New Book Announced: Nature Reflections by Patty Mondore

North Wind Publishing releases the second book in its Outdoor Devotional Series

by Patty Mondore

Nature Reflections:

A 90-Day Devotional and Journal for People Who Love Nature

North Wind Publishing (Belfast, Maine) publishes a pre-release edition of Patty Mondore’s newest book, Nature Reflections: A 90-Day Devotional and Journal for People Who Love Nature to the Thousand Islands area. Nature Reflections is the second book in a series of devotionals that North Wind will be publishing written by Patty Mondore for those who love nature and the outdoors.  It follows last summer’s release of River Reflections.

Written from her favorite waterfront location in the beautiful Thousand Islands in Northern New York, Nature Reflections will delight anyone who loves nature and the One who created it.  As explained by North Wind’s founder, Janet Robbins, “Nature Reflections is the second book in a series of devotionals for people who love the outdoors.  As a person who loves the outdoors, I could relate to each story in some way, having had similar experiences while I was enjoying nature. Experiencing a beautiful vista overlooking water, gazing up at mountains, or looking closely at the details of a flower or insect brings one closer to God as we admire His handiwork.  Nature Reflections is a 90-day Devotional and Journal to help you with your bible study and meditations. Each day starts with a beautiful black and white river photo and bible verse. The Trek steers you toward portions of the bible you should read that day while Nature Reflections are the author’s personal experiences enjoying nature and where she relates that experience to biblical teachings. Nature’s Journal is an area for the reader to write down personal thoughts for the day, so this book becomes a keepsake journal. May God bless you and yours.” - JANET ROBBINS, Publisher

Patty’s other books include River-Lations, A Good Paddling, Proclaim His Praise in the Islands, To Love, Honor and OH BOY, and Perennial Faith.  Patty’s column, River-Lations, which appears in the Thousand Islands Sun Vacationer throughout the summer months features inspirational stories and photos of the Thousand Islands.  Patty and her husband Bob are also well known in the Thousand Islands area for their Singer Castle books (Singer Castle and Singer Castle Revisited from Arcadia’s Images of America Series), documentary DVD, and Singer Castle blog (singercastle.blogspot.com). They have also produced several Thousand Islands music videos.

Nature Reflections retails for $14.95. Its official publication date will be some time in the fall but North Wind Publishing has allowed the Mondores to exclusively pre-release some copies in the Thousand Islands area. Copies may purchased in stores throughout Alexandria Bay and Clayton as well as directly from the Gold-Mountain website (www.gold-mountain.com). See the Mondores’ website for full listing of retailers carrying Nature Reflections and River Reflections.

Antique Boat Museum: Statement Regarding Death of Museum Founder

Robert O. Cox, source: Antique Boat Museum

STATEMENT REGARDING DEATH OF FOUNDER ROBERT O. COX

CLAYTON, New York (June 24, 2013) – Frederick H. Hager, Executive Director of the Antique Boat Museum (ABM), released the following statement regarding the death of Museum founder Robert (Bob) O. Cox.

“We are saddened to share the news of the death of Bob Cox, a tireless leader, visionary, and true inspiration. As a founding member of the Antique Boat Auxiliary of the Thousand Islands Museum in 1967, Bob would help to capture the history of boating throughout the region by actively seeking ways for preservation. He played a key role as the Auxiliary transitioned into the Thousand Islands Shipyard Museum, and then in 1990 when it was renamed the Antique Boat Museum.

Bob served as a Board member for 30 years until 1999, when he was named Trustee Emeritus. In addition, he was the longest serving docent at the ABM, leading tours up until 2011 at the age of 93.

The ABM has lost a true mentor, benefactor, and an influential friend of the Museum and the Thousand Islands.”

In addition to assisting with the foundation of the Museum, Bob helped to organize the first boat show in 1964. The show will joyfully celebrate its 50^th anniversary in 2014.

His memories of boating on the river in the 1920s and 30s were foundational to the mission of the Museum, and remained an important part of his contributions. He was a student of local boating history, and many important boats in the Museum’s collection were found, purchased, and donated by Bob, including the local raceboats Suwanee and George Boldt’s former number boat.

The knowledge Bob shared with the ABM extends far beyond the Thousand Islands.

While still in college at CalTech, Bob designed the docks for the World’s Fair in New York City in 1938. Ten years later, on a sailing trip, he purchased a former Navy pier in South Florida and founded the Fort Lauderdale Marina, one of the largest marinas in the world. This put him at the forefront of America’s growing fascination with boating in the 20th century. In the 1960s and 70s, he was a championship racer of offshore powerboats alongside the likes of Don Aronow, Dick Bertram, and Jim Wynn.

