Thank you so much for the kind comments we’ve received these past several days, especially from students who were enrolled in June classes. Many of them carry the same messages, including, “I totally understand”…”I support your decision”…”It is wise and necessary at this time”…”Be safe and well”…”Thinking of you”…”I’ll miss you”… and “Hope the Island is safe…”.
Since you’ve asked and we’ve often shared Washington Island happenings at the beginning of the season, today we bring you a snapshot of life on Washington Island.
Within the next few weeks, the Washington Island Ferry Line will add a new ferry, the Madonna, to their fleet. Built in Sturgeon Bay, the construction process has been chronicled in the Ferry Cabin News since August 2019. Named after a schooner that plied Washington Island harbors in the late 1800’s, the present-day Madonna will also have the ability to serve as a winter ferry. According to the Ferry Cabin News, this newest addition may not be put in service immediately. Due to decreased travel by residents and visitors, the W.I. Ferry Line has currently altered its regular late-spring schedule of 11 round trips a day to four.
There have been some additions and changes to lodging opportunities on Washington Island. Brand new are DeJardin’s Island Cottages, tucked back in a grassy field off Main Road and Four Elements Lodging which is located in the area where the Danish Mill once stood.
In our own neighborhood, Froghollow Farm Bed & Breakfast has very recently sold to Dan and Dawn Nelson. Dan and Dawn were past owners of the W.I. Campground and are returning to live here and welcome guests to Froghollow. Our understanding is that all of the Island’s lodging places are currently taking reservations for this summer with one exception. The Hotel Washington will not be offering lodging in 2020. However, they are looking at options for carry-out meals.
Restaurants and bars which are open now have been offering carry-out, curbside or delivery service of breakfast, lunch, dinner and/or baked goods. Others plan to open later under the same guidelines.
Washington Island essentials are open, including Mann’s grocery store. Like your area, some items have limits imposed on them including paper products, sanitizers, bottled water and yeast. All the essential businesses that are open have changed procedures by asking for appointments instead of having their doors open to walk in. The school, library and Rec Center remain closed. Churches have online worship services only. Meetings, clubs and groups are on hold. A number of events that would have already taken place or were scheduled in May and June have been cancelled. The W.I. Music Festival has been cancelled for 2020 and the Trueblood Performing Arts Center is delaying its first performance in this uncertain time. Many of the businesses that would have already opened are in a wait-and-see mode.
Most doors to public buildings are filled with signs about protecting yourself and others. For anyone who arrives on Washington Island or has been to the mainland and returned, a quarantine of 14 days is required before making public contact. The Washington Island Community Health Program has been coordinating resources and services for those in quarantine or who wish to minimize contact.
These days are bringing views of increasingly high water. Because of that, the Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum is closed for the 2020 season.
Extra Washington Island news, interviews and more can be found on the Washington Island Observer’s Facebook page.
Our annual woodland spray of daffodils behind the Sophie Studio is brightening our days. Next time (and very soon) we’ll share more about Washington Island and other good things!
Good to hear the news fromW.I.
Thank you Lynn! More Island happenings to follow soon.
Carolyn
Thank you for the update. I’m so sad for the world and WI in particular. We canceled a trip to Berlin. I just hope my classes at Sievers will still be held. I’d feel worse about them canceling than Berlin!! I hope you are all well and happy as possible in these trying times.
Hi Terry,
It just wouldn’t be a Sievers season without having you here (and all our other wonderful friends)! We’re doing well and the sunny days sure help!
Take care,
Carolyn
Thank you Carolyn…… ALWAYS love your pictures! And hearing what is happening on the island. There is so much beauty in this world. We are blessed!
Hugs Carolyn, Ann & Cindra
Take care and be safe
Eileen
Hi Eileen,
You are right, there are always so many things to be thankful for and blessings in our daily lives. Stay well and hugs from all of us at Sievers!
Carolyn
Life on Washington Island sounds like life just about everywhere these days. Thanks for the pictures! They always bring happy, calm feelings. Take care!
Hi Kris,
It’s good to know we’re all doing the same things…everyone seems to be joined as one big community to work through this. The blue skies and new green appearing is extra refreshing for the spirit right now!
Be well,
Carolyn
Thanks for the update. Will see you this fall. Stay safe and healthy
So good to hear from you Kathleen as we’ve been thinking of you…
We look forward to seeing you later this year. Hugs from all of us!
Carolyn
Thanks for the update on island life! Sounds like you have good processes in place to keep the islanders and visitors safe. Exciting news about Froghollow! Surprised to see how high the water levels are! I hope to get there sometime this year but only after the bans are lifted. I miss you all but so happy I can enjoy the beauty of the island through Carolyn’s wonderful photography. Stay safe! God Bless.
Thanks, Renee for your kind words! The next installment will come out soon. It will feel so good when we’re finally able to visit in person! Spring is a hopeful time!
Carolyn
Thanks for your update. Sorry about the June classes. As we walk in and out of the stores here with our masks, hand sanitizer and “washing our hands” when we get home, we remember the special summers and friends and pray that those times will return soon. God Bless you all and stay well❤️
Hi Kay,
It was disappointing to cancel June classes, but sadly there really was no good alternative. Just think of the joy we’ll all have in being together again!
Take care and we miss you!
Carolyn
Good to hear from you and see all of the wonderful Spring photos. Happy to know you are all safe and healthy and enjoying your wonderful Island. Think of you often, beading away, and hoping the flock can gather soon!
Thanks, Mary! You’re probably pretty much up-to-date on Island happenings through the postings on Flamingo Beaders. Barb always seems to have the scoop!
We’re just starting to see a light green haze to the tops of the trees, although they might not get to the open stage for awhile. It’s only supposed to be in the 30’s or low 40’s the next several days.
Take care and bead on!
Carolyn
Thank you for the update. It’s always exciting to see what’s happening on W.I. Lifts the spirits as we’re staying safe at home. Also, glad to hear you’re all doing well. I hope to see you later in the summer.
We’re looking forward to the time when we can see you, too, Pat!
Take good care,
Carolyn
Thank you for the news and beautiful pictures of the Island. I hope to visit the Island this summer as a tourist. I will miss seeing everyone at Seivers. Take care and stay safe.
Hi Kathy,
Thanks so much and there’s more to follow! We’d love to see you!
Stay well and keep weaving,
Carolyn
Of all the things I miss will because of this quarantine, Sievers is one of the biggest. Well, first my friends and family, but Sievers right after that. Giving up Sievers is really a sacrifice. I guess that means I have a pretty good life. But, I miss you, and will all summer. See you ASAP!
Hi Susan,
We will miss you, too, and all the other quilters who have started our season for so many years now! That first week of June is going to seem so out-of-place. Thanks for your friendship and we’ll see you again!
Take care,
Carolyn
Thanks for the update. I always enjoy reading the news and seeing the wonderful photos.
Maybe it was last year’s woodland photo of the small white flowers blooming in the woods…reminiscent of my childhood days of growing up in Sweden. You always capture the mood of the island….thanks Caroline…greet Ann and Cindra, stay safe and well.
Thank you, Aina! As soon as it warms up a bit more, I’d love to find some more flowers for you. Thanks for you kind words. It’s always a pleasure to visit with you during your “Island time”. Take good care and hugs from all of us at Sievers.
Carolyn