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TI Happenings in May 2018


Talk about wind… Friday, May 4th will be one we will not forget… The winds were predicted, but nobody expected the forecast to prove true. 87,000 Ontario residents were without power and half of Clayton’s Guardino Elementary School’s roof blew to the ground.

Islanders watched as Lake Ontario flowed into the St. Lawrence River and in a matter of 90 minutes the water rose two feet.  In fact many of us measured and it was only a couple of inches to the highest water level from last summer!  But it went down just as fast and within and hour we were back to normal. The next morning Mother Nature’s Marine Store (see Lynn McElfresh’s The Free Outdoor Marine Store article) was open for business. We found long dock staves and lots of floating debris all day. Abaycom Walleye caption

Then on Tuesday and Wednesday May 8th and 9th, the temperatures rose – yes Summer 2018 is just around the corner! The Pike Season has started and Garden Centers are open all around the River.

This Issue

Hardly time to read TI Life… Never mind, do so in the evenings, as this issue is now online and one you will enjoy.

Lorraine captionMemories: A River Rat’s Mother, by Hilary Grimes-Casey and A River Journey to Meditation by Paula A. Allan and

Nature at its best: Goldilocks Sailor by Lynn E. McElfresh and Island Wildlife Rescue Centre by Heather Chitty.

We pay tribute to Gord Brown and Canada’s Thousand Islands National Park by Jeff Leggo. And celebrate Happy Birthday - River Hospital by Wayne c. Strauss

It is the time of year to getting Kim Lunman’s Summer’s Here! Island Life Magazine 2018

New book excerpts to enjoy: An Excerpt: Taking a Bateau to Wolfe Island by Susan G. Mathis and The Castle built by Sewing Machines by John Reisinger

And once again we are challenged by Sudoku Puzzle #40 - Plus a DIY Grid Lesson by Dan LeKander.

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New Contributor

JeffTIpicture (1)Crop

Gord Brown and Canada’s Thousand Islands National Park

 

Jeff Leggo grew up in Gananoque and started his career with Parks Canada as a park warden at St
Lawrence Islands National Park. After several years working at various parks across Canada Jeff returned to the Thousand Islands. After 35 years with Parks Canada he retired as the superintendent of Thousand Islands National Park in 2017, lives in the area and enjoys spending time with his daughter and two grandchildren.

Canadian Official Plan Changes

I know reading “official plans” and legalese is not easy. Even more difficult for those who come to the River in the late spring and summer. Yes, it is upsetting to be told that the public input is coming to an end.  I also know that even though the Township tried to notify these same residents, it does not mean very much until we are here to listen and give our opinions in person.revised plan etc

Over the years, I have been vocal in expressing my frustration to past councils for doing the planning in the winter months. In the past we have been able to make our dissatisfaction known in meetings.  This year will be no exception – there will be a public meeting on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 5:00–7:00 p.m. Township Administration Office 1233 Prince Street and Saturday, May 26, 2018, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Lansdowne Community Hall, 1 Jessie Street. In addition the Mayor has assured residents that final decisions for a DRAFT plan will not be made until mid June.  They recommend that you review the Revised Draft Directions and Recommendations Report. (Pages 16 & 17 refers to Waterfront properties)

Two Sides to Discuss

There seems to be two sides to discuss.  The need to ensure future economic development and at the same time retain the historic and natural beauty of the Thousand Islands.

However, there is a concern that waterfront setbacks and regulations may make it difficult, to build docks, boathouses and other structures required by property owners on islands or along the waterfront.  Stopping to think what that will mean to those who already own or want to own in the future is important. Don’t just complain – do something with your opinions.

Start of Summer 2018On shore 2

Recently I wrote on Facebook: “Season is about to start... who has photos of their boats now in the water... antique, new, same old (like mine) -  does not matter. If you have a boat - send me a photo to celebrate the start of the 2018 season... “ 

We received over a dozen photos that deserve sharing, but this one had a story to tell…

Reply: Jim Weiskotten: I would love to, unfortunately she sits in the back of the garage hasn't been wet since 1996. Needs to find a new owner that can take the time she needs to get the 110 Gray Marine from 1954 back in shape.”

