From the Editor, and Paul's Smile!
Last month we introduced Paul Reichert, a new member of our team, who joins us as our Cartoonist! We have one for this month and it's making me laugh.
It seems like only yesterday that we were wishing all the ships would get out of the Seaway and make their way to their winter beaches. Now, we are wishing that they’ll come back, and we’re happy that the official opening will be March 22, 2026.
There are important things for our To Do list: Watch the water levels, start packing to come back to the River, and don't complain about the weather because it will be too hot very soon!
Congratulations to Ann Ward
Save the River's March '26 newsletter sent best wishes to Ann Ward on her 100th birthday this month. Over the years, this editor and many River people have been fortunate to serve on boards and committees with Ann. Certainly, a lady who loves the River, and rather than sitting back and watching, Ann and her husband, Sherman, stepped in and contributed immensely. In July 2021, John Peach, then Executive Director of STR, wrote a TI Life article, Save The River's Kingfisher Septic Tank Monitoring Program. There he tells the amusing tale of Ann's experience as one of the first testing properties to see if her septic system was working properly!
Happy Birthday Ann and thanks for all you have done for us. Much, much appreciated!
Signs of Spring
L: Allie Engle Warfel, shared her photo saying, "Spotted yesterday morning (March 6) in front of Linda Island"; R: Carrie Tedford posted on the Gananoque Bulletin Board and Community Watch Facebook page: "Some fun happening by the dog park." Yes, our otter friend likes the warmer weather too. March 8, 2026.
Wolfe Island Concerns
For those in the Thousand Islands, issues of living on an island are of interest to all of us. But those on Wolfe Island (south of Kingston), living on the island has meant frustration, delays, and concerns. On Friday, March 6, 2026, The Kingston Whig Standard published a poignant story about the loss of business over the past year, due to the ferry service. We encourage our readers to take the time to read this article. The more publicity, the better, in the hopes that public awareness may make a difference.
Long Long Ago
These photos are from the Frank Eames Collection, which this editor is fortunate to have. I lent them to Paul Cote for his research and he found these one as a reminder of past winters on Hay Island.
Frank Eames photograph of 1924 from the head of Hay Island.
Summer calendars -Start planning your summer
Brockville: https://members.brockvillechamber.com/eventcalenda
Gananoque: https://www.1000islandsganchamber.com/
Kingston: https://business.kingstonchamber.ca/chamber-events-calendar
Ogdensburg: https://business.visitstlc.com/events/calendar
Alexandria Bay: https://visitalexbay.org/events/
Clayton: https://visit1000islands.com/events/
Cape Vincent: https://capevincent.org/events-calendar/
Polar Bear 2026
Our thanks to WWNY for capturing this YouTube and the excitement for Alexandria Bay's 26th Annual Polar Dip. Total raised was over $117,000. "Saturday, spirits were high. The water temperature on the other hand, wasn’t." For more Local News from WWNY: https://www.wwnytv.com/
Conclusion
Please send comments to me and I will post them...
Reminder that if you are off on an excursion a little off the beaten track from the Islands or even on an amazing cruise, think about writing about it for TI Life's Excursions section.
Enjoy our spring season and if you are driving north, stay safe!
By Susan W. Smith, Editor, info@thousandislandslife.com
Plus, the TI Life Team: Elspeth Naismith is the "Real Editor," and our proofreaders are Georgia Barker, Dane Zabriskie, John Stencell, and Rick Taylor. Jennifer Caddick manages social media, Dan Mathias shares events, Beth Lavos posts books, Marie-Anne Erki illustrates, Allison Burchell-Robinson, Mark Murray, and Paul Reichert are new members, and last but not least, Mike Cox is our IT magician!
Header photo of the Common Merganser (they are back for '26) for From the Editor this month is by James R. Miller, administrator for 1000 Islands River Rats Now and Then Facebook page.
Our March header for Volume 21, March 2026 is by Ian Coristine courtesy of Photo ©Ian Coristine/1000IslandsPhotoArt.com