"Between the Bridges" 2002 by Teddy Linenfelser
		Photo courtesy of Diane "Bykowicz" Hassan  Class of '70

December 26, 2002
Well, as folks across the country seem to know, we had a very, very white Christmas. Ours began with a beautiful Christmas Eve candlelight service at Trinity Church - and no snow under foot, coming or going! The traditional music from talented parishioners made you glad to be alive and thankful for so many of the simple things in life.

"Nothing but class!" Channel 7's "Eye Witness News This Morning" featured the Grand Island High School Band last Friday morning. I didn't see them but heard they made an impressive appearance, not only with their fabulous music but also in the way they were appropriately dressed.~~~~Did anyone else see Santa Claus driving his Harley Davidson motorcycle down Ransom Road and waving to those passing by?

Looking Back 40 years - Chuck Moore and his Deejays emceed a "Turn-About" Record Hop at the firehall sponsored by the Islettes majorettes. The dance was a "better dress" affair.~~~~The Historical Society was granted a provisional charter effective for a term of five years. Announcement was made by town attorney Salvatore G. Capizzi who donated his services since the Society was formed in March 1962.

Looking Back 30 years - The retirement of Dorothy Waltman, secretary to Supervisor Raymond P. Griffin, was announced.

Lordy, lordy! Guess who's turning 40! Happy big 4-0 to Li-Anne "Rowswell" Mufson who will celebrate with family and friends in California on December 29th. Click her name and send her a birthday greeting.~~~~Happy birthday to Bradley Stone (5 today), Margie Walker (tomorrow), William Garrison (21 tomorrow), Tyler James Nogle (two-years-old tomorrow), Abigail Dallasandro (6 tomorrow), Chelsea Schmidt (5 on Saturday), Connie Ford (Saturday), Jennifer Raham (her 20th on Sunday), Laurel Moher (Sunday), Alex Bowerman (5 on Monday), Kathy Lazenby (cheers on the 31st!), Nick Pelosi (special greetings on the 31st), Jeffrey Nordvik (his 16th on Tuesday), Jeanette Ray (Tuesday), Jessica Mae Conrad (two-years-old on Wednesday), Maria Bobak (a teen on Wednesday), Sebastian Chevez (Wednesday), and Elaine Clarke and Rolland Card (Wednesday).~~~~A belated happy birthday to Barb Gatti who celebrated hers on Sunday.

Our sympathy to the families of Doris Houck who died on December 19th and former resident Anna Mae Kanavel who passed away on December 22nd. Click for complete Death Notices.

Please keep 10-month-old Jadon Russell Garman in your prayers and pray that his gift of life (a whole liver transplant) is made available very soon.

Former residents Beverly and Bob House of Tempe, AZ are wished the best on their 40th wedding anniversary on December 29th.~~~~Congratulations to Doug Harding (Saint Douglas) on his promotion with the New York State Power Authority.

"Get Well Wishes" go out to Helen Hassan who has been in Mount St. Mary's hospital for the past week. Hopefully, she was able to be home for Christmas. Get well cards may be sent to her home at 4206 East River Road, Grand Island, NY 14072.~~~~Glad to hear that Ann Dlugokinski is home and on the mend.

You may visit the Department of Defense web page by clicking Defend America and sign a brief message thanking the men and women of the U.S. military services for defending our freedom. The compiled list of names will be sent out to our soldiers at the end of the month. Thanks to former resident John Grycel for forwarding this to me.

"See you next year. May it be a happy and prosperous one for Grand Island and its residents." That is how my mother, Marion Klingel ended her column she wrote as editor of the Island Dispatch on December 27, 1962 - just 40 years ago.

December 19, 2002
Grand Island High School graduate John Cunningham, who is currently serving in the US Navy, will be home for the holidays with his wife, Sherri and children, Laura and Nick, beginning December 23rd. John is the son of Rita Class of Riverdale Drive.~~~~Congratulations to Grand Island High School senior and honor roll student Marcella Ford and her mother, Kathleen Ford, on being chosen to perform in the production of Me and My Gal at the Lancaster Opera House. The show starts a three-weekend run on January 9, 2003 with performances at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

So glad to hear that Shirley Luther, who recently dealt with some serious heath problems, is beginning to feel much better.~~~~Please keep Christine Ryshkus in your prayers and we certainly will, too.

I have a little more information on Robert S. Williams, the former Island resident, who served with the United States Navy in the mid '50s. He lived in the 900 block of Ransom Road until at least 1969, and the name of the company he worked for upon leaving the service was Bigilow-Sanford. As I mentioned here last week, a Navy buddy is trying to track him down.

Congratulations to Tom Arida on a 297 (719) game he bowled with the Men's A Best Roofing league this week.~~~~Impressive bowlers in the Friday Night Businessmen's league last week were Jim Nogle who bowled a 265 in a 736 series, Mike Mallwitz who rolled a 729 series, and Mike Sander who had an impressive 277 game in a 690 series.~~~~Former longtime Island resident Ivy Dodge is a part of the first class to graduate from the Seneca Niagara Falls Gaming Corporation's in-house training center. Ivy is one of 315 newly minted casino dealers. The casino opens at noon on New Year's Eve.~~~~The Grand Island Snowmobile Club has a new website. Click Snowmobile Club and be sure to check out the Club Photos to put you in the spirit of the season.~~~~Just for a horse laugh, click Singing Horses and then click on each horse.

Fifty years ago Ted and Jackie Filosofos were awaiting the birth of their baby boy. Yes, Teddy Filosofos turns the big 5-0 on Saturday and we wish him a very happy birthday.~~~~Happy birthday to Patty "Bykowicz" Turner (her 35th today), Sue Braun (It's today!!), twins Alexis Elizabeth and Grace Marie Fredricks (5-years-old tomorrow), Jerilyn Karb and Janie (Martin) Hiam (tomorrow), Nancy Samrany, Millie Vanthoff and Karen (Hillman) Lloyd (Monday), Paul Harper Sr. (happy 90th on Tuesday), Melissa Marlin (her 10th birthday on Tuesday), Joe Kuszczak (30 on Tuesday), and Chris Eberhard (Wednesday). A very happy birthday to Ann Kruse who celebrates her 95th birthday on Saturday. (Anna Kruse, c/o Robert Arsenault, 64581 E. Sugar Cane, Tucson, Ariz 85739)~~~~A belated happy birthday to Alma Senn who celebrated on December 16th.

Brian Keith Sandstrom and his bride, the former Sherry Marie Reid, were married Friday in Messiah Lutheran Church, Lewiston. They will live on Grand Island following a trip to the Bahamas.~~~~Very best wishes to former resident and co-worker Mandy Malaney who became engaged to Dennis Duke over the weekend.~~~~As mentioned in the Between the Bridges last week, Ray and Anne Ehlert will celebrate the 60th anniversary of their wedding on the 23rd. Happy days, folks.

Looking Back 50 years - The Community Chorus and members of the various Island choirs sang Carols at several points on the Island Saturday evening, December 20, 1952.~~~~Choral director Carol Thompson planned a holiday dinner dance for the Sidway School Glee Club. Held at the school cafeteria on December 20, 1952, the event was for 7th, 8th and 9th graders and their guests.~~~~Fred Redinger of Bedell Rd., who served the community as Santa Claus at many children's and adult parties on the Island for several years, announced his retirement. Tom Hogan took over many of Santa's responsibilities in December 1952.

Looking Back 40 years - The Grand Island Taxpayers Association passed a resolution on December 6, 1962 offering a $100 reward for information which would lead to the conviction of those found to be responsible for setting any of the large fires on the Island in recent months.~~~~Grand Island Biological Laboratories announced its plan to locate on Staley Road if property owned by Lillian Killian could be rezoned.~~~~A good turnout of Island residents attended an open house at the Nike Site on Saturday, December 15, 1962 despite poor weather and road conditions.~~~~Barges used on bridge construction in the Niagara River the previous winter were replaced by dredging equipment which was digging a trench in the river bed for a 12-inch crude oil pipeline which stems from Hamilton, Ontario.~~~~Gladys Smith was appointed director of the Golden Age Club replacing Dorothy Bascomb.~~~~GI Lodge No. 1138 F. & A.M. elected Ralph B. Kreger, Lewis E. Morgan, Charles A. Austin, Elmer L. Kaegebein, Fred Campbell and Clarence A. Davis to various offices.~~~~The Ladies Auxiliary of the Fire Company elected Helen Hy to a second term as president. Others serving the year 1963 were Vice President Vera Ferguson, Recording Secretary Helen Peck, Corresponding Secretary Kay Haller and Treasurer Barbara Peck.~~~~The Home Extension Evening Unit held its Christmas party in the Buffalo Launch Club December 11, 1962 when Dorothy Fancher, entertainment chairman, provided skits performed by several of the Home Extension ladies.

Our sincere sympathy to the family of Robert H. Cortright and Gertrude Sarkees who died recently. Click for complete Death Notices.~~~~Winifred Smith of Warsaw, NY died December 16, 2002. Our condolences to her son, Doug Smith of Hennepin Road. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

Please remember the Neighbors Foundation if you haven't done so already. It's never too late.~~~~Prayers of peace go out to those who are grieving, lonely, hurting, or abused. It is sad to know that some of our Island neighbors may not be able to fully enjoy the spirit of the holy season this year.

December 12, 2002
A tip of the hat to Islanders Paul Leuchner, Mary Beth Bush, Margaret Conway, Liz Lutnick and John Sobol who are leading the way for our community's fight to keep another Peace Bridge off of our Island.~~~~High school seniors Christian Dommell and Caren Bartosz received national honors for their PSAT Performance. Be sure to read Donna Webb's school board report on how well they did.

Do any of my older readers remember Robert S. Williams, a former Island resident, who served with the United States Navy in 1954? I have had a request from a former Navy buddy to help locate him. Robert Williams, upon leaving the military, is supposed to have worked for a company called Subject Company.~~~~Congratulations to Jackie Mordaunt on being named Director of Development for The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northtowns.

Former residents Scott Wiesenberg and Pat McNulty Yensan are the proud grandparents of a baby girl, Abigail Lynne Wiesenberg, born on December 4, 2002 to their son, Eric Wiesenberg and his wife, Kim of Rochester.~~~~Chris and Ed McCaffery are coming back to the Island for Christmas and Ed has already sent me a request to "get rid of that snow." The McCafferys lived on the Island for 37 years and now winter in Pt. Charlotte, FL and live in Silver Lake.

Cheers and happy birthday to Ted Filosofos who turns 75 years young on Sunday. The former Island resident continues to work hard with lots of therapy to bring himself back to good health. Ted and Jackie's address is 5568 SW 24th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312 for those who would like to send birthday and holiday cards.~~~~Island native Ann Kruse will turn 95 on December 21st and would surely love to hear from friends on the Island. Her new address is Anna Kruse, c/o Robert Arsenault, 64581 E. Sugar Cane, Tucson, Ariz 85739.

Our sincere sympathy to the families of Isle native Walter DeGlopper, Laura (Geraci) Clement and former Ferry Village resident Ann M. Landel who died recently. Helen Rita Clody also passed away this week. Click for complete Death Notices.

Peggy McNulty still has a few Grand Island cookie cutters in stainless steel and engraved Grand Island, NY, at $8. Email Peggy gabbypeg1@netzero.net to order - or to have one mailed out, send check or money order for $10 to M. McNulty/ Grand Island Cookie Cutters, PO Box 1185, Grand Island NY 14072.

Today's the day. If you happen to see Kathy Loncher or Dave Hammond, wish them an especially happy birthday. They'll know exactly what you mean.~~~~Happy birthday to Denise Dewey and Lauren Whitney (tomorrow), Katie Rustowicz (10 on Saturday), Elizabeth Beach (Sunday), Kara Black (Sweet 16 Monday), Nancy Hayes and Betty Lantz (Monday), Arvilla Kendzierski (happiest of days on Tuesday), and Jaclyn Coe (13 Wednesday).

Happy anniversary to Anne and Ray Ehlert looking forward to their 60th on December 23rd, to Chris and Jim O'Dea who will celebrate their 40th on Sunday and to Harvey and Katherine Killian Long who will mark their 58th anniversary on Tuesday.~~~~Congratulations and best wishes to Sandy Trautman and Bob Reed who were married by Rev. Diane Phinney on November 30, 2002.

Looking Back 50 years - David Yensan, 9, won first prize in WEBR's writing contest. The subject of the contest was "Why I'd Like to Go to the North Pole to see Santa Claus," and David's prize was a trip to the North Pole in the Adirondacks.

