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"Between the Bridges" |
 Photo courtesy of Rich Call Class of '85 |
Good morning Pat Gill in California, and good morning Marcia Morgan Nixon in Lewiston, NY.
Good news. Michael Dinsmore is home from the hospital following his kidney transplant. •••• Amanda Brady is recuperating from foot and ankle surgery. Heal quickly, Amanda.••••A speedy recovery to Greg Barker who has had shoulder replacement surgery this week.
Best wishes to Stephen and Kathy Olszewski, celebrating their 25th anniversary on Tuesday.
Did you see Vicki Harnden on Winging It! Buffalo Style last Thursday on CW23? Vicki was called by "Tastefully Simple" of which she has been a representative for many years and asked if she would like to go on and prepare Valentine's Day dishes. "It was a lot of fun and I hope to go back sometime," Vicki said. Be sure to see the Video
Hi, Johnny!Happy 70th birthday to John Grycel, born on February 22, 1942. The Grycel kids were part of our Grandyle Village gang until their family moved from the Island in the late 1950s. I'm wondering if John remembers celebrating his 10th birthday with Mike Edwards, Peter McMahon, Richard Prange, Spike Vampotic, Dennis Yakam and his brother, Robert Grycel.
A belated happy 17th birthday to Kassie Bennett, born on Valentine's Day. ••••Happy birthday to Bill Hackett, Bob Pownall, and Kathy Garlapow (cheers tomorrow), Pat Kostenbauder (tomorrow), Charlie Dalbo (2 tomorrow), Michelle Gast (drum roll on Saturday), Patrick Stouter (double digits, his 10th birthday on Saturday), MaryJo Gill, Dick Bessel and Ben Castleberry (Monday), Madeline Porter (her 18th on Monday), Chere Rupp (Tuesday), and Jim Zilliox (25 on Wednesday).
Looking Back 150 years - Parishioners of St. Stephen Church are celebrating the 150th birthday of the church this year. First service in the first St. Stephen Church was held on February 16, 1862. The first church building is still standing just north of the Thruway on Baseline Road.
Looking Back 120 years - One hundred twenty years ago (1892) the boys and girls in Island schoolhouse #8 took turns drawing water from the river, often breaking the ice to do so. But only the girls were taught grammar because it wasn’t deemed a necessary subject for the boys. Number 8 school was located on Bedell Road near Stony Point.
Looking Back 60 years - Announcement was made in February 1952 that the town's Centennial celebration would open with a ball on Wednesday evening, August 27 and run through Labor Day. ••••Marion Pinkow was named the new choir director at Trinity EUB Church.
Looking Back 40 years - For the second year in a row, Den 81 Webelos of Cub Pack 452, under the leadership of Paul Blake, outscoring Marty O'Dea's Den 51 in a 10-event meet in the high school pool in February 1972. Jeff Schutrum won three first place ribbons. Others winning 1st place ribbons were Jeff Certo, Tom McInerney, Jeff Rogan, Bob Pownall and Tom O'Dea.
Looking Back 25 years - Winter Weekend was held in Beaver Island State Park at the casino. Winners of the youth team snowball roll were (1st) Carie McGinty and Brad Greenfield; (2nd) Heather Ryan and Amy Patcher; and (3rd) Adria Ryan and Jamie Sawers.•••• A third bridge between Grand Island and Tonawanda was being considered by the Department of Transportation, and would operate toll free, Legislator Charles M. Swanick told the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce directors at their meeting in February 1987 in Del and Herb’s Restaurant.
Looking Back 5 years - The New York State Thruway Authority board of trustees voted Wednesday, January 17, 2007 to change the speed limit on the Grand Island section of the Thruway from 55 to 65 mph.
Our sympathy to the families of Robert W. Sieben and former resident Betsy Morris Waters, Marilyn Radder Sprague and former supervisor Jim Pax who recently passed away. See Deaths for complete information.
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Grand Island Community Federal Credit Union - Offering members first mortgages and much more
deSignet International - Custom Jewelry and more - come in and see for yourself - on Whitehaven just off the Boulevard
Family Medicine Center - Wholehearted Care
Mallwitz's Island Lanes - Family oriented - at center of the Island
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Here's what's happening this week.
