The jury is still out as to the number of COVID-19 cases that will occur because of Labour Day Weekend - but we are all hoping there is no spike. The weather was beautiful, and the number of boats out on the River attest to families taking advantage of the end of Summer 2020. I wish I could say that it was a summer to remember, but I think most readers will agree that we do not want a repeat. Suffice it to say, we hope you are all well and remain so for the rest of the year.
Thanks to Capt. Bill (Hale)
We lost a special River Rat in August. William Hale (Bill or Capt' Bill) died at his daughter's home in Fair Haven, Michigan, at the age of 96+. Up until this year, we saw Bill zoom through our island channel on his way to his Admiralty Island's home. He and his late wife,Irene, came from Michigan each summer with their four daughters, then grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. After retiring, he took up a new career, getting his captain's license and taking the helm for the Gananoque Boat Line. Some of us would like a $ for every time he gave sound safety advice to our children and to all those mariners who spent the summer at the Gananoque Marina. It was the marina staff who were his best friends in these later years. And for those who are not aware, it was Bill Hale who championed, applied for permits, and managed the Thousand Islands Association's Shoal Marker Program for many years. I thank TIA for paying special tribute to this great gentleman.
There are two names, Bill Hale and Skip Armstrong, which are synonymous with TIA as both worked for decades to carry on the Associations' work. Skip writes, "Bill has been a close neighbour for the past 60 years. He has been a great friend during this time. When I took over the management of our Admiralty Group island, Bill was invaluable in assisting me with the projects required after the cottage had been closed for six years. Bill was a Director of TIA and over the years he built the shoal marker program to be the Association's signature program."
This issue
Lots of Nature, All about People, an Essay, a Boat, and yes, Sudoku #69!
Nature:
From Out of the Twilight - a Ray of Hope
In mid-July, Clayton P. O. mailboat driver, Brian Parker, delivered exciting new...
by Lynn E. McElfresh
Good Times:
Ospreys in the St. Lawrence Region are doing fabulously well... seems appropriate...
by Gerry Smith
Kill the Bug Zappers Not the Birds
Bug zappers are consummately worthless for mosquito control...
by Paul Hetzler
The Beaver That Ate The Boathouse
All other creatures, however, take second place to The Beaver. The one that has...
by Sarah Telfer
How Does Your Garden Grow … in a Pandemic
What to do with your Pandemic garden produce... Yes, lots of ideas and lots of...
by Elspeth Naismith
2020: A Successful Year for the Save The River’s Common Tern Project
Save the River monitors 6 common tern nesting sites (2 natural shoals and 6 Navi.gation...
by John Peach, Patricia Shulenburg, and Rosie Rockell
People:
All About Lynn McElfresh & Her Books
We want to know just who you are and why are you writing nine novels about the...
by Susan W. Smith
Dean White Pottery
Dean White has been in business as a potter for 46 years, now living in Cape Vincent...
by Sarah Ellen Smith
Gato Diablo
Did you know Gato Diablo specialty Coffee Roasters is right here in Cape Vincent...
by Kristie Stumpf Rork
An Essay
Many Journeys - One connection - The River
I’m a firm believer that you can live anywhere as long as you have happiness...
by Janet Guerrero D’Alessandro
A Boat
“Rumba” a “New” 14-foot Runabout
After sitting unfinished for 60 years in a barn near Erie, Pennsylvania, a 14 1/2... by Rick Casali
And A Puzzle!
Sudoku Puzzle #69
This month’s “impossible” puzzle features a fresh look at uncovering a not-so-ob...
by Dan LeKander
Get Well Bill Stallan!
This issue is dedicated to Bill Stallan, in the hopes that lots of good wishes will help him get better and come back to work at TI Life. Bill has been our "comma policeman" for almost as many years as I have been editor. He found a few mistakes many years ago and before he knew it, he was repairing them! Today he is joined by several others, but Bill has been there through thick and thin. He is not well, and has some battles to fight, but if his personality and ability to make us laugh counts, he will be better and back in no time.
Please Don't Forget
If you are on the River or the shoreline in October, please take photographs for TI Life. By now, your fish stories are well-rehearsed, and what about Social Distancing ideas to meet with family and friends?
Volunteers?
Last month, I wrote: "There are 22 Communities that make up the Thousand Islands! Each community has its history and personality." A reader wrote saying we missed Oak Point in Hammond, so we asked him to add Oak Point to our list - and he will.
Remember when we created TI Life we made a section: THE PLACE, and under this heading, you will find descriptions for each community. These were written a decade ago, and this year we want to update them. So, please review the list, and if you can help, please contact info@thousandislandslife.com.
Supporting TI Life
Want to support TI Life by donating the price of a cup of coffee or a tank of gas to TI Life? Donations help with updating software and supports our mailing program.
US residents: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=X3E5336QH4TAU
Canadian residents: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=SVMPAH4CA4MLA
By Susan W. Smith, Editor, info@thousandislandslife.com
[Special thanks to the TI Life team, proofreaders, Rick Taylor, Dane Zabriskie, Georgia Barker, and new member editor, Elspeth Naismith. They all make every issue great! Thanks gang.]
Posted in: Volume 15, Issue 9, September 2020, From the editor, People, Videos
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