Looking Back 40 years - Five-year-old Howard Robinson starred in the Island Theater Group's production of "Littlest Angel." The story was adapted for theater by Isle residents Mary Heyden, Alphia Prosser and Doris Berger and was directed by Elizabeth Beach. Among cast members for the performances held in the Huth Road School auditorium December 14-15, 1962 were Ann Tierney, Marsha Jasper (Thornblum), Monica Maguire and Sharon Rusch.

Looking Back 30 years - Cyrena Dixon accompanied a Carol sing on the reed organ during the Historical Society's "Hanging of the Greens" at River Lea on December 17, 1972. The organ once stood in the Island Congregational Church and was given to the Historical Society by the DeGlopper family.~~~~Ed Parker advertised piano music and dancing girls when he opened his Silver Dollar Saloon December 13, 1972 in the former Edgewater Hotel at 4130 East River Road.

If you would like to have your relatives or friends who are serving in the military overseas receive holiday notes and cards from Island residents, send me their names and addresses and I will include them here. As quoted in Dear Abby's advice column over the weekend, "Writing holiday messages to our servicemen and women is one of the best gifts that anyone, any age, can give this year."

The Travel Channel's "Buffalo Uncovered" is scheduled to be shown on Channel 52 at 5 p.m. Saturday.

Have you sent in your donation to the Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island yet? The address is P. O. Box 155, Grand Island, New York 14072. For Foundation news click Neighbors Foundation Page.

The High School's Winter Concert takes place tonight (Dec. 12) at 7:30 p.m. in the Grand Island High School auditorium.~~~~Click for complete information on the Parish Players Arsenic and Old Lace auditions. Click the same for dates of auditions for the youth production, Jungle Book.~~~~Santa arrives at Tops Market on Saturday and will visit with the children from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.~~~~The community is invited to Trinity UM Church 6 p.m. Sunday, December 15, 2002 for a Family Music Night With A Birthday Party For Jesus.~~~~Please remember Bob and Scarlet Garman and Baby Jadon this Saturday. Click Town News Page for more information on Saturday's fundraiser for their baby, 10-month-old Jadon Russell Garman.

December 5, 2002
I am happy to announce that Scarlet and Bob Garman's 10-month-old son, Jadon has been chosen the 2003 American Liver Foundation, Buffalo Office, Poster Child. A fund raiser for the very sick little boy's family will be held at the Holiday Inn Grand Island on Saturday, December 14th. Click for Ticket Information.

Plenty of snow Sunday and Monday kept the highway crew very busy for hours - over 24 straight is what we've heard. Speaking of the highway department, congratulations to Earl Eastman on his retirement and to Paul Bartolomeo of Greenway Road who has just been hired as a motor equipment operator.

Happy birthday to Emma Lee Schultz (her 4th birthday today), Carolyn Kreutz (today), Miranda Lea Proctor (two-years-old tomorrow), Don Astridge (18 tomorrow), Lis Renczkowski (tomorrow), Joan Staub and David Conboy (Saturday), Bobbi Cap (cheers on Sunday), Donna Webber (Monday), Amanda Heftka (10 on Monday), Robert Killian (16 on Tuesday), Marianne Tranter (very best wishes on Tuesday), Paul Linenfelser Sr. and Duffy Macguire (both celebrating a big one on Wednesday), and Joelle Logue (Wednesday).

In case you've been wondering what Jimmy Arias is up to lately, he is doing color commentary for ESPN and its affiliates. Jimmy, a former Grand Island resident, is the finest tennis player in Western New York annals and was ranked fifth in the world in 1984.

Looking Back 50 years - Kay Valyear's Mariner Troop held a baked goods sale at Smitty's Quick Lunch, now part of the Contract Interiors plaza, on December 6, 1952 to benefit a needy family.~~~~Clarence Baumann, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Dance on December 6, 1952, was assisted by Frank Shear, John Gast, Bill Daigler, John Derr, Frank Pinzel and Carl Vella.~~~~Deanne Long designed and painted religious Christmas scenes which were placed in the triangle near the fire hall. Various Island civic organizations helped to establish this Christmas observance project which continued for several years.~~~~The Home Bureau's annual Christmas party, held at the Buffalo Launch Club on December 2, 1952, was attended by a record 105 women. Alice Soch, Peg Pfohl, Bern Dekdebrun and Charlotte Lewis put on a one act play they called "Low Bridge".

Looking Back 30 years - Jim Desemore, a 10th grader at Grand Island High School, was entering the North Atlantic Figure Skating competition in New York City December 7-12, 1972.

The Sesquicentennial historic pageant videos ($10) are available here in the Isledegrande.com office and are selling like hotcakes. Also available are the Sesqui Events videos and DVDs ($10 & $15).

Our sympathy to the families of James D. Wald, Cecelia H. Weselak, Alex Szur and former resident Mabel E. Sanders who died recently. Click for their complete Death Notices.

Grand Island Democratic Town Chairman Jeff Stone took part in a game of ice hockey at Cazenovia Rink in South Buffalo last week. Jeff was among about two dozen guests of Assemblyman Brian Higgins.

Our Grand Island High School Madrigal Singers will perform 1:30 p.m. Sunday, December 8, 2002 at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site (641 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY) which will be open from noon to 5 p.m. at $1 admission. For more information, click Inaugural Site

Islanders Sam Santospirito, Mark Priest and Robert Priest are among cast members of the Western Door Playhouse production of The Spy On The Niagara Frontier. The play takes place at the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center (Niagara Falls High School), 1201 Pine Ave at Portage Road 7:30 p.m. December 6-7 and 2:30 p.m., December 8. Tickets are seniors/students/$9 and adults/$11. Call 754-4295 or click Western Door Playhouse.

A memorial service in observance of the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, will be held at the Charles N. DeGlopper VFW Post #9249 Friday, December 7, 2002.~~~~Residents are urged to vote for other locations besides the Grand Island proposals for a new Peace Bridge at a presentation on Saturday, December 7th. For story, click Peace Bridge Proposals Here Could Mean Disaster.~~~~The Historical Society's final Christmas Open House 2002 takes place from 1-4 p.m. Sunday.~~~~A Sesquicentennial Wrap-Up Meeting will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 10 in the Grand Island Memorial Library meeting room. All committee heads are invite to attend.

November 28, 2002
Birthday kids!?         Shown from left are Richard Benns, Jim O'Dea, and JoAnn Vanderheite. Richard celebrated a birthday earlier this month, Jim's birthday is today and JoAnn was born on the 29th. A very happy birthday to everyone and also to Barbara "Beck" Muratore who celebrated on the 25th. All four attended Sidway School together.

Congratulations to Sarah DeRose who took first place with her photo, "Parthanon," which she entered in a contest sponsored by Continental Camera, Depew, NY. Her prize? A ten-sheet package of Luminos Belgian Linen Premium Inkjet Paper.

Congratulations and happy 50th anniversary to the parishioners of St. Timothy Lutheran Church, especially those who were there for the first service held November 30, 1952 in the American Legion Hall. A photo of the 65 in attendance was taken by Isle resident and photographer Joe Ferro. Easily identified were Gertrude Reimann and her children, Claire and Eric. No doubt husband, Howard and their oldest daughter, Trudy (O'Connor) were also in the picture. Do any of my readers have this photo?

Best wishes newlyweds. Janine Louise Mock and Jeffrey Forbes Dueck were married Saturday in Whitehaven Road Baptist Church. Making their home on Grand Island are Laurie Anne Paul and Dean William Delo. Mr. and Mrs. Delo were also married on Saturday.

Happy birthday to Don Loder (tomorrow, the 28th), Josal Diebold (16 tomorrow), Eric Harnden (10 on Saturday), Kathryn Sheehan (96 on Saturday), Christopher Carter (a teenager on Saturday), John Podlucky (his 20th on Saturday), Pat McNulty and Cheryl O'Gorman (Monday), Lois Schoenfeld (cheers on Tuesday), Alan Endres (10 on Tuesday), Claire Card and Marie Long (Wednesday), and Kristen Atkinson (four-years-old on Wednesday).

Looking Back 50 years - Town Board members devoted considerable time to problems arising from the construction of the two anti aircraft bases on the Island. Sewage lines on town highway property were draining into Gun Creek, and town roads were being damaged by heavy traffic.~~~~Highlights of Grand Island's once-in-a-century centennial celebration were reviewed in a series of colored movies and slides at the November 1952 PTA meeting at Charlotte Sidway School. The movies, presented through the courtesy of the Elmer Kaegebein's, included shots of the grand prix races, the parade and the pageant. Slides shown by Heber Ashley Jr. were of familiar Island personalities in the garb of yesterday as they took part in the events of the celebration. Also shown through the courtesy of Mrs. Richard (Anne) Buzby were a number of slides of the cornerstone laying at the William Kaegebein School.~~~~Marion and Peace Justice Don Hawley entertained several soldiers from Staley Road Army camp in their home on Thanksgiving Day.~~~~Jean Webb (Bleich), who was attending Cazanovia Junior College, spent the Thanksgiving holiday with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Webb.~~~~Cub Pack 254 met at the Sidway School Friday night, November 28, 1952 when Den 5 and 0 put on skits relating to the theme, "Faith of His Father." New members who became Bobcats were Walter Pankow, Rickey Stefik, Peter Glor, Ronnie Mueller, Jarman Benns, Ronny Anderson and Clifford Smith. Among others in Pack 254 were Dan McMahon, Tom Stedman, Henry Ensminger, Jim Killian, Galen Young, Richard Beardsley, Donald Flessing, Robert Grycel and Rickey Sturm.

Looking Back 40 years - The Casuals and the Isletones provided the music for the Islettes record hop at the Sidway gym on Friday, November 30, 1962. DJ's were Chuck Moore and Jim Wendell.~~~~The newly elected president and fire chief of the Grand Island Fire Company in December 1962 were Don Anderson and Bill Wood.

Looking Back 25 years - John Simon's new $100,000 service station was nearing completion at the rear of the property where the former Marty's gas station was still standing in December 1977.

Wayne F Weis, GIHS Class of '78, has recently returned to the Island after 24 years of seeing the world. He and his wife, Louise and children Elena and Mitchell have relocated here from Hamilton, Ontario. Former classmates may remember Wayne in the high school productions of Arsenic and Old Lace when he played the part of 'Teddy' and as 'Emile' in South Pacific. If you knew Wayne way back when, why not drop him a line?

Our Grand Island Historical Society members will have River Lea open to the public from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, December 1st and again on Sunday, December 8th. The holiday theme this year is "150 Years Of Christmas." For complete information, click Historic Society Web Page.

Hope your Thanksgiving holiday is blessed.

November 21, 2002
Saturday's burial of the Sesquicentennial Time Capsule has been postponed. For details, click Time Capsule.~~~~The VFW Ladies are offering $50 and $25 for the Island's two best Apple Pie bakers this Saturday. Click VFW Post
for all the details.~~~~Tops Markets has announced that our Grand Island Blvd. store will be one of 34 stores to offer Charter One in-store banking.

Good luck to Grand Island High's champion diver, Kelly Beatty who will compete in the New York State Swimming championships this weekend.~~~~The Grand Island Varsity Vikings football team had a superb season winning the Class A Semifinals. Though the boys did not win in Ralph Wilson Stadium where they played Sweet Home for the Section VI Class A title before an estimated 3,000, they made a great showing. Among the leading players were Mike Feathers, Mike Blocho, Chris Sica, Jeff Bull, Pat McCarthy, Brett Kern, Josh Bernardoni, Paul Scappechio, and Jeremy Roberts. Can anyone tell me how many times the Vikings made it to the Class A semifinals?

Our Lady Vikings Soccer Team deserves a ton of credit for their incredible season. They are the first Grand Island team and possibly the first western New York team to reach the state finals. Congratulations, girls.

As mentioned here last week, Rick Pelham is recovering from open heart surgery. Though he is not to have any visitors yet, he is home where cards of cheer may be directed.

John Alexander Connell and his bride, the former Jaclyn Lee Conover were married Saturday in St. Stephen Catholic Church. Grand Island High School graduates, they are the children of James and Kathleen Conover and John and Rebecca Connell of Grand Island. The newlyweds will also live on the Island.~~~~ Congratulations to Dorothy and Donald Wendel who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last month with a renewal of their marriage vows in St. Stephen's Church, followed by a reception at River Oaks Golf Club. The Wendels were married October 18, 1952.

Our sympathy to the families of Marjorie Gilmore, Margaret M. Ragnar, Edwin J. Koepp, Jack Costanzo, George L. Zelonis and former resident Joanne P. Guize who died this past week. Click for their complete Death Notices.

