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"Between the Bridges" |
 Photo courtesy of Rich Call Class of '85 |
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Good morning Charlie Nilsson in Warren, PA and good morning Susan (Phillips) Czajkowski in Getzville, NY.
Pup DiTullio, still hospitalized and in a certain amount of pain, is missing hearing from friends due to no internet connection. Notes of cheer may be sent to his brother, Dick, who will make sure he hears from you.•••• A cheery hello to Dolly Dilliot. Keep her in your prayers.
Happy birthday to George Panepinto (turning 70 today), Sean Dinsmore (a teenager today), Joshua Smith (16 tomorrow), Jesse Rosser (8 tomorrow), Ilona Lang (Saturday), Zachary Scheuing (20 on Saturday), Justin Schmadel (8 on Saturday), Kiersten Winstel (6 on Saturday), Grace Carpenter (3 on Saturday), Bryce McDonnell (16 on Sunday), Deb Remson and Sarah Lange (Sunday), Collin DeMartin (9 on Tuesday), Anna Hammond (6 on Tuesday), Kim Kernin (Tuesday), Ryan Enser (Wednesday), and Dylan DeGlopper (10 on Wednesday).
Looking back 60 years - Students were returning to the Island's only grade school where a new addition opened in September 1950, doubling the size of Sidway School and providing a cafeteria for the first time. Bus drivers that year were Charlie "Huck" Trautman, Carl Schutt, Tom Benton Sr. and John Wagner. My own memories of entering the third grade in September 1950 include my class meeting in the gym for several weeks while our new classroom was being finished. My teacher was everyone's favorite, Marjorie Ehde (Anderson). ••••Evelyn Alt, Marion Hawley and Ann Kruse chaired the Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary's 11th anniversary celebration - a corn and wiener roast. ••••Seventeen-year-old boat racer Ron Ehde, owner and driver of the Miss G.I.,won the NYS Class C Utility runabout championship trophy at Alexandria Bay. He was also leading in high points for the regent 2 trophy, and to date (Sept. 7, 1950) had won a total of 12 trophies on display at Grand Island Marine on Whitehaven Road.
Looking back 40 years - Underground utility wires were first required in all new subdivisions built on Grand Island. ••••It was announced that Mike McDonnell and John Stickl would serve as co-captains of the Varsity Vikings Football Team.
Looking back 5 years - The Grand Island High School team of Justine Kirsch, Chris Damiani and Andy Sharpe won the first place prize in the Western New York Chalk Walk Competition 2005 for the second year in a row. Grand Island also won the 1st place Juror’s Official Award of $500. The Chalk Walk was held during the Lewiston Outdoor Art Festival.
Dave Carminati and all the golfers in the Swift Adhesives Monday Night League at Beaver Island were mighty excited to witness Jim Wagner’s hole-in-one last Saturday during their year ending 18-hole event. Jim aced the par 3, 12th hole with a 6-iron.
Congratulations to Greg Barker whose "Rewinder " took a first in the Thunder on the Niagara boat races over the August 21-22 weekend. For results, see Thunder on the Niagara. Thanks to Liz Barker for the results.
Our sympathy to the family of Norman S. Matteson who recently passed away. Click Deaths for complete information.
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Riverview Chiropractic - Dr. Alaina Rowswell-Kulikowski - Just for kids
Kaiser Funeral Home - Professional and Caring - 1950 Whitehaven Road
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Kelly's Country Store - Step back in time and shop for every gift occasion - 3121 Grand Island Blvd.
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"Say a prayer for our guys over there." Please pray for our country. God bless America.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Good morning Susan (Phillips) Czajkowski in Getzville, NY and good morning Tom Crump in Lutz, FL.
Due to computer problems at Isledegrande.com, there were articles, garage sales and more that did not reach us for this August 26th edition. We apologize for this and hope you will resend your news. The computer problems also prompted us to post the Thursday edition a day earlier (Wed., Aug. 25th)
Celebrating wedding anniversaries this week and wished a world of happiness are Donna and JT Tomkins (25 years on August 31st), Joe and Patty Mash (August 31st), and Lisa and Skip Mrkall (their 10th wedding anniversary on September 1st). ••••A belated happy anniversary to Fred and Kelly Claus who marked their 14th anniversary on Tuesday.
A belated happy first birthday to Colin Andrew Pinzel, born on August 23, 2009. ••••Happy birthday to Virginia Narad Parsons (special greetings today), Paul Meosky (his 80th today), Sascha Chevez (today), Dan Dinsmore (cheers tomorrow), Desire' Link (her 20th tomorrow), Luke Staub (5 tomorrow), Alexander Wright (7 tomorrow), Bill Jacobs, Sharon Nichols, Bob DeGlopper and Katie Swain (Sunday), Michael Mulvena (a big one on Monday), Ken Killian (96 on Monday), Larry Wilson (Monday), Ivy Dodge (best wishes on Monday), Charlie and Tom Dewey (25th birthdays on Tuesday), Patty Mash (Tuesday), Adrianna Marinucci (two on Tuesday), Chance Luthringer (6 on Tuesday), Dave Hamlin (Wednesday), and Daniel Senn (six on Wednesday).
Looking back 60 years - The August 31, 1950 weekly paper reported that "Due to the seriousness of the news abroad... there will be four firemen on duty all night every night at the fire hall. The firemen are asking for four beds, either donation or loan. ••••The same issue also reported the following: "That strange vehicle driving up and down Oakfield Road lately isn't an invasion from Mars. It is the one and only BudMel-Mobile manufactured by Buddy Link and Mel Rupp Jr. ••••Roger Kaiser and Doris Dekdebrun (Meyer) starred in "Dream Boy," a musical comedy presented August 31 and September 1, 1950 in the Sidway auditorium to benefit the Sandy Beach Community Center. A "Dream Girl" contest to promote the show was won by Miss Dekdebrun. Other contestants were Wilma McDonald (Greenwood), Jean Webb (Bleich), Barbara McVittie, Edna Sarokan, Winnie Matison, Luella Landel (Wike), Joan Livingston (Fred) and Harriet Kirsch.