An "All You Can Eat" Spaghetti Dinner will be held at the VFW Post 9249 on Saturday. ••••Island Girl Scouts host a care bag drive on Saturday for "Mended Little Hearts of WNY." •••• Island schools are closed from February 20-24th for mid-winter recess. ••••The Recreation Department will host a street hockey tournament Feb. 21-23.•••• Grand Island Memorial Library presents Nickel City Reptiles on Wednesday. •••• See our Calendar of Events for complete details on these and other Island happenings.
The stork has been flying over Ferry Village this week. I'll let you know where he lands and the details as soon as I hear!
Members of the Grand Island High School Class of 1972 have reunion plans in the works. See Class of '72 for information, and check out the "missing students" that the committee is looking for.
"Email me" your news, your cares, concerns, successes, and your birthdays and milestone anniversaries.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there."
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Good morning Mary Ehde on the Island, good morning Jim Lewis in Lexington Park, Maryland and good morning Tom Prast in Huron, OH.
Happy birthday to Chris Ford and Ellie Wiant (today), Kaylee Montana (7 tomorrow), Richard Dobmeier (Saturday), Kim Kalman (Sunday), Carol Roesch and Patty Rink and her twin sister Penny Linenfelser (cheers on Sunday), Jayce Claus (11 on Sunday), Adam Dahlberg (his 30th on Monday), Mitchell Matthews (8 on Monday), Nancy Hamm-Johnson (Monday), Todd Sipson (hats and horns on Wednesday) and Kellie Kehoe (21 on Wednesday).
Good news! Maureen Montana-Toth came through her recent surgery with flying colors.••••So good to hear that Ellie Zarbo is home and doing well.•••• Please keep Joe McMahon, Michael Dinsmore, Jim Stewart Sr., Floydette Gannon and Dee DiTullio in your prayers.
Looking Back 60 years - Grand Island Supervisor Edward C. Oberkircher, in office for only a few weeks, died suddenly on February 13, 1952. •••• A Gay Nineties Revue was produced by Island residents and teachers in February 1952. Parts were taken by Mae Thomas, Tom Hogan, teacher Marilyn Trick, Chris Cotter, Bud Link and school principal Veronica Connor. A feature of the show was a Bowery Dance by Gert Radius and Lou Jerge. The production took place on the stage of the Island's only school, Charlotte Sidway. •••• Purchasing six lots at Love and East Park roads was defeated 25-15 by voters at Sidway School Friday night, February 8, 1952. One voter remarked that the school could spend the $5000 to better advantage by improving the drinking water at the (Sidway) school. "Sulphur makes the water particularly unpalatable." Remember?
Looking Back 50 years - Marion Klingel's editorial in the February 8, 1962 edition of the Island Dispatch promoted the idea of forming a historical society on Grand Island. ••••Hank Alt moved his Grandyle Mart, a sporting goods store, from the Love Road Plaza to the Island Lumber & Builders Supply on Grand Island Blvd. where he was advertising "ice skates sharpened for 25 cents."
Looking Back 40 years - Scout leaders honored for their time and interest in Boy Scouting activities during the Tuesday, February 8, 1972 Kiwanis Club meeting were Steve Kneidle of Troop #630, Del Krause of Troop #575 and Tom Ott of Troop #254. Making the presentation was Kiwanis President Emery Ashley.
Thanks to the mild weather, progress has been faster than anticipated at the Dino Mart store on Ransom at Stony Point Road. The gas canopy and dispensers are scheduled to be installed on February 20th.
Our sympathy to the families of Michael J. Fahey and former resident Joan M. "Pinky" (nee Anderson) Dekdebrun who recently passed away. See Deaths for complete information.
Please Support Our Loyal Advertisers.
Linda Kutzbach, RE/MAX North - Looking to buy or sell a home? See Linda's front page ad and give her a call.
McCarthy School of Irish Dance - Beth McCarthy shares her knowledge of Irish culture through dance - activities abound
Five-Star Landscaping - a locally owned and family operated company that prides itself on providing a "five-star" level of customer service
Niagara's Choice FCU - Your Credit Union is a great place to begin adult financial responsibilities.
