December 25, 2000
Happy holidays, everyone! Just a reminder - "Between The Bridges," including today's column, will have a Monday date from now.The Neighbors Foundation was helped greatly by a large number of members from the high school DECA Club (Distributive Education Clubs of America), who are under the guidance of their advisor Tim Oldenburg. The students did all of the sorting of tons of food at the 50+ stations in Fire Company Truck House #2 on Stony Point to prepare for the Neighbors Foundation's Share Your Happiness Project.~~~~The new Chamber of Commerce phone directories have been distributed. If you didn't receive yours, call the Chamber office, 773-3651.
Some readers may remember my mention in the November 30th "Between The Bridges" of Betty O'Dea Carr teaching my Brownie Troop to make sea shell wreaths in December 1950. That same week I saw Donna Walker at River Lea wearing a green shell wreath pin and matching earrings. She said she made made her jewelry just about 50 years ago!
Looking back 50 years - The very beautiful street scene, for the Sidway School Christmas play, "The Maji's Gift," was planned and designed by art teacher Mrs. Beatrice Nies and Industrial Arts teacher Hank Fessard. Ed Pfohl, Bob DeGlopper Harrison Carter and Ernest Hoefner did the excellent job of painting it.~~~~Harry Baker's Cleaner on Staley Road advertised a grand opening of his new plant on January 2, 1951.
Looking back 30 years - New members of Isle Chapter, Order of DeMolay 30 years ago were Stephen R. Fleming, David M. Livingston, Wayne L. Houck, Paul F. Glassman, Dennis R. Black, Robert S. Fraser, Christopher P. Koch, Mark P. Laubisch, Ronald Dahlberg and George C. Overs.~~~~Top winners of Kelly's Country Store coloring contest were Lisa Aswad, 6 and Kyle Kinney, 7.
Special greetings to Donna (Horner) Anderson who has a birthday coming up next Sunday.~~~~ Happy birthday to Colleen (Argy) Robinson who is celebrating her 40th birthday today. Colleen, her husband, Greg and their 23-month-old son Garrett are currently living in Chicago and are in the process of moving back to the Buffalo area.~~~~Happy birthday to Sean McMahon and Christen (Franklin) Rosser on their 30th birthdays today (Christmas day), and to Carol Burridge and Liz Barker tomorrow (December 26th).~~~~Also celebrating birthdays this week are Marissa Catanzaro (4 today), Grant Hennigar and Chris Eberhard (today), Bradley Robert Stone (3 tomorrow), Laura Vivier (her 20th tomorrow), Margie Walker , (Wednesday), Abigail Dallasandro (4 on Wednesday), Chelsea Schmidt (3 on Thursday), Rob Meyer, Val Swain, Maggie Gushue and Art Ellsworth (all celebrating Thursday), Jennifer Raham (18 on Friday), Alex Bowerman (3 on Saturday), Christopher Podlucky (10 years old on Saturday), Elsie Fleischmann (her 85th birthday on Sunday), and Nick Pelosi, Kathy Lazenby, Karen Loder and Jim O'Connor (Sunday).
Our sincere sympathy to the families of the following who died this past week: Abram A. Milner (December 21st), Allan R. Jones (December 23rd), Lawrence R. Miller, (December 23rd), and Ruth B. (Thompson) Johnson (December 23rd). Complete obituaries may be found on the Isledegrande "Deaths" page.
Congratulations to William Kemp on his 300 game in a 730 series while bowling at Island Lanes in the Friday Night Businessmen's League. Deno McGinn also had a good night last Friday in the same league when he bowled a 278 in a 700 series.
Here is a cute Christmas memory of my e-mail friend Paula "Bell" Nakayama who lived on Grand Island from 1952-66. The Bells, including several younger children lived on Ransom Road way back in the woods for many years. Paula wrote me the following and it is so appropriate for today's column. "What I used to do at Christmas, that the kids still do today for their children, was to make a cutout of elf prints on cardboard, using dusting powder I would simulate their little footprints coming and going, around the fireplace and windowboxes and in and out of the windows. On Christmas morning they would get so excited that Santa's elves had been there and there was proof!! I remember as an adult I would get up about 4:00 A.M. and drive from my apartment on the lakefront in downtown Buffalo to the Island. I can still remember seeing the few lights on in the windows as the families were getting ready for their Christmas morning. I would get to the house before anyone woke up and make hot chocolate and coffee and put out cookies and stuff for the kids. It was great. I had the entire world to myself on those Christmas mornings. Driving on roads where no one else had driven in the snow, seeing the smoke from the chimneys/furnaces and the occasional lights on in a home. Man, this is bringing back good memories." Thanks, Paula and Merry Christmas.
