"Between the Bridges"
2004
by Teddy Linenfelser
Previous Columns
Class of '70
|
|
"Between the Bridges" |
|
|
Photo courtesy of Diane
"Bykowicz" Hassan Class of '70 |
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Happy New Year 2005 to everyone! And thank you for all the kind notes throughout the year. You sure make my job fun!
Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News Photo
Longtime Stony Point Road residents Ruth and Gordon Muck, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Monday in the Beechwood Residence, Getzville. Never too late to send a card. Let's surprise the Mucks with more mail than they may have expected.
A very happy 50th wedding anniversary to George and Pat Shaw who will celebrate their January 2, 1955 wedding date together on Sunday. The Shaws were honored at an anniversary party in July with over 85 people in attendance from all over the states. Their daughter, Sherry Watkins, explained that it was more enticing to get people to the Buffalo area in July! Best wishes also to Sherry and her husband, John Watkins who will mark their 30th anniversary on January 4th.
Good news! Jolie Dahlstrom has heard from the Hisham family. The Hishams moved from Grand Island to Sri Lanka about four years ago. All members of the family survived the tsunami, and are okay.
More good news! Our niece, Mary Jo Soto and her husband, Paul of Fix Road, are parents of a baby boy, James Christian Soto, born on Tuesday, December 28th. The baby weighed in at six pounds, two ounces and is twenty inches long. Proud grandparents are Dan and JoAnn Linenfelser and Jerry and Stacy Soto of Grand Island and Sharon and Skip Ullrich of Port Charlotte, FL. Proud Isle great grandmother is Fran Clarke of Second Street.
Congratulations to Mike Mallwitz who rolled a 300 in 800 series Monday night while bowling with his BA's II Team in the Men's A Best Roofing League at Island Lanes. And that's not all! Mike bowled another 300 on Sunday night.
Did you sing in the high school's concert choir?? According to Grand Island High School choral director, Carolyn Lokken, the High School Concert Choir Alumni Sing has been rescheduled for 7:30 p.m. this Wednesday (January 5) in the new high school choir room.
Click Concert Choir Alumni Sing for more information.
An incorrect mailing address was posted on our "In The Service" page for Major Robert F. Buzby, who is serving with the United States Marine Corps in Fallujah. Click "In The Service" above for his correct address. And for a really "good read," click "Lt. Col. Mark Smith" for a truly inspiring letter to his troops in Fallujah. The letter was sent home to Rob's parents and I thank his mom, Judy Buzby for giving me the chance to share it with you.
Boys will have toys! My brother-in-law, Mike Linenfelser's favorite Christmas present was an R/C model of a US Coast Guard cutter which he's already chopped up half the river ice with since the holiday. And our good friend, Bobby Dee, received a similar model of the championship racer, "Miss Budweiser." I guess they were both very good boys!
Welcome home, Nicole! Nicole “Dee” Hoffman is in town for a short visit with her family.
Caryl Denler Kershner, who grew up on the Island and is now living Colorado, suffered a recent heart attack and will be going into the hospital for more serious surgery on the 5th of January. Her note was upbeat which was a blessing. Let's keep her in our prayers.
••••So sorry to hear that Lydia Endres hasn't been feeling up to par this holiday season. Cards of cheer would brighten her days, folks.••••Our own dear daughter-in-law, Laury Linenfelser, had surgery in Kenmore Mercy Hospital yesterday and should soon be on the mend.
In a note from Bob Dworak, now of Sebring, FL I learned the sad news of the death of former Greenway Road resident Janice Lamb Bennett of Fullerton, CA on December 20th. So sorry for her family. Bob and his wife, Sally visited the Bennetts in October 2003 when Sally and Janice saw each other for the first time in over 50 years. According to Bob, the "girls" spent the week singing together just as they had years ago, in school, at Trinity Church and even on the radio. See Click Deaths for complete notice.
Grand Island Fire Company volunteers had a busy week. The members responded to a total of 41 fire or first aid calls.
Happy 14th birthday to Molly Jude Hyland who celebrated Tuesday. Happy birthday also to Pat Rodriguez Beal (a milestone today), Alex Bowerman (7 today), Sue Salamone (cheers today), Elsie Fleischmann and Kathy Lazenby (tomorrow), Jessica Mae Conrad (5 on Saturday), Dominique Capizzi (7 on Saturday), Steven Lew (21 on Saturday), Terry Funk (Monday), Tonya (Tickner) Jackson (31 on Monday!), Hanna Panzica (7 on Tuesday), Joey Kuszczak (5 on Tuesday), Ellen Martin (Tuesday), Autumn Platts (21 on Tuesday), and Sue Novits (Wednesday).
Looking Back 50 years - Grand Island Nursery and Flower Shop Inc., opened about six years previous by Carl Vella who moved to California, was to be sold at auction on Tuesday, January 5, 1955. The business was located on Grand Island Blvd. on the site of what is now
Grand Island Auto Tech.
••••William Wallace was elected Kiwanis Club president for 1955. Among those chairing various Club committees were John Noyes (Boys and Girls Work), John Dohn (Agriculture and Conservation), Harry Olsen (Attendance and Membership), and Heber Ashley Jr. (House and Music). ••••Glen "Tubby" Smith, local restaurant operator and well known organizer of benefit shows on the Island, sponsored a night of entertainment for members of the 606th AAA Battalion stationed on the Island. Personalities in the show included Ramblin’ Lou’s Band (Lou Schriver), Yodelin Bill, Jimmy Robbs of the 606th and young Island dancer Connie Godfrey (Millikan). •••• For the first time, the town board appointed a town engineer. The appointment was given to Charles Soch of Sandy Beach who was also a member of the school board and Zoning Board of Appeals. •••• Evelina and Charles Schopp thought it would be a good way to start the new year by moving into their new home on West River between Alt and Fix on New Year’s Eve. Son Reg Schopp entered Mrs. Margaret Goodsole’s kindergarten class at Kaegebein School for the first time on Tuesday, January 5, 1955 and his brother, Chip, joined Miss Catherine DiVizio’s 4th grade class. Mr. Schopp was the owner of Schopp Jewelry on Niagara Street in Tonawanda.
Looking Back 40 years - The ski program, known for many years as "Ski Club" for middle and high school students was started by Lee Krueger and Jan Milkey in January 1965 as a 10-week course at a cost of $15.•••• Robert M. Zurbrick was manager of the four new apartment buildings across from the fire hall on Baseline Road, constructed and opened in 1964 by L. A. Grant, Inc. and also managed the Grant Court complex across from Sidway School and completed by the new year, 1965.•••• Rotary Club scholarships, given yearly and for a four-year period, were presented to Robert Hayes (Ohio State), Perron Villano (NCCC) and William Harrison (Cincinnati University). ••••When the town board and Chamber of Commerce members met with Thruway officials, it was admitted that a reduction was justified if it could show that bridge tolls have held back the Island’s growth and reducing them would increase the use of bridges to the extent that the lowered fees would not affect total Authority revenues. ••••Chuck and Anita Cole were the proud parents of Linda Carol Cole, a New Year's baby born January 1, 1965.
Looking Back 30 years - Carl Lamancuso moved his Carlo’s Hair Fashions shop to its present location at 1791 Grand Island Blvd. at the end of December 1974.
The Isledegrande.com spotlight this week is on the following advertisers that we do so appreciate:
Gene and Christine Ryshkus' Grand Island Garden Center, Tim and Paula Callahan's Tim's Sunoco Station, Bill Costello and Mark Frentzel of Costello & Frentzel Attorneys, and Chris Weaver's Anchor Marine. It pays to advertise at Isledegrande.com - the voice of Grand Island and the Island's #1 news source.
Our sympathy to the families of William A. Dixon, Karen A. Hanley and former residents Harry David Vanner, Janice Lamb Bennett, Rosemary Gasbarre and Sigmund J. “Ziggy” Gicewicz who recently passed away. Click Deaths for complete information.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there."
Thursday, December 23, 2004
We have a list of 32 troops from the Island listed on our "In The Service"
What a really nice article on Boy Scout Casey Dahlstrom in the Buffalo News on Monday. For the complete article, click "Casey's Story"
Kathryn L. Grafinger, daughter of Gregory and Suzanne Grafinger, became the bride of Army Spec. Kyle Alexander Vuchak on Sunday, December 19th. The newlyweds are living in Monterey, California.
Merry Christmas to all of our advertisers. The Isledegrande.com spotlight this week is on deSignet International, Mallwitz's Island Lanes, Nana's Homemade Creations and Cinderella Motel & Campsite. It pays to advertise at Isledegrande.com - the voice of Grand Island and the Island's #1 news source.
Oh, yes! And a Merry Christmas to Gimpy McMahon, that’s Sue McMahon, so nicknamed by her husband, Dan, due to her broken ankle. Sue, whose cast is due to stay on a couple more weeks, has been home recuperating and, from what we hear, misses the students and her job as kitchen manager at Sidway School. "Thanks for the cookies," Sue!"
Looking Back 60 years - A gas well, expected to produce 100,000 cubic feet every 24 hours, was drilled on the property of Albert Shelby of Oakfield Rd. ••••The grand re-opening of the Ox Yoke Tavern was held Saturday, December 23, 1944 and the local paper reported that "the roast pig dinner was done to a turn." The place at the north west corner of Staley and Baseline roads was owned and run by Jack and Isabelle Mesmer.••••“Auntie” Mae Batsford, who opened her store at Wallace Drive and East River early each morning so the children could come into a warm place to wait for the school bus, held a Christmas party for the kids. To receive their gift of a stocking filled with candy and nuts, each child had to perform a “stunt” for Mrs. B.•••• In an editorial regarding the need for more library space, printed in the local weekly paper 50 years ago today, it stated that, “Next to the public education system of this country, the libraries play the most important part in raising our standard of living.” Martha Clark Neilans was chief librarian and Ethel Kaiser was her assistant. ••••Philip Fahrer, a 20-year Island resident in 1954, along with his wife, Dorothy, was elected president of the Erie County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.
Looking Back 50 years - The enrollment of 1119 children in the two Grand Island schools in December 1954 was 42% greater than was anticipated by the Island School District when the William M. Kaegebein School was planned. Kaegebein School, opened in February 1953, had three second grade classes of 37 each in December 1954.
Looking Back 40 years - Grand Island High School’s Varsity cheerleaders in 1964 were Mary Cudmore (Vari), Jayne Pless (Miller), Rita Satterlee (Rosensteele), Nancy Hogue, Penni Tranter (Croot), Kathy Pedlow (Ziemer), Sandra Greathouse and Daryl Kutzbach (Schaefer).
Looking Back 30 years - Grand Island’s Pizza By DiRose won two of three prizes for best decorated Pizza by DiRose in WNY. Among the employees under manager Mike Mongan were Maria Dragonette, Rodger Jordan, Pat Kendzierski, Ellen (Blakelock) Foley, Pam Fries, Rhonda Irlbacker, Tim Taylor and Julie Goodwin.••••The 92-member high school band under the direction of Sherman Lyke conducted a fresh citrus fruit sale from December 20 to January 29, 1975. ••••Glyn Lipp was leading the scoring for the Grand Island High School basketball team in December 1974. The boys won their 6th consecutive game on Saturday, December 28, 1974 when they won the championship of the Fredonia High School Christmas Basketball Tournament.
Longtime Island resident Mary Lou Kohlhagen has recently moved from her Island apartment and would surely love to hear from her many friends. Cards and notes may be sent to her daughter, Carol Hamlin's address on Love Road.
A cheery hello to Mary Lou Lunsford who is battling a serious illness. Let's keep her in our prayers.
