From the Editor, January '26

For the life of me, getting used to writing a new year – 2026 – is just as hard today as it was when I was in elementary school – yes, in the covered wagon days! A lot has already happened in the first 15 days of the month. News of world events, the weather and the hardship for the local homeless, as well as the delayed closure of the St. Lawrence Seaway all have brought concerns. When we wish everyone a Happy New Year, we really mean it this year.

Sad News, Gordon Byers, Bostwick Island, 1927-2025

Those of us in the Canadian sector who attend the evening vesper services at Half Moon Bay, on Bostwick Island in the Admiralty Group, were saddened to hear of the death of Gordon Byers. Gordon and his family have been involved with the Bay services since their inception in 1887. The Byers family were instrumental in those services throughout the years, and until recently, Gordon would provide a welcome at each service. He and his sister, Jane Byers Ganim, have served on the board of the Half Moon Bay Foundation for many years, and those serving today have all expressed their sadness at Gordon's passing. He will be missed by many friends and neighbours.

Winter Activities

It is only mid-January, and residents on both sides of the River are already planning events and suggesting places to visit in 2026. Be sure to check out all of the different chambers of commerce around the River.

Chamber of Commerce pages for: Kingston, Gananoque, Brockville, & Cape Vincent, Clayton, and Alexandria Bay.

And have fun visiting in the winter: Alexandra Bay Camera, Hucks Marine at Rockport, ON.

Want to print a TI Life article?

We are often asked if TI Life articles can be printed. Yes. It is simple: just add /amp to the end of the URL. This will allow you to use your print option, and any article you wish can be saved.

Example: https://thousandislandslife.com/photos/ti-lifes-holiday-news/amp.

Supporting TI Life & Short Story!

Want to help with writing or editing content? Contact me. We also ask that you make suggestions for articles - what interests you the most?

Short story: The late photographer, Ian Coristine, one of the founders of TI Life, learned that I turned down a suggested article, "Winter Islander" written by Doctor Richard Withington. It was back in 2009, and the article was about living on an island for the winter.  I exclaimed... no, sorry, we only accept articles about history. I remember Ian called and said, "Susie, print it."  I did, and it is one of the most-read articles. Those were followed by so many others.

Remember: Arriving with Stuff… and Cottage Life Isn’t for Sissies,  both written by Lynn McElfresh. And of course, since then, we have expanded to 15 categories, including poetry, fiction, essays, artists, and book reviews. Over 2,500 articles! (See Back Issues and the list of categories)

So help us tell more!

Conclusion:

Enjoy our January 2026 issue and stay safe and well. Definitely not too early to think spring!

Send Comments to info@thousandislandslife.com (As many as you can, please)

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, and Mark Murray are new members, and last but not least, Mike Cox is our IT magician!

Header photo for From the Editor this month is by Lynda Crothers, Wolfe Island.

Header photo for Volume 20, January 2026 is by Ian Coristine courtesy Photo ©Ian Coristine/1000IslandsPhotoArt.com.