Looking back 25 years - About 100 Grand Island Teachers Association members picketed in front of the Middle-High School Complex while the school board held a long executive session inside. When the regular board meeting was called to order, the teachers filled the Middle School Little Theater to show further protest against their lack of a contract for the 1985-86 school year. ••••The former Roxanne’s team and Contract Interiors team merged in 1985 to win the Monday A. Division Women’s Softball League. The girls went on to win the playoff Championship as well. Karen Lunsford (Conboy) had four home runs in one game and the team’s record was 12-1.
Our sympathy to the families of Margaret Villano and Lucy C. Hayes who recently passed away. Click Deaths for complete information.
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Michael Anthony Rossi - Rossi Law Firm - Committed to providing competent and cost effective legal services
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Here's What's Happening in Our Town!
The Just For Kids before & after school program will hold a Mini Carnival this afternoon (Thurs.) at the high school.••••The Grand Island Community Veterans Awareness Day activities will be held tomorrow (Fri.) at McMahon’s Family Restaurant. ••••An open discussion regarding town board downsizing will be held Tuesday in the Grand Island Memorial Library. ••••See our Calendar of Events for complete details on these and other Island happenings.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there." Please pray for our country. God bless America.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Good morning Wolfgang Herzog in Hohenschaeftlarn, Germany and good morning Barb (Lecksell) Carroll in West Palm Beach, FL.
Happy birthday to Skip Fred (today), Joseph Martin (5 tomorrow), Madelyn Forbes (two tomorrow), Bob Shackleton (a big one on Saturday), Mike Anstett and Richard Schwagler (Saturday), Joelle-Yvette Scheffler (10 on Saturday), Mary Elizabeth Maj (cheers on Sunday), Lydia Senger (a teenager on Sunday), Justin Podgorny (8 on Sunday), Reed Wright (the big 4-0 on Sunday), Donna Always, Shellie Smith and Marianne Hoffman (Monday), Gregg Roesch and AnnMarie Stewart (Tuesday), Ava Lyn Brandon and Melaina Ranger (5 on Tuesday), and Arlene Wunsch (her 19th birthday on Wednesday).
Very best wishes to Wayne and Jeanne Anstett who will be married 50 years tomorrow. As a gift to their parents, their daughter, Susan Marston and sons, Dave, John and Mike Anstett took Jean and Wayne on a vacation to Old Orchard Beach, ME. The get-away also include spouses and grandchildren.
A belated happy anniversary to Scott and Shelly Smith who were married 25 years ago, August 17, 1985.
Looking back 60 years - Publisher Ollie Howard wrote the following in his editorial in the August 28th edition of his paper: "It is with complete confidence that we hand over the reins of editorial control of the pages of the "Island Dispatch" to George M. Pagan." •••• The International Regatta was held off the Buffalo Launch Club the weekend of August 19-20, 1950 when the 48 cu. in. runabouts were the newest class of racing. Proceeds of the Regatta, to the tune of $3000, were taken during an early morning robbery in the Launch Club August 21, 1950. See 1950 Buffalo Launch Club Regatta website for race information.
Looking back 50 years - Grand Island Golden Age Club members enjoyed a boat ride provided by Joseph D. Creighton, owner of Creighton's Edgewater Hotel. Agnes Stack, an enthusiastic charter member of the Club, assisted in piloting the boat.••••The 15th annual Sandy Beach Park Club picnic was co-chaired by Lee Krueger and Jacqulyn Stickle. The 65th annual picnic on the riverfront Park Club property was chaired this year by Diane Hassan.••••The Masons Grand Island Lodge No. 1138 F. & A.M. purchased the old Mary Star of the Sea Church from the American Legion and were in the midst of remodeling the building, still standing at the corner of Ferry and Orchard roads.
Our sympathy to the family of Margaret Villano who recently passed away. Click Deaths for complete information.
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Flower A Day Florist - Say it with flowers - Sue Berger - 2119 Grand Island Blvd.
Grand Island Auto Tech - owners Ron and Mike Cook - they do it all - 2509 Grand Island Blvd.
X-Press One Hour Dry Cleaners - Charles and Carol Dunworth, 2275 Grand Island Blvd. - There is nothing like a fresh, crisp, commercially laundered dress shirt to help you feel good about yourself.
Metro Town Center - 1980 Whitehaven Road - Betty Harris - President/NYS Licensed Real Estate Broker
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Here's What's Happening in Our Town!
Grand Island Community Veterans Awareness Day will be held at McMahon’s Family Restaurant tomorrow. ••••The "Thunder on the Niagara" Hydroplane Regatta takes place on Saturday and Sunday.••••The Grand Island High School Cheerleaders will hold a Car Wash on Saturday at Adrian's Custard & Beef. ••••The GIHS JV & Varsity Football teams will be out selling their Viking Discount cards as their team fundraiser, on Wednesday, August 25th. •••• See our Calendar of Events for complete details on these and other Island happenings.
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"Say a prayer for our guys over there." Please pray for our country. God bless America.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Good morning Jim Board in Sandy, UT, and good morning Valerie (Sanders) Ritterbusch in Parker, CO.
