"Between the Bridges"
by Teddy Linenfelser


Photo courtesy of Diane "Bykowicz" Hassan Class of '70

Articles courtesy of the Grand Island Record

1999 Columns by Date:

| April 15th | April 22nd | April 29nd
May 6th | May 13th | May 20th | May 27th
June 3rd | June 10th | June 17th | June 24th
July 1st | July 8th | July 15th | July 22nd | July 29th
August 5th | August 12th | August 19th | August 26th
Sept 2nd | Sept 9th | Sept 16th | Sept 23rd | Sept 30th
October 7th | October 14th | October 21st | October 28th
November 4th | November 11th | November 18th | November 25th
December 2nd | December 9th | December 16th | December 23th | December 30th

December 30,1999

Our very best wishes to Dr. Alfred Lenzner and his wife, Lura of West Oakfield Road, who celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on Christmas day. Dr. Lenzner retired from his practice just last August.

Former resident Edward L. Kennedy, 75, died in San Diego on December 20th. Isle resident Robert E. “Bobby” Bennett Jr. and former Warner Drive resident Norman Barth died on Christmas Day. Robert S. Adamczyk, 50, died December 26th after a brief illness. Our sympathy to their families.

Happy birthday to Christopher Podlucky (9 today), Elsie Fleischmann, Karen Loder, Shirley Kaiser, Kathy Lazenby, Jim O’Connor and Nick Pelosi (all celebrating on New Year’s Eve), Jeffrey Nordvik (13 tomorrow), Steven Lew (16 on Saturday), Maria Bobak (11 on Saturday), Dominique Angelina Capizzi (two on Saturday), Jennie McCoy (7 on Saturday), twins Scott and Matthew Wallace (their 18th on Sunday), Danny Victor (13 on Sunday), Jacob Burford (4 on Monday), Hanna Panzica (her second birthday Tuesday), Ellen Martin and Lynn Vaine (Tuesday), Hazel Rowe, Kathy Boettcher Stisser and her twin sister Peggy Fuller (Wednesday) and Jonathan Figler (11 on Wednesday).

Looking back 50 years - Scarlet Tina and in my case, Scarlet Fever hit the Island with a vengeance in December 1949. I missed a lot of my second grade holiday activities and our family, except for my dad, was quarantined~~~~Seven-year-old Sharon Bauer of East Park Road, entertained at a tea party on the afternoon of Thursday, December 29, 1949 and attended by the following little ladies and their dolls: Janie Costin (Rocks), Donna Yakam (Krehl), Donna Horner (Anderson), Susan Nailor (Bauer), Carolyn Bucknam (McFarland), Carol Chateauneuf (Stevens), Kathy Cotter (Little), Peggy Cotter (Will) and me, Teddy Klingel (Linenfelser).

This must be the season for reminiscing as we did a lot of it over the past weekend. The payoff was the McNulty girls - Peggy and Shirley - calling my husband who has a keen memory for old theme songs. Their request? Would he please sing the “Leave for work a little early” jingle that Clint Buehlman sang and played on the piano over WBEN radio years ago, as a reminder to early morning drivers when the weather was bad.~~~~And speaking of reminiscing, the Grand Island web site, Isledegrande.com is still going strong and seems to be the place for old friends to reunite. What fun it has been hearing from my Sidway School classmates, long lost in some cases, and even more fun to see their pictures over the Internet. Those who have graduated from Grand Island High will find even more familiar names.

A speedy recovery to Don Kew of Bedell Road who is home from the hospital and recuperating.~~~~Dear friend and favorite piano player Don Burns has been in Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital after suffering a broken arm. So sorry, Don!~~~~We ask that if you know him, add John Bartholomew to your prayer list.

I was shocked to hear of a frightening robbery that took place in an elderly friend’s home in my old neighborhood here on the Island last week. We have published some reports of a large number of local break-ins as they have become available to us here at the Grand Island Record. But it would serve the community very well if the Sheriff’s Department would provide us with the complete report of their local calls so neighbors could be informed of what has happened in their neighborhood.

Happy New Year to everyone as we enter 2000.

December 23,1999

Island native Jimmy Arias has been named WNY’s top male tennis player of the half-century.~~~~Congratulations to Denny Ahern of Long Road who was recently elected to a second term as grand commander of Cordova Caravan 26, International Order of Alhambra.

Married Saturday and making their home on the Island are Jeffrey Orlowski and his bride, the former Lynn Marie Holler. Welcome to the Orlowskis.~~~~Best wishes to Bud and Judy Link, who celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in style Saturday night in Cathy and Jim’s Restaurant. The Link’s were married on December 22, 1959.~~~~A very happy wedding anniversary to Ray and Anne Ehlert married 57 years today, to Barb and Sherman Lyke (22 years today), Jane and Jay Boyle (14 years Monday) and Jennifer and Greg Dinsmore (their 10th on Monday).

So sorry to report that Pat O’Reilly passed away on December 18th. Our sincere sympathy to Jackie and the rest of the family. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo or the American Cancer Society.~~~~Former resident John W. Shea died on Dec. 2, 1999.

We hear Betty Lantz was completely surprised when her parents, Dave and Arliss Lantz, made the trip to the Island to help celebrate her “big” birthday last week.~~~~Those who we know are celebrating birthdays on Christmas Eve and Christmas day for the last time in this century are Mary Marlin, Melissa Marlin (7 on Christmas Eve), Carolyn Gaudy (18 on Christmas Eve), Robert Augugliaro (4 on Christmas Eve), Paul Harper Sr., and Joyce Mongan and on Christmas Day - Marissa Catanzaro (3 years old), Chris Eberhard, Sean McMahon, Grant Hennigar, Ann Dlugokinski, Patty Ray, Ken Tollner, Bud Yensan, Chris Franklin Rosser and Bob Hoag. Happy birthday, everyone.~~~~And birthday greetings also to Nancy Samrany, Millie Vanthoff and Andrea Moreau (today), to Bradley Stone (2 on Sunday), Margie Walker (Monday), Abigail Dallessandro (3 on Monday), Chelsea Schmidt (2 on Tuesday), Rob Meyer (21 on Tuesday), Val Swain, Maggie Gushue and Art Ellsworth (Tuesday), Danny Dinsmore (11 on Wednesday), Yvonne Martin, Jim Sharpe and John Trianda (Wednesday) and Megan Ayers (Sweet 16 on Wednesday).

Looking back 50 years - Chuck and Dottie Carter were married on December 26, 1949 and purchased the Beningo’s house on Love Rd. in Grandyle Village.~~~~Brownies of Troop 221 who put on a play, “A Gift For Loke” were Libby Smith (Borgese), Margie McMahon (Prange), Annette Boehm (Fuhr), Judy Daggett and Barbara Glor (Martin). Brownies Susan Turnbull and Janet Lee Sunderland (Bangs) added to the entertainment by demonstrating their tap dancing skills.

Looking back 30 years - It was announced that the Nike Base began closing down operations. Preparation was under way to transfer civil defense supplies stored at the Grand Island Nike-Hercules missile installation on Whitehaven Road to the town water plant.

Though it has been nearly three weeks, Shirley Luther hasn’t heard a word about her shoes mistakenly taken while she was touring one of the holiday houses December 6th.

A great project with educational benefits is being undertaken by a small group of Isle residents who are asking for the loan of Grand Island High School reunion booklets. Contact Sally Goris at 773-1449 or myself at 773-2436 if you can help out.

Charlotte Mrkall has had her share of health problems recently. Why not drop her a line or send a card and let her and Norm and their family know you are thinking of them.~~~~A speedy recovery to Helene Kerr. Get-well cards may be sent to her home. Also get well wishes go out to Town Attorney Will Wiles who just got out of the hospital.~~~~Happy holidays to all our readers!

December 16,1999

Happy birthday to Pat Gill whose graduation picture is shown above. She will hit the big 5-0 on Monday in California.~~~~Happy birthday to Betty Lantz (today), Kara Black (13 today), Joey Guenther (6 today), Jim Pioli (16 today), Rob Soluri (21 tomorrow), Heather Goris, Arvilla Kendzierski and Art DiMartile (tomorrow), Katie Kendall (17 tomorrow), Lisa Black, Sonia Steckelberg and Walter Lare (Sunday), Ann Kruse and Greg Schnitzer (Tuesday), Jonathan Cook (16 on Wednesday) and Arliss Lantz (Wednesday).~~~A belated happy birthday to David Henderson (December 9) and best wishes to Vern Ford who celebrated his 51st birthday yesterday, December 15th. The grandchildren of George Shaw (Jennifer, Evan and Ben) wish him many happy returns of the day Sunday, December 19.

A speedy and complete recovery to Nonnie Carroll who may be home from the hospital by the time you read this.

Looking back 50 years - A group of East Park Road neighbors formed the East Park Garden Club in late 1949.~~~~The Fire Company's Ladies Auxiliary elected officers, voted to buy a siren for the new fire truck and agreed to pack boxes for Isle shut-ins. Thirty-nine members then proceeded to Del & Herb's for a Christmas party after their December meeting.~~~~WHLD began broadcasting from new studios built on Staley Road.

Looking back 40 years - The Road Rebels, a group of Isle teens with an interest in auto mechanics staged a record hop at the American Legion Hall on Ferry and Orchard roads Friday, December 18, 1959. Live music was provided by. Gary Miller and his Hi-5. Officers of the Rebels were President. Jerry Thirion, Treasurer Scott Wiesenburg, Secretary Ron McNamee and Sgt. at Arms Russell Hill.

Looking back 20 years - Among pre-schoolers attending the Gingerbread House and interviewed for a December 1979 issue of the local weekly paper was Nicole Dee, 5, who said, "I want a Baby This and That that colors, and a Mickey Mouse Turn-over Choo-Choo. I don't fight with my brother. He's 15 and fixes my breakfast."~~~~Chuck Swanick, our newly elected County Legislator, was gearing up for his new job.~~~~Judy Schorb of West Oakfield Road was the winner of a microwave oven when Ted Bates was president of the Grand Island Plaza Businessmen's Association who held the drawing December 21, 1979.

We are sorry to report the deaths on December 10th of Tom O'Hara of Wallace Drive and Isle resident Stella Dankowski

Island Cub Scouts of Pack 254 Greg Stephan, Shawn Speidel, Ryan Wolfslayer, A.J. Guenther and our grandson John Bidell may be seen on television (Channel 29) Monday morning sometime between 7 and 9 a.m. The Cubs and their leaders, Melissa Wolfslayer and Julie Dee, visited the station earlier this month and will be on a featured spot in between cartoons.

Islander Norm Stessing of the Power Authority was seen during the Niagara Falls feature on the History Channel last week.

Holiday cards would surely be appreciated by longtime, former Islander Abe Milner. His address is 146 Battleship Road, Room 116, Camden, SC 29020.

December 9,1999

Emma Lee Schultz was one happy baby as she celebrated her first birthday this past Sunday at a dinner party at Town Hall Terrace. She is the daughter of Lynda Lee and Paul F. Schultz of Fix Road and first granddaughter of Shirley Schultz. The Schultz family of Grand Island with six children and eight grandsons, was very happy to welcome this special little girl into their family.

Our sympathy to the families of the following Islanders who passed away recently. Memorials for Lilly Anderson who died on November 23rd may be made to St. Martin-In-The-Fields Church.~~~~Former Grandyle Village resident Kathryn “Kay” Grycel died on November 24th in Santa Maria, California.~~~~Louis Varga died November 29th. Memorials for Mr. Varga may be made to Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203 or Roswell Park Cancer Institute or Hospice Buffalo.~~~~Margaret “Kerr” Suffoletta died December 2nd. Memorials for Margie may be made to Hospice Buffalo or the Grand Island Fire Company.~~~~Former resident and longtime Beaver Island State Park superintendent Ed Zuchowski died on December 3rd in Burlington, NC. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated this morning (Thurs., Dec. 9th) at 9:30 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 25 Hazelwood Dr., West Amherst, NY 14228.~~~~Josephine Mastrangelo of Carter Drive died on December 3rd.

Jim Dunlop was named the Buffalo News runner of the year, an honor he also earned in 1993 and 1996. Congratulations, Jim.

Happy birthday to Sydney Khreis (her first birthday today), to Amanda Heftka (7 today), Marianne Tranter, Jennifer Weis Loder and Agnes Morgan (tomorrow), Cornell University student Emily Dinsmore (her 18th birthday tomorrow), Nan Haller (reading the Record in Florida and celebrating Saturday), Linda Wright, Duffy Macguire and Record editor Joelle Logue (Saturday), Vickie Kowzan (9 on Saturday), Maurice Walsh (special greetings Sunday), Helen Staley and Dave Hammond (Sunday), Kori Loder (8 years old on Monday), Beth Glessner (18 on Monday), Emory Webb (Monday), Annette Kelley and Reginia Guenther (Tuesday), Katie Rustowicz (7 on Tuesday), Katie Nordvik (her 9th on Tuesday), Matthew Foote (6 on Wednesday) and Beth Boron (Wednesday).

Looking back 70 years - The Town of Grand Island paid $400 for snow fence, $256.41 for fence posts and $20 to George H. Alt for trucking the snow fence in December 1929 as the town geared up for winter weather.

Looking back 50 years - Mrs. Adamine Kennelly’s 5th grade class at Sidway School put on the play, Proud Princess with Jimmy Tranter as King; Phyllis Miller (Violanti), queen; Sally Swalm (Hansen), Proud Princess and Lyle Dinsmore, The Herald.~~~~Entertainment at the parish children’s party held in St. Stephen’s Church hall December 10, 1949 included Mrs. Steck’s dancing class, Dan Linenfelser’s magic show and, of course, Santa Claus with a strong resemblance to Franklin Klocke.

Looking back 40 years - Lil Robinson was the winner of a watch during the grand opening of Rolland Miller’s Rolland’s Jewelers in the Grand Island Plaza in 1959.~~~~Duffy’s Rod & Gun Club on Ransom Road was destroyed by fire Tuesday December 1, 1959. The early morning “worker” had Isle volunteer firemen at the scene four hours before bringing the blaze under control.~~~~Marion Klingel’s Around the Town Hall began appearing in the local weekly paper.

Former residents Jeff and Sue “Kohlhagen” Long’s daughter, Shannon, was married on November 27th in Mt. Morris and we hear it was a wonderful time for family and friends including MaryLou Kohlhagen and David and Carol “Kohlhagen” Hamlin. Belated good wishes to the Hamlin’s who celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary on November 26th.

River Lea in Beaver Island State Park will be open to the public Sunday from 1-4 p.m. The Historical Society will provide refreshments and harp music as well as information on the house and history of Grand Island. This will be the community’s last chance in 1999 to tour the 150-year-old farm house which is completely decorated for the holiday season.~~~~The annual Sounds of Christmas concert at Trinity UM Church takes place Sunday at 7:30 p.m. A freewill offering will benefit the Neighbors Foundation and the Central City Cafe. Everyone is invited.~~~~And for the kids, don’t forget, Santa Claus comes to town Saturday at the Town Hall.

December 2,1999

Eighty grader Danielle Podlucky, 13, who led the high school’s varsity girls cross country team this year, ended her running season on a high note. She placed 56th out of 157 girls in the State Cross Country Championships on November 13th and came in 10th the following Sunday in the Checker Athletic Club’s All WNY Invitational, giving her a spot on the All WNY 2nd team. On Thanksgiving day Danielle ran and won first place in the 5-mile Turkey Trot in the 13 and under division.~~~~Senior Alex Winstel, running with the best in the state, came in 24th in the State Cross Country Championships.

Margaret “Kerr” Suffoletta lost her battle with cancer today (Thursday, December 2nd). We are so deeply sorry for Margie’s family.~~~~Our sincere sympathy to the families of Lilly Anderson who died November 23rd, Marie Nardini and Kathleen T. Blake, who both died on November 28th. Memorials for Mrs. Nardini may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY and those for Ms. Blake may be made c/o Betsy Runick, Whitehaven Community Residence, 1451 Whitehaven Road.~~~~Our sympathy to Nancy Samrany and her family on the death of her brother, Joseph A. Scheelar who passed away November 24th.

Walter Lare is out of the hospital and involved in rehabilitation at the Riverwood Health Care Center on Grand Island Blvd. I’m sure he’d like to hear from friends.~~~~A speedy recovery to Lil Robinson who has had complications since her August surgery. We hear she is beginning to feel better.

Happy birthday to Pat Hyman (his big 5-0 on Tuesday, the 30th), Pat McNulty, Marcy Malecki, Joan Bodkin and Cheryl O’Gorman (all celebrating today), Debra Donovan (tomorrow), Alan Endres (7 tomorrow), Regina Gicewicz and Claire Card (Saturday), Carolyn Kreutz (Sunday), Mitch Stessing, Ruth Stahl, Mike Cole and Gloria Watkins (Monday), Lefty Kendzierski (83 on Monday), Margaret Anderson (Sweet 16 on Monday), Jean Davern (Tuesday) and Dave Ehde, Mary Panepinto and Polly Smith (Wednesday).

Looking back 50 years - It was 50 years ago this month that the song, “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” was introduced to the nation, played on most radio stations. The still popular song was at the top of the charts for a total of 12 weeks.

Looking back 30 years - Supervisor Ray Griffin made his theatrical debut with the Island Theater Group’s “A Thousand Clowns.” Ray portrayed Murray Burns, a free spirited television scriptwriter and Arlene Billstone took the opposite lead as Sandra Markowitz, a neophyte social worker.~~~~”A Day In The Life,” created by senior Glenn Lange was produced by the high school Spotlighters..~~~~The 1,200 foot addition to the rear of Kelly’s Country Store was nearing completion just in time for the holidays.~~~~The Niagara River thundered over Niagara Falls for the first time in six months. A 72-ton crane gnawed away at the earth and rock cofferdam that, since June 12, 1969, had diverted nearly 100,000 cubic foot of water per second from the American Falls to the nearby Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

A happy anniversary goes out to Bill and Marie Moreland who will be married 56 years on Monday.

Gleaned from Michael Levy’s feature story in Sunday’s News is the fact that President Grover Cleveland, whom we know did quite a lot of hunting and fishing off our own Island, also spent time on Bird Island doing the same.

Don’t forget the Holiday House Tour and Craft Show sponsored by the Historic Trinity committee and taking place Saturday. Five festive homes will be open from noon to 4 p.m. by ticket only $12 at the door) and the Craft Show in the chapel of Historic Trinity will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.~~~~”Las Vegas Night” at the K of C Hall starts at 8 p.m. Saturday night and benefits the Neighbors Foundation.

November 25,1999

Rick and Jerry Kustich who grew up on Grand Island, have just published a book titled “Fly Fishing for Great Lakes Steelhead” which should be available at area book stores real soon. The brothers will be at Oak Orchard Fly Shop from 1-4 p.m. Saturday for a book signing. Check out their Web Page.

Congratulations to Ellie Wiant who won the door prize, a beautiful, hand-woven Longaberger* “Tea Basket,” at the Very Merry Longaberger Open House,” which was hosted by local sales consultant, Terri Pitts.

Former resident Clyde Guenther, 69, died unexpectedly November 17th and Shirley Mogavero died on November 19th. Our sympathy to their families.

