Hassan - Sander
Danielle M. Hassan, daughter of Mark and Diane Hassan, and Jared A. Sander,
son of Daniel and Donna Sander, all of Grand Island, were joined in marriage
by Justice Sybil Kennedy at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 12, 2001 at River Oaks. The happy couple will be residing on Grand Island.
Lindsey Smith, shown with her dad, spent her 16th birthday shark fishing in the ocean off Shinnecock Bay, Long Island. Her catch weighed in at 150 lbs. and was just shy of 6 feet in length. Lindsey is the daughter of Karen and Barry Smith of East River Road.
A fundraiser for town council candidate John "Rus" Thompson will take place 5-9 p.m., Monday, August 27, 2001 at Loverde's West River Bar and Grill at West River and Staley roads. Call Jul, 775-7507 for ticket information or visit the
Rus Thompson Website . Live music and a buffet will be provided. "Come join us for a funfilled evening, and take advantage of this time to ask Rus where he stands on the issues you feel effect Grand Island," a campaign spokesman said.
Grand Island High School graduate Michael Cutini, 23, won first place in the recent Mackenzie Lewis Appellate Advocacy Competition sponsored by the Syracuse School of Law Moot Court Honor Society and the law firm of Mackenzie, Smith, Lewis, Michell & Hughes. Cutini and teammate Colin Ramsey of Mendon made the final round out of an original field of 18, and successfully argued for the petitioner before Judge Ted McKee of the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals and other judges. The Cutini/Ramsey team was also awarded "Best Law Brief" honors.
Cutini, a 1999 graduate of Fredonia State College and a student senator, will enter his final year at Syracuse Law School in the fall. He is a member of the Moot Court Honor Society and Syracuse Law Review and the son of Michael M. and Kristina M. Cutini.
The Friends of Councilman Mike Heftka cordially invite the community to enjoy a fabulous midsummer's night sunset at the beautiful River Oaks Club House 7-9 p.m. Sunday, August 19, 2001. A $25 admission to the "Mingle with Mike Night" includes hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine, soda and music. For information, contact Robin Swedish.
Herman Rohde Family Reunion Click group photo for a larger view. Millie Rohde Vanthoff, 85, is shown left with Leona Rohde Kloss, 90.
A Herman Rohde family reunion was held Saturday, July 28, 2001 at the home of Richard (Shorty) Vanthoff and attended by about 65 people from Missouri, Michigan, Tonawanda and Grand Island. Herman was born in Raden, Mecklenburg Germany in 1878 and emigrated in 1882 with his parents, Wilhelm and Sophia and his siblings Albert, Frieda, Henry and Minnie. They settled on Grand Island and had four more children, William, Fannie, Charles and Frank. Herman was town Justice of the Peace from 1922 to 1935. In later years he moved to North Tonawanda and lived there until his death in 1966. Herman was married to Sophia Long of Grand Island and had five surviving children: William (died in WW2), Ruth Williams of Tonawanda (died 2000) Leona Kloss of Tonawanda and Millie Vanthoff of Grand Island.
Chicken Dinner To Benefit Robillard Campaign The Committee To Elect Dan Robillard for Councilman will hold a chicken dinner fundraiser 4-7 p.m. Sunday, August 5 at the Grand Island Rod & Gun Club, 1803 Whitehaven Road. The event will feature skydivers, raffles and fun for the entire family. Call 773-1504 for tickets which will also be available at the door.
Ken Carter Fundraiser Announced A fundraiser for Ken Carter, candidate for Highway Superintendent will be held 7-10 p.m., Friday, August 3 at the Grand Island Rod & Gun Club, 1803 Whitehaven Road. The evening will feature food, drinks, a Chinese raffle and entertainment. Call 773-2337 for ticket information.
Keith's Classic Golf Tourney Results
The following winners have been announced by the Keith's Classic Golf Tournament Committee: A.M. Tournament:A Flight, Lorna Brewer, Pam Brewer, Jane Little and Doris Tucker; B Flight, Rose Donovan, Tony Grisanti, William Gugino, Dorothy Mordaunt and Sharon Mordaunt; Men's, Chuck Collard, Michael Lamoretti, Michael Weinbaum and Joe Manzella; Putting Contest, Jane Hilbert, Kathy Kasparek, Pat Young and Jane Hamilton. P.M. Tournament: A Flight, Greg Czajka, Bob Enright, Kevin Kelleher and John ZyGaj; B Flight, Bill Sahlen, Bill Samson III, Bill Samson Jr., Mike Toronto and Jeff Yance; C Flight, Jack Zuffaleto, Sal Latorie, Joe Panzarella, Carl Panzarella and Joe Panzarella; Women's, Christy Douglas, Gloria Ferreri, Sheila Schwab, Charmaine Kaes and Sue Robertson; Mixed, Al Wick, Leah Sherlitz, Dori Mahoney, Peter McKee and Tom Melby.