Happy birthday to Nancy Samrany and Andrea Moreau (today), Jon Roth and Paul Harper Sr. (tomorrow), Joyce Mongan (special greetings tomorrow), Ryan Vertino (14 on Christmas Eve), Cayleigh Rose Fitzsimmons (her first birthday on Christmas Day), Bradley Stone (7 on Sunday), Allison Marie Hill and Jack Fraser Buzby (both turning 2 on Sunday), Margie Walker (a big one on Monday), Abigail Dallassandro (8 on Monday), Tyler James Nogle (his 4th birthday on Monday), Chelsea Schmidt (7 on Tuesday), Andrea Switzer and Rob Meyer (Tuesday), Val Swain (wished a grand day Tuesday), Yvonne Martin and Stephanie McMahon (Wednesday), Dan Dinsmore (16 on Wednesday), and Laurel Waltman-Moher (Wednesday) and her daughter Jennifer Ungaro (25 on Wednesday)
A very happy anniversary goes out to John and Sherri Cunningham who celebrated their 15th yesterday.
To my devoted readers: I wish you all the merriest of Christmases and a happy and prosperous New Year. Remember to send me your news in 2005. Just email me at
teddy@giecom.net.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there." And to all of our troops in Iraq, overseas and in the states, we truly appreciate the sacrifices you are making for our great country. God bless you and keep well.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Megan Grotz and her family are back on the Island as of Monday evening and we couldn't be happier with this news.
Harvey and Katherine Killian Long, one of the sweetest couples on the Island, are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary tomorrow. Be sure to click "Harvey & Katherine" for pictures and the full story.
Isledegrande.com is being brought to you in part, by our advertisers. This week's spotlight is on Mark's Island Tree Service, McCarthy School of
Irish Dance, Linda Kutzbach, Realty USA, and newest advertiser, Niagara's Choice FCU
It's a boy! Sheila (McCowan) Donovan and her husband Dan, are the proud parents of their second child, Daniel Liam Donovan born December 13th at 8:57 p.m. (Chicago Time). Daniel Liam, who weighed in at nine pounds, three ounces and is 21 inches long, has a big sister, Emma Quinn Donovan, 2 1/2 (click photo to see Emma). Grand Island grandfather is Dr. Dick McCowan.
Mike Guagliano returned from Iraq just in time for the birth of his second child, a son, Nicholas Francis Guagliano born December 8, 2004 weighing in at six pounds, eleven ounces and 20 inches long. Mike and his wife, Genevra, live in Great Falls, Virginia. Click the photo to also see daughter Sophia, 3 holding her new brother. Francis and Jean Guagliano, 30+ year Island residents, are the baby's grandparents.
Looking Back 60 years - Olwyn Jones took the part of the Madonna in the Charlotte Sidway School's “The Miracle of Christmas” at 8 p.m. December 19, 1944. The pageant opened with the entrance of the choir members carrying candles in a promenade down the center aisle of the auditorium (now Sidway School’s fitness center). Angel Choir members included Laurel Waltman (Moher), Beverly Fleming (Barril), Arvilla Webb (Kendzierski), Jean Webb (Bleich), Mary Ann Kruse (Arsenault), Irene Perkovich (Smith) and Sally Staley (Dworak). The local paper, 60 years ago, reported that the play “brought back nostalgic memories of more peaceful times when the pace of living was more leisurely and we had more time to really understand the sanctity of Christmas.”
Looking Back 50 years - Betty O’Dea and Francis “Bobby” Conrad co-chaired a Sunday St. Stephen’s card party when Eva Wohlfehrt and Bertha Bucher tied for high score and the Jim Conboys went home with a lot of prizes.••••The junior and senior high Christmas Ball was held December 18, 1954 in the Sidway School gym when party dress was suggested for the girls. ••••The Sidway School Christmas Operetta, “One Christmas” was held in school auditorium (the gym) on Thursday, December 16, 1954 and performed by the students in grades 1-6. Wayne Baumler (Santa Claus) and Billy Harrison (Father Christmas) shared the leads. ••••Reese’s Market on Express Highway near Staley Road, featuring delivery service, was advertising meaty lamb stew at 19 cents a pound or leg of lamb at 59 cents a pound.••••Folks attending the Emmanuel Chapel in Ferry Village held their annual neighborhood Christmas program on the evening of December 19, 1954.••••The Christmas Musical Pageant committee at St. Timothy Lutheran Church included Laura Reinauer, Dorothy Fancher, Mrs. Henry Metzler and Edith Von Craigh. (Please "email" me the ladies' first names if you know them)
Looking Back 40 years - It was announced that the Island Theater Group, sponsored by the Town Recreation Commission since its formation, would function as an independent unit at the conclusion of the year, 1964.••••The 4th grades at Kaegebein School gave a three-act Christmas Operetta, “The Legend of the Snowman,” on December 21, 1964. The main characters were Jeffrey Procter, Kevin Brady, Linda Smith, Eric Bates and Larry Hoover.••••A 9th grade class holiday party was held at the high school on Saturday, December 19, 1964 for members of the Class of 1968 only. Secretary Pat Gill reported that the evening would feature supper, ping pong, dancing, and swimming. Students helping with arrangements were Charmaine Pellitieri and Gail Marble (decorations), Meg Allen and Terry Lang (publicity), Serena Anzalaco (tickets), Ed Falsetti, Bill Costello and Marcia Zimmerman (arrangements); and Melissa Clement (Hill) (programming).••••The Thursday Businessmen's League Esso Gascats won two games from Schmidt’s at Island Lanes in December 1964. High rollers were Tom Frampton 245 (608), Phil Rivkin 204, Herb Wilson 233, Dale Harvey 209, Sud Scott 212, Bob White 216, Bill Dekdebrun 209 and Tiny Moran 201.••••Grand Island bus drivers earning certificates from Erie County School Bus Driver Training Program on December 16, 1964 included Mabel Bartlett, Rosemary Brown, August Fox, Neva Franklin, James J. Gaiser, Joseph Katrien, Raymond Schutt, Jewel Snyder, and George H. Lochte.
Looking Back 30 years - Smoking during town board meetings was banned in December 1974. •••• Electronic Automation Systems on Alt Blvd. laid off 200 workers in December 1974, including about a dozen Islanders.
A very happy anniversary goes out to Bud and Judy Link who will celebrate their 45th on Wednesday, December 22nd and also to Sherri and John Cunningham on their 15th wedding anniversary, also on Wednesday, December 22nd.
If you see Nancy Hayes today, be sure to wish her a happy 70th. Happy birthday, Nancy!••••Happy birthday also to Betty Lantz (today), Arvilla Kendzierski (tomorrow), Sonia Steckelberg (Sunday), Bill O'Connor (cheers on Sunday), Sue Braun (Sunday), Evan Green (16 on Monday), Pat Gill, Sue Berger, Tanya Sue Violanti and Bud Smith (Monday), Jonathan Cook (21 on Wednesday), Barb Gatti and Arliss Lantz (Wednesday) and to Skip Ullrich celebrating his 40th this week. A belated happy 49th birthday to Mark Zilliox who celebrated Tuesday, the 14th.
I just heard that Capt. Kevin "Buzz" Erker
USMC and Lieutenant Colonel Dave Conboy, Army Reserves recently met each other for the first time over in Iraq. Watch the E-News at Isledegrande.com for the story and photos.
Our sympathy to the families of Hedwig "Heidi" Burns and former residents George M. Pagan, Marion Long Young, Florence Kutzbach and Frank Miller who recently passed away. Click Deaths for complete information. Elizabeth A. Laski, who served as director of religious education at St. Stephen's Church for the past five years, passed away last week.
Rev. Paul Robinson graciously provided me with the Christmas Schedule for Trinity UM Church. There is still time for other church officials to forward their services to be posted on our front page next Thursday, December 23rd.
Former resident Kathy Lazenby, now living in The Villages, Florida was recently featured in the Orlando Sentinal. The Mulberry Quilters of which she is a member, has completed 50 red, white and blue quilts, each containing single gold star symbolic of a soldier killed in the line of duty. Kathy has been the chairwoman of this project. The quilts were created as part of Operation Homefront and will be given to families of soldiers who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Good luck to Al Salamone who left today for the US National Men's Hockey Tournament at Lake Placid. Al's team, winner of a Silver Medal at the Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships in Sweden last April, will compete against Canada this weekend. For more on Al Salamone, click
Alexi Salamon Story.
The Grand Island High School Music Department will hold a choir, band and orchestra concert tonight at 7:30 p.m. and the High School Madrigals, under the direction of Carolyn G. Lokken, will be a part of the M&T Holiday Series at the Old Gold Dome Bank in downtown Buffalo from noon to 1 p.m. tomorrow.
Nine days to Christmas. Shop on the Island! The first day of winter is this coming Tuesday, December 21st. And remember - "Say a prayer for our guys over there."
Thursday, December 9, 2004
This not so recent photo of Pete Kuehne was submitted this week by Pete's wife, Jude. Click "Pete" for the full picture and story.
All reports continue to be good ones regarding Meaghan Grotz. Click her www.meaghansmiracle.com
Our sympathy to the families of Marie Frampton, Jack Fries and former resident Jessie Schmell-Reese who recently passed away. Click Deaths for complete information.
Happy birthday to Sydney Khreis (6 today), our town board reporter Joelle Logue (Saturday), Ethel Yuhas, Michael Dollendorf, Nicholas Peters, Maurice Walsh and Tammy Sexton (all celebrating on Sunday), Charlie McDonough (Monday), Kori Loder (a teenager on Monday), Emory Webb (best wishes on his 75th birthday on Monday), cousin Gary Sledziewski (cheers on Monday), Katie Rustowicz (12 on Tuesday), Reginia Guenther (Tuesday!!) and Ted Filosofos, Elizabeth Beach, Dolly Dilliot and Tim Grotz (Wednesday).
If you see Joan Fred, ask her about her bus trip to NYC last weekend with friends and relatives. All I know is she and the gang were taking a bus to the Big Apple late Friday night and returning to the Isle early Sunday morning. The group's itinerary included everything but a good night's sleep!
Looking Back 60 years - Howard Kaiser left for his induction into the Army on December 13, 1944 and Bud Senn did the same shortly after Christmas. ••••An ad in the local by-weekly paper announced that there were a limited number of pre-war ice skates with shoes attached and a few pre-war Flexible Flyer Sleds at George H. Alt Jr. and Carlton W. Alt’s Alt Chevrolet business on Whitehaven Road.••••A Christmas party at McDoel’s in downtown Buffalo December 12, 1944 by the Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary had to be postponed to January 1945 due to a snow storm
Looking Back 50 years - Fire Chief Henry Ehde reported that a two-way radio was installed in one of the fire trucks on December 10, 1954 and the transmitter and receiving equipment were put into operation at the fire hall shortly after.••••
Ted Klingel was elected fire chief by 13 votes over Arthur Haller for the 1955 year and would succeed Henry Ehde who held the office for 15 years.••••Grand Island’s Christmas Crib was dedicated Sunday evening, December 12, 1954 at Grand Island Blvd and Baseline Road. The Grand Island Community Chorus and Grand Island Community Band provided holiday music. The scenes, with one erected in 1952 and the other two added in 1953, were designed and painted by Mrs. Deane Long with assistance from many Islanders. Marge Stratton was program chairman for the event that brought out 300 people.••••Reese’s Market on Express Highway near Staley Road featured a delivery service and was offering meaty lamb stew at 19 cents a pound or leg of lamb at 59 cents a pound. Jesse and Bill Reese were the proprietors.
