2010
Previous News Pages
“Change for Haiti” Benefit Concert - March 2010
See “Change for Haiti Benefit" By Kelly Petrie.Welcome, Kennedy Lee Lucinski - March 2010
Lindsey Smith, a former islander and Tim Lucinski welcomed a daughter, Kennedy Lee on February 8, 2010. Kennedy weighed in at eight pounds, six ounces. The baby is the granddaughter of Island residents Karen and Barry Smith and Steve and Rosetta Lucinski of Niagara Falls.
Welcome, Jack Greggory Roesch - March 2010
Gregg and Nicole Roesch welcomed a son, Jack Greggory Roesch on January 11, 2010. Jack weighed in at nine pounds, two ounces, and was welcomed home by his sister, one-year-old Lucia Suzanne. The baby is the grandson of Island residents Ilene and Bob Dee and Carol and Gary Roesch. Gregg and Nicole, who were born and raised on the Island, now reside in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
Ellen E. Grant - March 2010
See "Buffalo News Story" By Deidre Williams.Gliding Stars Show - Emily Sommer - Jenna Stufkosky - Winter 2010
Emily Sommer - Jenna Stufkosky
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Sisters Emily Sommer and Jenna Stufkosky will be performing in the upcoming Gliding Stars Show at the Amherst Pepsi Center. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday, March 26th and 1 p.m. Saturday, March 27th. Emily and Jenna have volunteered with The Gliding Stars organization for many years. They enjoy skating with individuals with disabilities and seeing the smiles on their faces as they achieve their goals. The mission of Gliding Stars is to give individuals with disabilities the opportunity to increase their personal potential through the development of ice skating skills in a regular program of instruction and practice in their own, local community, culminating in the demonstration of those skills publicly in an end-of-season, on-ice, choreographed performance, which itself serves as a source of motivation, teamwork, increased self-esteem and the 'magic' that results from transcending one's barriers in order to accomplish one's dreams. Gliding Stars, Inc. was originally founded in 1994 by Elizabeth M. O'Donnell. Ms. O'Donnell is an accomplished figure skater who turned her talents toward providing an extensive program of adaptive ice skating for people of all ages and challenges. She did this so that they could experience a part of normal life and the life-changing effects of regular exercise, social interaction, teamwork, family sharing, and a few hours of fame during the end-of-season Ice Extravaganza performance! Emily, a sophomore at Grand Island High School, and Jenna, an 8th grader at Connor Middle School, are extending an invitation to all Islanders with the hope that they will come out and give their support for a show that by far is one of the best in Western New York. Police Officer Sean Ford Receives Heroism Award - Winter 2010
Officers Jonathan Fletcher and Sean Ford
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University at Buffalo Police Officer Sean Ford was honored by the 100 Club of Buffalo at its annual Hero Awards Dinner at 6 p. m. February 26 in the Country Club of Buffalo, 250 Youngs Road, Amherst. The following explains what brought about the honor:On May 21, 2009 Officer Sean Ford of Grand Island, NY and Officer Jonathan Fletcher responded to a call of three individuals drowning in Lake LaSalle. Upon arriving on scene they discovered two individuals struggling to swim. After exiting their vehicles, both officers removed their gun belts and jumped in to rescue the victims. It was then discovered that the two individuals had entered the lake in an attempt to save their family dog, struggling to swim back to shore. When the officers reached the two individuals, a man and his daughter, it was apparent that the man could not stay above water. Officer Ford brought the man back to the shore, while Officer Fletcher was able to lift the dog above the water and swim back to shore. Once back to shore, all individuals were assisted out of the lake and Officer Fletcher attempted to resuscitate the dog by administering CPR.