Bob, a lifelong summer resident of Grindstone Island, was always a vigorous presence, active and engaged, full of energy and ideas. From boating on the River in the 1920s, to racing powerboats in the 60s, to designing new luxury powerboats in the early 2000s, few people have had a life so connected with boating.

Success: Steamboat Owners to Blow Off Steam Again

STEAMBOAT OWNERS AGREE TO ‘BLOW OFF STEAM’ AT THE ABM IN 2014

CLAYTON, New York (June 21, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, announced today that the Great International Steamboat Flotilla (GISF) has agreed to return to the Museum and 1000 Islands region for a third straight year in 2014.

For the past two years, the GISF has made the ABM a gathering place and has captured the attention of those on the river. On Thursday evening, the GISF voted to return to Clayton for a third straight year based on their enjoyment of the region and growing partnership with the Museum.

“We spent a most enjoyable week at the ABM. It is a great venue for the GISF steamboat meet,” shared Carl Kriegeskotte, GISF spokesperson. “We all look forward to our return next June.”

“We are pleased to have this group continue to make the Museum a gathering place. Their unique vessels and interesting stories have helped to draw attention to the ABM,” said Michael Folsom, Director of Marketing and Communications. “Our staff and Board of Directors look forward to growing this partnership well beyond 2014.”

Approximately 20 steamboats have made the ABM their ‘home port’ for the past week, while exploring the region daily, including stops to Boldt Castle and Rock Island Lighthouse. The GISF will begin to wrap up their visit on Friday afternoon.

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats, including steamboats, among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. This August, the Museum will host the 49^th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the longest running show in North America. For more information please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.

Summer Sailing Programs for 2013

SAIL INTO THE ABM THIS SUMMER

CLAYTON, New York (June 19, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, announced today its summer sailing programs for 2013.

Beginning on Tuesday, June 25, the ABM will kick-off its popular Tuesday Night Sailing & Rowing program. This free weekly event takes place June 25 through August 13 and begins at 5:30 p.m.

This program is open to the public and to those of all ages. No sailing experience is required. The ABM staff will be on hand to assist those in need of coaching or desire an experienced sailing partner.

Not interested in sailing, then give skiff rowing a try. St. Lawrence Skiff rowing is free daily at the Museum with paid admission, in addition to the Tuesday evening events.

Also, the ABM will host a wide-range of sailing courses throughout the summer including adult, junior, teen, and advanced courses. Courses run throughout July and August. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information or to check availability, contact Julie Broadbent at 315-686-4104 ext 235.

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. This August, the Museum will host the 49th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the longest running show in North America. For more information please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.

International Steamboat Flotilla Meet & Greet June 18

WHAT: 

Great International Steamboat Flotilla at the Antique Boat Museum 

“Blow off Steam” Meet & Greet with Captains and Crew of more than 20 steamboats 

spending the week in Clayton. Meet & Greet session will offer free admission to the 

Museum campus between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. on June 18, 2013. 

Steamboats available for viewing daily throughout the week with general admission to 

the Museum as well. 

WHEN:  

Tuesday, June 18 

4:00 – 6:00 p.m. 

WHERE: 

Antique Boat Museum  

750 Mary Street, Clayton NY 13624

ANTIQUE BOAT MUSEUM TO PARTICIPATE IN GRAND ARRIVAL OF TALL SHIPS

Free admission passes to be given away June 16

CLAYTON, New York (June 10, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, announced today that it has again joined forces with the popular Clayton festival, Sailing Seaway Clayton presented by Caskinette’s Lofink Ford, which will take place June 12 through June 16 in downtown Clayton.

On Wednesday, June 12, a number of antique boats from the Antique Boat Museum will participate in the Grand Arrival of tall ships Lynx and Pride of Baltimore II. Antique boats will greet the tall ships on the river and lead them to the Thousand Islands Regional Dock at Frink Park.

Space to be aboard Teal, a triple cockpit speedboat, remains available for just $25 to be a part of the excitement.

In addition, the Antique Boat Museum will again offer free admission passes on the Sunday of the festival, this year to the first 50 visitors to tour the tall ship Lynx. Passes will be valid for use through October 1, 2013.

For more information on Sailing Seaway Clayton presented by Caskinette’s Lofink Ford, be sure to visit www.sailingseawayclayton.com or information on the Antique Boat Museum, visit www.abm.org.