Looking Back 50 years - Lucky recipients of turkeys Saturday night, November 22, 1952 at the American Legion's pre-Thanksgiving party were Mrs. Melvina Williams of Fix Road and Walter DeGlopper of Ferry Road. The event cleared $200.~~~~Grand Island volunteer firemen learned to use the new resusitator during a training session November 25,1952. The Resusitator, the first of such equipment for the Fire Company, was financed by a Kiwanis Club rose sale.

Looking Back 40 years - A November Christmas tree sale was advertised by Marin Evergreens. The ad offered 'Scotch Pine at $2 - Choose Now, Cut Later.' Edith and Claude Marin ran their business at the end of Kirkwood Drive for many years.~~~~The Sandy Beach Restaurant, being run by the Gibbons family, began serving pizza in early November 1962~~~~The Richard Ray Restaurant in the Grand Island Plaza changed hands, becoming the Beachcombers Restaurant when Islanders Marcy and George Buell took over the operation in November '62.

Looking Back 30 years - On Monday evening November 20, 1972, following a closed session of Grand Island's Board of Education, it was announced that Supervising Principal Veronica E. Connor, Administrative Assistant Reva Kohn and Clayton Ames, superintendent of Buildings and Grounds had tendered their resignations.

Looking Back 20 years - Miss Mary Mead was installed Beloved Queen of Aries Triangle 131 on November 11, 1982 in the Masonic Temple on Ferry Road.

Happy birthday to Beverly Benton (today), Marilyne Brandoni and Jennifer "Galbo" Przybylski (special greetings tomorrow), Bill Click, Kevin Rosman and Betty Kaeffer (tomorrow), Doris Rees (Sunday), Lois Morgan (80 on Monday), Lorrie Markarian (Monday), Heather Zilbauer, Stephanie Goris, Dennis Parrino, Joe Samrany and Ginger Stamler (all celebrating on Tuesday), Jacqueline Currie (Sweet 16 on Tuesday), and old, old friend Jim O'Dea (celebrating a big one on November 27th).

Thanks to Mike O'Dea for identified four more members of Boy Scout Troop 510, pictured in our Old Photo Album. The busload of boys and leaders, photographed by Island resident Wendell D. Stratton, were about to take off for a trip to West Point in September 1958. Mike named John Braddell, Pete Sloan, Lee Tiffany and himself to the lists of "unknowns." Thanks also to Ruth "Owens" Lougen for identifying her dad, Richard Owens in the 1953 Jaycees photo.

Please read Liz Lutnick's article by clicking our Viewpoints Page. She, along with several other Island residents, is doing all she can to get the word out for residents to take responsibility to stop the absurdity of having the Peace Bridge built across the Island. Let's all do our part by either attending the December 7th meeting in Buffalo or writing our displeasure to Assemblyman Sam Hoyt or Senator Byron Brown - or both.

Click Send Us Your News for details on how to submit news/photos.

November 14, 2002
Good luck to the Grand Island High School Girls Soccer Team. (Click photo for larger view.) The girls left at noon today, and are playing tomorrow in the State semi-finals. Complete stories on the fabulous Lady Vikings appear on Isledegrande's High School Page.

A very happy birthday to Samantha Kuszczak (9 today), Ryan Foote (today), Sterling Haslam and Jacob Kreutz (tomorrow), Brian Kopf (Saturday), Sierra Marie Maras (2-years-old Saturday), Jon McGinn (16 on Sunday), Roberta McNulty and Sonja Miller (Sunday), Joseph Shanor (a teenager on Monday), and special greetings to Kathy Mentor celebrating on Wednesday.

If you are far away from Grand Island and would like to take a look at the Island's flowers, trees, the river and Buckhorn Park in general, click Buckhorn Island - July 2001 and Kayaking Buckhorn - June 2002. Credit for the photos goes to Michael C. Calanan.

Our sympathy to the families of Edward C. Lee, Sophie D. Zelonis, Consuela Frisch, MSgt. William J. Bedford and former resident Rachel Fodero who died this past week. Click for their complete Death Notices.

Welcome, Robert David Arch, born to proud parents Lisa Lozo and Dave Arch. Robert, who weighed in at six pounds, 11 ounces on Wednesday, November 6th, is the grandson of Joanne and Richard Lozo and Barbara Arch, all of Grand Island.~~~~A tip of the hat to Linda Long Rossitto. Linda was in the M&T parking lot with her 6-year-old daughter, Christina, when they discovered a bank envelope containing a large amount of cash. They took the envelope to a bank employee who was able to return it to its very grateful owner.

A speedy recovery to Rick Pelham, a Grand Island Fire Company paramedic and tremendous asset to the community. Rick is recovering from open heart surgery.~~~~Paul Gorman, another volunteer firefighter, suffered a broken ankle and has recently had surgery.~~~~Fire Company President Mike Dallassandro and his wife, Karen hit a deer enroute back to the Island from a vacation. Both were quite shaken up but not seriously injuried.~~~~As mentioned here last week, Ted Filosofos is recuperating from a stroke. The mailing address for Ted and Jackie is 5568 SW-24th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33312.

If you are working on geneology, these sites will be a big help. Click Family Search or Family Search 2. Thanks to former resident Don Allen, who is also providing me with a wealth of information and photos of his family that settled on the Island over 150 years ago. The only black family on the Island for decades, its members made their mark and were well loved and respected. The death of eighty-two-year-old James A. Williams on July 21st of this year was the end of a very long era. Property on Fix Road still remains in the Williams family. Don, by the way, is the great grandson of the original settlers, Mary and John Williams.

Looking Back 50 years - Residents in Voting District #3 in Grandyle Village would no longer vote in the refreshment stand at Stony Point and Love Road. The polls were moved in November 1952 to the new, nearly completed William Kaegebein School.~~~~It was announced at the town board meeting that Thomas Benton Jr. was tranferring his water distributor contract to his son, Thomas Benton III.~~~~The Organization Committee of the new St. Timothy Lutheran Church met for the first time at the East River Road home of Howard Reimann.~~~~Ribbon cutting ceremonies to officially open the new West River Parkway were held on Tuesday, November 18, 1952 at Big Six Creek bridge. Members of Charlotte Sidway's Glee Club sang vocal selections.

Looking Back 40 years - The new "Meet the Teens" column by Betty Bonning in the local, weekly paper featured Sidway Jr. High School student Rhonda Adams (Miller). According to the column, "Rhonda is interested in art, has a talent for impersonations and enjoys singing."~~~~1000 children saw the movie "White Wilderness" presented by the Grand Island Co-operative Nursery School in Island schools forty years ago.~~~~The Island's first Tops Market (now Wilson Farms) opened on Love Road on Wednesday, November 12, 1962.

Looking Back 30 years - The Grand Island High School Spotlighters produced the play, "Life With Father" on November 17-18, 1972. Heading the cast were John Russell and Mary Stewart as "Father" Day and his wife, Vinnie. Shelly Boudreau (Swanick) played the part of Mary Skinner. Others in the cast included Michael Williams, Jeff Stone, Thomas Gormandy, Louie Vacanti, Kevin Brady and Gretta "Simmons" Falank .~~~~Reg Schopp opened his own jewelry store in the Grand Island Plaza 30 years ago this week.

Looking Back 20 years - Mike Gast, president of Island Cable Inc. presented the town with the company's first annual payment of $8,950.72 for its franchise for Cable TV.~~~~"1982 Girl Swimmers Best in GI History" was the headline of Bill Rohring's column, "To The Point..." in November of that year. Record setters were Sue Samland, Anne Drexelius, Katie McDonough, Tammie Stevens (Gorman), Jennifer Wilkinson, Tracy Roesch and Kelly Valone (Maurer).

Bob Dee of East River Road recently hosted the American Bonanza Society at a picnic in his airplane hanger. About 30 members of the Society flew into the Niagara Falls Airport in private planes (Beechcraft Baron or Bonanza) where Bob's wife, Ilene, assisted with the hospitality for the day-long event.

Celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary are Ted and Lisa Kessler. Happy days, folks!

Connor Middle School's 4th annual International Night takes place tomorrow from 6-9 p.m. (Nov. 15) at the school. There is always lots to see and do and there is no charge.~~~~The Historical Society's headquarters, River Lea in Beaver Island State Park, will be open Sunday from 2-4 p.m. "Grand Island School Memories" is Sunday's theme which will include special exhibits of school days in the Island's past.

November 7, 2002
Former resident Ted Filosofos, now of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, had unexpected open-heart surgery last Friday (Nov. 1). Ted came through the double bypass surgery quite well, however he suffered a stroke over the weekend. Prayers and cards of encouragement would surely be appreciated. Jackie and Ted's email address is JTFilos@webtv.net.

Married Saturday were Phyllis M. Capizzi and Richard M. Dworak in St. Joseph Cathedral, and Michele Susan Johnson and Joseph Richard Graves in Kloc's Blossom Grove. Best wishes, newlyweds.

Connor Middle School 6th grader Scott Quider, who was featured in the Buffalo News over the weekend, has been collecting pop cans and saving the refunds to buy potatoes that he takes to the Friends of Night People on the West Side in Buffalo. So far Scott has dropped off about 3,000 pounds of potatoes to the soup kitchen.

Happy birthday to my very first childhood friend, Richard Benns, who will celebrate a milestone birthday on the 11th.~~~~ Happy birthday to Mike Schopp, Marge Egan and Joe Cushner (today), Lois Affuso and Marla Wendel (tomorrow), Ann Senn (her 98th birthday tomorrow), Tom Rayhill (16 on Saturday), Mildred Dingey (cheers on Sunday), and Victor Cap (Wednesday's his big day).

Happy days, happy year and a wish for many more anniversaries to George and Marianne Christensen who are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary tomorrow - November 8th.~~~~A belated happy 50th anniversary to Patricia and Harry S. Mullany II of Grand Island. Married on September 20, 1952, they were guests of honor at a family dinner in John's Flaming Hearth.~~~~David and Viola "Eastman" Gingher, who were married October 1, 1952 in Trinity Evangelical United Brethren Church, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in the Eagle House Restaurant, Williamsville. Best wishes to the Ginghers.

For the interest of our runners who may not have seen the site, I have posted a link for the Dick Bessel Independence Day Run 2002 web page on the Recreation Department Page. Just click Bessel Road Race 2002 Results for all of this year's runners and statistics.

Saturday, December 14th is the date of a fundraiser at the Holiday Inn to benefit the family of nine-month-old Jadon Russell Garman. Details on how you can help will be posted here next week. For more information, see Baby Jadon’s Story.

Looking Back 50 years - Clifton and Ruby Rogers were the sponsors and Lee Forster's orchestra provided the music for Grand Island's first servicemen's dance for the men stationed at our anti-aircraft base. It was announced that dancing partners would be available to the servicemen attending the dance held Saturday, November 8, 1952 in the fire hall.~~~~Dan Linenfelser Sr.'s Wayside Furniture store on Express Highway and Vern Mooney's Snack Bar adjoining the furniture store (now Contract Interiors Plaza) were heavily damaged by fire in an early morning (4:15 a.m.) blaze on Sunday, November 9, 1952.~~~~"Centennial Shares To Be Paid In Full" was a headline in the November 13, 1952 Island Dispatch. Preferred memberships at $5 each were to be redeemed the first week in December 1952.~~~~Eighty-six teenagers and three chaperones attended what was probably the very first Sidway School skating party at the Rainbow Roller Rink in North Tonawanda Saturday night, November 8, 1952. Less than half made reservations so there was difficulty in providing ample bus transportation from the Island to the rink.

Looking Back 40 years - The town board adopted the Niagara Rose, a bright red hybrid flower, as its official flower. Originated and developed by West River Road resident Clarence Davis, the beautiful rose was the result of nearly ten years of experimentation and cross pollination. The recommendation that it be adopted by the town came from Cinderella Isle Garden Club members.~~~~Police agencies were assisting the Erie County Sheriff's Department in an investigation of a fire which destroyed a new $55,000 ranch home at 1843 West River Parkway early Thursday morning, November 8, 1962. It was the fourth large scale fire on the Island in recent weeks.

Looking Back 30 years - Jr. Football League members elected the following new officers for 1973: President Al Schoenle, Vice President Tony Lucca, Treasurer Chuck Meyer, Secretary Dolorous Bykowicz and Committees Chair Joe Mineo. Elected to the Board were George Shaw, Rich Byron, Harvey Brenner, John Cacciatore, Jean Harper and Al Raepple.

Looking Back 20 years - Markus Beck, a member of Boy Scout Troop 575, received his Eagle Scout Award in October 1982.