Fundraising Picnic For Eileen Torrance, Candidate For Town Council
Friends of Eileen Torrance will hold a fundraising picnic for Democratic Council candidate Eileen Caffery Torrance from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, July 27, 2001, in the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1841 Whitehaven Road. Donation is $20 per person or $35 per couple, and there is no charge for children under 12. Theme basket raffles, door prizes and children's raffles will add to the fun. For more information, call 773-4169 or 773-0934.
Islander Receives Award
Sandy Beach resident Steve Morgan has been named to the Dean’s List at Medaille College in Buffalo for Spring 2001. A senior at Medaille, Morgan is majoring in Business Administration and concentrating in Personal Financial Planning. A January 2002 graduation is planned.
Keith's Classic & Carly's Club Golf Tourney Huge Success Barbi Lare photos
The annual Keith's Classic Golf tournament at River Oaks Golf Club on Monday, July 9, 2001, was pronounced a huge success. First reports of the event indicated that it raised $150,000, although that is not the final count.
Tetkowskis' Reunion in Siena, Italy Mira, Diane and Neil Tetkowski Diane, Neil and Mira Tetkowski
Forty years ago Lee Tetkowski and her husband, Clem, and their three children - Diane, 12; Mira, 9; and Neil, 5 - were preparing for their great life-changing adventure: to spend a year in Siena, Italy, with brave college students from Buffalo State. The Study Abroad Program was launched. The Tetkowski children tackled the new language and the new culture successfully! There followed a year at school back here and then another trip and a year in an Italian school. Then it was back to Grand Island schools. Visits were made back and forth, as the Siena Program continued to the present. It is the oldest study-abroad program in the state of New York.
Through the years, Clem returned as Director of the program, accompanied by Lee and the children, so that lifetime friendships have been formed. This July the College is having a 40th Anniversary Reunion of the Siena Program in Siena, Italy. When Lee learned of this, she began organizing a Tetkowski reunion trip, so the whole family could participate in the festivities. Diane, Mira and Neil, as well as their spouses and grown-up children, are all going, resulting in a total of 14 people. As plans grew, three special cousins, three nieces and nephews, and two in-laws added themselves to the clan. Lee has rented a "villa" for the immediate family!
Miss Cathy's Dance Academy To Perform at High School Natalie Baldassarre, 5, is shown during dress rehearsal for Miss Cathy's Dance Academy recital. She is the daughter of Kim and Italo Baldassarre of Baseline Road. Cathy "Parisi" Thomas, director of Miss Cathy's Dance Academy, is celebrating her 30th anniversary of dance instruction of Grand Island with a two-day dance recital in the high school auditorium Monday and Tuesday evening, June 25 and June 26. Dancers from age 3 to 80 will perform.
Former Islander Awarded Degree Jim Lewis, son of Don and Evelyn Lewis of Red Jacket Road, graduated from the University of Central Florida, with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Jim, who made the Dean's list for the spring semester, is a graduate of Grand Island High School and Canisius College.
Wagner, Jr. To Attend Military Academy James Wagner, Jr. (left) with his parents, James and Elizabeth Wagner and Congressman LaFalce (seated)
Congressman John J. LaFalce announced this week that James Wagner, Jr., son of James and Elizabeth Wagner of Regency Drive, has accepted an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy.
A graduate of Grand Island High School and the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School at Fort Monmouth, NJ, James participated in a wide variety of extracurricular activities and was named to Who's Who Among American High School Students.
A gifted athlete and lacrosse player, he was selected as a First Team All Western New York player for lacrosse in 1999 and 2000 and set a number of school records. He also received Varsity Letters in football, golf, and hockey and was Captain of the Lacrosse Team in 2000. He will continue his lacrosse career at the Military Academy.
