2023 marks Cindra Hokkanen’s 37th year working at Sievers. In 1986, Cindra (then Anderson) began working for Walter Schutz, assisting Ann in the operation of Sievers School of Fiber Arts. When Walter sold the business to Ann and Butch, Cindra took on Ann’s office duties. On the occasion of her 25th year at Sievers, Cindra sent a note to Ann and Butch saying, “Who knew, when you asked me if I’d like to fill in, what a great adventure that would turn out to be?” As she enters her 37th year at Sievers, each and every day we feel the influence of her sparkling nature and the impact she has made in our lives and in the lives of our students, teachers and customers.
Cindra at the 1986 Sievers Gathering
Cindra (or Cindy) is generally the first connection students make with Sievers School by way of her welcoming e-mails and thoughtful greetings upon arrival. Her dedication towards “all things Sievers”, helpfully finding the answers to many questions, and remembering students’ names, makes everyone feel special. She offers so many warm and personal touches, creating a true part of the Sievers experience.
On December 31, 2023, after 37 1/2 years working at Sievers, Cindra is retiring.
A wonderful combination of delightful personality, organizational skills, expert writing and editing abilities, sense of humor and fun, care for others, and dependability, made Cindy the perfect candidate for Sievers. A good part of the success of Sievers is due to her special talents and she is endeared by teachers, students and visitors.
Breakfast at Stelter’s Holiday Inn
Although she’s usually on the other side of Sievers classes, Cindra has been a student several times taking classes in Beginning Spinning with Franie Philps, Weaving Home Furnishings with Lynn Schuster, Basic Willow with Jacki Bedworth, Navajo Rug Weaving with Fran Potter and Basketry with Jeanette Biederman, plus numerous classes that we once held in the winter months.
Many of you have had the privilege of hearing Cindra sing at Sievers class graduations. Most of the time, that song was “If Once You Have Slept on an Island”, the Rachel Field poem set to music by our friend, Dan Hansen.
If once you have slept on an island
You’ll never be quite the same;
You may look as you looked the day before
And go by the same old name,
But, once you have slept on an island
You’ll never be quite the same.
You may bustle about in street and shop;
You may sit at home and sew;
But, you’ll see blue water and wheeling gulls
Wherever your feet may go.
You may chat with the neighbors of this and that
And close to your fire keep,
But, you’ll hear ships’ whistle and lighthouse bell,
And waves beat through your sleep.
Oh, you won’t know why, and you can’t say how
Such change upon you came,
But—once you have slept on an island
You’ll never be quite the same!
On six occasions, from 2002 through 2012, Cindra and Dan charmed us with their musical entertainment on the last evening of the Sievers Gathering. Those concerts were well worth the two-year wait! (Cindra has also shared her voice through the years in the church choir, W.I. Music Festival concerts, Island Players productions, at the Red Barn and at many other places and events. Through the years she has been a devoted volunteer and continues to be involved in several Washington Island organizations.)
Besides her role in the operation of Sievers School, Cindra has handled the vast majority of Sievers Benchwork mail, phone and online orders from the start. Her ability to envision a “10′ x 16′ layout with a L-shaped cutout for the furnace and water heater in the corner of the basement”, then knowing just where each section, leg and angle should be placed, has made for many satisfied customers through the years.
Cindra has also lovingly taken care of all the handmade items sent to us by our students and teachers for the Sievers Shop since 1990. From maintaining contact with the artists, to pricing, recording and managing the thousands of items each year, her personal touch is part of each piece of art on display.
In October of 2011, we held a reception marking Cindra’s 25th year at Sievers. Here she is pictured with one of her sisters (Julie) and her mom (Cynthia), and then a few years later with her Sievers family. She wrote then, “It has been my honor, and one I take great pride and appreciation in, to be part of this wonderful business.”
Sievers will not be the same without Cindra. How can we capture all the shared joys through the years except by holding them in our hearts? Ours are filled with all the laughter and smiles, music, winter “follies”, conversations about Washington Island history, happenings and family, and much, much more.
Ann adds, “With well-deserved appreciation, gratitude and thanks to you, Cindra, we are blessed knowing that Sievers has shared half a lifetime with you. We are better because of you and your exceptional qualities and dedication. Thank you!”
Lucky us, to enjoy each day with the best of friends for all these years!