A belated happy birthday to Christie Gress Lesser who celebrated on August 9th! Happy birthday to Tom Carter (cheers today), Mike Madia (today), Mathew Aronica (8 today), Kodie Shamrock (18 today), David Thomas Michaud (2 today), William Click (8 tomorrow), Bernie Callahan (tomorrow), Michael Podgorny (a teenager on Saturday), Mitchell Clayton (10 on Saturday), Sean Patrick Higgins (2 on Saturday), Peggy Bastian (Sunday), Bella Duscher (two on Sunday), Vivian Gerard and Scott Steckleberg (Monday), Jackson Stewart (4 on Monday), Maisie Mrkall (7 on Tuesday), Liz Stoklosa (Tuesday), and Elizabeth Blundell and Doug Saltzman (Wednesday)
A Grand Island Shetland Sheepdog, “Jade” took third place in the most attractive female dog category at the Eden Corn Festival Annual Pet Show on August 5th. Jade is a pure bred Merle Blue Shetland Sheepdog and a rescue from the SPCA shelter in Tonawanda. She lives with island residents Paul and Linda Leuchner.
Supervisor Peter McMahon submitted the following in regard to the Access Road E Closed story. Please keep in mind that this is going to be a major change for motorists on the south end of the Island. They have been accustomed to using access road E under the south Grand Island Bridge to get to the northbound I-190 on ramp at Burger King and possibly to the southbound on ramp at Whitehaven. They will likely be detoured to the East River, north to Staley Road and then back to Grand Island Blvd.
Looking back 50 years - Boat races off the Island shore continued to be most popular in 1960 with the third annual A.P.B.A. sanctioned International Inboard Regatta held July 31st off of Edgewater. •••• Members of the Knights of Columbus Mary Star of the Sea Council finalized a lease agreement and began holding their meetings in the Offermann estate home in Ferry Village.•••• Work on the new second span, South Grand Island Bridge was underway.
Looking back 25 years - Speaking to the crowd at a fundraiser in the Bedell House August 9, 1985 was Frank Cannata, Democratic town councilman candidate running in the November 1985 election.••••Whitehaven Road Baptist Church held its first Vacation Bible School in August 1985 with a total of 87 children and 40 staff members taking part in the week-long activity. Two contests for Bible memorization and number of visitors brought along were won by four-year-old Johnny Stickl.
Looking back 20 years - The week of August 12-19, 1990 was designated Save Old Trinity Week by the Town of Grand Island. A community walk-thru of the old church was scheduled during that week when residents were advised to admire the unique woodwork, tin ceiling and windows. Trinity Chapel, originally known as Trinity Evangelical United Brethren Church, still in use today, was built in 1907 and is of the gothic revival architecture era.••••Chuck Randazzo and Lou Macro defeated Ed Stacey and Reg Schopp 6-3, 6-1 in the final round of the Whitehaven Tennis Club Men's Doubles Tournament in August 1990.••••A large contingent of League of American Wheelmen on their 100-year-old bicycles rode around the Island for five 20-mile laps so they could earn a 'century pin' for a strenuous 100 miles in August 1990. (See "photo")
Our sympathy to the families of Rev. Deacon Dorothy H. Myers, Boris Politziner and former resident D. Jeanne McDougald who recently passed away. A memorial service for Thelma "Honey" Austin Atkins will be held tomorrow. Click Deaths for complete information.
George and Gail Allen are grandparents again. Ashely Jewel Allen was born on July 8th to Denise Schmadel and Albert Attea and weighed in at five pounds, 15 ounces and was 18 1/2 inches long. Great grandparents are Dorothy Lovelee and Harold Allen.
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Beach House Restaurant. - Delicious food and cozy atmosphere on the East River Road
Gross Plumbing & Heating - plumbing, heating and more
Contour Financial Planning, L.L.C. - a financial planning and advisory firm
Dr. Kevin Augustine Chiropractic - Fast pain relief center
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Here's What's Happening in Our Town!
The last town sponsored, summer band concert of the season will be held tonight at 6:30 p.m. in Klingel Town Commons.••••The Annual Grand Island Republican Family Picnic will be held Saturday.••••The Town of Grand Island will Honor the Airborne, proclaiming August 16, 2010 as National Airborne Day at Monday's Town Board Meeting. •••• See our Calendar of Events for complete details on these and other Island happenings.
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"Say a prayer for our guys over there." Please pray for our country. God bless America.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Good morning Ken Oakey in Tampa, FL, and good morning Floydette Gannon in Pinellas Park, Florida.
Happy birthday to John Stickl (today), to Alexis Ouchakov (5 today), Katrina Linenfelser and John Fletcher II (both turning 8 tomorrow), Donna Lavallee (tomorrow), Charlotte Ann Tower (two on Saturday), Brandon Robinson (Sunday), Les Smith (cheers on Sunday), Shannon McDonough (Sweet 16 on Sunday), Millie Weiser and Marcy Buell (milestones on Monday), Peter Wunsch (Monday), Lindsey Smith and Doug Harding (Tuesday), Joseph Fusco III (21 on Tuesday), Barbara Birt and Jane Boyle (Wednesday), Eileen Krause (5 on Wednesday), and Dave Benko (20 on Wednesday).
Amazing! That's Gary Yeager with his trophy fish (32-pound, 18-inch girth, 38" Carp), that he caught locally last Thursday. Be sure to click the photo.
A cheery hello to Joe LoVetro, who is unfortunately battling MRSA again. ••••A big hug goes out to Shellie Smith. Please say a prayer for both Joe and Shellie.
Best wishes to Bill and Barb Bagdy who recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in style. A party was held for friends and family at the Buffalo Launch Club where Bill has been a member for over 50 years.
Looking back 60 years - Good-Night Irene sure gets a work-out at Sugier's Grill where the belle of the family is named Irene! This was printed in the "Across the Mahogany With Willie" column in the Island Dispatch in August 1950. Sugier's Grill, at corner of Ferry and Elmwood roads, is still operating as San-Dee's Pub.••••Eight-year-old Danny McNamee Jr. swam from the Island to Motor Island 60 years ago.