Jennifer Bierbrauer Imredy Foreign Diplomat in Bosnia George and Jennifer Bierbrauer Imredy
Former resident Jennifer Bierbrauer Imredy and her husband George are foreign diplomats assigned to the American Embassy in Sarajevo, Bosnia. Jennifer is a 1986 honors graduate of Grand Island High School, and Canisius College ROTC. The Imredys were home for a visit in May.
Sheila McCowan Donovan Completes Ph.D. Sheila McCowan Donovan
Sheila McCowan Donovan was awarded a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo on May 12, 2001 after completing her residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical School. She graduated from Grand Island High School in 1989 and received a B.A. in Psychology from State University College at Fredonia in 1993. She earned a Masters of Social Work from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1996.
Dr. Donovan will assume the position of a staff psychologist and faculty member at the Illinois Institute for Developmental Disabilities at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She will head the adult arm of the program that serves individuals who are dually diagnosed as developmentally disabled and mentally ill. She will also represent the Institute at the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed.
Dr. Donovan is the daughter of Dr. Richard 1. McCowan and the late Mary Beth McCowan of West Oakfield Road.
Keith's Classic & Carly's Club Keith Carly
The annual Keith's Classic Golf tournament at River Oaks Golf Club is now in partnership with Carly's Club. "For Your Kid or the Kid In You" Auction will be held at Harry's Harbour Place grill tomorrow (June 15, 2001) from 6-10:30 p.m. Funds raised will be donated to Kids & Cancer Research at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. The annual golf outing, also benefitting Kids & Cancer Research, is scheduled for Monday, July 9, 2001. Sponsorship opportunities and more information is available by calling Roswell Park at 845-8788. Brochures are available at the GIECOM e-News office, 1871 Whitehaven Road.
For the past thirteen years, Tim and Jackie Mordaunt and their dedicated group of volunteers have presented Keith's Classic Memorial Golf Tournament in memory of Jackie's son Keith, who lost his battle with cancer at the tender age of 6. Determined to continue Keith's battle against cancer, the volunteers have raised nearly $1,000,000 for pediatric cancer research since the event's inception!
The Mordaunts' labor of love is gaining momentum as they team up with Carly's Club. Like most kids her age, ten-year-old Carly Cottone loves the Back Street Boys and 'N SYNC. She plays basketball and soccer, performs in her school's productions and plays the clarinet in the school band. However, unlike others kids her age, Carly has cancer. Carly's Club is her namesake. It is a charity that raises funds exclusively for pediatric cancer research. It is sometimes hard to believe that Carly is just a kid. Prior to her own battle with cancer, Carly lost both of her parents to the disease within a five-year span. It is Carly's wish to help other kids with cancer.
"Thanks to the continued support of the Western New York Community, we have come a long way with improved remissions and survival rates in some types of pediatric cancers," Mrs. Mordaunt said this week, "but there is much to be done. We hope you will join us in this opportunity to help find a cure!" she said.
Island Native Holds Art Show Milanne "Weiser" Buchholz
Native Islander and artist Milanne Buchholz announced this week that she is scheduled to be in two juried shows, having just held her first show of the season June 2, 2001, in her studio, Milannium Designs, in Stevens Point, WI. Island residents may take advantage of her work, which includes, but is not limited to, tie-dyed shirts, polymer clay jewelry (pins and earrings), amulet bags, and hand-bound blank books, at a show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 8 at the home of her parents, Millie and Ed Weiser, at 2572 Baseline Road (near Sidway School).
“There is something so fulfilling about the summer and creating,” Milanne says. “After a long winter, I love to be out again.”
Islanders Lyn Laman, Marty Kennell Featured in Buffalo News
For those who missed reading the "Summer Fun Senior-style" article in Sunday's "First Sunday" section of the Buffalo News, Islanders Lyn Laman and Marty Kennell were pictured and featured. Click Buffalo News for the complete story.
Grand Island Firm Wins Treasury Dept. Award
Suchak Data Systems, located on Grand Island, NY, and its President and CEO, Vinod D. Suchak, have received an award from the U.S. Treasury Department for providing the technology to allow local banks to sell U. S. Savings Bonds over the Internet.
Suchak Data Systems is a provider of web-based financial products for small banks.
For the complete story see
BuffaloNews.com 5/22/01 Coverage.
