"Between the Bridges" 2003 by Teddy Linenfelser Previous Columns
		Photo courtesy of Diane "Bykowicz" Hassan  Class of '70

Thursday, December 31, 2003
Jim and Nancy Robinson of Parkview Drive are the proud grandparents of a baby girl, Cayleigh Rose Fitzsimmons born on Christmas Day weighing six pounds, 13 ounces and 20 inches long. The baby's parents are the former Renee' Robinson and her husband Chris Fitzsimmons of North Tonawanda. Cayleigh Rose is also the granddaughter of Debby and Mike Phelps of North Tonawanda and the late Richard Fitzsimmons.

Our sincere sympathy to the families of Cecilia Horrigan and former residents George Trader, Loraine Caraotta, Arthur Witnauer and Annette (Boehm) Fuhr who passed away this week. Click for complete Death Notices.

In the December 18, 2003 "Between The Bridges" column, I asked this trivia question. "How did the Brandon Brothers, Fantasy Island's cowboy desperados, get their name?" Click Old Photo Album for the answer and first year photos of Fantasy Island. Thanks to Jack Suchocki for the pictures and story.

The Sexton/Cunningham gang has just reminded me to wish Peter Cherenzia a happy big 4-0. Pete celebrated Monday, December 29th.~~~~Happy birthday also to Elsie Fleischmann and Nick Pelosi (today), Steven Lew and Sebastian Chevez (tomorrow), Chie Doring (Friday), Aimee Tredo (her 13th on Saturday), Patrick Kalisz (Saturday), Ellen "Blakelock" Martin and Hollis Busch (Sunday), Hanna Panzica (6 on Sunday), Joseph Kuszczak (4 on Sunday), Sue Novits (Monday), Craig Davis (the big one Wednesday) and Justin Bridenbaker (his 30th on Wednesday).

Congratulations to Grand Island High School Athletic Director Jon Roth who was presented with the 2003 Gordon J. Bukaty Award during the Western New York High School Football Awards Banquet. The award was in recognition of Jon's dedication and service to youth and athletics.

Looking Back 50 years - Dana Robertson (Cadille) and her parakeet, and David Dusenbury playing his trombone appeared on Lee Tetkowski's Uncle Buff TV show.

Looking Back 40 years - Bob Burkhardt was elected president and Andy Beyer, the new secretary of the Gear Jammers car club, sponsored by the Town's Recreation Commission.~~~~Raymond P. Griffin was installed the new supervisor of Grand Island in Town Hall on January 1, 1964.~~~~Donald B. Fraser was elected president of the Grand Island Taxpayers Association, succeeding John E. Lautz.~~~~Nicholas Paige was serving as the Island's Disaster Chairman for 1963-64.~~~~Richard G. Buzby was appointed to a permanent position of Business Manager for the Island School District.~~~~A grand opening was held at Open House Coffee Shop, formerly Beachcombers Restaurant, in the Grand Island Plaza.~~~~The Order of the Amaranth installation ceremony took place Saturday, January 4, 1964 in the Masonic Temple on Ferry Road. Senior Royal Matron Velma Harding and Senior Royal Patron LaVerne Harding were among those installed.

Looking Back 20 years - Ken Brodie, Russ Capizzi and Billy Janowsky, part of the Buffalo Swords Midget AA hockey team, were playing in an international tournament in Norway December 29, 1983 through January 2, 1984.

Looking Back "1" year - The final event of Grand Island's sesquicentennial celebration was the time capsule burial ceremony on December 31, 2002 on the wet and cloudy day.

The Wylkie brothers of Brick Oven Pizzeria have completely remodeled the dining room and lounge. Click Brick Oven Pizzeria for their complete and appetizing menu.

Happy New Year to former resident Jeff Long of Nunda, NY who was a little under the weather last week but is doing fine now.

Congratulations to very conscientious blood donor Gloria Diringer who has been given special recognition on reaching the 10-gallon donor level. According to the Red Cross, this means that she has donated a pint of blood at least 80 times.~~~~Congratulations to Greg Gesl who recently bowled a 277-257-268 for a 802 series at Manor Lanes.

Swearing In ceremonies for the newly elected town board members will be held at noon on New Year's Day in the Charlotte Sidway School dining room. Punch and cookies will follow the event.

To all of my readers - have a happy, healthy New Year, and thanks for your news and notes. Keep them coming in 2004. ~Teddy~

Wednesday, December 24, 2003
Two little Islanders to announce this week are Lynn and Kenneth Carter's baby girl, Natalie Grace, born Wednesday, December 3rd, and Aidan James MacNeil, son of Sarah and Roderick MacNeil and born on December 4th. Congratulations everyone.

Speaking of new babies, there is no charge to post a photo of your Island newborn with the complete announcement nor do we charge for death notices with or without a photo of the deceased if it is submitted. There is no charge for engagement and wedding announcements which may include a photo. The Grand Island E-News is a totally independent internet news source, having no connection with any other.

Friends of Betty Clement will want to send her a card of cheer. Betty, who is home now, became ill while visiting her daughter, Melissa Hill and her family in California.~~~~Hazel DeGlopper, who has been convalescing, would also appreciate cards and notes.

Happy birthday to Christmas baby Bob Hoag celebrating his 75th tomorrow, to Bud Yensan (tomorrow), Liz Barker and John Wheeler (Friday), Margie Walker (Saturday), Abigail Dallassandro (her 7th birthday on Saturday), Tyler James Nogle (3 on Saturday), Chelsea Schmidt (6 on Sunday), Maggie Gushue (Sunday), Art Ellsworth (his 75th on Sunday), Molly Hyland (entering her teens on Sunday), Jennifer Raham (her 21st on Monday), Stephanie McMahon (18 on Monday), Alex Bowerman (6 on Tuesday) and Christopher Podlucky (a teenager on Tuesday).

Best wishes to Larry and Dawn (Merrill) Hillock who will celebrate their 37th anniversary on Saturday, December 27th in Warner Robins, GA, and to Joanne and Rich Lozo, married 35 years on Sunday, December 28th.

Grand Island High School students and the high school music department will present the musical, Guys and Dolls on February 5-7, 2004. Businesses are invited to advertise in the program (over 2000 of them!) by contacting Sarah Russo at 634-6042 or emailing her at srusso@k12.ginet.org. Be sure to mention Isledegrande.com when you write or call.

Looking Back 50 years - Grand Island's newest physician, Dr. Peter K.Wittkugel, 33, of Cox Road, was killed instantly when his 1953 Pontiac sedan hit a tree on the west side of Beaver Island Parkway between Fix and Bush roads December 27, 1953. He opened his Island practice on November 1, 1953.~~~~Father Edward S. Schwegler was elevated to the rank of Monsignor.~~~~St. Martin-in-the-Fields 1954 Women's Guild officers were announced as Chairman Mrs. Robert Adelman, Vice Chairman Mrs. Donald Kaiser, Recording Chairman Mrs. Donald Flessing, Corresponding Chairman Mrs. Roy Johnson and Treasurer Mrs. Frank Siliphant. (Please email me at teddy@giecom.net if you remember the women's first names)~~~~"The King's Christmas Carol" was presented at the Kaegebein School on December 21, 1953. Paul Denler was King Claudius and Janet Fries (Mobius) took the part of Queen Bess. Other in the cast included Galen Young (Silly Willy the court jester), Patricia Williams (Glad), Terry Kortum (Mad) and George Breck (Sad).

Looking Back 30 years - Sidway School students, under the direction of music teacher Marge Egan, took part in the Christmas play, "Fenwick" on December 20, 1973. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus were played by Candice Bell and Franklin Guidone, Stanley Panetski had the title role of Fenwick and Kelly Clements played the part of Rumpelstiltskin.~~~~"Christmas Around the World" at the Huth Road Elementary School featured a 90-voice choir.~~~~Anita Wasson rolled the high single 203 (512) on December 10, 1973 with the Lunch Bunch league at Island Lanes.~~~~Six-year-old Michael Heldwin, a Kaegebein School first grader, was the winner of the Jaycee's Christmas Film Festival door prize - a Panda Bear Radio.

Our prayers go out to Nick Pelosi who is very ill.

