2026
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Jacob Zimmerman, Woodchuck Tree Service - July 2026
Left: Oak tree at Deglopper Memorial Park. Right: From left Jaxson Zimmerman, age 5, Jake Zimmerman, Lincoln, age 4.
Woodchuck Tree Service, owned by Grand Island resident Jacob Zimmerman, has made a valuable contribution to the Grand Island community through the professional trimming and ongoing health maintenance of the beautiful oak tree at DeGlopper Memorial Park, located at the intersection of Baseline Road and Grand Island Blvd.This work helps preserve a treasured natural Grand Island landmark, ensuring its beauty, health and longetivity for future generations to enjoy.
Casey Carminati, Global Hair Award - July 2026
Local Bridal Hairstylist Earns Global Recognition with Third Consecutive #OneShot Hair Award Top 100 Nomination.Buffalo bridal hairstylist Casey Carminati has once again been recognized on the international stage, earning a Top 100 nomination in the prestigious #OneShot Global Hair Awards for the third consecutive year. The annual competition celebrates some of the most creative and technically skilled hairstylists from around the world, making a Top 100 placement a significant professional achievement.
Known for her signature boho bridal styling and intricate special event hair, Carminati has built a reputation for creating effortlessly beautiful inspired looks while serving brides throughout Western New York. Her continued recognition highlights years of dedication, artistry, and an unwavering commitment to her craft.
As she continues to represent Buffalo on a global stage, Carminati’s work serves as a reminder that world class talent can be found right here in Western New York, inspiring both clients and fellow artists alike.
Fedco Speed Racing - June 2026
Grand Island race teams to participant in two major events in July.
Fedco Speed Racing #21G, wingless micro sprint team will build on yet another Indiana heat win and strong finishes to prepare for a 13 race schedule in July. First up is the Hoosier Dirt Cup in Indiana, June 29-July 4. Visits again to US24 Speedway as well as Tony Steward Raceway and others. Then down to Pennsylvania and Hyper Speed Week, July 12-18. 13 races at 11 different tracks. Driver Geoff Federspiel and the crew will build on what we have learned and gained this season so far and will be hungry and confident for our first main event victory.
This season has been a struggle with the raising prices for both fuel and accommodations, food. This team relies heavily on sponsorships to get this done. THANK YOU to all the companies and friends that help us out. Visit us on FB and Instagram at Fedco Speed Racing . Our supporter are as follows, please do some business with them!!! Lauterborn Electric, Woodchuck Tree Service, Top Notch Drain and Sewer, Double D Construction, LTR Rigging and Hauling, Storm Roofing, Wheelfind Automotive, Childress Performance and Fitness, Beyer Farms, Sandy Beach Bakery and Farm Store, FK Rod Ends, Concept Chassis, FK Indy Shocks, 600cc Performance, Hammer Down Engines, Engler Machine/ Injection, Lifeline Fire Suppression, Simpson Racing Products.
Mel Passarelli Named to NFMMC Board - May 2026
Niagara Falls, NY — Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) is pleased to announce the unanimous appointment of Mel Passarelli, JD/MBA, to its Board of Directors.
Passarelli, who grew up on Grand Island, brings more than four decades of leadership experience as a board chairman, CEO, and strategic advisor across global healthcare and technology organizations. His career includes leading multiple corporate turnarounds and scaling companies to successful exits. As his résumé notes, he has “a track record of driving transformational growth, leading turnarounds, and scaling software companies to successful exits,” reflecting the depth of expertise he brings to NFMMC.
He has served in senior executive roles at international software companies, including guiding Attunity from near bankruptcy to a NASDAQ listing and its $563 million acquisition. He currently serves on several boards, including 3AM Innovations, Launch NY, HelixIntel, and EagleHawk. His experience spans global markets, where he has “built and led global teams, expanded go to market strategies, and navigated complex cross border operations.”
Passarelli holds a JD from Suffolk University Law School and an MBA from the University at Buffalo School of Management. “We are honored to welcome Mel to the NFMMC Board,” said CEO Joe Ruffolo. “His strategic insight, governance experience, and deep commitment to organizational growth will be invaluable as we continue advancing healthcare for our community.” Passarelli will begin his board service immediately.
FedcoSpeed Racing Win First Race of Season - May 2026
Fedco Speed Racing 600 wingless micro, driven by Geoff Federspiel powered to the front from a 5th place starting position to win an all important first heat race win at US24 Speedway in Logansport Indiana. We have been very good right away this season with good results at two Pennsylvania tracks so far but getting our first and along with our new chassis builder watching, a Indiana win means alot to us. Our season plans will have us racing in both Pa and Indiana all season long. On May 15th Fedco Speed will be at Lindas Speedway and May 16th, Greenwood Valley Speedway, both in Pa. Then we travel to Indiana May 21-23 to Miami County Speedway in Peru for the 13k to win Freedom 50.
This season we have a fresh engine built by Hammer Down, tuned by 600cc Performance, both Pa companies and will be equipped with a newly developed injection system, built by Engler Machine from Indiana. We have learned alot about setting up the Concept Chassis we now run and with all that considered, should have a WINNING combination for 2026.
We would like to THANK the following Grand Island businesses that without their support, we could not do this at the level we are: Woodchuck Tree Service, Top Notch Drain and Sewer Service, Double D Construction, Wheelfind Automotive, Storm Roofing, Childress Performance and Fitness, Beyer Farms, Sandy Beach Farm Store and Bakery.
FedcoSpeed Racing 21G - March 2026
The 2026 racing season is quickly approaching. Grand Island race team, FedcoSpeed 21G is about to enter our 5th season of running 600cc wingless micro sprints. This year will be even more intense and with more travel plans, new tracks and a new opportunity. Along with racing our 21G concept chassis car, Geoff Federspiel has been offered to drive a 600 wingless and winged car for the McCutchen Racing 88G, based out of Apollo Pa. Starting our season in the 88G on March 19-21 at the DuQuoin State Fair Coliseum, in the first of two KKM Challenge events for the 2026 season. We will also run the 88G for Hyper Speedweek July 10-18, East Coast Transponders July 4,5, and Outlaw Invasion, Greenwood Valley Action Track August 13-15. Topping off the season at the Tulsa Shootout in Tulsa, Oklahoma Dec 29-Jan 3. Along with the 88G, the 21G will run other events in Pa as well as Indiana for larger races and weekly dates. A total of roughly 35-40 nights.
We could not do what we do at this level without the financial support of many sponsors. Some of which are right here on Grand Island. Please support those that support our race team: Woodchuck Tree Service; Top Notch Sewer and Drain Repair; Storm Roofing; Double D Construction; Wheelfind Automotive; Childress Performance and Fitness; Sandy Beach Farm store and Bakery; Beyer Farms.