Looking Back 40 years - The $7.7 million north Grand Island Bridge, 84 feet west of the original 1935 structure, opened on Friday, December 18, 1964. Members of the town board were neither invited nor present at the ribbon cutting!!••••Grand Island High School’s varsity wrestling team, coached by Gerry Gergley, won its first match in the Erie County Interscholastic conference 33-26 over Griffith Institute of Springville. Island boys who scored were Bob Edwards, Jeff Banas, Frank Budwey, Terry VonCraigh, Tim Ehde, Terry Funk and Dan Walgate. The high school's Jr. Varsity Wrestlers won their December 11, 1964 meet with victories by David Miller, Robert Luther, John Linenfelser and Robert Weaver. The varsity wrestlers defeated Depew 30-28 with Bob Edwards, Mark Raepple, Frank Budwey, Terry Von Craigh, Brian Schoenberger and Tim Ehde scoring 5 points each for pinning their opponents.
Looking Back 30 years - The Grand Island High School music department, under the direction of Kenvin Moreau, presented the opera, “Amahl and the Night Visitors” in December 1974. The leads were played by Mrs. Grace Aswad and 13-year-old Michi Veit. Emese Mazepa and Randy Kramer played duel pianos.••••Residents at Manor Nursing Home on Grand Island Blvd. were assisted in the making of Christmas ornaments on Saturday, December 14, 1974. Barb Rogan spearheaded the Christmas spirit event with help from her friends Cindy Cole (East River), Mary Wright, Peggy Ross, Colleen Rogan, Karen Rogan, Patty Muoio, Lorraine Baldwin and Kathy Manley who spent their time giving a hand to the older folks.
The yellow icon in the shape of Grand Island on the front page of the E-News is a "click-to" to our "Yellow Pages" which lists all Island businesses, at absolutely no charge. Websites for Isledegrande.com's business sponsors are linked from our Yellow Pages to the business websites. This is just one of several places our advertisers are listed at Isledegrande.com in the Grand Island E-News. Check out our list of advertisers, especially those spotlighted this week - Metro Town Center Realty, Marston Power Equipment, Miss Cathy's Dance Academy and McHomes.com/Hunt ERA. It pays to advertise at Isledegrande.com - the voice of Grand Island and the Island's #1 news source.
Our "Calendar of Events" holds several activities of interest taking place over the coming weekend including the McCarthy School of
Irish Dance show tomorrow evening, Santa Claus at McMahon's Family Restaurant Saturday afternoon, St. Stephen's Christmas Play on Saturday evening, and open house at the new M.O.G. (Medically Oriented Gym). Click "Calendar of Events" above for details.
Sixteen days to Christmas. Shop on the Island! And remember - "Say a prayer for our guys over there."
Thursday, December 2, 2004
New hobby? Be sure to click this photo of Lyn Laman, taken this fall along West River.
The M.O.G. (Medically Oriented Gym) is our newest advertiser and what an interesting business this is. Island resident Cheek Certo will host an open house at his dream venture on Saturday and Sunday and again the following weekend. For more information, click M.O.G. News Story.
Looking Back 60 years - The Grand Island Youth Council was formed on Tuesday, December 5, 1944 at Charlotte Sidway School. Officers elected were President Donald Brown, Vice President Charles Stack, Secretary Phillip Killian and Treasurer Mildred Jones. Students elected to the Council were John Stamler, Mary Ann Tiffany, Gertrude Nachbauer (Wendt), Norine Keppler and Samuel Sperrazza. Adult members of the council were Chairman Oliver C. B. Howard and Secretary Alice Wolf and Andre Tardiff, Paul Stefik, Harold Buckhout, Gerald Weingartner and Clarence Schutt. Father Martin H. Marnon and Rev. Marvin E Rickert, together with the Grand Island School Board formed the advisory council. ••••An early December 1944 snow storm caused many Islanders to slide off the roads. They were most grateful to Dick Williams who spent much of the night pulling them out of the ditches. Dick was a member of the only Afro-American family on the Island, whose roots here go back to the mid 1800s and whose family still owns a piece of property where they had settled so many years ago on Fix Road.••••Lee Forster of Sandy Beach was playing his guitar and singing “hillbilly songs" over WHLD Monday through Friday.••••A fish pond for the children was added to the Charlotte Sidway PTA’s annual bazaar held in the school on December 1, 1944.
Looking Back 50 years - Carlton Mayer was advertising Kist pop at $1.65 for a case of quarts. Was this the "pop" so often referred to as "Mayer's Bellywash" - or was that O-So-Grape?
Looking Back 40 years - Bill Wood was elected for his 3rd term as Grand Island Fire Chief Wednesday, December 2, 1964.••••The town board, in December 1964, authorized $900 for the purchase of a used tank truck to supply water to five homes on Ransom and a few homes on Williams Road, not served by water lines.
Looking Back 30 years - A grand opening of Link Building & Supply Co. on Thursday, December 5, 1964 in the former Grand Island Dance Hall on Whitehaven Road was hosted by owner Bob Smith and his wife, Lynn.••••Donald Barth was elected the Island's new fire chief in December 1974 and Norm Mrkall, chief for the previous five years, became a director of the company. ••••
Sophomores Jack Steckelberg and Brian Griffin, coached by Dick Bessel, were awarded the most valuable and most improved awards respectively at the Grand Island cross country team’s annual banquet. Jim Nugent won the outstanding freshman honors.
That's our baby grandson Evan Linenfelser who is turning two tomorrow. Happy birthday, Evan!••••A belated happy 35th birthday to John Cunningham who is stationed in Jacksonville, Florida with the US Navy along with his wife, Sherri and two children, Laura and Nicholas. John's natal day is November 30, 1969!••••Happy birthday to Patsy McNulty (today), Robert Hopkins and Joan Bodkin (special greetings today), Ashley Ann Brzyski (13 today), Keri Marble and Robert Augugliaro (tomorrow), Kristen Atkinson (6 on Saturday), Emma Lee Schultz (6 on Sunday), Gloria Watkins (Sunday), Scott Swagler, Barbara (Bykowicz) Barbur, Donnie Astridge and Ruth Stahl (Monday), Miranda Lea Proctor (4 on Monday), Mitch Stessing (50 on Monday), Courtney Donner (Sweet 16 on Monday), Will Wiles (50 on Tuesday), Craig Davis (a milestone on Tuesday), Ann Billica (Tuesday), Sam Hill and Dave Ehde (cheers on Wednesday), and Danny Linenfelser Jr. (Wednesday).
Our sympathy to the families of Walter Joseph Kasprzak and former resident Frances L. Steele-Knab who passed away this week. Click Deaths for complete information.
Congratulations to Isle resident Dr. James Hoddick who has been named Citizen of the Year by the Tonawanda Chamber of Commerce.
This week's Isledegrande.com advertising spotlight is on Andy Beyer's AJ's Heating and Air Conditioning, the Raepple brothers' John's Pizza & Subs, Elderwood At Riverwood and Dental Care Associates in Wheatfield. It pays to advertise at Isledegrande.com - the voice of Grand Island and the Island's #1 news source.
Grand Island High School math teacher Blake Long of Williamsville was married Saturday, November 27th to Jamie Jo Janiga of Lackawanna.
Congratulations to Tara and Derrick Caldwell on the birth of Faith Jacqueline Caldwell on September 30th weighing seven pounds, eight ounces. The baby is the granddaughter of Don and Jacqueline Tillett and Dennis and Mary Caldwell, all of Grand Island.••••Congratulations also to Jim and Mary Grace Battaglia on the birth of Ashley Joelle Battaglia on October 14th weighing eight pounds, six ounces. Grandparents are Jim Battaglia and Frank and Mary Quinn, all of Grand Island.
Grand Island has a lot going on this week and weekend, so please click "Calendar" to keep up with this long list of the seasonal events. Twenty-three days to Christmas. Have a great week! And remember - "Say a prayer for our guys over there."
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Joanne & Bob Carr, 1952 - Click for full photo
Happy days to the Carrs. Longtime residents Bob and Joanne Carr will be married 60 years tomorrow. They raised their large family here, and have been very involved residents of the Island for over 50 years. Click the photo, taken during the Island's Centennial pageant in 1952, and for more information on the photo, click Old Photo Album.
Great news! Meaghan Grotz is completely off oxygen, still in the hospital, but "on the move." Word has it that she may be home on Grand Island by Christmas or shortly after. Email may be sent through the www.meaghansmiracle.com website and information on monetary donations, still very much needed, may also be found on the website. Cards through the U.S. Mail should be sent to Meaghan Grotz, c/o Meaghan's Miracle, P.O. Box 1051 Buffalo, N.Y. 14221.
More good news! Baby Michael James Christensen, born October 7th, is now home from the hospital, much to the delight of his parents, Kris and Michelle.
A speedy recovery to Gail Click, who had open heart surgery last week. Cards and notes of cheer would surely be appreciated.
Looking Back 60 years - Harvey Long received his silver pilot wings in November 1944 and was commissioned a second lieutenant at graduation exercises at Harlington Army Field, Texas.••••Mildred and Don Carver left their home on Cox Road to take up quarters at the Army's Military Police Camp where they had been appointed caretakers. The camp was the former Civilian Conservation Corps Camp, located at the end of Baseline Road in Buckhorn Park.
Looking Back 50 years - A fund drive was in full swing for the purchase of band uniforms for the Island's school and community bands. Bill Goodwin was among those in charge of a community night at Kleinhan's Music Hall in November 1954, to benefit the uniform fund. ••••Patty Hoctor of West River Road, picked up a possum killed by a car on Long Road. Patty, who served as the Island's game warden and had actively hunted on the Island for the previous 40 years, had witnessed evidence of the possums but this was the first one he had actually seen.
Looking Back 40 years - The Buffalo Evening news mentioned that the baton twirlers of Grand Island Jr./Sr. High School would sponsor the new school's first semi-formal dance on Friday evening for students in grades 9-11. ••••Grand Island High School students participating in the area All State Concert (NYSSMA) in Jamestown in late November 1964 were snowbound the Saturday night of their performance. They were singers Susan Schulz, Jane Dial, Rick Whitmire and Charles Mock; oboist Lois Wheeler; and bassoonist William Walters. Also with the local musicians were Dr. and Mrs. Roy Dial; The Ronald Whitmire family, and faculty members Bill and Marion Pinkow who attended the concert and stayed for the weekend. ••••
After serving on the Grand Island Planning Board since it was established in 1926, Horace J. French resigned in November 1964.•••• Scott Herlan led the scoring for the first year Vikings Football team with 24 points and Dan Walgate led the defense with an average of 10 tackles per game. ••••St. Stephen’s Church, on Sunday, November 29, 1964, offered much of the sacrifice of the Mass in English rather than Latin as was the custom for centuries. Catholic churches throughout the nation did the same.••••In the winter of 1964-65, with the approval of the International Joint Commission, the New York Power Authority and Ontario Hydro began for the first time to install the Lake Erie-Niagara River Ice Boom at the source of the Niagara River.
Looking Back 30 years - Clergy participating in the Grand Island Ministerium in 1974 were Rev. Harold Tyson, Rev. Fred Dixon, Rev. John Russell, Sister Donna Lord, Rev. Marvin Rickert, Rev. Richard A. Graeber, Rev. Thomas Miller, Rev. Charles Lindholm, Rev. Allyn Foster and Rev. David L. Franke. ••••The Golden Steer Restaurant was opened in the former Clown House (now McMahon’s Family Restaurant) by Ignatius Lazzaro of Bedell Road and his brother, Phil, at the end of November 1974. The Golden Steer menu included a sirloin sandwich at 95 cents, burgers at 60 cents, French fries for 45 cents and Pepsi at 25 cents.