Looking back 50 years - The Firemen's Field Day and parade on Saturday August 6, 1960 was chaired by Art Wade, with the help of the following committeemen: Cy Diebold (games & rides), Joe Measer (parking), Carlton Alt ("Smash-the-Car" game), Edwin Davison, (beer), Fred Redinger (canes), George Pollack (raffle), Paul McTigue (band), Ed Kruse Sr. (grounds), Nick Hy (chowder), Bob Pedlow (publicity), Roy MacKinnon (French fries), Larry Runions (posters) and George Downs (sound).
Looking back 40 years - Askew Real Estate clinched a 2nd consecutive Grand Island Softball League championship when Dave Fisher pitched a five-hitter and Jerry Livingston, Joe Giambra and Ron Weise all had 2 hits each. Team sponsor was Bill Askew.
Looking back 30 years - Howie Benns driving Marty Prast's "Fantasy" won the 5-liter National Championship in Dayton, Ohio on August 9, 1980. Howie was then the holder of four national crowns, taken in three different boats in 12 years. •••• James E. O'Dea was promoted to Lieutenant Commander USN.
Looking back 10 years - Maureen O'Donnell was the winner of five first place Gold medals while competing in Masters Swimming in the Empire State Games in July 2000.
Pretty Emily Smith, a CBS newscaster who calls Grand Island, NY her home town, is featured in a newscast video. See cbsnews.com
Our sympathy to the families of Mary Anah "Mac" Fadum, Claire M. Wisnowski and Diane M. Ciamaga who recently passed away. Click Deaths for complete information.
Tonight's Grand Island Community Chorus concert at the high school sounds like a good one. Members of the chorus will include the following in their program: The Scarlet Tide, Bewitched, It's Only a Paper Moon, Over the Rainbow, and Waitin' for the Light to Shine. The concert includes the community education bands and starts at 7 p.m.
Heard from Cheryl Frailey this week who received an e-mail from the CEO of Mighty Taco with the official announcement that it will open a store on the Island. The former Blockbuster Video in the Grand Island Blvd. plaza will be ready for Mighty Taco to open this fall. "Yeah can't wait!!!!" says Cheryl!
"Milo" is missing and last seen in the area across the road from the Bedell Road apartments. If you've seen Milo, pass the information on to his family. See our Classified Ads for more information.
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Heart Center of Niagara - Wholehearted Care
Grand Island Central Federal Credit Union - Current Loan Promo! - Grand Island Blvd.
DeSignet International - Custom Jewelry and more - come in and see for yourself - Whitehaven near the Boulevard
Mallwitz's Island Lanes - Family oriented - at the center of the Island
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A sincere thank you to the reader who sent an anonymous and very generous donation to Isledegrande.com.
River Oaks Golf Club will host an Open Invitational Golf Outing on Monday. See the River Oaks front page ad for details.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there." Please pray for our country. God bless America.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Good morning Jim Board in Sandy, UT, and good morning Kathy Goodman Kellogg in Schenectady, NY.
Happy birthday to Janet Badame and Tim Krecisz (today), Lee Wheeler and Haley Breier (Saturday), Hannah Linenfelser (a teenager on Sunday), Marissa Lange (20 on Sunday), Elaine Gorman (cheers on Sunday), Sarah Lynn Williams (Sweet 16 on Monday), Samantha Gieselman (Monday), Eileen Drumm and Maureen Glor (Tuesday), Mathew Riley (20 on Wednesday), and Jack Bridenbaker (6 on Wednesday).
The fifth annual Paddles Up Niagara 2010 was a whopping success. Paul Leuchner is the originator of this event and has been the event chair since its beginning. See Paddles Up Photo. See our front page for story and slide show.
Sorry to report that Jerry Hawley is very ill. Please pray for his comfort.
Michelle and Mark Pinzel are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary today. Best wishes to Michelle and Mark.
(left) Ben Smith, Pete Killian, Marci Conn, Kristen Percival, Maggie Weiser, Courtney Collignon, Pat Chopra
Click photo for larger view
Shown above are members of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church at Oskar Schindler's tomb in Jerusalem, just outside the Old City. See St. Martin's Pilgrimage To Holy Land 7/1/10 story.
Talk about a blast from the past! Harry Roberts, Sidway School 9th grade class of 1958 and a Riverside High School graduate, Class of '61, stopped by the office where we did quite a bit of reminiscing about the "good old days." You made my day, Harry!
The Niagara Gazette just recently gave coverage to that Sunday, July 18th boat fire many of us saw from our riverfronts. The Gazette described it as a 1982 21-foot Four Wins boat that caught fire in the River and was towed by the Coast Guard to a dock on Rivershore Drive. The fire is being investigated by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department.
That's Dick Planavsky with his prize catch, an eight-pound silver bass caught off the end of his East River dock. Dick posed for the picture and released the trophy to navigate up the Niagara River.
Congratulations to the Islettes Elite baton twirlers who did extremely well at America's Youth On Parade, a major national competition. Hoping to have a full report for next week.
Looking back 60 years - Walt Disney’s “Cinderella” was playing at the Sheridan Drive-In and I saw it once with my family and once with my best friend, Sharon Bauer, her mother and dad, Eleanor and Fred, and her little brother Lin. Going to the Drive-In was a very special occasion for my sister, Mary Ellen and me. As an eight-year-old, going twice in one week was amazing!
Looking back 50 years - Paul J. Hicks, 50, of Snyder crashed into the Whitehaven overpass, causing the first fatality on the Grand Island section of the NYS Thruway. •••• Jim Donlon took over the Idle Hour Inn on East River Road. The place was redecorated and offered daily specials.