With over 200 people in attendance, the first fund raiser in support of Republican-endorsed Town Council Candidate Dan Robillard exceeded all expectations. Sunday, May 20, welcomed a diverse crowd to Dan's home on Ransom Road, where everyone enjoyed food, drinks, raffles and perfect weather. The bounce house, crafts, Tookie the Clown, and playing by the pond kept kids entertained all day. The Committee To Elect Dan Robillard Councilman "thanks all who attended and contributed for supporting Dan in becoming a beneficial leader to the community as a Grand Island Town Councilman."
The next fund raiser is scheduled for Sunday, August 5, at the Grand Island Rod and Gun Club on Whitehaven Road.
"Smooth As Silk" Debuts At Harry's Harbour Place
"Smooth As Silk" is the name of a new band debuting at Harry's Harbour Place, 2192 Niagara Street, Buffalo from 7-11 p.m. on Thursday, May 24th. Islanders in the group are lead soloist Fran Wilczek and Barb Gatti, vocals and piano.
"Robillard For Council" Fundraiser Planned
The Committee to Elect Dan Robillard for Town Council has planned a fundraiser from 2-7 p.m. Sunday, May 20, 2001, at 423 Ransom Road. A $10 donation for adults is requested. Kids may attend at no charge. The day will feature food, drinks, a Chinese Auction, door prizes and kids' activities.
Lou Schriver named to WNY Hall of Fame
"Ramblin' Lou" Lou Schriver of East River Road has been chosen for induction into the Western New York Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Lou has relentlessly promoted country music for 54 years both on radio and in thousands of concerts with his family band. The ceremony will take place during the annual Hall of Fame Night beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 15 at the Tralfamadore Cafe, 622 Main Street in Buffalo.
Senulis Inducted Into Honor Society
Jefferey C. Senulis, son of Joseph and Charlotte Senulis of Garden Parkway, was recently inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society at the Whittemore School of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire. This is the premier honor society for students majoring in business administration in the United States. Presenting the certificate of achievement is Dean Steven J. Bolander.
Welcome, Sydney Victoria Mazur
David and Shannon Mazur of Alt Blvd., along with Tucker, the family's golden retriever are happy to announce the birth of their baby girl, Sydney Victoria Mazur on February 1, 2001. Sydney who weighed in at seven pounds, is the granddaughter of Joan Mazur of Grand Island, Kathy and Bill Hesson of Niagara Falls and the great granddaughter of Consuela Frisch of Grand Island, Betty Hesson of Tampa, Florida and Aldo and Elsa Urbani of Niagara Falls.
Town Recognizes Eagle Scout
Grand Island Supervisor Peter McMahon during Monday's (Apr. 2) Town Board meeting, congratulates Benjamin Michael Rossiter on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. A member of Boy Scout Troop 630 sponsored by St. Stephen's Church, he received the award on April 1, in part for collecting sports equipment for St. Basil's Orphanage, which is just across the Hudson River from West Point.
Also pictured are Benjamin's proud parents, Michael and Ann Rossiter. (For more information about Benjamin, please scroll down.)
Our Newest Islander Sarah Elizabeth Berlinger
Sarah Elizabeth was born March 20, 2001 to Mike and Kerry Berlinger of Grand Island. She weighed in at five pounds, 15.4 ounces and is the granddaughter of the Higmans of Lewiston and Chuck and Carol Berlinger of Grand Island.
Sal Andolina and His All Star Big Band
..."Join us for some dancing in the aisles! Swing to the big band sound..." Island resident Sal Andolina, clarinetist for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will be in concert 7 p.m. Friday, April 6 at the new, state-of-the-art Niagara Falls High School Performing Arts Center on Porter Road near Hyde Park Golf Course. Billed as "An Evening with the Masters - A Tribute to Benny Goodman," the concert will feature the sounds of Sal's All Star Big Band in a tribute to Benny Goodman. His special guest will be singer Mary Stahl.
Proceeds will benefit the DeFranco Public Charity for arts education for children. Tickets at $30 per person are available at all Wegmans locations or by calling 282-3672.
By Barbara Gatti
St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute presented “West Side Story” on March 9, 10 and 11 at Rockwell Hall on the Buffalo State College campus. St. Joe’s has a reputation for professional quality performances and this year was no exception.
Grand Island members included Matthew Korzelius playing the lead role of “Tony,” Brian Butera as “Big Deal,” Laurie Santa Lucia as “Francisca,” and Jessica Labus as “Carmen.” Eric Vivier was the baritone sax player in the pit and Cory Black had the demanding job of stage manager.