Best wishes to Dawn Marie Gworek who became the bride of Michael Becker on Saturday. The Beckers are traveling to Jamaica.

Congratulations to Mark Anderson, 14, on his excellent art work hanging with the other above average student works in the meeting room of our Grand Island Memorial Library. Mark is the son of Rich and Bridget Anderson.

Looking back 50 years - At midnight Sunday, November 27, 1949 Mayor Dowd of Buffalo dialed the new BRidge exchange to speak to Supervisor Dan McNamee marking the official opening of our new telephone system.

Looking back 30 years - Mira Tetkowski (Berkley), a senior at Grand Island High, won the Jaycee’s Grand Island Junior Miss Contest. Mira went on to the state competition where she won the personality award by a vote of other contestants from throughout the state.~~~~Richard O. Robinson, one of very few attorneys to take the office on Grand Island, was elected Peace Justice in November 1969.~~~~The town budget including the highway superintendent’s salary of $9,800, was passed in November ‘69 with no questions asked.~~~~Wayne Benton scored 17 of the 23-0 victory points over Cleveland Hill, all touchdowns for the 14-0 shutout over East Aurora and had three touchdowns and two extra point kicks when the Vikings beat Williamsville South in 1969.

Happy birthday to Ryan McDonough (16 and ready for the road today), Lois Morgan (today), Donna Rodriguez and Joe Samrany (tomorrow), Sharleen Pembleton (13 tomorrow), Jerome Viola (18 on Saturday), Joan Droit (Saturday), Don Loder, Gladys Benzing and Joan McCraith (Sunday), Alma McTigue (best wishes on Sunday), Josal Diebold (13 on Sunday), Marcia Pfohl, JoAnn Vanderheite and Jack Fries (Monday), Eric Harnden (7 on Tuesday), Kathryn Sheehan (Tuesday) and Christopher Carter (10 years old on Tuesday).~~~~Dick Clark of American Bandstand fame turns 70 on Wednesday.

A very happy anniversary to Jerry and Joelle Logue celebrating their 35th tomorrow, to Christina and Vincent Ramsperger marking their 6th tomorrow, to Robert and Aerika (Johnson) Backlund on their third anniversary on Monday and especially to Marilyn and Tom Johnson whose 25th wedding anniversary is on Tuesday, the 30th.

Today is Thanksgiving 1999. Let’s count our blessings.

November 18,1999

Diane “Bykowicz” Hassan took the photograph that now accompanies the Between the Bridges as it appears on Isledegrande.com. For those able to access the internet, it is a nice addition, especially for former Islanders looking at it from across the nation. “Thanks, Diane.”

Holiday luncheon reservations at River Lea are available on Wednesday, December 8th and Saturday, December 11th. River Lea, the 150 year old farm house in Beaver Island Park, headquarters for the Island Historical Society, will be completely decorated for the holidays and the luncheon at $12 is an excellent way to get into the spirit of the season. Call me, 773-2436, for reservations.

Sandy Lare of Portland, Maine was home this past week and her sister Becky Jordison came in Monday and is staying with their mother Barbi Lare. Walter is now out of ICU and recuperating in Kenmore Mercy Hospital.

Glen and Wilma Greenwood have just returned from an enjoyable a two-week visit with daughter Linda Cantwell and her family in Everett, Washington.

William ‘Scotty’ Mohan, known to many Island residents, died on November 7th.~~~~Former resident Colette Marie Metzen, 69, died on November 9th in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. ~~~~Patricia Pater died on November 12th. Memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Honeymooning in Hawaii are the former Beth Kaefer and her husband, Michael C. Czerwonka, married on Saturday, November 13th~~~Alan Prusak and Stacey Ann Beltram were married Saturday and are traveling to Aruba.~~~~A very happy anniversary to Bob and Pat Haag celebrating their 30th on Tuesday and also to Mark and Diane Hassan (23 years Saturday), to Cathy and Noel Wilhelm (29 years on Sunday) and Tom and Sandy Edwards (their 20th on Wednesday). A belated happy first anniversary to Bruce and Katerina Kaiser who celebrated Monday.

Congratulations to Town Assistant Engineer Lynn Dingey who gave birth to a son November 14. Nicholas weighed in at 7 lbs., 12 ozs. and measured 20 inches long. Happy birthday to Joey Shanor (10 today), Eileen Minton (today), Victoria McCraith (12 on Saturday), Tom Boehm (Saturday), Rebecca Rae (Sweet 16 on Saturday), Benjamin Kose (8 years old on Sunday), Ben Franklin and Heather Wilhelm (Sunday), Chris Gress (Monday), Ashley Hollinger (Sweet 16 on Monday), Timothy McMahon (his 20th on Tuesday), Alexander Tollner (4 on Wednesday) and Kathy Fik (Wednesday).~~~~A special milestone birthday salute to Bill Click who turns the big 5-0 on Monday.~~~~A belated happy birthday to Carol “Bykowicz” Raewho celebrated yesterday.

Looking back 50 years - A legal notice of November 21, 1949 referred to an existing manhole at the intersection of Rattle Snake and Red Jacket Roads. Do any of our readers remember Rattle Snake Road?? ~~~~It was at midnight on Saturday, November 19, 1949 that the Island’s dial conversion of metropolitan toll-free telephone service was set in motion. The November issue of the Island Dispatch in 1949 related a very interesting story on how dozens of men simultaneously pulled out “heat coils” all over the area to make the change over from crank phones to the new dial system.~~~~The Grand Island Volunteer Fire Company purchased new fire truck.~~~~Kathie Gettings (Biondo), an ardent fan of Howdy Doody, got together with her friend and neighbor Dawn Merrill (Hillock) many afternoons to watch the show in front of the Merrill television set.~~~~The Sidway School PTA, under the chairmanship of Mary Fontana held a book fair in St. Stephen’s hall in November 1949.

Looking back 40 years - Island residents welcomed the opening of the Neisners store in the Grand Island Blvd. plaza on November 19, 1959.

Looking back 25 years - Tops Market opened at it present site on November 19, 1974.

GIFTS (Grand Island Families Town Schools) is sponsoring an old-fashioned Family Fun Night this Saturday to kick off National Family Week. The event takes place from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Nike Base.~~~~The Historical Society will open River Lea in Beaver Island Park from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday. The public is invited to walk through the 1849 farm house where Society members will be on hand to answer questions. A highlight of the afternoon will be a proclamation by Legislator Chuck Swanick in celebration of the 150th anniversary of River Lea. Other weekend events on the Island are listed on the front page of today’s Grand Island Record.

November 11,1999

Longtime Island residents Donald and Dayton Fancher were 4th graders in Miss Catherine DiVizio’s room at Sidway School when these photos were taken for the 1951 Sidway Log yearbook. Many happy returns of the day as they celebrate their 60th birthdays on Wednesday, the 17th.~~~~Happy birthday to Bonnie “Corbett” Coulter, celebrating a milestone on Monday.~~~~Happy birthday to Janet Cavanaugh (yesterday), Eric Pietron (17 today), Ivey Spier (6 today),.Dolores Williams and Imogene Zavodny (today), Bryan Fred (30 tomorrow), Andy Tranter (25 tomorrow), Brian Kopf (his 16th on Tuesday) and Ruth Yensan and Judy Penque (Wednesday).

Mike Podlucky, Class of ‘66, was in town last week to attend Grand Island High School Coach Gene Masters’ induction in the Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame and to visit his family. He, his wife and two daughters now live in Salt Lake City, Utah.~~~~Congratulations to Danielle Podlucky, a member of the Varsity Cross Country Team who qualified to run in the state championship race this weekend. Danielle, an 8th grader at Connor Middle School, is the daughter of John and Joanne Podlucky of Marlin Court.

We were very sorry to hear that Walter Lare suffered a stroke Saturday. He is in ICU at Kenmore Mercy Hospital and we wish him a full recovery. Our concern goes out to Barbi and her family. Betty Swann is home from the hospital and Jerri Schopp is getting out and about, slowly but surely following her recent back surgery.

Looking back 50 years - Daniel J. McNamee was re-elected supervisor.~~~~Jim Fleming, Dick Hogue, Mike Costin and Terry Turnbull were among Scouts who took an overnight “hike” on Navy Island.~~~~The town board voted to purchase 50 ebony, steel, folding chairs for the town hall from Daniel Linenfelser of Wayside Furniture who informed the board members of a price of $3.50 each.

Looking back 40 years - The Island’s total collection for UNICEF in 1959 was $500 according to chairman Lee Tetkowski.

Looking back 10 years - The inland harbor for the multi-million dollar River Oaks Marina next to the Holiday Inn was filled with water from the mighty Niagara 10 years ago today.~~~~Conservation officer Jim Rogers estimated the Island’s coyote population to be between 30 and 50 ten years ago when Matt Fitzgerald trapped a 47 pound coyote west of the Thruway.~~~~Senior Cliff Scott led the Varsity Vikings to a win over the Iroquois Chiefs at Rich Stadium November 18, 1989 with a score of 41-3 making the Vikings B-1 champs. Among key players of the game which was played in sub-zero temperatures were Chris Roggow, Jason Weis, Chris Oursler and Brian Sykes. Seth Buzby was perfect on four extra point attempts and kicked the ball well into the fierce Rich Stadium wind.

Best wishes to Elisabeth Sugar and Daniel Renczkowski, married September 25th, and to Joel Jastrzab and Carrie Ann Mechlinski, married November 6th.~~~~Congratulations to Larry Adams and Lisa Marie Cammarano who were married Saturday at Kloc’s with a reception following. The happy couple will make their home on Grand Island.

Catherine Baeuerlein died on November 7th and P. Allen Smudski passed away on November 9th. Memorials for Mrs. Baeuerlein may be made to Buffalo Hospice.

Polly and Doug Smith of Hennepin Road spent October driving the length of Route 62 from Niagara Falls to El Paso, Texas, visiting at least two former Islanders along the way. Joella Jessup, now living in Canton, Ohio, took time out from tending grandchildren to give them a tour of the nearby Amish country. The Smiths then lunched with Marjorie Murdock, who would love to hear from old friends. Her address is Room 113, Harrodsburg Health Care Center, 853 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg, KY 40330.

Take time to observe Veterans Day and help out the Veterans Park Memorial Wall Committee by purchasing a calendar designed by Islander Andy Rupp which promotes the Grand Island memorial and other veterans’ memorials across the country. $5 of the $10 calendar cost will go toward the building of the local monument.

November 4,1999

The election is over and the Island has spoken. I assume most residents found the scarceness of political signs refreshing.

Jay and Martha Martin of Kirkwood Drive are grandparents “again.” Kirstin Cierra Martin was born October 22nd to Craig and Karin Learman Martin, both members of the Grand Island High School Class of ‘87 and now living in Red Bluff, California. The new baby was welcomed home by her big sister, Breanne, 4.

Saturday, December 4th is the date for Historic Trinity’s sixth Holiday House Tour. Details may be found elsewhere in today’s Grand Island Record.

Esther M. MacKenzie died on October 20th. Memorials may be made to Bible Presbyterian Church.~~~~Former resident Adolpha “Del” (Starzynski) Hanslick died October 24 in Port Charlotte, Florida after a long illness. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hospice Buffalo.~~~~Dorothy Jean Hunter died suddenly on October 25th.~~~~Lee Merletti passed away on October 28. Memorials for Mr. Merletti may be made to The American Diabetes Association or the American Cancer Society.

Happy anniversary to George and Hazel Rowe married 27 years today, to Cathy and Noel Wilhelm celebrating their 29th on November 8th and to George and Marianne Christensen on their 47th anniversary on Monday. Kim and Bob Willer celebrated their first anniversary on September 27th. Best wishes to the Willers.

Friends of former resident Ann Senn will surely want to send her a card for her 95th birthday Monday. Ann’s address is North Gate Manor, Room 32A, 7264 Nash Road, North Tonawanda, NY 14120.

Happy birthday to Richard Anderson celebrating “the big one” today, to Jacob Schmidt (10 years old today), Richard Williams and Kenneth Wasson (tomorrow), Casey Carminati (9 tomorrow), Ryan Proctor (6 on Saturday), Emilie Kahn (10 on Saturday), Robin Csendom, Lucille Jones and Peter Burrows (Saturday), Joshua Less (3 on Saturday), Jim Wagner Sr. and Lisa Kessler (special greetings on Sunday), Scott Hammond (the big 3-0 on Monday), Andrew Kuszczak (Tuesday), Floyd Doring and Mildred Dingey (Wednesday) and Lee Becker (9 years old on Wednesday).~~~~A belated happy birthday to Terry Turner Carney who celebrated her 50th on October 27th.

Cards of cheer are in order for Bernice Dinsmore and for former resident Fay Wood of Lady Lake, Florida. Please pray for Margie (Kerr) Suffoletta and for her family.

Looking back 50 years - Winners of the Grandyle Village Treasure Hunt for the teenagers were Dick Schwagler and Skip Noth in first place, Joanne Rank (Urtel) and Bev Fleming (Barril) in 2nd place, and Bob Riggs and Mike Costin in 3rd.~~~~Isle residents looking forward to the new telephone system were invited to demonstrations on How to Use Dial Telephones, which were being held at Tuckers Grocery Store, Evan’s Delicatessen in Sandy Beach and at 69 East Park Drive during November 1949.

Looking back 40 years - Kathy Boettcher (Stisser), Peggy Boettcher (Fuller), Norm Facklam, David Ames, Barbara Beck (Muratore), Ann Wallace (Arlessi) and Don Loder were among young people from Trinity Church who attended the annual Christian youth convention in Beaver Falls.~~~~The following incumbent Republicans were all re-elected in 1959. Supervisor George J. Burgstahler, Justice of Peace F. Donald Hawley, Councilman Robert E. Study, Town Clerk Elsie Stamler, Tax Collector Robert Kaiser, Assessors Edward M. Ball, Richard Couch and George L. Thorne.~~~~Ten-year-old Fred Bidell, in his headless horseman costume, was named the scariest at the Jaycees Halloween party held at the Grand Island Gables.

Looking back 30 years - The Grand Island Playhouse, in existence since 1948, burned to the ground on October 30, 1969. The Playhouse barn stood on the southeast corner of Baseline and Bedell roads.

We’ve been told that the Children’s Store being featured Sunday at the Golden Age Center’s Holiday Bazaar from noon to 4 p.m. will be bigger and better than ever. Alice Watkins is in charge and children may shop by themselves as there will be plenty of Golden Age supervision in the store where everything is priced under a dollar.

October 28th,1999

Everyone reading this in today’s Record and on tomorrow’s Isledegrande.com on the Internet will be happy to hear that Nancy “Braddell” Gorrell and Dick DiTullio are celebrating milestone birthdays this week. Nancy, born on Halloween, was a fourth grader when she posed for this cute picture in 1948 and Dick, who celebrates his 50th on the 30th, was one cool dude at age 14.~~~~A very active Ralph Amann is celebrating his 90th birthday today and we wish him many happy returns of the day.~~~~Friends of Mary Frey ask that we wish her a great big happy 40th birthday. Happy birthday to Mary whose big day is Tuesday, November 2nd.~~~~Happy birthday to Matthew Linenfelser and Ray Gress Jr. (today), Ashley Remmes (her 13th today), Joanne Gesl and John Trianda (tomorrow), Ken Hoover (tomorrow), Dave Wilkinson, Julie Dee and Allen Glessner (Saturday), Penny Panepinto, Tim O’Connor and Ken Brasier III (Sunday), Ray Gajewski (the big 6-0 on Sunday), baby Sarah Grace Kustich (her first birthday Monday), Jay Moran and Steven Moudy (Monday), Michael Dlugokinski (11 on Monday), Mandy Liesenfeld (4 on Monday), Esther Whitford (Tuesday), Doug DeGlopper (a big one Wednesday) and Mary Carminati (Wednesday).

Wedding bells! Kristen Franklin, daughter of Bernie and Ben Franklin of Carter Drive, became the bride of Bob Rosser in Tempe, Arizona on Saturday, October 16th.~~~~Beth Ann Fruehstorfer and Jason Walbert were married Saturday in New Castle, Pennsylvania.~~~~Jeffery Alan DeRose and his bride, the former Jennifer Mary Englert exchange wedding vows Saturday in St. Louis Catholic Church.~~~~Jeffrey Loder and his bride, the former Jennifer Weis were married in St. Stephen’s Church Saturday followed by a reception (hey, what a party!) at the Adams Mark Hotel in Buffalo.

Looking back 50 years - Grandyle Village youngsters, headed up by young Lance Kohn, were out after school gathering wood for their huge bon fire held annually by the Village Properties Owners on Halloween night.~~~~1949 was the year that Georgie DeGlopper came to his second grade class at Sidway School on Halloween appropriately dressed as a hay stack complete with mice. George continues to farm his property just as several generations of the DeGlopper family have done in the past.~~~~Penny Ball of Love Road named her new goldfish Hallow and Wean in October of ‘49.

Looking back 40 years - Ferry Road neighbors held their annual Halloween Supper hosted by Mrs. Bruce (Jean) Cudmore and held at Mildred and Paul Brobeil’s home.

Looking back 30 years - The Grand Island Playhouse, in existence since 1948, burned to the ground on October 30, 1969. The Playhouse barn stood on the southeast corner of Baseline and Bedell roads.

Best wishes to Joan and Skip Fred on their 10th wedding anniversary today.

Cards and notes of cheer may be sent to Marilyn (Sterner) Welsh who we’re sure would appreciate hearing from old friends on the Island. Her address is RR#4 Mill Street, Brantford, Ontario N3T5L7.

Tuesday is Election Day and polls around the Island will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.~~~~Motorists should take extra care Sunday evening to watch for trick or treaters as it will be dark early because of the change back to Eastern Standard Time.

October 21st,1999

Longtime Ferry Village resident Maryan Traun will be 90 on Sunday and we wish her a wonderful birthday and many bright and sunny days ahead just as she has brightened so many of our days in the past.~~~~A belated happy birthday to Matt Lewis who hit the big 4-0 on the 19th.~~~~A very happy birthday to my mother-in-law Betty Linenfelser and to my sweet daughter-in-law Laury Linenfelser both celebrating birthdays today and to Brianna Lee Hadden (3 tomorrow), Rom Figler (tomorrow), Jaime Heftka (her 18th tomorrow), Anthony Daubney (9 tomorrow), Kevin Koch and Mary Catherine (Panepinto) Bartolomeo (Saturday), Diane Pelosi and Jim Pax (Sunday), Michael Weaver (20 on Sunday), Agnes Becker and Ed Foglia (Monday), John Bidell Jr. (the big 1-0 on Monday), Bernie Bailey and Norma Weast (Tuesday), and Jill Endres (12 on Wednesday).

Get well wishes to Betty Swann of Second Avenue and a speedy recovery to Margaret Barrett of Fix Road who broke her arm recently.~~~~Saturday’s chowder sale, though very successful, got off to a bad start when firefighter Rob Meyer injured his ankle while dismounting a fire truck and was taken to the hospital by ambulance.

Best wishes to Tim Burley and MaryAnn Koller who were married in St. Stephen’s Church on Friday, October 8th.~~~~Jennifer Debra Bifaro and Brett Nicholas Barton were married Saturday, October 16th. Mary Grace Quinn became the bride of James A. Battaglia in St. Stephen's Church Saturday, October 16th. Both couples will live here on the Island.