December 21, 2000
Cliff Smith has long been known as a guy who really decorates his house and yard for most holidays but this year he went above and beyond for neighbors Jim and Mary Agnes Farrell who live on Stony Point near Bedell Road. Mary Agnes reports that Cliff outdid himself in decorating their place for Christmas, and just out of the goodness of his heart. The Farrells, Isle residents since '58, just can't wait till four of their children arrive "home" for Christmas this week and see the results of their neighbor Cliff's kindness.
For a last minute opportunity to support UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, why not buy note cards, holiday cards, books, puzzles, calendar and original items at the M&T Bank from 10:30 a.m. to 5 :30 p.m. tomorrow (Friday, December 17th). Chairperson, Lee Tetkowski, may be reached at 773-3266 to arrange to purchase these from her home. A major global immunization campaign of UNICEF is nearing its goal of eradicating POLIO by the yeaer 2000, but the disease still cripples thousands of children each year.
Our sincere sympathy to the families of the following. Patricia M. McTigue, 84, died Wednesday, December 13, 2000 in St. Francis Home in Williamsville.~~~~Richard T. Johnson passed away on December 14, 2000. Memorials in his name may be made to the Gymnasium Fund at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.~~~~Keith R. Hopkins, 81, died on December 5, 2000 in Beaufort, S.C. Though not a Grand Island resident, he was well known here for his work as Beaver Island State Park supervisor in the late 40s and 50s and participation as an amateur actor in the Grand Island Playhouse productions.~~~~Dominic S. Marino died on December 15, 2000. The family has requested that anyone wishing to make a memorial gift near and dear to "grandpa" should send it to Summit Educational Resources, 300 Fries Rd., Tonawanda, NY 14150 or Rosie's Love at AMC-Children's Cancer, c/o Zitto, 114 Mallory Rd., Ghent, NY 12075.~~~~Don R. Colan died December 18, 2000. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church.~~~~Jennie H. Malecki, 84, a 48-year Isle resident, passed away December 17th in Riverwood Healrh Care Center after a brief illness.
Congratulations to Val Gasbarro and her teammates on the Varsity Vikings Girls Basketball team on their 61-35 win over Lew-Port last Friday when Val scored 19 points. The team went on to a 52-39 win over Lockport, defending Section VI Class A champs on Monday, with the help of Val's 15 points and Sally Head's eight rebounds. The girls are now 6-0.
The Grand Island High School Class of 1970's 30th Reunion committee on December 13, 2000 proudly presented a check to Althea Prosser, representative for the Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island. The donation consisted of the proceeds that were left over from the Class of '70 reunion celebration held last summer. Earl DeGlopper made the presentation for the reunion committee consisting of: Barb (Aquilino) Wienkie, Norm Brady, Diane (Bykowicz) Hassan, Judy (Duane) Noon and Barb (Linde) Noon.
Looking back 40 years - Ann Burns (Dlugokinski) was chosen queen of the Riverside High School Snowflake Whirl in December 1960.~~~~Eileen and George Minton and their three daughters were new Isle residents on Wallace Dr. and Ann and Richard Crawford and their four children had just settled on Woodlee Lane.~~~~The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo purchased 15 acres on the north side of Ransom Road, about one mile east of Stony Point.~~~~Joanne Rayhill was named an outstanding exhibitor for the first Alumni Art Exhibition at Rosary Hill College.
Looking back 30 years - Golden Age Club members used 700 pine cones to construct an eight foot wreath, a gift to members of the Knights of Columbus who allowed the Golden Age Club to meet in their hall thirty years ago. Among Golden Agers at the presentation were Director Gladys Smith, Millie Doyle, Larry Doyle, Sophie Zuchowski, Mae Anderson, Emil Anderson, Max Kortum and Lucy French.~~~~Snowmobile trails were on the town board agenda 30 years ago.~~~~With Gerald K. Youngs heading up the Chamber of Commerce, membership exceeded 100.~~~~Reg Long, 80, died on December 7, 1970. He held two terms as town supervisor, was also elected town clerk and ran his Long's Store from 1920 to the time of his death.~~~~Two serious auto accidents occurred within two weeks at the intersection of Baseline and Whitehaven. County highway officials who previously investigated the problem reported they did not feel a traffic light was warranted.~~~~WUTV began broadcasting at 3:30 p.m. Monday, December 21, 1970 from towers on Whitehaven and Harvey roads.
