Work on the porch at the old Life-Saving Station continues. I remember a story a "Coastie" told me during their reunion this July at the Volunteer Picnic. Lots of time was spent on that porch at the end of the day. One door led into the office/radio area (my terms-not his). That door was left open so the person on duty could still be a part of the group. Nice to see the progress.

 

 

 

Print*

 

The headline in the August 23rd issue of the Washington Island Observer read:

"At the Observer - Summer is over and fall is on the way"

What this means is with Labor Day past us, the next issue arrived in homes on September 6th. The Observer is now on their every two weeks printing schedule. The Observer asks that those subscribers who plan to leave for other places please call, stop in, or email <office@washingtonislandobserver> to change mailing addresses asap.  With the changeover at the beginning of the year, the paper seems to rising to the challenges of all aspects of news collection and production. The WI Observer is to be honored for their hard work this summer.

I am also reminded of a theme the previous publisher would champion -

 

As the road takes you through your weekly errands, here's hoping a nifty spot appears that you can explore. 

 

 

 

My hope is to help all who stop by here keep up with tidbits on Island happenings. Not sure where this will go but I am finding the journey interesting.

 

 

Have a good week!

 

 

 

 

 

* "Bathing Beauties at Spring Beach Hotel"

8/23/12 WI Observer from the WI Archives

Labor Day 2012

 

I saw this quote as I opened my email on Friday, August 31st and I liked the sentiment ... pacing myself, balancing Life has never been easy for me but then, maybe I am not alone with this battle.... time has flown, the weekend is over, and my post continues to be on my mind but not on "paper".

 

 

It was a great weekend starting with a "blue moon" on Friday night. 

 

 

The photo above by Jenny Hulsey (her Grandfather's boat moored in West Harbor) was posted by the Washington Island Ferry Line as the Fan Photo for this week. We still have some water, in fact, it went up a bit Monday. The concern I see, in my years  around the water, is that levels tend to go down from now through the Autumn months into the Winter season. This thought was validated as I read Dick Purinton's post on his blog - Ferry Cabin News. To see how the water levels could effect ferry operation, follow this link.

Water, Water...

Alas, the water levels  continue to decrease making it difficult for our Cottage guests to get the canoe out for a spin on Figenschau Bay. After a portage down the beach off our fire pit, the boys were able to launch. Subsequently, on Sunday, a bass was caught by a very pleased young man. 

Good Job!

 

 

 

Planning Ahead .....

 

The Beacon arrived in our mailbox over the weekend. I want to hold these warm days now September a little longer in my grasp. However, an announcement in Trinity Lutheran Church's monthly newsletter brought me up short and forced me to take action - Harvest Dinner is coming and Marilyn Pinzur has started to take reservations! For those thinking of coming to the Island over Columbus Weekend, Harvest Dinner is an annual event - held on Saturday of that weekend - much like a Thanksgiving Feast. It is a time for folks to come together one more time to before taking off for their winter addresses. People come to close their Island homes that weekend or just to enjoy the Fall Colors. Reservations for the various sittings will be snapped up quickly!

 

An Unabashed Plug.....

                                        

   
      Art and Nature Center Photo                          Luna Moth Caterpillar  

 

All Summer long I have so enjoyed the Nature photographs posted by the Washington Island Art and Nature Center on their Facebook Page. My thanks to Steve Waldron, ANC Naturalist, for taking the time to capture such wonderful images and posting them for our delight! Go to the Art and Nature Center Facebook Page to see more.

 

Take A Breath ...

Now that this update has taken shape, I can continue with the week.  Time thinking about the post and letting it take shape is fun. Producing it is a challenge. 

 

Have a great week!

Three Things

An update, an announcement, and a great Labor Day tradition!

 

BBQ - A Great Event!
The First Annual Death's Door BBQ was great ... the people were wonderful (25 teams!), the weather cooperated and the food I sampled - brisket and pork - delicious! Lots of activity here on the Island at a time that is often a very quiet weekend. Amazing to watch the empty space around the Airport mushroom into a little community in just a few hours. Congratulations and a Big Thanks go to the BBQ Committee and the Washington Island Chamber of Commerce for all their hard work!!! Let's hope the results will allow a Second Annual BBQ. (It doesn't have to be an annual event but it sure would be nice to see the Island host another event like this in the future.)



In other news,

               Friday August 24th:  Draft Compehensive Conservation Plan Released 

 

                                  Photo by Ginni Glass

The photo above is of the former Life Saving/Coast Guard Station on Plum Island and that Island (as well as Pilot Island) is included in the draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan. While I am still scrambling with the tech side of this blog, I believe this Link to Plan will get interested persons to the CCP itself.