Cheryl Chamberlain has written to tell me that the River Lea raffle was won by her sister-in-law, Andria Zysk of Niagara Falls. When Andria's name was drawn for the painting by Dorothy Bascomb, she gave it to Cheryl, knowing how she much she loved it. Cheryl said she just wanted to let all of the members of the Grand Island Historical Society know that the painting is lovely and still a part of Grand Island. Click Historical Society Webpage to view Mrs. Bascomb's artwork. Andria, by the way, was touring the historic River Lea to see Cheryl's daughter, Brooke Chamberlain, dressed in Victorian period attire. Brooke was volunteering with her Girl Scout Troop #46 during the holiday open house to earn a volunteer badge and from what I've heard these girls were a real asset to the event.

Our sincere sympathy to the family of Bernard F. Williams who passed away this week. Click for complete Death Notices.

The Sidway kitchen was voted "best decorated" in the holiday competition between the kitchen ladies and the dining room gals. Click Sidway School Page for photos.

Thank you to all of our advertisers who have supported the Grand Island E-News at Isledegrande.com. Click for our complete list of Advertisers.~~~~Grand Island Auto Tech at 2509 Grand Island Blvd. is one of our most recent businesses to come on board and we truly appreciate owners Ron and Mike Cook's support.

Pray for peace and for our troops "over there," and pray for the less fortunate, that they, too, may enjoy the holiday season.

December 18, 2003
A speedy recovery to Skip Uonites who was hospitalized last week. Cards and notes of cheer for Skip should be sent to him at 200 Lark Dr. SW, Largo, FL 33778.

Here's a trivia question for those of you who were here when Fantasy Island opened in 1961. It's a tough one, if you ask me! "How did the Brandon Brothers, Fantasy Island's cowboy desperados, get their name?" Email me at teddy@giecom.net if you think you have an answer.

The Grand Island Snowmobile Club meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of the month at the Holiday Inn Room West 2. If you are a snowmobiler on the Island, this Club is for you. Check out the Club Website and consider joining. The next meeting is on Wednesday, January 7th.

We are happy to announce that Beverly Davey and Larry Braddell of Pepper Mill Restaurant are among our newest advertisers. Click Pepper Mill Restaurant for their complete menu.~~~~Isledegrande.com advertiser River Oaks is offering a New Year's Eve party package which includes a filet mignon & lobster tail dinner, champagne toast at midnight and much more. Click "River Oaks" for details.

deSignet Jewelry on Whitehaven Road just off the Boulevard is running a 20% off Holiday Jewelry Sale. Don't go off the Island for that last minute gift. Check out the deSignet Jewelry website or better yet, stop in to the store and see for yourself.

Looking Back 50 years - Tommy Duncan and Craig Gushue sang solos during the 1953 evening Christmas Eve service at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church. ~~~~Those receiving awards during Cub Pack 75's Christmas meeting were Robert Tranter, Donald Tranter, Donald Saunders, Richard Sawdey, John Harper and Ronnie Salt.~~~~The Junior High faculty sponsored a Christmas party in the gym for their students December 22, 1953. Santa (Phil Anderson) gave out gifts including a baby chick to Lyle Dinsmore, pep pills to Jim Tranter, a picture of Jerry Lewis to Joan Wietan (Albert) and a light bulb to Bill Josey!~~~~Members of the Grand Island Community Chorus made their 1953 Carol Caravan, visiting as many ill and shut ins as possible in December 1953. The chorus sang at the dedication service of the Nativity Scene at Baseline and Express Highway on December 19, 1953. Taking part in the dedication were Rev. Franklin Beck of Trinity EUB, Rev. Richard Baker of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Rev. William Rowan of St. Timothy Lutheran, Rev. Edward S. Schwegler of St. Stephen's Church, and Rev. William Wagner of Emmanuel Chapel. (Click Old Photo Album for photos and history.)

Looking Back 40 years - The Sidway School choir, made up of grades 4-6, presented "Why the Chimes Ring" on December 18, 1963. Among the choir members were Kevin Kinney, Kenny Coulter, Linda Deeter (Tufillaro), Jim Havens, Mike Endres, Bob Guenther and Steven Manson.

Looking Back 10 years - St. Stephen's parishioners presented a re-enactment of the birth of Jesus Christ on the first day of winter, December 21, 1993. Taking part were Sandra and Chris Beyer and their children, Matthew, Micahlena and Nathaniel Beyer.~~~~Santa arrived via helicopter on December 18, 1993 for Grand Island's "First Annual Old Fashioned Christmas at the Gazebo" in the Town Center Park (formerly Bells Market).

Happy birthday to Shelby Bidell (18 today), Sue Braun (tomorrow), Buddy Smith (Saturday), Jonathan Cook (10 on Monday), Lynn Wuertzer (cheers on Monday), Barb Gatti (Monday), Nancy Samrany and Millie Vanthoff (Tuesday) and Ryan Vertino (a teenager on December 24th).~~~~Birthdays, anniversaries, successes and other bits of news for the Between The Bridges column may be emailed to me at teddy@giecom.net


There's our Evan who had a great time at the Fire Company children's party last Saturday. Featured dancers from McCarthy School of Irish Dance were all Island residents including the tiniest, MaryElisabeth Rustowicz, 4. The fun afternoon brought back many holiday memories of parties I attended with my sister in the original fire hall and later with our children, Evan's dad, Jim and our daughter, Julie in the 1970s.

Our sincere sympathy to the families of Doris Rees, Lefty Kendzierski, Stanley Hill Sr., Caroline Leitner, Nick Radius and former resident Anna T. Goodman who recently died. Our condolences to former resident Judy McTigue Cedro, whose son, Kenneth Cedro, passed away on Saturday. Click for complete Death Notices.

A retirement party January 16, 2004 at Classics on Niagara Falls Boulevard is being planned for retiring Town Clerk Nancy Samrany. Save the date and call Betty at 773-6278 for further information. We will post all the details as they are finalized.

The Town Recreation Department will hold a “Welcome Santa” event at the town hall from 3-6 p.m. Saturday. Children are welcome to visit with “Santa” and take part in fun, games and refreshments.~~~~A Christmas celebration will be held from 4-6 p.m. Sunday at the Environmental Cottage, 3449 West River Road.~~~~An American Red Cross blood drive is scheduled at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1841 Whitehaven Road from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. December 24th.

Look for next week's column on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24th. Happy Hanukkah to those Islanders who will be observing the holiday from sundown tomorrow evening through sundown on December 27th.

December 11, 2003

Historic Trinity's Holiday House Tour & Craft Show takes place this Saturday. For availability of tickets, call 773-4357 or 773-7276. Click Historic Trinity for complete details.

Jon Monti is featured on our Islanders In The Service page this week. This will be the first Christmas away from the Island for Jon and for many other Islanders 'over there.' Be sure to read about Jon and consider sending a note to all of those listed on the page. Parents and spouses are asked to check the email addresses that were originally posted and let me know if those have changed. Troops and their information for receiving mail will be posted as they are submitted. Email teddy@giecom.net.

Losing loved ones at any time is difficult, and especially so at this time of year. Our sincere sympathy to the families of Mildred Dingey, Charles Benzing, Joyce Schlifke, Florence Spiller and former resident Michael B. Cole who died this past week. Our condolences to former resident Jim Klocke, whose wife, Lonie, died suddenly on Tuesday. Click for complete Death Notices.

Kimberlie Deanne Fergen, daughter of John and Carol Fergen was married to Michael Robert Ball on Saturday in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Niagara Falls. The couple will be at home in Hamburg. Best wishes newlyweds.

Congratulations to Grand Island High School 10th grader Bobby Fiels. Bobby created "Snowman Collage Card," which is part of an assortment of holiday cards and unique gifts for the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation.~~~~Congratulations to 4th grader Chad Kelly on his first place win in the NFL Pepsi Punt, Pass and Kick competition. Click for Complete Story.~~~~Congratulations to J.J. Tutwiler, star quarterback who holds five records after his final season at Cortland State. J.J. set career marks for passing yards (6,007), touchdown passes (45) and total yards (6,598). He also has single-season records in touchdown passes (21 in 2001) and total yards (2,378 in 2002).~~~~Congratulations to Vikings Offensive Lineman Doug Ingraham, winner of the Class A Outstanding Lineman award presented by Lancaster Elks Lodge 1778.

Mike Hachee has added special hours for the holidays at his Rose Liquor Store. Click Rose Liquor for days and times.