Looking back 20 years - Boy Scout Troop 630 member Patrick O'Hara earned the rank of Eagle Scout. The troop was sponsored by the St. Stephen Home School Association.~~~~Among the winners at Cub Pack 423's Pinewood Derby were Matt Anderson who received a champion award and Pinewood Derby pin. David Capelli was runner-up. Dan Linenfelser was awarded First Best Paint Job and Sean McMahon, First Coolest. Cubs Leader Quinn Wright was chairman and made all of the awards for the Cub Scouts.
Robert and Ruth Stahl and Lura and Dr. Alfred Lenzner are wished happy anniversaries this week. The Stahls celebrate 49 years tomorrow and the Lenzners will be married 57 years on Christmas Day.
Best wishes and happy birthday to Shirley Gilmore on her birthday today and to Millie Vanthoff on her 85th birthday tomorrow. Also wished a happy birthday are Danielle Meyer (7 today) Arliss Lantz (tomorrow) and Nancy Hogue Capsuto and Nancy Samrany (Saturday). A belated happy birthday to Bill O'Connor who celebrated on Tuesday, the 19th and to Hollis Busch who had a birthday yesterday.
Mark you calendar for the American Red Cross blood drive scheduled from 1-6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1841 Whitehaven Rd. Walk-ins are always welcome.~~~~Happy holidays to everyone.
December 14,2000
A speedy recovery to Greg Butcher who had emergency surgery Monday. We're hoping he will soon be back home with his bride of two and one half weeks.
Ted and Phyllis Kumlander spent a week in Disney World where Ted "rode in a Richard Petty Winston Cup car" and had the thrill of a lifetime. Riding three laps in a Walt Dsney World Speedway car at 150 mph, and trading places with a twin car, Ted was surprized the driver did not slow down on the turns at 150 mph. Ted, who has written his life story, "My Life," will be at HSBC Bank from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday for a book signing.~~~~Our schools were closed Tuesday due to extremely high winds. Power was out in a few neighborhoods here and several traffic signals were inoperable. However, the Island suffered little damage unlight towns south of us.
Congratulations to sixteen-year-old Carmella Martinez. A Grand Island High School student, Carmella was recently crowned Teen Miss Buffalo at the 2000 Little Miss Buffalo Pageant at the ECC City Campus.
Former longtime Islander Abe Milner would probably enjoy hearing from old friends during the holiday season. His address is 146 Battleship Road, Room 116, Camden, SC 29020.
Celebrating special birthdays on Tuesday and wished a wonderful day are Ed Weiser, Nanette "Jacobs" Haller and Roseanne Panzica.~~~~Happy birthday to Lauren Whitney (yesterday), Jeffrey Bykowicz (39 today), Annette Kelley (today), Katie Rustowicz (8 today), Katie Nordvik (10 today), Rene Dodge (Sweet 16 tomorrow), Matthew Foote (7 tomorrow), Ted Filosofos (celebrating his 73rd birthday in Florida tomorrow), Betty Lantz and Alma Senn (Saturday), Joey Guenther (7 on Saturday), Rob Soluri (Sunday), Katie Kendall (18 on Sunday), Heather Goris (10 on Sunday), George Shaw, Wende Wood, Neil Tetkowski and Sonia Steckelber (all on Tuesday), Patty (Bykowicz) Turner (turning 33 on Tuesday), twins Alexis Elizabeth and Grace Marie Fredricks (3-years-old Wednesday), Deanne Giambra, David Duysters, Michael Stefik and Janie Martin (Wednesday), and Tanya Sue Violanti (Sweet 16 on Wednesday).
The winner of the Historical Society's antique quilt raffle is Jean Caprio. The ticket was drawn by Society member Shirley Luther.
The Grand Island Foundation, the island's newest helping hand whose dispersements will be for educational purposes not covered by the school district is up and running with a mailing to every household this week. The Foundation is most appreciative of a very generous donation from Councilman Dick Crawford at a recent press conference.
Looking back 50 years - Nancy and Carl Vella and Carl and Richard moved to the duplexes in Grandyle Village~~~~Sidway School students put on "The Maji's Gift" under the direction of Music Teacher Carol Thompson with assistance by teachers Catherine DiVizio and Marjorie Ehde (Anderson) on Tuesday, December 19-20, 1950. Libby Smith (Borgese), Bob Robinson, Ronnie Livingston and Jim Brady had the leads.~~~~Jack Boehm, Stewart Ellis, Michael Costin, Ernest Haefner, Allen Howland, Peter McMahon, Thomas Sheehan and Edwin and Francis Pfohl were members of the newly formed boys' choir. Under the direction of Marion Pinkow, they entertained at a Christmas party in the Buffalo Launch Club for 78 members of the Home Bureau.
Looking back 40 years - David Pinkow, 16, a french horn player and member of the All State High School Orchestra was notified he will play first chair in the band at the National Music Conference in Washington D. C. in January 1961.