If you would like to send a personal message to Cindra, you can email her at mail@sieversschool.com or write to her at Cindra Hokkanen, Sievers, P.O. Box 100, Washington Island, WI 54246.
What a wonderful tribute to multi-talented Cindra! The pictures are wonderful memories for all. Congratulations, Cindra, for many years of hard work!
Cindra: you leave a legacy. Always helpful. Always sensitive. Gratitude for your making the world a better place
I have really enjoyed getting to know Cindra and her wonderful outgoing personality. She is what makes Sievers such a great place to visit each year! Looking forward to seeing you again this summer!
Thank you, Cindra, for all the wonderful memories!
Cindra, congratulations on your retirement at the end of the year. So thankful I have gotten to know you over the years at Sievers. You are always so helpful, cheerful and knowledgable. The Sievers team is one of a kind! You will be missed. This tribute to you brought tears to my eyes, as does the song, “If Once You Slept on an Island” every time I hear you sing it. It is great seeing all the photos over the years. You will be deeply missed but so happy you are able to move into the next chapter of your life. Looking forward to seeing you this summer. Hugs!
Dear Cindra,
What can I say that hasn’t already been said? You are the center around which Siever’s revolves. From housing to class registrations, you are the very heart of the school, carrying on Walter’s legacy. Along with Ann and Butch, you make the school an inviting and nuturing place. You are so talented and have so many interests that you can pursue when you retire. Your super power is the kindness you show each and every student who comes to Sievere’s. Thank you for all you have done . Congratulations and enjoy the retired life.
Cindy, I think you should rethink retirement! Sievers will miss you and your good spirit so much and think about the good times you will miss! I think retirement sounds boring for you! Hope you stay!
Eileen
What an amazing and impactful life! Cindra was warm and welcoming when I took my first class at Sievers in 1989 and greeted me like an old friend at every class I took thereafter. I’m so glad I’m returning to Sievers this summer after a 21-year hiatus, (due to work and family obligations), during which I really missed the whole Sievers staff and Washington Island! I’ll be so excited to return this August although it will be a bit bittersweet knowing this will be Cindra’s last summer. Thank you, Cindra, for your warmth and smile, and all the best to you! Can’t wait to see you again in August!
Yes, all the things being said about you are true! You and your wonderful staff are truly the face of Sievers, and how remarkable that is in the time we live in!
Thank you, a million times over for your presence and diligence and everything else all these years!
Congratulations, Cindra!!! What a tough decision. I’m excited for you, but sad for the rest of us – which is a good thing: all our tears and heartache about missing you is a testament to all our wonderful interactions with you. If we weren’t touched by your retirement from Sievers, then THAT would be sad.
Thank you Cindra!
one last quote for you:
“We make a living by what we get. We make LIFE by what we GIVE.”
Winston Churchill
Cindra – hope your retirement is as wonderful as you made us all feel over the years!
Hi Cindra
I’m so glad that you have made, what I can imagine, a difficult decision. I always looked forward to seeing your welcoming smile and hearing your lovely voice at the end of class.
Health and happiness to you always
Barb
I can hardly write anything without crying. I am so honored to know you and to have been able to share so many wonderful memories with you my dear friend. Sievers has felt like my second home for years (ok several decades) When ever I think of you, I smile. May your life be filled with joy and happiness, always.
All my love,
Lynn
I know change is inevitable but this is a hard one to accept! Cindra, you as such a special person and I feel so fortunate to even know you! Your people skills are wrapped with thoughtful kindness and it’s never missed by anyone who meets you. Thank you for sticking it out this year – gives all of us time to adjust. And, it will probably take a while to find the 2 or 3 people it will take to replace you 🙂
Looking forward to seeing you later this year,
Kathe
I am so glad I was able to hear you sing twice. What a topping to such special weeks.
Karen
Oh my, Cindra, what big news. I am very happy for you. I admit that I am sad for the rest of us. I will remember many things you have said and done over the years but my favorite is when you sing to us… ”When once you have slept on an island…” it always makes me teary eyed and nobody will ever be able to sing it like you. I will miss you. Thank you for everything. Love, Cheena
Cindra,
May you enjoy the next step in your life; retirement. I hope for the very best for you.
Cindra- I will miss you joining the happy hour in the Batik class. I took a video of us all laughing last year. What a great time!!Thank you for all your work at Seivers- you made a special place even more so with your warm personality and sweet smile. YOU will be missed!!