For once, I am not even thinking about the weather! No ice, no snow, no high water, not much of anything. I did hear someone complain that it was too hot one day… but suffice to say the weather is not on my mind. 
Rather the thought of family and friends, boats and water sports, fish and even bird watching are top of mind. Let’s all enjoy Summer 2018!
And I have a reminder… Ian Coristine will announce the 2018 TI Life Photo Contest in November, but now is the time to collect those perfect shots.
This issue
Lynn McElfresh says Let it Rain! (Well maybe Lynn is right too much sun and we get very little accomplished at the cottage!) Kara Lynn Dunn gives 5 Tips to Rent a Boat. Honestly I had not thought about it and they are “Right On”.
Want excellent history, be sure to read Linda Twichell’s 1878: Sale of Lots in Westminster Park; and Craig Stevenson’s The Seaway’s 60th, Part 3: Working at Heights. His photographic collection from far above are outstanding.
I want you to meet some talented artists. First Scott Ouderkirk (an artist himself) introduces Glass Goat North Country Masters: Will Salisbury. Hear the story behind his first video featuring Will Salisbury. I, on the other hand, have the pleasure of introducing to both Canadian and North Country readers, Stuart Arnett, Artist for Conservation. Enjoy them both. 
Do you have memories of your first solo boat excursion? Dan Mack, now a commercial pilot remembers, Two Young Men, One Big Adventure.
Dan LeKander gives us a stickler with Sudoku Puzzle #41 warning of “an unexpected twist and turn.”
And the final article is bitter sweet as Susie Wood and I try to thank Ken Deedy, founder of the Thousand Islands Land Trust and active on the board of Save the River, Thousand Islands Art Center and the Clayton Opera House. There are times when words are not enough and this is the time.
Sad News
Louise Ann Ford (1954 - 2018) Louise, (Weezie) died in Sante Fe NM, following injuries in a horseback riding accident. She is survived by her son Nicholas Grant and granddaughter Aria Maria Grant. Her obituary and guest book describes her vivacious life, including her involvement as former commodore of the Clayton Yacht Club. She will be missed by her many Grindstone Island neighbors and River friends.
St. Lawrence County Arts Council Grants
SLC Arts offers three grant opportunities for artists, arts organizations, municipalities, and 501(c)3 non-profit organizations throughout St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Lewis Counties. The application deadline for all three grants is September 15, 2018, for proposed projects that will take place January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2019.
Prior to the deadline SLC Arts offers FREE informational workshops about art funding opportunities available to North Country artists, municipalities, public libraries, and not-for-profit organizations. Workshops are scheduled during June, July and August, throughout Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. (For complete list of dates and locations see TI Life Events) It is important for first-time applicants to attend a workshop before applying.
Leeds and the Thousand Islands Official Plan Approval Postponed…
In our May issue I wrote about the need for Islanders and summer residents to make their opinions known to the Township Council as a new Official Plan for the Township was about to be approved. I attended one of the open houses and was impressed with the questions and the expertise of the professionals carrying out the work. However, I was one of many who expressed our comments in writing to the Council suggesting that the plan be put on hold.
On June 6th, a Special Council Meeting. (Agenda, Minutes and Video) was held with the following results:
“Council recommend that staff bring back a revised plan and schedule for the passage of the Official Plan, understanding that it could be delayed until the next term of Council thus allowing additional consultation from seasonal residents an opportunity to consult with Council and staff. Carried.”
Now it is up to us… to learn more, study the planning documents and the process (meeting dates etc.) and make our wishes known. NO EXCUSES.
River Muse Art Gallery
River Muse Art Gallery and Studio, one of the newest galleries in Clayton, NY, is now officially open and running on a summertime schedule. With the exception of major holidays they are closed Mondays and open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10 am to 6 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am to 9 pm and Sunday, Noon to 5 pm. Stop in and meet the artists at the River - where creativity flows. See their Facebook page for details.
Telephone: 1-315-285-5162 Address: 229 John St. 13624 Clayton, New York.
Ships, Ships, Ships
Michael Folsom may be working miles away, but he is keeping us close to the River with his St. Lawrence Seaway Ship Watchers Facebook Page. Be sure to make a link, to stay up-to-date on shipping activity and see the many photographs others post each day. Michael brought us news of the Chem Norma running aground outside the shipping channel near Morrisburg, ON on May 29, 2018.
Once inspected, the ship was helped on its way by two tugs.
Stone & South Condos
Having been asked many times how the condos are coming in Gananoque, I am pleased to show the latest design. One of three projects in the town, this one is located beside the Thousand Islands Playhouse, along the St. Lawrence River
. In addition to the condo residents will enjoy exclusive access to the brand-new Stone & South Marina. Private boat slips, which can accommodate boats up to 40′, are available exclusively to homeowners and their guests.
Sales information is available on the Stone & South website.
Please Remember
We certainly appreciate having you hit our button
at the top of each article and Support TI Life – although we: Authors, Photographers, Proof Readers and Editors – including 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 page
throughout the month, as we post information and photographs & follow us on
I thank those who send photographs for TI Life – they really are better than a 1000 words… 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 …