We are so sorry to report the death of Norma Rall yesterday (October 20th). Our sincere sympathy to her family. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Company or Buffalo Hospice.~~~~Former Island resident Victor M. Schueckler Sr. died on October 13th.

I truly enjoyed sharing the 1954 feature article on Isle boat racer Al Endres with Grand Island Record readers last week. Twenty-nine-year-old Al won one of several International Regattas off the Buffalo Launch Club in 1953 and then nine days later, after winning again in Maryland, collapsed and died. Those of you who have an interest in boat racing history in our area may or may not have already discovered such websites on the Internet as The hydroplane and Race Museum at http://www.thunderboats.org/index.htm; UHRA Thunder Letter at www.uhra.com/tl/tl97/Issue_241.html orHydroplane History at http://www.lesliefield.com/index.html. The official website of the American Power Boat Association, www.apba-boatracing.com contains a lot of reading and includes numerous well known boats such as Miss Supertest, Miss Thriftway, Slo-Mo-Shun, Miss Bardahl, Wha Hoppen, Miss Richochet, My Sweetie, Skip-a-Long, Such Crust and so many more.

Looking back 40 years - The Bernie Brice family, including five little Brice children, moved to the Island.~~~~The winners in Henry C. Alt’s Grandyle Mart Fishing Contest were David Haller, junior winner in the Black Bass competition; Tom Carter, junior winner for Muskellunge; and John Allen and William Whitford, junior and senior winners in the Sheephead category.

Happy 49th anniversary to Earl and Rita DeGlopper today. The DeGloppers just returned from Las Vegas where they were shaken from their beds on the 11th floor of their hotel during the earth quake last week. Outside of that they had a great time.~~~~Congratulations to high school sweethearts Harvey R. Enser Sr. and Mary Bottlinger who married on October 24, 1936. The Fix Road residents are happily married 63 years and spend their winters in Zephyhills, Florida.~~~~ Happy anniversary also to Paul and Mary Catherine (Panepinto) Bartolomeo who will celebrate their 2nd anniversary this Sunday, to Richard and Susan Daubney marking 13 years Monday and to Paul and Cathy Kaegebein on their 2nd anniversary Monday.

Delores Cane was the very lucky winner of the $181,334 Take Five Jackpot in the drawing that took place September 10th. Delores bought her ticket at Tops Market right here on Grand Island Blvd. “Hey, you never know!”~~~~The community is invited to our library on Bedell Road on Saturday when a 10th anniversary celebration will take place from 2-4:30 p.m.

October 14th,1999

It is with deep sadness that I mention the death of Paul E. McCarthy Sr. who passed away on October 9th and Record Editor Joelle Logue’s mother Arlene Bronstein, who died October 11th. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Bob and Ilene Dee and Tom and Patty Rall are celebrating 10th anniversaries today and wished many more happy ones. A very happy 40th anniversary to Jackie and Don Kew who were married October 17, 1959.

Karen Figler celebrates a big birthday on Sunday, the 17th. Happy birthday, Karen.~~~~Happy birthday to Kyle Oursler (10 today), to Stephanie Voyzey (3-years-old today), Jordan Funk and Mike Aloian (their 16th birthdays today), Johnny Turner (5 today), Shirley Luther (tomorrow), Jim Criddle (his 25th tomorrow), Kalli Pedlow (7 tomorrow), Wendy Planavsky (Saturday), Buck Wenner (the big 3-0 on Saturday), Marissa Booker (8 on Sunday), Sue Bauer and Carol Pownall (Sunday), Adam Heftka (4 on Monday), Don Finn in Spencer, NY and Dick Planavsky (Monday), Alexandra Mason (8 on Monday), Heidi Sue Mumm, Judy Thaler and Bill Winterfield (Tuesday), Michael Matthew Madigan (3 on Wednesday) and Clifton Hawkins and Joe Macaluso (Wednesday).

So sorry to hear that Dick McNamee is still in a lot of pain with a broken shoulder. Heal quickly, Dick.~~~~A belated happy birthday to Dick’s daughter, Mary who celebrated her 50th birthday on September 28th.

Tricia Vacanti and Christopher John Belter were married Saturday, October 2nd in St. Andrew Catholic Church, Corey N. Clark and his bride, the former Donna J. Gold were also married October 2nd in the Transit Valley Country Club and Jeff Senn and Tracy Hammond’s wedding took place in St. Timothy Lutheran Church on Saturday, October 9th. Much happiness to all of the newlyweds.

Looking back 40 years - Grand Island was not only the first Erie County town to put into effect uniform numbering of properties but actually is the originator of the plan later sanctioned by the county planning board.

Looking back 30 years - Teddy’s Islettes baton twirlers performed at half time during the Grand Island Jr. Football games.

Two former Stony Point Road neighbors died on October 4th. Memorials for Ernest Zavodny may be made to the Grand Island Golden Age Center-Senior Citizen Transportation and those for Mabel M. Warcheck who died in Bradenton, Florida may be made to Bradenton Hospice House.

Would you like to show a foreign student life on Grand Island? Host families are being sought for the September 2000 school year. Call Kathie at 775-0178 for more information.

Winter’s coming - we just don’t know when! For information on the Grand Island Snowmobile Club’s Youth Safety Course which gets underway next week, contact club members Dennis McGinn, 773-3505 or Slick Marston, 773-9258. It’s the law that all young snowmobilers between the ages of 10 and 18 must have the Youth Safety Certificate.

The annual chowder and bake sale at the fire hall will be hosted by members of the Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary Saturday with chowder available around 11:30 a.m.~~~~The Grand Island Record is the major sponsor of the Chamber of Commerce Business Expo 99 headlining from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Bible Presbyterian Family Life Center on Love Road. There is no admission charge and we hope to see you there.~~~~Historical Society chairman Carolyn Doebert reports that some holiday luncheon reservations remain open for Tuesday, December 7th (fashion show), Wednesday, December 8th (Snowbabies, Past & Present) and Saturday, December 11th (fashion show). Call me at 773-2436 if you would like to attend.~~~~River Lea in Beaver Island State Park will be open to the public on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. when docents from the Historical Society will be present throughout River Lea to answer questions.

Vikings Football Coach Gene Masters probably missed his first game in 40 years as the team shut out Sweet Home 26-0 Saturday. Gene has been hospitalized for what we hope is of short duration.

October 7th,1999

Welcome to Madison Grace Martin, born September 26th to Karen and Kent Martin of Northampton, PA. Martha and Jay Martin of Grand Island are Madison’s proud grandparents. Equally proud father, Kent is a graduate of Grand Island High School Class of 1987.~~~~Congratulations to Kelly and Fred Claus on the birth of their baby girl, Mikayla Ann Claus, born on September 9th weighing 6 pounds, 8 1/2 ounces.

Bucky and Jennifer Wenner will be married five years tomorrow, October 8th. Mary and Jim Stewart will celebrate their 35th anniversary on the 10th. Danna and Mark Podgorny’s third anniversary is on the 12th. Best wishes to everyone.

A very happy 60th birthday to Tom Johnson of Kirkwood Drive celebrating the big one on Saturday and belated greeting to Howie Benns who hit the big 4-0 on Monday, the 4th.~~~~Happy birthday also to everyone celebrating this week, especially Kelly Carminati and Mary Jo Linenfelser (today), Katie Remus (Sweet 16 tomorrow), A. J. Guenther (9 on Saturday), Marion Assenza (Saturday), Roger Thaler and Lillian Mesmer (Sunday), Stephanie Hopkins (11 on Monday), Ben McDowell (a teenager on Tuesday), Richard Sander (the big 3-0 on Tuesday), Beth Dommer (Tuesday), Mike Berlinger (his 30th on Wednesday), Christopher Conway (3 on Wednesday), Bea Bruno (17 on Wednesday) and Tom Trader (Wednesday).

Looking back 50 years - Harry Simpson who took a short hiatus at the new Grandyle Marina Boat Club, was back at the BLC as steward again.~~~~The Summers family moved into their new home on East Park right next to the path between Love Road and East Park that eventually became LaSalle Ave.~~~~Sidway’s PTA was meeting in St. Stephen’s hall in the basement of the church due to the building program going on at the school.

Looking back 40 years - Sue and Ray Whitbeck and Randy moved to Greenway Rd.~~~~The Kaegebein School PTA meeting featured Elizabeth Glor (Allen), a senior at Tonawanda High School who showed slides taken during her 9-week stay in Switzerland with the American Field Service program.

Looking back 30 years - Fred Bidell and David Scheuing, members of Boy Scout Troop 510, received Eagle Scout awards at Trinity UM Church October 9, 1969 from Ernie Warlick, vice president of the Greater Niagara Frontier Council Inc. and an Eagle Scout himself. Scout Master was Marty Livingston and Post Advisor was Jim Secord.~~~~Army Spec. 4 Joseph E. Muench, 23, who had been reported missing in action was confirmed killed in action in Vietnam.~~~~Ceremonies were held October 12, 1969 when 22 boys became charter members of the Island’s DeMolay.

Our condolences to the families of Glen E. Doherty who died on September 28th, Victoria Peters who passed away September 30th, former resident Dennis W. Lucas Jr. who died on October 2nd and Ernie Zavodny who died this past week. Memorials for Mr. Doherty may be made to the Bible Presbyterian Church Building Fund, those for Mrs. Peters may be made to St. Stephen's Church Building Fund and for Mr. Lucas, the National Neorofibromatosis Foundation, 95 Pine St., NY, NY 10005.

Though the races aren’t over yet, the Buffalo News has already proclaimed Jim Dunlop this year’s Runner of the Year. This will be Jim’s third win.~~~~J. J. Tutwiler led the Varsity Vikings to a 42-0 win over Lewiston Porter last Saturday. Terry Benton, following in his father, Wayne Benton’s footsteps, had nine tackles for the Vikings’ defense. Wayne, a member of the Class of ‘70, had a total of 58 points during the 1969 football season.

David Hatch, a resident of Grand Island in the late 50s and early 60s, was seen on the History Channel Sunday evening, September 26th commentating on the cracking of the Japanese codes during WWII.

The Buffalo Launch Club Mates are sponsoring their annual fashion show, Autumn Evening of Fashion tonight (Oct. 7). Check with Gale Sander, 773-3929 for ticket information.~~~~The Island’s Historical Society meeting, also tonight at 7:30 p.m., is open to the public in River Lea in Beaver Island Park. And a fire prevention open house is being held from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at Fire Headquarters next to the town hall.

September 30th,1999

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of his 10th birthday is Shorty “Older Than Dirt” Vanthoff. Shown here at age 10, Shorty’s wished the very happiest big 6-0 on Saturday.~~~~Moving on to double digits this week are Alicia Marie Fisher on Saturday, Paul Nixon on Monday, Mallory Zilliox on Tuesday, and Matthew Pietrzak on Wednesday. Happy 10th birthdays, kids.~~~~Happy birthday also to Aaron Beauregard (16 today), Mary Minton, Lee Cohen, David Breier, Carol Dunworth, Edna Wolanske and Ken Carter (all celebrating today), Jackie Kowzan (17 today), Mary Beth Lange (special greetings tomorrow), Bernie Franklin (tomorrow), Betty Jane Gardner Penque (Saturday), Lorraine Criddle (Sunday), Jennifer Wenner (Monday), Lauren Kalisz (11 on Monday) and Jane Consier (Wednesday).~~~~Kimberly McLeod celebrated her 10th birthday recently. Our apologies for the mistake in last week’s Between the Bridges column.

Watch for Anne Barker next summer when she begins a racing career as a 4th generation of the Endres family and 3rd generation of the Barkers. Anne, who was out on the river testing her racing hydroplane last Saturday, expects to do the same this weekend.

Congratulations Jim Robinson Jr. who bowled his first 300 game in a 741 series with A-Best Roofing at Island Lanes over the weekend and to Ken Carter who bowled his first 300 game in a 739 series Monday with the A-Best Roofing League on the B.A.’s II Team.~~~~For those with an interest in running, the Nickel City Duathlon will take place Sunday beginning at 10 a.m. in Beaver Island Park. For more information, call 689-2493.

Island native Clinton Webb, 63, passed away September 14th at his home in Brandon, Florida. David Alt died on September 15th in his home in Mesa, Arizona. Edward “Pete” Hardison Sr. died on September 23rd and Roger Hamman passed away on September 26th. Our sympathy to their families.

A very happy anniversary to Victor and Joan Piasecki celebrating their 10th anniversary today, to Ben and Bernie Franklin on their 35th on Sunday and to Granson and Suzanne Geis, married 41 years on Monday. Best wishes to Pat and Cheryl Hyman and to my husband, Jim as we all celebrate our 31st anniversaries on October 5th. Loads of good wishes go out to Dave and Adele Cole who will be married 20 years on October 6th.

Looking back 50 years - Grand Island Co-operative Nursery School was operating in the “old” fire hall under the chairmanship of Mrs. Fred Strauss.~~~~A dance Friday, September 30, 1949 in St. Stephen’s Barn for the benefit of the Sandy Beach Community Center netted $190 and featured Dick Buzby and the Grand Island Orchestra. The Island’s weekly newspaper announced that a downpayment check would be presented to Charles Kaegebein for the purchase of 12 1/2 acres of land in Sandy Beach for the future community house, playground and park.

Looking back 30 years - Jack West of WADV radio was playing sing along and western music at Figurehead Super Club on East River at Broadway.~~~~Arnold E. Stamler was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal at McClellan Air Force Base, California.~~~~Dune buggies were on the rise 30 years ago when Bob Weaver and Jay Kormash built a green beauty, Randy Raab and Chris Ryan had a chartreuse buggy on the road and Dan Rees built a royal blue one.~~~~Rob Roy MacLeod updated his Cinderella Island and added a centerfold of photos/illustrations of some of the estates and private clubs when the book was re-issued by the Chamber of Commerce in the fall of 1969.~~~~Jim Chambers was the key runner when the Grand Island Cross Country Team won its 24th and 25th meet in a row.

Looking back 10 years - It is a pleasure to mention the fact that John Wiertel became the new principal of the William M. Kaegebein School in the fall of 1989.

We are happy to announce the arrival of Madison LaVerne Mongold born September 10th to Jeff and Kelly Sandford Mongold. The baby girl, named for her great grandfather, the late LaVerne “Bunny” Luther, weighed in a 7 lbs., 9 ozs. and is the granddaughter of Nancy Sandford and great granddaughter of Shirley Luther.~~~~Tom and Jill (Pauley) Proctor and son Ryan, 5 1/2, have a new baby in the house. She is Lindsay Ann who was born July 12th weighing 7 lbs., 9 ozs..~~~~Mark and Kelly (Sanger) Palamuso became the parents of twins on August 4th. Trevor James weighed in at 6 lbs., 12 ozs. and Katelyn Marie at 5 lbs., 13 ozs. The twins have a two-year-old brother, Justin.

A speedy recovery to John Beishline who has had major surgery in Kenmore Mercy Hospital. Cards may be addressed to 2115D, KMH, 2950 Elmwood Ave., Kenmore 14217.

With mosquitoes so prominently in the news, Islander John Dolinic of Grand Island Blvd., called to say he remembers reading that one way to get rid of mosquito breeding grounds is to spray the area with garlic oil.

What a wonderful turnout for Bob Cleveland and his family at the fundraiser held last Friday night and hosted by fellow Grand Island volunteer firemen. The community certainly came forward to help the Cleveland family and had some fun doing it. Chuck Berlinger, Reed Wright and Maura and Kevin Rustowicz were among those putting the event together.

Quality Quest’s Candidates Night is tonight at 7 p.m. in the newly expanded St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church on Baseline Road.

September 23rd,1999

A good crowd of friends turned out at Charlotte Roesch’s Bedell House Park to surprise Don Burns on his 60th birthday Sunday. Don is shown left with Jim Tranter (center) and Del Haller who were in town from Florida and attended the party. The photos are circa 1949 and the faces haven’t changed - much!~~~~Co-worker Sue (Arcouet) Hillock is wished a very happy birthday on her milestone date tomorrow.~~~~Happy birthday also to Debbie Anderson (yesterday), Kenny Martina (7 today), David Joseph Rodriguez (2 years old tomorrow), Rick Pelham (Saturday), Kristen Burns (her 13th birthday Sunday), Lil Robinson’s twins Jackie Steckleberg and Lori Boulden (Sunday), Sara Dzielski (6 on Sunday), Sandy Dee, Dave Grant and Corky Carter (Monday), Greg Butcher (the big 3-0 on Monday), Anthony Ramirez (his 10th on Tuesday), Bridget (McMahon) Anderson and Mary Minton (Tuesday), Adam Kaiser (his 16th birthday Tuesday), Cappy Cooke (7 on Tuesday), Scott David Steimle Jr. (his first birthday on Wednesday) and Jimmy Wright (a teenager on Wednesday).

Looking back 50 years - Boat Races off the Bedell House in September 1949 were held to benefit Al Bingham who was seriously injured in the recent international regatta held at the Buffalo Launch Club.~~~~Margaret and Henry Ehde II of Bedell Road celebrated their silver wedding anniversary Saturday, September 24, 1949 with a dinner party in the fire hall for 65 guests. Taking part in a mock wedding were friends of the Ehdes - Joe Shugrue as the bride, his wife Pearl as the minister, Mae Fleming as the groom and Marion Klingel as the little flower girl.

Looking back 20 years - Karen Ludwig (Figler) was gearing up for the very first aerobics class on Grand Island 20 years ago. Choreographing a dance exercise program to music, she taught her first classes through the town recreation program and eventually went on her own with “Karen’s Aerobics,” which, by the way, is still going strong.

A belated happy 10th birthday to Christine Wright who celebrated on the 13th and to Kimberly Mcleod, now living with her family in Lexington, Kentucky. Kimberly’s birthday was on the 20th.~~~~Happy birthday to Dave Clayton and Ed Hayes (last Saturday) and Vinnie Wilson (last Sunday).

Best wishes to Lt. Michael Anstett and his bride, the former Kristen Messbauer who were married September 4th in Rochester, NY.~~~~Anniversaries of note are those of Bob and Kim Jansen Willer celebrating their first on Monday and Keith and Wende Wood marking their 15th on Wednesday.

Our sympathy to the family of former resident Pat Linde who died on September 17th. Memorials may be made to Buffalo Hospice.

Joe Brennan had his first 300 game in a 734 series at Island Lanes where he bowls with A-Best Roofing.~~~~Brian Russo also had his first perfect game in a 763 series at Manor Lanes, bowling in the Budweiser Classic.

A portable CD player has been found in the woods behind the Grand Island High School on Ransom Road. If it is yours, call 774-8312 to identify it.

Please pray for Margie Suffoletta and Max Hopper who are both very sick. We were also informed that Kenvin Moreau, who has had recent quadruple bypass surgery, suffered a stroke over the weekend and is in Buffalo General Hospital.

Frank Pinzel has just returned from Germany where he attended a family reunion in the little town of Pinzberg near Nurnberg.~~~~And speaking of reunions, it sounds like the Gardner clan may be having one of their own. Betty Jane Gardner Penque of West Palm Beach, Florida and Pat Gardner Hardman of Dayton, Ohio and their husbands are in town this week to visit with sisters Alice Smith, Nancy Landroche and Terry Sledziewski and brother Cal Gardner and their families.