Happy birthday to Vickie Kowzan (a teen today), Tammy Sexton (today), Steve Stouter (special cake and candles today!), Lauren Whitney (Saturday), Katie Rustowicz (11 on Sunday), Jeff Bykowicz and Reginia Guenther (Sunday), Katie Nordvik (entering her teens on Sunday), Savannah Stolzenburg (18 on Monday), Dolly Dilliot and Ted Filosofos (Monday), Matthew Foote (10 on Monday), Elizabeth Beach (Best wishes on Monday), Jim Pioli, Betty Lantz and Nancy Hayes (Tuesday), Joey Guenther (double digits - 10 on Tuesday), Ron Rutkowski (30 on Tuesday), Heather Goris (a teenager on Wednesday), and Arvilla Kendzierski and Art DiMartile (Wednesday).

Thanks to Grand Island Fire Company's Public Information Officer and past chief, Ray Pauley for keeping us so well informed of the Company's newsworthy events and safety issues. Ray makes sure the news, often accompanied by photos, is in my hands in a timely fashion. Thanks, Ray!

Just a note on the Looking Back section of "Between the Bridges." Often times I do not have the first names of women mentioned (Mrs. Robert Jones) nor do I always have the married names of those remembered in this part of the column. Feel free to email me at teddy@giecom.net if you can supply a name now and then. For those who would like to have a birthday or anniversary noted in the column, just send the names and dates and I will be glad to include them. Any other submissions may also be emailed to teddy@giecom.net

Looking Back 50 years - A signed contract received from the Niagara Frontier State Parks Commission in December 1953 assured the Town of Grand Island a revenue of $4800 a year for furnishing water to Beaver Island State Park.~~~~Faculty members Carol Thompson and Marion Young directed Sidway School's Christmas play, "The Christmas Bell" on Thursday, December 17, 1953. Roger Webster played the part of Santa Claus. Santa's assistants, Wimble and Nimble were played by Barbara Beck (Muratore) and Bonnie Taylor (Ford). Though not stars of the show, I was a Swiss dancer and my sister-in-law, Mary Linenfelser (Cooke) was a chocolate pudding.~~~~One of the largest Christmas dinner parties in the history of the Home Bureau was held Tuesday, December 15, 1953 in the Buffalo Launch Club when 139 women attended.~~~~This was part of a news article in December 1953: "Color TV is still a long way from your living room despite expected early approval of a universal color system by the FCC. First home sets are expected to cost between $500 and $1000 and use twice as much electricity as black and white sets."

Looking Back 40 years - Grand Island lost its very first swim meet to Cleveland Hill's JV team 61-34. Ed Sargent had two firsts for Grand Island in the 200 Individual Medley and the 100 Free. Jeff Kirsch had two firsts in the 200 free and the 400 free. Pete Hackett took first in the 50-free style. Richard Adams was the swim team's coach.~~~~Santa arrived at the Grand Island Rod & Gun Club via a Bombodier Ski-Doo driven by club member Rodney Alt in 1963. The machine was referred to in the weekly paper as a sled-like, motor driven vehicle.

Looking Back 30 years - Margie McMahon (Robillard) played "Swanee River" during a Christmas party for Marjorie Murdock's piano students. Among the other students who played the piano were Jude Casey (Kuehne), Beth Buchanan (Allen), David Ryan and Brian Russell.

Looking Back 20 years - The list of Niagara Frontier League All-Stars for the 1983 girls' swim season included Maureen Morrissey, Karen Learman, Kelly Valone (Maurer), Tracy Roesch and Kate McDonough. Kelly, Tracy and Katie were credited the previous year as Best in GIHS History.

Looking Back 10 years - Bill Rohring Jr., a member of the Grand Island High School Class of 1974, bowled a perfect 300 in a 783 series while bowling with the Schoolmasters League at Beverly Lanes in December 1993.~~~~Grand Island High School's first Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) was organized in November 1993. First officers installed at Salvatore's Italian Gardens were President Amber Killian, Vice President Michelle Segarra, Secretary Laina Cascio, Treasurer Nate Pannullo, Reporter Janice Khreis and Parliamentarian Darcy Caldwell. Also attending the dinner were Principal Augustus Young, Assistant Principal Carolyn Fabiano, Business Program Coordinator Timothy Oldenburg and DECA advisors Matthew Smith and Michael Neu.~~~~Viking Football players selected by the Section VI Football Federation coaches as 1993 Division 3 All-Stars were offensive lineman Mark Nowicki, receiver Mike Gardner, quarterback Joel Moran, linebacker Mark Pearce, lineman Sean McDonnell and defensive end Kyle Bridenbacker.


Have you seen this picture on our front page? Did you check to see if your name was listed on the Watch For Your Name! Play The Game page? There were four names listed in the past two weeks with no one claiming a prize. Winners so far are Ryan Case, Richard Lozo Sr. and Jeff Stone.

Check out new advertiser Kerry Lanthier's Kerry's Residential & Commercial Remodeling and Restoration webpage. Kerry says, "Let me finish your 'do it yourself' project!"

Auditions for the St. Stephen's Parish Players' adult theatrical production of Oklahoma! are being held Monday and Wednesday evenings in the St. Stephen School cafeteria. Check the Parish Players Webpage for full details.

