Monthly Archives: July 2024

Grace United Church in Gananoque fills up with Pride

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  • Reverend Takouhi Demirdjian-Petro of Grace United Church in Gananoque lit the rainbow-coloured candles on the altar at the beginning of the 2nd Annual Pride Service held at the church on July 14. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Special soloist B Heaslip performed two numbers during the 2nd Annual Pride Service held at the Grace United Church in Gananoque on July 14. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • About 65 people came out to participate in the 2nd Annual Pride Service held at the Grace United Church in Gananoque on July 14. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Participants gathered in the church basement for pie, lemonade and fellowship after the 2nd Annual Pride Service held at the Grace United Church in Gananoque on July 14. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network

(Gananoque, ON – July 14, 2024) Grace United Church in Gananoque was bursting with Pride as they held their second ever service dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community and their families.

“The colours of the rainbow signify love – love of family, love of friends, love of community,” said Reverend Takouhi Demirdjian-Petro of Grace United. “And for those who do not have these things, know that we love you and welcome you.”

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Royal Canadian Legion Branch 92 Ladies Auxiliary celebrates 80th anniversary

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  • Legion Ladies Auxiliary Zone Commander Laura Blair received a bouquet from emcee Sheri Godfrey at the 80th anniversary celebrations for the Ladies’ Auxiliary (LA) of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 92 in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Piper Tristan Perry of the Princess of Wales Own Regiment Foundation performed official duties at the 80th anniversary celebrations for the Ladies’ Auxiliary (LA) of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 92 in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • LA President Shirley Walker spoke at the 80th anniversary celebrations for the Ladies’ Auxiliary (LA) of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 92 in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Gananoque Mayor John Beddows received a bouquet from emcee Sheri Godfrey at the 80th anniversary celebrations for the Ladies’ Auxiliary (LA) of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 92 in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • LA members (l-r) Sheila Kenny, Donna Johnson, Bev Miller and Fay Johnston handed out awards at the 80th anniversary celebrations for the Ladies’ Auxiliary (LA) of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 92 in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Dorothy Jocko (left) received her 30-year pin from Comrade Bev Miller at the 80th anniversary celebrations for the Ladies’ Auxiliary (LA) of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 92 in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Lenore Brennan (left) received her 30-year pin from Comrade Bev Miller at the 80th anniversary celebrations for the Ladies’ Auxiliary (LA) of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 92 in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network

With all aplomb and proper flourish, the Ladies’ Auxiliary (LA) of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 92 celebrated their 80th anniversary recently with a formal dinner at the branch in Gananoque. From members of the LA to dignitaries, 80 guests enjoyed a dinner prepared by the branch and served by members and volunteers.

“The Ladies’ Auxiliary is a non-profit organization operated separately from the Royal Canadian Legin, but together they thrive,” said Sheri Godfrey, emcee. “The Ladies’ Auxiliary originated during the First World War when women were asked to help wounded veterans returning home and to provide supports for their families. When the Royal Canadian Legion was established in 1926, these women were a welcomed addition at Legion branches as they continued the tradition of volunteering to support needy ex-service personnel, and to enrich the programs and activities of the branch.

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Kin Club of Gananoque joins GAN in teaching arts to kids

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  • Jonah works on texturizing hid hand-build clay project during the Kin Mud Club held at GAN on July 6. The program runs throughout the summer and participation is free. Pre-registration is required, and seating is limited. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Sal gets a few pointers from Barb Bakker during the Kin Mud Club held at GAN on July 6. The program runs throughout the summer and participation is free. Pre-registration is required, and seating is limited. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Logan and Sal get a few pointers from Anneka Schagen during the Kin Mud Club held at GAN on July 6. The program runs throughout the summer and participation is free. Pre-registration is required, and seating is limited. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • At the first session of the Kin Mud Club held at GAN on July 6 each participant received a plan for a project, materials, and a special “Rock Star” medal for their work. The program runs throughout the summer and participation is free. Pre-registration is required, and seating is limited. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Working together, the Kin Club of Gananoque and the Gananoque Arts Network are bringing the Kin Mud Club to Gananoque for July 6 through August 24. L-r, Dennis O’Connor, GAN; John Hodges, Kin Club; Pat Lalonde, Anneka Schagen, and Barb Bakker, GAN. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • There’s a special feel to the clay when working on a wheel during the Kin Mud Club held at GAN on July 6. The program runs throughout the summer and participation is free. Pre-registration is required, and seating is limited. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Instructor Beatrice Eberhard helps Mikaela learn to use the wheel during the Kin Mud Club held at GAN on July 6. The program runs throughout the summer and participation is free. Pre-registration is required, and seating is limited. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • The hand build piece may be textured or smooth depending on the individual’s taste during the Kin Mud Club held at GAN on July 6. The program runs throughout the summer and participation is free. Pre-registration is required, and seating is limited. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network