Tops Markets announced last week that plans for the proposed convenience store and gas station at the corner of Ransom and Stony Point have been scrapped. A Tops Xpress is already under construction to the left of the Tops Market on the Boulevard and should open before the end of the year. That makes four "quick stop convenience stores" within 'skipping' distance!

Sarah McMahon, a third-year student at the University of Notre Dame and a member of its Army ROTC, escorted the flag into the stadium during Saturday's Notre Dame/Boston College football game. On hand to cheer on Sarah and her team were her parents Karen and Dave Conboy, a cousin, former Island resident Missy Conboy, and aunt and uncle Rebecca and Jim Conboy.~~~~Attention Class of 1973. It's time to begin thinking about your 30th class reunion!~~~~Hello to Mrs. Spatuzzi's third grade class at St. Stephen School whom, we hear, checks out Isledegrande.com on a regular basis.

Our sincere sympathy to the families of Lewis Frankenfield, Gay Macro and Bernice Ciszek who died this past week. Click for their complete Death Notices.

Congratulations to the Grand Island Varsity Vikings football team on winning the Class A Semifinals last Friday night, and to the Grand Island Viking Girls Soccer team on winning Tuesday's Section VI Class A girls' soccer championship. Good luck to both teams as they hopefully advance to the next level. Stories on the games appear on our High School News page.

October 31, 2002
Congratulations to Phyllis Lange who bowled a 290 with the Golden Age Club at Island Lanes in a no tap game Tuesday, October 29th.~~~~Congratulations to Balbir Singh on being one of those selected to be a Buffalo News 'NeXt' correspondent for 2002-2003 from 100 teens who applied.

Bryan Smith, a 2002 Grand Island High School graduate, has been home on leave from the Navy and will be in town for at least another week. After his leave, he will be stationed in California for two weeks before leaving for a two-month stay in Spain. Bryan is the son of Karen and Barry Smith of East River Road.

Former residents Jim and Georgia Grosstephan of East Quogue, L.I. have announced the engagement of their daughter, Marcia A. Grosstephan of Grand Island, to Jacob R. Smith, also of Grand Island. Their wedding is being planned for August 7, 2004.~~~~Living on Grand Island are newlyweds, Michele L. Spampinato and Joseph R. Lasker who were married Saturday, October 26, 2002 in St. Andrew Catholic Church, Town of Tonawanda.~~~~Best wishes to George and Pat Bowman on their 50th wedding anniversary on November 3rd and to George and Hazel Rowe on their 30th anniversary on November 4th.

Our sympathy to the families of Barbara J. (Smith) Study, Margaret Stamler, Julie "Parwulski" Oursler, Gladys G. Sloan and Laura M. Conboy who died this past week. Click for their complete Death Notices.

Looking Back 50 years - Mrs. Howard (Gertrude) Reimann was in charge of a series of round and square dances at Sidway School preceeded by basketball games. Mr. Dembrow would be back again to teach and call the square dancing.~~~~Supervisor George J. Burgstahler, uncontested in the supervisor election, received the highest number of votes at 1861 in the November 1952 election.~~~~Members of the Grandyle Village Property Owners Association elected President Leo B. Costin, Vice President Helen Ball, Secretary MaryLou Kohlhagen, Assistant Secretary Ruth Horner, and Treasurer Henry Metzler.~~~~November 5, 1952 was the first publication day of Charlotte Sidway School's monthly school newspaper, "Between the Bridges." Sixth grader Tommy Close of Stony Point was the winner of the 'name the newspaper' contest.

Looking Back 40 years - Photographs being taken of the Kaegebein School children on November 2, 1962 would be in "color" for the first time.~~~~Miss Deborah Jean Robinson was installed Beloved Queen of Aries Triangle #131 on November 8, 1962.~~~~Grand Island Motors, Inc (Ford) conducted a football contest which ended Saturday, November 7, 1962. Winners included the 8-year-olds Charles Bagdy (1st), John Podlucky (2nd), and Jeff Brown (3rd); and 9-year-olds Jim Shackleton (1st), Robin Lang (2nd), and Dan Carr (3rd).

Looking Back 30 years - The first preschool story hour took place Thursday, November 2, 1972 in the library on the second floor of town hall.~~~~Kiwanis Club members elected President Clark Nesbitt, Vice Presidents Fred Haefner and Earl Eastman, Secretary Al Raepple and Treasurer Art Miller.~~~~Miss Magdelene Miller, a new high school faculty member, was working with the Spotlighters on her first attempt in Island theater with the production of "Life With Father." "Maggie," who is now Mrs. Scott Kennedy, is still teaching at the High School. ~~~~The Grand Island Life Singers, a group of 25 teens from Trinity UM, Emmanuel UM and St. Stephen's Roman Catholic churches was formed and made their first public appearance Saturday, November 4, 1972 in Trinity UM Church with their presentation of the musical, "Life." Music was under the direction of Rev. Fred Dixon.

Looking Back 10 years - The Beaver Island Casino was destroyed by fire on Thursday, October 29, 1992.

Happy birthday Emily Mary Fred (2-years-old tomorrow), Sarah Kustich (4-years-old tomorrow), Triston Wilkinson (tomorrow), Julie Lockett (Saturday), Mary Carminati (Sunday), Marilyn Andujar (Monday), Jacob Schmidt (a teenager on Monday), Alexander Frye (10 on Tuesday), Emily Kahn (entering her teens on Wednesday), and Joshua Less (6 on Wednesday).

A speedy recovery to Joe McMahon who is recuperating from hip replacement surgery and to my husband, Jim Linenfelser, who had eye surgery yesterday.

Election Day is Tuesday, and voters in districts 6, 7, 9 and 10 who previously voted at Kaegebein School, will vote at the Bible Presbyterian Church Family Life Center, 1650 Love Road.

This is the weekend of Kaegebein PTA's Craft Show and the Chamber's Community Trade Show. Check our Calendar of Events for other happenings this week, including a Chicken Pot Pie Dinner on Election Day.

October 24, 2002
Congratulations to the Veronica Connor Middle School Modified Football Team. The boys, coached by Mr. Henry Carney, finished the 2002 season Wednesday undefeated. The photo is of our grandson, John C. Bidell, a member of the team, after a rain-soaked game on Masters Field. The VCMS cheerleaders are awesome, I might add.~~~~Congratulations to Greg Barker, Ken Brodie II and Bob Catopovic on their championship boat racing season. Check out our Sports Page for details.

Marisa A. Smith became the bride of Brian C. Busch on Saturday, October 19, 2002 in a ceremony in Kenmore United Methodist Church. She is the daughter of Paul and Maye Smith of Grand Island.

Our sympathy to the families of Lillian M. Mesmer, Stanley J. Lucas, Margaret Stamler and former resident Janet Cavanaugh who recently passed away. Click for their complete Death Notices.

Former Island resident Dan Gregory is directing the comedy/drama "It's About Time," which he also wrote. The cast will include Dan's daughter, Kelly and the play takes place at the Kenan Center's Taylor Theater in Lockport. Call the theater for details.~~~~Congratulations to Grand Island High School Girls Soccer Team goalie Corinne Razem who has given the team at least nine shutouts this season. Corinne will be featured in the Niagara Gazette tomorrow as its Athlete of the Week.

A speedy recovery to Harvey Long who had surgery on the 10th. Harvey is now home and we hear he's doing well.

Lorrie "Pownall" Savas and her husband, Stephen were blessed with their first child, Stephen Robert Savas, born July 31, 2002 weighing eight pounds, seven ounces. Steven Robert was 24 inches long at birth! The Savas family lives in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey and proud grandparents are former Baseline Road residents Bob and Carol Pownall who are now living in Williamsburg, Virginia. Click Islanders In The News to see this beautiful baby's picture.

The historic pageant is now history! Kathryn Sheehan, David Long and Sharon Long Nichols were in the audience and they actually took part in the Centennial Pageant in August 1952. I believe I was the only one in this past weekend's performances who also took part in the '52 pageant. The enthusiasm of the audience, especially Saturday night, was all we needed to know our long hours were well worth it. Photos are on the Sesquicentennial page and I will continue to add to them each week as they are submitted. A special note of thanks to all of the friends I have made throughout the pageant production - thank you so much for the flowers. What a nice surprise!

Looking Back 50 years - Over the summer of 1952 earth moving equipment had been digging a canal from the East River to a few feet from the East River Road under the direction of Michael Steffen who was creating the private canal and selling ranch type homes there. On Friday, October 17, 1952 the last of the earth was moved and the canal filled up with water in about one half hour.~~~~The 9th grade Class of '53 elected the following officers on October 17, 1952: President Joan Lafferty, Vice President Carl Miller, Secretary Gail Burgstahler, Treasurer Roger Killian.

Looking Back 40 years - The Grand Island Nursery School again sponsored the UNICEF drive on Grand Island.~~~~Bob Wells of WGR was master of ceremonies for "Teen Time," a Teen Talent Night at the Huth Road School on November 2, 1962.~~~~The Grand Island Home Extension's past president Dorothy Waltman and current president Millie Vanthoff presented two "coin cards" to Assistant Fire Chief Bob Hoag for the fire company's fund drive. The cards held about $8 worth of quarters which were inserted and then covered with a gold sticker to keep them in place. The fund drive must have been successful as it was conducted in this many for several years.

Looking Back 30 years - The Trinity Middle School Youth Group held a Halloween party on October 22, 1972 when Cindy Bleich, Vicki Bidell (Wilkinson), Kevin Lipp and Abby Baker were announced the winners of the costume contest.

Congratulations and best wishes to Sue and Dan McMahon who will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary on Sunday, to Liz and Eric Reimann who will be married 35 years on Monday and to Clay and Elaine Clark, marking their 40th on Wednesday.

Longtime Ferry Village resident Maryan Traun, who is residing at the Bristol Home, Room 203, 1500 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14209 is celebrating her 93rd birthday today. Pick up a card or drop her a note and let her know you are thinking of her.

True to form(!), our daughter-in-law, Laury Linenfelser, has been celebrating her 30th birthday all week. Hats off to Mike Carr's Village Inn staff for the fabulous spread we enjoyed at Laury's surprise party there on Monday night. What fun!

Happy birthday to Jim Pax and Diane Pelosi (today), John Bidell Jr. (a teenager tomorrow), Mallory Katherine DelSignore (3 tomorrow), Norm Baumann (best wishes tomorrow), "Bernie" DeGlopper Bailey (her 90th on Saturday), Peter Marston and Paul Soto (Sunday), Joanne Gesl and John Trianda (Tuesday), and Julie Dee and Bill Pioli (Wednesday)

Don't forget to turn your clocks back early Sunday morning when daylight savings time begins at 2 a.m. We will all gain an extra hour of sleep.

Please check our calendar of events for the weekend and the week's happenings. The Ladies Auxiliary of the Grand Island Fire Company will hold their chowder and baked goods sale Saturday and will also offer Krispi Kreme Donuts. Golden Age Club members will hold their annual holiday bazaar at the Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road, on Sunday. Have a wonderful weekend.

October 17, 2002
When Robert Garman, GIHS Class of '89 and his wife, Scarlet, of Tracey Lane became the parents of their third child, a baby boy, born on February 8th of this year, they had no idea of their little son's future. Jadon Russell Garman, at three months old, was diagnosed with Alpha 1 Antitripson, a life-threatening disease that attacks the liver. It has just been confirmed that he will need a whole liver transplant. Efforts to seek monetary help with travel expenses, unpaid leaves from work, and other costs not paid by insurance are in the earliest planning stages and we are hoping that generous Island residents will help out the Garman family in any way they can, be that financially or with assistance in fundraising. More information on how you may help will be listed here as it becomes available.

There's plenty of time to pick up a birthday card and send it off to Bernice "Bernie" DeGlopper Bailey. Bernie will be celebrating her 90th birthday on October 26, 2002 at a party for family and friends with Douglas DeGlopper serving as Master of Ceremonies.

KatieLynn Beauchamp and Kyle Bridenbaker who were married in St. Timothy Lutheran Church on Saturday. The bride is the daughter of Daniel and Patricia Beauchamp and the groom is the son of Jeffrey and Susan Bridenbaker.~~~~Kelli Ann Preve and David A. Kompare were married Saturday in Trinity United Methodist Church. Kelli Ann is the daughter of Francis and Claudia Preve of Grand Island and the groom is the son of Mary Kompare of Buffalo and Joseph Kompare of Tonawanda.~~~~Best wishes newlyweds.

Our sympathy to the families of Mary Faith Peterson, Bernice M. Leiner and former resident Herbert J. Grover. Click for their complete Death Notices.

Looking Back 50 years - The chorus at Trinity EUB Church presented "Marrying Marion" with Marion Pinkow and Wally Simms in the leads on October 23-25, 1952.