Looking back 30 years - A resident bridge book issued only to passenger vehicles owned by and registered to residents of Grand Island, was to go on sale July 30, 1980 at a cost of $5 for 55 trips with no expiration date. However due to trouble with the printers, the Thruway Authority reported there would be a one-week delay. Meanwhile, the Authority sold the old 30-day $2.50 books to Island residents only. Paul Harper Jr., who worked to get special bridge consideration for Island residents, bought the first of the new Residents Toll Books. ••••Rob Beach and Jeff Waterson took 1st and 2nd place in the Amateur Speedway Class in the Canadian National Motorcycle Championship in Welland, Ontario 30 years ago.
Our sympathy to the families of Anne Perkovich, James A. Worley III, Earl V. Marshall and former resident Lester C. Webb who recently passed away. Click Deaths for complete information.
Attention, residents 50 and over. Want to get out for lunch but have no transportation? The Golden Age Center is offering van service for over 50s for their new Lunch Only schedule. Pickup and return home after lunch may be scheduled by calling the Center at 773-9682.
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Heart Center of Niagara - Wholehearted Care
Dr. Kevin Augustine Chiropractic - Fast pain relief center - Grand Island Blvd.
deSignet International - Custom Jewelry and more - come in and see for yourself or see our front page for a Mothers Monogram Bracelet - Whitehaven near the Boulevard
Mallwitz's Island Lanes - Family oriented - at center of the Island - kids bowl free all summer
For information on advertising at Isledegrande.com, email Jodi Robinson at jodi@giecom.net.
According to Sandy Beach resident Chuck Berlinger, last night's storm seems to have hit mostly the north end of the Island. Chuck estimates the straight line winds at 70 to 80 mph for at least five minutes. The National Weather Service will be sending an investigator today to check out the damage. The television trailer repeatedly warned of severe weather however the south side of the Island had only minor wind and rain.
I received this from an avid reader who questioned her phone company when she discovered charges she had not signed up for. "Look at your phone bill . . . do you see any third party billing you do not understand? If there is anything listed in Miscellaneous charges or credits, check it out and discuss it with your phone company. These charges can be removed from your account."
Here's What's Happening in Our Town!
"National Night Out" takes place on Tuesday at Klingel Town Commons with all kinds of activities.••••The Town sponsored band concert on Tuesday evening will feature Creek Bend, a Eclectic Bluegrass group.•••• See our Calendar of Events for complete details on these and other Island happenings.
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"Say a prayer for our guys over there." Please pray for our country. God bless America.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Good morning James McMoil in Medina, NY, and good morning Norm Bristow in Tonawanda, NY.
Norm and Charlotte Mrkall will be married 50 years tomorrow. Best wishes to the Mrkalls and also to Russ and Patty Colosi and Pat and Ron McNamee, celebrating their 30 anniversaries on Monday.
Celebrating milestone birthdays and pictured above as they looked in their Sidway School yearbook photos are (left) Bil Loth and Bill Buckley (July 23), Vincent Laible (July 24) and Libby Smith Vorgeose (July 25). Happy birthday everyone. •••• Happy birthday to Victoria Mordaunt (today), Tom Pedlow and Michele Breier (tomorrow), Maya Pecoraro (7 tomorrow), Jim Dahlquist (25 on Saturday), baby Kaia Lynn Petrie (first birthday on Saturday), Jim Board (Sunday), Lisa Podlucky (cheers on Sunday), Betty Olmstead and Chip Schopp (Monday), Faith Gworek (9 on Monday), Jackie Kew and Suzanne (Krebs) Strecker (Tuesday), Sam Clark (Wednesday), and Kathy O'Dea Donath (wishing you the best on Wednesday!).
We all enjoyed a nice lunch at the Bake & Brew last week for our annual get-together with Liz Glor Allen who grew up here and has been living in Ohio. Attending were JoAnn Radius Vanderheite, Sandra Macoomb O'Hara, Lorraine Walgate, Kathy Boettcher Stisser and Diane Mistretta Goupil from our class along with Elizabeth's sister, Barbara Martin, my sister, Mary Stewart and Nancy Mote Sayre.
Click for larger view
"Fire In The River!" Kim Ludwig writes, "We were anchored at Grass Island on Sunday, and across the river we saw a boat started on fire. Boats in the near vicinity were rushing over to help, and jet skis rushed over to help put out the fire by circling around and spraying water on the flames. I hope everyone is okay. It was a scary sight to see in the river!" Thanks for the photo, Kim. We also saw the heavy smoke but were too far away to see what was burning.
The Grand Island Historical Society headquarters, River Lea, in Beaver Island State Park will be open on Saturday in conjuntion with Paddles Up Niagara. "Grand Island Celebrates 75 Years of the Bridges," a joint effort of the Grand Island Historic Preservation Advisory Board and the Grand Island Historical Society, will be on display for the first time.
Looking back 50 years - Marty Wolverton opened his new Mobil Gas Station on July 28, 1960 on Grand Island Blvd. at Baseline Road next to the M&T Bank.
Looking back 30 years - A group of registered Conservatives met and formed a Grand Island district Conservative Committee and elected officers in July 1980 including first chairman Donald C. Smith.•••• Paul Gast of Fast by Gast won first place at the N.M.R.A. Summer Nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana where his 1974 Kawasaki 750cc set a national record of 9.71 seconds at 138 mph in the standing start quarter mile.••••Boy Scout Troop 510's twenty-six Scouts and three adults were led by Senior Patrol Leader Skip Ullrich at a week's campout at Camp Stonehaven in July 1980. Troop 510 won the Cleanest Campsite award and the Waterfront Carnival.•••• Dan Grobe won the Class C title in the 27-mile run around the Island in the B&T Marathon July 27, 1980. Picking up second place honors were Bob Dee and his son, Donnie Dee, a well-respected engine man among car and boat racers. Bob was extremely proud of their finish as his son did all the work on the boat and engine. "It was his project and he did a great job."
