For many, Canadian Thanksgiving and the US Columbus Day weekend signal an end to summer. For those still on the River, please beware of low water, frequent storms, and the promise of frost.
We don't know what the coming winter will bring for the 22 island communities but there are faithful island stewards who will look after the region and we look forward to their updates.
Winter is also a time to bring out the history books and learn more about the region. Already, museums and theatres on both sides of the border are scheduling their 2014 seasons. I reported last month that we have over 700 published articles in TI Life – I promise there will be many more!
This Month
Unusual topics: Yes, Google cameras came to the Islands as described by Bruce MacMillan in Google Trek of the Thousand Islands National Park. Lynn McElfresh chose Tattered to Perfection – to point out that we all have a favorite old island work shirt… Mary Hamilton’s question Is the 1000 Islands Region Scenic Enough? may result in a recognition program that will put the region on the map. And Michael and Janice Laprade’s Honey Bee Island’s Little Free Library describes creating a real lending library on the end of their dock!
Field of history: Robert L. Matthews shares new photographs in Mr. and Mrs. A.C. McIntyre, which only came about because of a visit to the St. Lawrence Potter Shop on route 12 near Clayton. Rex Ennis steps back in time with Underground Railroad Station on Grindstone? and Captain Brian Johnson profiles A Proud Wolfe Islander from Button Bay.
An Essay: River Rat Kids, A recollection by Hunter Grimes III will being back memories for many.
For the Arts: Liz Huff introduces an internationally known illustrator and cartoonist who chose this region as a new home in David Parkins - A big world view, from little Lansdowne, Ontario and I have the pleasure of introducing a new River artist in Photography by Joseph T. Meirose IV.
Get ready for Halloween and dare I say the off season months?
New contributors
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Michael and Janice Laprade - Honey Bee Island’s Little Free Library
Michael and Janice Laprade live in California and spend the winter there in their primary residence on the Central Coast. Since retiring, they live on Honey Bee Island, during the summer months and then fly to their village home in Brittany, France in the spring. Their avocation was to develop and perform a full evening magic stage shows in a theater built especially for them. |
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Mary Hamilton - Is the 1000 Islands Region Scenic Enough?
Mary Hamilton lives on the St. Lawrence in Blind Bay near Hammond, NY. She and her husband, Del, and golden lab, Prince, enjoy the year-round peace and serenity of the amazingly beautiful natural resource that is the 1000 Islands. Mary is a retired school psychologist and educational consultant who is also a North Country native, born and raised down river in Waddington, NY. She has been active in several organizations in both communities over the years. The St. Lawrence has always been an important part of her life and she feels protection of this "Garden of the Great Spirit" is a worthwhile commitment. |
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Bruce MacMillan - Google Trek of the Thousand Islands National Park
Bruce MacMillan is a relatively newcomer to the Thousand Islands region, having relocated to Brockville in 2011. With over 20 years media and communications experience, Bruce has worked in TV, Radio, and Theatre, and currently works as a communications officer for Parks Canada based at Thousand Islands National Park. |
RiverQuest update…
The RiverQuest partner meeting on September 26 was held at the Clayton Opera House and was attended by over 70 RQ supporters (Partners, Friends, Guests) with half coming from Canada and half from the US.
Guests included representatives of government, organizations and River attractions and really showed that we are "Stronger Together". Doug McLellan and Lyne Roberge of McLellan Group delivered an interactive update on RiverQuest initiatives including the website and kiosk introduction of six River Quests. These Quests will integrate offerings all over the River for the first time ever ... sure to be a long-term benefit for all. Brockville Mayor Dave Henderson, John Pinkerton (City Manager Ogdensburg), Mayor Zimmer (Clayton) and Brockville Arts Centre’s Peter Dunn all spoke passionately about the time being now to work together to make RiverQuest a success.
Clayton’s Mayor Zimmer's comments spoke to what RiverQuest is all about. “Launched by Brockville’s Aquatarium, RiverQuest is an initiative that promises to bring together all the amazing experiences the Thousand Islands region has to offer.”
Drone Helicopter
We all know that sound travels far over water. And what was overheard at a cocktail party earlier this summer just goes to show that word... spreads fast. It all had to do with a Gananoque Boat Line cruise, where hundreds of people spotted a small black drone circling the vessel. Knowing that border surveillance is on the rise, it caused quite a stir. But alas, it wasn’t some spy agency. It was RiverQuest! Check out part of the video and make sure you watch the landing!
Play Me
“What the heck?…” I exclaimed, when I saw a piano outside in the middle of a tiny park in Gananoque. It was not a illusion. I turned my car around and parked. “Hi there” I said, “ what is this all about.”
Jody Richardson, a member of the St. John’s Newfoundland band, Pathological Lovers,” said, “I have no idea, but I am visiting friends at the 1000 Islands Playhouse and this morning I decided to go for a walk and suddenly I saw this piano inviting me to play!”
A few internet clicks later and I discovered there are two pianos in Gananoque. They were donated by Gananoque’s Shannon Treanor (Socialist Pig Coffee House,) and the Helen Henderson Care Centre (affiliated with the Carveth Care Centre, Gananoque) and placed in parks in Gananoque for four weeks for anyone who wished to play. Sister pianos have been placed internationally all starting by a art exhibition created originally by British artist Luke Jerram under the heading “Play Me, I’m Yours”.
Will the piano’s be back next summer? Why not? What a wonderful way to take a walk in the park!
TI Life Books
We encourage readers to visit our updated Books section.
As we go to press we learn that Thou Torturest Me, R.M. Doyon’s sequel to his highly acclaimed debut novel, Upcountry is now on sale.
…Doyon returns to Morgan County, New York and the tragic lives of the Schumacher family. It is a sultry Labor Day weekend in 2010 and the clan is gathering at a large lake in the shadows of the Adirondacks to celebrate a milestone in Hubie Schumacher’s life—and to bring some closure to the events of that fateful Thanksgiving nearly four years before… (See our April Scott-Clarke’s review “Upcountry” a novel by R.M. Doyon, May 2013.)
Push to the limit…
Brad Millar from 1000 Islands Jet Ski group shared their “End of Season ‘13 Video” with TI Life. The still photography shots are spectacular but the video may provoke some hostile comments from those who do not appreciate jet skiers passing their their cottage on a peaceful afternoon. But suffice to say these sportsmen do what many avid sportsmen do – they push to the limit. Congratulation Brad and thanks for sharing your exciting 2013 season.
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Follow 1000 Islands Jet Ski on Facebook. |
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Reminder
Be sure to keep your Summer 2013 pictures for our December 2013 TI Life Photo Contest. Complete details will be published in our November issue, but you may send your best to info@thousandislandslife.com. We also appreciate receiving photos for our Facebook page – helps us get through the month!
Check our EVENTS page and our EXCURSIONS. Perhaps you have a day-trip activity that you would like us to explore.
Remember our facebook page throughout the month, as we post information and photographs & follow us on Twitter
Do you write about the River - near to it, from above or below? If so, please consider submitting an article. Let us know what you like, or dislike, about TI Life so we can share more ideas. And please do comment on the articles…
By Susan W. Smith, Editor info@thousandislandslife.com