A GUIDE TO SAILING SEAWAY CLAYTON/SEAWAY SPLASH 2013

Clayton, New York (June 10, 2013) – The complete guide to the 2013 edition of Sailing Seaway Clayton presented by Caskinette’s Lofink Ford, which includes Seaway Splash presented by TIMIS, Inc., has been released for the upcoming festival.  

The Sailing Seaway Clayton festival has quickly grown into a popular event within the 1000 Islands region and has helped to land Clayton, NY on the map among tall ships.

In 2012, more than 11,000 people passed through Frink Park in downtown Clayton to view tall ship Fair Jeanne, listen to live music, visit vendor booths, and an enjoy the entertainment provided by the new Seaway Splash competition.

In 2013, much of the same from the successful 2012 run will remain in place, as well as a few new pieces, such as a “Battle Sail” featuring two of the tall ships.

TALL SHIPS –

The Thousand Islands Regional Dock in Clayton will be graced by three tall ships at once for the first-time ever.

On the morning of Tuesday, June 11 between 10 a.m. and Noon., the majestic 203-foot Empire Sandy will arrive to mark the start of festivities leading up to Sailing Seaway Clayton 2013 presented by Caskinette’s Lofink Ford.

At Noon on Wednesday, June 12 the festival will officially begin when boats from the Antique Boat Museum and the Clayton Fireboat, Last Chance, will lead a parade from Rock Island, which will escort tall ships Lynx and Pride of Baltimore II into town. The ships will mark their presence with multiple deck gun blasts as they near the Regional Dock.

Tall Ship Deck Tours Schedule:

Once docked in Clayton, Lynx and Empire Sandy will be open to the public for deck tours. Ships may have boarding fees unrelated to the festival ranging between $5-8/person.

Lynx

June 12             1 p.m. – 5 p.m. 

June 13             10 a.m. – 1 p.m.           

June 14 – 16     9 a.m. – 11 a.m.           

Empire Sandy

June 12             10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

June 13             9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Pride of Baltimore II

Not available for public boarding, but can be viewed from the dock

Excursions aboard Tall Ship Lynx:

Thursday through Sunday, visitors will have the opportunity to sail aboard tall ship Lynx. In 2011, all excursions sold out prior to the ship’s arrival. This year, excursions still have availability, but are very limited. Advance reservations are highly encouraged by visiting www.privateerlynx.com.

Each excursion is two hours in length.

                        June 13             2 p.m. – 4 p.m.              5 p.m. – 7 p.m. (Battle Sail)

                        June 14 – 16     12 Noon – 2 p.m.                       3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Battle Sail – Lynx vs. Pride of Baltimore II:

For the first-time ever, Sailing Seaway Clayton will feature a “Battle Sail” between two ships off the village shoreline.

Lynx and Pride of Baltimore II will exchange fire and draw a crowd between the hours of 5 and 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 14. Those interested in being aboard Lynx for the sail should log on to www.privateerlynx.com to reserve tickets now – space is limited. Those hoping to watch should visit Frink Park.

 SEAWAY SPLASH presented by TIMIS, Inc. –

Last year, the DockDogs competition, best known as Seaway Splash in Clayton, captured the attention of everyone.

Dogs from across the Northeast came to the region to compete in this nationally recognized circuit that has been seen on networks such as ABC and ESPN.

Clayton even made its way into the DockDogs record books when Taz, a young black Labrador, raised the bar by leaping 31-feet in the Big Air contest and taking the world record not once, but twice in the same weekend. Taz is expected to return to Clayton and defend his title.

Seaway Splash Schedule:

June 14             Big Air Competition Waves presented by TIMIS, Inc.                    10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

June 15             Big Air Competition Waves presented by TIMIS, Inc.                    10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

                        Extreme Vertical presented by Bonnie Castle Resort                    6 p.m.

June 16             Big Air Competition Waves presented by TIMIS, Inc.                    9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

                        Speed Retrieve presented by Caskinette’s Throttle Shop              3:30 p.m.

                        Big Air Finals presented by TIMIS, Inc.                                         5 p.m.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES/EVENTS –

River Night Lights presented by Clayton Island Tours:

River Night Lights is a new feature in 2013. Join us in Frink Park on Friday, June 14 at dusk or board a Clayton Island Tours boat and participate in the launching of floating lanterns over the river.

Approximately 100 Chinese floating lanterns will light the night sky. Lanterns on shore will be available for a $5 donation to support the festival. Clayton Island Tours will also carry a number of lanterns to launch while out on the water.

To reserve space aboard a Clayton Island Tours boat for this event, log onto www.claytonislandtours.com.