I loved seeing so many familiar Island faces when I found this YouTube link and maybe you will, too. See GIHS Honors Fiddler On The Roof Alumni for the GIHS 2009 performance that included students from the classes of 1974 and 1992.
Our sympathy to the families of Emma E. Perkovich, Elizabeth M. Ford, Robert Clement, Edward J. Pettinato and former resident John F. Costanzo who recently passed away. Click Deaths for complete information.
There are at least 15 Island residents taking part in the Empire State Games this week. See "Games." See also "Subaru Buffalo 4 Mile Chase" that also includes numerous Islanders.
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Anchor Marine. - new and used boats, Bombardier ATV's, Sea Doo's, & Honda outboard motors and much more.
McCarthy School of Irish Dance - Beth McCarthy shares her knowledge of Irish culture through dance - activities abound
Hizair Hair Salon - Convenient hours, convenient location on the Boulevard
Linda Kutzbach, RE/MAX North - Looking to buy or sell a home? Call Linda.
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Here's What's Happening in Our Town!
The Island Blast! Taking place tomorrow evening at Whitehaven Baptist Church sounds like a fabulous time. ••••The 5th Anniversary Paddles Up Niagara will be held on Saturday and River Lea will be open at the same time (special display, see above).•••• The annual Dick Pendleton Memorial Classic Car Show/Super Cruise will be held Sunday at the VFW Post.•••• The Roadrunners will provide oldies music at Klingel Town Commons Tuesday evening. ••••River Lea in Beaver Island State Park will be open Wednesday afternoon. •••• See our Calendar of Events for complete details on these and other Island happenings.
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"Say a prayer for our guys over there." Please pray for our country. God bless America.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Good morning Ehdebeth Stamler Parrish in Murray, KY, and good morning Beverly Billica Benton in Lady Lake, FL.
Celebrating their 50th anniversary tomorrow are Sherrie and Bob Wendling. Best wishes to the Wendlings and also to Mike and Jen Pusatier, who celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary yesterday and to Tom and Ellie Zarbo, marking their 54th anniversary on July 21st.
Click photos for full view
The Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School float (left) in our Independence Day parade was one of the best. Can you identify the children? My sister, Mary Stewart, is the photographer and it sure looks like GICoop teacher Vicki Wilkinson on the right when you enlarge the picture. Mary's photo of this dear little runner bringing up the rear of the kids race needs a name also. Email me at teddy@giecom.net if you can help with the names.
A cheery hello and welcome home to Floydette Gannon, in town for a nice warm vacation on good old Grand Island.
Jack and Bev Mikulski had the opportunity to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends from as far away as Alaska, Kansas and Florida with a picnic supper and Jon Seiger's Ragtime Jazz band from Rochester. A super time was had by all. Thank you from the whole Mikulski family.
A special happy birthday to Henrietta Hunt, celebrating her 102nd birthday on Monday. Happy birthday to Sue Sondel (today), Carolyn Doebert (tomorrow), Marie O’Hara (Saturday), Nathaniel Cohen (5 on Monday), Pat Sciandra (cheers on Monday), Bill Shaw (Monday), Russell Certo (cake and candles on Tuesday), Tracy Senn (Tuesday), Dan Linenfelser Sr. (Wednesday), Joe Menter (a milestone on Wednesday), and baby girl Bristol Riley Khreis (first birthday Wednesday).
Looking back 75 years - An official dedication of the new Grand Island bridges by New York State Governor Herbert Lehman took place on July 15, 1935. See Feature Story/Photos.
Looking back 60 years - Bob Robinson and Don Bartlett brought their horses to the Western themed Girl Scout/Brownie day camp behind Sidway School for the closing day roundup when Scouts and Brownies were able to take a ride. ••••The George Senn house on Elmwood Road in Ferry Village was purchased by Tony and Charlotte Guenther (Roesch).••••Editor/Publisher Ollie Howard wrote in his "Round the Island" column in the by-weekly Island Dispatch that "American boys are dying on foreign soil and once again they are getting the wholesale support of the folks at home." ••••Ann Mitchell, Eva Smith, Jean E. Stamler, Elsie E. Stamler, Louise Killian and Millie Vanthoff, all members of the neighborhood "Kozy Korner Stichery Klub," had dinner together on July 26, 1950 in the Louis Restaurant in Niagara Falls.
Looking back 50 years - Young Islander Denny Yakam came in 3rd in the 9th annual Marathon Race around Grand Island on July 17, 1960. Other familiar names that year were Noel Blair, Ed Zagonce, Don Less, Johnny Gast Jr., Ray Lippens and Jack Allen.•••• The Grand Island Volunteer Fire Company announced it no longer needed the water hole at the corner of Whitehaven and Baseline roads and until such time as the town highway department could fill it up, it was to be fenced to eliminate danger to neighborhood children.
Our sympathy to the families of Laurel Anne Gibbs, Eleanor R. Kessler, David J. Lautz and former resident Paula W. Brobeil who recently passed away. Click Deaths for complete information.
Hats off to Island resident Tom Elmer who was featured in a very interesting story by Steve Brachmann in the 7/12/10 Buffalo News.
Tuesday evening's town sponsored "Friends of Harmony" (barbershop) concert at the Klingel Town Commons was most enjoyable, with the patriotic slant absolutely heart warming for many of us. Thanks to the audience for supporting our historical society's root beer float fundraiser which was a complete success. See Historical Society Page for photos.
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My childhood friend, John Grycel sent me this tick remedy and I pass it along as they are so prevalent here on the Island. The remedy is to apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball and swab it for a few seconds (15-20), the tick will come out on its own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it away.
Here's What's Happening in Our Town!