Looking Back 30 years - The Grand Island Vikings remained undefeated in league play by edging Cleveland Hill, 7-6 on a rain-soaked field 30 years ago this week. Coach Gene Masters cited team effort, especially the play of Glyn Lipp, Bill Mancuso and Terry McDonnell as factors in this important victory.

A very happy anniversary wish goes out to Gary and Carol Roesch, who will celebrate their 40th on October 20th.

Happy birthday James "Butch" "Puppet" DiTullio.   He's talented. He's friendly and generous. He's Jack of all trades. And he's turning 60 on Tuesday. Email a big happy birthday to Puppet at weembaman@aol.com!~~~~~Happy birthday to Adam Heftka (7 tomorrow), to Walter Hillock (a teenager on Saturday), Larry Hillock, Jim Milne and Heidi Sue Mumm (Saturday), Michael Madigan (6 on Sunday), Joe Macaluso (Sunday), our daughter-in-law Laury Linenfelser (cheers on Monday), and Patrick Gallagher (10 on Wednesday).

Welcome back! Jack McCaffery has moved back to the family homestead at East River and Kirkwood Drive with his wife, Wendy and children, Thomas and Clarice Mae. Jack's parents, Ed and Chris McCaffery originally bought the house for their large family in 1963.

Congratulations to Grand Island High School diver Kelly Beatty who scored 276.70 points last Friday to break Karen Learmen's Niagara Frontier League record of 267.90 set in 1986. Kelly is an honor student in her junior year at Grand Island High. Karen is a member of the Grand Island High School Class of '87.~~~~Our Grand Island Varsity Vikings Football Team beat West Seneca East with a score of 28 to 14. This Saturday is homecoming and the Vikes go up against Williamsville South at 2 p.m. on Masters Field. Go Vikings!

Tonight's the night (Thursday, 7-8 p.m.) to sign up for unlimited Friday night skiing with the "Ski Kissing Bridge" at the Grand Island Memorial Library.~~~~Trinity's Fall Festival, featuring a roast beef dinner takes place tomorrow (Friday) from 4-7 p.m at Trinity UM Church.~~~~The Historic Trinity/Historical Society Fashion Show, "History in Fashions" is set for 2 p.m. Saturday in Historic Trinity Chapel.~~~~The Historic Sesquicentennial Pageant of Island history and music takes the stage at Huth Road School 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $2 and should be available at the door. Refreshments will be served during intermission.~~~~The Fire Company will hold Open House Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. Click Fire Company for complete details.~~~~Check the Isledegrande.com Calendar for other events.

October 10, 2002
Former resident Sue Hamilton wrote for information on contacting old friends from the Grand Island Art Society. However, I was unable to put her in touch with the members she mentioned using the email address she wrote from. "Sue, if you see this, email me again," and friends of Sue who can help put me in touch with her, please write to me at teddy@giecom.net.

Daffodil bulbs will be planted around the Island on Saturday morning. Those willing to volunteer for the job are to meet at the town hall at 9:30 a.m. when bulbs, soil and planting equipment will be provided.~~~~The date of the burying of the Sesquicentennial Time Capsule will be announced here at Isledegrande.com as soon as we get the information. The Time Capsule will not be buried on October 19th as previously announced.

Supervisor Peter McMahon took part in the Harvest of Harmony Parade in Grand Island, Nebraska over the past weekend. Pete met Ken Gnadt, mayor of that Grand Island while attending a national mayors meeting in New York City. Mayor Gnadt made the trip to our Grand Island and served as an honorary parade marshall for our Sesquicentennial parade on July 4th. The Nebraska parade featured 86 high school marching bands!~~~~JoAnn Vanderheite's annual Dried Flower Sale is set for this Saturday (Oct. 12th) at her home at 1635 West River Road. The sale will feature her own colorful, one-of-a-kind artist designed and grown wreaths, arrangements and more, and runs from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Lee Tetkowski, a member of the League of Women Voters Buffalo/Niagara, presented a prize winning Powerpoint program on the problems and cost of sprawl for Joan Droit's Book Discussion Group, a part of Continuing Education and held at the Golden Age Center on Friday morning, October 4th. Accompaning Lee was Active Co-Chair of the League's Sprawl Committee, Ann Huberman of Buffalo. To have the presentation at your next meeting, call the League's office, 884-3550.

Our sincere sympathy to the family of Gene Stoklosa who passed away yesterday (Oct. 9, 2002).~~~~~A memorial service for Michael Giambra will be held at 7 p.m. Friday (October 11th) in St. Stephen Church. A former Grand Island resident who had been living in Cape Coral, Florida, Mike died Aug. 24, 2002 after a short illness.~~~~A memorial service for Dolores S. Rogers will be held on October 19th in St. Stephen Church. Mrs. Rogers, a well-known artist, died on August 11th. Our sympathy to her family~~~~Click Giambra, Rogers and Stoklosa for complete obituaries.

Looking Back 50 years - The cornerstone laying of the $1,250,000 William M. Kaegebein School took place at 2 p.m. October 12, 1952.~~~~The Frank Butcher family's house on East River Road was badly damaged by a fire on October 12, 1952.

Looking Back 40 years - President John F. Kennedy crossed the Island on the Thruway on Sunday, October 14, 1962. Does anyone have the group photo of the Grand Island Girl Scouts, leaders, parents and siblings who gathered at the south bridge to see the President?~~~~Ground was broken for a new "Tops" supermarket and gas station to be built on Love Road. The grocery store was going up next to the Grandyle Pharmacy building and the service station was being built west of Mesmer's Dairy. The Pharmacy was being expanded in what is now the present location of Picasso Pizza.~~~~Sidway Junior High School's last 9th grade graduating class held an election of officers on October 11, 1962. Elected to serve the class were President John Killian, Vice President Kathy McFee, Treasurer David Schaefer and Secretary Jayne Pless.~~~~Scott Hennigar, 11, found an 1867 nickel in the west riverbed at Fix Road.~~~~Clayton Kenworthy won the All Gauge Event at the 4th Invitational Flaming Leaves Shoot in Lake Placid with 100 straight.~~~~The Grand Island Community Chorus, formed in '52, was rehearsing Monday nights in Kaegebein School.

Looking Back 15 years - Rev. Earl King offered his first church service at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church on Sunday, October 11, 1987.

Paul Malecki, accompanied by his wife, Marcy, hit the jackpot on Saturday (October 5) at the Flamingo Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Good going, Paul!

Celebrating their first anniversary on Sunday and wished the very best are Jason and Maureen Weis. Happy anniversary also to Bobby and Ilene Dee celebrating their 13th anniversary on Monday and to Bob and Kristen Franklin Rosser who will be married three years on October 16th.

Happy birthday to Roger Thaler and Willian Barbur (today), Jacob Mongold (6 tomorrow), Mike Hachee (Saturday), Benjamin McDowell (16 on Saturday), Tom Trader (a big one on Sunday), Kyle Oursler (a teenager on Monday), Stephanie Voyzey (6 on Monday), Shirley Luther (Tuesday) and Kalli Pedlow (10-years-old on Tuesday).

Bill and Phyllis "Lafferty" Tanner were in town from Gilbert, Arizona this past week and stopped by our house to look over the place where Bill grew up on the west end of Ferry Road. Phyllis, Sidway Class of '55, and Bill, Sidway Class of '53, spent time visiting Phyllis' sister, Sharon Thompson and family of Fix Road.~~~~Sonja Miller's prize winning, miniature, long-haired daschund has given birth to two puppies. One is spoken for and the black silver dapple male is available. Call her at 851-1547 for more information.

An open house will be held at the Hidden Oaks subdivision off Fix Road and between Baseline and Alt Blvd. from noon to 6 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday and also on Saturday and Sunday of the following weekend. If you have not seen this secluded residential area, you will be pleasantly surprised!

The Grand Island Varsity Vikings Football Team beat Lew-Port 23-6 last week. The boys have a 7 p.m. game at West Seneca East tomorrow night (Friday, Oct. 11th). Go Vikings!

Don't be left out. If you want tickets for the Historic Fashion Show, the Historic Pageant or the Historical Society's Holiday luncheons, it's time to check into tickets before it is too late. Just click the event for more information.~~~~Schools are closed Monday due to the Columbus Day holiday.

October 3, 2002
  
Special greetings to my former classmates Joan "Schlueter" Wright (left), Roy Campbell and Lorraine "Walgate" Wilcox who are celebrating their birthdays this week.~~~~Happy birthday to Paul Nixon (a teenager tomorrow), Margie Walker (tomorrow), Dylan Michael Russo (his first birthday on Saturday), Mallory Zilliox (a teen on Saturday), Matthew Pietrzak (entering his teens on Sunday), Craig Blowers (10 on Sunday), Mary Jo Soto and Carol Ann Weingartner (Monday), Kelly Carminati (cheers on Monday), Bob McCormick (a big one on Monday), Ryan Ayers (a teenager on Monday), Andy Dinsmore (big birthday on Tuesday), John Linenfelser (Tuesday), Barb Jarzab (Wednesday) and Diane Hassan (the big 5-0 on Wednesday).

Dawn Elisa Smith and Gerald Raymond Donnelly were married in the gardens at the Park Savoy, Florham Park, N.J. The bride is a graduate of Grand Island High School and Canisius College, summa cum laude. Best wishes, newlyweds.

Kimberly and Jonathan Weis of Coconut Creek, Florida are the parents of a baby girl. Elle Marie Weis was born September 12th weighing seven pounds, six ounces. Proud first time grandparents are Bill and Nancy Weis of Wallace Drive.

Congratulations to Diane and Herb Miller on the birth of their first grandchild, Cameron Rose Kolat, born Thursday, September 26, 2002. Cameron Rose is the daughter of John and Alyssa "Miller" Kolat who reside in Fairfax, Virginia. The little baby girl weighed in at five pounds, five ounces.

Looking Back 50 years - The Ashley family provided movies and over 150 color slides of the town's Centennial pageant, the Union Church Service, the Centennial grounds south of Sidway School, the grand prix auto race, Island memorabilia exhibits, whisker contest, Old Timers' Reunion, individual costumes etc. which were shown on Sunday, October 5, 1952 and Monday, October 6, 1952 at Emmanual Chapel.

Looking Back 40 years - Vivian Smudski served as Horticulture Chairman for the East Park Garden Club. Hostesses were Mrs. Leon Shippy and Eleanor Cullen when the Club met October 10, 1962 in the Undercroft of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church.~~~~Mrs. Richard Bensman was the new president of the Willow Lawn Garden Club. Other officers in 1962 were Vice President Betty Killian, Treasurer Mrs. Joseph Demo Jr., and Secretary Ellie Zarbo.~~~~Boy Scout Troop 510 participated in a weekend campout with 600 area Boy Scouts in Beaver Island State Park.~~~~Irma Hawkes was serving as publicity chairman for the Island Theater Group.

We are hoping to have tickets for the historic pageant available here in our Isledegrande.com office any day now. The pageant takes place in the Huth Road auditorium 7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 19th and 2 p.m. Sunday, October 20th. The theatrical overview of Island history will include music and dance, and good times and tragedy. Tickets must be purchased for either performance. Cost is $2 or $5 per family.

The Sesquicentennial Grand Ball, long awaited by many of us, was a tremendous success. Those of us from Isledegrande.com thoroughly enjoyed it all and wish to thank the committee of hard workers headed up by Kathleen Graves, who oversaw ever small and large detail. Our only wish is that it would happen again in our lifetime! We have posted photos of the Grand Lady cruise and the Ball but would be glad to consider adding to those pictures. Email or dropped off any others you would like to have us consider posting.

Members of the Grand Island Historical Society invite the community to come to River Lea in Beaver Island Park for their October meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m. tonight (Oct. 3). The program is titled, "Current/Historic G.I. Happenings."

September 26, 2002
  
Jeanne Marie (Dinsmore) Ensminger (left), Dave Salt and former resident Elizabeth (Glor) Allen, Isle natives, are all celebrating milestone birthdays this week. Happy birthday Jeanne Marie (Sunday), Dave (tomorrow) and Liz (today).~~~~Couldn't forget Dave Grant's big birthday tomorrow! If you see him this week, wish him a happy 60th.

Clark Daniel Jaquith was born Saturday, September 21st weighing nine pounds, eight ounces. He is the first child of Daniel and Holly Smith Jaquith of Locke, NY. Holly is a 1982 graduate of Grand Island High School and the daughter of Doug and Polly Smith of Hennepin Rd.