December 4, 2003

Happy birthday to longtime Islander Lefty Kendzierski (seated) who will celebrate his 87th birthday on Saturday. Lefty, who has certainly helped to make Grand Island a "grand" place to live, is shown with his son, Frank Kendzierski; granddaughter, Michelle Reed; and great grandson Matthew Reed.~~~~A very happy 60th birthday to Marylou Cannata who celebrated Monday. These pink flamingos, all 60 of them, heard about the event and showed up for the weekend! Click for the full picture.

~~~~Happy birthday also to Marie Long (today), Robert Augugliaro (8 today), Kristen Atkinson (5 today), Emma Lee Schultz (5 tomorrow), Mary Jane (Barker) Lockwood (cheers tomorrow), Darcey Golde (tomorrow), Ruth Stahl (Saturday), Miranda Lea Proctor (3 on Saturday), Jean Davern (Sunday), Mike Litzel (a big one on Sunday), Sydney Khreis (5 on Tuesday), Ken Lewis (Wednesday), and Jennifer Loder (her 30th on Wednesday).

Our grandson Evan James Linenfelser celebrated his first birthday yesterday. One of the highlights of his Thanksgiving weekend was attending a family party and having fun with two of his baby cousins, 16-month-old Katrina Elizabeth Linenfelser, daughter of Matt and Teresa, and 7-month-old Mark Daniel Ramsperger, son of Christina and Vince.

Looking Back 50 years - Robert Altshaft and Tom Benton III were elected president and vice president of the Grand Island Fire Company.~~~~Dorothy Waltman was in charge of the local 1953 Christmas Seal Art Project (Tuberculous Association). Island winners were Kathy Kinsey, James Sawdey, Douglas Bauer and Tom Pierson. The winning posters were on display in Strauss Shoe Store in the Grandyle Plaza on Love Road.~~~~Anthony Calvano and his three sons opened their new Sandy Beach Supermarket on Wallace Drive December 10, 1953.

Looking Back 40 years - Ilona's Gift Shop opened in the Ilona Lang Building, 1770 Grand Island Blvd.~~~~Grand Island Plaza merchants in December 1963 were Highland Boot Shop, Lane Drugs, Open House Restaurant, Acme Supermarket, The Beauty Isle, Marty's Mobile Service, Neisner's, Wayside Furniture (showroom), Cataract Cleaners, M&T Bank and the Plaza Barber Shop.~~~~Nancy Quinlan rolled 148, 148 and 148 at Island Lanes.~~~~Santa asked the help of the Chamber of Commerce members including Marty Wolverton, Marion Klingel or Johnny Johnston in delivering toys to Island children who might otherwise be overlooked.~~~~A new shooting club was formed on December 6, 1963 and first officers were President Charles Lalloz, Executive Vice President Hon. Charles J. Gaughan, Vice President Elmer Fancher, Treasurer Harold Parrish, Secretary Paula Rauch and instructors Donald Rauch and Richard Cannon. Other officers included James D. Robinson, George Janetakos, George R. Blair, Thomas W. Ryan and James A. Moynihan.

Looking Back 30 years - Anita Wasson had the high single 203 (512) on December 10, 1973 with the Lunch Bunch league at Island Lanes.

Looking Back 20 years - Junior Football participants who were honored with an Al Schoenle award in 1983 were Gary Lhotsky (115-pound team), Bill Pendrys (75-pound), and Frank Potenza (95-pound).~~~~Girls chosen as Grand Island Junior Football's Most Outstanding Cheerleaders in December 1983 were Kristi Young, Lisa Roeder and Lisa Foley.~~~~Senior Todd Adams, who earned a spot on the All-Tourney team, was the only Viking in double figures netting 20 points in a losing hockey game with Hamburg High School in December 1983.

Congratulations to the new Grand Island Fire Company President Reed Wright. Elections took place yesterday when Fire Chief Greg Butcher ran unopposed.

Our sincere sympathy to the families of Geraldine McCormick, Matthew S. Makowski, Anthony W. Kustich and former resident Betty J. Hasert who died recently. Click for complete Death Notices.

Isledegrande.com advertiser Lyle Dinsmore of L.D.C. Construction Co. Inc. is currently doing the work for the State Parks project at the site of the former East River Marina in Ferry Village. For very interesting photos of the work, click Marina Project and then be sure to click the photos for a larger view.

Elizabeth R. Richards and Thomas J. Sheehan were married Saturday, November 29th in St. Joseph Cathedral. The groom is the son of Janet and Dr. Tom Sheehan of Grand Island.

A Christmas Musical with Dinner and Drama will be offered at the Whitehaven Road Baptist Church tomorrow and Sunday.~~~~The Grand Island Historical Society is hosting its final and not to be missed Holiday Open House at River Lea in Beaver Island State Park Sunday afternoon.~~~~Auditions are being held tonight for the St. Stephen's Parish Players children's production.~~~~The VFW Post 9249 will hold a Pearl Harbor Remembrance at noon on Sunday.~~~~Connor Middle School students will present a Holiday Concert Wednesday evening.

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

Send me your news, notes, birthdays and anniversaries to teddy@giecom.net

Wednesday, November 26, 2003

Happy birthday to Island native Donna Krehl. The former Donna Yakam, shown above in her Brownie cap when she was in Marge Ehde Anderson's 3rd grade at Kaegebein School, is celebrating tomorrow - Thanksgiving Day. For a photo of Donna with her class and teacher, click "Third Grade."~~~~Happy birthday also to Gladys Benzing (Friday), JoAnn Vanderheite and Tracy Roesch Calhoon (Saturday), Mike Burns (a milestone on Sunday), John Podlucky (his 21st on Sunday), Michael Hillock (a teenager on Sunday), Pat McNulty (her 80th birthday on Tuesday), Marcy Malecki (cheers on Tuesday), and Lois Kaiser Schoenfeld (Wednesday).~~~~A belated happy birthday to Patrick Conn who celebrated a big one on Sunday.~~~~Today's birthdays were listed in the November 20th Between The Bridges column. If you would like to see your birthday or birthdays of your loved ones list here, email the names and dates to teddy@giecom.net

Congratulations to Michael and Alphia C. Gangemi on the birth of a son, Angelo Fredrick Gangemi on October 22, 2003. Proud Island grandparents are Richard and Alphia L. Criss and the baby's great grandmother is Island resident Alphia F. Prosser.

Best wishes, newlyweds. Grand Island High School Art Teacher Megan S. Hoy was married to Andrew J. Gaiek on Saturday, November 22nd.~~~~Casey Lee O'Connell became the bride of Dr. William Preston Magee in St. Stephen Catholic Church on November 8th. Casey is the daughter of Timothy and Kathleen O'Connell of Grand Island.

Michael Anthony Rossi, Attorney At Law has become an advertiser with us here at Isledegrande.com and we thank him and wish him well. Mike is located at 1979 Grand Island Blvd. and his firm has over 23 years experience handling legal matters of all kinds.

Do any of my readers have photos of the 1970 high school production of Bye, Bye, Birdie? Stars of the show were John Study, Randy White and Della Stachelczyk (Stacey), and Roberta Gassbarre was student choreographer. The cast also included Mary Stewart, Belinda Board (Gould) and Tom Colley. Email me at teddy@giecom.net

Looking Back 50 years - Lee Tetkowski's "Uncle Buff's Story Time" on television featured Bobby Bell with his live turkey from his daddy, William Bell's farm.~~~~A crowd of nearly 2000 attended the Welcome Santa event at the Grand Island Garden Center on "Express Highway" on Sunday, November 29, 1953. For the complete story and three Wendell Stratton photos, click Old Photo Album.~~~~Betty Wheeler and Bea Daggett were in charge of the Kaegebein School PTA Book Fair and Pancake Supper in November 1953.~~~~Mariner Scouts Myrna Dworak (Boerschig) and Nancy Seifert (Dinan) taught the 5th and 6th grade scouts of Girl Scout Troop 337 how to give artificial respiration in November 1953.~~~~The town board agreed that the Army Anti-Aircraft Installations on Staley and Ransom roads be allowed to purchase water from Water District 2 at standard rates subject to prior needs of the district.

Looking Back 40 years - Senior Girl Scouts of Troop #815 recognized as being a part of Girl Scouting for 10 years were Louise Johnson (Toth), Sharon Davis (Szmadua), Judy Lexo (Schmidt), Kathy Perkins (Keast), Peggy Cotter (Will), Diane Gaiser (Gurbacki) and Sue Kohlhagen (Long).

Looking Back 30 years - The New York State DeMolay awarded Isle Chapter Order of DeMolay the "Chapter of the Year" (Coty) award 1972-73. The recognition is given to the most outstanding of the 90 DeMolay chapters in the State. Young Island men leading the group which was instituted four years earlier, were Terry Posluszny, Jim Hobby and Tim Spivey.

If you wake up on Thanksgiving Day and realize you forgot to pick up a bottle of Mogan David, you aren't out of luck! Mike Hachee's Rose Liquor Store will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.

Our sincere sympathy to the families of Barbara Ann Mailloux, Andy Piacente and Olga E. Steffan who died recently. Click for complete Death Notices.

Don't forget the Grand Island Alumni Association's mixer at River Oaks Clubhouse 7 p.m. Friday evening. The event will be on a cash basis, with no cover charge. It is hoped that residents and out-of-towners will show up to visit. Everyone is invited.

