From the Editor, August 2025
by: Susan W. Smith
What a summer! I think we say that every year, but this one has been exceptional. I do want for the trees, gardens, and the water levels, but there have been so many flat calm days that I can't complain. Unless I wanted to put up a spinnaker or tack across 40 Acres . . .
This issue has not been an easy one to put together. Why? I had to make a decision not to include two articles in this month's TI Life. Both seemed too political, and after going back and forth many times, I was reminded that TI Life’s Mission is: To be a venue about the islands and the people of the islands: their lives, their boats, and the nature around them.
I have written to the authors, and I am hoping they will not be too upset. I have been very vocal about my dislike of the political situation in my neighbouring country (heck, my views have been quoted in Politico and the Globe and Mail). You see, I feel I that I have a personal stake because I grew up in St. Pete Beach, Florida. I went to school there, pledged allegiance to the flag every day at the beginning of the school day, and graduated from Boca Ciega High School. However, I do not believe that I can or should use TI Life to reflect my personal beliefs and values.
Instead, we will continue to emphasize how our Mission should direct our content. One of our team members suggests an addition to our mission statement: "a thousand islands = one River = a common bond."
Do you have a statement to add to our Mission? If so, please let us know.
Putting together this month's TI Life has been a delight as always. Each article received brings a whole new appreciation for our River. I hope you will pass along this issue's link to friends around both countries. We are proud of our history, its photographs, and most of all for the memories. Yes, this issue will bring back memories to those of us who have been here for awhile, and is sure to make new memories for Summer 2025.
Sad News
Two deaths of River people made me sit up and take notice. The first was the news that Alia Hogben, of Gananoque, died in July. I had the great honour to meet Alia through my women's club, Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada, when we hosted an open forum several years ago to discuss approving the use of Sharia Law in Ontario. Many in the region may not be aware of all of Alia's accomplishments, but her obituary reads as follows:
Alia received honorary doctorates from Queen's University and the University of Toronto, and was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2012. Alia was then invited to accompany then-Governor General David Johnson on a delegation to the King of Sweden in 2017. In 2014, she was featured in a MacLean's Magazine issue on "The 50 most important people in Canada." Alia also wrote a number of articles for books and until recently, a monthly column on women, Islam and other issues for The Kingston Whig-Standard. [Also see feature article in the Toronto's Globe and Mail.]
The second death notice I received was the news that Ross Rowland died. I met Ross in January 2022. [See his obituary in the New York Times] I wrote his profile in "Meet Ross Rowland, Train Engineer par excellence". The article started with:
Every now and then, I get asked, "Why do you keep working on Thousand Islands Life Magazine? That's an easy question to answer: 'Because I get to meet the most interesting River Rats!"
The day after the December issue was published, I received a thank you note from Ross Rowland, who now lives in Sacket's Harbour and who spent many summers on Grindstone Island. After a few emails went back and forth, I suddenly realized that Ross is one of those "most interesting River Rats."
I want to thank both of these extraordinary individuals for their life's work, which went far beyond our River borders, impacted on many people, and was greatly appreciated.
Fire 🔥
L: Note there is a current Full Fire Ban in the Township; R: TIA notified Canadian islanders in the current RIVER TALK, that there will be Fire Pump Demonstrations in several locations this month. Take the time to attend one of these.
Yes, that is smoke hanging over the River and luckily it is not local, but comes from many miles to the northwest. But Fire - right now, right here - has already caused grave concern for islanders. Dane Zabriskie wrote an excellent article in TI Life, in April 2025 - Island Fires and Precautions to Take. Soon after, a small fire was first noticed by a passing islander on an Admiralty Group Island, and this gentleman wrote a comment that we added to Dane's article.
Jesse Mcconnell, Hemlock Island, wrote on July 17, 2025: Read the article about fire by Dane. Fire is such a hazard out here in the islands. Yesterday there was a fire on Minota Island and luckily I happened to be passing by at the time. Saw smoke and went to investigate and there were 15 foot flames engulfing an oak tree and two large woodpiles. I ran onto the island and I barely managed to contain it with a garden hose that was nearby while I waited 25 mins for the fire boat to show up. If there hadn’t been a garden hose close by they would have lost the whole island. And, if I had been 10 mins later the fire would have been too big for me to do anything with a garden hose. So important for islanders to have a fire pump at their docks. The extra 10-15 mins without proper water pressure is all it takes to lose everything.
Then one Sunday this month, a summer home burned to the ground on Ash Island. Luckily it was contained before spreading and extinguished by the Leeds and the Thousand Islands Fire Department, and only one cottage was lost. the Brockville Recorder and Times wrote,
"Firefighters were assisted by members of the Gananoque Fire Service, who provided a boat and additional firefighters. Support also came from the Rideau Lakes Fire and Rescue and the Front of Yonge Fire Department, who remained on standby in case other calls came in. Island residents pitched in by offering their personal boats and fire pumps, which helped stop surrounding ground fires from spreading. The Canadian Coast Guard assisted with managing marine traffic in the area during the response.
Take care, don't burn on your island, and most of all be prepared.
Photos taken and shared this summer by Jim Montanus (© 2025)
Don't Forget to Meet Roscoe All Over Again
Starting in January 2024 author Sarah Bodine shared the life and times of Roscoe Fish, who lived under the water here in the Thousand Islands. There are 13 bedtime stories and each one is worth reading all over again.
Current Issue
Conclusion
We have 13 articles this issue Enjoy!
Help: Did you go on a special excursion this summer? If so, please tell us about it. Send us your short description (500 words, 3 – 5 photographs), what made it special for you, and remember River has a capital R. These articles will be placed on our Excursions section.
Please leave comments or questions for articles, by sending them to info@thousandislandslife.com to post (there is a little glitch using some web browsers and the old system.)
Our August 2025 Thousand Islands Life web page header is a popular photograph taken by Ian Coristine several years ago. It is a perfect depiction the Lake Fleet, summer 2025, and the number of flat calm days. It is provided courtesy of ©IanCoristine/1000IslandsPhotoArt.com
The header for this issue of From the Editor is by John Street, Bostwick Island.
Stay well, keep safe and by all means buy more ice cream - the season is short and September will be here way too fast.
By Susan W. Smith, Editor, info@thousandislandslife.com
And the TI Life Team: Elspeth Naismith is the "Real Editor;" Georgia Barker, Dane Zabriskie, John Stencell, and Rick Taylor are our proofreaders. In addition, Jennifer Caddick has taken over social media; Dan Mathias posts events; Beth Lavos posts books; Marie-Anne Erki is our illustrator; and Allison Burchell-Robinson has joined the team. Last, but definitely not least, Mike Cox is our IT Magician!