The Historic Trinity Garden tour is scheduled for Saturday.••••A town sponsored band concert starts at 7 p.m. on Tuesday evening at Klingel Town Commons. •••• Historic River Lea will be open from 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday. •••• See our Calendar of Events for complete details on these and other Island happenings.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there." Please pray for our country. God bless America.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Good morning Darren Moscoe in Reading, PA, and good morning Tracy Senn on Grand Island, NY.
Happy birthday to Mary Ellen Pfohl (today), Lois Martene and Bernice Dinsmore (tomorrow), Colin Gallagher (21 tomorrow), Theodore Slipko III (20 tomorrow), Justin Frentzel (16 on Saturday), Richard Vella and Tray Elgar (Saturday), Ryan Shea (Sunday), Jon Weis (a big one on Monday), George Watt Jr. (a milestone on Tuesday), Taylor Benton (10 on Tuesday), Christian Kessler (6 on Tuesday), Jonathan Voyzey (16 on Wednesday), Lisa DeValentino and Kim Cich (Wednesday), and Matisse Haag (3 on Wednesday).
Happy anniversary to Fran and Joe McMahon who opened their McMahon's Family Restaurant on Grand Island Blvd. eight years ago today.
Best wishes to Carrie-anne and John Vieceli, married five years tomorrow.
So nice to see Hazel Murphy out and about this week. Hazel had a bone marrow transplant in February and has been recuperating until recently.
Click photo for larger view
Congratulations JoAnn! JoAnn Vanderheite, chosen for the Kenan Center 100 American Craftsman Show in June, was awarded for best display booth.
Our sympathy to the families of Thelma "Honey Austin" Atkins, Francis "Sonny" Knowlton, Mia Rose Hurley, Patricia M. Piacente and Mike Ralston who recently passed away. Click Deaths for complete information.
Americana is alive and well on Grand Island. One only had to attend Saturday's road races, parade and VFW picnic to see the huge display of stars and stripes and red, white, and blue. What a tremendous holiday. To my former Teddy’s Islettes twirlers, seeing each one of you made my day, and yes, I made a promise to the Bleich girls that we will “do it again.”
It was so very nice to meet Mark Anderson at the parade and he looks great despite a serious ATV accident on May 15th. His injuries included a fractured skull, cracked C3 vertebrae, and broken collar bone. Mark was in Trauma ICU for 19 days, unable to talk or communicate for 27 days, and at ECMC for a total of 46 days. His ongoing issues are the broken collar bone, the cracked vertebrae, and the loss of vision due to blood clots in his eyes. Surgery, which should hopefully repair his eyesight, is scheduled for August. Mark was discharged from ECMC on June 29th A fundraiser to help with medical bills will be held tonight from 6-10 p.m. at Manor Lanes in Amherst. Mark is the son of Richard and Bridget Anderson.
Our niece, Annie Stuardi and husband, Oliver, are winding up a relaxing and fun-filled vacation, mostly at the river with mom and dad, Mike and Penny Linenfelser, and lots of friends and relatives. ••••The outdoor Sunday service over at Trinity UM Church was joyful, even more so for me as granddaughter Amy Bidell, a violinist in the Praise Band, played a beautiful solo. ••••Erin Fred Tower and her children, Charlotte Ann (Charlie) who will be two next month and Jackson Robert, five months, have also enjoyed a few weeks on the river with her parents, Joan and Skip Fred, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and siblings including her brother, Skip Fred Jr., in town from London, England.
Looking back 75 years - Town residents attended a major celebration for the opening of the new north and south Grand Island bridges on July 13, 1935.
Looking back 50 years - Wild Bill Cantrell driving the Gale V, won the unlimited hydroplane championship in the International Regatta held at the Buffalo Launch Club July 9-10, 1960. Islander Frank Reichlin's Miss Peggy took 4th. Lil' Miss Ruffett driven by Bill Loth of Love Road failed to start. Earl Long driving "I-Goofed," was third in the 280 cu in, two-heat race. •••• The Grand Island Fire Company installed louder 5 HP fire sirens on the handful of poles around the Island. •••• The Edgewater Hotel on East River Road near Kirkwood Drive was sold and was being operated by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Katrien. •••• Bob Wright's grand opening of the Grand Island Karting Raceway Inc. took place on July 10, 1960.
Looking back 30 years - Members of the Grand Island Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9249 dedicated and renamed the post the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Post on July 4, 1980.
There is still time to buy tickets for the eighth Garden Tour sponsored by the Historic Trinity Committee and being held on Saturday, July 17th. Check with Sharon Nichols, 773-2421 or Martha Martin, 773-4946.
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Bergen & Schiffmacher, LLP - Read their record - they get it done
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Robert M. Ratajczak, Jr., Attorney - Striving to make legal services simpler and cost effective.
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Reunion was the name of the game over the July 4th weekend. Grand Island High School classes, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1990, 1995 and 2000 were all celebrating milestones of their graduations. The Class of 1970 had a good contingent of classmates visiting their alma mater that truly brought the "kids" full circle. Reunion Chairman Diane Hassan has posted numerous photos at Facebook.
Here's What's Happening in Our Town!
Friends of Mark Anderson are hosting a benefit tonight to help him with medical bills. •••• St. Martin-in-the-Fields annual Chicken Barbeque, Silent Auction and Basket Raffle takes place Saturday.••••The Historical Society will offer root beer floats at the band concert Tuesday evening that will feature a Barbershop group. •••• An Open House will be held at Grand Island Historical Society headquarters, River Lea on Wednesday.••••See our Calendar of Events for complete details on these and other Island happenings.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there." Please pray for our country. God bless America.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Good morning Paul Farrell in Bella Vista, AK, and good morning Laurie (Chaisson) Carlo in Sarasota, FL.