Folks at the town hall are looking for a good, used refrigerator to replace the one that just quit. If you have one to offer, call Supervisor Pete McMahon’s office.~~~~Help support our local Rotary Club this weekend. Rotary members will be selling hot dogs and beverages at Tops Market from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

September 16th,1999

Guess who’s turning 60. Our favorite piano player and longtime friend Don Burns celebrates the big one on Sunday, the 19th. Let’s surprise him and fill his mailbox with cards addressed to P.O. Box 572 , Grand Island, NY 14072. ~~~~A big happy birthday to Mark Zarbo celebrating a milestone tomorrow.~~~~Little Michael Edgar Ruland celebrated his 1st birthday yesterday, September 15th. Happy birthday, Michael.~~~~Best wishes to Wendy Truesdale (today), Veronica Connor, Mark Kowzan, Jean Hoover and Phillip Bonnevie (all celebrating tomorrow), David Cyman (10 tomorrow), Kristin Angel Butera (18 tomorrow), Bethany Allsop (11 tomorrow), Zdenka Gast and Peggy Butler (Saturday), Melissa McCraith (18 on Saturday), Jessica Webb (8 on Sunday), Bonnie Sciuk, Mike Carr and Danny Stedman (Sunday), Christian Mason (2 on Sunday), Paul Baer (18 on Monday), Jeri Schopp and Betty Owens (Monday), Ann Mitchell and Ross Kaiser (Wednesday), and Annmarie Bykowicz (her 13th birthday on Wednesday).~~~~And last but not least, a belated happy big 5-1 to Gail Lazenby who celebrated on the 9th.

A speedy recovery to Gladys (Mrs. Art) Trautman, who has been hospitalized..~~~~Marion Klingel, who is now home from the hospital, would like to thank her friends for all of the kind wishes she received over the past two weeks.

Debbie Brown, formerly of Grand Island, and now living in Alden, would like to wish her sister Nancy (Brown) Reeves a big happy 40th birthday this week. Happy birthday, Nancy!

Dorothy Blakelock,who turned 75 on August 16th, had the best birthday ever. On the last day of school at Kaegebein where she has worked for many years, the teachers and staff celebrated her birthday with wonderful presents and a party. The same teachers and staff sent their own individual cards and a huge basket of goodies at the actual time of her birthday last month. A surprise party, complete with clown, was given by her family, friends and neighbors. Dorothy would like to extend her thanks to the teachers and staff at Kaegebein School and to all of her friends and neighbors for a great time.

John Anderson and Laura Schmidt were married on Thursday, September 9th, and Renee Calamita became the bride of Edward Acosta on Saturday, September 11th. Best wishes newlyweds.~~~~Marion and Mary Narad’s 65th anniversary date was listed incorrectly in last week’s Between the Bridges column but it gives us another chance to say happy anniversary to the Narads, married September 15, 1934.

Our sincere sympathy to the family of Robert J. Anderson who died on September 7th and Wilfred "Bill" Rohring who passed away August 11th. A memorial service for Bill will be held in Bible Presbyterian Church on September 24th at 7 p.m.

Looking back 40 years - It was 40 years ago that Peter McMahon, then of Grandyle Village, turned 18 and could finally fulfill his dream of joining the Grand Island Fire Company. Now deputy fire chief, Pete, our current town supervisor, will celebrate his birthday on Sunday.

Looking back 30 years - Among those serving as new officers of the VFW #9249 in the fall of 1969 were Commander Bill Dahlberg and Sr. Vice Commander Tom Collins.~~~~Isle dancers didn’t have to leave the Island in September of ‘69 as tap and ballet shoes and leotards and tights were all available at Highland Boot Shop in the GI Plaza.~~~~The Varsity Vikings opening game took place September 20, 1969 and according to the local weekly paper, “Running from the “I” formation, the Vikings will attempt to use big Wayne Benton and Gill Clarke as the main running attack.”

Congratulations to Skip Mrkall and Lisa Koch who became engaged on Friday September 3rd. The Isle residents are planning a fall 2000 wedding.~~~~More congratulations to Brenda Mrkall who recently received word of passing her State Board exam and is now officially a registered nurse. Brenda, who graduated from nursing school in May, has been working at Millard Fillmore Gates Circle.

Go Vikings! Our Varsity Vikings beat LaSalle 14-0 last Saturday. Good luck, boys, in your contest Saturday with Niagara Wheatfield. The game will be played at NW with a 2 p.m. start.

September 9th,1999

Our thoughts and prayers are with Grand Island Record editor and friend Joelle Logue whose mother is critically ill in Pennsylvania.~~~~A speedy recovery to Cyrena Dixon who is in Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s Rehabilitation Center due to a fall at Trinity Church on Sunday.~~~~Marion Klingel remains in Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Room 3318. Get well soon, Mom!

We are so happy to report that Maxwell Costello, born June 29th to Cheryl and Bill Costello is finally home from the hospital and cute as a button at a whopping five and one half pounds.

A very happy birthday to Hazel Nailor and Gert Reimann who are both turning 90 this week. Hazel’s birthday is on Monday and Gert will celebrate hers on Tuesday.~~~~She may be living out of the country at the moment but we wouldn’t want to miss a chance to say happy 50th birthday to Sandy Gworek. Those who are in contact with Sandy could tell her that the Between the Bridges column appears on the isledegrande.com site on the Internet. By the way, Sandy was born on September 15, 1949.~~~~Happy birthday to Ardeth Westrope (today), Craig Heftka (20 today), John Yensan (30 today), Justine Kirsch (her 12th birthday today), Michael Francis Englert Jr. (his first birthday tomorrow), Danielle Podlucky (13 tomorrow), Jason Steiner (10 tomorrow), Ted Stewart (30 on Saturday), June Ann Chadima (3 on Saturday), Mary Dienst, Walt Cowan and Lynn Ryan (Saturday), Matthew Robert Wellence (two on Monday), Danny McMahon and Kate Cady (Monday), Rachel Olszewski (9 on Monday), June Kaeffer (Tuesday), Frankie Truesdale (14 on Tuesday), Penny Ball (special greetings on Wednesday), Ryan William Norton (a year old on Wednesday) and Gladys Sarama and my husband Jim Linenfelser Sr. (Wednesday).~~~~A belated happy 21st birthday to Rachel Wills whose special day was Tuesday, the 7th.

Married, most likely, longer than anyone else on Grand Island are Sophie and George Zelonis. Sophie and George will celebrate 71 years on Saturday. Best wishes, folks.~~~~Also married longer than most and wished a happy day are Marion and Mary Narad who will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on Wednesday.

Looking back 60 years - Sidway School’s September enrollments in 1939 was 132 pupils. Among them were Howard, Warren and Harold Kaiser, Bob Kaiser, Don Kaiser, Doris Webb (Kaiser), Lois Killian (Kaiser), Ed Kruse, Dorothy Waltman (Dillemuth), JoAnn Daigler (Hasselbeck), Doris Fleischmann (Moran), Tootie Mesmer (Maurer) and Earl DeGlopper Sr.

Looking back 50 years - The revision of the town zoning map and laws was the subject of a talk given at East River Taxpayers meeting in September 1949. The revision committee was to submit the plan to a public hearing within two weeks according to Supervisor Dan McNamee.

Looking back 40 years - The Rotary Club held a public auction of major proportions on the Fire Company’s grounds on September 12, 1959.~~~~School Board Chairman Dr. John Fontana was quoted in a September 1959 issue of the local weekly paper as follows: “Despite the fact that Huth Road School is being expanded to house 900 pupils, double sessions in all schools probably will be necessary in the near future because of the ever increasing school population.”

Looking back 30 years - The M&T Bank drive in window was brand new in September 1969.

We are very sorry to report the death of Angela Mistretta who died on September 1st.~~~~A memorial service for friends and family of the late George Downs will be held 11 a.m. Saturday in the Kaiser Funeral Home. Memorials for the former Island fire chief may be made to Kenmore Baptist Church.

Best wishes to Vito Lavango and his bride, the former Kristine Kozlowski who were married Friday, September 3rd and will be living on Grand Island.

Former Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and members of Teddy’s Islettes Baton and Drum Corps will surely remember the days of the Freddie’s Doughnut sales to raise funds for their activities. They were always a success because everyone loved the product and the return was 50 cents on each $1 box. Frederick Maier, who founded Freddie’s Doughnuts in 1940 in Buffalo, died August 11th at the age of 93.

Buffalo Launch Club members will welcome the 22nd annual Niagara Frontier Antique & Classic Boat Society show to their grounds this Saturday. Always a fantastic display of antique, classic, custom and racing boats in the beautiful setting of the Launch Club, the show’s hours are noon to 5 p.m. Club members will have hot dogs, hamburgers and beverages available in their tent located right in the midst of the show. Just heard that Isle resident Paul Malecki will have his model ship collection on display at Saturday’s boat show.~~~~Please exercise your right to vote in Tuesday’s primary election here on the Island. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

September 2nd,1999

Grand Island Record writer Doug Smith of Hennepin Road served as the announcer for a ball game at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown last weekend and not only gave the play by play but lead the crowd in “Take Me Out To The Ballgame!” We hear he did not earn an audition for the nearby Glimmerglass Opera, but are sure the crowd loved him.

Best wishes to Mike Braddell and his bride, the former Heather Doran who were married Friday, August 27th.~~~~Happy anniversary to Don and Julie Dee and to Brian and Erin Russo. Both couples ae celebrating first anniversaries on Sunday.~~~~A belated happy 45th anniversary to Jean and Kester Bleich, married on August 28, 1954.

Former residents Laurn and Ann Landel were unable to attend to the recent Trautman reunion in Beaver Island Park. The Landels were involved in an auto accident in Florida and Larry is still hospitalized. Their address is 33132 Hickory Rd., Riverdale Subdivision, Dade City, FL 22525-9211.~~~~Connie Trautman who recently relocated to Cape Canaveral, FL and former resident Ike Trautman of Gulf Port, FL were among those attending the Trautman family reunion last month.

A sincere thank you to Island resident Tina Rose and all of the staff in Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s ICU unit who have taken such good care of my mother, Marion Klingel, who is improving every day.

Happy birthday to Derek Staub and Debbi Robinson and to George Panepinto and his daughter Teresa Panepinto (today), to Sean Dinsmore (2 today), Tom Crawford, Bob Dee and Ed Kij (Saturday), Christina Ramsperger and Renee (DeCost) Morgan (special greetings on Sunday), Marla Crawford (Sunday), Maryann Downing (Monday), Brianna Catanzaro (6 on Tuesday), Alphia Prosser (Tuesday) and Mary Lou Kohlhagen and Lee Becker (Wednesday).

Looking back 50 years - Sidway School, the Island’s only school at the time, opened Wednesday morning September 7, 1949 with over-crowded conditions. Classrooms with the highest number of pupils were Jean Goodell’s first grade with 40, Ruth Irving’s first grade (39), Ademine Kennelly’s 5th grade (38) and Betty DeWeese (43). As for the 2nd graders, we were going to school a half day all year and listening to the north addition being built right outside our classroom door.~~~~Grand Island Home Bureau members Lois Martene, Elsie Fleischmann and Bea Daggett modeled their wool dresses at the Erie County Fair in August 1949.

Looking back 40 years - American Red Cross Water Safety Chairman Alice Goodwin with assistance from Margaret Villano, taught daily swimming lessons at Sandy Beach. A total of 183 youngsters registered for classes in 1959.

Looking back 30 years - Among new teachers at the Middle School in September 1969 were Michael Manzo, Roger Wright and Donald Bish.

We heard it was very serious business for those helping to close up Charlotte Roesch’s hot dog stand during the July 31st afternoon wind storm - that is until Dan McBride’s pants blew down. A tip of the hat to our star reporter who shall remain anonymous!

August 26th,1999

Good news! When word of Ye Olde Book Shoppe's closing reached the Grand Island public, Mary Ann Beatty of East River Road was the first of several to come forward with an offer to buy the business and keep it open. Marilyn Johnson's last day is August 31st after which Mary Ann will be closed until September 13. A grand opening is planned for September 23rd.

Welcome Ian Patrick Diaz, son of Dr. Jose' and Erin (Burley) Diaz. The baby boy, who arrived August 5th weighing seven pounds, 15 ounces, is the grandson of Timothy L. Burley of Grand Island.

Congratulations to Marla Crawford of East Park who has joined the staff at Prince of Peace School as a first grade teacher for the upcoming school year.

Our condolences to the families of Patricia A. Clements,who died on Wednesday, August 18th and Fred Prosser of Fix Road who also passed away on August 18th. Donations in Mr. Prosser's name may be made to the Grand Island Neighbors Foundation or the American Cancer Society.~~~~Our sincere sympathy to the families of Robert 'Big Bob' White who passed away August 21st and former resident George Downs who died in Florida this past week. Memorials for Mr. White may be made to Island United Presbyterian Church.

A happy 10th anniversary to Kim and Gary Winter today and a belated happy 25th anniversary to Tom and Nancy Ryan who celebrated on Tuesday, the 24th. Best wishes to Nancy and Joe Samrany who will be married 43 years on Wednesday, September 1st.

Happy birthday to Gail Allen who celebrates her 50th birthday today. Gail and her husband, George have recently relocated to Florida.~~~~Extra special greetings to one of our favorite doctors, Ted Rayhill, who will celebrate another birthday on the 29th.~~~~Happy birthday to Sascha Chavez, Troy Normandin, Sue Fleming Brusino and Judy (Davis) Webb (all celebrating today), to Brielle Backlund (3 today), Desire' Marie Link (9 tomorrow), Craig Ryan (17 on Saturday), Sharon Nichols (Sunday), Jamey DiTullio (her 18th on Sunday), Marie Saskowski, George "Hobie" Cullen and Terry Arent (all on Monday), Mike Golden (16 on Tuesday), Lorrie Kehoe (Tuesday), and Dave Hamlin and Laurie Mohring (Wednesday).~~~~Happy birthday to Fawn Marie Gross who will be "Sweet 16" on the 29th and is spending a week at "Kingdom Bound" at Darien Lake.~~~~A belated happy birthday to soccer coach Norm Kilb who celebrated last week and a very, very belated happy 50th birthday to Tim Jordan who hit the big one last month.

Looking back 40 years - The recently constructed Grand Island Gables, a dance hall opened in June 1959 on Whitehaven, was offered to the town in August of that year for a new town hall. Town officials emphatically turned the offer down.~~~~Barbara Beck (Muratore) was among cheerleaders at the Buffalo Ad Club's Annual All Star Charity Football Game in August 1959 and Isle football players on opposing teams were Kip Staub and Dick Titterington.~~~~Members of the Grand Island Rod & Gun Club approved the formation of a Ladies Auxiliary with Sally Sutter serving as first secretary.~~~~John Lovelace, 13, discovered and retrieved some very old cannon balls at the bottom of the Niagara River while vacationing in Canada with his family. Young Lovelace was skin diving at the old Fort Erie site.~~~~The Chamber of Commerce put on its 5th annual Harvest Picnic on the Edgewater Park grounds and open to the entire community.

Seldom do we mention the death of a pet, but perhaps this could serve as a warning of what could happen. Nugget, a yellow lab owned and loved by Howie Benns, jumped from a boat dock into the East River where he was electrocuted. Upon hearing the dog yelp and see him go under, Howie's dad jumped in to save him but it was too late.

Last but not least, the Dunlop brothers led the running in the recent Children's Hospital Diaper Dash with Jim coming in first with a time of 15:13.2 and Joe placing second (15:37.3).

August 19th, 1999

I received a note from a member of the River Lea Quilters Guild this week announcing that the Challenge Vests made by the Guild are now on display at the Threads of Time shop at Northtown Plaza. If you are in that neck of the woods, take a look.

Our sympathy to the family of Claire Geisenhoff who died on August 11th.

Congratulations and best wishes to Mitchell M. Robinson and his bride, the former Catherine A. Fox who were married Saturday. Mitchell, a graduate of Grand Island High School and UB, is an assistant professor of music education at the Eastman School of Music where he earned his doctorate.

Friends of Bob Weaver helped him out earlier in the week by painting a big sign on the basement wall of his soon-to-be new home on East River Road. The painter lettered "Bob Weaver Is 50." If you see him tomorrow, wish him a happy big 5-0.
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A belated happy 30th birthday to Kevin Giambra who celebrated on August 11th and belated greetings also to Terri Henderson - the 17th was her day.
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Happy birthday to Jessica Laurendi and Jason Hollinger both turning 13 today, to Thomas Cauley (his first birthday today), Marion Narad, Hank Morgan and John Martin (tomorrow), Bob Weaver (the big 5-0 tomorrow), Amanda Williams (10 tomorrow),
Al Senf (his 85th birthday Saturday), Bob Shackleton and Tim Kneidel (Saturday), Cassie Lynn Shickluna (her first birthday on Sunday), Sarah Ali (8 on Sunday), Lydia Senger (2 on Sunday), Dave Carminati (Sunday), Ryan Colosi (18 on Sunday), Sara Orsolits (9 on Monday, Randy Hillock (Monday), Andrew Boron (13 on Tuesday), David Amato (25 on Tuesday), AnnMarie Stewart (Tuesday), Arlene Wunsch (8 on Wednesday), Danielle Gietz (18 on Wednesday) and Katie McCraith (15 on Wednesday).

Looking back 50 years - The local weekly paper listed the sale of Larry Martin's house and former tavern to Sidney E. Lovell of Tonawanda for $37.50. The lengthy report described many West River Road dwellings which were sold and either removed or moved back from the river to make way for the West River Parkway.

Looking back 40 years - The Niagara River Station Fishing Club was formed in August 1959 with the organization eventually taking over Davern's Tavern on East River near Cox Road. The building, supposedly erected in 1889, is still headquarters for the Club.~~~~Indian lore was being related by state park staff member Carol Roberts (Fischer) who was hostess of the daily children's activities in Beaver Island Park.

Looking back 30 years - Valerie Goris and Kent Lorence were chosen best-dressed hippies at the Arts & Crafts program in Beaver Island Park.~~~~Glenn Greenwood's 37-year-old rooster "Big George" was named most unusual at the Recreation Department's summer playground pet show in 1969.~~~~Pastor Jim Lange pitched a 1-walk, 3-hitter and Bob Smith hit a two-run homer to lead Trinity Church's 11-0 win over the Knights of Columbus ball game.

Happy anniversary to Paul and Tammy Gorman celebrating tomorrow.~~~~Best wishes to Debi and Dick DiTullio of Fix Road who are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary on August 23rd. Our sources tell us to "Watch for them in their canoe!"

A planning meeting of members of the Tonawanda High School Class of 1950 was held last week. Islanders and former Islanders who are members of the class should call Shirley Kreusch Amacher, 731-5072 or William Benzino, 692-7138 to show their interest.

The unveiling of the Veterans Park Memorial Wall takes place this evening from 5-6 p.m. at the VFW. Everyone's support is needed to make this project a reality. Send your contribution to: Town of Grand Island Veterans Memorial Fund, c/o Harvey Long, P. O. Box 324, Grand Island, 14072.