Looking Back 20 years - Members of Whitehaven Road Baptist Church broke ground at their building site in November 1984.
Best wishes to Ted and Jackie Filosofos married 53rd years tomorrow, to Nicole and Greg Butcher on their 4th anniversary tomorrow, to Robert and Aerika Backlund on their 8th anniversary Monday and to Marilyn and Tom Johnson – 30 years on the 30th.••••Jason M. Taber was married Saturday to Christine F. Kurek. The groom is the son of David and Diane Taber of Grand Island.
Received a short note that Grand Island resident Anthony Chambers, who has joined the United States Marines, is headed to Paris Island for basic training. Anthony is a member of the Grand Island Class of 2004. ••••Army National Guard Pfc. William J. Stypick recently graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. He is the son of John and Sandy Stypick of Grand Island
Happy birthday to Ryan McDonough (21 tomorrow), Jill Tranter (cheers tomorrow), Lynn Kalman (a big one tomorrow), Rosalyn Butler (a milestone birthday on Friday), Stephanie Goris (her 20th on Friday), Barbara "Beck" Muratore (Friday), Donna Krehl (Saturday), Don Loder (Sunday), Marcia Pfohl and Scott Burngasse (Monday), Alexa Marie Slotiuk (Tuesday), Dick Clark of American Bandstand fame (75 on Tuesday), Brittany Alexandra Davey (Sweet 16 on Wednesday), Alice Olrogge (her 90th on Wednesday), and Donna “Pollock” Johnson (Wednesday). A belated happy birthday to Brooke Samantha VeRost who celebrated her 3rd birthday November 13th, and happy birthday to Nicholas Dingey who turned 5 on November 14th.
Our sympathy to the families of Kenneth O. Lenz and longtime residents Joyce Ott who passed away this week and Norman J. McTigue who died on November 1st. Click Deaths for complete information.
All of us at Isledegrande.com's Grand Island E-News are thankful for all of our business advertisers. This week's spotlight is on
Gagliardi & Wright, Liz Wilbert - Century 21,
Grand Island Home Construction and Funk Lawn Care.
It pays to advertise at Isledegrande.com - the voice of Grand Island and the Island's #1 news source.
Don't forget the fact that Mike Hachee's Rose Liquor Store will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
Some of our Grand Island High School students will be selling Relay For Life Luminaria from noon to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The kids will be outside of J. Crew on Friday and next to Burger King on Saturday at the Prime Outlets in Niagara Falls promoting the sale of the Luminaria candles that honor and remember friends and loved ones who have faced cancer. Click "Relay Luminaria" for more information.
The Grand Island Historical Society's beautiful Christmas season events will include open house at River Lea 1-4 p.m. this Sunday, November 28th and again on Sunday, December 5th. Historic Trinity will offer an old fashioned "Ye Olde Country Store" at that time, where Christmas shoppers may purchase stocking stuffers, the office party and hostess gifts, unique ornaments, the latest in fashion accessories and popular kitchen needs as well as totally homemade bakery goodies including jams and breads.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving 2004. Let’s count our blessings.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there."
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Celebrating milestones on Monday are Chris (Greenwood) Gress and Bob McNamee. Happy birthday, Chris and Bob and may your celebration be one of the best.
Happy birthday to Zachary Messier and Fred DeCost (today), Eileen Minton (her 75th tomorrow), Jeffrey Eberhard (cheers on Saturday), Rebecca Rae (her 21st on Saturday), Ron McNamee and Doug Bauer (Saturday), Bev Benton and Lydia Endres (Sunday), Benjamin Kose (a teenager on Sunday), Ashley Hollinger (21 on Monday), Norma Fred and Betty Kaeffer (Monday), Timothy McMahon (his 25th on Tuesday), and Kathy Fik and Chris Sipson (Wednesday).
Happy 70th birthday to longtime Islander Katie Feyerabend shown above with her husband, Jerry during her birthday party. Katie, who was born on November 17, 1934, was completely surprised by family and friends who got together to wish her a happy birthday at The Beach House on Sunday. From what we hear the Beach House staff did a wonderful job in making the occasion special.
A belated happy birthday to Dayton and Donald (Bones) Fancher who turned 65 yesterday. The boys, who were 4th graders in Miss Catherine DiVizio’s classroom at Sidway School when these photos were taken, were born on November 17, 1939.
Congratulations to Maureen and Jason Weis on the birth of a son, Anthony Stephen Weis on November 3rd weighing seven pounds 13 1/2 ounces in Spring Hill, Florida. Click "Baby Anthony" for the full story and photo.••••Congratulations also to Kristen and David Brand whose baby girl, Sarah Ann, arrived on Sunday, November 14th weighing seven pounds, six ounces.
Erinn Erker, now residing in Beaufort, SC, writes that her husband, Capt. Kevin Erker, a Marine in Iraq, had an appendectomy in a field hospital over there about a month ago and said the support was amazing. "There were little goody bags and cards on the hospital beds for the troops and it was really heartwarming to hear," she said. "Thanks again for your support -- it truly means the world to those serving and their families," Erinn said. Kevin is a member of the GIHS Class of 1992.••••National Guardsman David Caputi has been added to our "In The Service" page this week along with Dave Conboy, a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserves and part of the administrative support team working with the Iraqi Ministry of Defense.••••
Please check our "In The Service" page and send a note of thanks to these Islanders who have put their life on hold for our country's freedom.
Gail Allen sent me this KB radio link which Jim and I enjoyed thoroughly. Talk about the sounds of yesterday! This is it! Click http://www.wkbwradio.com/. "Thanks, Gail!"
Congratulations to Coach Peter Prozik's Lady Vikings who won their 3rd straight Far West Regional Championship last Saturday. The girls are wished the very best as they move on to Friday's semi-finals in the Class A state championships where they will play IV-Oneonta at 5 p.m. at Union-Endicott.
"Hi, Meaghan!" Meaghan Grotz continues to improve from her November 3rd surgery when she received a double lung transplant in the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center-Presbyterian Hospital. Email may be sent through the www.meaghansmiracle.com website and information on monetary donations, still very much needed, may also be found on the website. Cards through the U.S. Mail should be sent to Meaghan Grotz, c/o Meaghan's Miracle, P.O. Box 1051 Buffalo, N.Y. 14221.
Looking Back 60 years - Bryant School of Dance teacher Miss Helen Finnerty was holding tap, ballet, and ballroom classes including the jitterbug, in the fire hall on Mondays from 1-8 p.m. ••••A new club, the Grand Island Janes, was composed of girls in junior and senior high school. Their mission was to send Christmas cards to the men in service and to make toys for the polio victims. First officers were President Rita Noras, Vice President Carol French (Mabey), Secretary Margaret MacDonald (Lee) and Treasurer Marion Lyons (Olds).••••The Grand Island Town Board, at its November 20, 1944 meeting, voted to compensate election inspectors and poll clerks $12 for election day due to the extension in voting hours.
Looking Back 50 years - Joseph Drago was building an addition to the Reese building, now the Viking Plaza. ••••Thomas Stedman, Donald Flessing and Galen Young were awarded their Cub Scout Lion Badge on November 18, 1954. Silver Arrow points went to Robert Janke, David Colcord and David Fleischmann.
Looking Back 40 years - Expressing opposition to the transfer of any land in Buckhorn State Park for an International Music Festival or any other purpose other than conservation, the Erie County Board of Supervisors Tuesday, November 17, 1964 approved establishment of the proposed festival in Beaver Island State Park. The State Park Commission would consider the proposal. ••••Jim Boettcher, Joseph Webber Jr. and Ron Holmes were honored in November 1964 during a Sunday morning Trinity EUB Church service when they were presented their God & Country Awards.
Looking Back 30 years - The Grand Island Snowmobile Club, formed in 1970, made a name for itself during the November 15, 1974 blizzard. Club member Nancy Long got the sleds "zipping all over Grand Island" by making a lot of phone calls after she received a call for assistance from Erie County Under Sheriff Mike D'Amico. Volunteers from the Snowmobile Club put in an incredible number of hours helping when and where needed. Club President at the time was Larry Holcomb.••••Leading the crowds in cheering the Vikings to their Section 6, Division V Tri Championship in 1974 were Cheerleader Co-Captains Cheryl Samrany (Caleri) and Joanne Ward and the squad made up of Val Moher, Joneen Corrao, Sue Ray, Leslie Rosene, Meg Buckley, Debbie Gillen, Ann Samrany, Lisa Dannels and Muriel Besch.••••A new and larger Tops Market opened at 2160 Grand Island Blvd. on Nov. 19, 1974, taking the place of the Tops on Love Road. My son and daughter, Jim and Julie, ages 4 and 5, were thrilled with the red, give-away cowboy boot mugs.
Looking Back 20 years - It was Thanksgiving Day 1984 that John Gast Jr. bagged a nine point, 200 pound buck in his back yard.
Happy anniversary to the Hassans. Diane sends this message to her husband, Mark Hassan who will be out of town on their day: "Happy 28th wedding anniversary to the sweetest husband in the world. Thanks for all the laughs over the years...You're Still The One -- love and hugs, Diane." Mark and Diane were married on November 20, 1976. Gerry (Andolina) Amato (left) was their matron of honor and John Glose was best man.••••Best wishes to Bob and Pat Haag on their 35th anniversary on Tuesday and to Cindy and Kurt Raepple married 20 years on Wednesday.
This week's Isledegrande.com business spotlight is on
Carl Amato Collision, diPaolo Builders, Fuccillo Chevrolet and newest advertiser Justin Tyme Cafe & Catering.
Check out their websites and patronize them when you can. It pays to advertise at Isledegrande.com - the voice of Grand Island and the Island's #1 news source.
Our sympathy to the family of longtime resident Dean Bucknam who passed away this week. Click Deaths for complete information.
The high school Spotlighters will present "Go Ask Alice" in the high school auditorium 7:30 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday. Friends Of Grand Island Memorial Library will hold a Discarded Book Sale Friday and Saturday.••••The High School Honor Society offers a spaghetti dinner on Friday from 2:30–3:30 p.m. and from 5:30–7:30 p.m. in the school’s large cafeteria.••••The Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service takes place 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Timothy Lutheran Church. Details on each event are listed elsewhere in today's E-News at Isledegrande.com.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there."
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Thursday, November 4, 2004
Today is Veterans Day. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed this date as Armistice Day in 1919 as a reminder to Americans of the tragedies of war. Congress changed it to Veterans Day in 1954 in recognition of United States veterans of all wars. The Island's service was held at 11 a.m. today at the Veterans Park Memorial Wall on Bedell Road.
Fantastic News! Meaghan Grotz is doing very, very well. Messages for Meaghan, who had a 10-hour double-lung transplant operation on Wednesday, November 3rd, are being received through her Website at www.meaghansmiracle.com
Congratulations to Glenn Holler who set the Region III and school records in the 1- and 3-meter dives for Erie Community College in ECC's victory over Genesee and Mercyhurst-North East.••••
The Grand Island Girls Soccer Team won the Class A quarter finals, semi-finals, and are off to the Far West Regionals where they will play Aquinas at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Albion. Go Lady Vikings!
Grand Island High School graduate Robert A. Forbes was married Saturday to Deanna S. Merrill. The groom is the son of June A. and Marshall A. Forbes of Orange City, Florida.
Grand Island High School's first graduating class, the Class of 1966, will hold a 40th reunion planning meeting in December. If you are a member of the class and would like to help with the plans, click Class of '66 for complete information.