For information on advertising at Isledegrande.com, email Jodi Robinson at jodi@giecom.net.
Here's what's happening this week.
The Relay for Life Kick Off is being held Saturday.•••• Grand Island Community Chorus rehearsals resume on Sunday.•••• A One Island, One Team, One Dream, To Be Drug Free meeting will be held Tuesday afternoon.•••• An Island Re-Assessment Presentation will be held on Tuesday evening.•••• •••• See our Calendar of Events for details on these and other Island happenings.
"Email me" your news, your cares, concerns, successes, and your birthdays and milestone anniversaries.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there."
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Good morning Christine Maier Phillips in Hopedale, MA and good morning Linda (Baldwin) Jennings in Max Meadows, VA.
A belated happy birthday to Wayne Baumler who celebrated a milestone on January 26. ••••Happy Birthday to Bob Hillock (today), to Don Kaiser and Cheryl Wasson (cheers today), Natalie Kopf (5 today), Dominic Pullano (6 today), Ilene Dee, Rita DeGlopper and Ryan Timmerman (tomorrow), Christopher Drew (25 on Saturday), Juliette Caprio (21 on Saturday), Mark VonWryeza, Mary Lou Jerge and Dan Ryan (milestones on Saturday), Sophie Cane (5 on Saturday), Kip Staub (cake and candles on Sunday), Erin O'Brien (21 on Monday), Olivia Wenner (5 on Monday), Noelle Linenfelser (8 on Monday), Cody Okelberry (7 on Monday), Glenn Skelly (18 on Tuesday), Diane Gurbacki (Wednesday), Sarah Klock (21 on Wednesday), David Santa Lucia (25 on Wednesday), Jadon Garman (10 on Wednesday), Carleigh Rodriguez and Sheila Strott (both turning 8 on Wednesday), and Jackson Tower (2 on Wednesday).
A belated happy 30th wedding anniversary to Karen and Rom Figler who were married on January 23, 1982.••••Oliver and Anne Stuardi are celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary today. Happy days to Annie and Oliver.
Looking Back 60 years - St. Stephen's Church, beginning February 3, 1952, began offering four masses each Sunday at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to accommodate the growing parish population. •••• Lee Tetkowski and Deane Long were busy as beavers preparing the scenery for a Gay Nineties Revue which was presented by the Sidway School PTA on February 14-16, 1952. ••••The builder of the new Coldbrook development behind the Love Road homes in Grandyle Village promised home buyers he would donate a community hall to their neighborhood. ••••Fire Chief Henry Ehde reported a total of 47 calls for the year 1951. Our Fire Company responded to a total of 1492 calls in 2011. •••• The Post Office substation in the Grandyle Plaza on Love Road was closed in January 1952. Postmaster at the time was Edward T. Sheehan, appointed in 1945. The Post Office was being run from his home on Love Road.
Looking Back 35 years - See Remembering The Blizzard Of ‘77. A few memories are included in this feature posted at Isledegrande.com in 2007. Feel free to submit your own Blizzard memories to me at Teddy@giecom.net.
Looking Back 30 years - Linda Braddell's "Snow Wonders" won the co-ed, one-pitch softball tournament championship beating out the "Mean Machine" 12-2 in a field of 14 teams at the 2nd annual Recreation Department's Annual Winter Weekend activities at Beaver Island Park.
Looking Back 10 years - Forty-one Grand Island firefighters responded to 137 emergency calls during the two-day period of January 31 and February 1, 2002, according to Grand Island Deputy Chief Greg Butcher, who maintained operational control through a 'Storm Command Center' at fire headquarters. See 2002 Storm Story.
Our sympathy to the families of Jamie Spanton-Gasbarro, Constance Reitmulder and former resident Norman "Mike" Meyer who recently passed away. See Deaths for complete information.
Congratulations to Mike Mallwitz, bowling with the Heatwave H&C league. His honor score this week was 278-809.
Please Support Our Loyal Advertisers.
John's Pizza & Subs - delicious pizza, full menu on the Boulevard.
Mr. Best Wrench - Got a Classic or Exotic car that needs repair? "We repair everything foreign or domestic."
Marston Power Equipment - Snow, Lawn & Safety Equipment/Supplies and much more - Grand Island Blvd.