August 12th, 1999

Congratulations to Helen and Frank Williams and may you have many more golden years together. The couple will be renewing their wedding vows Saturday in St. Stephen's Church followed by a celebration of their 50th anniversary with their daughter and five sons and their families. Helen and Frank were married in May of 1949 and have spent the last 32+ years here on Grand Island. They have 16 grandchildren, two great grandchildren and two more great grandchildren on the way.

The Cimini-DiPietro family reunion was a huge success with 75 attending from Texas, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Florida and Utica, NY. Among the guests was Grand Islander William Garrison, son of Gary Garrison who came from Seattle. Del Garrison of Stony Point would like to thank her nephew Martin DiPietro for his splendid catering service and his generosity in opening Fantasy Island where everyone in attendance had a wonderful time.

Dorothy Blakelock, who is among the few original residents still living in the Coldbrook section of Stony Point Road, is celebrating her 75th birthday on Monday. Best wishes, Dorothy and may you enjoy many more happy birthdays.~~~~Happy birthday to John Ryan (12 yesterday), Betty Jane Harding (today), Shannon Tegler (her 10th birthday today), Betty Pachter (Saturday), Don Kutzbach (his 25th on Saturday), Mikey Podgorny (2 years old on Saturday), Dick McNamee (81 on Sunday), Carson James Suffoletta (his first birthday on Sunday), Amy Stewart (her 13th on Sunday), Sally Sutter, Sharon Zimmerman and Bob Bascomb (all on Sunday), Michael Scott (18 on Sunday), Jim Dlugokinski, Betty Hollinger and Danna Podgorny (all on Monday), Melissa Sipos (14 on Monday), Marcella Ford (14 on Tuesday) Howie Kaiser and Jill Schopp (Tuesday) and to Martin DiPietro(this week!). Belated birthday wishes to Danny Dinsmore Jr. who celebrated his first birthday Sunday, August 8th.

A heap of good wishes to Maura and Kevin Rustowicz who are celebrating their 10th anniversary today and to Kathy and Al Meyer on their 20th anniversary on Tuesday.

A speedy recovery to Merle Dommell and Dr. Bob Miller

. Looking back 50 years - Lee and Clem Tetkowski and infant daughter Diane moved to Grand Island into Marge Esack's apartment on Alt Blvd. in August 1949.

Looking back 20 years - A Jaws of Life tool was ordered and delivered to the Grand Island Fire Company.~~~~Newest school board members elected in a special election in August 1979 were Carol Pownall, Richard Kaiser and Lee Cohen.~~~~Marj Bessel won the overall championship in the all women's Toronto Bonne Bell race at York University. Over 2000 women competed when Marj ran the 10 kilometers in 36 minutes and 28 seconds..~~~~Buddy Boss took 2nd place in the World International Skeet Championships in August 1979.

Welcome Alex Gentry Turner, son of Tom and Patty (Bykowicz) Turner. The baby boy, born August 6th weighing seven pounds, twelve ounces, is the grandson of Alfred Bykowicz and Jean and John Bartholomew, all of Grand Island.

So sorry to announce the death of former Love Road resident Blanche Lapine on August 8th. Our sympathy to her family.

I had the pleasure of having dinner with Elizabeth Glor Allen, who has had a nearly complete recovery from her health problems. Joining us last week at Cathy & Jim's Restaurant were Kathy Boettcher Stisser, Peggy Boettcher Fuller, JoAnn Radius Vanderheite, Diane Mistretta Goupil and Sandy Macoomb O'Hara- all members of the Sidway School Class of '57.

Anyone with information about Mabel Leibinger's missing gray tabby cat named Smokey is asked to please call her at 773-3128. Smokey has been gone since last weekend.

Just to set the record straight, Rebecca and Steven Morgan are the children of Carol and Richard Morgan who read the Grand Island Record in Belview, Ohio every week.

August 5th,1999

Welcome home to members of the Class of '89 who are in town to attend tomorrow evening's 10 year reunion at the Buffalo Launch Club.~~~~Rebecca and Steven Morgan, grandchildren of Lois Morgan of East River Road, are visiting with their parents, Carol and Rich Morgan and thoroughly enjoying the mighty Niagara River.

Our sympathy to the following families who have lost loved ones this week. Karen K. Daniels, 55, died on July 27th.~~~~Joseph Soares Sr., 41 year resident and local mail carrier, passed away on July 30th.~~~~Longtime resident Marie Trautman died on Monday, August 2nd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Stephens Church at 10 a.m. this morning (Thursday). Memorials in Mrs. Trautman's name may be made to the Grand Island Fire Company.

Belated happy birthdays to Jared Kazmierczak who turned 10 on Monday, to Tyler Wunsch who celebrated his 6th birthday on Monday and to Jason Planavsky, a year older on Tuesday.~~~~Best wishes and happy birthday to Sandy (Wright) Edwards and Sally Kaiser who are celebrating today and August 11th respectively.~~~~Happy birthday also to Debbie Copeland and John Stickl (today), Carol Moore and Nick Radius (tomorrow), Norma Somer (special greetings on Saturday), Rich Dommer (20 on Saturday), Ben Hoover (18 on Sunday), Joel Stoorza (his 16th on Sunday), Shannon McDonough (5 on Sunday), Shannon Becker (6 on Monday), Charlotte Lajos and Sybil Kennedy (Monday), Mary Pietrzak (6 on Monday), Doug Harding (Tuesday), Joseph Fusco III (his 10th on the 10th), Mitchell Wendling (6 on Tuesday) and Barbara Birt and Mike Heftka (Wednesday).

Looking back 50 years - According to the local weekly paper - when Clara Mueller Pankow located her music studio in her home on Alt Blvd. in August 1949, she had already been teaching piano lessons for over 25 years. Numerous families took advantage of the local music teacher.

Looking back 40 years - Charter members of the Kiwanis Club, John Dohn, Bob Campbell, Bill Goodwin, Hi Long, George Pagan, Walt Tanner, Fred Turner, Bill Wallace and John Wheeler were in attendance when the organization held an official mortgage burning on its Bush Road youth center property during a meeting in Creighton's Edgewater Hotel in 1959.~~~~A 3-act play, "The Mystery of the Black Rose," was written and put on by Denise Blackmore, Debbie Swalm, Chris and Sue Somer, Brenda Carlson and Judy Blackmore in basement of the Blackmore home on Love and East River roads in August 1959. Tickets at 2 cents each raised 55 cents for Muscular Dystrophy.

Looking back 30 years - The State Legislature approved funds for the designing of a swimming pool to be added to the Beaver Island Casino and located between the two wings of the bathhouse according to Arthur Williams, Niagara Frontier State Parks commissioner at the time. The pool, part of future plans when the Casino opened in 1939, never materialized.

Kevin Thompson and his bride, the former Colleen M. Wirth will be living on the Island following a honeymoon trip to Bermuda. The Thompsons were married Saturday in St. Stephen's Church.~~~~Bonnie Rowe is now Mrs. Jerry Peete. Bonnie and Jerry were married Saturday in St. Timothy Church.~~~~A very happy anniversary to Polly and Doug Smith who are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary tomorrow, August 6th. Best wishes to Nancy and Mike Heftka marking their 21st anniversary today and to Dale and Pat Kratz who will be married 18 years on Saturday.

Our prayers go out to Michael Dinsmore and his family. Mikey, who is a very sick little boy, would no doubt appreciate get well cards.

July 29, 1999

Column 7/29 How about our own Gene Masters being named to the Great Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame. This newest honor, announced last week, is only one of a long list of awards the longtime Grand Island High School Vikings coach has received. Congratulations, Gene!~~~~Just in case you missed last week's column and are a member of the Class of '70, a meeting will be held 7 p.m. tonight (Thursday) at Cathy & Jim's (Del & Herb's) to plan for the 30th reunion of this class. For more information, call Barb Aquilino Wienke at 775-3305.

Our sympathy to the families of William G. Phillips who died July 20th and Ruth T. (Lindsay) Harris who passed away on July 24th. Memorial contributions in Mr. Phillips' name may be made to Hospice, Buffalo, Inc., 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227 and those for Mrs. Harris may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church.

John and Kay Harrison have been in town visiting Kay's sister, June Marble of Warner Drive and other old friends. The Harrisons, who raised their family on Wallace Drive, now live in Hemet, California.~~~~Barbara Marcel, a member of the Grand Island High School Class of 1995, is a recent graduate of the University of Dayton. Barbara earned an MIS (Management Information Systems) degree and is currenty living in Cincinnati and working for Procter and Gamble as a systems analyst.

Looking back 50 years - Doctor Ben Perkins of Love Road won the large, walking doll raffled at the Grandyle Village Property Owners picnic, much to the disappointment of all the little girls in the neighborhood.~~~~The very first Grand Island Vacation Bible School, sponsored by Trinity, St. Martin's and Emmanuel Chapel and held at Trinity Church, had an enrollment of 80 youngsters in the summer of 1949.

Looking back 40 years - Residents had to dial complete phone numbers to call other local residents in the summer of 1959. Before this, it was possible to dial only the last 4 digits.

Looking back 30 years - Gwen Grossenbaugh won the high jump and Linda Deeter (Tufillaro) was first in the softball throw in competition at the Erie Co. Jr. Olympics on July 28, 1969.

Looking back 20 years - Lee Tetkowski's Craft Club at the high school made a ceramic mosaic depicting a Viking which was permanently cemented to a wall in the school in 1979. Randy Gilmore made the original drawing and Ruth Loree, Nora Klein, Cindy Carlson, Janet Morrice (Saltzman), Mary Lynn Nutting and Mike Morrissey did the work.

A very happy birthday to Joan Chambers who is celebrating today and the happiest of birthdays to Tom Long who turns the big 4-0 today. Also wished the best on their special day are Kristen Perkovich (Sweet 16 today), John Clunie (today), Myrtle Killian (93 tomorrow), Christy Callahan (17 tomorrow), Sara Victor (6 tomorrow), Jim Kehoe and Deanna Schiavone (tomorrow), Jenna Hutzler (8 on Saturday), Diane Wasson and Lou Macro (Saturday), Jackie Kazmierczak (special greetings on Saturday), Diane Victor (Sunday), Francesca Kustra (a teenager on Sunday), Marissa Lange (9 on Sunday), Thomas Scott Kalman (6 on Sunday), George McCraith (10 on Sunday), Sarah Lynn Williams (5 on Monday), Maureen Glor and Eileen Drumm (Tuesday), Heather Figler and Dave Brick (Wednesday), and Mathew Riley (9 on Wednesday).

Our best wishes to Lorrie and Charlie Markarian on their wedding anniversary this week.~~~~Todd Tollner and his bride, the former Rhonda Livingston, were married Saturday by Rev. Jim Lange in a beautiful water-front setting in front of the home of the bride's aunt and uncle, Joan and Skip Fred of East River Road.

Just for posterity's sake, I mention here the fact that the little cabin behind Lois Morgan's home was torn down about a month ago. According to Lois, it was built in 1841 and lived in by the Morgan family until the construction of their lovely Victorian farm house that still stands on East River north of the Edgewater area.~~~~Last but not least is a reminder for the Farkel party people "and you know who you are," getting together this weekend rain or shine.

July 22, 1999

Attention Grand Island High School Class of 1970! A committee is being formed to start planning the 30th class reunion in the millennium. There will be a meeting on Thursday, July 29th at Cathy and Jim's (the old Del and Herb's) at 7 p.m. for anyone interested in helping. Classmates seeking more information may call Judy Duane Noone, 634-9842, Earl DeGlopper, 773-6099 or Barb Aquilino Wienke, 775-3305.

Happy anniversary to Jim and Michelle Mysliwiec celebrating their 10th today and to Cheryl and Paul Roeder who will be married 30 years on July 26th.

Best wishes to the following couples married Saturday, July 17th: Morey L. Cohen and Sandra R. Ernst, Kimberly Marie Cline and Timothy A. Higgins, Krista Paige Cannon and Paul Michael Dugas Jr., and Kimberly Anne Tortorice and Dennis Everett Dynko.

Happy birthday to Chris Garlapow (his 30th today), Sarah Ali (8 today), Betty Raepple (today), Kathy Smith and Mike Goris (Saturday), Kady Liesenfeld (her first birthday on Saturday), Lorraine Mueller and Mary Narad (Sunday), Lindsey Spiker (3 on Monday), Vito Lavango Sr., Steve Barnhart and Liz Reimann (Monday), Sara Bailey (18 on Monday), Cheryl Kloesz, Bob Schmidt and Ruth Englert (Tuesday), Casey Dahlstrom (11 on Wednesday), and Julia Pedlow (Wednesday).

Good news heard over the weekend is the fact that Steve Sander has had a successful heart transplant and that the former Island resident is doing very well.~~~~More good news is that tiny baby Maxwell Costello, born two months premature on June 29th to Cheryl and Bill Costello is doing just fine..

Looking back 50 years - When Marion Klingel took over the Grandyle Village column in the Island Dispatch, she probably had no idea of the newspaper career that lay ahead of her in July 1949.

Looking back 30 years - Members of the Grand Island Skating Club took the top prize in the float category in Grand Island's first Independence Day Parade. The float, organized by Kay Keller, included a giant paper mache American eagle at one end and a twirling figure skater at the other.~~~~Fifty members of Tom Ott's Boy Scout Troop #254 assisted at the Lions Club handicapped picnic when 345 blind and retarded children enjoyed the activities on July 23, 1969.~~~~Richard James Arsenault was ring master and Michael John Fleming his assistant for his backyard carnival July 24, 1969 to benefit Muscular Dystrophy.~~~~Peter Lapey won a nationwide antique car rally in Detroit. His 1932 Pierce Arrow earned 98 points out of a possible 100 to beat a Dusenburg.

Our sympathy to the family of former resident Art Fancher who died July 18th following a long illness.~~~~Steven Gonda, son of Mary and Carl Gonda Sr., died on July 17th. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. this morning (Thursday) at the Kaiser Funeral Home.~~~~Former resident Francis J. Lutz passed away on July 17th. Memorials may be made to St. Stephen's Church or the Knights of Columbus Mary Star of the Sea Council #4752.

The Grand Island Youth Community Show featuring the orchestra, choir and band will take place at the Town Common Gazebo Tuesday at 7 p.m. Various weekly concerts, sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department, will continue on Tuesday evenings through August 24th.

July 15, 1999

Congratulations to twelve-year-old Danielle Podlucky who not only took first place in the Junior Masters category in the 2.3 mile Dick Bessel Independence Day road race on the 3rd but was also 2nd overall female runner. Danielle is the daughter of John and Joanne Podlucky of Marlin Court.~~~~Not to be topped by her husband, David, Elisa DiTullio of Ward Park soared gracefully downward from the "wild blue yonder" on Saturday for her first sky-diving experience - and it was all captured on video! Way to go Elisa - hang tough!.

Received a note from Ray and Tracy Ackerman, now living in Las Vegas. . The Ackermans, proud parents of Brandon Joseph Ackerman, born in February, want to say hi to all their friends and former neighbors on Grand Island. Yes, Ray - you are still "The World's Greatest Plumber."~~~~The Dallas Stars hockey team made the rounds on Grand Island during their stay at the Holiday Inn last month. One of their stops was T.C.'s Tavern where they signed autographs for the other customers and ate and drank with the best of them.

Alabama residents Greg and Becky DeMike were on the Island over the 4th of July holiday as well as Kay Haller's daughters Cathy Contino and Arthura Vanheerde. Kay joined Arthura in a flight back to California to visit her grandsons. Spotted at Charlotte's Hot Dog stand last week was former Isle resident Karen Stedman Hutton who now hails from Austin, Texas. Marge and Bill Costello's daughter, Patty Rink and grandchilden Stephanie and Chris of Phoenix, Arizona are vacationing on the Island and enjoying our good weather.

Earl and Eleanor Aylor are wished a very happy 50th anniversary today and good health and happiness in the coming years.~~~~Michelle Leigh Kogut became the bride of Scott C. Bane on Saturday, July 10th and Phillip Rowland was also married on Saturday to Melissa L. Kisicki. Best wishes newlyweds.~~~~Happy anniversary to Sean and Maryanne McMahon of Love Road who are celebrating their 6th anniversary tomorrow.

Happy birthday to D. J. Anderson (12 today), to Joey Edel (9 tomorrow), Leah Hill, Betty Clement and Carolyn Doebert (tomorrow), Bret Bullock (his 13th birthday Saturday), Marie O'Hara (Saturday), Dr. John Fontana (96 on Sunday), Jean Bartholomew and Doris Moran (Monday) Lou Schriver (special greetings on Monday), Mae Eastman, Dale Boerschig and Mary Carline (Tuesday), Amanda Williams (10 years old on Tuesday) and Molly Zogarra, Betty Phillips and Chuck Berlinger (Wednesday).~~~A belated happy 7th birthday to Samuel Ali who celebrated yesterday.

Looking back 50 years - Ground was broken July 20, 1949 for the state's West River Parkway.~~~~"Some-Mores" were still a new treat to many Girl Scouts and Brownies attending the second annual two-week Day Camp in the woods behind Sidway School in July 1949. ~~~~Nightly bingo games were drawing a crowd at Bedell House Park.~~~~Jimmy Conrad was sidelined from many summer activities after breaking his arm on the slide at Sandy Beach.~~~~John L. Mesmer Sr. passed away. He was born on August 1, 1860 on the Mesmer Farm on Staley Road and operated the Mesmer Tavern at Baseline and Staley roads for 20 years.

Looking back 40 years - Cows on the John DeGlopper farm on Fix Road broke down a fence and were reported mooing at 11 p.m. near Prospect Road residents who called the Fire company.~~~~The new Grand Island Boating Association held a Regatta off Bedell House property on July 19, 1959.~~~~The Lions Club held a picnic for handicapped children at the Buffalo Launch Club for the first time and started a wonderful tradition still in existence today.

Looking back 20 years - Bob Bonsack, Jr., chairman of the Chamber of Commerce "Welcome to Grand Island" program for members of the National Campers and Hikers Association, estimated about 900 camping units came through the Island, most using overnight parking facilities set up at Fantasy Island, Kelly's Country Store, the Grand Island Plaza, Sidway School and Cozy Trailer Park. NCHA members were in route to their national convention in Guelph, Ontario.~~~~The Island's newest organization, Friends of the Library, was being chaired by Fay Rech.~~~~Alyssa Miller's hermit crab, Herb, won the prize for Most Original Pet in the Driftwood playground's Pet Show, part of theTown Recreation Department's summer program in 1979.

Island native, Dennis Bauman will be selling his sweet corn at a new location on Grand Island Blvd. near Staley Road known as Bauman's Niagara View Farm Stand - right across from Super Wash. He should be opening in the next two weeks. Enjoy this locally grown produce.

Between The Bridges continues to appear on the Internet at www.isledegrande.com where it is beginning to draw more and more attention. And for those out-of-towners who may want to come home for the "Thunder On The Niagara" hydroplane races, they are scheduled from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 24th and Sunday, July 25th.

July 8, 1999

Hats off to George Rowe for adding some true patriotism as Uncle Sam in the Independence Day parade last Saturday. The day was a flag-waiving, community gathering and one that makes us so happy to be living in this wonderful town. Much appreciation to Linda Tufillaro and the Recreation Department for another great Grand Island parade which will be televised by Adelphia Cable Channel 18 this Saturday, July 10th at 1 pm.

