Posted: 11/26/2016
The Bethel Builders Cookie Walk will be December 11th starting at 2 P.M. Cake and coffee will be available and tables are set up for those who would like to sit and visit with Christmas music playing and a fire in the fireplace. Take the time to relax in the flurry of Christmas preparations!
Posted: 11/26/2016
The Black Friday Sale at the Rec Center offered many choices for shoppers! There was also lunch available. Local artists and craftspeople sell their wares and give the Rec Center 10% of their profits. There was jewelry, baby items, knitted things, Alpaca socks, framed pictures, T-shirts, delicate wood Christmas tree ornaments, honey and other natural products, to name a few.
Posted: 11/26/2016
Coming up soon, on December 4th, is the Holiday Show at the TPAC called "A Country Christmas". Organizers include Julian Hagen and Donna Russell and Island Players. There will be skits, dancing, and songs. Island students are involved and other musically talented adults.The fun starts at 6 P.M. There is no admission charge but you are encouraged to give a free will donation. To benefit the school, pies will be for sale in the lobby.
Posted: 11/26/2016
The Rec Center Season of Lights tree lighting ceremony will be held on December 12 at 6 P.M. There are forms available at the Rec and a copy of the form in the Island Observer newspaper, or send to the Rec and note the Message or Greeting you would like, the name and address to send the acknowledgement to, and name and address of who it is from. The minimum payment per name is $5.00. Washington Island Rec Center, PO Box 68, Wash.Isl., WI 54246
Posted: 11/17/2016
Work on the Plum Island pier and breakwall will allow easier access for the planned increase of visitors to Plum Island in 2017. Go to the web site for pictures and more information. plumandpilot.org
Posted: 11/17/2016
Black Friday Art and Craft Sale
will be held at the Rec Center on November 25th from 10-3
in the Mosling Room.
Take advantage of the opportunity to “buy local”
and treat yourself or someone else.
Posted: 11/11/2016
Some of the school children singing at the Veteran's Day Program.
Below: Allen Thiele and Bob Andersen, two of the four presenters. Not shown, Jim Andersen and Chuck Grandy.
Kayla Fons sang a solo part in a song.
Adults: Left is Commander Bill Nauta who led the program, Michelle Jordan, representing the Washington Island School, and Pastor Schaffmeyer.
Posted: 11/11/2016
Generations Gather to Remember
How appropriate that Veteran’s Day would follow so soon after a rather divisive election. It was a reminder and an affirmation that we are united as Americans in honoring those who fought and died for the freedoms we have today, including the right to disagree.
Commander Bill Nauta gave the welcome and he noted it was the 50th anniversary of the Viet Nam War. Also that there are 18.8 million veterans currently in the United States and that over half of that number are over 65. Thanks were given to Dick Purinton and Steve Reiss (Archivist) for researching the four Island Veteran profiles.
Preschool through senior high school students participated in the annual program. They led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance and enthusiastically sang patriotic songs. This year they sang, “We The People”, and “She’s More Than Just Another Flag”. Ryan Jorgenson sang a touching tribute in honor of his grandfather, Lonnie Jorgenson. All present joined together to sing “America, the Beautiful”, and “Battle Hymn of the Republic”.
The first Island Veteran Profile was presented by Chuck Grandy about World War I veteran Charles Gislason. Many remember the Gislason Store in Detroit Harbor that was run by Charles and his brother. Charles joined the U.S. Army. He fought overseas and died on October 6, 1918, just a few weeks before the Armistice was signed to end World War I. The Island American Legion Post honored him by adding his name to their title.
Bob Andersen read the profile of Ludlow Richter who was the only fatality from the Island killed in World War II. Ludlow joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and one of his positions was a C47 transport pilot. He died in the fall of 1945 in an airplane crash. His name was subsequently added to the Island American Legion Post, joining Gislason.
Gene Gislason served in World War II in the U.S. Coast Guard. His profile was given by Allen Thiele. Gene was posted at numerous places around the world that included Normandy in June 1944. When asked how he was able to handle all the wounded at Normandy, he simply stated that “We are the Coast Guard.” Gene did not die in combat but he continued his exemplary service throughout his life and was buried in the Arlington National Cemetery.
Jim Andersen presented Rick Perez’s profile. Rick joined the Marine Corps in 1967. He was assigned to Viet Nam and died in a mortar attack shortly before he was to be discharged home in 1969. His was the only fatality of the Viet Nam War.
The Assembly sang “Let There Be Peace on Earth”. All veteran’s present were asked to stand and recite their pledge to service. The Color Guard retreated just outside the south door of the TPAC and gave the rifle salute. Taps were played and the service adjourned.
The American Legion Gislason-Richter Post #402 presented the Veteran’s Day program on November 11th at the TPAC. Pastor Alan Schaffmeyer gave the Invocation. Donna Briesemeister directed the children singing and was pianist. The Moment of Silence was held at 11 A.M. while all stood and faced East.
Posted: 11/2/2016
Black Friday Art and Craft Sale will be held at the Rec Center on November 25th from 10-3 in the Mosling Room. Buy something special for yourself or get your Christmas shopping done. Great variety of items. If you would like to reserve a table to sell your items, contact Katy McGrane at the Rec Center.
Posted: 11/2/2016
In spite of brisk days and wind, bass fishermen have been seen heading out on the lake.
Posted: 11/2/2016
REMEMBER TO TURN YOUR CLOCKS BACK
ONE HOUR THIS SATURDAY BEFORE BED SO YOU CAN
WAKE UP SUNDAY TO THE CHANGED DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME.
Posted: 11/2/2016
VETERAN’S DAY PROGRAM IS NOVEMBER 11TH. It will be held at the TPAC at 10:30 A.M. Come up to an hour early to view the impressive compilation of slides featuring Island servicemen and women from the past to the present. This will run until the program begins. (You can order a copy for yourself, or for someone you know who would be glad to receive one. There is a production cost.) There will be the usual patriotic sing-a-longs, participation of the Island school students, and the moment of silence facing east at 11 A.M. The program this year will be a unique presentation. Chuck Grandy will present pictures and information about the late Charles E. Gislason who fought in WWI; Bob Andersen will present the late Ludlow E. Richter from WWII; Allen Thiele will present the late Gene R. Gislason, WWII; Jim Andersen will present the late Richard E. Perez, killed in the Viet Nam War. The program is presented by the American Legion Post #402.