Looking back 10 years - Yellow recycling boxes were first distributed December 15, 1990 from the Highway Garage and through the efforts of Councilwoman Marion Fabiano. Collection of recyclable items was to begin January 2, 2001.
Holy Angels Academy student Molly Brennan had a solo part in the school's Christmas Cantata last Sunday.
Miranda Lea Proctor was born on December 6th weighing eight pounds 7 ounces. She is the daughter of Tamara and Paul Proctor and granddaughter of Bob and Pat Haag and Bonnie Proctor, all of Grand Island.
Congratulations to John Russell Certo, 11, who came in third in the 14 and under division of the Jingle Bell Run with a time of 22:24.~~~~Buffalo News reporter Michael Beebe suggested in Sunday's running column that the Buffalo News Runner of the Year series be called the Dunlop Award. Jim Dunlop Jr. has again been named overall Runner of the Year.
Best wishes to Chris and Jim O'Dea who will celebrate their 38th anniversary tomorrow and to Harvey and Katherine Killian Long marking their 56th wedding anniversary on Sunday.~~~~Annmarie Buscaglia became the bride of Kevin Lawrence Vanini on Saturday, December 9th in St. Stephen's Church. Best wishes to the newlyweds who will make their home in Rochester.
A class reunion for the Grand Island High School Class of 1976 is scheduled for 9 p.m. Friday, July 6, 2001 at River Oaks. Contact Jodi "Hayes" Dodd with your address or any of the addresses (email addresses) of other classmates. Other plans are in the works including a Friday golf outing at Beaver Island.
The Chamber of Commerce gave out raffle tickets at its Expo 2000 for a basket of prizes including Grand Island sport and sweatshirts, Grand Island coffee mugs, a grand Island tie and a copy of Cinderella Island. The winning ticket is number 0786206 and the holder has not yet come forward. I guess it's time I looked for my ticket!~~~~Congratulations to Andy Chambers, John Simon, Ed Pfohl, Kathy Graves (Fujisawa) and Dan Robillard who were elected to the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce.
Dec. 7th
Our sympathy to the families of the following whose complete death notices appear on our "Deaths" page. Island native Marian A. Yensan, 74, of North Tonawanda died on November 30th. Former resident Grover T. Bennett, 85, died on December 3rd. William F. Zaepfel passed away on December 5th. Charlotte E. 'Lottie' Shear died on December 5th.
Looking back 50 years - Mrs. Alice Steck's dancing and baton twirling classes in attractive costumes were the high point of entertainment at the 4th annual Altar Society Christmas party for children of the St. Stephen's parish Saturday afternoon, December 9, 1950. Over 150 children talked to Santa, received a gift from Father Schwegler and were served ice cream and candy from the ladies.~~~~Boy Scouts Dick Hogue, Earl Long and Stuart Ellis passed requirements for 2nd class. Ed Zuchowski made the 1st class rank. During the meeting Boy Scout Melvin Butcher told of his thrilling experience in saving his baby brother's life by administering artificial respiration which he was trained in through the Boy Scout program.~~~~ The Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary elected Evelyn Alt then proceeded to Ceil and Andy's for their Christmas party on December 13, 1950. Thirty-three members attended.
Looking back 40 years - Ricky Elias and Dan Stambaugh led the flag ceremony to open the Friday night Cub Pack 254 meeting in Kaegebein School. Cub Master was Bill Kantenwein was assisted by Jim Brady~~~~Newcomers to the Island were Dr. and Mrs. Norman Courey and three children, Marge and Bill Costello and children and Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Doring and their new baby. ~~~~Alfred University freshman Barbara Beck (Muratore) was on Alfred's JV cheerleading squad.~~~~The new G & S Laundry Speed Wash opened at 2121 Grand Island Blvd.~~~~Betty Schopp was elected president of the newly organized PTA Council.
A belated happy birthday to Sara Barbur who celebrated her 18th birthday on November 30th and to Barb "Bykowicz" Barbur who turned 51 on December 6th. Best wishes to Polly Smith (65 tomorrow), Dan Linenfelser (30 tomorrow), Marlene Donohue (a big one Saturday), Amanda Heftka (8 on Saturday), Sydney Khreis (2 on Saturday), Dave Henderson (Saturday), Marianne Tranter, Ken Lewis, Jennifer Weis Loder and Barry Ballester (Sunday), Nan "Jacobs" Haller (cheers for Nan on Monday), Joelle Logue, Duffy Macguire and Linda Wright (Monday),Vickie Kowzan (10 on Monday), Maurice Walsh, Kathy Loncher, Dave Hammond and Steve Stouter (Tuesday), Nicholas Peters (his 16th birthday Tuesday), Jackie Mangus (20 on Tuesday), Tom Ryan, Emory Webb and Charlie McDonough (Wednesday), and Kori Loder (9 on Wednesday). Best wishes for a happy anniversary to Bill and Barbara (Bykowicz) Barbur (Tuesday), Tina and Kenny Schmidt (Wednesday).