Happy birthday to Cathy Thomas (today), to Jordan Tripi and Christopher and Alexandria Avery (8 today), Brianna Mysliwiec (4 today), Shannon Robillard (3 tomorrow), Bernice Dinsmore, Barbara Nutting, Lois Martene, Joan Group and Barbi Lare and Tammy Geblein (all tomorrow), Colin Gallagher (10 tomorrow), Kenneth Sommers (Saturday), Earl Webb and Alfred Bykowicz (both celebrating a milestone on Saturday), Renee Gress (her 20th Saturday), Abbie Englert (7 on Saturday), Justin Frentzel (5 on Saturday), John Thomas Edwards (18 on Sunday), Mark Frentzel and Norm Machelor (Monday) Ashley Kristine Dragonette (3 on Monday), Melissa Goris (17 on Tuesday) and Jonathan Voyzey (5 on Wednesday).~~~~Belated greetings to Noreen Burke on the occasion of her birthday July 1st, and to Christina Guzik (Pocahontas) who celebrated her 12th birthday on July 3rd.

Former resident Shelley (Arcouet) Smith and her sons Tommy, 3 and seven-month-old Michael were in town to visit her parents Pat and Hal Arcouet and attend the parade and Fantasy Island's fireworks display.~~~~Congratulations to Amanda Zernickel, 7, who ran in the Presque Isle Mile race June 27th in Erie, PA. Amanda finished the one mile with a time of 8:37.

Just a reminder to all the aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents and anyone else who is involved in the Trautman reunion planned for August 21st in Beaver Island Park - if you haven't called the reunion committee, they would like to hear from you.

Best wishes to John and Rachel Braddell, celebrating their first anniversary on July 11th and to Dick and Marla Crawford, marking their 3rd anniversary on the 13th.

Our sympathy to the families of Nancy McNutt and Gerald AuClair who both died on June 29th, Stanley "Steve" Klementowski and Ann Kasper who died on June 30th, and Darl Richard and Conrad Tubin who both died on July 3rd. Memorials for Mrs. Kasper may be made to Roswell Park Foundation and those for Mrs. Richard may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Looking back 40 years - Exhibition straight away runs by Mama's Mink III,a new "radically designed 266-class speedster" were featured both days at the regatta July 4-5 off Holcombe Marina facilities at Creighton's Edgewater Park Hotel on East River Road. The race boat was built and owned by Isle resident Joe Less.~~~~The American Legion Post 1346 held its annual field day on the Fire Company grounds July 4, 1959.~~~~George Buell, 51, became the second man to swim around the Island on June 27, 1959.

Looking back 30 years - An 80-space marina for transient boaters was a new feature at Beaver Island.

Looking back 20 years - The third annual slow pitch softball games and pie eating contest between Grand Island, NY and Thousand Oaks, California took place in Thousand Oaks on June 30, 1979. Among those taking part were Bill Buckley, Bill Aydelotte, Scott Whiting, Tom Colley, Mark Dearlove, Denny Hoffer, Greg Witnauer, John Jasper, Jimmie Lott and Pat Gill.

Maria Trautman is now residing in Riverwood Health Care Center and would probably appreciate notes and visits.~~~~Get well wishes to Barbara Anderson who missed her first 4th of July parade here since its inception.

Congratulations to Steve Morgan, following in his father's footsteps with activities in the Erie County Warden's Association. Not only was Steve installed Junior Warden in the newly merged Eggertsville-Grand Island Lodge, he was also elected treasurer of the Erie County Warden's Association. It was just 35 years ago that Steve's father, Lewis E. Morgan, was corresponding secretary of the Association and Master of Grand Island Lodge.

Charlotte's Hot Dog Stand, 1437 Ferry Road, is now open from 11:30 a.m. to 6 pm. Wednesday through Sunday. Stop down and tell Charlotte Roesch and the girls Teddy sent you.~~~~If you haven't tried the Hersey's ice cream at Duce's Dogs on Grand Island Blvd. near Bedell Road, you are in for a treat. Seems to be the hit of the summer - at least for our family.

With extremely high temperatures and lots of picnics all weekend, there was no ice to be purchased on Grand Island as of Saturday night. We heard that "Happy Ice" simply could not keep up with the demand.

The VFW picnic was wonderful as usual and one wonders how it can get any better year after year. Florida residents Mary and George Downs, who were among those enjoying the major Isle event, were guests of honor at their 80th birthday party over the holiday weekend.~~~~Cheryl (Goris) Koesz, just as enthusiastic on Saturday as she was when she twirled with Teddy's Islettes in the '70s, shared her idea of a marching unit reunion of all members of Teddy's Islettes for the year 2000 Independence Day Parade next year. We will try to contact everyone who marched with the group between the summers of 1961 and 1987 and ask that those who are interested, call either one of us.

July 1, 1999

Welcome home to Bob McNamee who will be in town at least as long as the holiday weekend. Friends may reach Bob at his brother, Ron's residence or may contact his mother, Maxine McNamee, both of East River Road.

Marie Kunz, 90, died June 22nd in Niagara Geriatrics Center. Our sympathy to her son, Ted Kumlander of Cox Road.

Best wishes to Daniel Mantione and his bride, the former Diane Catherine Barnes, married Friday, June 25 in St. Stephen's Church, and to Stephanie Wilson and David Paul Barnes, married Saturday in St. Timothy Lutheran Church.

A hummingbird nest has been built for the second year in a row in the yard of Noreen Burke of Staley Road. Last year's nest was added to Eco Island's nature exhibit.

A belated happy 49th birthday (June 21st) to Frank Alliger, formerly of East River Road resident and now living in Oakland, CA.~~~~Best wishes to the following who are celebrating milestones this week: Eddie Redinger (30 today), C. Donald "Don" O'Connor (today), Wilma Greenwood (tomorrow), Cassidy Hogrewe (10 tomorrow), Vince Phillips (a big one on the 3rd), Katie Bidell (her 20th on Sunday) and Ryan Link (10 on Wednesday). Happy birthday to Lindsay Knox (7 today), Chelsea Robillard (her first birthday tomorrow), to Kyle Staub (2 on Saturday), Joan Hoag (Saturday), Bruce Blakelock and Helene Kerr (July 4th), Anthony Verdi (6 on Monday), Mary Machelor (Monday, Jenna Podlucky (14 on Monday), Melissa Rayhill (Sweet 16 on Monday), Ted Kessler Sr. and Earl DeGlopper Sr.(Wednesday) and Autumn Kaiser (9 on Wednesday).

A very happy 5th anniversary to Bud and Lois Schoenfeld who will celebrate tomorrow.

To correct an error printed in the local weekly paper 30 years ago and reprinted here in "Looking Back" last week, Noel Blair, did, indeed, take first place with his super stock "Cheetah" in the Eastern Division Championship race in June 1969.

Looking back 50 years - Members of the Grandyle Village Property Owners Association authorized $400 to set up the "Grand Stand" in Walter Mullin's Sears & Roebuck Homes real estate office at Love Road and Stony Point. Proceeds were earmarked for a playground fund and rent was $1 and 10% of the profit on soda pop, milkshakes, candy, hot dogs, hamburgers and potato chips among other things sold at the Stand. Minding the store most of the time was the late Helen Ball, Ida Stanley and Bernie Geary. Lucky preteens Penny Ball and Sissy (Dorothy) Noth occasionally took a turn at working behind the counter. According to the Island Dispatch dated July 4, 1949, "Bob Riggs of East Park is the best customer of the Grand Stand to date."

Looking back 40 years - Joe Less's Mama's Mink III was featured in the regatta July 4-5 off Holcombe Marina facilities at Creighton's Edgewater Park Hotel on the East River.

Looking back 30 years - Donna Robinson of East River Road was lead twirler for Teddy's Islettes in the first Independence Day parade on Grand Island Boulevard. A letter to the editor by George Bower questioning the lack of parades and participation on the Island during this holiday, gave Parade Chairman Doris Ryan the inspiration to get the first parade started with help from Supervisor Ray Griffin and cooperation from various Isle organizations.

Looking back 20 years - New town tennis courts were opened at the Nike Base.~~~~Frank Calabro took over Alt Chevrolet on Whitehaven Road.

With Roland and Horst Vogel in town for their 30th class reunion, the entire Vogel family is together for the first time in 30 years. Happy belated 50th to Roland.~~~~Among other members of the Class of 69 in town for the reunion are Arthura Haller VanHeerde, Dana Kirsch Moles, Kathy Geisenhoff Randall, Diane Loder Kerner, Jeri Kilmer Rapp and Kim and Denny Hoffer. Welcome back, everyone.~~~~The Class of '79 is also getting together this weekend for a 20th reunion. Hope to see you at the parade on Saturday or over at the VFW picnic, which is open to everyone immediately after the parade. Have a great weekend and play safe.

June 24, 1999

Congratulations to the Grand Island High School Venture '99 yearbook staff for a most beautiful publication. Outstanding!

Lee and Sid Cohen are celebrating their 37th anniversary today and are wished the very best. Belated anniversary greetings to Butch and Barb Backlund of Enola Road marking another anniversary on the 16th and to Bud and Judy Johnson of Whitehaven who celebrated on the 17th. Best wishes to Marsha and Dave Hammond who are celebrating 35 years on Sunday and to Pat and Gary Scott on their 20th anniversary Wednesday.

Darcy (Gerspach) Swenson is in town with her children, Noah and Ryan, visiting her parents Shirley and Dick Gerspach.The Swensons will be on the Island until the end of the month.

Our sympathy to the family of Gary Salt who passed away on June 18th. Memorials may be made to The American Heart Association.

Happy birthday to Megan Mombert (18 today), Pat Arcouet, Nan Nesbitt and Betty Salt (today), Cole Glessner (3 tomorrow), Meaghan Grotz (12 tomorrow), Jan Rose and Joshua Billica (Saturday), Megan McCarthy (18 on Saturday), Erik Billica and Doug Smith (Sunday), Tina Sparks (11 on Sunday), Mary Martin (special greetings on Monday), Katie Smith, Brian Lipp and Alicia Ellson (all celebrating 13th birthdays on the 29th), Deanna Hillock and Dorothy Solberg (Tuesday), and Jackie Kehoe and Elaina Bolles (both turning 2 years old on Wednesday).~~~~A belated happy 14th birthday to Jamie Dougherty who celebrated last Saturday.

Looking back 50 years - Fadum's Drive-Inn on Express Highway and Bedell Road was advertising char-broiled red hots and frozen custard.~~~~Kiddie rides were featured at Bedell House Park which was open for the summer season in 1949.

Looking back 40 years - The Grand Island Playhouse on Baseline at Bedell Road opened for its 12th season.~~~~Coin cards were distributed to Isle residents and being filled with quarters for the benefit of the Fire Company's annual fund drive.

Looking back 30 years - Members of the town's Recreation Commission, during opening ceremonies of the Grand Island Baseball League, presented a plaque to Bunny Luther for his distinguished service as interim recreation director. The League had approximately 450 young ball players in 1969.~~~~Island organizations were getting floats ready for the very first Independence Day parade here, the Newcomers Club being among them. Newcombers float committee members included Marilyn Johnson, Jean Williams, Barbara Taefi, Adaline Livingston, Joanne Gesl and Alice Weppner.~~~~Joe McMahon was among Grand Island's Crystal Beach Day winners in 1969 coming out on top in the egg throw, the water balloon toss and the pie eating contest.~~~~George and Doris Rees and their children Bill, Danny and Carol, moved back to the Island from Indiana and Pat and Harold Arcouet and family became newcomers here 30 years ago.~~~~Noel Blair raced his Cheetah to a 2nd place in the Eastern Division super stock championship hydroplane races on June 29, 1969.~~~~First Lt. Harry W. Roberts Jr. was presented the Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with 12 oak leaf clusters. Harry distinguished himself "by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a F-100 pilot 20 miles southwest of DaNang, Republic of Vietnam."

Close to 200 dancers from Miss Cathy's Dance Academy put on a wonderful two-night show last weekend. Tiny tots Ashley Colan, Christopher DeRose, Chad Ducette, Hannah Edward, Emma Garten, Brianna Gibney, Madeleine Goc, Kristen Greinert, Megan Hoople, Julie Kilmer, Frankie Koch, Carly Kruszona and Elena and Rachel Watt were pleased as punch when they each received a bouquet of flowers from favorite dance teacher Nicole Duscher. Director and choreographer Cathy Thomas, who begins her 30th year of dance instruction in September, will be taking registration July 7 and July 20 at the dance studio behind TCBY on Grand Island Boulevard.

June Byron is recuperating from knee surgery and First Lady Mary McMahon is still recovering from the same. Hope all is well soon, girls.

Senior citizens looking for something different to do are invited to the game day at the Grand Island Golden Age Center on Monday, June 28th. There is no charge to come out and enjoy domino games, table, board games or group card games and refreshments. Players, 50 and over should be at the Center by 12:30 p.m.

Fran Wilczek's CD single "It's Not The Same," was heard over Dan McBride's Friday morning radio show, Koffee & Kibbitz and it is surely a hit in the making. Fran is wished the very best of luck with her new singing career. We will let you know just as soon as the CD is available for purchase.

Congratulations of all of the Grand Island High School graduates who will receive their diplomas Sunday in the Niagara Falls Convention Center.

June 17, 1999

Jeweler Reg Schopp of deSignet fame is turning the big 5-0 on Saturday, June 19th. If you see him this week be sure to wish him a happy birthday. The girls shown with him are Jill (Roth) Stamler (left) and Cathy (Lang) Driscoll and they, too, recently celebrated their birthdays. The photos were taken when they were all first graders on the Island.~~~~Happy 70th birthday to Mary Parisi who celebrated last week.~~~~Best wishes to Jennifer (Parisi) Goodman and to our son, Jim Linenfelser who are celebrating their 30th birthdays on June 20th.~~~~Happy birthday to Cody Conway, Colleen Kowzan and Karen Wallace (today), to Gene Masters, Carleen Taylor and Kester Bleich (tomorrow), to Samantha Dinsmore (9 tomorrow), Jacob Olszewski (12 tomorrow), Justin Hoover and Laura Fik (both turning 15 on Saturday), Nancy Dahlquist (2 on Saturday), Savannah Kustra (7 on Sunday), Johnny Frentzel (6 on Sunday), Skipper Fred (20 on Sunday), Bob Beach (Sunday), John Gilmore (special greetings on Tuesday), and Stephanie McGinn (Sweet 16 on Tuesday).

Tom Pollard, who has taken tap dancing seriously since his retirement as a music teacher in the Kenmore school system, is brushing up his steps to the tune of Isle resident Salvatore Andolina's "Flying Home." Sal's new CD "Like Benny to Me," the Best Swing Music in Town, may be purchased in Tops and in Maria's Card Shop in the Grand Island Blvd. plaza. Tom, who will dance solo, is a member of the town's senior citizen tap class as well as a group of "younger" tappers who will all perform in Cathy (Parisi) Thomas' dance recital in the high school Friday and Saturday, June 18th and 19th at 7:30 p.m.

Congratulations to our niece MaryJo Linenfelser who will graduate from nursing school Sunday.

Looking back 50 years - Members of the Sidway School's eighth grade graduating Class of '49 Sally D. Smith (Detally) and Roger Dohn were recipients of the American Legion School Awards and class valedictorian Stephanie Woods (Mauri) had the highest average, 96%. Salutatorians Roger Dohn and John Ekiss tied with 93% averages.~~~~Martha Clark (Neilans) accepted the post of head librarian at the Grand Island Memorial Library, replacing June Bevenethe.~~~~Grand Island Co-Operative Nursery School had its first official session June 20, 1949 in the Mazenauer home on Bush Rd. and West River. Chairman was Mildred Brobeil, Vice Chair Phyllis Yanke, Secretary Dorothy Mazenauer, and Membership Chair Gertrude Cotter.~~~~And it was also on June 20,1949 that Roddy Beck opened the Grand Island Marina Boat Club, Inc. on East River and what is now Broadway. Behind the bar was the infamousHarry Simpson who later became synonomis with the Buffalo Launch Club. The legal notice listed the property as "lands now or formerly owned by John W. Bell and lands of Socony-Vacuum Oil Co. Inc."

Looking back 40 years - Johnny and Elvira Lyden were receiving congratulations on their baby boy, Timothy. The baby will celebrate his 40th on Saturday, the 19th. Happy birthday, Tim!~~~~Wheelers and Dealers Auto Club members Bill Craver, Ed Dunshie, Mark Long, John Gast, Kenny Shobert, Al Colley, Mort O'Connor, Roger Boggess, and Skip Snyder were among those helping to get the Little League field ready for opening day, June 27, 1959. A contingent of soldiers from the Nike Base also donated their time.~~~~The Sandy Beach Park Club announced plans for the construction of two boat docks having facilities for 40 boats.

Welcome home to my sister and brother-in-law Mary and Jim Stewart. The Stewarts, who now reside in Sunnyvale, California, will be staying at their home on LaSalle Ave. for about two weeks and would welcome friends who would like to stop by.

Christie Lascelle became the bride of Joseph E. Boos in Bible Presbyterian Church Saturday. The Boos' are making their home on Grand Island.~~~~Happy 7th anniversary to Ray and Ann Dlugokinski celebrating on Sunday.

No need to cook dinner for Dad on Saturday. Two equally great chicken barbecues will take place from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, one at Trinity Church, 2100 Whitehaven, and also at St.Martin-in-the-Fields Church on Baseline near Bedell.

June 10, 1999

Our very best wishes to Betty and Al Raepple who will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary tomorrow (June 11th). The Raepples have lived here just about as many years.~~~~Happy anniversary to Dave and Nancy Amato and to Lisa and Peter Podlucky. The Amatos and the Podluckys were both married 20 years ago today.~~~~Ralph and Jeanne Hoover are wished the best today on their 49th anniversary.

Congratulations to Gregory Padowski who is graduating from St. Joseph's Collegiate and to Valerie Lynn Sirianni, a member of the Class of '99 at Grand Island High. Greg and Valerie were among students named to "First Honors - Tomorrow's Leaders," sponsored by Independent Health and recognized in a recent issue of Business First.

Happy 95th birthday to GrandmaHelen Groff born on June 8, 1904.~~~~Many happy returns to Ora Glor Newton, Barbara Study, June Pinzel and Maura Rustowitz (today), Christopher Golde (his 18th today), Paul Malecki (tomorrow), Michael Avery (6 tomorrow), Matthew Lange and Lynn Schutt (Saturday), Angela Goulah (Sweet 16 on Saturday), Cristin McGovern (18 on Saturday), Vickie Wilkinson (special greetings on Sunday), Mary Parisi and David Fleischmann (Monday) and Stacey Scott (a teenager on Tuesday).~~~~A belated happy birthday to Robert Bruce Blakelock who celebrated his first birthday on May 13th and to Dan Hiam who turned 21 on June 3rd.

Looking back 50 years - Lightening struck a house on Ransom Road during a severe storm on June 13, 1949. Local newspaper editor Ollie Howard praised the Fire Company for holding the blaze to the upper story and keeping damage to a minimum. The house was owned by Fred Grehlinger and occupied by the Ernest Consier family.