Through their swift action and observations, these officers were able to deflect a potentially life threatening situation with the man and his daughter. Although their attempts to revive the dog were unsuccessful, these two officers should be commended for their swift actions and dedication to the community which may have saved a life, while disregarding their own personnel safety. See "Buffalo News Story"
John J. Fiore Feature - February 2010
The late John J. Fiore is featured in the February 22 edition of the Buffalo News. See John Fiore Feature.Welcome, Jackson Robert Tower - February 2010
Jackson Robert Tower was born February 8, 2010 to Darren and Erin (Fred) Tower of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He weighed six pounds, 14 ounces, and was welcomed home by his sister, Charlotte Ann. Baby Jackson is the grandchild of Skip and Joan Fred of Grand Island and Bob and Debby Tower of Berkshire, Vermont and the great grandchild of Norma Fred.
Benefit For Frank Eldridge - Feb. 2010
Island resident Frank Eldridge is in need of a liver transplant. To help with expenses, a benefit is planned for Sunday, March 14th from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Mallwitz's Island Lanes, 1887 Whitehaven Rd. Tickets are $25.00 per person or two for $40.00 and include pizza, wings, pop, bowling and shoe rental. Featured will be a Chinese auction, a 50/50 drawing, door prizes and baked goods. Tickets may be purchased at Island Lanes or contact Joyce at 773-6357 or Lisa at 998-4666. Gift baskets or other donations are appreciated. Information Flyer.Erica and Alexis Raepple - Feb. 2010
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Erica (right) and Alexis Raepple were honored by being named to Deans List of their respective schools this past semester. Erica, a third year student at SUNY Cortland, majoring in Sports Management, has been on the Deans list for the past five semesters. She is currently Interning through Cortland at Disney this semester. Alexis, a first year student at Medaille, was named to the Medaille Deans List. Alexis is looking to Major in Secondary English Education.Leon D. Carr Memorial Event - February 2010
The Leon D. Carr Memorial Fund will host an event on February 19, 2010 at the Grand Island Moose Lodge starting at 7 p.m. Featured will be raffles, a 50/50 drawing, a soup competition, and food will be available, all for a $20 donation at the door. To enter the soup competition email me sgurbacki@leondcarr.com or "Always Remembering Leon Carr Facebook Page."Niagara Experience Players - February 2010
Come share your talents with the 2010 SUMMER production of Broadway meets Hollywood in the MUSIC! being held at the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center, Room 202, 1201 Pine Ave at Portage Rd. (Please enter at the Portage Road RED DOOR), Niagara Falls, NY 14301. For additional information go to: www.niagaraexperienceplayers.com or leave your contact information at 743-7410. The “Niagara Experience Players” is a not-for-profit community organization created for the Children of the greater Niagara region and is entering its 35th year! Information Flyer.Kelsey Foote - Feb. 2010
Kelsey Foote, daughter of Pat and Jackie Foote, has been placed on the Dean's List for the Fall 2009 semester at the State University of New York College at Cortland. Kelsey is a June 2009 graduate of Grand Island High School.
Welcome, Julius Byron Jeraquel Schopp - January 2010
Julius Byron Jeraquel Schopp, son of Carolyn and Michael Schopp, was born on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at Sisters Hospital, weighing eight pounds, 3 ounces and was 21 inches. The Schopps, who adopted Julius through Adoption STAR, were chosen by the baby's birth mother and were present at his birth. Proud grandparents are Reg Schopp and Jeri Schopp of Grand Island and Dr. Earl McGrath Sr. and Garnet McGrath, Cornwall, NY.
Melissa's Angels Fundraiser - 2010
Jon Conta of Grand Island is promoting a fundraiser for Melissa's Angels (Melissa Ueblacker), a non-for-profit benefit to help two autistic children who lost their mother in September 2009. The mother was a family member of the Conta family. The benefit will be held on April 11, 2010 at the Buffalo Irish Center - 245 Abbott Road, South Buffalo 14220 (1-7pm). Tickets are available at the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce office, 2257 Grand Island. Blvd.
Frentzel Elected President Erie County Tax Receivers - January 2010