(Gananoque, ON July 7, 2024) There’s something timeless about playing in the mud and clay may be one of the most popular muds around. Squishing it in the fingers, moulding it into different shapes, seeing exactly what it can and can’t do. Staining clothes and skin and hair all in the search for creative expression. Whether making a free form art piece or a functional utensil, its versatility calls people of all ages to come out and explore.

“Gananoque Arts Network (GAN) was looking for funding to provide free hand-build and wheel pottery classes for kids and youth through the summer months,” said Dennis O’Connor, chair of GAN. “Because of their previous generosity to this not-for-profit community art center, I approached them with the Kin Mud Club project.”

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Celebrating greatness on Canada Day

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  • The beach at Joel Stone Park was a great place to play on Canada Day. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • The hottest spot to get cool on Canada Day was the splash pad in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • The crowd waited anxiously for the start of the evening’s entertainment at Joel Stone Park on Canada Day. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Town Crier Brian Mabee opened the evening’s celebrations on Canada Day at Joel Stone Park. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands Mayor Corinna Smith-Gatcke was one of the dignitaries speaking on Canada Day at Joel Stone Park. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • MPP Steve Clark Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes was one of the dignitaries speaking on Canada Day at Joel Stone Park. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Gananoque Mayor John Beddows was one of the dignitaries speaking on Canada Day at Joel Stone Park. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Poet Laureate Gretchen Huntley was one of the dignitaries speaking on Canada Day at Joel Stone Park. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Chickenwire provided the musical entertainment for the evening on Canada Day at Joel Stone Park. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Chickenwire provided the musical entertainment for the evening on Canada Day at Joel Stone Park. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network

(Gananoque, ON July 1, 2024) Perfect weather greeted the crowds as they came out to Joel Stone Park to celebrate Canada Day in Gananoque. Most were dressed in their patriotic red and white clothes, and all were ready for a good time.

Music for the evening was provided by the band Chickenwire. Face painting was available for all, and comic magician Rob Driscoll entertained to everyone’s delight. Dignitaries for the evening included Town Crier Brian Mabee, MPP Steve Clark Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, Gananoque Mayor John Beddows, Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands Mayor Corinna Smith-Gatcke, and Gananoque Poet Laureate Gretchen Huntley.

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RibFest triumphs despite wild weather

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  • The younger kids got a chance to do a rescue obstacle course with the fire department, saving both an infant and an adult at the RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Crowds were eager to try offerings from four great ribbers at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Two pirates greeted Town Crier Brian Mabee (right) on their ship, just part of the kid zone entertainment at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Mike Myers was only one of the musicians performing at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Ladies of all ages got up to dance to the free music at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Local resident Peggy Haggerty thoroughly enjoyed the ribs at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • LorrJen Berry (left) joined Eileen and Glenna Wilberforce as they enjoyed RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque.a ine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Rotary President Bern Hudson spoke on behalf of the Rotary at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. The extremely popular annual event is brought to town by the Rotary and Lions Clubs of Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Lions RibFest organizer Doug Charbonneau spoke on behalf of the Lions Club at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. The extremely popular annual event is brought to town by the Rotary and Lions Clubs of Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • The dignitaries came out to support RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. L-r, Town Crier Brian Mabee, Gananoque Mayor John Beddows, MPP Steve Clark Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, and Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands Mayor Corinna Smith-Gatcke. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Six brave duckie wranglers selected the winning entrants from the duckie drop RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Front l-r, Arlo, Mia, Claire, Avery, Ava and Colin, rear Town Crier Brian Mabee. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Kouri’s Kopters dropped the duckies into the “pond” at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Avery selecting the first winning duckie RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Members of the Gananoque Skating Club picked up the leftover duckies at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. The small plastic toys will be used again next year. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Town Crier Brian Mabee helped the Lions Club distribute Canada Day cupcakes at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Ready to repel all boarders, young pirates joined in on the fun at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network

