Arsenic and Old Lace: A Comedy About Murder
Jan. 19, 2012 – Arsenic and Old Lace, a black comedy first produced on Broadway in 1941, will be the next production of Island Players. It will be performed at the TPAC on Friday, February 17, and Saturday, February 18, at 7:00 p.m. on both evenings.
What is a black comedy? A black comedy “makes light of serious and often taboo subject matter,” says one encyclopedia. And in this play that serious but funny subject just happens to be – Murder!
Fish Derby 2012 : With or Without Snow & Ice!
Jan. 19, 2012 – The Lions Club will be holding its 35th annual Fish Derby February 11th through February 19th. As of this printing of the Observer, the Island’s spring-like weather has broken and colder temps have finally brought some snow. Maybe there will be ice on the lake after all by February. But if not, the Fish Derby will still be held…
Island Christmas Bird Count December 17, 2011
Dec. 1, 2011 – Another Island Christmas Bird Count is upon us and we can use the help of all who are interested in birds. You are invited to participate either in the field or by tracking what is coming to your feeder on Saturday Dec 17 and during the count week. Details follow.
Field Count (out in the cold) Saturday Dec 17:
We will meet at 8:30am at KK Fiske to have something hot to drink and get our count materials…
The Dance of the Northern Lights
On a cool autumn night when you’re out with the dog, or maybe just on a walk to take in the crisp air, and you chance to look up and find the sky streaked with bright color, count yourself lucky. Catching the Northern Lights can be a spiritual experience, especially when you least expect it. When they make an appearance in Door County, the Northern Lights, or Aurora borealis, shine brightly; especially in the northern Door and on Washington Island…
Fall Fun Fest and Cider Pressing Party
WASHINGTON ISLAND, (Sept. 18, 2011) – Good old-fashioned family fun awaits you at the annual Fall Fun Fest & Cider Pressing Party at the Washington Island Farm Museum, 10am – 4pm, Saturday and Sunday, October 8th and 9th.
The Washington Island Cider Pressing Party has been held at the Farm Museum since 1987. Join in the fun by pressing your own cider on the Farm Museum’s antique press (always on display). Only $4 per bucket of apples, or bring your own apples.
Island Players Present: The Dining Room on Labor Day Weekend
The Island Players present: The Dining Room, by the American playwright A.P. Gurney, at The Trueblood Performing Arts Center (TPAC), on Washington Island, September 3rd and 4th, 2011.
The Dining Room, a comedy, takes place in a single dining room, around a single dining table, over several generations…
58th Lions Club Fly-In Whitefish Boil
Saturday, July 16th, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. — Washington Island’s Lions Club knows how to throw a party! The annual Fly-In Whitefish Boil is not only a great time, it’s also the Island Lions Club’s biggest annual fundraiser. In previous years the hard earned, or rather, hard-boiled funds have been used to create scholarships for local students, install a new bathroom, running water, and showers at Schoolhouse Beach, and to upgrade the Island dentist’s clinic, a ticket of $30,000 in itself. (Photo courtesy of Ron Overdahl, ©2010)
ANC Exhibit: The Beauty and Spirit of Washington Island
“The Beauty and Spirit of Washington Island,” the opening show at the Art and Nature Center, features the oil paintings of artist Sonja Noonan. Through this show, Sonja leads one on a journey through various idyllic landscapes of the Island. She wonderfully captures the hushed silence of a walk through Coffee Swamp woods as experienced during several seasons.
Washington Island Canoe & Kayak Event
This year’s (third annual) event offers activities filled with excitement, challenge and education. New and expert paddlers are welcome.
Island Fair Coming Late August!
Like most events on the Island, this one is devoid of flash, but with a sense of low-key fun and the spirit of a time gone by. Imagine a county fair from decades ago — with its food stands, exhibits, a parade, games, bingo — and you’ll be pretty close to the reality.
Washington Island Music Festival: August 1-12, 2011
For many musicians summer means that the intense activity of the symphony orchestra season is over until September. But what I love most about summer is that it means Washington Island Music Festival will once more be the focus of our musical activity for two very busy and exciting weeks.
In Memoriam: Arni Richter
The ARNI J. RICHTER became the ferry line’s hard-working winter ferry, as well as a productive and popular summer ferry. Its name honors the man most responsible both for building earlier ferries and for management of the company that provided the overall ferry service itself – Arni J. Richter (1911 – 2009).
Stavkirke
Washington Island harbors a real, almost hidden historical treasure: the Stavkirke (Church of Staves) based on drawings of one built in Borgund, Norway in 1150 AD. Be it history, old world beauty, spirit, there is something about this structure so compelling “You just have to see it.” A ‘prayer path’ leads you through the woods.
School House Beach
What’s so attractive about a stony beach? Well, like everything else about the Island, the place seems so natural, so unassuming, just lying in wait for the sojourner who happens to come upon the grand sweep of this quiet cove by bike, on foot, by car. Historically, Washington Harbor, by name. The site of the first log school house on the Island (1850). Deep, clear, blue waters that have sheltered many a ship and small vessel in storms.
The Journey Over
There and back again: Norbert Blei describes the inexorable pull of the ferry journey to and from Washington Island.
Requiem for an Island Poet: William H. Olson
Norbert Blei’s moving tribute to Washington Island resident William (Bill) Olson, the Island bard, who recently passed away.
Driving the Island
“You can drive into some scenes around here and the center of the Island which hold you fast…make you pull to the side of the road, get out, take a look around—and thank the Great Spirit you don’t know where you are at the moment. And you don’t care. You’re on an island. And you really like it this way.”
In 50 Years, Not Much Has Changed
Norbert Blei explores memories of his first visit to Washington Island, in 1956.