Looking Back 60 years - Members of the Grandyle Village Property Owners Association elected the following for the year 1945: President Ted Klingel, Vice President John Gast, Secretary Alice Wolf, Assistant Secretary Helen White, and Treasurer Andre Tardiff. John Gast was also named chairman of entertainment. ••••Small world! Sixty years ago, during WWII, Edward Tucker who had been recently moved from his base in India to an undisclosed base, wrote home that he was surprised and pleased to once again encounter Randy Kaiser whom he had met once before in India. ••••Rodney and Carleen Alt’s mother, Evelyn, hosted a children's Halloween party at their house which was attended by Floyd Anderson, Janet, Jean and Claude Webb, Paul and Sam Long, Howard Killian and Calvin Alt.••••Alice Wolf of Love Road championed a recreational movement on Grand Island. Her idea was to provide some recreational facilities close to home for the Island's young crowd.
Looking Back 50 years -
Over 130 fish dinners were served in the Undercroft of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church on November 12, 1954. The committee was headed by Neal Huff, George Pollock and Arthur Mitchell. This was the church’s first large parish supper.
Looking Back 40 years - The newly formed Spotlighters’ first production, “Night of January 16th”, was presented in the high school auditorium at 8 p.m. Friday, November 13, 1964. First officers were President Robert Hilferding, Vice President Janice Michaels (Marci), Secretary Colleen Kilpatrick, and Treasurer Vicki Huer (Lynde).••••The Campfire Girls held a Halloween party at Trinity Church where Holly Stephenson, Robin Albing, Mary Dunbar (Daluisio) and Sylvia Padlog were judged the winners for the best costumes.
Looking Back 30 years - The 1974 Division V All League Team included six Grand Island Viking football players: Glyn Lipp, Jim Rodriguez, Kevin McInerney, Jim Hobby, Jim Breier and Dan
Cap. The Vikes were Section 6 Division V Tri-Champs in '74. ••••“A freakish 16-hour late fall blizzard" on Thursday night, November 14, 1974 and most of Friday, November 15th dumped 14 inches of snow on the Island. The bridges and NYS Thruway were impassable for five hours and people were stranded in such places on the Boulevard as the Square Restaurant (Viking Plaza) and Pizza By DiRose where Mike Mongan, young manager, walked to from his home on Bruce Lane.••••Marjorie Bessel won the Jr. Olympic Girls Cross Country championship of WNY in the 10-11 age group on November 15, 1974. Her time for the 1 ½ mile Lockport course was 9 minutes and 55 seconds.
Looking Back 25 years - It was in November 1979 that longtime Supervisor Ray Griffin was defeated by Bunny Luther. Griffin lost by 41 votes.
Looking Back 20 years - The Grand Island High School Spotlighters presented the comedy, “Out of the Frying Pan” Friday, November 16 through Sunday, November 18. Director for the 1984 production was Magdalene A. Miller. Technical director was Scott Kennedy. Student technical director was Tim McGraw and cast members included Pat McMahon, Alaina Rowswell (Kulikowski), Rossano Galante, Shirley Tokash (Verrico), Maria Clements, Phil Buchanan, David LaDuca and Tom Porter. Student director was Kirsten Cooke.••••The Vikings, led by junior quarterback Dean Santorio, went all the way to Rich Stadium where they played the state’s No. 1 team Williamsville South but lost 21-6.
The Grand Island business community has shown their support to the Grand Island E-News at Isledegrande.com and we are most appreciative to all of them. This week's Isledegrande.com spotlight is on
Park Place Subdivision, The Grand Lady, Paddock Chevrolet and Sound Choice Audio & Performance.
It pays to advertise at Isledegrande.com - the voice of Grand Island and the Island's #1 news source.
Happy anniversary to Carol and Ray Gress who are celebrating their 24th anniversary today, to Ted and Lisa Kessler, new parents to baby Christian and married 12 years on Sunday, and very best wishes to Val and Bob Funk who will mark their 25th anniversary on Wednesday, November 17th..
The Rotary Club's "Undie Sunday" is set for this Sunday at the Grand Island Plaza. Click "Undie Sunday" for more information.
Residents of the Island should be aware of break-ins especially in the Tracey Lane area where we've had reports of two break-ins while residents were in their homes. Lock your doors.
Happy birthday to Bob Willer (cheers today), Helen Ashleigh McMahon (celebrating her 3rd birthday today), Rich Benns (today), Bryan Fred and Maria Burns (tomorrow), Kelly Williams (13 tomorrow), Andy Tranter (30 on Saturday), Pam Whitney (Saturday), Mary Burngasser (Sunday), Sterling Haslam and Cyndi Booker (Monday), Ron Viavada (cake and lots of candles on Monday), Brian Kopf (21 on Tuesday), Sierra Marie Maras (4 on Tuesday), and Bobbie McNulty, Dr. Tom Sheehan and Ashly Cinelli (Wednesday).••••A belated happy 40th birthday to Mike Braun who was completely surprised Friday evening by a party in his honor. Unfortunately, Mike's wife, Sue, went into the hospital on Saturday for an emergency appendectomy.
Our sympathy to the family of Mary Anne Knab and former resident Paul H. Brobeil
who passed away this week. Click Deaths for complete information.
Be sure to click our "Business News Page" for a happy hour, Thanksgiving Buffet, and new dinner specials at the Holiday Inn Grand Island. The Holiday Inn is also offering the first of its Friday Night Blues on the River Inside Edition concerts tomorrow from 6:30-10:30 p.m. The first concert will feature Rod Nickson Project. No need to go off the Island to meet friends and have fun!
Members of the VFW Post #9249 Ladies Auxiliary are hosting a Turkey Raffle at 7 p.m. and Hot Turkey Sandwich dinner from 4-6 p.m. this Saturday at the post. The menu includes a hot turkey sandwich with homemade gravy, cranberry sauce, chips, and coffee/tea all for only $5. Click VFW Page for details.••••The Historical Society's monthly Open House at its Victorian headquarters, River Lea in Beaver Island Park is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. this Sunday.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there."
Wonderful, wonderful news!! Seventeen-year-old Meaghan Grotz and her parents are at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center as of yesterday, where she has had successful double lung transplant surgery. Keep those prayers for Meaghan coming.
Happy birthday to Gary Long who is living in Kansas and will celebrate his 59th birthday on Tuesday, November 9th. Thanks to his mom, Catherine 'Killian' Long, for this adorable picture of Gary. Click it for a larger view.
Be sure to see the story and photo on Dr. Jill Anderson, GIHS Class of 1992, and daughter of Bridget and Rich Anderson of Harvey Road. "Congratulations, Dr. Jill!"
Click for larger view
I couldn't resist these recent photos of Mark and Diane Hassan's pets, Bella, the kitty and Lucky, the pooch playing in the leaves in their back yard. "They are best friends and play outside together all the time," Diane said.
Congratulations to motorcycle racer and former resident Nicole "Dee" Hoffman on winning the Amateur Ultra Lightweight Superbike National Finals. Nikki, who was crowned the 2004 National Champion on Friday, October 22nd, is a member of the GIHS Class of 1992. Click http://www.draganeeracing.com/ for her website.
Ingrid and Vice Commodore Keith Kinney will host the LaSalle Yacht Club's annual Commodore's Ball this Saturday in honor of Commodore Michael Heller.
Our sympathy to the family of Sue Ann Coughlin who passed away this week. Click Deaths for complete information.••••Grand Island schools janitor Joseph Kozlowski, 89, of Niagara Falls passed away on Sunday, October 31st. Joe worked for the Grand Island School District as a custodian from 1968-1980.
Best wishes to Diane Marie Avino and John Fredrick Gross who were married Saturday in St. Amelia Catholic Church, Town of Tonawanda.
Fantastic! Jon McGinn rolled a 290, a 289 in an 811 series at Island Lanes last Friday with the Friday Night Businessmen's League.••••The Grand Island High School Girls Soccer Team beat Lake Shore 7-0 in the Class A quarterfinals last Saturday. Three of the goals were scored by Alicia Barnaby, and Jessica Remmes scored twice. Star goalie Ellie Weiser's four saves gave her her 13th shutout of the year for the Vikings. Grand Island plays Albion in the semifinals.••••Grand Island's
Andre Mathews won the Amateur Bowlers Association tour at Voelkers in Buffalo for a first prize of $600. This was Andre's second ABA championship.
Congratulations to Grand Island students Cassie Lange and Sofia Syed who will be Buffalo News "NeXt" correspondents for 2004-2005. The girls were chosen from a large group of applicants.
Our Rotary Club has a unique project underway. It's the "Undy Sunday" event taking place on Sunday, November 14th. Rotarian Ted Bates is the chairman and is hoping for Island wide support. Click "Undy Sunday" for more information and let's all do our part!!
Happy birthday to Richard Anderson (today), Shirley McNulty (tomorrow), Ian Estenoz (turning 7 years old on Saturday),
Lou Panzica (Saturday), Joshua Less (8 on Saturday), Robert David Arch (his 2nd birthday on Saturday), Mary McMahon and Lisa Kessler (Sunday), Christopher Larry (turning 16 this week), Andrew Kuszczak (cheers on Tuesday), Christopher Swagler (9 on Wednesday), and Nancy Franklin (Wednesday). A belated happy birthday to Carol Zimmerman who celebrated on Tuesday.
Looking Back 60 years - The new A gasoline stamps worth 19,656 gallons were stolen from Charlotte Sidway School on November 1, 1944 when a thief gained entry by forcing a window of the 1st grade room open from the outside and battered his way into the hall way by smashing the lock on the classroom door.
Looking Back 50 years - One of six air raid sirens on Grand Island is shown in this picture of Del & Herb’s taken in 1954. The caption when originally printed was “What will you do if the siren sounds? Are you prepared?” Now our Grand Island Citizens Corps Council is asking us the same today.••••Cub Pack 75 met at Sidway School in 1954 when Michael Quinn was Cubmaster. Bobcat pins were presented to the following Cubs in November 1954: Robert Bilson, Peter Sloan, Joseph Muench, Jerry Hawley, George Marin, William Stratton, Paul Dinan, Michael Skotnicki, Jeffrey Long, Robert Kaiser, Charles Lock and Perron Villano
Looking Back 40 years - The new Jr. Sr. High School's 9th grade class elected Bill Costello as their president. Other officers elected were Vice President Melissa Clement (Hill), Treasurer Ed Falsetti and Secretary Pat Gill.••••Marine Lance Corporal Edward Jarmen Benns was released from active service after three years duty with the U. S. Marines.••••It was in the fall of 1964 that the first hole-in-one was scored on the 163 yard No. 4 hole at Beaver Island Golf Course by Carl Burkhardt, a golfer for 35 years. It was his first as well. Playing with Mr. B. were Bill (BA) Aydelotte, Dan Davidson Sr. and Dan Davidson Jr.
Looking Back 30 years - “In appreciation to the People of Grand Island from the Men of the Green Beret” reads the “Special Forces” plaque which was presented prior to the town board meeting Monday, November 3, 1974. Town Supervisor Raymond Griffin received the plaque from Lieutenant Colonel Frank B. Brusino, commander of the Third Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), NY Army National Guards for community support when the unit made 11 parachute jumps in five years on the Island during training missions.••••Daneen Certo (Gallagher) and Joyce Jones had solos during the November 1974 synchronized swim show, “Hollywood Splash,” at the high school. ••••Miss Cathy (Cathy Parisi Thomas) was teaching dance at St. Stephen School and at Island Lanes and was assisted by Debbie Fike and Tina Krzes (Arthur).