Miss Cathy's Dance Academy - A well established dance studio that's keeping up with the times
For information on advertising at Isledegrande.com, email Jodi Robinson at jodi@giecom.net.
It's Groundhog Day. Click for the Washington Post report.
Here's what's happening this week.
••••The Grand Island High School Music Department's musical, “Les Miserables, School Edition,” takes place tonight, tomorrow and Saturday. •••• The Rotary Club and the Grand Island High School Interact Club are sponsoring a Chili Sale on Saturday. •••• Sidway School's Family Fun Day/Basket Raffle is being held on Saturday afternoon. ••••A party, "Celebrate Your Friendship", is planned for Charlie Warner on Saturday. ••••The Fire Company's annual Chili Sale will take place Saturday. ••••Grand Island Little League registration will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Grand Island Memorial Library. ••••See our Calendar of Events for complete details on these and other Island happenings.
"Email me" your news, your cares, concerns, successes, and your birthdays and milestone anniversaries.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there."
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Good morning Sandie (Rall) Smith in Auburn, CA and good morning Laureen (Zelonis) Hess in Woodlands, TX.
Happy birthday Tommy Geblein (today), Sabrina Butcher (6 years old tomorrow), Jason Vallina (born on January 28th during the Blizzard of '77), Sidway Phys. Ed teacher Kelly Greene (Saturday), Barbara Grabiec (Saturday), Eric Sharpe (21 on Sunday), Nicholas Penque (cheers on Sunday), David Clayton III (16 on Monday), Rich Foks and Art Haller (milestones on Monday), Hailee Clayton (15 on Tuesday), Conner Bolles (16 on Tuesday), Ryan Pecoraro (10 on Wednesday), Clyde Hickok (the big one on Wednesday), and Sydney Mazur (11 on Wednesday).
Hmmmm! Last week I reported that there were no sledders on the Beaver Island State Park Hill. Could this be why? I caught this note on Facebook.com. A Grand Island mom took her kids to go sledding in the Park. A guy pulled up and told her no sledding on the hill. She thought he was joking but he was serious. "Mom" showed him the big sign that says sledding rules and he still insisted and told her she could explain it to the cops when they show up. Mom, being the polite person that she is, said bring it on! Needless to say park police drove past but didn't stop. Let the sledding begin!
Gordon and Barbara Bucknam have just returned from a cruise to South American, Around the Horn. Barb wrote that they enjoyed two weeks of fun. The Bucknams, born and raised on the Island, reside in Indialantic, Florida, just a half hour away from their two daughters and their families.
Here's a guy who is enjoying life! Teddy (Argerous) Filosofos and his children are featured this week on our Islanders In The News page. "Your only as young (old) as you feel," Ted wrote. "My sister, Denise is down here (Florida) as well and I think she will be making sure our insurance policies are up to date! Say hello to all of my GI friends."
Looking Back 75 years - Happy birthday Charlotte Sidway School. See feature story including photos and the history of the school as it celebrates its 75th birthday on Wednesday, February 1st.
Looking Back 50 years - A runaway barge in January 1962 smashed Grand Island power lines when a tall crane boom aboard the work boat snapped a 230.000 and six 60,000-volt lines. The barge was being used in construction of the then new South Grand Island bridge.
Looking Back 40 years - Pete Hayes and family were running Helf's on Grand Island Blvd. and advertising 59 cent "Treasure Chests" with a free gift tucked in with the hamburg, French fries, and soft drink. Daughter Jodi "Hayes" Robinson remembers her "cous" Ross Kaiser making furniture out of milk crates while working for her father. Helf's, by the way, was originally opened as The Clown House and is now known as McMahon's Family Restaurant. ••••Among Webelos Cub Scouts receiving awards at the January 28, 1972 Pack 423 meeting were David Doebert and Greg Lewis.••••Cub Pack 452's Pinewood Derby winner was Den 2 member Arnold Jonathan whose car came in first in a field of 50 in the William Kaegebein School. Charles Huff and Russell Certo took 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Looking Back 30 years - Chamber officers in 1982 were President Bob Bonsack, First Vice President John McCarthy, Vice President Paul Harper, Secretary Nancy Job and Treasurer Reginald Schopp.
