Help Locate Island's Dirty Dozen
Connections Board Meets, Discusses 'Clean Sweep' Event
This year's annual "Community Sweep," a complete cleanup of Grand Island Blvd. and other cluttered areas of the Island, is being promoted by the Connections Board. During the most recent Connections meeting, Supervisor Peter A. McMahon suggested that Island residents come forward with their suggestions for the "Dirty Dozen" list, the compilation of the twelve dirtiest sites on the Island. The goal of the "Community Sweep" will be to clean up the "Dirty Dozen" and Grand Island Blvd. from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 21, 2003. As an incentive, refreshments and "Community Sweep" T-shirts are being provided through the courtesy of businesses and politicians who are listed below. All groups and organizations are urged to participate. For further information or to suggest one of the "dirty dozen" sites, call 773-9682. Sponsors
AJ's Heating & Cooling
Leisure Living
Double D Construction
Pritchard & Kennedy
Riverwood Health Care Center
Wavelengths
Eric H. Berger Insurance
Country Glenn Apartments
deSignet International (jewelry)
GIECOM.net/IsledeGrande.com
Councilwoman Mary Cooke
Council Candidate Gary Roesch
Clerk Candidate Robin Swedish
American Pharmaceutical
Dan the Man
Councilman Dan Robillard
Supervisor Peter McMahon
Councilman Dick Crawford
Other donations: Auto Fix, Tops Market, Heatherstone Kennel
Calling All Grand Island Groups/Organizations/Business A well attended Connections Board meeting was held Wednesday, March 5, 2003. Supervisor Peter A. McMahon announced that the "Community Sweep" will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 21, 2003. This annual event targets the Boulevard for clean-up. All groups and organizations are urged to participate. For further information, call 773-9682. Grand Island businesses will be asked to make donations to fund refreshments and t-shirts for the hardworking participants.
In other news, a Leadership Council meeting is planned for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 9 at the Grand Island Memorial Library. All organizations are asked to send their leaders to work toward making Grand Island a "Community of Connections." For more information on the Leadership Council meeting call Dan at 773-6256 ext. 120 or sign on our group survey and we will contact you.
Connections Town Commons Sign Erected Wednesday Councilman Dan Robillard, Connections Chair Reg Schopp, Councilwoman Mary Cooke and Supervisor Peter A. McMahon. Click photos for larger view
Through the efforts of the Connections Program, a "Connections Town Commons Sign" was put in place Wednesday morning, August 28, 2002 on the north west corner of Whitehaven Road and the Boulevard. According to Connections Board Chair Reg Schopp, the board feels that the sign should improve communications between citizens and Island social, civic and other organizations.
The "banner support" section of the sign may be used by the Island's non-profit organizations and the Town Recreation Department for the purpose of publicizing Island events.
Finances for the sign have been made available through the Connections offer of $1000 and $2200 from the Town of Grand Island. Drilling work ($150 value) was donated by Billy Click and custom brackets were made by Terry Von Craig.
Small Crew does Big Job
There wasn't much delegating going on but a good section of GI Blvd. is now parade ready. Many of the groups that participated last year had previous engagements so the Connections Board took it on the chin and "dug in."
Pictured below are Supervisor Pete McMahon, Councilwoman Mary Cooke, Hank Carroll, Gifts Coordinator Sue Novits, Golden Age Center Director Barb Gannon, Recreation Director Linda Tufillaro, Nonnie Carroll and Marge Robillard and her little daughters, Shannon and Chelsea.
Day of Caring
Summer drawing to a close is an ideal time to recall the busy season GIFTS has had, positively impacting the lives of Grand Island youth. As part of the Sesquicentennial celebration, GIFTS hosted a "Kids Kreative Corner" in conjunction with the Craft Fair at Town Commons on June 28-29, 2002. Under the direction of Lee Tetkowski, five craft projects were available for kids aged 4-15 years. Despite the extreme temperatures, an estimted 50 kids made beautiful keepsakes and had lots of fun in the process. Parents were able to help themselves to information regarding various programs offered on the Island including Parenting Workshops, the GIFTS ADVANTAGE After School Program and the Reality Cafe Teen Center. Brochures were available on Parenting Tips, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention, and Firearm Safety in the Home.
During the month of July, GIFTS hosted a Web of Nature Program for children aged 8-13 years. Three, one-week sessions were offered by instructor Rose Krauss. Thirty-five students participated in a variety of nature activities, arts and crafts, and field trips during the fun-filled week. Clearing litter from Six Mile Marina and Beaver Island state Park added community and team building components to the program. The many positive parental evaluations received, will be an integral piece in obaining grants monies needed to provide free programming such as this next summer.
Lastly, GIFTS, the Grand Island Recreation Department and Reality Cafe staff arranged a United Way Day of Caring project at the Nike Base on August 14, 2002. Several volunteers from Capello's Hair Salon in Williamsville picked up paint brushes and transformed the Cafe and the GIFTS Famiily Support Center into a beautiful shade of blue.
