The Town Recreation Department's summer playground programs, open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
throughout the Island since July 1, 2002, came to a close last week. The photo was taken at the Ransom Village playground where an end-of-summer pizza party was held on Thursday, August 15, 2002. Recreation attendants (back left) are Anna Quider, Keriann Armusewicz, and Tom Grampp.
String Students Perform at July 23rd Concert

Barbi Lare Photo
Tuesday evening's (July 23, 2002) concert in Town Common was truly local with the town's Community Band in concert, along with a younger group of string students. The Band was sponsored by First Niagara Bank who has also provided funds for future events of the Community Band. Relationship Banking Manager Richard E. Piechowiak and several First Niagara Bank employees attended the concert.
27th Annual Dick Bessel - July 4, 2002
Independence Day Run
Grand Island, NY
Overall Male: Matthew Kotlarski 17:18. Overall Masters Male: Larry Krajewski 12:39. Overall Juniors Male: Patrick Martin 12:23. Under-9: Robert Schiffhauer 18:52. 10-12: Daniel DeMarco 15:45. 13-14: John Martin 13:49. 15-19: Kevin Buzzelli 12:30. 20-24: Christopher Loth 12:18. 25-29: Michael Sullivan 15:12. 30-34: Greg Derick 12:01. 35-39: John Sullivan 12:08. 40-44: James Masiello 12:53. 45-49: William Pioli 13:00. 50-54: Fred Lew 13:27. 55-59: Walt Davis 15:23. 60-64: Ralph Zimmerman 14:54. 65-69: James Volpe 18:30. 70-74: Jack Matheson 17:55.
Overall Female: Emily Sullivan 14:22. Overall Masters Female: Aine Roberts-Leahey 15:24. Overall Juniors Female: Kacey Bougard 14:29. Under-9: Rachel Parker 19:54. 10-12: Megan Denbeste 16:22. 13-14: Bre DeMarco 15:37. 15-19: Elly Henderson 14:30. 20-24: Jodi Legg 15:37. 25-29: Michelle White 15:26. 30-34: Pam Holley 15:41. 35-39: Sylvia Connors 17:10. 40-44: Susan Devlin 15:32. 45-49: Brenda Rimes 17:17. 50-54: Carolyn Zimmerman 17:05. 55-59: Jean A. Derick 20:28. 60-64: Fran Rowe 21:39. 65-69: Audrey Morris 40:15.
Complete Race Results. Courtesy of
LeoneTiming.Com
Parade Lineup
All Entries (Groups, Floats, Organizations) Listed
Grand Island's July 4th parade lineup is a click away. See you at the parade.
Dick Bessel Independence Day Run

For a larger view, click the map.
Click Race for details on the Dick Bessel Independence Day Run ( 2.3 miles).
July 4th 2002 Activities
It's not to late to enter a car, float or marching unit into this year's Independence Day Parade to be held Thursday, July 4, 2002. Call the Recreation Department at 773-9680 for entry.
Entry forms for the Dick Bessel Independence Day Parade and the "Kids Run" are available at Tops Grand Island's service desk, the Town Hall or at the Recreation Department, 3278 Whitehaven Road. Entries for runners and race walkers (all categories) close July 3rd at 12 noon. Runners are to pick up their numbers at the Town Hall lower lobby starting at 7:00 a.m. the day of the race. No day of race entries taken.
A Sesquicentennial beard contest is being conducted. Entrants are asked to call the Recreation Office at 773-9680. Contest includes fullest beard, best goatee, best sideburns, salt & pepper beard and mustaches! Final judging will be held at intermission (about 7:30 p.m.) during the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas Concert Monday, July 1st at the Town Hall.
Come enjoy the first Band Concert of the season. The
American Legion Band of the Tonawandas Concert will start off the summer concert series with a special Monday night performance on July 1st starting at 7:00 p.m. This concert is sponsored by Legislator Chuck Swanick. The winners of the beard contest will be determined during a brief break of the band. The second Band Concert will be Tuesday, July 2nd, featuring Grand Island's Ramblin' Lou Family Band.
Summer Youth Activities Sign-Up
Registration for summer youth activities will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturday, June 15, 2002 at the Nike Base, 3278 Whitehaven Road. Activities include lessons for golf, tennis, swimming and various sports clinics which will begin July 8th. Registration will continue Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. in the Recreation office. Playgrounds will open July 1, (closed July 2-5 for holiday) and will remain open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Youth Golf Instruction Registration
Volunteer instructors from the Grand Island Golden Age Center will again offer Youth Golf Instruction through the sponsorship of the Recreation Department. Registration is being taken at the Rec. Dept., 773-9680. There is a $10 fee and it is recommended that participants bring a 9 iron and putter if possible.
The instruction for ages 9-14 will run from July 8-12, 2002 at the Nike Base, 3278 Whitehaven Road. Times will be from 9-10 a.m. and 10:30-11:30 a.m. according to junior or intermediate level of experience.
Summer Outdoor Band Concerts - UPDATE
The following is the complete list of Town sponsored Tuesday evening band concerts being held at the gazebo on the grounds of Town Hall.
Monday, July 1 - Post 264 Tonawanda American Legion Band sponsored by Chuck Swanick - 7 p.m.
Tuesday, July 2 - Ramblin Lou Family Band, Country Western - - 7 p.m.
Tuesday, July 9 - Niagara Experience Players, Songs of America - 7 p.m. - rain date, Thursday, July 11
Tuesday, July 16 - 23 Ski-doo - 7 p.m. - rain date, Thursday, July 18
Tuesday, July 23 - Grand Island Community Band - 7 p.m. -sponsored by GI First Niagara Bank - rain date, Thursday, July 25
Tuesday, July 30 - Sikora Post #1322 American Legion Band - variety - 6:30 p.m. (no rain date)
Tuesday, August 6 - The BBC - 6:30 p.m. - Beatles Medley of Tunes - rain date, Thursday, August 8
Tuesday, August 13 - Nan Hoffman & Joe Tumino - 6:30 p.m. - Folk-Acoustic Duo (no rain date)
Recreation Department Summer Youth Activities Registration 2002
The Grand Island Recreation Department will hold registration for summer youth activities from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 15, 2002 at the Nike Base, 3278 Whitehaven Rd.
Recreation Department Adult Tennis Program 2002
The Recreation Department will offer tennis programs for adults with the first session on June 15, 2002 at the Nike Base, 3278 Whitehaven Road. Classes will run for six weeks on Saturday mornings starting at 9 a.m.
Photo Contest Underway
The Recreation Department's annual photo contest, with a Sesquicentennial theme this year, is now underway. The contest will feature the best series of three photos that represent Sesquicentennial events and activities of 2002. Photos are due November 6, 2002. Three matted photos no larger than 5 X 7 will be accepted. Sesquicentennial events are being published at Isledegrande's Sesquicentennial Web Pages. and also in the Island Dispatch. For further information, contact the Recreation Office, 773-9680. "Come out - Join in the Fun - Enter the Photo Contest."
Sesquicentennial "2nd Scuba Duck" Regatta