Our sympathy to the families of Barbara Haefner and Janet Brady who recently passed away. See Deaths for complete information.
Please Support Our Loyal Advertisers.
Theodore's Red Hots - across from the round-about - full menu - hot dogs and much more
DeGeorge - ceilings, windows, doors
Rose Liquor Store - Full line of wines and liquors - great discounts
Eddie's Art Shop - The BEST is the least we can do for you.
For information on advertising at Isledegrande.com, email Jodi Robinson at jodi@giecom.net.
The GI Alumni Association's 5th annual Comedy Night is being held at the Holiday Inn on Saturday starting at 7 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Alumni Association's scholarship program. See Comedy Show for information.
"Email me" your news, your cares, concerns, successes, and your birthdays and milestone anniversaries.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there."
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Good morning Gretchen and Don Beyer here on the Island and good morning Franklyn Green in League City, TX.
We finally got a good dose of snow last Friday. The weather bureau reported the Island as getting over five inches. A couple of after school activities at the high school were cancelled.••••Took a ride on sunny Sunday to see if the newer sledding hill in Beaver Island State Park was open. It looked like it, and there were many sled tracks. However, there wasn't one car parked in the area and no sledders at 1:30 p.m. We also noticed a "We Have Karaoke" sign in front of San-Dee's Pub, not in the Beaver Park but a stones throw if you have an excellent arm.
Tom Burke has submitted another photo of an even bigger beaver he trapped this past week. See "Photo". "This brute weighed 65 lbs. with trap still attached. Allowing two lbs. for the trap, gives us a 63 lb. beaver," Tom said. For more information on the trapping, see Tree Damage In Area Caused By Beavers
A speedy recovery to Neil Hoffman. Hope you're doing much better this week, Neil.••••So sorry to report that Jan Brady has been ill. Wishing you well, Jan!••••Paul Reger could use your prayers and a speedy recovery is wished for Gretchen Beyer and Roland Powers after their recent surgeries.
I have heard rave reviews about the Trinity Church Harmony Circle's recent program, "Dearies, Do You Remember When?" Speakers were Island natives Betty Killian, Catherine Long and Shirley Luther who are each a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Island history. The women, all in their late 80s, described among other things, transportation on and off the Island by ferry boat, one-room schools, World War II, and working hard on their family farms.
Happy birthday to Phyllis Lange and Mackenzie Hassan (today), Kristyn Brown (11 today), Kaylee Connell (7 tomorrow), Andrew Masiello (16 tomorrow), Fran Burrows, Betty Brinda and Josh Lange (tomorrow), Dustin Gushue (25 tomorrow), Margie Rall Hunter and Karen Geng (Sunday), Vinny Pascucci (4 on Sunday), Christian Bermel (6 on Sunday), Jonathan Minton (8 on Monday), Allison Boron (21 on Monday), Mark Leffler (cheers on Monday), Hunter Schmidt (5 on Tuesday), Sarah Ramsperger (her 18th birthday on Tuesday), Benjamin DeFranks (10 on Tuesday), Tyler Meyer (3 on Tuesday), Jason MacClelland (10 on Wednesday), and baby Colton Wilkinson (his first birthday on Wednesday).
Looking Back 60 years - Grandyle Village residents Gert and Chris Cotter, Hank and Ann Boehm, MaryEllen and Art Hau, Velma and Laverne Harding and Bill and Betty Wheeler, the wives of which were members of a neighborhood babysitting club, the Sitting Hens, met at Mesmer's Supper Club in honor of Andrew and Helen Sunderland who were moving from the Island. ••••Betty and Carlton "Joe" Killian moved into their new home on East River Road on Sunday, January 20, 1952
Looking Back 50 years - When Dick Morgan's boat lift floated down the Niagara on January 23, 1962, deputies and the US Army helicopter from the Missile Base in Sanborn, NY were dispatched to the river due to a Buffalo resident's attempt to rescue the "run-away" Grand Island dock. The man made it to shore safely, but empty-handed. The report was from the pages of the January 25, 1962 edition of the Island Dispatch.