Plans for the fall include EPIC parenting groups to help deal with the everyday stress of raising children, and a Second Step parent/child group to help parents and children to communicate better. Also, in the planning with Grand Island Connections is a Rake and Run Event where youth rake leaves for seniors. Please contact GIFTS for further information.
"I would like to thank the many individuals who continually give their time to help GIFTS have a "presence" in our community," Gifts Coordinator Sue Novits said this week. Those interested in becoming involved in planning community programming are asked to contact the GIFTS program by calling 773-9600, extention 690. Those in need of counseling services and those who know of someone in need shoud also call that number. For more information, log on to grand-island-ny.us or g-i-together.org.
Town Commons Sign Proposal
The Connections Program will present to the town board, a proposal for a "Connections Town Commons Sign," which, the Connections Board feels, will improve communications between citizens and Island social, civic and other organizations. The "banner support" section of the sign is to be used by any Island non-profit organizations and the Town Recreation Department to publicize their events.
A set of guidelines and a graphic (see below), will be submitted to the Town Board, Monday night, May 20, 2002. Connections is prepared to pay $1000 of the estimated cost of $4000 and is looking for support from the Town, the County and the State. "Proposed Town Commons Sign Graphic"
Get Connected to the Web of Nature
Grant monies secured through the Grand Island Connections Program from an Erie County Youth Board, have enabled the GIFTS Program to offer a free enviromental learning program instructed by Grand Island High School teacher Rose Krauss. Instruction will be held Monday through Friday 9 a.m.- noon at the Nike Base, 3278 Whitehaven Road. The one-week sessions run from July 8-12, 2002 for 9-11 year olds; July 15-19 for 12-15 year olds; July 22-26 for ages to be determined by registration response. Space is limited. Contact the GIFTS office for more information, 773-9600x690.More Information and Photos
Connections Program Supports Kaegebein "Open Gym" Youth Activities Night
The Connections Program has stepped to the plate with the additional financing needed to continue the Kaegebein Open Gym through the 14th of June, approx. $1000. The success of the Town's Recreation departments program seemed to be the perfect opportunity for connections to help promote youth assets. They have added Chess and Crafts to the open gym activity. Connections is looking at expanding the fall program with other youth asset building programs.
More Information and Photos Quality Quest Beach Sweep Saturday September 15th
Quality Quest and the Riverside Salem United Church of Christ will sponsor the Grand Island portion of the Great Lakes Beach Sweep/International Coastal Cleanup, the world's largest volunteer environmental effort.
The event will take place on September 15, 2001 at the Riverside Salem U.C.C., 3449 West River Rd., Grand Island. Participants should arrive at 9:30 a.m. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon. Appropriate dress and sturdy gloves are recommended.
In the past, scores of volunteers have picked up thousands of pounds of trash along the shores of Grand Island. Organizers hope that many readers will come out and help in this worthy cause. Scouting, school, church, service, athletic, boating, and scuba-diving organizations are encouraged to participate by calling William O'Connor at 773-7621 or Sharen Trembath at 549-4330.
Last year, local corporate sponsors included John's Pizza and Subs, Tops Markets, and Modern Disposal. Continued support from community minded local sponsors is appreciated.
Participants will work in groups of two to four people. One person in each group should record each piece of debris found. Everyone is welcome.
Connections Banner up - Date Changed to August 28th The banner is up but the date has changed, so don't be surprised if "now you see it, now you don't". On hand are (l-r) John Maggiore, Sam Hoyts Chief of Staff, Chuck Swanick - Erie County Legislator, Town Supervisor - Pete McMahon, Liz AuClaire - Red Cross and the Rev. Earl King - St. Martin in the Fields. Remember, the Blood Drive is on the 28th of August at the Knights of Columbus on Whitehaven Road, 1-6PM
Connections to Help Red Cross
The Connections Board will be financing a banner on Town Commons to help the Red Cross Blood Drive , Tuesday August 14th at the Knights of Columbus 1-6PM. The banner is designed to be reused and displayed one week proir to the Bi-monthly blood drives. Boulevard Cleanup A Huge Success Barbi Lare PhotoMike Mehltretter Photo
Organizers of the June 30, 2001 Grand Island Blvd. Cleanup project called the event a success with over 125 community minded residents coming out to bag up the garbage along the roadside. The residents were broken up into small groups and assigned a certain section of Grand Island Blvd. After the groups finished their section of the Blvd. everyone met back at Town Hall for refreshments and pizza.
The clean-up was not only intended to make the Blvd. look nice for the Fourth of July Parade but also to clean up the community that we live in. The staff of Isledegrande.com was on hand passing out frisbees and fans. The Golden Age Club, under the chairmanship of Hank Carroll organized and supervised the cleanup.
Cleanup to Beautify the Boulevard
Volunteers are needed Saturday, June 30, to participate in a cleanup of Grand Island Boulevard. Supervisor Peter A. McMahon announced the cleanup during Tuesday's (June 12) Connections Leadership Council meeting. Interested persons should meet at the Town Hall parking lot at 9 a.m.