Looking Back 20 years - "Attempts to help wipe out the huge county deficit and present a workable budget by cutting services provided by the Erie County Sheriff's Department would hurt Grand Island," was the opening statement in Marion E. Klingel's editorial in the local paper in November 1984. The possible closing of the Grand Island Memorial Library was also an issue at the same time.
Remember! It's advertisers like McMahon's Family Restaurant, Joan Dlugokinski - Century 21, Rosemary Hill Beadwork, and "Technology Camp Of America" who support Grand Island's #1 news source at Isledegrande.com. Please support our advertisers whenever you can. It pays to advertise at Isledegrande.com - the voice of Grand Island and the Island's #1 free news source.
Judy Chapin Buzby will present remembrances of the Civil War during tonight's Historical Society meeting, open to the public at 7:30 p.m. in River Lea, Beaver Island Park.••••
Members of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Grand Island Fire Company will hold their 2nd Annual "Day of Home Parties" from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Fire Headquarters, 2275 Baseline Road.
Click "Home Parties" for more information.••••The Golden Age Club's annual holiday bazaar takes place at the Center, 3278 Whitehaven on Sunday. Click Golden Age Club for details.••••Members of the Knights of Columbus will hold a homemade spaghetti and meatballs dinner from 4:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, November 10 in the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1841 Whitehaven Road. Click K of C Page for more information.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there."
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Hey, Carol Turner! Happy big 5-0 from all of your friends. So nice of them to send me your pretty picture. For those who don't know, Carol celebrates on Tuesday, November 2nd.
These two Kaegebein School classmates were in Mrs. Marion Keefe's 2nd grade when these photos were taken. They are Kathy "Cotter" Little and Jarmen Benns and they are wished a very happy birthday. Kathy celebrated her birthday this past Monday and Jarmen marks the same milestone today.
Our sincere sympathy to the families of Zachary Zarbo, Chuck Ford, Robert J. Curtin and infant Kyle Richard Dynko who passed away this week. Click Deaths for complete information.
Congratulations to Kim Walker who scored her 16th goal (school-record) for the Daemen Women's Soccer Team. Kim's team beat Notre Dame 4-1 in an American Mideast Conference game.
Michele Beauchamp, GIHS Class of '82 in Lubbock, Texas writes that she has received a little piece of Grand Island this week! She is an Off-Ice Official for the Lubbock Cotton Kings, professional hockey team in the Central Hockey League. Michele, the official penalty/score keeper for the team, reports that the Lubbock Cotton Kings have signed Shawn Conschafter of Calvano Drive to be their goalie this year.
The Cotton Kings had their first pre-season scrimage last week and Michele was able to meet and talk with Shawn. "He couldn't believe that I was from Grand Island and we both talked about great memories of Grand Island. It is so nice to have a little piece of Grand Island right here in West Texas!"
Happy birthday to Nikki Zimmerman (11 today), Sally Dworak (today), Matthew Linenfelser (30 today), JoAnn Fisher (cheers tomorrow), Julie Dee (Saturday), Mike Walker (the big 5-0 on Saturday), Nancy Gorrell and Tim O'Connor (Sunday), Sarah Grace Kustich (6 on Monday), Carissa Bailey (Sweet 16 on Monday), Jay Moran (30 on Monday), Michael Dlugokinski (16 on Monday), Sue McMahon and her twin, JoAnn Lozo (Tuesday), and Doug DeGlopper (Wednesday).
Lois Morgan's unusual October blooms are worth mentioning. Her forsythia,
a white lilac bush and a holly bush with yellow blossoms are blooming in her
yard for the second time this season. The Morgan homestead, dating back to
1840, is located at Morgan's Point on East River Road, about 1/4 mile north
of Kirkwood Drive.
A belated happy wedding anniversary to Earl and Rita DeGlopper who celebrated their 54th on Thursday, October 21st.••••And celebrating today and wished many more good years together are Joan and Skip Fred (their 15th anniversary), Liz and Eric Reimann (37 years) and Janice and Randy White in Indianapolis (26 years today).••••Best wishes to Peggy and Bob Hooper who will celebrate their first anniversary on Wednesday, November 3rd.
Best wishes to newlyweds.
John Wenner and his bride, the former Karen Blaha were married on Friday, October 22nd in St. Stephen Catholic Church and will reside on the Island. John's parents are former residents George and Janet Wenner of East Aurora and Karen is the daughter of John and Carol Blaha of Grand Island.••••Michael Schopp and Carolyn McGrath were married on Saturday, October 23rd in the Park Lane Restaurant, Buffalo. Click Islanders In The News for their wedding picture and more.••••Kimberly MacClellan and Jeffrey Sargent were married in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico on October 9, 2004. Click Islanders In The News for their photo and wedding story.
Click for larger view
Natalie, the black cat, who belongs to our daughter and son-in-law Julie and Don Dee of Ransom Road, decided to jump into this fall photo this week!
Today's spotlighted advertisers are
Dr. Huggs,
Nature Ed-Ventures, and newest Isledegrande.com advertisers
Kaiser Funeral Home and Sheldon Studio.
It pays to advertise at Isledegrande.com - the voice of Grand Island and the Island's #1 free news source.
Former resident Jack O'Mara, an avid reader of the Grand Island E-News at Isledegrande.com, was so impressed with the article on Fay Wood's Helping Ear™ that he sent her an order. Click for Fay's Story.
Elizabeth Glor Allen was in town last week along her with mother and brother, Ora Glor-Newton and Gene Glor who joined a group of our Sidway School 9th grade Class of 1957 at Brennan's Friday night for great food and an enjoyable evening. Our table included Diane (Mistretta) Goupil, Lorraine (Walgate) Willcox, Sandra (Macoomb) O'Hara and JoAnn (Radius) Vanderheite. Nice to see Valerie Fraser and Sandy Benns, two of our favorite waitresses, back at this longtime landmark restaurant at Love and Baseline roads. Brennan's was busy but the service was excellent. Among the many diners were Henry and Jean Marie Ensminger, Judy and Mike Schneider
and John Gast and his daughter, Kelly.
Congratulations to our granddaughter, Amy Margaret Bidell, who has been taking riding lessons, and won the reserve championship at a recent Hills Stables "fun show."
A speedy recovery to former Isle resident Bobby Wright, now in Ellenton, FL. Bobby, who has had some serious heart problems, just spent six days in the hospital. Click his name and send him a cheerful email. I know he'd love to hear from old friends.••••So glad to report that Island resident and Buffalo Police Officer Tom Cino is fully recovered from a rare flesh-eating disease and is back to work with the Buffalo Police Department.
Looking Back 60 years - The Basic “A” Gasoline Ration was made available at the Sidway School from 3-8 p.m. on Wednesday or Thursday, November 1 and 2, 1944. Applications could be filled out at the school and Gasoline Books were issued immediately.
Looking Back 50 years - Michael G. Popeluk opened “Island Radio-TV Service” on Wednesday, November 3, 1954. ••••
St. Timothy’s Lutheran League Halloween Party was well attended Sunday, October 31, 1954 according to League adult adviser Henry Lesser of Bush Road. The program was planned by President Douglas Bauer with Trudy Reimann (O'Connor) in charge of games and Dave Dusenbury providing refreshments. Richard Reitz assisted in judging the best costumes.••••Fifty years ago today I attended a 10th birthday party for Jarmen Benns, won a prize, and left early to go to camp for the weekend with my Girl Scout Troop 337!
Looking Back 40 years - Lee Tetkowski served as UNICEF chair in 1964 just as she has done for the past 40+ years.••••Chamber of Commerce President Bob Beach was the toastmaster at a dinner in the Buffalo Launch Club Tuesday, October 27, 1964 honoring 12 of the Chamber’s 14 past presidents. Past President Frank Pinzel was unable to attend due to living elsewhere and Past President Joseph D. Creighton was deceased.••••Bells-IGA market at Grand Island Blvd. near Staley Road was offering T-bone steaks at 89 cents a pound.••••Big 4 Grand Island Cleaners on Staley Road was offering a new service - one day shirt orders. New machinery could handle 75-100 shirts per hour according to Fred Tripi of Big Four whose partner in the business was Angelo Federico.
Looking Back 30 years - Sidway students, hosted by longtime school teacher Mabel Leibinger, visited School House #5 at Kelly’s Country Store.••••Coast Guard Seaman Apprentice David P. Amato graduated from recruit training at the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, NJ.
Daylight Savings Time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday morning, so be sure to turn your clocks back this Saturday night. This is an excellent time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors.
Please support our Grand Island Historical Society. The November meeting, a week from tonight (Nov. 4) at 7:30 p.m. will feature Judy Chapin Buzby's presentation of an enactment of "Hattie's Remembrances of the Civil War," based on an autobiography of Judy's ancestress, Hattie Chapin. The meeting, open to the public, is being held in Historical Society headquarters, River Lea, in Beaver Island State Park.
Tuesday is Election Day and the Grand Island Republican Committee and friends will be at
River Oaks Clubhouse to collect the local polling results.••••Dan Quider, Democratic Committee chair, reports that friends of the Democratic party will meet at the Ellicott Square Building, Buffalo after the close of the polls.
Click for larger view
In preparation for Halloween, Kevin (left) and Andrew Sander and friend, Jimmy Martin, carved their pumpkins Monday night with the help of their aunt Mackenzie Hassan. Click the photo for a larger view. Tricks or Treat hours on the Island are from 5-8 p.m. Sunday.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there."
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Tiny Michael James Christensen was welcomed into the world on October 7th by first time parents, Kris and Michelle Christensen of Sandpiper Lane. The baby, who weighed in at a little over three pounds, and was measured at 16 ½ inches, is the grandson of George and Marianne Christensen of Carter Drive. For a picture and more information, click Michael Christensen.••••
Also announced on our Islanders In the News page is the arrival in September of Chance Michael-Thomas Luthringer, son of Tina Giambra and Rob Luthringer. Click Baby Luthringer for a photo of the baby and his sister, Chase, 2.
This sounds like fun! High school choral director, Carolyn Lokken is inviting singers of all ages to join the members of the Grand Island Senior High School vocal department for an inter-generational sing at 7:30 p.m. Monday, October 25th in the Senior High School Choir Room. "Everyone" is invited and experience is not necessary.
Bob Smith, GIHS Class of 1970, sent this photo of his parents, former Harvey Road residents Bob and Barbara Smith, now reside in Tarpon Springs, FL. Young Bob, now residing in Columbus, Ohio, reports they are playing a lot of tennis at their club and trying to dodge hurricanes this year! The Smiths are also the parents of Darrell Smith, GIHS Class of '72.
Hilbert College goalkeeper Jackie Seifert earned her first collegiate win when her soccer team beat Mount Aloysius, 6-2 last Saturday.••••Helping Daemen's women's soccer team in their win over Carlow University last Saturday with a score of 4-0 was Kim Walker who scored twice.••••Congratulations to Grand Island Varsity Viking Glenn Bird who was included in the Riverside Athletic Club Connolly Cup Committee's honor roll for Week Seven.••••Soccer star Katie Remus made two goals for Fredonia State in their recent 3-0 win over Buffalo State.••••For an interesting story on families connected to Grand Island sports teams, click News Story.
Our sincere sympathy to the families of Doris Teschemacher, Harry “Buzzy”
Anderson and Esther J. Howell who recently passed away. Click Deaths for complete information.••••Judith Toponak, 77, of Lewiston, a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars on Grand Island, died Wednesday, October 13th.
Congratulations and thanks to Councilmember Mary Cooke who has donated a total of five gallons of blood and was recognized in Sunday’s Buffalo News.