The phrase “The Show Must Go On” took on real meaning Sunday night during the famous fight scene between the Sharks and the Jets. Five time recipient of the Artvoice Artie Award, Lynne Kurdziel-Formato had choreographed each punch perfectly, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats with excitement. “Bernardo” played by junior Steve Campagna and Jonathan Miller playing the role of “Diesel,” must have been slightly off their marks when Steve’s fist accidentally connected with Jonathan’s face. Unknown to the audience Jonathan fell back and hit his head a couple of times on the floor, resulting in a true life concussion. The actors continued as nothing had happened while those near to Jonathan did what they could to help him. The scene ended and while intermission went on as planned Jonathan was taken to the hospital and the director had to make some quick changes and assign new parts to some of the men. Although Jonathan looked quite beaten up, he recovered and was back to school on Wednesday, with a story he will surely never forget.
The only clue that there was something amiss was the fact that the intermission lasted longer than previous performances. What the audience did know, was that these young people are truly talented singers, dancers and actors and a wonderful time was had by all lucky enough to get a seat at this sold-out show. They never knew that these future stars had to learn the meaning of “the show must go on” at such an early age.
Steve Morgan Named to Dean's List March 22, 2001...Sandy Beach resident Steve Morgan has been named to the Dean's List at Medaille College. Currently the Assistant Communications Supervisor for the Grand Island Fire Company, Steve is majoring in business administration and concentrating in personal financial planning.
Surprise Party For Jack Burns Barbi Lare photo
School Transportation Supervisor Jack Burns was more than a little surprised at a party in the bus garage in honor of his 50th birthday this week. In his own words, "It was a surprise and a half."
Wozniak Presented Scholarship
Chris Wozniak, a Fine Arts student at Niagara County Community College was presented an Alumni Association Scholarship for the 2001-2002 semester and a Certificate of Recognition during the 14th Annual NCCC Distinguished Alumni Dinner March 9, 2001. Making the presentation is College President Dr. Antonette J. Cleveland.
Newest Islander
Hayden Robert Backlund was born at 8:01 p.m. March 6, 2001 weighing 8 pounds, 8 ounces and was 20.5 inches long He is the son of Aerika and Robert Backlund of Blackmon Road. Hayden has an older sister, Aerika who began Kindergarten this year.
Normandin - McGavisk
Serge and Gerri Normandin of Grand Island, NY are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Danielle Marie to Michael Shawn McGavisk, son of Vincent and Mary Ann McGavisk of Dansville, NY.
Danielle, a 1988 graduate of Grand Island High School, earned her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Buffalo State College and her Master's in Counselor Education from Canisius College. Danielle is a school counselor at Newark High School.
A 1987 graduate of Dansville High School, Mike earned his Bachelor's & Master's degree in Physical Education at Ithaca College. Mike teaches PE and coaches varsity football and baseball at Newark High School.
The couple is planning a July 14, 2001 wedding at St. Mary's Church in Dansville, NY.
Generosity and hard work have resulted in an Eagle Scout rank for a Grand Island High School senior and a lot more happiness for some less fortunate children in an upstate orphanage.
When Benjamin Rossiter, 17, of Pellamwood Ct. heard his pastor talk about the needs of the children in Saint Basil's Academy/Orphanage, he decided to earn his Eagle Scout rank by helping them.
Grand Island families responded generously, donating used bicycles, baseballs, footballs, soccer balls and other sporting equipment (more than 250 items all together). Ben and his supporters drove the equipment to St. Basil's in Garrison, New York, near West Point. When he arrived he was taken aback by the joyous reaction from the children.
As a result of his actions, Rossiter will be one of only two percent of all Boy Scouts to reach the rank of Eagle Scout. His presentation ceremony will be held on April 1. At the April 2 town board meeting a proclamation will be read recognizing his efforts.
The son of Michael and Ann Rossiter, Benjamin is a member of Scout Troop 630 sponsored by St. Stephen's Church, and is a member of the high school wrestling team. Next Year, he intends to study engineering at Canisius or the University of Buffalo.
The Western New York Chapter of the American Public Works Association has named Town Engineer John Phillips its Public Works Leader of the Year.
John has worked for the Town of Grand Island for 31 years during which time he was responsible for the development of the town's water system and involved in the building plans for the Grand Island Memorial Library and Veterans Park. John, who was also involved in highway improvements, took an active part in the planning and construction of a 3.5 million gallon per day wastewater treatment plant. Water system improvements taking place within the town during Phillips' tenure include water plant expansion, a three-million gallon storage facility, new raw water intake, and ongoing waterline replacement projects.