The Recreation Department has announced the "2nd Scuba Duck" Regatta will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2002, rain or shine. For a $2 fee you can buy a duck and have a chance to win prizes. The ducks are numbered from 1 to 1000 and will float down the East Niagara River from the South Grand Island Bridge to the Holiday Inn. A grand prize will be awarded to the owner of the first duck arriving at the Holiday Inn, with several other chances at prizes to follow. Entries are being accepted at the Isledegrande.com office, 1871 Whitehaven Road between Hairitage Salon and deSignet Jewelry.
Dick Bessel Independence Day Road Race And "Kid's Run"
Entry forms for the Dick Bessel Independence Day Road Race are now available at Tops Market, Town Hall, Grand Island Memorial Library and the Recreation Office. New this year as part of the Sesquicentennial celebration is a "Kid's Run" for youth 9 years and under. Both races will be held prior to the town's Sesqui/July 4th parade.
Adult Tennis Lessons
Adult tennis lessons will begin June 15, 2002 at the Nike Base, 3278 Whitehaven Road. Saturday morning classes, sponsored by the Town Recreation Department, will be held at 9 a.m. and run for six weeks.
Recreation Department Distributes Summer Activities Booklet
Recreation Director Linda Tufillaro announced this week that the Recreation Department's yearly Summer Activities Booklet will be distributed to Grand Island school students during the week of April 15. The booklet will include the list of youth activities, location and schedule. Registration will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 15, 2002 at the Nike Base, 3278 Whitehaven Road.
Applications Accepted for Recreation Department Summer Employment
Applications are being accepted for summer employment with the Grand Island Recreation Department. Openings include maintenance positions for individuals 18 years and over, and program positions (playgrounds, tennis, swimming for individuals 16 years and over). Applications are available at the Town Hall, 2255 Baseline Road, or at the Recreation Office, 3278 Whitehaven Road.
Rec. Dept. Egg Hunt Winners 2002

Click photo for larger view
Barbi Lare photo
The Town Recreation Department's Easter Egg Hunt was held Saturday morning (March 23, 2002) in
conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce and Tops Market on the grounds of
Tops. The weather was cold but that did not stop the kids from showing up
for a good time. Youngest children hunted close to the building in a pile of
hay and the older ones were out in the open. Zillions of eggs in all colors were found along with some with stickers and numbers inside. Those were the big winners. However, all of the eggs had candy inside so everyone was a winner. The big winners collected baskets with stuffed animals,
candy and all sorts of goodies inside. Hot chocolate and cookies, compliments of Tops Market, were
available in the play area inside, after the hunt. The photo includes the winners, the Mystery Bunny as well and one of the
managers from Tops and Recreation Director Linda Tufillaro.
Youth Easter Egg Hunt

