Soup kitchen coming to Gananoque

Nik Giannakouras and Mary Donevan will be opening The Soup Kitchen of Gananoque in December, offering a free meal five days a week to those in need. It will be located inside Moroni’s restaurant on the bar side. Photo by Lorraine Payette

(Gananoque, ON – November 25, 2025) Food insecurity is a reality for far too many people in the world today, and too many people are ashamed to admit that they suffer from it. With exorbitant prices that are unmet by increases in income, food banks are seeing their usage increase on an almost daily basis and people who have lost their homes through whatever means find themselves hunting for any way in which they can feed themselves and still retain a sense of human dignity. It isn’t confined to larger population centres, but finds its home in small towns and villages, rural areas – anywhere that there are people, there is hunger.

“Our vision and mission are simple,” said Mary Donevan of Donevan’s in Gananoque. “The soup kitchen is complimentary and for anyone and everyone who wants to experience the hospitality of this community; to make friendships, connections and supports over a shared meal; to overcome social issues such as loneliness, addressing food security needs, including for young families. It is for outreach making new residents and guests feel welcome and to provide a nutritious meal five days a week to those who may have difficulty doing this for themselves at this time.”

Continue reading

Gananoque and area remembers the fallen

Members of the Queen’s Bands led the parade from the Legion to the Remembrance Services held in Gananoque on November 11. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network

(Leeds/Grenville, ON – November 13, 2024) It was a cold and wet day as Gananoque and area celebrated Remembrance Day on November 11, but that has never stopped the crowds from coming out to pay homage to the fallen. Services were held in Gananoque, Lansdowne, Rockport, and many other surrounding communities.

Continue reading

Legion Levée starts 2025 in style

(Gananoque, ON – January 2, 2025) In Gananoque, Branch 92 of the Royal Canadian Legion brought in the new year with about 40 people in attendance for its annual Levée. A time-honoured tradition, the much-anticipated annual Levée in Gananoque (from the French “lever”, meaning “to raise”) has brought greetings and good wishes to residents, and honours to a few outstanding members of society since 1927.

This year’s dignitaries in attendance included Gananoque Mayor John Beddows, Leeds and Thousand Islands (TLTI) Mayor Karina Smith-Gatcke, Branch 92 president Bob Howard and his wife Shirley (branch secretary/treasurer), and Ladies Auxiliary First Vice President Kate Lasher. Unable to attend due to prior commitments were MP Michael Barrett and MPP Steve Clark, both of Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes.

Continue reading

Grace United Church in Gananoque fills up with Pride

(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.”

Continue reading

Kin Club of Gananoque joins GAN in teaching arts to kids

(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.”

Continue reading

Humankind dance performance provokes thought about displaced persons

(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.”

Continue reading

Aquaculture: Farming the Waters comes to Thousand Islands History Museum

(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.”

Continue reading

Summer reading fun with annual Book Drive

(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.”

Continue reading

Weekend Bundles Program receives funds from United Way

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)

Party animals rule on GDHS Furball

Captured by Rockport Cruise Lines mate Janet Gaylord, this year’s celebrity party animal was all set to keep up with her hobby as a Furball-ologist snapping pictures and learning about all the other cool cats and sly dogs who came out to enjoy the GDHS Furball fundraising cruise on August 25. supplied by Janet Gaylord

(Rockport, Ontario – August 26, 2023)

It was the purr-fect night to get out and get your party animal on as the Gananoque and District Humane Society (GDHS) held its 10th Furball fundraiser on a boat provided by Rockport Cruise Lines.

“We had a terrific response,” said Kelly Croft of GDHS. “We sold 149 tickets and raised $4,880.”

Continue reading