Auditions for the St. Stephen's Parish Players children's production, "Hound of the Clackervilles," are being held at St. Stephen school from 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, December 3rd and from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, December 4th. Children in grades 3 through 12 from all Island and off-Island schools are welcome and encouraged to audition. For more information, call Linda Burkhart at 774-0447.

Just a reminder (as if they'd forget) that the middle school and high school kids have Monday, December 1st off!

Thanksgiving, a day set aside to count our blessings, is a perfect time for me to thank my readers for keeping in touch and even becoming my friends though we've never met. Have a great weekend.

November 20, 2003
    
Ronnie                          David
Happy birthday to Ron McNamee - a big one today and to David Pinkow, celebrating the same one on Monday. The 1953 Sidway School yearbook photos show the boys as they looked in Mrs. Violet Harding's third grade.~~~~Happy birthday also to Victoria McCraith (Sweet 16 today), Rebecca Rae (her 20th today), Lydia Endres (tomorrow), Jim Hartman (Saturday), Tim McMahon (Sunday), Lois Morgan and Lynn Kalman (Tuesday) and Ryan McDonough (a milestone on Tuesday).

The Girls Soccer Team lost at the Class A State Semifinals Friday and the Varsity Vikings also lost on Saturday in the Class A Far West Regionals but the teams went further than most and can certainly be considered championship teams. Thanks to everyone for great season play.

Welcome, Morgan Lea Proctor, born October 31st to Tamara and Paul Proctor. Morgan Lea has a big sister, Miranda Lea, who is nearly three years old. Proud grandparents are Bonnie Proctor and Bob and Pat Haag.

Celebrating anniversaries this week are Mark and Diane Hassan (27 years today), Don and Fran Burrows (38 years today), Denise and Michael McMahon (30 years on Monday), and Chris and Vincent Ramsperger (10 years on Wednesday).

A reader emailed me a message yesterday morning (Wed.) that a beautiful cat was at her door wanting to come in. It was definitely a house cat, hungry and cold. She also said it was a dark tiger looking cat and very well mannered. "After I got my daughter out to the bus, I went to get some milk for the cat but it had walked away." If anyone is looking for their lost cat in the Sandy Beach area, this one was spotted at Warner and Wallace Drive.

Carol and Chuck Dunworth are our newest advertiser. Be sure to click COUPONS for the 10% off coupon for their One Hour Dry Cleaners. It's good until 12/31/03!

Looking Back 50 years - On Monday, November 23, 1953 former Supervisor John Mesmer and his sons, John R., Franklin, Raymond, Edward and David started operation of their new dairy and milk bottling plant on Love Road. Their plant on Argus St. in Buffalo was being dismantled and moved to Grand Island.~~~~The inter-church Thanksgiving service with special music by a joint choir was held at Trinity Church on Thanksgiving morning in 1953. Ministers from Trinity, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, St. Timothy and Emmanuel Chapel participated.

Looking Back 40 years - 19th Accident At Ferry Landing was the headline in a November 1963 weekly paper. The dangerous curve at East River and the old Tonawanda Ferry Landing just south of Whitehaven was the scene of another serious accident when the victim's car went off the road and hit a tree.~~~~A grand opening of Joe and Pauline Drago's Drago's Restaurant in the J&D Plaza took place on November 26-27, 1963. Running the operation were Evelyn Mann, Sandra Fritz, Meriel Grimm and Jeanine Quagliana.~~~~Beer at popular prices was made available seven days a week at Lane Drugs in the Grand Island Plaza.

Looking Back 30 years - A testimonial dinner was held in the Holiday Inn in honor of Abe Milner who was retiring from the Grand Island Library Board after more than 25 years service.~~~~Cub Scout Den 3, Pack 423 leader Gladys Costanzo and Cub Scouts Brent Patmos, Paul Mutolo, Jack McCaffery, Chicky Vacanti and Steve Costanzo visited River Lea in November 1973.

This week's featured Isledegrande.com advertiser is Rod Reisdorf of Mr. Bestwrench. who does excellent repair work on all makes of cars and trucks and at reasonable prices.


Best wishes to Randy White, Class of 1970, and his wife, Janice who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a cruise. They sailed from San Juan to St. Thomas, St. Martin, Antigua, St. Lucia and Barbados. "Now we hunker down for the winter," says Randy! The Whites, who live in Indianapolis, Indiana, were married on October 28, 1978.

Our sincere sympathy to the families of Ann Senn, Carol P. Brant and former resident Cheryl (Phelps) Cassel who died recently. Click for complete Death Notices.

Congratulations to Grand Island High School senior, Mike Blocho, who has been named one of 10 finalists for the 32nd Connolly Cup awarded annually to the most outstanding football player in Western New York. The Riverside Athletic Committee will announce the winner on December 6th.

The "little old church ladies" of Island United Presbyterian Church are again taking orders through Sunday for their "famous" homemade pies that include fresh apple ($8), cranberry walnut ($8) and mincemeat pies ($8.50). Call 773-4424 for details.

The following appeared in last week's paper and are worth noting for anyone who may have overlooked them:
• A Word From Our Troops which are notes from Islanders "over there."
• Pray For Our U.S. Troops - two prayers for those serving their country and submitted by readers.

If you have a loved one, friend, or relative serving his/her country and would like to have our readers write to them, send the necessary information for our In The Service page to me at teddy@giecom.net. We presently have 17 troops on the page and some of the email addresses are obsolete. Please let us know if you have a current email address for any of those already on the page.

Have you looked for your name at Watch For Your Name! Play The Game?

Please check our Events Calendar for details on tonight's High School National Honor Society Spaghetti Dinner, a used book sale at the library on Friday and Saturday, celebration party for Councilman Elect Gary Roesch on Saturday, the Grand Island Ministerium's Annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service on Sunday evening, plus other events throughout the week.

November 13, 2003
Go Vikings - and good luck! The Varsity Vikings took the Class B championship title by beating Lew-Port, 45-12 last Saturday at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Grand Island (9-1) plays a 7 p.m. game against Victor (10-0) for the CLASS A Title on Saturday at St. John Fisher College in Pittsford.

The Girls Varsity Soccer Team won the Far-West Regionals by defeating Pittsford-Mendon and are off to the "States" to play Burnt Hills from Section 2 at 2 p.m. tomorrow (Nov. 14th) at Brighton High School in Rochester. Good luck, girls!


Former resident Ralph Brown's complete obituary appears on our death page. Click Death Notice.

We have a new contest going on with valuable prizes from our advertisers. To be eligible to win, you must be signed in on our Guestbook. Click Find Your Name for all the information and good luck! First winners are former resident Ryan Case of Rochester and Rich Lozo of Greenway Road.

Congratulations and best wishes to Peggy McNulty on her recent marriage to Bob Hooper. The Hoopers are living on the Island and Peggy's new phone number is 773-7323 and her new email address is Gabbypeg1@aol.com.

Very unfortunately, Isle resident Eugene Pigott Jr. was not chosen for the vacancy on the State Court of Appeals. Click Pigott Story for a Buffalo News Opinion article.

My husband, Jim and 14-year-old grandson, John Bidell attended the "Trains on the Island Train Show" held over the weekend at the Holiday Inn Grand Island. The event was sponsored by the Toy Train Collectors Society and is going to be an annual event here.

Thinking of getting a Jack Russell Terrier? They are being raised right here on Staley Road, Grand Island. Click Medlesome Russell's for the website. And, yes, they are just one of our newest advertisers.

Congratulations to Fredonia midfielder Katie Remus who was named first-team All-SUNYAC for women's soccer. Katie, who was selected for the first All Academic All Western New York Soccer Team while attending Grand Island High School, is a member of its Class of 2001.~~~~Congratulations also to Island resident Genevieve Capizzi, "the state court system's fiscal watchdog for all Western New York courts," who was recently awarded its Quality Service Award. A 25-year veteran of the court system, she was honored for her "outstanding" work and accomplishments overseeing the district's fiscal concerns.

Happy birthday to Robert David Arch who celebrated his first birthday on November 6th, and to Helen Ashleigh McMahon who turned two years old on Tuesday. Happy birthday also to Michael Madigan (a big one today), Samantha Kuszczak (10 tomorrow), Dwight Gray and Jacob Kreutz (cheers on Saturday), Brian Kopf (Sunday), Sierra Marie Maras (three on Sunday), Molly "Pedlow" Thomson (Monday's the big day), Gayle Quint (Tuesday), Audene Affuso (cake and candles on Tuesday).