Jim then sent his photos.  Reminds us of our “old boats.”

Being Built

Cali Being built in Irondequoit in 1953, Harry Ware taking an imaginary ride.

Sept 19561956, Lake Champlain after her trip through the canals to get there.

 

Lake Champlain1956, Family fun with hours of waterskiing.

 

 

Sept 1953

[Click to enlarge all photographs]

Last ride

1993, The last ride for my Dad who built her forty years before. 

Performing a rescue

1993, serving as a rescue boat to a modern lass.

2008 boat house

Making her safe from a falling down boathouse in 2008

Ride Back to NY

Her ride back to NY in 2011

Off to Lafargeville

The four-hour trip to Lafargeville.

1976 on her railway

On her marine railway ready for launch

Gray Marine Engine

The engine…

Engine 110

[Click to enlarge all photographs]

Please Remember

Art for NatureWe certainly appreciate having you hit our buttonclip_image003 at the top of each article and Support TI Life – although we: Authors, Photographers, Proof Readers and Editors – Skip Mortensen Irwinincluding this one(!) all publish TI Life as Volunteers, there are costs, including our Email Program - Constant Contact, and we must update our software, now working in its 11th year.

We also encourage you to  Remember our Facebook pageclip_image001throughout the month, as we post information and photographs & follow us on

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Please take your camera out on the River and capture the River come alive… but STAY SAFE! Send photos of interesting happenings to info@thousandislandslife.com.

And, this Editor is looking forward to receiving new submissions, throughout the year. I bet our readers are too!

By Susan W. Smith, Editor, info@thousandislandslife.com

Special thanks to editor Bill Stallan and proofreaders Rick Taylor, Georgia Barker, and Dane Zabriskie.  I especially thank Mike Cox who is the magician behind the website. What a team …
  • The summer really starts when THE houseboat moves to Grindstone!

    The summer really starts when THE houseboat moves to Grindstone!

  • Bob Gates  is at the Alex Bay Dock

    Bob Gates is at the Alex Bay Dock

  • Gary Scofield and Tari Button-Scofield look like they are ready for the parties to start.

    Gary Scofield and Tari Button-Scofield look like they are ready for the parties to start.

  • Lynn Sorbini Pascia sent ‘Wish List’ is a 1956 Chris Craft Capri from Buffalo, NY & Fort Erie, ON - she won Best of Show-Preserved Power category at the 2017 ABM Show. Photo courtesy of Aaron LeDonne of YNOT Yachts.

    Lynn Sorbini Pascia sent ‘Wish List’ is a 1956 Chris Craft Capri from Buffalo, NY & Fort Erie, ON - she won Best of Show-Preserved Power category at the 2017 ABM Show. Photo courtesy of Aaron LeDonne of YNOT Yachts.

  • Harvey Doty says,

    Harvey Doty says, " Not in the water yet, but I'm ready!"

  • Kimberley Kadin captures a passing ship from a favorite spot - Casino Island, ABay. May 12 and pictured on 1000 Islands River Rat Then and Now Facebook.

    Kimberley Kadin captures a passing ship from a favorite spot - Casino Island, ABay. May 12 and pictured on 1000 Islands River Rat Then and Now Facebook.

  • James Miller finds the Coast Guard out on  May 3. Pictured on 1000 Islands River Rats Then and Now.

    James Miller finds the Coast Guard out on May 3. Pictured on 1000 Islands River Rats Then and Now.

  • The next best thing to boats if you live on Grindstone! Friends take the tour with Ken Deedy, May 12, 2018

    The next best thing to boats if you live on Grindstone! Friends take the tour with Ken Deedy, May 12, 2018

  • Tom Roberts finds Kayaks out for the day, May 13 and pictured on 1000 Islands River Rats Then and Now.

    Tom Roberts finds Kayaks out for the day, May 13 and pictured on 1000 Islands River Rats Then and Now.

 

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