Looking Back 40 years - A brand new YWCA "Mom's Club" was formed on Wednesday morning, January 19, 1972 in Trinity UM Church. The following officers were chosen from the 30 women who attended: President Ella Gisman, Vice President Barb Brennan, Treasurer Gloria Worley and Carol Berlinger, Hospitality. •••• The New York Telephone Company, at 2:01 a.m. January 22, 1972 activated its new electronic communications center at 1717 Baseline Road. The new telephone office, which would allow Isle customers to dial long distance without having to give their telephone number to the operator, "is one of the most advanced in the world."
Looking Back 20 years - It was in January 1992 that the Frontier Development Partnership (Southpointe) outlined plans for developing the 284-acre site fronting Love, Baseline, Staley roads and South State Parkway. After years of presentations, meetings, public hearings, petitions, mailers, reports and studies, Southpoint was given the go-ahead by the Town Board in 1998. In 2009, Supervisor Peter McMahon said that next to Southpointe he couldn’t remember a more problematic project, but he assured residents that all the facts were looked at and though it was a difficult decision there just wasn’t a valid reason to deny the project. The land is still vacant.
A very happy 30th wedding anniversary to Karen and Rom Figler who will be celebrating on Monday.
Our sympathy to the families of Caroline Sadowsky, John N. "Jack" Brown, and William R. Luff who recently passed away. See Deaths for complete information.
Please Support Our Loyal Advertisers.
Grand Island Chiropractic - Why leave the Island for the help you need?
NFE Sales - Niagara Frontier Equipment Sales - Test drive Kioti's new UTV
Aceti's Wine & Spirits - conveniently located in the Tops plaza.
Allstate Mastantuono Agency - get an online quote in minutes - the best choice for insurance is an informed choice
For information on advertising at Isledegrande.com, email Jodi Robinson at jodi@giecom.net.
Here's what's happening this week. ••••The Parish Players audition for its adult production will be held tonight.••••It will be Soup Night At VFW Post on Saturday.••••The annual Grand Island Hockey Alumni Game will be held at Hyde Park on Saturday. •••• See our Calendar of Events for complete details on these and other Island happenings.
"Email me" your news, your cares, concerns, successes, and your birthdays and milestone anniversaries.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there."
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Good morning Nancy (Buckley) Valone in Campbell, CA and good morning Susan (Gilmore) Spaulding in Beech Island, SC.
Chuck Berlinger, in his Grand Island Crime Update, posted the following information on Facebook.com Tuesday morning. "Break-ins and attempted break-ins around 4 a.m., on Long Road this morning! Dirtbags got away after an extensive search by lots of police, including K-9's."
Sandie Rall-Smith writes that she saw our article about Brian O'Connor's new Go-Go Diner. Sandie and friends had a great meal and she advises anyone heading to the west coast of Florida this year to stop and visit Brian. "The food is fantastic!" See Sandie and Friends Photo. Shown from left are Sharon Ullrich, Brian O’Connor, Sandie Rall-Smith and Carol Turner-Gross.
Happy birthday to Greg Bell (tomorrow), to Carolina Luciani and Mike Rustowicz (both turning 21 on Saturday), Evan Carey (20 on Saturday), Judy Link (cheers on Saturday), Jennifer Farrell (25 on Sunday), Happy birthday to Greg Bell (tomorrow), to Carolina Luciani and Mike Rustowicz (both turning 21 on Saturday), Earl DeGlopper Jr. (cake and candles on Monday), Felix (Phil) Grycel (93 on Monday), Amber Malaney (Monday), Jenna Saltzman (18 on Tuesday), Caitlin Schwinge (21 on Wednesday), and Billy Williams (a big one on Wednesday).
Good morning Terry Burns Millette. Hope you are feeling much better.
Welcome to Snap Fitness at 2055 Baseline Road. Snap Fitness is a 24/7 community adult gym with brand new, state of the art Cybex equipment. Stop in and see General Manager Maryanne Fechter who will give you a tour of this beautiful facility.
Auditions for the April 2012 Parish Players adult production of "The Odd Couple" take place 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 17th and 7 p.m. Thursday, January 19th at St. Stephen School cafeteria. Auditions for the April 2012 Parish Players Youth Production of "The Sound of Music" will be held tonight from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in St. Stephen School cafeteria.