From the News Release - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released for public review and comment a draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for islands in the Great Lakes that are managed as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. This announcement covers two island refuges in Lake Michigan that are managed by the staff at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). The island refuges are Gravel Island and Green Bay NWRs. The Refuges consist of 5 islands in Lake Michigan off the tip of the Door County Peninsula (Gravel, Hog, Pilot, Plum and Spider Islands).

 

The draft CCP sets wildlife, habitat, and public use priorities and guides management decisions on these Refuges for the next 15 years. All aspects of the island Refuges are addressed by the CCP, including important fish and wildlife habitats, public use, and current management activities.

 

An open house event will be held on Monday, September 10, 2012 from 5-8 p.m at the Washington Island Community Center Rutledge Room, 910 Main Road. Washington Island, WI. Interested citizens may stop by any time during the open house, and stay as long as they wish, to speak with refuge staff or submit comments. Comment forms will be made available so that written comments can be submitted in person or mailed in later.

Comments are due by September 23, 2012 and can be mailed to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Conservation Planning, 5600 American Blvd. West, Suite 990, Bloomington, MN 55437-1458; or e-mailed to: r3planning@fws.gov (please put Great Lakes Islands CCP Comment in the subject line). Paper copies and/or compact disks are available in limited supply by making a request through the website or calling (612) 713-5477.

For more information on the Midwest Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service visit http://midwest.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfwmidwest 

 

Labor Day Weekend is Fast Approaching ...

That means: Friday, August 31st - Eric Lewis & Friends  -  Return to the Red Barn - 

 

Show starts at 7:30 pm!


 .............................................................

It's hard to see Labor Day come and yet in some ways, it's a good thing too. I do look forward to the cooler, crisp times of Autumn. Weather continues to be warm here and there are still flowers in bloom - just different ones!

Have a good week!


Movies...Meat...& More!

 

                                                              Photo - Heather Goodwin

Off Island...

People ask all sorts of questions when they visit.  One topic: How often does one leave the Island? When was the last time "off the Island"? There are people who consider it a badge of honor as to how long they have been here.... Husband Lew would fall into that category. I tend to venture off on a fairly regular basis.  There are a few things that are a challenge to find here. New movies can fall into that category.  The other day, while off for a couple of days, I enjoyed a recently released film and considered it quite a treat. We do have Internet, satelite, and Netflix so viewing movies is possible...the Door County Interlibrary Loan is pretty great too. This Spring, Trueblood Performing Arts Center started to show films. It's a nice addition to happenings here.... The next one is Hunger Games on Saturday, September 2. Okay, so it is PG-13. I suggest Googling the book/movie to make an informed decision. Thanks to the TPAC for adding Movies to their performance schedule!

Death's Door Barbeque is Here! - Friday/Saturday August 24/25

The first official Death’s Door Bar-B-Q - at the Washington Island Airport - a KCBS-Sanctioned Competition.

Registered Competitors arrive and start cooking Friday, August 24th. Death’s Door Bar-B-Q opens to the public on Saturday, August 25th from 10am – 7:30pm with free admission, arts & crafts, kids’ activities, live music, food vendors, and of course – BBQ - Chicken, Pork, Pork Ribs, and Beef Brisket - as sold by competitors.  The finale of the the Death’s Door BBQ contest -  a performance by the Fatum Brothers Jazz Orchestra at the Trueblood Performing Arts Center, Saturday, August 25, at 5:30 p.m.

At The Red Barn...

Best of Summer Jams: Banjo Dan & Friends - Friday - August 24 - 7:00pm

Coming to the Island...

Eli Mattson - Sunday - August 26 - in Concert - 7:30 pm - Yes, this event is also at the TPAC! Looking forward to this!

Reading over this post, it seems the TPAC is the place to be this week - well almost! It is true the Trueblood Performing Arts Center is back in action and that is nice to see .... I do enjoy a trip Off Island once in a while ... I think in some ways, I think it allows me to appreciate the Island even more. Enjoy your week!

 

Live,

travel,

adventure,

bless,

and don't be sorry.

-----Jack Kerouac

Respect the Weather gods ....

The days have been busy but the Weather (with a capital "W") has helped us pause these past few days.

A great place to see the action continues to be Schoolhouse Beach. This is a happening place on the beach side throughout the summer. It is a place to meet, to chat, to cool off. However, there are times when the water side becomes the main event.  

On Friday, the wind switched and came from the North. While that meant the weather cooled off, it also meant waves started to build ... and continued to build. The ferries had rock 'n roll rides... so Schoolhouse was a great place to see the waves at their best... luckily Jamie Small's family had just returned for the weekend. What a great opportunity for his children to take in the action of Mother Nature! (Jackson Harbor had some interesting happenings, too. That story  can be found on Cottage on the Bay's Facebook page.)