Performance wise, John is a stand out and known to go above and beyond his duties to help his town. One of the best examples of this was during a blizzard, when he stayed on the job despite having an appendicitis attack, to make sure the job was completed.
A member of the New York State Society of Professional Engineers and the APWA, he has served as president of the WNY and New York State Chapter of the APWA.
The Town of Grand Island is very fortunate to have John Phillips in its employment.
Airman 1st Class Kevin A. Govern
Airman 1st Class Kevin A. Govern, son of Eugene and Mary Govern of Grand Island, has successfully completed the Air Traffic Control Technical School for the United States Air
Force. He has been assigned to Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Mississippi, as an Air Traffic Control Specialist where he will receive further training and his F.A.A. certification. Kevin is a Grand Island High School graduate with the Class of 2000.
Island Doctor To Present At Conference
One of Grand Island's newest residents, Dr. Sherry A. Bradford, PHD will be an invited speaker at the "6th International Conference of Frontiers of Polymers and Advanced Materials" March 4-9 in Recife, Brazil.
Her talk is entitled "The Use of markers to compile a bio' score on which to base a chemoregimen in patients with ovarian cancer, traditional cancer therapy and beyond in the new millennium."
It will focus on a patent pending methodology that ascertains the most appropriate and effective chemotherapy for any one given individual diagnosed with solid tumor. The logistics encompass the bio chemical molecular and genetic characteristics of the tumor. Once the composition of the tumor has been established, a chemoregimen is then predicted for that specific individual. Although this test is only in the infancy stages, it has produced encouraging results in preliminary test trials.
Dr. Bradford received her doctorate from the University of Buffalo and is currently a research professor at the University in the Department of Surgery.
The conference will also feature the current (2000) Nobel Prize winner in chemistry, Dr. Alan J. Heeger, PHD and Dr. Alan G. MacDiarmed, PHD as well as attended by a contingent of distinguished scientists, physicians and dignitaries from all over the world.
ENGAGEMENT Restey - Click
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Restey and Mr. and Mrs. William Click of Grand Island are pleased to announce the engagement of their children, Danielle Restey to Bill Click. Danielle is a 1998 graduate of Grand Island High School and a recent graduate of NCCC with a degree in business administration. Bill is a 1996 graduate of Grand Island High School and is currently pursuing an engineering degree at ECC. A summer 2001 wedding is being planned.
Welcome, Jayce Reyner Claus
Kelly and Fred Claus and 17-month-old daughter Mikayla, announce the newest addition to their family, a baby boy born Monday, February 12, 2001. Jayce Reyner Claus, who weighed in at six pounds, seven ounces, wasted no time making his first appearance only 15 minutes after his mother arrived at Millard Fillmore Suburban. The Claus family is residing on Marilyn Drive.
Islanders Receive Awards
Island residents Brendan Sheehan and Steve Morgan were recognized by Medaille College at the College’s annual honors convocation in November 2000.
The students were honored for Dean’s list placement for the Fall 1999 and Spring 2000 semesters and were also inducted into the Alpha Chi Honor Society. Additionally, Sheehan, the son of Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Sheehan of Grand Island, was awarded a William Randolph Hearst Scholarship and the CRC Freshman Chemistry Award.
Steve Morgan, a lifelong Island resident lives in Sandy Beach with his wife Amy and son Abram.
Islanders Named To Canisius Honor Roll
Canisius High School students from Grand Island have been named to the honor roll:
First Honors: Paul T. Donnelly, John R. LoFaso, Peter J. Ruocco, Andrew Savoy-Burke and Devlin P. Winkelstein.
Second Honors: Cory P. Gallagher, Kyle G. Miller, Sean P. Nobrega, Daniel M. Portik, Samuel J. Russo, Justin P. Schaber and Camden C. Winkelstein.
Third Honors: Devon R. McDonald, William C. McMurray and Neil A. Walsh.
State Canal Commission Elects Heftka
Grand Island Councilman Michael Heftka was recently elected vice chairman of the Western Erie Canal Heritage Corridor Planning Commission in a meeting coordinated by New York State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro.