The event is an attempt to beautify Grand Island Boulevard in advance of the upcoming Fourth of July Parade. McMahon noted that participants are needed for duties other than trash pickup, including serving refreshments, transportation, and assigning cleanup areas.
The cleanup will be "easy," said McMahon, considering that there were 25 leaders from various organizations at the meeting. If each of those leaders brings three volunteers plus himself/herself, there will be 100 workers to clean the 3.5-mile Boulevard according to McMahon.
For further information, E-mail or call Barbara Gannon at the Golden Age Center, 773-9683.
Leadership Council Meeting June 12th, "The Seven-Mile Connection"
By Lee Cohen
Speaking at Tuesday night's Connections Leadership
Council meeting, Town Supervisor Peter McMahon presented a graphic illustration of how town groups
can come together for a "Clean Sweep" project on Grand Island Blvd. in time for the grand Fourth of July parade.
Islanders of all ages are invited to meet at the Town Hall parking lot on Saturday, June 30, at 9 a.m. for
the "Clean Sweep." Refreshments will be served following the event.E-mail or call Barbara Gannon at the
Golden Age Center (773-9683) for further information. "It's seven miles - or 3.5 miles to a side," said
McMahon. "We have 125 different organizations on this Island. If we all pitched in and divided up the
length, that would be about 350 feet for each group."
He cited this collaborative effort as another example
of how the Connections program, begun by Tom
DeLoughry, is working to connect groups for their
mutual benefit and for the good of the Island.
Other speakers gave examples of how Connections is
doing just that. The senior citizens group was
represented by Director Barbara Gannon and by Hank
Carroll. The seniors are working in connection with
the Recreational Department to sponsor and conduct a
golf clinic for youngsters ages 9-15 in July. They
connect with the schools as they volunteer to conduct
historical bus trips around the Island with fourth grade
students, assisted by Mary Cooke of the Historical
Society. They also work with Connor Middle School
students who conduct interviews with seniors who
participated in WWII projects.
Carroll stated that seniors are interested in
Connections and the betterment of the Island and are
"more than willing to cooperate with any organization
to promote Grand Island."
Rev. Paul Robinson called Connections a movement,
rather than an organization, saying it grew out of an
awareness on the part of some of the Island's leaders
that "in order for our community to thrive, there
needs to be an on-going attempt to keep all facets of
life here in communication: between old and young,
schools and business, government and clubs, churches
and clubs, and every mixture conceivable."
He added that if that does not happen, "there is
either ignorance about each other or confrontational
relationships at a Town Hall meeting or other such
setting."
Rev. Robinson praised DeLoughry's leadership and hard work.
He believes that meetings such as Tuesday night's are
important in "interpreting Connections to an
ever-widening circle, as well as brainstorming
creative ways of making the connections among Island
constituents and groups." He added, "That is the
heart of what this is all about."
Legislator Chuck Swanick, who had obtained a $5000
grant last year for Connections, promised financial
help for the coming year as well. Last year six
collaborative projects were carried out with the help
of the grant money.
Other speakers included Heather Maras, GIFTS
Coordinator; Reg Schopp, Owner of
IsledeGrande.com, the Island's e-newspaper; Skip
Mazenauer of Niagara Frontier Publications; and Kali
Mordaunt, representing GIV, a youth volunteer group of
about 40 to 50 youngsters. Click for the Connections Website.
Reception For Puppetry Participants
Puppets shown top are the work of (left) John Ochtyun and (right) Jaime Disarno. The bottom marionette is the work of Erica
Burano.
(Barbi Lare photos)
Amazing marionettes are on display in the showcases at the Grand Island Memorial Library - the result of a puppetry workshop funded by a CONNECTIONS mini-grant, aimed at bringing together two existing organizations to provide an enriching experience for the Island's young folks. The two groups involved are the Grand Island Art Society and the PTSA from the high school.
The workshop was conducted in January by Pamela Moran from Conewango Valley, a founder of "Das Puppenspiel," a professional performing group.
A reception for the community to see and meet the participants was held on February 20 at the Library. The students whose marionettes will continue to be displayed in the cases are Maureen McCarthy, Jaime Disarno, John Ochtyun, Erica Burano, Mike Maloney and Molly Wynne and Bethy Wynne. The Art Society provided refreshments.
If you are a member of this organization we need your help. GIECOM.Net has partnered with the Connections program to help Grand Island as a community "Get it Together". Please visit our website
G-I-Together.ORG and fill out our SURVEY. Every group on Grand Island will have its own FREE webpage, listing: meeting times location, contact persons, your Mission Statement and a listing of events. We will also be linking your news events that appear in the local media and on IsledeGrande.Com Grand Island's E-News Source, to your page, maintaining an archived journal of pictures and news. This is the perfect opportunity for your group to connect with potential new members and the community.