Looking Back 60 years - The success of the Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary's O.C.D. dance was due to the efforts of Rose Blampin. Money raised was to be used to build an addition to the fire hall to house Auxiliary equipment. By the way, O.C.D. stands for Office of Civilian Defense.•••• Selby Landel was telling all his Island friends that electric irons would be available to the public within a month.
Looking Back 50 years - Trinity Church Choir presented a musical, “Miss Cherry Blossom” on October 21-23, 1954. The cast included Jacqueline Slacer, Heber Ashley, Robert Dworak, Lee Jones, Merton McElroy, Leonard Staub, Ramona Blackmore, Walter Hughes, Carol Kaegebein (Gates), Libby Smith (Borgese), Bernice Glor (Pagliaro), Pat Fellenz, William Pinkow and Clayton Ames.••••William Kaegebein resigned from the school board of which he served as Board Clerk from 1919-1938 and Board Chair from 1938-1953.••••A $100,000 water treatment plant to serve the needs of the rapidly growing Sandy Beach area was recommended by Water Superintendent Kenneth Winters.••••Ion Arrick of Alt Blvd was the discussion leader of the newly formed League of Women Voters on Grand Island.
Looking Back 40 years - Lee Tetkowski served as the Island's UNICEF chair in 1964 just has she has done ever since!
Looking Back 30 years - Barbara Killian (Morse ) was chosen the homecoming queen Saturday, October 26, 1974. ••••Vikings football Players of the Week were Jim Rodriguez, George Barker and Glyn Lipp.
Looking Back 20 years - Bethany Joslyn (Bernatovicz)
was chosen the homecoming queen Saturday, October 13, 1984 and Chris Bacola took the title of king. The Vikings beat the Tonawanda Warriors 26-0 with some of the lead players being Todd Petrilla, Mark DiMartile, Dean Santorio, Scott Buzby, Dave Roberts and Rick Reaser.
Happy birthday to Megan Kaleta (Sweet 16 today), Ben Franklin and our Laury Linenfelser (today), Jack Norgiel (5 tomorrow), Mark Beck (special greetings Saturday), Diane Pelosi and Michael Weaver (Sunday), Agnes Becker and Terri Turner Carney (Monday), our grandson John Bidell Jr. (15 on Monday), Mallory DelSignore (5 years old on Monday), Kathy "Cotter" Little (a big one on Monday), David Russell (Tuesday), and Paul Soto (Wednesday).
Best wishes to the following on their wedding anniversaries this week: Walter and Elsie Killian (58 years on Monday), Sue and Dan McMahon (32 years on Wednesday), and Jeff and Barb Kirsch (20 years on Wednesday).
And speaking of anniversaries, Laureen Zelonis Hess wrote from The Woodlands, Texas this week about the 50th wedding anniversary celebration for her parents, Louise and Larry Zelonis. "My parents and their guests had a wonderful time aboard The Grand Lady last Saturday night. I would recommend that cruise to everyone," she said, also crediting Sue Berger's Flower A Day Florist for the perfect arrangement. The Grand Lady and Flower A Day happen to be two of our advertisers and Laureen's letter on the Viewpoints page is certainly a credit to them.
Congratulations to Bob Gesl who bowled the high single, 234 and the high triple (631) Tuesday, October 12th with the Golden Age Bowling group. Bob's wife, Joanne Gesl, also had a good game of 173. Attention, Golden Age Bowlers! Drop off your weekly report or Email it to me at
teddy@giecom.net and I will be glad to post it at Isledegrande.com.
Thanks to today's spotlighted advertisers. They are
Town Cafe, Priority Computer Services, West Herr Automotive Group and newest advertiser FX Graphix.
It pays to advertise at Isledegrande.com - the voice of Grand Island and the Island's #1 free news source.
The Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary chowder and baked goods sale is being held at Fire Headquarters this Saturday. The members have produced a cookbook which should be available Saturday as well.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there."
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Kathy Larry Jim
Best wishes and happy birthday to lifelong Islanders Kathleen Loth and Larry Hillock celebrating their 60th birthdays Saturday and Tuesday respectively and to Jim Kaiser who hit that same milestone this past Tuesday.••••Happy birthday to Stephanie Voyzey (8 today), Cathy Latz (special greetings today), John Turner (10 today), Mike Aloian and Jordan Funk (21 today), Jim Criddle and Mark Paasch (milestones tomorrow), Karen Figler and Buck Wenner (Sunday), Marissa Booker (entering her teens on Sunday), Alexandra Mason (a teenager on Monday), Lucas Michael Hooper (first birthday on Tuesday), Stephen Bradley (Tuesday), Michael Madigan (8 on Wednesday), Joe Macaluso (Wednesday), and Ryan Derek Pinzel (baby Ryan's first birthday on Wednesday).
Members of Trinity UM Church will host their 2nd annual Octoberfestival from 4-7:30 p.m. this Saturday. Features include a Chiavetta's chicken dinner ($8 per person), music and entertainment and much more. This year's OctoberFestival chairperson is Gail Conschafter.
Happy birthday to Isle native Shirley Luther who is turning 80 years young tomorrow. Let's get the birthday cards in the mail so she can enjoy a bundle all week long.
Wallace Drive residents Bob and Carolyn Thompson are parents of a new baby girl, Rebekah Mae Thompson, born Tuesday, October 5, 2004. Congratulations! Click Rebekah Mae for her baby picture and details.
Kristin M. Cutini became the bride of Christopher L. Wawrzeniec on Saturday in St. Timothy Lutheran Church. Kristin is the daughter of Michael and Kristina Cutini of Grand Island.
Volleyball star Jen Breier did it again! She paced her Buffalo State team to victory over Mount Aloysius and Pittsburgh-Bradford with 20 kills and 13 aces.
Former resident Mindi (Davis) Schwarz writes: "Well, I'm from Vero Beach and have had four hurricanes in a month. In September alone we were without power for 22 days total (luckily we had a generator) but still had to cook everything on the grill and take cold showers (yuck!!!). My son, Max, who was to begin 2nd grade on September 1st, has had five days so far (ya'll have snow days !!) I really miss the Island but will soon be moving to my husband's hometown of New Braunfels, a little German town outside of San Antonio, Texas. They used to make fun of the weather when I would say I was from Buffalo. Now they eat their words!!!!"
Winners of the VFW #9249 Ladies Auxiliary's annual Chili Cook-Off held October 2nd are First Place - Paul Lewis, Second Place - Debbie Roy and Third Place - B.J. Chapman (3rd). Congratulations, everyone.
Looking Back 60 years -
Between 50 and 60 families moved into the new development, East Park, some moving in before their house was completed. ••••
Larry Martin and Judge Sullivan bid on and got a few of the Army buildings on Bush Road which they intended to move to their West River property. ••••A card party of Pinochle, Pedro and Bridge and a dance were held October 14, 1944 to benefit St. Stephen’s Church. Card games took place in the church hall and dancing was held in the barn. Clam chowder and "hot hamburgers" were available during the evening.
Looking Back 50 years - Mrs. C. Dixon (Ion) Arrick, of Alt Blvd. was discussion leader of the newly formed League of Women Voters on Grand Island. Mrs. Thomas Reed of Oakfield Rd. was chairman, Mrs. Bernard Brown of Blackmon Road handled publicity. ••••The Ladies Auxiliary of the Grand Island Fire Company held a card party October 15, 1954 at 8 p.m. Chairman Helen Peck headed a committee that included Margaret Lyden, Geraldine Grant, Florence Cowden, Katherine Perkins, Berle Kinney, and Mary Tierney.••••William Kaegebein resigned from the school board of which he served as board clerk from 1919-1938 and board chair from 1938-1953.
Looking Back 40 years - After being accepted in the E.C.I.C. conference, it was learned that Grand Island’s first varsity football team’s league schedule would not appear until fall 1965, due to previous commitments by other league teams. Athletic Director Dave Meyer went to work and came up with a game schedule whereby the Vikings faced the following opponents in the fall of 1964: Wilson, Niagara Wheatfield, Roy Hart, Barker, Starpoint, Sweethome and Eden.
Looking Back 30 years - Mrs. Betty Coughlin’s fifth grade class at Huth Road Elementary School devoted seven weeks to research and development of their weather station, made by the students including Tracy Ehinger, Rashmi Pandya, Gerri Jaskowski, Craig Ehde and Jim Kehoe.••••Among Fire Prevention Poster winners in 1964 were Robin Long (Huth Road School), Carol Anderson Riley and Teddy Kessler
(St. Stephen School), and Lisa Becker and Troy Leach (Kaegebein School).•••• Keith Wood , a member of the championship Rochester Crusaders, was instructing the Teddy’s Islettes All Girl Drum Corps. For a picture of the girls, click Old Photo Album.
Best wishes to Dolly and Arnie Dilliot who will celebrate their 46th anniversary on Monday, October 18th. Click their photo for a full view.•••• Also celebrating wedding anniversaries this week and wished the very best are Bobby and Ilene Dee marking their 15th today, and Bob and Kristen Franklin Rosser in Mesa, Arizona, married five years tomorrow.
A more complete obituary and photo of Randy Osvath, who died in a tragic accident last week, is now available on the Deaths Page. Again, our sympathy to his family.
Friends of Isle resident Cathy Johnson and former resident Laurie (Conn) Lazik, GIHS Class of 1981, are hosting a benefit on their behalf from 6-11 p.m. tomorrow evening (Oct. 15th) at the Elks Club, Main and Sweeney streets in North Tonawanda. For more information, click Islanders In The News.
"Good friends, delicious food and great entertainment!" That's what the folks, including myself, who attended last Friday evening's get-together at
River Oaks for the Sidway 9th grade Class of 1954 had to say. The event was attended by Bernie Glor Pagliaro, her mother Ora Glor-Newton and brother Eugene Glor, Carol MacDonald Ganster and her husband, Ed, Shorty Vanthoff and his sister Karen Vanthoff, Nancy Mote Sayre, Dave Dusenbury, Richard Smith, Sally Swalm Hansen, Cliff Bush, and, of course, piano player Don Burns. Also at the table was Fay Rech who graduated from Tonawanda High with most of the Sidway Class of '54.
Business owners in the Viking Plaza at the south end of Grand Island Blvd., across from Burger King Restaurant, are holding a Grand Opening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. They include Isledegrande.com advertisers Priority Computer Services and Gifts-N-More. This not to be missed event will feature entertainment, free stuff, a basket raffle in each business and refreshments beginning at noon. And maybe the best part is the fact that the food will be catered by McMahon's Family Restaurant! Oldtimers like myself will remember when the first building was completed and opened as a grocery store by Jessie and Bill Reese in the early 1950s.
Thanks to today's spotlighted advertisers. They are Austin's Hair Studio, Village Inn, Geri Andolina - Century 21 and Wavelengths. It pays to advertise at Isledegrande.com - the voice of Grand Island.
Click Events Calendar for the Island's weekend activities which include the Grand Island Vikings homecoming game against Sweet Home on Masters Field on Saturday, the Trinity Octoberfestival, Viking Plaza's grand opening, Town Cafe's 2nd anniversary celebration, and the Historical Society's Sunday open house at River Lea.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there."
Thursday, October 7, 2004
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Thursday, September 23, 2004
My sister Mary Ellen Stewart and her husband, Jim, now residing in California, were married 40 years ago, October 10 1964, and are wished a happy anniversary. Be sure to click the little photo taken at their reception in the fire hall.••••Also celebrating a 40th anniversary are Kenneth and Karen "Fitzsimmons" Fuller. Happy days to the Fullers, married on October 9, 1964.••••A very happy anniversary to Bucky and Jennifer Wenner who will celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary tomorrow and to Tom and Tammy Kippley, also celebrating their 10th tomorrow.••••Best wishes to Jason and Maureen Weis who mark their 4th anniversary on Wednesday.