Looking Back 60 years - Sidway students and their teachers began visiting the Grand Island Memorial Library in the basement of the old town hall on Thursday and Friday afternoons. Chosen in abc order, fifth graders Gary Bartlett and Shirley Benton were the first to serve as assistant librarians for their class in January 1952. The town hall was located in the former School #9•••• New Cubmaster Lloyd Brockwell was introduced at the January Cub Pack #75 meeting in the Sidway School gym when Cub Scouts made Indian headdresses and performed skits. Barry Hamilton, John Gast Jr., Galen Young and Donald Flessing were welcomed into Pack #75 as Bobcats. ••••Grand Island organizations pledged $1045.45 for Centennial operating expenses when they met in January 1952. Merton McElroy, named temporary chairman, appointed a nominating committee of six to select 15 candidates to act as a Board of Directors of the Grand Island Centennial Inc
Looking Back 25 years - The Sunday, January 11, 1987 service at Trinity United Methodist Church was conducted by Bishop Forrest Smith, assisted by the Rev. Dr. Donald L. Weaver, district superintendent and the Rev. George B. Haley, pastor of Trinity. The occasion was the dedication of a recently completed Education Wing.
Looking Back 10 years - State Park Police in January 2002, put into operation their first snowmobile safety patrols of the year and were to be running unannounced snowmobile patrols all winter, according to Officer Eric Schlenker. Two snowmobilers were charged with operating a snowmobile without a state permit on the South State Parkway after police received complaints about snowmobilers speeding and driving recklessly in the area. Fourteen snowmobilers were issued warnings when Park officers found them operating their vehicles illegally on a Friday night on the South State and West River parkways. (For 2012 information see State Parks Issues Snowmobile Permits )
The Grand Island High School Music Department is staging the musical “Les Miserables, School Edition”. Evening shows are scheduled for Thursday, February 2nd and Friday, February 3rd and a matinee and evening performance will be presented on Saturday, February 4th. Details to follow.
Our amazing weather continues. While Gregg and Nikki Roesch were recently in town visiting families on East River, Gregg built a bon fire for his little ones, Luci and Jack. First bon fire of the new year? I think so.••••Jamie Dalbo and baby Charlie spent a good time at the beach at Beaver Island this past week. Can you believe that?••••The temperature here on the Island remained at 50 degrees until sundown yesterday.
Click photo for larger view.
Carol Giambra took this picture on January 7th in her yard on Forest Creek Court. The squirrels are also enjoying the weather.
Supervisor Mary Cooke has announced that Fisherman's Landing is open! It's located on East River Road just south of the Grand Island Bridge. What a nice addition to our Island.
Our sympathy to the families of Shannon Peters, Cecilia Agnes Stack, Robert E. Bille, Harold Ronald Mueller, Kenneth W. Tollner, Margaret E. "Peg" Malican and former resident Barbara A. (Kaiser) Spaulding who recently passed away. See Deaths for complete information.
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Sherry McDonald/RealtyUSA - A local real estate agent who knows the Island
Island Ship Center Inc. - Convenient FedEx agency on Whitehaven Road
Blue Water Marina - storage, docking, and boating and fishing supplies - East River Road in historic Ferry Village
Budwey's Supermarket - brand names at low prices - and three locations
For information on advertising at Isledegrande.com, email Jodi Robinson at jodi@giecom.net.
A lot of work and planning has gone into the St. Stephen School Vegas Night being held tomorrow evening and open to all (adults only event). It's being held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1841 Whitehaven Road. See flyer for details and take advantage of a really good time.
"Email me" your news, your cares, concerns, successes, and your birthdays and milestone anniversaries.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there."
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Good morning Wesley Billstone in Avon, CO and good morning Gretchen and Don Beyer on the Island.
