From the Editor, September '25
Back to school; sea-doos are up on davits; sailboats are in the marina; some think we own the River once more. However, a few mast lights at night are still visible, but there is no noise; it is far too quiet, and I am not a happy islander. Summer is almost over, and I loved every single day. Luckily, we have many fond memories of visits from family and friends, as well as fantastic weather and daily BBQs – all will keep me happy through the fall!
Sad News and Tributes for sure . . .
Many of us were aware that Clayton's Mary Mascott was not well, and we knew the time was near. However, many of us are well aware that, like the end of summer, Mary has left a lasting impression on the River and her communities. Communities, not only the town of Clayton as she held leadership
positions with the Thousand Islands Arts Center and the Sacred Heart Foundation, where she was a member of the Honorary Council. All organizations far and wide, benefited from her generosity and wise counsel for more than four decades.
I encourage everyone to take the time to read her family's obituary and the Clayton Opera House Facebook tribute, which explains many of Mary's outstanding contributions.
Mary and her husband, Ted, moved to Clayton in the 1980s, and soon after, both became INVOLVED. I write that in capital letters as it would be hard not to see their influence on so many areas in Clayton and Northern New York, which have benefited from their generosity.
So now, as we know, Mary has left the River and is now at peace. We say it in simple terms, but again in capital letters, WE THANK YOU, Mary, and we will miss you. Much appreciated.
10,000 Followers on Facebook!
Our thanks to Jennifer Caddick, who has patiently posted our TI Life articles on Facebook for the past few years. Each month, Jennifer finds a way to entice readers to open her graphic suggestions, and this month, she realized we have hit 10,000 followers! WOW and thanks very much.
Why the 14th?
Our online magazine goes live on the 14th of each month, and for the next 30 days, we present suggestions for reading. Why the 14th? This editor is smiling as it was the late Ian Coristine who made the suggestion. He thought it was the best time to think of the River, as so many other organizations are launched at the beginning of the month. From then on, I promised Ian I would try to keep the schedule. But we have to thank our IT magician, Mike Cox, for making it happen. Mike is the manager of Waukesha Marina on Six Mile Lake in Ontario, so it never ceases to amaze me that in the middle of the boating season, he gets the job done.
My Name is Casey
This was on 1000 Islands River Rats Facebook and posted by Todd Jones on September 6. Stay tuned as we will certainly meet later.
My name is Casey...
Now I splash in the sea...
At least that's what I call it.
But when I was little...
Life was quite brittle...
I got mistreated a bit.
Then Rover's Do Over ...
Gave me exposure...
On an adoption list.
Now I just play...
All night and all day...
And have the life that I wished.
If you are thinking about adding a four legged family member, please consider a shelter dog or rescue like me.🐕 [by Todd Jones]
And good news for book lovers!
John Lefevere has just published The Solutionist: Hollywood, Book 2 in the Nick Dalton Thriller series. Here is the series link, so that you grab it, as well as Book 1 (The Solutionist: Crypto Heist) if you missed it after I reviewed it in the May issue of TIL.
Conclusion
We have 11 articles this issue. Enjoy!
Help us out: 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 September 2025 Thousand Islands Life web page header was taken by Ian Coristine several years ago. It is a perfect depiction of the many kayaks plying the River. It is provided courtesy of ©IanCoristine/1000IslandsPhotoArt.com
The header for this issue of "From the Editor" is by mural artist, Kelly Curry. You can find more of Kelly's work at Kelly Curry Murals.
Stay well, keep safe and by all means get out in your boat a few more times - the fall season is short and cold weather 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!