From the Editor, December '25
by: Susan W. Smith
Remember when we wondered if the weather would turn cold back in October?
Mid-October and the weather in the Thousand Islands is still magnificent. Again, another month with so many flat calm days, warm temps and smiles from all around.
Well, it has turned, and both the North Country and Canadian shores have received sleet, ice, and snow, with it, very cold temperatures. Yes, winter has arrived. Now is a perfect time to do the following:
a) enjoy our dozen articles;
b) pass our link on to family and friends;
c) sharpen a pencil and share your story with us. (See submit)
All three photos from James R. Miller - all three will welcome us back to the river in the spring.
Sad News
We learned this month that Joan Dodge Rueckert, Mid River Farm, Grindstone Island, passed away peacefully at her home in Hanover, NH, on November 20, 2025, at the age of 98.
Her obituary detailed her most successful life, but one line stood out to me. "She had boundless energy in everything she did, from tending her gardens to her many volunteer responsibilities."
I will remember Joan from our days together serving on the TILT board. She provided wise council and helped in so many ways. She and I often spoke about one winter meeting in New York City. Joan helped organize a dinner at the private New York Yacht Club. We were given strict instructions that ladies should wear only dresses or skirts, and that no photographs would be taken. As we met in the lobby, we ladies recognized that several other patrons were breaking the rule - they were wearing pantsuits. Then, during dinner, the waiter asked if we would like him to take photographs of the table. Joan and I looked worried until the waiter explained when President Clinton took office, the first lady announced she would be wearing pantsuits, and everyone, plus their uncle, wanted their photo taken with the President and the first lady, so, yes, rules are made to be broken!
Take care my friend, we will miss you.
Hopeful News
Since River Rat, George Horne, owner and operator of Horne's Ferry, which travelled between Cape Vincent, NY, and Wolfe Island, ON, died suddenly, the ferry's fate has been in limbo. However, on December 5, 2025, we learned that the Canadian ferry dock on Wolfe Island has been purchased outright by the Township of Frontenac Islands. As Mayor Judy Greenwood-Speers said:
While there are currently no confirmed plans for any private operator to resume ferry service to Cape Vincent, NY, the loss of the Wolfe Island wharf would have significantly reduced the possibility of any future operator re-establishing the seasonal route."
Many on both sides of the River are hopeful that a ferry service will resume, and once again Canadians and Americans can cross easily for excursions and visits to family and friends.
Congratulations to TIWLT
On December 9th this editor received an email with very good news:
Dear Susan,
Thank you for covering the first chapter of this story in August, when TIWLT launched the ambitious campaign to secure a biologically and ecologically rich property within the Frontenac Arch Biosphere.
We are excited to announce that - with support from a range of sources - the Thousand Islands Watershed Land Trust has successfully purchased the Red Horse Highlands property. At $1.5 million, it is the largest acquisition in our history, and a major conservation win for Ontario.
The article in August, written by Allison Burchell-Robinson and titled "Don and Marnie - Team On!", was certainly an impressive one. We were told then that they were working hard to make this special land purchase possible. Congratulations to Don and Marnie and all those who work to make TIWLT so successful.
See Thousand Islands Watershed Land Trust website for details.
Conclusion - and help us out!
Please review our Communities page and let us know of any changes that should be included. This information may be outdated – and only you can tell us. Just email info@thousandislandslife.com, and we will make the changes.
Comments or questions for articles can be sent to info@thousandislandslife.com to post (there is a little glitch with some web browsers and the old system). Nothing makes an author of an article smile more than seeing comments posted.
Did you see Santa on our header? The 2025 Thousand Islands Life web page header for December was taken by Ian Coristine several years ago. We asked for one that represents December, and we think this is perfect... It is provided courtesy of IanCoristine/1000IslandsPhotoArt.com - but we have a little added bonus. Can you see what is flying above? Thanks to Marie-Ann Erki for sharing her magic
Header this month for From the Editor: by James R. Miller
Stay well, stay safe, enjoy the holidays and see you next year!
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 Levos posts books; Marie-Anne Erki is our illustrator; Sarah Ditterline give us the Photo Contest medals, and Allison Burchell-Robinson has joined the team. Last, but definitely not least, Mike Cox is our IT Magician!