These three little kids were attending Charlotte Sidway School when their photos were taken in 1949 and they are all celebrating special birthdays. From left to right are Peggy Boettcher Fuller and her twin sister Kathy Boettcher Stisser who were born on January 5th and Eric Reimann who will celebrate on January 7th. A very happy birthday to my former schoolmates. ••••Others wished the best on their day are Melissa Clement Hill and Ron Webb (tomorrow), Fran Clarke (her 90th tomorrow), Kathy McNulty and Sandy Less (special birthdays tomorrow), Norm Mrkall (former Highway Superintendent, Fire Chief and current wonderful guy turning 75 on Saturday), Betsy Tranter and Sharon Minet (cheers on Sunday), Nicholas Heftka and Maggie Rustowicz (15 on Sunday), Hank Carroll (a fabulous 90 on Sunday), Alexandria Anderson (10 on Sunday), Mary Ellen Kovacsev, Ellen Glor Dunston and Caryl Kershner (Monday), Peter Fabiano and Scott Shaw (milestones on Tuesday), Tricia and Scott Shaw (both celebrating on Tuesday), Susan Head (her 20th on Wednesday), Art Ciechoski (Wednesday) and little Jack Roesch (two on Wednesday).
Christine Rayhill McLimans posted this beautiful view of the South Grand Island Bridge, taken at Fishermen's Landing. See South Bridge Photo
Looking Back 60 years - A special meeting was held in the Buffalo Launch Club January 3, 1952 for all organizations to consider a Grand Island Centennial celebration.•••• Maury McFee (Davidson), newest member of Leader Marion Robertson's Brownie Troop 221 was elected its president. Other officers chosen were Vice President Marianne Shear (Tranter), and Treasurer Kathy Boettcher (Stisser).•••• The town highway department's truck on which a new plow was soon to be mounted, was equipped with fully automatic hydraulic controls, and noteworthy enough to be mentioned in the local paper.•••• Members of St. Martin-in-the-Fields parish and special guests attended the dedication of their new church on January 6, 1952. •••• A new policy went into effect for the Island Dispatch on January 10, 1952, when Publisher George Pagan began printing it weekly and for the first time on a cylinder press. The Dispatch, first published by Ollie and Dorothy Howard, had previously been delivered every other week since its inception in March 1944. •••• John Hall, Jerry Livingston and Diane Hamilton (Adams) had major parts in the Christmas play, "The Legend of the Snowman," produced on the Sidway School stage in December 1951.
Looking Back 50 years - Winner of the Jaycees lighting contest was the Walter Maday property at 4850 East River Road.~~~~A fire Friday night, January 5, 1962 caused extensive damage to the second floor of the Buffalo Launch Club. Charter fire company member Cyril Diebold remembered the 1931 fire that destroyed the original BLC clubhouse. Kenmore firefighters came by ferry with equipment to fight that fire to no avail.
Looking Back 40 years - Grand Island officially became a first class town as of January 1, 1972.
Congratulations to Brian O'Connor, GIHS Class of 1986, who recently opened an already popular eatery in North Fort Myers. See Islanders In The News.
Perhaps not so unusual was a boat in the East River on sunny Friday afternoon.
Our sympathy to the families of Marge Costello, Robert M. Goulah, Bernard "Ben" Vanderbles, John R. MacNeil and former residents John I. Vinovrski, Deborah (nee Kramer) Celler, and Robert E Webb, who recently passed away. Frank P. Dash, 85, of Amherst, died on Thursday, December 29th. In early 1962, Mr. Dash opened the first new-franchise Tops Market on Grand Island. See Deaths for complete information.
Please Support Our Loyal Advertisers.
Riviera Theater - Annual "Big Lebowski" event at 7 p.m. ($10-$17) - Historic Riviera just across the river
Dr. Thomas C. Lepenven, DMD - Island Dental PC - 2095 Baseline Road
Magic Towel Holder - Craftsman Don "Bones" Fancher - clever gift creations
Island Prescription Center - Consumer wellness tips - Cholesterol Lowering Foods
For information on advertising at Isledegrande.com, email Jodi Robinson at jodi@giecom.net.
Here's what's happening this week.
The Grand Island Music Boosters "Night at the Races" will be held Saturday evening. •••• TeaNewYork will host a meeting on Monday.•••• The One Island, One Team, One Dream, To Be Drug Free meets on Tuesday.•••• See our Calendar of Events for complete details on these and other Island happenings.
"Email me" your news, your cares, concerns, successes, and your birthdays and milestone anniversaries.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there."