Welcome, Makenna Elizabeth Scalise, born Friday, September 13, 2002 to Karen and Don Scalise of Laurie Lane. Makenna, who weighed in at six pounds, 13 ounces, was welcomed home by her brother, Eric, 17 months. Proud grandparents are Joseph Scalise and Paula Macumber of Grand Island and Genevieve Scalise of Clarence. Great grandparents are Stewart Macumber of Florida and Rose Scalise of Pennsylvania.

Our sympathy to the families of Sheila A. Martin, Edie Andrews and former residents David M. Darnley and Gloria J. (Anderson) Pagels who passed away this week. Click for complete Death Notices.~~~~Betty J. Lafferty, a longtime member of the Sandy Beach Yacht Club, died on September 19th.

Grand Island High School graduate Michael T. Hurley was married Friday to Tracy L. Cummings.~~~~Derrick Michael Smith and Amy Lynn Burns were married Saturday in St. Stephen's Church. The groom is also a graduate of Grand Island High School.

Several residents were in the audience enjoying the music of Islander Fran 'Zerilli' Wilczek who was singing with her band, "Smooth As Silk," at John's Flaming Hearth Saturday night. The group returns to the "Hearth" on Saturday, November 16th and will play from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.~~~~Happy birthday to Don Walsh who celebrated his 80th birthday in style Saturday night with a big birthday bash at John's Flaming Hearth. Don's son, Tom Walsh made the arrangements and a great time was had by all.

Congratulations to Mike Monaco who caught a wall-hanger bigmouth, an 8-pound, 4-ounce bass that measured 23 inches in the East River.

Happy birthday to Kristen Burns (Sweet 16 today), to Robin Long and Joyce 'Riordan' Clark (today), Sean Christian Rustowicz (his first birthday today), Cappy Cooke (10 on Saturday), Jim Dinsmore (Saturday), Nancy Blundell and Joann Hasselbeck (Sunday), Matthew Hamm (20 on Sunday), Jim Wright (16 on Sunday), Lee Cohen (Monday), Jackie Kowzan (20 on Monday), Kevin Dyer (10 on Tuesday), Alicia Marie Fisher (a teenager on Wednesday), Jaidan Kheara Hiam (2 on Wednesday), and Shorty Vanthoff (Wednesday).

Congratulations and best wishes to Dave and Vi Gingher who will celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary on October 1st.~~~~Best wishes to Sandy and David Dee celebrating an anniversary tomorrow and to Steve and Barb Stouter who will mark their 7th anniversary on September 30th.

Looking Back 125 years - A Post Office was first established on Grand Island in October 1877.

Looking Back 50 years - The first contingent of Army personnel arrived on the Island and set up sites for the installation of barracks for the men who would arrive shortly. Lt. Carl Schirmer and six men were busy at the Staley Road site and a similar group was doing the same on Ransom Road.~~~~Roy Campbell received the Silver Arrow achievement award at the September Cub Pack #254 meeting 50 years ago. The new Cub Pack included Island newcomer Richard Sturm.~~~~Fran's Tot Shop, formerly located in Fran Brennan's kitchen on West River Road moved into Grandyle Plaza on October 2, 1952, filling the last of the five new stores. Marge Stratton of West River Drive was the winner of Fran's Tot Shop doll drawing.

Looking Back 30 years - ~~~~A Grand Opening was held at the new Niagara Savings & Loan.

A speedy and complete recovery goes out to Brian Brandon who was injured last Friday in an all-terrain vehicle accident.

A family retreat for people with disabilities is being held from 1-6 p.m. September 29 at St. Stephen Church. Call Sharon Urbaniak at 847-5514 for further information.~~~~For information on this year's Crop Walk For Hunger Relief which takes place Sunday, click Crop Walk.

This Saturday night is the Sesquicentennial Grand Ball at the Holiday Inn. Surely there will be plenty of photos from this grand event but why not take a look back to 50 years ago in our Old Photo Album where there are five photos, courtesy of Peggy Pfohl Bauman, of the town's Centennial Ball held in the Beaver Island Casino?

September 19, 2002
Happy birthday to Vickie Harnden (special greetings today), Ryan Kwiatowski, Peter McMahon, Sandy Arch, Bonnie Sciuk and Dave Goris (all celebrating today), Christian Mason (5 today), Christopher Soluri (his 25th tomorrow), Paul Baer (21 tomorrow), Jeri Schopp (tomorrow), Madison Reese Nowak (first birthday on Saturday), Annemarie Bykowicz (Sweet 16 on Sunday), Kenny Martina (10-years-old on Monday), Walter Hughes (Monday), Susan Hillock, Eric Stefik and Betsy Cali (Tuesday), Jackie 'Carlson' Weiss (cheers on Tuesday), David Rodriguez (5 on Tuesday), Rick Pelham and Jill 'Bates' Smedley (Wednesday), David Dee (the big 6-0 on Wednesday), Forrest Michael Carr (first birthday on Wednesday), and George Zelonis (his 97th on Wednesday).

Welcome, Blake Anthony Bielec, born July 15, 2002 to Greg and Angela Bielec. The six pound, 15 ounce baby boy is the grandson of Paul and Debi Bielec and Sal and Marianne Santa Lucia, all of Grand Island.

Maria Lynn DeFeo, daughter of Don and Betty DeFeo of Whitehaven Road was married on Friday, August 16, 2002 to Glenn Patrick Buchheit. Maria is a 4th grade teacher in the North Collins school district.~~~~Nicole Goss and Kerry Lanthier were married August 31, 2002 in New Covenant Tabernacle Church in Tonawanda.~~~~Amanda J. Piccolo-Houck, the daughter of Richard and Melissa Piccolo of Grand Island, became the bride of Scott G. Ranger on Saturday, September 14th in Trinity UM Church.~~~~Jonathan E. Conta and his bride, the former Jennifer L. Ueblacker were married Saturday in Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, West Seneca. The groom is the son of Patricia and Robert Conta of Grand Island.~~~~ Living on the Island are David J. Lavin and his bride, Julie M. Vendette, who exchanged nuptial vows at 2 p.m. Saturday in Williamsville United Methodist Church.~~~~ Best wishes, newlyweds.

Looking Back 40 years - The Rod & Gun members challenged the American Legion Post to a game of Donkey Baseball. A photo of Bob Weatherbee, Ken Maurer, Mike Meyer and Charlie Stack in wigs, dresses, skirts, blouses and all that frilly stuff appeared in the weekly paper in 1962. Does anyone have the picture?

  
Looking Back 30 years - Grand Island 28-Tonawanda 8! Quarterback Mike Rodriguez (left) led the Viking offense to its first victory of the season, passing for three TDs, kicking four extra points and setting up the final score on a great option play which Mike Costello (center) ran for 38 yards. Pete Hayes, for the second week in a row, led all defensive tackles with seven.

Looking Back 20 years - Gloria Brown was the women's 50-and-over champion at the "Run for the Grapes" in St. Catharines, Ontario.

Our sympathy to the families of James Anthony Pappano and Irene Mankiewicz. Click for complete Death Notices.

Excitement is building as the Sesquicentennial historic pageant rehearsals get into full swing. Still needed for the October 19-20th performances are teenaged boys as well as a few more adults to take part in some crowd scenes. Call Elizabeth Beach at 773-4960 if you would like to take part.

The Grand Island High School Varsity Vikings beat Starpoint 41-14 on September 7th and went on to win over Niagara-Wheatfield 25-7 this past Saturday. The Vikings play Sweet Home on their home field on Ransom Road this Saturday at 2 p.m. Go Vikings!

September 12, 2002
The new McMahon's Family Restaurant has become a business sponsor of Isledegrande.com, thank you to Joe and Fran McMahon who opened their place this summer. For the complete menu, visit McMahon's Restaurant Website.

First time grandparents and extremely happy about it are Ben and Bernie Franklin of Carter Drive. Their daughter Kris (Franklin) Rosser and her husband, Bob of Tempe, Arizona are the parents of a seven pound, eight ounce baby boy, Jesse Rosser, born Tuesday morning, September 3rd in Chandler, Arizona.

Congratulations to former residents Joseph and Denise 'Allen' Schmadel on the birth of a son, Justin Patrick Schmadel who weighed in at five pounds, six ounces on September 4, 2002. Proud grandparents are George and Gail Allen of Florida and Frank and Monica Scmadel of Marcy, N.Y. Great grandparents are Richard and Dorothy Lovelee of Grand Island, and Harold Allen of Niagara Falls.

Best wishes, newlyweds. John Fitzgerald, son of Patricia and Gerald Fitzgerald of Grand Island, was married Friday, September 6th to Janine A. Racsumberger. The Fitzgeralds will live on the Island following a trip to Aruba.

Happy birthday to Dan McMahon, Hazel Nailor and Kate Cady (tomorrow), to Michael Higgins (10-years-old tomorrow), Matthew Robert Wellence (5 tomorrow), Penny Ball, Chris Kennell and Wally DeGlopper (Sunday), Matthew Wasson and Mary Goris (Monday), David Cyman (a teenager on Tuesday), Lauren Patricia Chadwick (two on Tuesday), Christine Wright (a teenager this week), Zdenka Gast (Wednesday) and Mike Carr (Tuesday!!!).~~~~A belated happy birthday to Rob Luthringer who celebrated on Monday.

Looking Back 40 years - Under the direction of Assistant Chief George Downs, an early morning barn fire was fought by the Grand Island Fire Company on Sunday, September 16, 1962. Isadore Carline's barn burned at 2389 Whitehaven Road. Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary members Helen Peck, Helen Hy, Alma McTigue, May Capizzi, Kay Haller and Vera Ferguson prepared and served coffee and sandwiches to the firefighters.

Looking Back 40 years - Nicholas A. Roeder filed an appeal for the Niagara River Station Fishing Club requesting that the Howard Benns property at 355 East River Road be rezoned for a private club.

Looking Back 30 years - Co-chairing the annual Republican picnic in September 1972 were Liz and Eric Reimann and Diane and Clark Nesbitt. "More and more young people are taking an active role in party politics," the weekly paper said 30 years ago.

Crystal Seiling was crowned Peach Queen last Sunday during the Lewiston Peach Festival. A former Island resident, Crystal was chosen from a group of 25 entrants. A recent Lewiston-Porter graduate, she is entering the University of Buffalo on a full academic and athletic scholarship.

E. Donald Foley passed away on September 8th and Michael James Delahunt died on September 11th. Our condolences to their families.~~~~Our sympathy to the family of former resident Shirley Krzes who died on August 31st. Cards may be sent to her daughter Tina Arthur and grandson, Jordan Arthur at 5000 Butte St. #193, Boulder CO 80301.~~~~Rev. Monsignor Richard A. Graeber, former pastor of St. Stephen's Church, died on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2002.~~~~Click for complete Death Notices.

The annual "Treasures Festival," sponsored by Chamber of Commerce takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday on Whitehaven Road between Baseline and Grand Island Blvd. For information and table reservations, call the Chamber office, 773-3651.~~~~ The Bud Bakewell Bantam Minor Hockey Team, which includes quite a few Grand Island players, will hold a car wash fundraiser at Tops from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday.~~~~River Lea in Beaver Island State Park will be open from 2-4 p.m. Sunday. Historical Society members will present the history of the Grand Island Bridges and the ferry boats that transported folks to and from the Island before 1935.

September 5, 2002
Our sympathy to the families of John E. 'Jack' Thompson, Audree Rittenhouse and Donald R. Crowell who died this past week. Click for complete Death Notices. A memorial service for former resident Edward H. Lenhard will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, September 15th in the Sandy Beach Yacht Club.

Town Clerk Nancy Samrany is in need of registered Republicans and Democrats to serve as paid Election Inspectors for the Tuesday, September 10th primary election. Call her immediately at 773-9600 ext 622 to see if you qualify.

Best wishes to Brian J. Lehman and Heather K. Morganti who were married Saturday in St. Stephen's Church. The bride, a fourth year medical student in University at Buffalo's School of Medicine, is the daughter of Joseph and Lynda Morganti. Mr. and Mrs. Lehman will make their home on the Island following a trip to St. Lucia.

Very best wishes to former Islanders Dave and Arliss Lantz who will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on September 6th in Batesburg, SC. Their family will honor them with a reception on the 8th in South Carolina.~~~~Chuck and Jane Goris will surely be remembered by their eight children and families tomorrow, September 6th, as they reach their Golden Wedding Anniversary. Cheers to Jane and Chuck!~~~~High school sweethearts David and Carol Dusenbury will celebrate their 40th anniversary on Sunday and are wished many more happy years together.~~~~Good friends Butch and Julie Meyer will toast to their 25th anniversary on Monday, the 9th. ~~~~Dan and JoAnn Linenfelser, marking their 34th anniversary on Saturday, look forward to having their family together for a baptism party for their newest grandchild on Sunday. ~~~~In the "Can You Beat This" department, are Sophie and George Zelonis who will be married 74 years on September 11th. May the Lord bless them.~~~~ Also wished the best on their anniversaries are Don and Julie Dee, married four years today, Erin and Brian Russo, celebrating the same anniversary today, and Jeff and Nicole 'Dee' Hoffman who will be married two years on the 9th.