Happy Birthday, Judy! Last but certainly not least, Judy DiTullio Penque is celebrating her birthday on Monday.

Looking Back 50 years - The Grand Island Rod & Gun Club party on November 14, 1953 in the newly remodeled and redecorated clubhouse was chaired by Norman Meyer and his wife, Dodie. Featured was the club's famous buffet supper and card games. Also on the committee were Vernon H. Hanna, William House, Walter Knowalon and Charles C. Pate.~~~~The old fire hall, originally the first town hall, was sold to the highest bidder, Art Kingston for $100. Art tore it down and salvaged the lumber.~~~~The town board voted to change the Del & Herb's property classification from "B" to "D" for the erection of a sub-station by the Niagara Mohawk Power Company 50 years ago.~~~~A brand new school bus arrived to replace a borrowed bus.~~~~Mrs. Herbert Beardsley's Brownie Troop #221 invested the following girls at the first meeting on November 17, 1953: Pam Ball (Fries), Sandra Beardsley (Eckfeldt), Sharon Benzing (Minet), Kathy Butler (Treadwell), Caryl Denler (Kershner), Ellen Glor, Patricia Geary (Kostenbauder), Catherine McGregor (Guinn), Barbara Running, Nadene Lewis and Tonya Drake (Robins). Virginia Drake served as assistant leader.

Looking Back 40 years - A "Name Our Team Contest" was held for the naming of the sports teams at the new Grand Island Jr. Sr. High School.~~~~The Gearjammers car club, headed by President Bob Benton, held a model car contest and awarded trophies to the winners including John Diringer, Bruce Meyers, Tom LaBrake and Mike McNulty.~~~~Rebecca Ruth Buehrig was installed Beloved Queen of Aries Triangle 131 on November 14, 1963.~~~~Betty Jane Harding and Irene Kaiser were co-hostesses for a Cinderella Garden Club meeting in the Harding home when guest speaker Eve Collins instructed members in a "Have Your Arrangement and Eat It Too" demonstration.

Looking Back 30 years - Democratic Supervisor Raymond P. Griffin was re-elected to an unprecedented sixth term by more than 1000 votes.~~~~The cast of the high school Spotlighters production of "Barefoot In The Park" in November 1973 included Debbie Foster, Walter Hughes, Barbara LiVecchi, Paul Zoltoski, Jamie Pultz and Judd Cady.~~~~Russell Beyer, a Grand Island High School senior, was named Outstanding Teenage Young Man of the Year for 1973 by the Grand Island Jaycees.~~~~Reg Schopp was in charge of arrangements for a joint dinner meeting of Island services clubs, held in the Buffalo Launch Club and hosted by the Grand Island Rotary Club.

A reader has informed the Grand Island E-News that there has been a change with the Grand Island collection boxes at the post office. Residents cannot drop off mail "on your way home" without going inside the post office. Collection times elsewhere are Town Hall, 3 p.m.; Wilson Farms, 2 p.m.; and outside the dollar store, 10 p.m.

Just heard that Islander Fran Wilczek will be singing with her group, Smooth as Silk from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, November 22nd at Johns' Flaming Hearth on Military Road in the Falls. The word is that a good showing of Islanders will be crossing the bridge to hear this great band and Fran's awesome voice.~~~~ Those of you who know John and Carol Jean (DeMike) Linenfelser will enjoy seeing what their daughter, SaraBeth is up too. Click SaraBeth for her photo. Sara has been modeling in New York City for several years and lives there with her husband and two young sons.

The Celebration/Fundraiser for Alexi Salamone will be held from 6-9 p.m. tomorrow evening (Friday). Click Alexi Fundraiser for complete information.~~~~Members of the Grand Island Hockey Club will hold a Chinese Auction and Basket Raffle from 7-11 p.m., Friday, November 21st at the Hyde Park Ice Pavilion. Details are on our Sports Page.


This is the livingroom of the Grand Island Historical Society's headquarters, River Lea. Click the Fred Claus photo for a full view of the room. River Lea is located in Beaver Island Park and will be open from 2-4 p.m. this Sunday. Mark your calendar and stop by for Island history and refreshments.~~~~Have a nice weekend and stay warm!

November 6, 2003

Click photo for larger view
Yep! Here he is again - our dear grandson Evan Linenfelser on Halloween. Just couldn't resist sharing this photo with you.

Welcome, Lucas Michael Hooper, born October 15, 2003 weighing eight pounds, seven ounces. Proud parents are Mike and Teresa Hooper. Equally proud grandparents are Gale and Dick Sander of Grand Island and Ruth and Charlie Hooper of Clarence.

Isledegrande.com reporter Joelle Logue has asked that I mention the annual Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Tasting, Dinner & Auction to benefit the outreach programs of the YWCA of the Tonawandas and scheduled for Friday, November 21st at Banchetti's by Rizzo. We've attended the event for many years and can honestly say it is a grand evening. Click above for details.

Our sincere sympathy to the families of Betty (Davern) Harris, Richard F. Bergstrom and former residents Ralph Brown and Irene (Turpin) Kitching who died this past week. Click for complete Death Notices.

Happy birthday to Ryan Proctor (10 today), Ashley Braddell (a teenager today), "Sweet" Mary McMahon (tomorrow), Jackie Mordaunt (tomorrow), Floyd Doring (cheers on Monday), Lee Becker and Ivey Spier (entering their teens on Monday and Tuesday respectively) and Allan Webb (Cheers Wednesday).

Harriet and John McKinney recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a renewal of their vows on a cruise of the Panama Canal. The McKinneys were married Oct. 14, 1943 in Kenmore Methodist Church.

Congratulations to Carol Hamm who was named Cub Scouter of the Year by Boy Scouts of America Greater Niagara Frontier Council. Polaris District Awards of Merit went to Mrs. Hamm and to Steven Heeb.

The Holiday Inn Grand Island is one of our newest advertisers. We appreciate their sponsorship of Isledegrande.com and also the fact that, when given the opportunity, they always go above and beyond in providing such wonderful arrangements for the Island's special events.

Looking Back 50 years - The Sidway School 9th grade Class of '54 was selling "Grand Island - A Grand Place To Live" license plates to raise funds for graduation expenses.~~~~Lee Tetkowski of Whitehaven Road inaugurated her first children's television show, "Uncle Buff's Story Time," on Monday, November 9, 1953. She was the writer and producer and her show was on television Monday through Friday on WBUF-TV.~~~~Fred Mesmer of Mesmer's Supper Club and part owner of the Nice estate on Grand Island was in the process of grading a sports car track at Whitehaven and East River roads. Fred's grandfather, in 1890, had a race track on the same site and the banking of the old track was used in the new one. Said to be the best in the area, the two tracks, one inside the other, would provide plenty of room for top notch racing.~~~~Grand Island American Legion Post #1346 members Ken Maurer and Mike Meyer were awarded "Door-Knocker" certificates at the 35th Armistice Day luncheon of the American Legion at the Statler Hotel in Buffalo. Ken and Mike were recognized for outstanding achievement in the American Legion membership campaign of 1953.

Looking Back 40 years - Newly elected Kiwanis Club officers in 1963 were President Gerald Dinsmore, First Vice President Everett Kellogg, Second Vice President Robert E. Study, Treasurer Nelson F. Striebich, and directors Clifford King, Fred Haefner and Harold L. Long~~~~Honored during worship service at Island United Presbyterian Church in October 1963 were the Sunday School teachers who incuded Barbara Bagdy, Betty Lovelee, Jeanette Ray and Shirley Gilmore.~~~~American Legion Post #1346 Commander Henry Gardner directed a formal dedication of the DeGlopper Memorial Park at Grand Island Blvd. and Baseline Road on Sunday, November 10, 1963.~~~~The Island's American Legion recognized two outstanding sophomores of the new Jr. Sr. High School. The presentation of awards was made on Friday, November 8, 1963 by American Legion member Roger Kaiser and awardees were Jayne Pless (Miller) and John Killian.

Looking Back 30 years - Election night counts in November 1973 listed Highway Superintendent candidates Norman J. Mrkall (R) and Carl John (D), a Republican endorsed by the Democratic party, in a tie vote of 2470 each. On Thursday, November 8, 1973 both parties met at the Erie County Board of Elections for a re-count. At the end of the meeting each had garnered one more vote. On Friday, after many hours, it was determined that Mr. Mrkall had received an additional vote at the polls in District 4 making the official count 2472/Mrkall and 2471/John. Norm appointed Carl as his deputy, a post Mr. John was serving at the time under Highway Superintendent Joe Roe who was retiring.~~~~Nike Site Awarded To Grand Island was the headline in the local weekly paper 30 years ago. "Since the summer of 1970, the town of Grand Island and the local school district have been in pursuit of the title to land between Whitehaven and Staley roads, long occupied by the US government's installation, the Nike Site." The site had been held on Federal Land rolls and had been idle for several years.