Congratulations to Rich Freer on his 289 in a 764 series and to Mike George who bowled at 279 at Island Lanes.~~~~Snowmobilers should check out our Grand Island Snowmobile Club News page (see "Groups") as well as the link to the the club's own website which gives a lot of club information, trail details and more.~~~~Sunday will be your last chance to check out the Historical Society's headquarters, River Lea in Beaver Island Park - and all decked out for the holidays. Members will host open house from 1-4 p.m.
November 30, 2000
Best wishes to newlyweds Roy C. Carlisi and the former Jenne F. Havens who were married in St. Stephen's Church on Friday, November 24th and to Marilyn and Tom Johnson who are celebrating their 26th anniversary today.
At least 250 well-wishers attended the wedding reception in the Buffalo Launch Club Saturday evening for Nicole Duscher and Greg Butcher. The Butchers were married in Lutheran Church of the Messiah, Lewiston. We wish them the very best and truly enjoyed reacquainting with so many Islanders whom we hadn't seen in a long time.
Cheers and a wish for many more years together go out to Norm and Mary Parisi who were honored at a 50th wedding anniversary party at their daughter, Cathy Thomas' home on Sunday.
Our sympathy to the family and friends of Arlene Becker who died on November 23, 2000 and Gladys E. Harnett, 84, who passed away in Sebring, Florida on November 24th. Memorials for Mrs. Becker may be made to the SPCA, 205 Ensminger Rd., Tonawanda, 14150.
Looking back 50 years - Betty O'Dea (Carr) helped the Brownies of Troop 46 make wreath pins of green shells as Christmas presents .~~~The Island's Civil Defense Director Frank Klocke reported in the weekly paper that Grand Island was being looked upon as an evacuation center as was the Hamburg Fair grounds. "In other words, should a bomb be dropped, either in Buffalo or Niagara Falls, we (Grand Islanders) will be called upon to care for the stricken populace."~~~~From the Across The Mahogany With Willie column in the Island Dispatch 50 years ago: "Speaking of TV, have you seen Dan Linenfelser on the Shoppers Guide? He does a nice job." ~~~~The PTA Recreational Committee of Charlotte Sidway School sponsored a "Junior-Senior Teenager" dance from 8 p.m. to midnight on December 2, 1950 in the Sidway gym. "Dud" McMullen, king of the accordian and his boys provided the music and Mrs. Steck's Grand Island Baton Twirlers strutted their stuff during intermission.
Looking back 40 years - Seventh graderer Ralph Gabarro, of Mrs. Johnson's homeroom, headed the Sidway School honor roll with a 97.7% average.
Looking back 30 years - Split end Mike Podlucky was named Ithaca College football team's most versatile performer for 1970.~~~~Grand Island High School students Kyle Atkinson, John Russell, Vincent Stouter, Sally Sutter and Brooke Wood (Raham) were selected by audition to sing with an Erie County high school choir with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra December 4, 1970 in Kleinhans Music Hall.
Don't forget the Historical Society's two holiday open houses at River Lea on Sundays, December 3rd and 10th from 1-4 p.m. The members of the Society and also those of several Isle garden clubs have decorated the Lewis F. Allen house in Beaver Island from top to bottom for Christmas.~~~~A concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 3rd in Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd. A 48 voice choir comprised of singers from Trinity and North Tonawanda United Methodist Church will present Benjamin Harlen's "Canticles Of Christmas" accompanied by an ecumenical orchestra. Also performing will be the Trinity Belles, Beaux, and Tollers (a handbell choir). A free-will offering will be taken to benefit Niagara Frontier Ministries and the Grand Island Neighbors Foundation. Refreshments will follow in the family room. The community is cordially invited to attend!!
November 23, 2000
Monday's snow storm had many of us more than a little concerned about our loved ones who were stranded on the thruway for seven or more hours. Grand Island was a blanket of snow with the trees heavy and beautiful when I left work at 4 p.m., but it was long before that that a snow storm the likes of '77 was pelting Buffalo and south. My husband, Jim and son, Jim Jr., traveling from different areas, were both stranded for many hours on the New York State Thruway as were so many others. Daughter-in-law Laury, "Aunt" Penny and Uncle Dan Linenfelser never made it home until Tuesday. Niece Annie Linenfelser told me she left college about 1:30 p.m. and drove 15 mph for most of the distance back to the Island. A family friend who got caught up in a gridlock situation on the Rt. 33 (Kensington Expressway) at 3 p.m. Monday, made it back to the Island early Wednesday morning after spending 36 hours going no where! Island roads remained clear and wet.