Live Music featuring Bad Husbands Club:

Bad Husbands Club returns to the festival for the third year-in-a-row and is always sure to entertain. Bring a lawn chair to Frink Park and enjoy their performance on Saturday, June 15 from 7 – 9 p.m.

Vendors in the Park:

Vendors will return to Frink Park throughout the weekend offering a number of items.

Free Admission to the Antique Boat Museum:

The first 50 visitors aboard tall ship Lynx on Sunday, June 16 will receive a free admission pass to the Antique Boat Museum to be used any time prior to October 2013.

For more information on Sailing Seaway Clayton, visit www.sailingseawayclayton.com or for information on DockDogs or to register for the event, visit www.dockdogs.com.

Father's Day discounts at Antique Boat Museum

ANITQUE BOAT MUSEUM TO PARTICIPATE IN NYS MUSEUM WEEK

Father’s Day discounts to be offered

CLAYTON, New York (June 7, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, announced today that it will join more than 200 museums across New York State for NYS Museum Week, an initiative coordinated by I LOVE NY.

As part of the ABM’s involvement in NYS Museum Week, the Museum will offer free admission to fathers on Sunday, June 16 – Father’s Day – with a paid child’s admission.

In addition, the ABM will offer $5 off for fathers wishing to take a speedboat ride with their child. Discount only valid on an adult ride (regularly $25) with the purchase of a child ride ($15).

NYS Museum Week takes place June 10-16 and encompasses nearly the entire museum community across the state.

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands region of upstate New York, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. The Museum will host its 49^th annual Antique Boat Show & Auction, the longest running antique boat show in North America, on August 2-4, 2013. For more information please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.

What do Singer Castle, the Antique Boat Museum, RiverQuest and the Brockville Aquatarium have in common?

Producers and Boat Captains discussing the plan on Dark Island.

Antique Boat Museum Executive Director Fritz Hager 

fishing in wooden boat at Singer Castle, Dark Island.

The Antique Boat Museum joined with RiverQuest at Dark Island's Singer Castle to produce a video of antique boats on the St. Lawrence River for an exhibit at the new Brockville Aquatarium. 

CLAYTON ATTRACTS 3 TALL SHIPS AT ONCE FOR THE FIRST-TIME EVER

Tall Ship: Pride of Baltimore II 

Clayton, New York (June 3, 2013) – Michael Folsom, organizer of the popular Clayton summer festival Sailing Seaway Clayton presented by Caskinette’s Lofink Ford, has already announced the return of tall ship Lynx, Clayton’s adopted tall ship, as well as a first-time visit by the 203-foot Empire Sandy. However, the Sailing Seaway Clayton festival just grew by 157 more feet as the Pride of Baltimore II is expected to come to town June 12-13.

The Sailing Seaway Clayton festival reached a record-high attendance in 2012 with more than 11,000 people passing through Frink Park in downtown Clayton to view tall ship Fair Jeanne and the Seaway Splash competition. Now, the Thousand Islands Regional Dock in Clayton will be graced by three tall ships at once for the first-time ever and are expected to draw an even larger crowd. The fleet will arrive in the late morning of Wednesday, June 12, close to noon.

Deck tours will be available aboard Lynx and Empire Sandy, while Pride of Baltimore II will be available for viewing from the dock (subject to change). Each ship may have deck tour fees unrelated to the free festival. In addition, Lynx will conduct 2-hour sailing excursions beginning on Thursday and running through Sunday evening. Some excursions are nearing sell out status, which was the case in 2011 when the ship last visited and sold out all excursions prior to arriving in Clayton. To book an excursion visit www.privateerlynx.com.

Sailing Seaway Clayton presented by Caskinette’s Lofink Ford will kick-off on June 12 and run through June 16 and feature tall ships, live music, vendors, and Seaway Splash presented by TIMIS, Inc., the world famous DockDogs competition.

FLEET BY THE NUMBERS

                             Empire Sandy                         Lynx                 Pride of Baltimore II

Mast Height              116’                                        94’                         107’                       

Sparred Length        203’                                        122’                       157’

Sail Span                 N/A                                       4,669 sq ft             10,442 sq ft.     
                                      

For more information on Sailing Seaway Clayton, visit www.sailingseawayclayton.com or for information on DockDogs or to register for the event, visit www.dockdogs.com.

Dark Island Enveloped in Fog This Morning.

Photos above by Jeane Papke, Singer Castle on Dark Island

Photo by Tom Weldon, President of Singer Castle

Fog

The fog comes

on little cat feet.

It sits looking over

harbor and city

on silent haunches

and then moves on.

---Carl Sandburg