Sounds like a very interesting program tonight at the Grand Island Historical Society meeting. Douglas Kohler will speak on "Buffalo's Millionaires" from yesteryears during the 7:30 p.m. get-together in Society headquarters, River Lea in Beaver Island State Park. The meeting is open to the public and refreshments will be served.

Congratulations and good luck to the Varsity Vikings (8-1) who will return to Ralph Wilson Stadium for the Class B championship at 3 p.m. against Lew-Port (8-1) this Saturday. Tickets are available for $5 pre-sale at the High School office, or Saturday at the stadium for $7.

The Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary will hold a "Day of Home Parties" on Saturday and the Knights of Columbus has scheduled a spaghetti dinner on Wednesday. Check our Events Calendar and be sure to email me at teddy@giecom.net with your organization, church and Island events so that they may be included.

October 30, 2003
Our sincerest sympathy to the families of Kenny Maurer, Pat Kaiser and Tony Guenther who passed away this week. Former resident Sylvia Burgstahler died on October 24th. Our condolences to Sylvia's daughters, Joan Bridge and Gail Rothenberg and their families. Click for complete Death Notices.

Happy birthday to our daughter Julie Dee and to Dave Wilkinson and Allen Glessner (today), to Emily Mary Fred (three on Saturday), Sarah Grace Kustich (5 on Saturday), Triston Wilkinson (Saturday), twins Sue McMahon and JoAnn Lozo (Sunday), Jared Billica (a teenager on Tuesday), Richard Williams and Doug Bullock (milestone birthdays on Wednesday), Casey Carminati (entering her teens on Wednesday), and Shirley McNulty (Wednesday).


Click photo for slightly larger view
This is Evan Linenfelser, our grandson, if you're new to this column! That's his dad, Jim, shoveling supper into Evan before mommy, Laury arrived at our house on Saturday for a birthday dinner for Laury and Aunt Julie Dee.

Prayers are in order for Jack Hugill who has suffered some serious health problems and is at home now. How about sending Jack some cheery cards, folks!

One of our readers wrote this week to tell me she ordered flowers on line from one of our advertisers, Sue Berger of Flower A Day Florist. "It was so easy!" she said. Click Sue's website and keep her in mind when the need arises.

Looking Back 50 years - Margaret Anetsberger planned refreshments around a Halloween theme for the St. Stephen's Altar Society card party where one of the prizes was a pretty doll all dressed up in ten one-dollar bills.~~~~Walton Tanner of Ferry Road was elected president of the Kiwanis Club for 1954 succeeding John Fritz. Others elected were Vice Presidents William Wallace and LaVerne Harding, Treasurer Cecil Manchester, and Directors Harry Bradley, Robert Campbell and Ernest Godfrey.~~~~Johnny Fontana celebrated his 12th birthday with his friends who came in costume, first at the movies, then at home for dinner and games and ending with "tricks or treating."~~~~Lois Martene's Girl Scout Troop 337 spent the Halloween weekend at Sky Hi Girl Scout Camp in Orchard Park.

Looking Back 40 years - Elsie E. Stamler, Town Clerk for 32 years, at last had her own private space in the former peace justice office right behind the switchboard. This was in the second town hall, formerly School #9.~~~~Raymond P. Griffin was elected supervisor in November 1963, the first democrat to win the post since 1949. The vote was Griffin, 1880 over incumbent George L. Thorne, 1571. Thorne had been appointed supervisor in November 1960 to fill the vacancy of George J. Burgstahler who resigned.~~~~Grand Island Biological Company's laboratory on Staley Road was put into operation under the direction of Isle residents Robert B. Ferguson and William S. Sharon.~~~~The retirement of Clarence Schutt, a school district bus driver and custodian from September 1934 to June 1963 was announced.~~~~ Costume winners at the Halloween parade and party at Tops Market on Love Road 40 years ago were Vickie Popular, Kathy Orchard, Bill Dyet, Mary Mason, Cynthia Mason, Lawrence Rohring, Wilford Rohring, Douglas Brown and James Mondoux.~~~~The Republican Women's Club was founded on October 15, 1963.

Looking Back 30 years - The Grand Island Art Society's 3rd annual Holiday Corner was held Saturday, November 3, 1973 in the Island Lanes. Chairman Rose Blank was assisted by Margaret Villano, Bob Willer, Betty O'Dea, Dan Marciano, Beth Minklei and Ellie Gracie.~~~~The Jaycees Halloween Party at Tops produced the following costume winners who received $5 prizes: John Canaan, a pumpkin; Christine Peterson, as Ronald MacDonald; Wendi Fredenberg, a bee; Joanne Gorenflo, upsidedown man; and Jeffrey Lewis, a Robot. Miss Debbi Owens assisted with the judging.

Looking Back 10 years - George Clement closed his Grandyle Pharmacy in the Love Road plaza in October 1993. The "drug store" originally opened in the "new" plaza in 1952.


This is our town board reporter, Joelle Logue and her granddaughter Gracie Elizabeth Logue. Baby Gracie was born August 19th and lives with her parents, Chris and Andrea in New Bern, North Carolina where Joelle has been spending some quality time with her new granddaughter.

Lee Tetkowski still needs a few more volunteers for Election Day to help with the Kids Voting. Call her at 773-3266 if you can volunteer a few hours.

Be sure to exercize your right to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4th. The Republicans will congregate at River Oaks and the Democrats will be at 1713 Grand Island Boulevard watching the vote returns.

The annual Craft Show and Sale sponsored by the Kaegebein PTA will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and the Golden Age Club's annual holiday bazaar is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the center, 3278 Whitehaven Road. Click Golden Age Club Page or Kaegebein PTA for more information.

Christine and Gene Ryshkus' Haunted Greenhouse on Alvin Road will be open to kids of all ages from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through tomorrow evening, October 31st. Check out Gene and Christine's Grand Island Garden Center website and stop by and say hello.

The Grand Island High School Varsity Vikings will take on Lake Shore at Grand Island 1:30 p.m. Saturday for the Section VI Semifinals. Go Vikings!

October 23, 2003

Mark and Michelle Pinzel are the proud parents of their first child, a son born Monday, October 20th. For all the details, click Ryan Derek Pinzel.


Alexi Salamone, the son of Joseph and Susan Salamone, has been chosen for the U.S. National Men’s Sled Hockey Team. A fundraiser is being planned for November 14th. If you want to know how you can help him achieve his Paralympic Dream, click Alexi - and then check out his website at www.alsalamone.com. Alexi is pictured above after winning a wrestling match at Grand Island High in February 2003.

Be sure to turn your clocks back on Saturday evening. Daylight savings time ends Sunday morning, October 26th when we gain one hour of sleep! Don't forget to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors!

The Grand Island Varsity Vikings Football team increased their record to 6-0 by beating Williamsville South 48-7 on October 10th followed by another big win over Starpoint (35-0) on October 18th. The Vikings are 7-0 and #3 on the Buffalo News poll for large schools. This Saturday is the Homecoming game against Niagara Wheatfield at Masters Field at 2 p.m. The Grand Island Alumni Association is inviting everyone to come out and cheer the Vikings on. Click GI Alumni for information on the high school building tour before the game and a Grand Island mixer after the game.

Great bowling! Gary Scott bowled a 279 (735) in the A Best Roofing League at Island Lanes this week.~~~~Attention Island Lanes Bowlers: If your league secretary will email your weekly bowling scores to me at teddy@giecom.net, I will be happy to post them almost immediately.

Congratulations to Grand Island's J.J. Tutwiler, Cortland State's quarterback who completed 15 of 32 passes for 213 yards this past weekend. J. J. became the school's career leader in passing yardage with 5,503. Unfortunately, the Cortland State Red Dragons dropped a 34-31 overtime decision to Rowan University. J.J. was featured in our October 9th Grand Island E-News. Click Tutwiler Feature Story for the complete article.

Happy Sweet 16th birthday to Toni Marie Quagliana, celebrating today. Happy birthday also to Kevin Koch (today), Jim Pax, Diane Lawrence and Diane Pelosi (tomorrow), Agnes Becker (Saturday), our grandson John Bidell Jr. (14 on Saturday), Mallory DelSignore (4 on Saturday), Rich Milkas (Saturday), Clarke Elliot (cheers on Monday!), Jill Endres (Sweet 16 on Monday), Paul Soto (Monday) and Nikki Zimmerman (double digit - 10 on Tuesday).

Isledegrande.com's newest advertisers are Tim and Paula Callahan of Tim's Sunoco Station on Love Road. Tim offers general auto service including tire replacement and brake work. Newer residents not familiar with Tim's station, should check it out and save themselves a trip off the Island when the work can be done right here on Love Road.~~~~Speaking of our advertisers, how about Fuccillo Chevrolet's latest mailing - a nearly full sized New York license plate - with our name, LINENFELSER, spelled across it! Go, Fuccillo!!!