Ruth Stahl's recent "Treasures" feature on Dunshie's Hardware Store, a former feed store, was accompanied by a current photo of the old building on Webb Road. Just days after the article appeared in our Grand Island E-News, the building was demolished. Glad Ruth captured it on film for one last look. This week's "Treasures" features the late George Williams of Fix Road.
Happy anniversary and best wishes to Bob and Pat Haag, celebrating 31 years today, Carl and Jackie LaMancuso (49 years tomorrow), Ted and Jackie Filosofos (49 years on Saturday), Bob and Joanne Carr (56 years on Saturday), Joelle and Jerry Logue (36 years on Sunday), and Carol and Dave Hamlin (29 years on Sunday).
Happy birthday to Laura Imperi and Rob Schooping (today), Timothy McMahon (21 today), Alexander Tollner (5 tomorrow), Jean Caprio and Ben Graff (tomorrow), Lois Morgan (Saturday), Donna Rodriguez and Joe Samrany (Sunday), Stephanie Goris (Sweet 16 on Saturday), Donna Krehl and Jim O'Dea (Monday), Don Loder, Linda Millar and Joan McCraith (Tuesday), Gladys Benzing (special greetings on Tuesday), Neil Costin (a milestone on Tuesday), Thom Volk (a big one on Wednesday), JoAnn Vanderheite (Wednesday), and Pat "Staffen" Yell (this week!).
Charles A. Heltz died on November 19, 2000. Our sympathy to his family.
Just received an email note from Marianne Tranter . Her husband, Jim Tranter is in the hospital in Florida after undergoing triple by pass open heart surgery last Thursday. Their mailing address is 2001 Gasparilla Rd., D22, Placida, FL 33946.~~~~A speedy recovery to Lyn Laman who is recovering from recent surgery.~~~~Former Islander Gloria Webb is recuperating nicely after surgery. Old pals may wish her well at 6849 Plaza Dr., Apt. 701, Niagara Falls, NY 14301.
Erie County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Stoll, who patrolled Grand Island for many years, has just retired from a 37-year career with the Sheriff's Department.
I just heard from Susan "Hogue" Canty who recently moved from Tucson to Washington, D.C. with her husband, Mike. So sorry to report Sue's news that Mike Costin passed away this past spring. The Costins and the Hogues were neighbors on East Park Road in the 1940s and 50s.
Looking back 50 years - Over 50 Masons met at the Buffalo Launch Club November 28, 1950 to discuss the formation of a lodge on Grand Island.~~~~Carleen Alt (Taylor), in an elimination contest in the 8-10 age group, won a bike rodeo sponsored by the Safety Council of WNY and held in the 65th Armory Saturday, Nov. 18, 1950. Carleen was considered one of the county's six best riders.~~~~Trinity Church Choir members recorded two hymns under the technical supervision of Tom Zarbo, a member of the Young Adult Fellowship. The 10", 78 rpm record was available at $1.25.
Looking back 30 years - Don Webb bowled a 235 with the Friday Night Businessmen's League at Island Lanes.~~~~Mike McNulty shot a nine point deer while hunting in the area of Bedell Rd. with Terry Swain who helped him drag the big 213 pounder out.~~~~Builder Jack Lindelow's new apartments at Baseline near Bedell Road were completed.
The Historical Society is offering note cards for sale. The attractive cards feature Joan Revill Tomasulo's drawing of River Lea and are printed on cream stock in packs of ten at $5. They are available at historical society functions which include two holiday open houses at River Lea on Sundays, December 3rd and 10th from 1-4 p.m.
November 16, 2000
The following Grand Island High School seniors, who were named 2001 Commended National Merit Scholars, were recognized and congratulated by the school board at a recent meeting. They are Jennifer Falvo, Jordan Funk, Melissa Rayhill and Nicole Tourot. We certainly offer our congratulations also.
Lawrence J. Brennan died November 9th.~~~~Dennis E. Ahern passed away on November 11th. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, November 18 at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Memorials for Mr. Ahern may be made to Alhambra Cordova Caravan #26, PO Box 353, Buffalo 14226, the Grand Island Fire Co. or Hospice Buffalo. Our sympathy to their families.
Congratulations to Kevin and Heather Maras on their new baby girl, Heather Marie Maras, born today (November 16) weighing 7 pounds, seven ounces and measuring 19 3/4 inches tall!