"The challenge of the planning commission is to find a 21st century use for a 19th century marvel," Heftka noted this week. He will assist Commission Chairman Brian Grassia and sixteen other commission members in the development of a management plan for the Western Erie Canal Heritage Corridor (WECHC).
"Many people may not recognize Grand Island's connection to the canal, but the Erie Canal meant a lot to the Island in the past and it can mean a lot to Grand Island in the future," Heftka said.
Why a heritage corridor? Heftka explained that, according to Commission Coordinator Bill Condo, the identifying, interpreting and marketing of the history of the Western Erie Canal Heritage Corridor in a management plan will encourage local, regional and outside interests in the stories of this area. By showing how each town, village and city along the canal played a role in the development of the region, the unique sense of place of each canal community will be enhanced. "Heritage development from our past will help residents and non-residents understand and celebrate the Erie Canal and make use of the opportunities it continues to provide," he said.
The commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation must approve the management plan, when complete, for the state designation to remain in effect.
Councilman Heftka was drawn to the Erie Canal project after reading the book, "Cinderella Island" by Rob Roy MacLeod.
Isle residents Kathy and James Nogle were blessed with a healthy baby boy on December 27, 2000. Tyler James, shown here with his very happy dad, weighed in at 8 pounds, and is 20 1/2 inches long. His proud grandparents are Carol and Tom Nogle of East Oakfield Road.
Ron, Kathy and 18-month-old Kelly Schlifke of Staley Road got an early Christmas present this year. Cathy gave birth to their second child, a daughter, Kristine Marie in Millard Filmore Suburban Hospital at 10:12 a.m. on December 22. Kristine weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz. at birth. The family will spend the holidays resting at home with their newest member.
Clara Mueller Pankow Miller lived on Alt Blvd. with her husband and children and instructed piano to hundreds of Island residents in her home throughout the 1940s and 1950s and even longer. Many of her students, now in their 50s and 60s, would tell us of their accomplishments as a pianist, giving all of the credit to their teacher, Mrs. Pankow. A 50 year member of the American Guild of Organists, she spent many of those years playing at a Lutheran church in Buffalo where her father preached.
Now known as Clara Pankow Miller, the accomplished organist is now 92 years old and continues to play the organ at the Christian Science church in Poughkeepsie. What is most unusual about Mrs. Miller's life at the moment is that she has enrolled as the State University of New York's oldest student. She is a freshman at the State University at New Paltz. An advertisement offering college credits for life experiences is what brought about her enrollment in two classes - sociology and medieval music. She says, "I built up a book for them and got 88 credits."
Today Mrs. Miller lives in Wappingers Falls and still clearly remembers her most famous student, Buffalo Bob Smith, the host of the "Howdy Doody Show," who took piano lessons from her for 11 years. According to Clara, Buffalo Bob named his clown, Clarabell after her!
Website By Ruth Stahl
Are you bored with treadmills, rowing machines and stationary bikes? How about mountain climbing, indoors, at that? Islander Gary Astridge has the answer.
Gary walked into FOA Schwarz, the top-of-the-line toy store, one day, and was entranced by a machine called a moving mountain. It resembles a vertical treadmill in motion with handholds and toeholds for the climber. As you climb, the surface scrolls down. If you stop climbing or step off, the machine stops. You don’t go anywhere but you get your fun and exercise. You can select your challenge level, and while you are climbing, a digital display keeps track of time and distance.
Gary, who has lived on the Island for five years, became the North American distributor of the mountain, which is manufactured in France.
“It has really taken off,” said Gary. “The market includes amusement parks, health clubs and fitness centers. You find them in children’s interactive play areas and in rock-climbing facilities, used as an introduction to the sport. There is one at L.L. Bean’s in Maine and in several MacDonalds. People call to have them installed in their homes. The models can be permanently installed or free standing, and come in two sizes. They can be upgraded for outdoor use, be built to take tokens or coins or can even be leased,” he said.
Gary and the Moving Mountain debuted on the CBS Early Show on TV. Rock star Sting recently ordered one for his home in England and other celebrities have expressed interest - personalities like Arnold Schwartzenagger, Nicholas Cage and Steven Spielberg. (If you want to join that crowd you’ll have to come up with a minimum of $12,500.) To try one locally, visit the Game Zone on Sheridan Drive near Harlem, the former Sheridan Bowling Lanes. (The manager there is Keith Call, an Islander as well.) For more details on this marvelous moving mountain, log on to Gary Astridge’s Website, Moving-mountain.com.