Looking Back 50 years - The Farm Bureau Committeemen of Grand Island met at the home of George Alt to plan their annual campaign for Farm Bureau members. George H. Alt Jr. and Raymond Schutt were elected chairman and co-chairman for Grand Island and the goal for 1954 was 40 Island Farm Bureau members. Serving on committees were Ray Schutt, (Dairy) Ira F. Varney and Fred Miller (poultry) and John L. DeGlopper (livestock).

Looking Back 40 years - In a Grand Island Junior/Senior High School Jr. Varsity, non-league footall game in October 1963, Grand Island shutout Starpoint 12-0 and did the same the following week against Williamsville with a score of 18-0. Coach Gene Mastes was assisted on the field by his former Tonawanda High classmates and Isle residents Joe Killian, Roger Kaiser and LaVerne Luther. The first squad included John Killian, Mike Podlucky, Dan Rowe, Bill Calvert, Bob Luther, Bob Hillock, Paul Harper, Tim Ehde, Terry Funk, Bob White, Dan Walgate, Jack Rapilje, James Avenell, Carl Pinzel and John Dennis.~~~~Cub Pack 425 Cubmaster Bobby Dannels welcomed Richard Sepanski and Paul Olivieri into the Pack at the October Pack meeting. Mark McCullough was awarded his silver arrow under his wolf badge. Tom DeCillis received his Bear Badge with gold arrow. Jeff Beich received his two-year pin. Christopher Chiapone, Stephen Bissot, Robert Bascomb, Arthur Evans and Daniel Wilson received one-year pins.~~~~William Millian of Bronson Road rescued three men from the Niagara River after their sailboat capsized between North Tonawanda and the Island.

Looking Back 30 years - The Grand Island Figure Skating Club's annual dinner on Friday, October 26, 1973 at the Holiday Inn Grand Island was arranged by Rosemarie and Chester Ziehm.~~~~Two hundred and sixty boys attended the Tonawanda District of Boy Scouts of America "Camporee" at the Bush Road campsite owned by the Kiwanis Club of Grand Island. The late October 1973 event was themed "Wilderness Camping" and Scout Master Del Krause of Troop 575, and his boys arranged the sites and aided in programming. Forty adult leaders attended and were headquartered under the shelter deep in the woods.~~~~Former Kaegebein School 4th grade teacher, Nicholas Zinni, was honored by the school faculty at a dinner in the Cavalier Restaurant October 27, 1973. Mr. Zinnie resigned from the Grand Island Island school system due to his appointment as principal of Gratwick School in North Tonawanda.

Looking Back 10 years - Few residents, if any, were looking forward to the E-Z Pass electronic payment system which began operating October 26, 1993 on the Grand Island Bridges. Senior citizens at the Golden Age Center joined the move to have ticket books continue to be sold by signing petitions available at the Center.~~~~Mandy Malaney bowled the high single, 193, in the Thursday Morning Early Birds League at Island Lanes.

Making their home on Grand Island are Jennifer M. Wronski and Jason A. Birtz who were married Saturday, October 18th.

Received a note from Grand Island High School Choral Director Carolyn Lokken this week. She is organizing an intergenerational sing - an evening of song and fellowship for all ages. The event is scheduled for Monday, October 27 at the high school. Click Intergenerational Sing for details.

A memorial service for Scott Malecki who passed away on October 12th will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Stephen's R.C. Church.~~~~Former Island school teacher Joseph A. Becht passed away on Tuesday at the age of 74. Click for complete Death Notices.

"Professor" Don Burns was the honored guest at the Grand International Ragtime-Jasstime Foundation event at Alexandria Bay last weekend. Click for this week's Feature Article on Don. The photo on the left is Bev Mikulski, one of Don's biggest fans. Click her photo to see her and her friends in costume! Her husband, Jack Mikulski, Bev and Don are shown on the right. Thanks to Bev for bringing the photos and information into our office.


For a list of what's going on this weekend, click our Events Calendar. The Fire Company's Ladies Auxiliary will be serving Grand Island Chowder on Saturday beginning around 11 a.m. and will also have the soup available in bulk for those bringing containers.

October 16, 2003
A speedy recovery to Shorty Vanthoff who is home and still recuperating after being hospitalized for several days, to Erie County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Hilliker who suffered a heart attack last week and also to Jon Sandino whom we've heard has been away from his desk for quite awhile due to illness. Notes and cards for Deputy Hilliker may be sent or dropped off at the Erie County Sheriff's substation on Whitehaven Road.

Ken and Tina Schmidt are grandparents of a baby girl, Paige Yvette Sozio, born September 10, 2003 weighing seven pounds, five ounces. Paige is the daughter of Anthony and Tracy Schmidt Sozio.

Bill Costello and Mark Frentzel of Costello & Frentzel Attorneys have just come on board as a new Isledegrande.com advertiser. Both are Island residents and their law office is located in the Harbor Towne Centre where they handle most all types of legal cases.

The Buffalo Launch Club's Centennial Ball held last Saturday night and chaired by Gale and Past Commodore Richard Sander was a stunning affair. Rene Gerber, who has retired after 35 years of overseeing the BLC kitchen, deserves credit for the serving of over 250 gourmet dinners. The Club was formed on October 9, 1903 and the clubhouse was built on the Island in 1906. Click for a BLC History Feature.

A big happy birthday to Isle native Roger Kaiser who turns the big 5-0 today. Happy birthday to Buck Wenner, Sue Bauer, Carol Pownall and Karen Figler (tomorrow), Heidi Sue Mumm and her cousin Paul Linenfelser Jr. (Sunday), Michael Madigan (7 on Monday), Nicole Rose Switzer (Sweet 16 on Tuesday), Danielle Soluri, Marge Costello and our daughter-in-law Laury Linenfelser (Tuesday), Brianna Lee Hadden (7 on Wednesday), Rick Marlin (16 on Wednesday) and Anthony Daubney (a teenager on Wednesday).

Looking Back 50 years - A Grand Opening of Jim Dunn's Gulf Station at the corner of Whitehaven and Express Highway took place on Friday and Saturday, October 16-17, 1953. The station, now "Getty," is still there today.~~~~Sidway School's ninth grade graduating Class elected President Ronald Webb, Vice President Timothy Brand, Secretary Donald Webb and Treasurer Millicent Ball.~~~~Participating in the St. Timothy Lutheran Church 'Youth Sunday' service were students Douglas Bauer, Trudy Reimann (O'Connor), Eric Reimann, Richard Reitz and Kathy Dusenbury (Kitchen).

Looking Back 40 years - A Home Extension Service storage hassock project was demonstrated by Millie Vanthoff and Mrs. Earl Webb. The ladies requested that members bring a hammer, screw driver and a lunch to their meeting in the fire hall 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 22, 1963.~~~~Mark Kingston, 8, was the winner of a giant toy kit of fire engines and paraphernalia, a prize presented during a fire prevention demonstration at Bells-IGA, located at the corner of Whitehaven Road and Grand Island Blvd. - now the Town Commons.

Looking Back 30 years - The Viking Boys Soccer Team in the fall of 1973 was led by Dane Dearlove, Dick Crawford, Mickie MacClelland, Howard Robinson and Jim Brown. Top Defensive Unit teammates were Captain Jay Boyle, Steve Fleming, Ray Carter and Tim Knox.

Looking Back 10 years - The Chamber of Commerce and Quality Quest provided a Candidates' Night at the Town Hall Court Room featuring Isle candidates running in the November 4, 1993 election.~~~~Supervisor James H. Pax unveiled a $3.6 Million budget for 1994, subject to a public hearing November 4, 1993.~~~~The Grand Island High School Class of '74 reunion committee announced plans for a 20-year reunion to be held July 3, 1994.

Looking Back 1 years - Fuccillo Chevrolet began its month-long grand opening festivities at its new state-of-the art facility at 2000 Alvin Road one year ago - and it's HUGE! ~~~~The Town Cafe opened on the Boulevard one year ago.

Sixteen-year-old Paul Kramer was featured in a weekend edition of the Buffalo News. Paul moved from the 10th grade at Canisius High School this year to Simon's Rock College of Bard in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

Denise R. Drew and Justin M. Sheehan were married Friday and will be at home in Cheektowaga.~~~~Joseph P. Dunlop was married to the former Kimberlee D. McGrath on Saturday. They will live in Columbia, Maryland. ~~~~Kevin McKee and Tracy Nolder of Seattle were married Saturday and will be at home in Rochester.~~~~Patricia A. Tornabene became the bride of David A. Guenther on Saturday. The Guenthers will reside in Amherst. Best wishes, newlyweds.

Our sincere sympathy to the families of Ruth L. Blickley, James D. Farrell and former residents Virginia K. Shannon, Scott C. Malecki and Charles B. Tripi, who passed away this week. Click for complete Death Notices.

Look what's going on this weekend on Grand Island!