Sid and Lee Cohen have returned from a southern jaunt which included a visit to Bob and Carol Pownall in their beautiful new ranch home in Williamsburg, VA. Outside their screened patio is their pride and joy, a lovely pond complete with waterfall and contented fish. The trip also included a visit to Bill and Rosemary Sweeney, now living in the Charlotte, N. C. area, near their two sons. Daughter Karen, who lives not too distant in Georgia, will be presenting Ro and Bill with their eighth grandchild next year.
Best wishes to former Baseline Road resident Rob Fiolek who was married on Sat. November 4th to Amber Gaskins in New Bern NC. Rob has been living in New Bern for the past four years.
Happy birthday to Michael Judson (16 today), John Gaydica, Scott Kalman and Kevin Erker (today), Carol "Bykowicz" Rae (the big 5-0 tomorrow), Vala O'Boyle (tomorrow), Fred Prosser (a big one tomorrow), Ashly Cinelli (Sweet 16 tomorrow), Ruth Yensan, Sonja Hill, Bobbie McNulty and Judy Penque (all celebrating tomorrow), Mike Gast (Saturday), Neil Tetkowski, John Robillard and Jean McMahon (Sunday), Victoria McCraith (a teenager Monday), Kathy Mentor and Tom Boehm (Monday), Rebecca Rae (her 17th birthday Monday), Brad Wendling (the big 3-0 Tuesday), Laurie Wagner, Heather Wilhelm and Beverly Benton (Tuesday), Benjamin Kose (9 on Tuesday), Nathan Jayme (15 on Wednesday), Erik Volk and Bill Click (Wednesday) and to Ron McNamee (this week). A belated happy 30th to Paul Prange who celebrated on November 10th.
Best wishes to Michael and Theresa Giambra who are celebrating their 9th anniversary today, to Mark and Diane Hassan celebrating their 24th on Monday and to Vala and Spencer O'Boyle on their 20th wedding anniversary on Wednesday, November 22nd.
Looking back 40 years - Tonawanda High Will Not Accept Island Grads was the headline in the weekly paper on November 17, 1960. The school board immediately began to look to other areas to accept the 135 ninth graders who would graduate from Sidway Jr. High in June.~~~~George L. Thorne was appointed supervisor to fill the vacancy of George J. Burgstahler who resigned.~~~~Linda Holmes, scribe for Brownie Troop #356 reported the troop visited the Statler Hilton and that Beverly VonCraig, Barbara Brant and Sharon Killian served refreshments at a recent meeting.~~~~The PTA Council composed of the three Island schools was organized on Thursday, November 16, 1960.
Looking back 30 years - The Grand Island Art Society was founded 30 years ago and the Grand Island Snowmobile Club had its beginnings when Don Bartlett organized volunteer snowmobile assistance by Island residents in 1970.~~~~A variety show, Night O Memories, was produced on the high school stage November 6-7, 1970 for benefit of restoring St. Stephen's Church on Baseline Rd. Bill Mohan served as master of ceremonies. Co-Chairmen were Pat Rupp and Eleanor Mulcahy and committee heads were: props, Joan Pax; costumes, Rosemary Sweeney; makeup, Irene Bates; publicity, Marion Klingel; posters, Jo Sceusa and Maureen Kehoe; tickets, John Drexelius; and wardrobe mistress, Miriam Macguire. Father Tom Mitchell and Jim Lindelow teamed up for a banjo and guitar duet; Monsignor Paul Eberz and Don Burns accompanied the audience in sing-a-longs and Sybil Kennedy was the accompanist for all acts.~~~~Darlene Runions (Sprague) was installed Beloved Queen of Aries Triangle No. 131 on November 12, 1970 in the Masonic Temple on Ferry Road.
Looking back 20 years - The Grand Island Taxpayers Association elected James R. Sharpe president on November 5, 1980.~~~~ The town board, November 17, 1980, awarded the cable TV franchise to Island Cable TV headed by Mike Gast and Dr. Parvis Taefi.
Congratulations to Michelle L. Elmer of Stony Point Road on her enlistment into the United States Air National Guard, September 16, 2000. She will leave for basic training in July of 2001, and will enter the Security Forces unit. Michelle is currently a member of the 107th Air Refueling Wing, Niagara Falls AFB, Niagara Falls, NY.
The Grand Island High School Spotlighter's will stage "Up the Down Staircase" in the school auditorium 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday evening. Admission is only $3.
River Lea in Beaver Island State Park will be open from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, November 19th when Grand Island Historical Society docents will be available throughout the society's headquarters to answer questions. There is no charge and refreshments will be served.