Thanks to Doug Henderson for identifying some of the 1963 Orioles Major League Little League team members pictured in the Old Photo Album. The team was coached by his father, Don Henderson.

Happy birthday to Collin Michael DeMartin (first birthday today), Lisa Mrkall (tomorrow), Dylan Russell DeGlopper (two-years-old on Sunday), Michael Edwards (60 on Monday), Mikayla Ann Claus (3 on Monday), Jessica 'Coppola' Eastwood (Tuesday), Jason Steiner (a teenager on Tuesday), Madison LaVerne Mongold (3 on Tuesday), June Ann Chadima (6 on Wednesday) and Walt Cowan (a milestone on Wednesday).~~~~A belated happy 50th to John Study who celebrated on September 2nd.

Looking Back 50 years - The Centennial's Community Concert was moved inside St. Stephen's Barn due to rain on Sunday, August 31, 1952.~~~~Sidway School opened on Monday, September 8, 1952 to 885 registered students, 162 more than the previous year. Lillian Shear was a new first grade teacher and Lyn Mauri (Laman) and JoAnn Hasselbeck were the new art and girls physical education teachers.~~~~Strauss Shoe Store opened in the new Grandyle Plaza in September 1952, complete with X-ray machine for accurate fit.~~~~Terry Thompson opened her new beauty shop in her home on the Stony Point extension 50 years ago.

Looking Back 30 years - A Father and Son Cookout was held September 7, 1972 at Bible Presbyterian Church for all fathers and sons interested in the formation of a Christian Service Brigade for boys. Fred Thompson served as the leader.~~~~Among the youth of Grand Island who helped to make the blood drive a success in September 1972 were Donna Robinson, Donnette Hennigar (Rayhill) and Betsy Dannels. The girls took charge of babysitting during the drive. Other teens who assisted during the day were John Dudley, Sherry Shaw (Watkins), Mike Cap, John Watkins and Dave Wuensch.~~~~Trinity Church Rally Day events, which were chaired by Tom and Ellie Zarbo, featured Pete Hayes high aloft over the picnic in a hot air balloon.

The Isledegrande.com guestbook grew by 26 names in August. Among those signing on were Gary Burnworth (Sandy Lake, PA), David McMoil (Hopkins, MN), Greg Roberts (Carefree, AZ), Brian Diebold (Foresthill, CA), Beth 'Robinson' Judson (Roswell, GA), Michele 'Wake' Verrier (Aurora, CO), Peter Steinlein (Virginia Beach, VA), Bil Loth (Lower Kingswood, NA), and Debra 'Agnello' Morgan (N. Billerica, MA). Please let us know if you change your email address and please let your friends and relatives know about Isledegrande.com!

The new, up-to-date map of Grand Island with an easy-to-read key to street locations is now available throughout the town, compliments of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber's map committee was chaired by Andy Chambers with assistance from Sue Hillock, Bev Kinney, Jim Sharpe and Director of Communications Kathleen Pytel.

Gale and Richard Sander are proud grandparents of a baby boy. Thomas Joseph Podsiadlo Jr. was born to Tom and Gale 'Sander' Podsiadlo of Cheektowaga and welcomed home by his sister Elizabeth Irene, 19 months.

Committees are underway for Class reunions for the Classes of 1983 and 1993 and webpages are posted here at Isledegrande.com. All '83 and '93 classmates are urged go to their reunion page (click the date above), scroll down for information, and offer your help if possible. Classes 1973 and 1978 are urged to get a start-up committee together and then let us know so we can help promote your reunions on your own webpage during the coming year.

The Varsity Viking Football Team plays at Masters Field on Ransom Road Saturday. The game against Starpoint begins at 2 p.m.

The Antique and Classic Boat Show, antique car show and race boat display takes place Saturday at the Buffalo Launch Club, 503 East River Road. Food and refreshments will be available.

August 29, 2002
Welcome, little Islanders! Danna and Mark Podgorny are proud parents of a third son. Justin Ronald Podgorny was born Thursday, August 22, 2002 weighing in at nine pounds, three ounces. The new baby was welcomed home by his brothers, Michael who turned 5-years-old this month and Kyle, 2 1/2. Proud grandparents are Rick and Pam Fries, Kathy and Vic Podgorny and Nancy Fries. The baby is also the grandson of the late Ronald Fries.~~~~John Evan Fletcher II weighed in at seven pounds, four ounces on August 6, 2002. He is the son of John and Lisa Fletcher and grandson of Joe and Lisa Grasso and Jean Fletcher all of Grand Island. He is also the grandson of Dan and Casey Powell of Tonawanda and the late Edwin Fletcher.

A speedy recovery to Sarah McMahon who is home and recovering from surgery.~~~~Cards of cheer are in order for Ann Kruse who is in Room 242 in the Schofield Residence, 3333 Elmwood Ave., Kenmore, NY 14217.

September 1st is a very special day for Nancy and Joe Samrany. That's the day they will celebrate their 46th wedding anniversary.

>From what we're hearing, it sounds like the whole town is coming out for the Sesquiquicentennial Ball on September 28th. Click Sesquicentennial Ball for two feature stories on this fabulous celebration of our town's 150th birthday.

Laura DeLong, who moved from the Island to Virginia in her senior year at the high school, graduated from Nansemond River High School in Suffolk, VA in the top half of the Class of 2002. Congratulations, Laura.~~~~The Grand Island All Stars have won every local tournament they have entered for the last two years. For the complete success story on this Little League team from Grand Island, click GI Little League.

A tip of the hat to the "Connections" board and all those responsible for the new sign at Whitehaven and the Boulevard. For information on how non profit Island groups may promote their events below the permanent sign, contact Connections Chairman Reg Schopp.

Our sympathy to the families of Carol A. Dyck, Darla Grasso and former residents Michael Giambra, Virginia Marie Ricey, Elva J. Reiter and Harriet Emke who died this past week. Click for complete Death Notices.

Did any of you crack open more than two or three double yoked eggs this week? While husband Jim was cracking eggs into a frying pan at the river Sunday morning, he kept reporting double yokes. When he shouted "four double yokes," we all got up from the table and raced to the grill to see if he was kidding. Not so! Six out of the twelve eggs in the carton had a bonus yoke.

Michele Bruno became the bride of Sean Oehlbert on Saturday at the Buffalo Launch Club. She is the daughter of Anthony and Patricia Bruno of Grand Island.~~~~Jennifer R. Madia and John F. Schratz were married Saturday in St. Stephen Catholic Church. The bride is the daughter of Michael R. Madia of Grand Island and former resident Antoinette Oros of Buffalo.~~~~The wedding of Michelle Cesa and Ryan Glor took place Friday, August 23rd in St. Paul Lutheran Church, North Tonawanda. William and Maureen Glor of Grand Island are the parents of the bridegroom.

A big thank you to Mike and Christine Carr who are trying to hang on to the flavor of Ferry Village. Not sure how long their Bedell House Hot Dog Stand will remain open this season, but the food is outstanding, especially the great big hamburgers! For those who don't know, the historic little building on the East River is located at the foot of Ferry Road in the Village.~~~~Isle residents Leonard and Louise Alessi, new owners of the former Showcase Restaurant, have been having a great deal of remodeling done readying the place for an opening date which we haven't heard just yet. The new restaurant is just north of Pizza Hut on Grand Island Blvd.

Looking Back 50 years - It was 50 years ago this week that the five-day Centennial celebration was taking place. Most events happened on the property now occupied by the Post Office on Baseline Road. Art Staley won the Centennial wrestling match over The Iron Talon of Buffalo and Islander Jim Welfare defeated Bill Muscato of Buffalo.~~~~Though the crowd in attendance at the Grand Prix sports car race on Saturday, August 30, 1952 was estimated by Buffalo newspapers as 100,000, the figure was considerably narrowed by local officials of the Centennial who figured that a more realistic estimate was 40,000 people.~~~~The late Eddie Redinger won the Greased Pig Contest held Sunday, August 31, 1952 during the "Oldtimers' Reunion."~~~~Fred D'Ingillo (1st) and Ford Cowden (2nd) were winners of a beard contest held the same day. Other winners were Bill Goodwin, Roy Trautman, Floyd Brockwell, Clayton Ames and Carl Vella. Judges were Fred Kaegebein, William Rhode and local barber, Frank Amato.~~~~Newspaper reports confirmed that about half of the 600 guests assembled at the Centennial Ball on August 27, 1952 in the Beaver Island Casino wore clothing which dated back at least 100 years.

Happy birthday to Sharon Nichols (today), Andy Boehm (special greetings today), Marie Saskowski (Tomorrow's the big day), Eric Sander (eight tomorrow), Debbi Robinson and Rob Beach (Monday), Michael Butcher (21 on Monday), Sean Dinsmore (a big five-years-old on Monday), Max Russell (his 4th birthday on Monday) and Bobby Dee and Ilona Lang (Wednesday).

Please check our Calendar of Events. Among the fall activities coming up are a pot luck at the next Historical Society meeting; the Antique & Classic Boat Show, race boat regatta, & antique car show; Martin's Fantasy Island Sesquicentennial Days for Islanders; the Rotary/Lions Golf Tournament; the Chamber Of Commerce Treasures Festival; and an open house at historic River Lea in Beaver Island State Park.

Have a safe holiday weekend. Schools open on Wednesday, September 4th. And summer's here to stay!!! (A little longer, that is.)

August 22, 2002
Wow! Greg Barker's "The Rewinder" has had a great boat racing season this summer. Read all about his grand championship and the success of Islander Bob Catapovic's racer, "Fission," on our sports page.

A fond farewell to Mandy Malaney who is leaving the area. Mandy has worked with us here at Isledegrande.com and took an active part in the Sesquicentennial. See you at the Ball, Mandy!

Barbara Brown is 'campaigning' to win a $10,000 computer lab for Huth Road Elementary School from Kraft Foods. Just click "Vote" and help out an Island school.

The Trautman family owned a seven-acre farm on Bedell Road which was eventually split up into one acre lots and taken over by family members years ago. Most of the families who occupied the seven houses in a row were in attendance at the Trautman reunion held Saturday at the home of the late Joe and Maria Trautman and now owned by grandson Richard Trautman and family. Recognized as the oldest in attendance was Gladys Trautman. Little Emily Czyrny, only ten weeks old, was the youngest. Emily is the daughter of Joe and Donette "Webb" Czyrny of Schutt Court.

Looking Back 50 years - The mayors of surrounding towns were asked to judge the prize waltz and best costume contests at the upcoming August 27, 1952 Centennial Ball in the Beaver Island Casino.

Looking Back 40 years - Mrs. Henry (Val) Gardner won first prize with her water color painting at the Erie County Fair in 1962. Paulene Wagner won first in oil painting.~~~~The Republican Committee candidates sponsored a Grand Island party at the Glen Casino in Williamsville on Tuesday, August 28, 1962 with 375 attending. Picked to take part in the floor show were Town Attorney Sal Capizzi, Democratic Committeeman Ed Burns, and William Click.

Looking Back 30 years - Joey Fusco's Muscular Dystrophy Circus netted $38.50 for the cause.~~~~Grand Island's JV cheerleaders attended a clinic at Seton Hill College in Pennsylvania. Pictured in the Island Dispatch were Co-Captains Joann Ward and Cheryl Samrany with DeDe Bonsack, Leslie Rosene, Kim Wagner, Debbie Gillen, Meg Buckley, Jodi Whelan and Maureen McDonnell.

Former residents Nancy and Dave Duysters recently spent a week on an Alaskan cruise followed by another week doing a land tour all the way up to Fairbanks with their daughter, Kara. Nancy and Dave are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary on Tuesday, August 27th. Why not click "Duysters Email" and send them good wishes?~~~~Best wishes to Kathy and Wayne Benton on their 30th anniversary on Sunday, August 25th and to Ray and Debbie Billica who will celebrate their 24th on the same day.

Happy birthday to you! Celebrating birthdays this week are Ryan Colosi (his 21st today), Cassie Lynn Shickluna (her 4th birthday today), Lydia Senger (5 today), Betty Ellis (her 70th tomorrow), Randy Hillock (tomorrow), Jackie Sullivan (tomorrow), former resident Shellie Smith (special greetings tomorrow), Kurt Raepple (the big 4-0 tomorrow), Andrew Boron (his 16th on Saturday), Arlene Wunsch (10-years-old on Sunday), Judy "Davis" Webb (joins our club on Monday!) and Brielle Backland (6 on Monday).