Click photos for larger view
A little piece of Island history is no longer. This barn, recently torn down, was part of the Fremont H. Simons farm on East River Road just north of the South Grand Island Bridge. The original farm house that burned in 2000 was eventually known as the Idlehour Inn, a restaurant/tavern. Mr. Simons came to the Island with his parents in 1863.
Click photo for larger view
Shown (left) in this most attractive photo are Steve Boyle, Katlyn Holt, Mary George, and Korey Hagen attending the Grand Island High School senior prom. The annual event was held on Friday, June 18th.
If you are planning on attending the Meet-n-Greet for the Class of ’70 being held at the Brick Oven Restaurant, the start time is 7 p.m. tomorrow evening.
Happy birthday to Joey Cali (8 today), to Gary Roesch (today), Margaret Giles (cheers today), Krist Haag (the big 4-0 tomorrow), Cassidy Hogrewe (21 tomorrow), Megan Pinzel (5 tomorrow), Kevin Lipp and Gen Dobmeier (Saturday), Kyle Staub (a teenager on Saturday), Alivia Manzo (6 on Sunday), Karen Ackerman and Tom Rusert (Monday), Fred Mumm (Tuesday), Susan Willard, Ted Kessler Sr. and Earl DeGlopper Sr. (Wednesday), Ryan Link (21 on Wednesday) and Autumn Kaiser (20 on Wednesday).
Mark Anderson, son of Richard and Bridget (McMahon) Anderson, was seriously injured in an ATV accident, suffering significant head trauma. He is expected to come home this week. A fundraiser is being held to help him with medical bills. See July 8th Benefit, and please keep Mark in your prayers.
Celebrating wedding anniversaries this week are Nancy and BillyJoe Gorrell (50 years tomorrow), Kelly and J Petrie (five years tomorrow), Barb and Mike Wienke (34 years on Saturday), Tom and Kathy DeLoughry (35 years on Monday), and John and Zdenka Gast (their 40th on Wednesday). Happy anniversary and congratulations to everyone.
Our sympathy to the families of Jeffrey A. Wendling, Monsignor Edward J. Ulaszeski, Wesley Hughes, Joseph F. Foresta, Richard C. Graff and former residents Julius J. Stenis and Paul J. Denler, who recently passed away. Click Deaths for complete information.
Looking back 60 years - The first duplex apartments at Love Road and the Parkway were occupied on July 1, 1950 with an open house scheduled at 7 Blackmon Road.••••The Town Board moved to allow the janitor to spend $25 for flowers for the town hall yard.
Looking back 50 years - Johnny Gast suffered a broken leg in the July 3, 1960 Swiftwater Regatta off Isle View Park. "Papa's Bundle," the boat he was driving, flipped in the 2nd heat of the E Racing Runabout event. Noel Blair gave up his chance of winning when he stopped to rescue John after his boat overturned.••••Curious about calls to the Volunteer Fire Company 50 years ago? Click Fire Calls July 1-7, 1960. Those were the days when firemen's wives Marion Klingel, MaryLou Kohlhagen and others were doing fire dispatching from their homes.
Looking back 40 years - Relics of an Indian campsite were unearthed by bulldozers clearing the East River/Whitehaven Road area for the River Oaks Golf Course.
Looking back 30 years - The Grand Island Youth Foundation, an organization established in 1967, was being reactivated with aid of funds received from the Erie County Youth board. Officers of the group, inactive since 1970 were President Paul Sommer, Board Chair Adele Sommer and Directors Penny and Mike Linenfelser and Patricia Smith.
Hats off to one of my avid readers, Sandie Rall-Smith of Auburn, CA, who found the Flower A Day Florist ad at Isledegrande.com. She not only ordered her flowers but also thanked Sue Berger for advertising at Isledegrande.com as it is a big help to out-of-towners. Sandie also wrote to Sue to let her know the recipient said the arrangement was beautiful and Flower A Day went above and beyond.
The Grand Island Historical Society, River Lea, located in Beaver Island State Park, will be open from 1-4 p.m. each Wednesday in July.
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John's Pizza & Subs - Delicious Pizza - wonderful menu - Grand Island Blvd.
Grand Island Chiropractic - Why leave the Island for the help you need?
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Here's What's Happening in Our Town!
The first town sponsored band concert of the summer and the Youth Wagon Decorating Contest will be held this evening in Marion Klingel Town Commons.••••The Grand Island Class of 1975 35th class reunion event is scheduled for tomorrow evening at the BLC. ••••The Class of '70’s meet-n-greet takes place tomorrow night at the Brick Oven. •••• Members of the Class of 1978 are turning 50 and celebrating with a 50th birthday get together tomorrow at the Holiday Inn, Blues on the River. ••••The Class of ’80 holds an ice breaker tomorrow evening at the Moose Lodge.••••The Class of ’90 will get together at Crazy Jake's in North Tonawanda on Saturday. ••••The class of ’95 meets at Riverstone Grill tomorrow. ••••Grand Island’s Independence Day Parade, Race and VFW Picnic will be held Saturday. ••••The Class of ’70 will be at River Oaks on Saturday. ••••Trinity UM Church offers an outdoor service followed by a day of events including a picnic, band concert, viewing fireworks and a bon fire.••••The 3rd Annual Leon D. Carr Memorial/Redbone Classic Golf & Disc Golf tournament takes place in Beaver Island Park Sunday. ••••A town sponsored concert is schedule for Tuesday evening. •••• See our Calendar of Events for complete details on these and other Island happenings. There are lots of reunion events not mentioned here so please check the Calendar of Events.
A big Welcome Home to all of those who are back on Grand Island for family get-togethers and class reunions. Show your patriotism, fly your flag, come out and cheer our parade participants - and have a great 4th of July.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there." Please pray for our country. God bless America.
