As we bid goodbye to 2021, we’ll pause to remember the great events we were able to bring to the BIC Center even in the face of COVID-19. On stage music performances included Dave Bennet and a multitude of Baroque on Beaver Events.  We also had two great comedies from the CMU University players. Our summer Yoga program had great turnouts as did our regular exercise programs and our Saturday movies.  We also hosted a number of community meetings and presentations as well as take-away meals for the COA. And, we hosted a wonderful Dark Skies Summer Gala at the King Strang Hotel during a week filled with live music performances on the island.  It was a great season, especially considering that as we headed into May the entire summer looked to be in flux as we awaited word on what our governor would allow to proceed.

As we head into 2022, we have another full season of events planned including the return of Dave Bennet, two plays from the CMU University Players, plenty of Baroque events, our regular movies, Summer Yoga and more.  We are working with the COA to beef up exercise opportunities.  New for the winter are Tai-Chi and Chair Yoga sessions as well as other physical fitness events.  As soon as circumstances allow, we plan to host COA’s monthly dinners once again in the BIC Center theater. We are also planning to host a series of meetings on community issues to present an opportunity for discussion and questions. You can check out the events we have planned so far along with everything else on the calendar so far for summer 2022 on our Discover Summer 2022 Calendar (coming soon).

Meantime, we are looking forward to formal word from the FCC that WVBI will be allowed to increase power to improve service to the island.  If our application is granted, the improvements will allow you to hear the station on just about any radio at any location on the island.  We are also working to add a studio for WVBI that will allow group interviews and allow the broadcast of live productions from the BIC Center stage.

All of these programs are possible only because the Island community continues to support our efforts. The BIC Center and WVBI operate without tax support and are entirely dependent on donations from the community. We hope you will consider including you community center and community radio station in your year-end giving plans.  You can donate online directly from the Donate item in the menu at the top of the page.

Remember that you can stay in touch with the island while away by tuning in to WVBI.  You can listen online at the WVBI website at wvbi.net.  You can also find the station on streaming services like TuneIn or use your smart speaker to listen. Just say the wake word and then “Play WVBI.”

We look forward to seeing you this winter at your Beaver Island Community Center.