Our sincere sympathy to the family of former Enola Road resident Ed Lenhard, 63, who passed away in his home in Weekie Wachie, Florida Sunday, August 11th after battling a long illness. Click for complete Death Notice.

Diana S. Taefi and Randall S. Staub were married in the Delaware Park rose garden on Saturday, August 17th. The bride is the daughter of Dr. Parviz and Barbara Taefi of Buffalo and the bridegroom is the son of Joan and Kenneth Staub Jr. of Grand Island.~~~~Michael B. Hann, the son of Island residents Bruce and Paula Hann, was married to Maureen A. Johnston on Saturday in St. Michael Catholic Church, Buffalo.~~~~Residing on Grand Island are newlyweds Christopher M. Goulet and his bride, the former Melissa Kelley Mruk who were married Saturday in Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.~~~~Ashli Ann Warham and David Wayne Passmore were married in Las Vegas on Saturday and will make their home on Grand Island.

Congratulations to Mary Jo Yaksich on being elected president of Women's Committee Foundation of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.~~~~Congratulations to Margaret Lacki on being named Employee of the Month for August at Niagara University, Lewiston.~~~~Laurie McCarthy, a Grand Island native who graduated from Mount St. Mary's High School, is a writer and co-executive producer of CBS' most promising new series, "CSI: Miami." Her previous credits include "Felicity" and "Beverly Hills 90210."

We have a new book club on the Island. Christine Ryshkus is the founder of the "First Tuesday Book Club" that meets on the first Tuesday of the month at members' homes. Call her at 773-5457 for more information.~~~~Official Sesqui Grand Island cookie cutters (stainless steel) are still available at $8 each. Contact Peggy McNulty at 716-774-8916 or gabbypeg1@netzero.net to order or for details on mail orders ($10 prepaid). The copper cookie cutters have been sold out.~~~~Historic Sesquicentennial Pageant auditions for men, women and teenagers will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, August 26 and Wednesday, August 28 in the Grand Island Memorial Library meeting room on Bedell Rd. The pageant, "A Grand Place To Live," has been postponed to October 19-20th.

August 15, 2002
Bill and Danielle "Resty" Click are the proud parents of a son, William Russell Click, born August 13th weighing eight pounds, five ounces. The baby's grandparents are Bill and Gail "Luther" Click and his great grandparents are Bill and Dorothy Click and Shirley Luther. That makes four generations of William Clicks on Grand Island! Congratulations, everyone!

Very best wishes and happy birthday to Sharon Zimmerman (today), to Jean Schlegel (Saturday) and to Brenda Mrkall (this week). Happy birthday to Carson Suffoletta (4 today), Amy Stewart (Sweet 16 today), Michael Scott (21 today), Sally Sutter (today), Jim Dlugokinski (a big one tomorrow), Dorothy Blakelock and Danna Podgorny (tomorrow), Mark Doldan (Sunday), Molly McMahon (Monday), Jessica Laurendi (Sweet 16 Monday), Jason Hollinger (16 Monday), and Charles A. Hall, Shirley Gerspach, Kristen Linton and John Martin (Tuesday).

Longtime Ferry Village resident Maryan Traun is residing at the Bristol Home, Room 203, 1500 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14209. How nice it would be if her many friends here on the Island would send her a card or note to brighten up her days.

Auditions for the Sesquicentennial historic pageant, "A Grand Place To Live," will be held in the Grand Island Memorial Library meeting room from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Monday, August 26 and Wednesday, August 28th. The first performance will be held on the exact date that Grand Island became a township 150 years ago - October 19, 2002. A Sunday, October 20th performance will also take place. Speaking parts will be short, and easy to learn so we encourage those who would like to try it for a first time acting experience to come out and read from the script on the 26th and 28th. Can we also count on the Island's seasoned actors and actresses, singers and dancers getting involved? See you at the auditions!

Our sincere sympathy to the family of Seth M. Walck, 24, who died on Monday, August 12th. Click for complete Death Notice.

Looking Back 50 years - Mabel Dougherty served as hostess at a meeting of the "Ifs and An's Club" held in the home of Emma Metzger of West River Road.~~~~Excitement was high in Grandyle Village and across the Island in August 1952 when the first store opened in the new Love Road Plaza. The BWG (Buffalo Wholesale Grocers) Food Store became a reality on Wednesday, August 20, 1952 with Don Tranter and Ernie Jones at the helm.~~~~Mae Klocke was in charge of a motorcade through Buffalo at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 19, 1952 to draw attention to the upcoming Centennial celebration. Participants, dressed in period costume, presented an invitation to the Centennial to the Mayor of Buffalo.

Looking Back 40 years - Two boys, 10- and 12-year-olds, admitted to one of three robberies to local businesses in a two-week period. A pop machine and candy dispenser were broken into at Grand Island Ford, a small amount of cash was taken from Grand Island Lumber & Builders and nearly $200 in cash was taken from Katrien's Edgewater Hotel.~~~~Members of the Niagara Frontier State Parks Commission agreed to a proposal by the Grand Island History Society to take over River Lea at 8 East River Road (Beaver Island). The agreement was to turn over the house to the Society either by lease or deed for a one-year trial.~~~~Miss Marcy McNamee (Buell), was crowned Neptune Ski Queen by the Neptune Social Skiers Inc. Nine girls were judged Thursday, August 16, 1962 at the Ted-Ra Club. Second runner-up Miss Ellen L. Gibbons was also an Island girl.

Looking Back 30 years - Grand Island Men's Slow Pitch Softball League championship was won by the Hennigar Travel-Realtor team coached by Robert "Clod" McDonnell. Hennigar Travel-Realtor defeated the USMC 20-4 on Wednesday, August 9, 1972. Highlighting the champs' 9-1 season was the hitting power of B. A. Aydelotte and the classic base-running techniques of Kevin "Ski" Zoldowski and William "BH" Hennigar.

Kris J. Christensen and his bride, the former Michelle L. Muffler were married Saturday in Ascension Lutheran Church, Snyder. Kris is the son of George and Marianne Christensen of Grand Island.~~~~Melissa A. Wagner, daughter of Elizabeth A. and James L. Wagner Sr. of Grand Island, was married to Kyle K. Nelson on Saturday, August 10th in Deerhurst Presbyterian Church, Town of Tonawanda.~~~~The former Jessica Kathleen Laible and her husband Michael Thomas Mallabar, who were married Saturday in St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Lancaster, are residents of Grand Island.~~~~Our best wishes to all of the newlyweds.

Congratulations to Pat Pierce on her hole-in-one on the 109-yard 14th hole with a 7-wood at River Oaks and to Josh Wicks who had a hole-in-one at Beaver Island. Josh was using a 5-wood on the 165-yard 13th hole.

If you're looking for a good dinner after Saturday's Tractor Pull, why not head over to the Island United Presbyterian Church where parishioners are holding a Sesquicentennial Celebration Chicken Barbecue from 4-7 p.m. The church is located at 1822 Huth Road.~~~~Click Sesquicentennial Tractor Pull & Show for details on this weekend's exciting tractor events at the Grand Island Rod & Gun Club.

The Antique & Classic Boat Society's boat show will be held at the Buffalo Launch Club on Saturday, September 7th. Boat race enthusiasts who enjoy looking back at the race boats and their drivers who made memories years ago will enjoy Leslie Field's Hydroplane History website. Click Hydroplane History.

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August 8, 2002
Grand Island is about to have a Tractor Pull, an event that may be a first of its kind on the Island. Isle native George DeGlopper is being assisted with planning and promoting by Jim Carlson and between the two, they've come up with two days of excitement taking place at the Grand Island Rod & Gun Club on Saturday, August 17th and Sunday, August 18th. Check out the Tractor Pull webpage for more information. Just click Sesquicentennial Tractor Pull & Show.

With the Tractor Pull and Show a week away, it seems appropriate to run this photo of Ron Webb, Mike Williams and the late Russell Anderson, taking a break somewhere on the Island on a hot summer day in 1956. Click the photo for a slightly larger view.

The Grand Island High School Class of 1987 will reunite for a 15-year reunion at River Oaks under the tent on Saturday, August 31, 2002. For more information or questions, contact Susan Anstett by email (anstett_s@marranohomes.com) or phone, 773-2015.

Congratulations to Matthew and Teresa Linenfelser on the birth of their daughter, Katrina Elizabeth who weighed in at eight pounds, six ounces on Tuesday, August 6, 2002. The baby is the granddaughter of Marion and Stephen Bradley and Dan and JoAnn Linenfelser, and great granddaughter of Fran Clarke, all of Grand Island.

Congratulations to Jacqulene Sondel, daughter of Ken and Sue Sondel. Jacqulene came away with first place in two events at the 4-H Horse Show during the Niagara County Fair August 4, 2002. Read about her other placements at Islanders In The News.~~~~Congratulations to Kera Sauer who won the gold in the women's open figures in the Synchronized Swimming division at the Empire State Games. Click Empire State Games for other Island winners.

Cards of cheer and your prayers are in order for Ann Kruse and Janet Cavanaugh who are both very ill.

Thanks, Mike! As you may have noticed on our front page, the Erie County Sheriff's Report for Grand Island will appear at Isledegrande.com on a weekly basis, thanks to Deputy Sheriff Mike Hilliker. Click Sheriff's Report to find out what's been going on in your neck of the woods!

Best wishes to Karen S. Brzyski who became the bride of Andrew J. LaRoe on Saturday, August 3rd. Karen is the daughter of Richard and Barbara Brzyski of East Oakfield Road.~~~~Kaegebein Elementary School second grade teacher Deanna C. Serio was married to James W. Schoenberg on Saturday, August 3rd in St. Peter Episcopal Church, Niagara Falls.

Happy birthday to Ben Hoover (21 today), Holly "Whitford" Best (the big 5-0 today), Sybil Kennedy (tomorrow), Joseph M. Fusco III (a teenager Saturday), Lindsey Smith (Saturday), Carolyn "Bucknam" McFarland and Betty Clayton (best wishes on Sunday), Marilyn "Dinsmore" Serfass (Sunday), Mike Madia and Melinda Link (Monday) and Michael Podgorny (5-years-old on Wednesday).

Welcome to Mary Haggerty, new Huth Road Elementary School principal. She is the former principal of Pinehurst Elementary, and has resigned that post to head the staff at Huth Road School. Best wishes to longtime Huth Road Principal Peggy Koppmann who recently retired.

Looking Back 50 years - Jerry Thirion, co-chair of the Centennial grand prix sports car race, was asking residents to provide rooms for the drivers and their wives in August 1952.~~~~Members of the American Legion held a grand opening of their new post hall with games of skill and dancing in the evening to Johnny Gast's four-piece orchestra on the grounds of and in the former Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ferry Village.~~~~The local paper suggested home bureau members "get on the party line" and call Mrs. Walter Kinney, Bertha Bucher, Mabel French or Mrs. Leroy Carlson to help out the Home Bureau with its displays of hobbies, handiwork and skills during the 1952 Centennial.

Looking Back 40 years - The annual inboard-outboard boat races, sponsored by the Grand Island Boating Association, took place Sunday, August 12, 1962 off the Bedell House dock. Terry Pinzel was first, Jim Hartman came in 2nd and Jerry Livingston took 3rd place in the BU (B Utility) event. Among other local racers were Dennis Yakam driving "The Menace" and Rollie Radder racing his "Red Fish."~~~~In the sailing races department, the Ronald Keel Cup for women resulted in victory for "Y'All," skippered by Stella Baylis with Melba Lexo, navigator.~~~~Six Islettes majorettes gave a baton twirling demonstration during the Grand Island Community Band concert held in the Boulevard plaza parking lot in August 1962.

Looking Back 30 years - Gary Player took part in a PGA clinic and 18-hole exhibition match at the newly opened River Oaks Golf Course on Monday, August 14, 1972.

Our sincere sympathy to the families of George E. Casey Jr., 47, who died on August 1st, Maimie J. Grotz who died on August 2nd and former Island school teacher Marie E. (Dwyer) Hannan who passed away April 4th. Click for complete Death Notices.~~~~So sorry to read that Mary Elizabeth Stessing Maj's husband, Otis L. Maj, 59, passed away August 1st, and Joan Schlueter Wright's husband, J. Wilson Wright.

August 1, 2002
Organizers of the five automotive events held last Saturday deserve a huge round of appause for the thoroughly enjoyable and diverse e