November 9, 2000
Our prayers go out to Dorothy and Dennis Ahern who are working their way through Denny's illness.
Diane Gollwitzer Doane will hold a planning meeting for the Class of '71 reunion 7 p.m. tonight (Nov. 9) at her home at 110 Riverwoods Dr. Anyone interesting in helping out is welcome to attend.
If you are looking for the school lunches, they are a click away by going to GI Schools on our menu.
Best wishes newlyweds. Kathleen Clark and Christopher Kwiecinski were married Saturday, November 4th and are residing on Long Island.~~~~Suzanne M. Kennell and Michael E. Attea were married November 4th in St. Stephen's Church. The Atteas are honeymooning in Aruba and will be living on the Island.
Happy birthday to Shirley McNulty (last Sunday), Carl Lamancuso (special greetings today), Bobby Fiels (a teenager today), Becky Mason and Andrew Kuszczak (today), Laura DeLong (Sweet 16 tomorrow), Lee Becker (10 tomorrow), Nancy Franklin, Floyd Doring and Mildred Dingey (tomorrow), Sherry Watkins , Steve Parisi and Richard Benns (Saturday), Ivey Spier (7 on Saturday), Kelly Elizabeth Williams (9 on Sunday), Andrew James Anderson (10 on Monday), Mildred Goldbach (special greetings Monday),Sharyn Krebs, Elaine Fields and Andy Tranter , (Monday), Aimee Anderson (15 on Tuesday), Bill Krebs and Samantha Kuszczak (Tuesday), Cyndi Booker, Jacob Kreutz and Mike Dommer (Wednesday) and Dave Miller (25 on Wednesday).~~~~A belated happy 40th to John Pullano who celebrated on the 5th.
Congratulations to the Varsity Vikings on a wonderful football season. Unfortunately, the Vikes lost to Pioneer 14-0 at Ralph Wilson Stadium where a good crowd of Islanders came out to cheer for the Grand Island team.~~~~Congratulations to Christy Gibney who has qualified to be a part of the section VI team for the state championships on March 3, 2001.
Looking back 40 years - Members of Sidway Junior High's ninth grade initiated the 7th graders in October 1960. Those pictured on the front page of the Island Dispatch were Sonja Miller (Hill), Richard Gibbons, Linda Schuecker, Ruth Burkhardt, Jerry Breazeale, Peggy Cotter (Will), Richard Yensan, Sara Staub and Karyl Reinauer.~~~~Bells IGA employees in the fall of 1960, dressed in western garb and pictured in the weekly paper to promote Chuckwagon Beef were Floyd Anderson, Robert Davisson, Charles (Bob) Smith, William Dunshie, Manager James Rogan, Emma Wiesmore, Owner Jessie Reese, Jane Langdon, Edna Sarokon, Mary Ford, Roy McDonald, Marie Menz, Dorothy Wielenbeck, Marcy Mulvena, John Johnston, Margaret Klug and Ken Andrus.~~~~The weekly paper reported that "Bernie Callahan, dressed as a cannibal for Halloween, shot one of the highest sets rolled by a woman at the Grand Island Recreation when she cracked the maples for a 239-206-158 - total 603 in the Wednesday Grand Island Belles League."~~~~Sidway Junion High artists Sheila Kelley, Francis Kelley, Janice Michaels and Linda Miles painted UNICEF pictures on the windows of the Richard Ray Restaurant.~~~~November 1960 election day saw a record voter turnout, 4117, on the Island with 2622 cast for the Nixon-Lodge ticket, 1424 for the Kennedy-Johnson team, and one vote for Socialist Worker Harry Dobbs.~~~~Declared best square dancers at the 7th grade Halloween dance at Sidway Jr. High were Blaise Rindone and Pam Pettitt.
Clayton G. Ames, 84, of Punta Gorda, FL., died Thursday, November 2, 2000. Committal services will be held in New York at a later date, to be announced. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Paradise Park Community Church Memorial Fund, 46900 Bermont Rd., Punta Gorda, FL., 33982.~~~~Harry R. Cunningham passed away Tuesday, November 7. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.~~~~Ralph C. Amann died on November 9th. Friends may call Friday only 2-4 p.m. at Kaiser Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11 AM, at St. Stephen's Church. Our sympathy to their families. (for complete death notices, see "Deaths" in our menu.)
The Fire Company's Ladies Auxiliary has a small amount of frozen chowder (1 quart containers, $3) for sale. Call Julie Meyer, 773-7146 if you are interested.
Veterans Day events are listed on the front page of our Grand Island E News. Let's remember our veterans of all wars - especially on Saturday.
November 2, 2000