Yet the Weather can change and Schoolhouse can be a great place to check out the stars as the Art and Nature Center noted in their post Saturday of Jim Rose's beautiful photo captured earlier. It reminds me that the Perseid meteor shower is happening and should not be missed. Venus is also amazing to see - that bright orb on the horizon, anytime starting after 2 AM.

 We are so lucky to be able to inhabit a place where we are able to observe and respect these changes in Nature!

Upcoming Events:

•The return of JT and the Clouds with Birds of Chicago ... Friday,  August 17 begins @10 pm  Nelsen's Hall!  Peninsula Pulse  Article Here

•Island Fair Saturday, August 18 

•Under the Big Top Flea Market following the Fair - Sunday August 19! Be there ... a bargain is waiting!

 Planning ahead?

WI Archives sponsors a great talk on the infamous Great Lakes Pirate, Dan Seavey, on August 23 as well as Death's Door Barbeque August 24 & 25 ... I can taste the brisket now.

Remember to respect Mother Nature ... wherever you are! Have a great week! DWC

PS Many thanks to James Small and Jim Rose for the use of their photos in today's post! 


Good Times!

Yes, it is August ... and on the Island it means several things. Activity level has exploded - well, Island Style that is - for what I see as the last real burst of Summer fun up here. I hasten to add great things are coming; there is just a different seasonal "tinge".

 

• Gibson Family Celebration!
Significant Island events are often communicated by Boxholders - a full or half page announcement often produced by the Observer Newspaper staff and distributed by mail to every "mailbox" on the Island. We received one Saturday which was just so neat. As is widely known, an early morning fire last November 4th significantly damaged West Harbor Resort. Since then the Gibson Family - as well as the Island community - has rallied  in their own spirited way. To celebrate the restoration, the family will host an open house at the Resort from 5 - 8 pm on August 12th.  Needless to say, Boxholders can bring mighty good news.  
For an article on the fire go to http://washingtonisland-wi.com/fire-at-gibson’s-west-harbor-resort
(Many thanks to the WI Observer for the use of this photo.)
 The Music Fest has arrived!
• The range of music runs from things classical to an evening of lively Under the Big Top funkiness, with a dose of kids camp for good measure.
•Opening Concert @ the TPAC Monday, August 6 7:30pm 
• Red Barn Talks - 10:00 am Wednesday, August 8 &  2 pm Friday, August 10  Festival violinist and educator Samantha George will again offer her keen insight, wit, knowledge and enthusiasm as she discusses, demonstrates and invites your comments on composers and their works to be performed at the Music Festival. Refreshments will be available. Admission is free.
•  The Music Fest runs from today thru the 17th .... Take a look!

 There is more to share, more to see .... have to run ... so check the helpful links posted under "Information"!

Oh dear ...

 

Oh dear, it just happened...

I saw my first "Back to School" commercial this morning. Granted, I retired from a teaching career several years ago, that little tv moment still sent an involuntary jolt/shudder through me. We are most fortunate to have many summer visitors who have a connection to education. It may be the contemplative aura of the Island and consequently, the Cottage. Never thought our place would draw such a consistent stream of people from a similar background.   I have been so happy to provide folks (with such challenging careers) this enriching, relaxing spot.

However, the calendar continues to read "July" and therefore I prefer to look into the coming week(s) and take note of some interesting happenings. We are so fortunate to have such talented people on the Island. 

Friday, August 3 - Bob Wang, folksinger & guitarist, returns to the Red Barn for his 3rd performance - 7:30 pm.

 

Saturday, August 4 - Scandinavian Dance Fest - The hard work of weeks of practice will be showcased on the outdoor stage at the Community Center. Bring a chair, a blanket or both at 7:30 pm!

 Monday, August 6 - The Washington Island Music Fest begins its 21st season with an opening concert and reception - 7:30 pm w/ a preconcert talk @ 7:00 pm.  (Okay, I know this "illustration" might be a bit much but, when I saw Fest Manager Joanne Jack's post yesterday, I couldn't resist sharing it! It is her homage to the Fest Chorus. More on their concert in a future post.)   washingtonislandmusicfestival.com

My highest regards to you  educators out there. I do ask/suggest that you take a breath and continue to enjoy these glorious Summer days. May they give you the necessary fuel to forge ahead in your endeavors.

Busy Times

It happens every year. We wait and wait....through the Winter, then Spring, and now we are in the thick of it...the Summer. So many activities....so little time. It is so busy this weekend, things are starting on Friday with the Farm Museum House Tour.  Don't forget the International Food Fest at the Community Center! On Saturday, Friends of Plum and Pilot Island will meet for their annual picnic out on Plum. New members are welcome. The Rec Center will again sponsor the Rec Run. However, a bit of ease is not a bad thing....there's the beach and of course, a sunset. The weekend awaits. Have fun!