Looking back 40 years - Business obligations was the reason given for the resignations by former Supervisor Daniel J. McNamee as chairman of the Democratic Committee and Committee Treasurer Gertrude Gay.~~~~Governor Rockefeller spoke at the June 2, 1959 dedication of the Hooker Chemical Corporation's new $3,800,000 Research Center on Long Road.~~~~The Reese building, where Marilyn Johnson's Ye Olde Book Shoppe is located today, housed the IGA Supermarket, a liquor store, a real estate office and a TV and radio repair shop. Under construction in 1959 were additions to provide space for other stores and apartments.~~~~June 7, 1959 was the last day for mail to be delivered without the house number.~~~~Charter member Veronica Connor served as toastmistress for the Zonta Club's first anniversary June 6, 1959 in Creighton's Edgewater Park Hotel.~~~~The $100,000 combination dance pavilion/roller rink, now occupied by True Value Hardware on Whitehaven Road, opened on June 15, 1959.

Alda Passarelli died on May 31st. Memorials for Mrs. Passarelli may be made to the American Diabetes Association.~~~~Alexander MacKellar, 71, died on June 2nd.~~~~Bernice Dekdebrun, 90, died June 4th. Memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute or Trinity United Methodist Church.~~~~Laurie Ellsworth died on June 5th. Memorials may be made to Bible Presbyterian Church or Hospice Buffalo.~~~~Earl T. Rhodes died June 5th. Our sincere sympathy to their families.

We have had some inquiries for information about the Grand Island High School Class of 1989's ten-year reunion being planned for the weekend of August 6th, 7th and 8th. Class members are asked to send a postcard with your name and current address to: Class of '89 Reunion Committee, P. O. Box 321, Grand Island, NY 14072. Plans include a dinner and dancing at the Buffalo Launch Club on Friday evening, a bar blast Saturday and a family picnic on Sunday.

The Between The Bridges column continues to be included on www.isledegrande.com web site so that out-of-town friends and relatives may share your birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, new babies and other news through the internet.

A tip of the Grand Island Record ball cap to Doug Smith for providing such excellent sports coverage and recognizing all of our outstanding athletes with his weekly Base Paths. Great job, Doug! We truly appreciate your excellent reporting for the Record.~~~~Most exciting news this week for all of us at the Grand Island Record is the fact that we will be on the Island from now on. Drop off your news and notes at our new location - 1990 Whitehaven Road at the corner of Baseline.

June 3, 1999

Supervisor Peter McMahon's voice was heard all over the nation on "60 Minutes" last week. The short segment was regarding the Seneca land claim.~~~~Ruth Landel is out and about and feeling much better.~~~~Sharon Tokash was in town over the weekend for the baptism of her first grandchild.~~~~Charlotte Roesch's hot dog stand at the foot of Ferry Road in Ferry Village is open weekends and drawing the usual crowd of locals out for a hot dog, hamburger, clam broth and more.

Sidway School first grade teacher Amy Pachter was married Saturday to Daniel S. McMann. Amy and Dan, both graduates of Grand Island High School, are making their home on the Island.

Congratulations to Jessica Mao, Erika McMichael and Kristin Rotella of Grand Island High and Gregory Padowski of St.Joseph's Collegiate who were recently honored as Academic All-Stars by the Buffalo News.

Looking back 50 years - According to the Island's weekly paper dated June 6, 1949, Mike Meyer was doing a good job of dispensing giggle fluid at the Bedell House bar. "Some damsel told us that he was the best looking bartender on the Island."~~~~The town's community fair took place June 4, 1949 at the Sidway School grounds as well as in the building. Bernice Dekdebrun was in charge of the food committee, the late Dan Linenfelser and Dan McNamee were booth chairmen. I do remember that first graders, of which I was one, competed for a prize in a printing contest and Billy Jacobs was the winner and that our Brownie Troop #46 bagged up peanuts in the shell to sell at the Fair.

Looking back 30 years - Hollis "Chip" Boss, 15, named to the 1969 Junior all-American skeet team by Jimmy Robinson, Trap and Skeet editor of Sports Afield magazine. Chip won the Canadian and Quebec skeet championships including the 20-gauge junior crown with a 96-100, the 12-gauge junior crown with a 99 and a 96, and topped the .410 field with a 90.

Looking back 20 years - The Grand Island High School team of Mike Howland, Lloyd Garten, and Catherine Crea and alternates Monica Bihler, David Conboy, Dalinda Condino, Mark Courey, Paul Dannels and Merideth Hartrick with faculty advisor Dorea Holmes won the "It's Academic," clinching the 1979 Championship May 19,1979 by defeating teams from Iroquois and Jamestown.~~~~Robert C. Courtemanche was appointed Grand Island's new schools superintendent June 11, 1979 at an annual salary of $34,000.~~~~Island volunteer firefighters spent three hours trying to extinguish a dump fire, apparently a contractor's dumping grounds on Staley Road. According to Capt. Keith Wood, firemen were allowed the use of a 5000-gallon pumper belonging to the DOT.

Looking back 10 years - Redway residents faced flood conditions Friday, June 9, 1989 and the neighborhood kids had fun trying to ride bikes in knee-deep water on the road. A three-inch downpour was the culprit.~~~~Lawn Mower Race chair Floyd Doring announced winners of the West River event as Joe Mailloux, 1st; Jim Tranter, 2nd; Carl Antholzner, 3rd; and Marcy Malecki, first woman finisher.~~~~Jeri Schopp, in her first bid for a seat on the school board, was top vote getter with 1196 votes in a three-way race where a total of 1922 voters turned out. Incumbent Frank Cannata was also elected.

Interesting! While reading in an old Isle weekly newspaper I found a note on 40+ year resident Dick Gerspach's earliest memory of Grand Island being in the year 1938 when his dad Bill Gerspach operated the old Mesmer's Tavern on Baseline and Staley roads.

A very happy birthday to George Rowe celebrating a special birthday today and to Cheryl Ayers blowing out her candles on June 9th.****Happy birthday Joey Podlucky (a teenager today),Christopher Bidell (double digits - 10 years old today), Richard Koch, Frank Marinell and Richard Pachter (today), Michael Playfair (11 today), Brendan Patrick Sheehan (a year old tomorrow), Karen Vanthoff and Janet Mumm (tomorrow), Daniel Olszewski (6 on Sunday), Jason Wilkinson (a teenager on Sunday), and Victoria Kustra (5 on Wednesday).

Gretchen Wagner, granddaughter of Agnes Morgan is one of eight students chosen by Empire State Partnership and Lew-Port School to have their art work displayed at the Castellani Art Museum on the Niagara University campus. Gretchen is the daughter of Tony and Marcia (Morgan) Wagner.

Pat Sciandra of Sandy Beach Road is thoroughly enjoying a visit with her brother Gym Garvey and his wife Iona, residents of Vallejo, CA. Gym is in town for the 50th Golden Jubilee Class Reunion, Class of '49 of St.Joe's School on Main Street in Buffalo, the very last class to graduate.

A hefty $750 was raised for Muscular Dystrophy by Isle participants in the "Walk To Seek A Miracle" Walk-a-Thon May 22nd. Credit for the fundraiser goes to Carol Jones, Lino McGinn, Stephanie McGinn, John McGinn, Nancy Anderson, David Anderson, Judy Gibbs and Harry Gibbs Sr. Harry also volunteered for the cooking and serving of lunch for the more than 400 walkers.

Our sympathy to the families of J. David Palmer who died on May 26th and former resident Milt Carlin who died on May 27th. Memorials for Mr. Palmer may be made to Trinity UM Church and those for Mr. Carlin may be made to the American Kidney Association or the American Cancer Society.

Last but not least - Best wishes to Pat and Doug Harding who are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary on May 31st, to Ken and Sue Carter who will be married 18 years on June 6th, to our son and daughter-in-law Jim and Laury Linenfelser, looking forward to their 2nd anniversary on the 7th, and to Richard and Betty Pachter, celebrating their 48th anniversary on June 9th.

May 27, 1999

With the approaching Memorial Day holiday, formerly known as Decoration Day, it is nice to remember what has been done for our deceased veterans on that day and what is being done today. Members of the American Legion for many years visited the six Island cemeteries on Memorial Day and marked each veteran's grave site with a small American flag. Over the years the list has grown and could easily number over 300 graves, while the faithful American Legion group has dwindled. In lieu of the small flags, the men decided a few years ago to have flag poles constructed and erected and have supplied at least two new American flags per cemetery each year. American Legion Commander Earl DeGlopper Sr. invites all Island residents to come out on Memorial Day to DeGlopper Memorial Park where special ceremonies will take place at 10 a.m.

Married Friday, May 21st were Laura A. Montagna and Joseph Zach.~~~~Jeffrey Jon Fleischauer and his bride, the former Valerie Ann Dupicki were married Saturday, May 22nd.~~~~Jennifer Lynn Wrona was married on Saturday in St. Stephen's Church to Michael Scott Geyer..~~~~Al Ricotta and Denise DeMartin were married in St. Stephen's Church on May 15th and are residing on Love Road.

Attention members of the Grand Island High School Class of 1969. Reunion reservations must be in! Deadline is June 7th. If you need information you may call Sandy Burns at 773-3966, Karen Raepple at 773-4952 or Liz Barker at 773-1191.

Looking back 50 years - The town board in May 1949 voted to change the zoning from residence B to residence C for the erection of two-family dwellings on roads named Ward Park, West Park, Blackmon and Carl.

Looking back 40 years - Raymond P. Griffin, manager and pharmacist of the local Lane Drug Store in the Grand Island Boulevard Plaza and Eleanor Barker , a store clerk, were arrested on a Sunday in the Spring of 1959 by two members of the NY State Police who purchased items in the store which was in violation of the Penal Law of the State of New York - better known as the Blue Laws. Charges against Mrs. Barker were dropped and Ray was found "not guilty" in town court. Jurors included Charles Soch, Verna Consier (Schlee), Ivy D. Waltman and Anthony W. Kustich.

Looking back 30 years -Marine Midland Trust Company opened with a ribbon cutting on Saturday, May 24, 1969.~~~~The 107th Tactical Fighter Group began arriving home from Vietnam and all members of the group were expected to be back by the end of the month. The 107th included Jerry Gibbs (Korea), Greg Yensan, Jerry Hawley, Mike McNulty, Frank McKee, John McCarthy, Ben Graff, Peter Roberts, Harry Roberts, Robert K. Kaiser, Torgeir B. Fadum and Paul Roeder.

Looking back 20 years - It was an exciting time for the members of the Charles N. DeGlopper VFW Post 9249 when they held their grand opening of the new VFW Post on Grand Island Blvd. in conjunction with Memorial Day services in 1979.

Our sympathy to the families of Dr. Vincent P. Scamurra who died May 20th, and Caroline DeMarco who passed away May 23rd.

Happy anniversary to Greg and Liz Barker who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on May 11th. Also a belated happy anniversary to Mike and Terry Endres, married 14 years on may 11th.~~~~Paul and Chris Sipson will be married 30 years on May 31st. Paul and Tamara (Haag) Proctor, and David and Leslie (Nesbitt) Curtin will be married three years on June 1st. Jack and Sandy Burns will mark their silver wedding anniversary on June 1st. Happy anniversary to everyone.

Extra special greetings to Patty Johnson of West River who will hit the bit 5-0 on Tuesday. Others celebrating milestones are Clay Clark on June 2nd and Curt Hettinger also on the 2nd.~~~~Happy birthday to Melissa Hubbard and Larry Rall (today), to David Linenfelser (a teenager today), Stephanie Affuso (her 13th birthday today), Rich Bessel, Paul Sipson, Pat Shaw and Kay Haller (tomorrow), Amy Norris (17 tomorrow), Pam Fries (Saturday), Rachel Fraser (15 on Saturday), James Rayhill (10 on Saturday), Michael Dinsmore (9 on Sunday), Millie Burgett, Mia Sample, Robert Backlund and Karl Buehrig (all on Monday), Adam Schopp (10 years old on Tuesday) and Elizabeth Kowalik and twins Joshua and Ryan Miller (5 on Wednesday).~~~~And if you see Jason Birtz of Sandy Beach Road on Saturday, wish him a really big happy birthday - it's his 21st.

Mary Jane and Richard Pyc, mentioned here last week as grandparents of a baby girl, Jessica Lynn Riley, were also blessed with a grandson, Richard Casimir Gardon, born February 22nd to their daughter Julieand her husband, William Gardon of Tonawanda.~~~~Bill and Babette (Blair) Strassburg are parents of a baby girl, Hannah Jane born May 7th. Isle grandparents are Myrna and Noel Blair of East River.

Get well wishes to Dorothy Dee who has been missed by her many friends at the Golden Age Center.

Historical Society members are reminded that reservations are necessary for the installation dinner scheduled for Thursday at River Lea.~~~~Hope to see you all Saturday at Island Treasures which will take place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Town Hall Center.

May 20, 1999

If you see Cathy Driscoll this week, be sure to wish her a happy birthday. Cathy celebrates on the 24th and Dr. Dave Johnson of West River beats her to this milestone birthday today. Happy birthday Dave and Cathy.

Bill and Fay Wood were happily and completely surprised to see all five of their children at their home in Lady Lake, Florida over Mother's Day weekend. Sons Craig and Keith and daughters Brooke Raham, Darcey Golde and Amy Morgan and their families made the trip to be with their parents to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. To Bill and Fay, who were married on May 20, 1949, our very best wish for a wonderful 50th anniversary year.

Susan E. Braun has been given special recognition by the American Red Cross Blood Services Buffalo Region for reaching the 10 gallon blood donation. Congratulations, Sue.

Happy birthday to Katie Endres who is 10 years old today, and to Christine Donner celebrating her 13th birthday today. Happy birthday to Lillian Wosilait and Colleen Clarke (tomorrow), Vickie Soluri (18 on Saturday), Gert Cotter, Dan Bowerman and Connie Trautman (Saturday), Jennifer Arida (Sunday), Marissa Cooney (her 17th on Monday), Cole Smith (4 years-old on Tuesday) and Joshua Stoddard (8 on Wednesday).

Looking back 50 years -The remains of the late 2nd Lt. Eugene F. Dinsmore were returned to Grand Island in the spring of 1949 for final interment from Belgium. Gene, born on Grand Island August 7, 1923 and one of eight Island men killed in World War II, died in January 1945 in a German hospital in Bad Wildungen, Germany.~~~~Nell Benner Elsaesser bought Kreher's Restaurant located over the East River bank near North Colony Road. The spot is now known as Turner's.~~~~The school board motioned to build a ball diamond on recently purchased land north of the Sidway School site in the spring of 1949.

Looking back 40 years - Twenty-one local men applied for membership in new Rotary Club at the May 25th meeting in Del & Herb's Grand Island Grill in 1959.

Looking back 30 years - High School Principal Howard Fuller was named Principal of the Year in a contest on radio station WYSL. His prize was a trip to Germany.~~~~Grand Island High's senior class day took place on May 23, 1969 when assistant Principal Henry Fessard presented American Legion Awards to Ray Billica and Sue Soares (Taylor). Carlton Brett was the recipient of the Bausch & Lomb Science Award.

The engagement of Cara Colucci and Michael Gardner has been announced by Cara's parents, Frank and Catherine Colucci of Timberlink Drive. John and Dorothy Gardner of Staley Road are the future groom's parents. Cara and Michael are planning a June 2000 wedding.

Congratulations to Derrick and Lisa (Abram) Kruk who are parents of a baby girl, Marissa Diane, born on May 3rd. Proud grandparents are Peter and Beverly Rasch and Edward and MaryAnn Kruk of Grand Island and Paul Abram of St. Petersburg, Florida.~~~~Isle residents Mary Jane and Richard Pyc are the grandparents of a new baby girl, Jessica Lyn Riley, born on March 26th to Tom and Jacquie (Pyc) Riley in Memphis, Tennessee.

Newlyweds John Russell Jr. and his bride, the former Stephanie Currie are new Isle residents. Formerly of Lewiston, they were married on Saturday, May 8th.~~~~Wayne Benton and Michele Denise Prior were married Saturday, May 15th in Trinity UM Church, and the wedding of Jill Koslowski to Michael Doctor also took place on Saturday in St. Stephen's Church. Best wishes to all of the newlyweds.

Happy anniversary to Al and Mary Sommer today, to Reta and Lou D'Orazio (47 years on Monday), John and Jean Bartholomew (21 years on Tuesday), Spike and Patty Vampotic (their 26th anniversary on Tuesday), and to Karen and Mike DeMartin (8 years on Tuesday).

Former Isle resident 92-year-old Abe Milner is recuperating from illness and would surely appreciated cards and notes from old friends. Mail may be sent C/O Frank and MaryEllen Pfohl, 1004 Sunny Hill Drive, Camden, South Carolina 29020.~~~~Most of us watching the Friday night hockey game were unaware of a freak accident that happened before the game. Former Islander Sue Gizzo was struck in the head by a hockey puck during a practice and required 20 stitches. Heal quickly, Sue.

The Fire Company's Ladies Auxiliary held a 50-50 split drawing last Wednesday night and the lucky winner was charter Auxiliary member Elsie Fleischmann.

The Between the Bridges column continues to appear on the isledegrande.com web site on the Internet, courtesy of The Grand Island Record.

May 13, 1999

A belated happy 40th birthday to Mike Fetzer who was completely surprised by a party given by his family and friends. Mike turned the big 4-0 on May 1st.~~~~A belated happy birthday to Kevin Minton who celebrated his 2nd birthday on May 6th, and best wishes to Joann Normandin whose birthday was on the 11th.~~~~Longtime Islander Ted Kumlander hits a big birthday on the 16th. Happy birthday, Teddy.~~~~Happy birthday to Courtney Callahan (18 yesterday), Brent Fred, Winnie Zarbo and Kathy Pollard (today), Lynn Laman (tomorrow), Kevin Rustowicz (Saturday), Barb Kirsch (Monday), Roger Underwood (10 years old on Tuesday), Marion Pinkow (Tuesday), Dick Lovelee, Elvira Lyden, Pattie Frentzel and Richard Hartman (all on Wednesday), Stephanie Fike (a teenager on Wednesday) and Nancy (Gardner) Landroch (special greetings on Wednesday).

The recent Kaegebein School choir concert was a real treat for everyone in attendance. The concert showed off over 100 third, fourth and fifth grade youngsters who have been staying after school for choir practice under the direction of Mrs. Susan Waters.~~~~Congratulations to Pat Shaw of Sturbridge Lane who was a recipient of a Kaegebein PTA Community Service Award. Pat has been a major baker for the school's annual bake sale ever since granddaughter Jennifer Watkins, now a 7th grader at Connor Middle, started school at Kaegebein.

Our sympathy to the families of former resident Grenville W. Harrop Sr., 85, who died April 5th, and Audra Nowe of Bedell Road who passed away on May 8th.

Moira and Kevin Rustowicz of Tracey Lane are proud parents of their fifth child, MaryElisabeth Coyle Rustowicz born May 4th weighing seven pounds, 12 ounces. The new baby was welcomed home by her siblings, Michael, Katie, James and Maggie. Proud grandpa is Dr. Dick McCowan.