Isle residents Louise and Larry Zelonis are wished a wonderful time as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Saturday evening with a small party aboard the Grand Lady at the Holiday Inn.
Be sure to click the In The Service Page to read about our niece, Anne Linenfelser.
Jim and I celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary on Sunday by having dinner at Brennan's. Chef John Brennan is at the helm, preparing his wonderful entrees and we were extremely happy with our dinners. Brennan's is located at Love and Baseline roads in the former Cathy & Jim's Del & Herbs.
Our sincere sympathy to the families of Charles E. Krueger, Randy Osvath and former resident John T.
Fitzgerald who recently passed away. Click Deaths for complete information.••••Rev. Daniel A. Lapinski, former associate pastor of St. Stephen's Church, died on Saturday, October 2, 2004. He was 55.••••
Former owner of Fantasy Island, Charles R. Wood died of cancer at the age of 90.
Today's spotlighted advertisers are Ziehm Real Estate
Our newest advertiser is Swan Contracting, in the Blacktop & Seal Coating business since 1959. Click above and check out their website for all they have to offer.
Though the Grand Island Vikings Football Team displayed a valiant effort, they were on the losing end of a 35-3 score against Lew-Port in a game played at Lew-Port Friday night, October 1st. The Vikings will be at Lake Shore for a 7 p.m. game tomorrow night. Go Vikings!
Al and Dorothy Rowswell's 12th grandchild has arrived. Bethany Jane Kulikowski was born on September 13th to Kevin and Alaina "Rowswell" Kulikowski of Colonial Drive. Be sure to see this beautiful baby's picture by clicking Baby Bethany. ••••Other "arrivals" last month are Marissa Mae Mistriner to Julie and Mark Mistriner on September 23rd, and Trinity Jae Meinhart to Tracy and Jason Meinhart, also on September 23rd. Parents, feel free to send more information and a photo of your newborn to be posted on our Islanders In The News Page at Isledegrande.com. Email to teddy@giecom.net
It's your birthday! Happy day to Mark Webb (16 tomorrow), Diane Hassan, Tom Johnson and Sandi Cunningham (Saturday), Timothy Wunsch (cheers on Monday), Stephanie Lynn Hopkins (Sweet 16 on Monday), Jacob Mongold (8 on Monday), Brian Chambers (30 on Tuesday), Laura Piccolo (20 on Tuesday) and Sandy Beyer (wished the best on Tuesday). ••••One of Paula Jean Tickner's sisters has tipped us off that she is one year shy of her "big 6-0!!" as of October 9th. Happy birthday, Jean!
Looking Back 50 years - “What will you do if the siren sounds? Are you prepared?” This was the caption on a photo published 50 years ago this week of one of six air raid sirens located on Grand Island. It was located across the road from Del & Herb's Grand Island Grill on the corner of Love and Baseline roads. Click for Old Photo.
••••
Sidway 9th graders elected Francis Lapine president of the Class of 1955. Other officers elected were Vice President Judy Hanna (Hathaway), Secretary Barbara Ianni (Osborne), Treasurer Donna K. Horner (Anderson) and Assistant Treasurer Grant Glessner.
Looking Back 40 years - Mae Capizzi and Alma McTigue co-chaired the East Park Garden Club's fashion show featuring fashions by Jenss on October 13, 1964 in the Buffalo Launch Club.••••Growing opposition to the elimination of the four-party telephone service on Grand Island was voiced by Supervisor Raymond P. Griffin.••••It was reported that for the first time in the history of the town the President of the US was scheduled to visit here however the visit was cancelled due to security reasons.
Looking Back 30 years - Robert Wendling, 12, of Boy Scout Troop 545 received a heroism award for saving life of an 8-year-old Florida boy from drowning while Rob was vacationing with his family in Ormond Beach, FL in March 1974.••••Island residents mourned the tragic death of 11-year-old Diane Eckelberger who was struck and killed while riding her bicycle across Beaver Island Parkway at Broadway.
Living on the Island and married Friday, October 1st are newlyweds Russell D. Hall and his bride, the former Sharlene A. Von. A reception was given in Buffalo Launch Club.
Sandie Rall Smith writes that she served authentic Kimmelweck rolls for a small dinner party she had at her house in Auburn, CA on Saturday. Sandie's good friend, Marcy Malecki sent them with the salt and Caraway mixture separately. Sandie said the combination works like a charm and everyone loves them. "My kids want to know how to get some of John's Pizza Subs out here! I will have to work on that one!" she reports.
Longtime friend JoAnn Vanderheite's annual Dried Flower Sale this Saturday (Oct. 9th) at her home at 1635 West River Road. The sale will feature her artistically designed wreaths, arrangements and more, and runs from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Though his last name was misspelled in the Niagara Gazette on Tuesday, Tommy Dzielski was one of eight Grand Island Junior Vikings to be spotlighted in that publication. Eleven-year-old Tommy, who plays quarterback, is the son of Debbie and Tom Dzielski.
The Historical Society meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. in River Lea, Beaver Island State Park. The meeting, featuring a presentation on "Early Buffalo Railroad History and the Construction of the Central Terminal," is open to the public.••••Fire Company members will hold their annual Fire Prevention open house at fire headquarters on Baseline Road from 5-8 p.m. tomorrow evening.••••The Grand Island Hockey teams will host a Chinese Basket Auction from 6-11 p.m. on Saturday at the VFW Post.••••
Future events include the Trinity Church Octoberfestival on October 16th, Historical Society Open House on October 17th, the Fire Company Ladies' Chowder Sale on October 23rd, the Golden Age Club's annual holiday bazaar on November 7th, and the Rotary's Undy Sunday on November 14th.
Bernie Glor Pagliaro, Don Burns, Nancy Mote Sayre, Penny Ball, Shorty Vanthoff, Sally Swalm Hansen
Lyle Dinsmore, Kay Ames Brooks, Bob Trautman, Ben Franklin, Ron Webb, Dave Dusenbury and Carol MacDonald Ganster.
Bernie Glor Pagliaro is hoping that some of her Sidway School classmates pictured above as they looked in 1953, and a lot of others will join her at
River Oaks Restaurant tomorrow evening. Classmate Don Burns will be playing his ragtime piano there beginning at 6 p.m. The plan is to make dinner reservations (773-3337 ext. 17) for 6 p.m. and stop by as early as 5 p.m. to join the group for cocktails.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there."
Celebrating their 40th anniversary this week and wished many more happy years together are Ben and Bernie 'Carminati' Franklin, married on October 3,
1964 and shown with their best man, Norm Mrkall.••••Dave and Adele Cole will mark their 25th anniversary on October 6. Best wishes to the Coles.
Congratulations to Mike and Betsy Cali on the birth of Jacob Charles Cali on Monday. Click Baby Jacob for photo and details.
Best wishes and happy birthday to Carol Dunworth (left) and Shorty Vanthoff (right) celebrating special birthdays today and Saturday respectively.••••Happy birthday also to Aaron Beauregard (21 today), Frank Burkhart Jr. ( a milestone today), Penny Giambra (today), Bernie Franklin (wished a wonderful day tomorrow), Allison Mae Walker (a teenager tomorrow), Don Turner (tomorrow), Jaidan Hiam (4 years old on Saturday), Janice Hughes (cheers on Saturday), Lauren Kalisz (Sweet 16 on Monday), Dylan Michael Russo (three on Tuesday), Carl Antholzner (a big one on Tuesday), and Flo Gannon (Wednesday).
Looking Back 60 years - Clem Scheuerman vacated the Bedell House Annex and Patty Fix, one of the Fix brothers who owned the tavern and property, was to operate it as of October 1, 1944.
Looking Back 50 years - The State Police, under Cpl. Charles Swarts of Troop A, Batavia Barracks, moved into their new sub-station on Connecting Blvd. (GI Blvd.), just south of Whitehaven Road on Friday, October 1, 1954. ••••School Board President Dr. John Fontana was extremely surprised to receive a letter from the Federal government saying in effect that the application of the Grand Island Central School District for Federal assistance in providing education for the rapidly expanding population, had been approved and a check for $99,010 would be in the mail shortly. On Monday, October 4, 1954 the check was endorsed by the president of the board and the money deposited in the district’s account.••••Sixteen girls from Girl Scout Troop 337 and their leader, Mrs. Lois Martene, entertained five girls and their leader Mrs. Bernie Huff of Troop 209 at Camp Sky High over the October 1-3, 1954 weekend. Also in the group was Girl Scout Chairman Marion Klingel. Rain for two of the three days didn’t dampen the spirits of the scouts who included Noreen Miller, Caroline Martene (Leggio), Judy DiTullio (Penque), Judy Huff (Froman) and myself.
Looking Back 40 years - “The Cyclones” – a rock band comprised of Gerry Ralston and Paul Leibelshon of Grand Island and Chuck Miller, cut their first record with a tune called “World’s Fair.” The flip side? “Summer Fun.”••••Grand Island Ford sponsored the Punt, Pass & Kick contest when 75 Grand Island football enthusiasts came out on a cold and rainy Saturday, October 10, 1964 at the Grand Island Plaza. First place winners were Allen Pearson of East River Road (8-year-olds), Darrell Smith of Riverdale Dr. (10-year-olds), Richard Schopp of Ferry Road (11-year-olds), Patrick Metzen of Staley Road (12-year-olds) and Fred Aswad of Greenway (13-year-olds).••••Fred Klestine of WKBW visited Bells-IGA Market October 7, 1964 to advertise KB’s Lucky Buck program.
Looking Back 30 years - The construction of the proposed Nike Base pond got underway. It was to be filled with water pumped from silos on the Nike Base and stocked with fish. Grand Island High School students under the guidance of Science Dept. Chair Jim Patmos and Assistance Principal Henry Fessard, planted over 2000 evergreen trees on the site and formed a steering committee to formulate plans for this outdoor education laboratory (which was to be three years in the making).
Our sympathy to the family of former resident Larry Mahoney who recently passed away. Click Deaths for complete information.
Today's spotlighted advertisers are Serenade Music Services, The Beach House Restaurant, Grinders Skate Park, State Farm Insurance and Inside & Out Home Improvements. It pays to advertise at Isledegrande.com - the voice of Grand Island.
Our newest advertiser is longtime Isle resident and businessman Louis A. Macro - Optician at Grand Island Optical.
Lou offers a complete eye care center across from St. Stephen's Church and accepts most insurance. Why leave the Island when it's all on Baseline Road. Click above for convenient office hours.
Congratulations to the Grand Island Vikings Football Team on their win over Kenmore West last Saturday at Masters Field. Final score was 34-8. The Vikings play Lew-Port tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at Lewiston-Porter.••••Congratulations also to the High School Girls Soccer Team, listed as #1 by the Buffalo News in the WNY Coaches Poll.
Those of you with students in the Grand Island School District, please note that the lunch menus are now posted on the front page of the Grand Island E-News at Isledegrande.com and look like this:
School District
Lunch Menus
Members of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW Post 9249 are holding their annual Chili Cook-Off this Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. Proceeds from the contest will be donated to Meaghan's Miracle. Food, refreshments and, of course, chili will be available. For complete information and details on entering the contest, click VFW News.••••All Islanders are welcome to participate in the blessing of animals at St. Stephen's Church grounds at noon this Sunday, October 3, 2004.
"Say a prayer for our guys over there."
Hobie MaryAnn Ricky Jimmy &nbs