(Gananoque, ON July 1, 2024) The Gananoque Rotary and Lions Clubs teamed up once again for a successful RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre. The four-day event included entertainment for all ages, vendors, and of course, the ribs. The four ribbers were Jack the Ribber, Route 55 BBQ, Silver Bullet BBQ, and Smoke House Bandits, and other food vendors were also available on-site.

“The smallest community to host Ribfest in Canada welcomes over 19,000 visitors every year,” says the website at www.1000islandsfamilyribfest.ca/ . “The Rotary & Lions Clubs of Gananoque give 100 percent of proceeds back to the community. They support charities, families and students and lead projects that positively change Gananoque and the 1000 Islands area. 1000 Islands Family Ribfest is a safe and clean event that everyone can enjoy.”

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Summer services return to Half Moon Bay

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  • A new season of services begins at Half Moon Bay on June 30. Lorraine Payette/For Postmedia Network

(Gananoque, ON June 23, 2024) Starting on June 30 between 3 and 3:30 p.m., the boats will be at the PUC dock in Gananoque waiting for passengers to attend a new season of services at Half Moon Bay (HMB).

“Our first speaker of the year will be Reverend Erin Burns, Director of Faith and Spiritual Life, and Interfaith Chaplain at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario,” said George Horton of the HMB committee. “This is an Interdenominational service starting at 4 p.m. There will be an accessible water taxi each week for the service at the dock.”

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Humankind dance performance provokes thought about displaced persons

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  • Town Crier Brian Mabee and Poet Laureate Gretchen Huntley were among the special speakers at the performance of “Humankind” held in Joel Stone Park on June 22. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Reverend Takouhi Demirdjian-Petro was among the special speakers at the performance of “Humankind” held in Joel Stone Park on June 22. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Event organizer Debbie Donaldson led the performance of “Humankind” held in Joel Stone Park on June 22. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • The gatekeepers enter with the 30-foot red silk cloth that represents thee chosen community at the performance of “Humankind” held in Joel Stone Park on June 22. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Some of the displaced persons fall into despair, wither and die during the performance of “Humankind” held in Joel Stone Park on June 22. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Members of the chosen community dance their love and appreciation for each other during the performance of “Humankind” held in Joel Stone Park on June 22. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • The community begins to admit the displaced into its ranks at the performance of “Humankind” held in Joel Stone Park on June 22. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Eventually everyone is welcome to join the chosen com munity during the performance of “Humankind” held in Joel Stone Park on June 22. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • A rosy glow of safety surrounds everyone when they become part of the chosen community at the performance of “Humankind” held in Joel Stone Park on June 22. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • With the community open to all, everyone rejoices at the performance of “Humankind” held in Joel Stone Park on June 22. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network

(Gananoque, ON June 23, 2024) Humankind came to Joel Stone Park in Gananoque on June 22, reaching out to society to embrace all and make them one in the planetary community.

“Through music and dance this experience shows the struggles humankind is having to find its place in thee world,” said Town Crier Brian Mabee. “‘Humankind’ had its birth when the Trinity Movement Choir performed at the 2018 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Toronto. In 2020, the pandemic intervened, and the movement choir expanded internationally, performing full seasons of new works online with Sacred Dance Guild members from Australia, New Zealand and Canada to Hawaii and across the contiguous United States joining the New York region dancers.”