Get well wishes to three-year-old Alexandra Dzielski, daughter of David and Jennifer Dzielski. Alexandra recently spent a week in Children's Hospital.~~~~So glad to report that Michelle and Kelly Gast were not hurt seriously in an automobile accident this past week. The girls are the daughters of Zdenka and John Gast of East River Road.

Our best wishes to Erik J. Nowakowski and his bride, the former Deborah E. Markant, and to Jennifer Insalaco and Christopher Pendola. Both couples were married Saturday, May 8th.~~~~A belated happy anniversary to David and Mary Fleischmann, married 30 years on May 3rd.

Congratulations to Teresa Panepinto on her upcoming college graduation from Buffalo State on May 15th and to Christie Gress who will graduate from Niagara University on May 16th.

Looking back 50 years - According to a report in the Island Dispatch in the spring of '49, a Clean-up Campaign sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce was expected to permanently eliminate some of the criticism leveled by Grand Island resident and non-residents in the metropolitan newspapers. Junk cars, trucks, and junk piles of old lumber etc. were not uncommon sites in the yards of Isle homes in the late 40s.~~~~Town Board members heard an oral complaint by Harvey S. Long of a very offensive odor caused by the spreading of chicken droppings by Elmer R. Webb.

Looking back 40 years - The Road Rebels, an auto club for Isle teens sponsored by the Kiwanis Club held a record hop in the Sidway School gym to benefit the Cancer Crusade. When radio station WINE disc jockey "Great Scott" cancelled at the last minute, Bobby Bell came through with his own hi-fi and Shorty Vanthoff brought over his collection 45 rpm records. Other members of the club were Bill Dunshie, Scott Weisenburg, Jerry Thirion, Larry Harding, Richard Henderson, Allen Jones, James Sinclair, Roger O'Connor, Ron McNamee, Fred Schutt, Russ Hill, Bill Lang, Pete Fahrer, Jim Braddell, Pat Carroll, Jerry Bryans, Andy Liesenfeld, Dan Bedell and Butch Fahrenholtz.~~~~Firefighter Ed Davisson received the Stick-in-the-Mud award presented by Art Wade at the Isle Fire Company's annual anniversary party.

Looking back 30 years - Grand Island was the host school for the 1969 Marine Corps Youth Physical Fitness area competition and placed 2nd. Team members coached by Richard Deckowitz were Bill Ward, Les Chambers, Scott Hennigar, Jim DeCillis, Scott Donlon, Bruce Kaiser, and Kevin Donlon. Marine Corps Recruiter was Sgt. James Hassan.

The Zonta Club's annual garage sale takes place Saturday on Harvey Road and the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW are putting on a chicken barbecue and music Saturday beginning at 4 p.m. Historic River Lea, the historical society's headquarters in Beaver Island State Park will be open to the public Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Sunday. Check our calendar of events for more Isle happenings.

May 6, 1999

Happy birthday Daryl (Kutzbach) Schaefer (left) and Paul Gast, both celebrating a milestone birthday today and to Bea Martin (Nealis) marking the same birthday tomorrow. Pictures of the threesome were taken when they were in Mrs. Majdanski's first grade together at Kaegebein School.~~~~Sweet 16th birthdays are being celebrated by Jennifer Shoemaker (today), and Jennifer Ahr and Erin Frieday (Monday). Happy birthday, girls.~~~~Happy birthday Carol Hugill (today), Bob Brennan (tomorrow), Tressa Gaines (a teenager tomorrow), Danielle Dodge (17 tomorrow), Kari Lynn Harding (18 on Saturday), Greg Golde (old enough to drive on Monday), Dr. Paul Fields and Donny Dee (Monday), Nikki Fadel (8 on Tuesday), David Wilson (21 on Wednesday), and Brian Barton (the big 3-0 on Wednesday).

The Grand Island High School Class of 1969 reunion committee is extending the deadline for reservations for the 30th reunion scheduled for July 3rd at River Oaks. For information, contact Liz Endres Barker at 773-1191.

Our sympathy to friends and family of Paul C. Scheuer who died on April 28th.~~~~Former resident and a member of the Grand Island High School Class of '69 Gregory 'Popeye' Senn died on April 28th of injuries suffered in a fire. Memorials for Greg may be made to the S.P.C.A.~~~~Reva Kohn, well-known educator on Grand Island from the mid 1940s through the 70s, died May 1st. Funeral services were held Tuesday morning in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

Looking back 50 years - Sidway PTA officers for 1949-50 were announced as follows: President Mrs. Leo (Ginny) Costin, Vice President Mrs. Jack Post; Secretary Mrs. Marion (Mary) Narad and Treasurer Marjorie Ehde (Anderson) ~~~~Tuesday and Friday night TV shows were packing them in at Johnny Mayer's (now Village Inn) in Ferry Village. My guess would be that the draw was Milton Berle on Tuesday nights and "I Remember Mama" who got the weekend off to a good start on Fridays.~~~~Frank and Mae Klocke were among West River Road residents receiving notice from the State to leave their premises by June 30, 1949. Numerous homes along the West River were either moved to their present location or torn down to make way for the West River Parkway.

Looking back 40 years - George Burgstahler officially opened the Little League season on new field on Staley Road west of the WHLD station.~~~~Kids and adults alike in the Grandyle Village area were very happy with the new $100,000 bike path which parallels Beaver Island Parkway from Grandyle Village to the park.

Looking back 30 years - Mike O'Dea was named Seabee of the Month for his unit currently deployed in Vietnam.~~~~The 4th annual town prayer breakfast took place May 10,1969 in the Buffalo Launch Club.~~~~Cindy Funk (Massa) and Kevin Zoldowski reigned over the Junior Prom held in the high school gym on Friday evening May 9, 1969.

Best wishes to Patrick and Cheryl McNamee and to Heather and Jim Figler who are celebrating 10th wedding anniversaries today and to Ken and Jeanne McMahon who were married 37 years yesterday.

A speedy recovery to Ruth Landel who suffered a heart attack and has been hospitalized.

Casey Robillard, Dan Robillard's favorite pooch, has had his stiches out and is recovering from wounds suffered when he was attacked by an alleged coyote - to the tune of a $400 vet bill. All residents should be aware of attacks on dogs in the areas of Ransom Road, Whitehaven near the Grand Island Rod & Gun Club, Baseline near the town center and West River. These are only the areas we have heard about. Most frightening was the report of a two-year-old boy playing in his fenced yard on Ransom Road when his father saw a coyote walking with the boy on the other side of the fence.

Mothers everywhere will be feted Sunday, May 9th. Let's hope for good weather and lots of pampering for each and every mom deserving of the tribute.

April 29 1999

Congratulations to Sidway School kindergarten teacher Beth Boron on being named Dunlop Educator of the Week as announced on WBEN Radio.~~~~Hats off to John Bidell whose quick thinking and immediate action probably saved the lives of two people who became trapped in the engine room of a large boat when the CO2 fire extinguishing system was set off accidently. The accident happened Saturday afternoon at Blue Water Marina.

Our sympathy to the families of Allen E. Kaiser Jr. who died April 20th and Phylllis Beyer, who passed away on April 21st. Memorials for Mr. Kaiser may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church.~~~~Memorials for Helen E. Meyer who died on April 12th may be made to St. Stephen's Church Building Fund or Hospice Buffalo.~~~~Former resident William Collins Sundeen passed away April 12th in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

Happy birthday to Terry Samrany, Diane Goupil and Frank Cannata (today), Anthony Piccolo (11 tomorrow), Jessica Bykowicz (8 tomorrow), Andrew McLeod (16 tomorrow), Linda Krok, Tim McNamee, John Podlucky and Margie Prange (tomorrow), Alice Watkins and Dolly Kudla (Saturday), Kathy Drumm and Dottie Howard (Sunday), Fay Wood and Norm Parisi (sharing a milestone birthday on Sunday), Catherine Mary Navagh (3 on Sunday), Jill Conover (her 18th on Sunday), Katie Hillock (8 on Monday), Art Bascomb (the big one on Monday), Kevin Moreau (Monday), Donny Turner (10-years-old on Tuesday), Sandy Rall Smith (Tuesday) and Emily Hazel Harnden (4 on Wednesday).

Looking back 50 years - Dan Linenfelser Sr. served as emcee for the April 29, 1949 PTA Hobby & Talent Show at Sidway School. Among those taking part were singing cowboy Lee Forster and magician Jim Fleming. Music teacher Ruth Dunnigan played the piano and Grace DeGlopper and Irish tenor Chris Cotter also sang. Members of the Sandy Beach Community Center Committee June and Lee Meyer, Marion and Don Hawley, Harriet and Bob Kirsch and Jinny and Al Barnes demonstated square dancing. Among hobbies exhibited were Zorra Hussey's Grand Island relics and Mary Fontana's foreign dolls.~~~~Robert Larson, owner of Larson's Grand Island Diner, announce the establishment of a new delicatessen and what he called "Grand Island's original soda bar" located on the site of the former pool room on Baseline near St. Stephen's Church.

Looking back 40 years - James A. Malaney of Fix Road was elected first Grand Knight of the newly organized Knights of Columbus Mary Star of the Sea #4752.~~~~Huth Road School spelling bee winners were sixth grader Eugene Dinsmore, and runner-up Lynnette Click.~~~~Florence Miller, Marion Robertson, Mabel Flemming, Ruth Elgar and Betty Raepple, students in Joe Becht's Adult Education oil painting class, had their paintings on display at the M&T Bank.

Italo and Kimberly Schopp-Baldassarre are the proud parents of a baby girl, Genna Raffaela who was born April 22nd weighing seven pounds, seven ounces. Proud grandparents are Reg and Jeri Schopp of Grand Island and Italo and Marlene Baldassarre of Niagara Falls.~~~~Chyna Taylor Drumm, first child of former resident Mike Drumm and his wife, Carolyn, arrived March 19th weighing five pounds, 14 ounces. Mike, Carolyn and Chyna are living in Colorado. Proud first-time grandparents are former Tracey Lane residents Bob and Eileen Drumm who are now residing in Lady Lake, Florida.~~~~Sarah Marie Wellence, daughter of Timothy and Mary Elizabeth Wellence of Webb Road, was born April 7, 1999 in Millard Fillmore Hospital. Congratulations to the proud parents.

Michael and Penny Linenfelser are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary on May 4th. We wish them many more happy years together.~~~~Belated best wishes to former residents Jack and Linda (Brice) Krok on their 15th wedding anniversary April 28th and to former Beaver Island Park residents Harry and Roberta Lorence, who celebrated their 44th anniversary April 28th.

The Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary has had to cancel its flea market which was scheduled for Saturday.~~~~The annual school board candidates night is set for Monday at 7 p.m. in the high school cafeteria.~~~~The vintage fashion show sponsored by members of the Historical Society and Historic Trinity has gotten rave revues from everyone who attended. All who worked on the show are to be commended, but most especially Historical Society President Maggie Gushue who put in long hours and hard work.

April 22 1999

We were all so saddened and shocked at the news of Bunny Luther's death early Monday morning. He gave his all for his town and for his family. To his wife, Shirley and daughters, Nancy, Carol and Gail and the rest of his family, we offer our sincere condolences. Memorials may be made to Veterans Monument, c/o Lockport Savings Bank, 2435 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island, NY 14072.

Jack and Bev Mikulski are wished a very happy 40th anniversary on the 30th and our best wishes to Russell and Lynn Gaydica Wuertzer on their 10th anniversary today.

Looking back 50 years - Badges and instructions were presented at the April 25, 1949 town board meeting to the following constables who were sworn in: Frank H. Noras, Francis D. Hawley, Richard B. Hogue, Theodore W. Klingel, and William C. Robinson. Frank, Don, Dick, Ted and Charlie volunteered their time directing traffic and patrolling Island roads when needed.~~~~Grand Island Building Inspector Frank Noras reported 15 building permits issued in April 1949.~~~~Alfred E. Yensan, who farmed his property on Whitehaven near Stony Point Road, was advertising milk and cream "in your own container."

Looking back 20 years - Valerie Lynn Glosser and Robert V. Fraser were married in Trinity UM Church on April 21st. Congratulations to Val and Bobby on their 20th anniversary.~~~~Tom Stedman became the new owner of Blue Water Marina.

Marilyn Johnson is back in Ye Olde Book Shoppe across from the Burger King Restaurant on Grand Island Blvd. She thoroughly enjoyed her sunny, southern vacation with husband, Tom, and was a bit disappointed in the local weather upon returning here this week.

Former Anchor Marine owner and BLC member Howard Conrad, 80, and his wife, Derith, 74, were killed April 14th in a traffic accident near Melbourne, Florida. The Conrads resided on Grand Island in the summer time. ~~~~Our sympathy to the families of Denise Currie who died on April 14th and Wanda Standora (April 19th). ~~~~Helen Meyer passed away last week. Our condolences to her husband, George.

Those having special birthdays this week and wished many happy returns are Gail Vivier (today), Karen DeMartin (Monday), Dan Harding (21 on Monday), and most especially longtime East Park resident Betty Campbell celebrating her 90th on Tuesday. ~~~~Happy birthday to Conner Trieskey (first birthday today), Jim Williams, Nancy Heftka and Mae Klocke (today), Kevin Kud and Erin Fred (both turning 17 today), Erica Kinney (17 tomorrow), Alexandra Marie Dzielski (3 tomorrow), Marion Long Young and Bill Moreland (tomorrow), Cheryl Reagan (Sweet 16 on Saturday), Donna Matte and Bonnie Janowsky (Saturday), Jade Greenwood (Sweet 16 on Sunday), Nicholas Bull (his 18th on Sunday), Lisa Braun, and twins Travis Frank and Craig James Perno (all 7 on Monday), Rose Kij (Monday), Mikey Heftka (9 on Tuesday), Karrie Williams (10 on Wednesday) and Kim Glessner (Wednesday).

Want to cheer up a former Islander? Drop a note of cheer to Marjorie Murdock, c/o Efram McDowell Hospital, Danville, KY 40422. We know she'll appreciate it. ~~~~After hearing of her recent health problems, it was so good to see Hazel DeGlopper out and about on Sunday. ~~~~Former East River Road resident Frank Butcher has been hospitalized. Hope to hear he is home soon.

It is certainly quite an honor, and well earned we might add, that Dr. Dick McCowan, Isle school board president has been invited to give the keynote address on May 19th at the University of California at Berkley, School of Social Work, Conference on Program Evaluation. ~~~~Lots of preparation is going into the vintage fashion show taking place Friday evening and Saturday afternoon to benefit Historic Trinity and the Grand Island Historical Society. Call Dottie Roehrig (773-5025), Barb Macaluso (773-2200) or myself for pre-sale tickets at $10. If there are still seats available, the price will be $12 at the door. Isle fashions from the past will be modeled in Historic Trinity on Whitehaven Road and refreshments will be served. ~~~~For those of you who would like to share this column with out-of-town relatives and friends, "Between the Bridges" is now included in Reg Schopp's Grand Island web site, isledegrande.com. Thanks, Reg. (Of course all you online readers know that.)

April 15 1999

Army 2nd Lt. Adam Peters and his bride, the former Catherine Colleen Byrne were married Friday, April 9th in Baltimore, Maryland. Adam, a graduate of Grand Island High and the University of Pittsburgh, is stationed at Aberdeen Proving Grounds.~~~~James Michael Frank was married to Dawn Marie Schmitt on Saturday, April 10th in St. Joseph University Catholic Church. Best wishes newlyweds.

Congratulations to Christopher and Lori (Villani) Daniels on the arrival of a son, Nicholas Kristopher Daniels on March 24th.

Looking back 50 years - The year 1949 was the first time female anglers were required to have in their possession a NYS fishing license~~~~Talk on Grand Island was that the brewery workers who were on strike had local tavern owners over a barrel. The weekly paper reported that, "They are just getting into the beer drinking weather after a tough winter and now - no beer!~~~~Perch were biting at the Bedell House and the word was out to all the anglers.

Looking back 40 years -"Grand Island will lose many old landmarks if building inspector Gordon C. Gould has his way." Mr. Gould was attempting to have all dilapidated barns and buildings either torn or burned down. Mentioned in regard to this at a town board meeting in April 1959 was a 100 year old barn on Ransom Rd.~~~~Wendy Holden (Gaydica) was installed Beloved Queen of Aries Triangle in St.Martin-in-the-Fields Church.

Looking back 30 years - Ted Kumlander was elected president of the Republican Club.~~~~The new Grand Island Middle School opened after Easter Vacation in 1969 and double sessions were discontinued.

Looking back 20 years - Don Less accepted the Grand Prix trophy awarded posthumously to his father Joe Less during the Niagara Frontier Boat Racing Association's annual awards banquet April 7, 1979. Joe's "Mama's Mink",driven by Jerry Hawley, defeated Gordy Reed's "Miss Jenny" Oct. 2, 1978 in one of the most exciting races ever staged in the Niagara River off Isle View Park.

Our sympathy to the families of Carleen Orson and Edson Houck who both died on April 6th, Harold Marble who died on April 8th and Ed Rall on April 12th. Memorials for Mr. Marble may be made to the Grand Island Fire Company, those for Mr. Houck, to the American Heart Association, and for Mr. Rall, the Fire Company or Hospice Buffalo.

Special birthday greetings to Marilyn Couch on her milestone birthday today. Happy birthday to James Panepinto, 30 years young today, to Lisa Linenfelser who will turn 20 on Monday and to Michael DelSignore celebrating his 30th on Wednesday.~~~~Happy birthday to Amanda Piccolo, 18 today, Sharleen Raepple (tomorrow), Jeff Miller, Jeremy Pullano and Neva Franklin (all celebrating on Saturday), Amy Hillock (12 on Saturday), Stephanie Hunt (8 on Saturday), Mark Hassan (Sunday), Karen Koller (17 on Sunday) Andrew Stange (Sunday), Cassidy Smith (5 on Monday), Jane Baedeker(Monday), Katie Hanel (17 on Monday), Bruce Burridge and JoAnn Podlucky(Tuesday), Greg Voyzey Jr. (11 on Tuesday), Ingrid Dahlberg (14 on Tuesday), and Jacob Jeremy McMahon (3 on Tuesday).

The Buffalo Launch Club's Las Vegas Night by Viva Niagara Productions last Saturday drew an appreciative crowd and had a few Island connections. Jerry Flor, known professionally as Skeeter Walker was on drums and celebrating his 60th birthday, Dana Gast kicked up a storm with the dance troupe and daughter, Jennifer Gast was in charge of lighting. BLC employee and Isle resident Fran Wilczek, who was not a part of the actual show, opened the evening's entertainment with two songs. This girl has a fabulous voice and we wish her well with her first recording.

Barb Macaluso (773-2200) and Dottie Roehrig (773-5025) are the girls to call for tickets for the vintage fashion show titled Yesteryears Fashions and taking place at Historic Trinity Friday evening, April 23rd and Saturday afternoon, April 24th. At least 22 local models will take part in the show of vintage clothing, much of which was worn on Grand Island by Island residents nearly 100 years ago. The not-to-be-missed event will benefit Historic Trinity and the Island's Historical Society.

Email your notes, announcements and corrections for this column to Teddy Linenfelser, Snail Mail to: 2098 Ferry Road, Grand Island, NY, 14072, or drop off information at 1990 Whitehaven Rd. Include your email address and phone number.

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