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Aquaculture: Farming the Waters comes to Thousand Islands History Museum

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  • About 35 people came out to enjoy the opening of Aquaculture, the new exhibit at the Thousand Islands History Museum in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • About 35 people came out to enjoy the opening of Aquaculture, the new exhibit at the Thousand Islands History Museum in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • LoA colourful selection of fishing lures is on display as part of Aquaculture, the new exhibit at the Thousand Islands History Museum in Gananoque. rraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Numerous interactive displays are part of Aquaculture, the new exhibit at the Thousand Islands History Museum in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Different types of fishng equipment are on display as part of Aquaculture, the new exhibit at the Thousand Islands History Museum in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Live fish in a tank are part of Aquaculture, the new exhibit at the Thousand Islands History Museum in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • The Link Trainer is one of the displays currently at the Thousand Islands History Museum in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • The virtual reality program Oculus gives visitors a chance to experience flight at the Thousand Islands History Museum in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network

(Gananoque, ON June 20, 2024) The Thousand Islands History Museum in Gananoque opened its latest exhibit to the public on June 20. About 35 people came out to explore the new exhibit and get an idea of just what the subject is about.

“Our latest exhibit is Aquaculture: Farming the Waters, a travelling exhibit from Ingenium,” said Joanne van Dreumel, executive director of the museum. “We are excited to launch this new exhibition, which explores the world of aquaculture – the farming of fish, shellfish, and seaweed in oceans, lakes, and on land. Have you ever wondered how Canadian farmers produce seafood – not only on Canada’s coasts, but across the country? This colourful travelling exhibition from Ingenium is accessible, tactile, peppered with games and interactive materials, and will engage visitors of all ages. Come discover how Indigenous peoples have practiced aquaculture over millennia and explore how it has evolved in Canada.”

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Summer reading fun with annual Book Drive

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  • With hundreds of books to choose from it was hard to pick just one – all free for students at Thousand Islands Elementary School (TIES), Linklater Public School and St. Catholic School during the Gananoque Book Drive’s annual distribution at the schools on June 17-19. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • A person has to be careful when selecting that special book for the summer. It was hard to pick just one with hundreds of books to choose from – all free for students at Thousand Islands Elementary School (TIES), Linklater Public School and St. Catholic School during the Gananoque Book Drive’s annual distribution at the schools on June 17-19. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Sometimes it seemed easier to work in groups. It was hard to pick just one with hundreds of books to choose from – all free for students at Thousand Islands Elementary School (TIES), Linklater Public School and St. Catholic School during the Gananoque Book Drive’s annual distribution at the schools on June 17-19. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Best friends paired up to make their best selections. It was hard to pick just one with hundreds of books to choose from – all free for students at Thousand Islands Elementary School (TIES), Linklater Public School and St. Catholic School during the Gananoque Book Drive’s annual distribution at the schools on June 17-19. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Sometimes it can be easier to decide when you check with friends. It was hard to pick just one with hundreds of books to choose from – all free for students at Thousand Islands Elementary School (TIES), Linklater Public School and St. Catholic School during the Gananoque Book Drive’s annual distribution at the schools on June 17-19. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Who can wait for holidays to get started on great reading? It was hard to pick just one with hundreds of books to choose from – all free for students at Thousand Islands Elementary School (TIES), Linklater Public School and St. Catholic School during the Gananoque Book Drive’s annual distribution at the schools on June 17-19. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network

(Gananoque, ON June 20, 2024) June 17-19 brought three busy, happy, and fulfilling days to the Gananoque Book Drive (GBD) as they visited Thousand Islands Elementary School (TIES), Linklater Public School and St. Catholic School to distribute hundreds of free books to encourage literacy.

“We started 34 years ago in 1990,” said Julie Price. Head of the drive committee. “The U.N. had designated 1990 as International Literacy Year and a local chapter of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority decided to commemorate the event by donating brand new books to the Toy Drive.”

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Weekend Bundles Program receives funds from United Way

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The Gananoque Food Bank received a cheque from the United Way in the amount of $25,000 as funding for the Weekend Food Bundles program. The program provides up to 150 bundles of food per week during the school year to be handed out to assist students suffering from food insecurity, enabling them to have nutritious meals throughout the weekend. L—r, Karlie Barkley, United Way Leeds and Grenville; Daria Hamilton, Food Bank Manager; and Shannon Griggs, Food Bank Chair Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network

(Gananoque, ON June 14, 2024)