Showing some of the prizes for winners of the Egg Hunt are (left) Recreation Director Linda Tufillaro, Tops Manager Fran Davis, Dolly D'Orazio (Reality Cafe) and Chamber of Commerce 2nd Vice President President Beverly Kinney.
Barbi Lare photo
Tops Market, Grand Island Recreation and the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce will jointly conduct the Island Easter Egg Hunt beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2002. The event will be held outside in the Tops Market parking lot. There will be five age groups: Toddler to age 4, 5 and 6, 7 and 8, 9 and 10, and 11 and 12 year olds. Eggs will be hidden in mounds of hay where all age groups will search. Special prizes will be given for "special eggs" in each age group. The Easter Bunny will be there to kick off the morning event. Children are encouraged to come dressed for the weather and good hunting.
Summer Outdoor Band Concerts
Recreation Department Director Linda Tufillaro has announced dates for the Tuesday evening band concerts to be staged under the gazebo at the Town Hall. Music will range from that of the 'Big Band Era' to country, jazz and more. Concerts, at no charge to the public, are scheduled from July 2 through August 6 and will also include a feature concert on Monday, July 1, 2002 by the New York State Championship American Legion Band of the Tonawandas which is being sponsored by Legislator Chuck Swanick. This schedule will be updated as more concert information becomes available.
Monday, July 1 - American Legion Band sponsored by Chuck Swanick
Tuesday, July 2 - Ramblin Lou Family Band
Tuesday, July 9 - To Be Announced
Tuesday, July 16 - 23 Ski-doo
Tuesday, July 23 - Grand Island Community Band, sponsored by GI First Niagara Bank
Tuesday, July 30 - Sikora Post American Legion Band
Tuesday, August 6 - The BBC
Snowless Winter Fest on Grand Island


Alex Brennan, 2, tried every event he could and may have had the most fun!
Barbi Lare photos
Winter Fest 2002, sponsored by the Town Recreation Department and held in the Community Building at the Nike Base on Whitehaven Road, went on as scheduled Saturday (Jan. 26) in spite of the lack of snow. Most events were enjoyed by the younger children inside with
coloring, board games and guessing games. The snow did return several days later....as we all know!
Recreation Activities Calendar - 2002
The Town Recreation Department has announced the following activities which are continuing from January 2, 2002. Members of the adult volleyball and basketball leagues should follow their schedules.
OPEN YOUTH GYM
Fridays at Kaegebein
6-7:30 p.m. - ages 6-12
7:30-9 p.m. - ages 13-16
January 4, 11, 18, 25
February 1, 8, 15, 22
March 1, 15, 22
Supervisors provided
SATURDAY OPEN FAMILY SWIM
Saturdays High School Pool
Noon-2:45 p.m.
January 5, 12, 26
February 2, 9, 23
March 2, 9
Lifeguards on duty
Children under 16-years-old must be accompanied by an adult
SUNDAY OPEN FAMILY SWIM
Sundays High School Pool
Noon-2:45 p.m.
January 6, 13, 27
February 3, 10, 24
March 3, 10, 24
Lifeguards on duty
Children under 16-years-old must be accompanied by an adult
SPECIAL ATHLETES
Sundays at High School
Pool - 11 a.m. to noon
Gym - Noon to 2:45 p.m.
January 6, 13, 27
February 3, 10, 24
March 3, 10, 17
April 14
May 5
Supervisors provided
Winter Fest 2002 Set for January 26
The Sesquicentennial Winter Fest 2002, sponsored by the Town Recreation Department, will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, January 26, 2002 at the Nike Base facility on Whitehaven Road near West River. Youth activities for ages 5-13 are shown below. Snowmobile Rides noon to 3 p.m. at $1 per ride to benefit Ronald McDonald House of Buffalo.
Outdoor Schedule:
10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Snow Sculpture Contest
noon to 3 p.m. - Snowmobile Rides
- 10:30 a.m. - Broomball
- 11 a.m. - Football Throw
- 11:30 a.m. - Obstacle Course
- noon - Ice Fishing
12:30 p.m. - Snowball Throw
1 p.m. - Basketball Shoot
1:30 p.m. - Hockey Shoot
2 p.m. - Putting
2:30 p.m. - Egg Toss
2:45 p.m. - Treasure Hunt
Indoor activity Schedule
Coloring, Basketball Shoot, Candy Count, Knock Hockey and Arts & Crafts
Call the Recreation Department, 773-9680 for further information.
Santa Arrives In
Spite Of a No-Snow Season

Barbi Lare photo
Santa drove up to the town hall in a blazing red vehicle (not a sleigh) on Friday to see the youngsters gathered to greet him. Reality Cafe' members provided hot chocolate and cookies and the kids took part in a coloring contest. Chamber of Commerce Student Ambassadors Christy Gibney and Malcolm Merriweather were there to hand out activity packets for each visitor to take home. Shown is Jacob McMahon, son of Sean and MaryAnn McMahon, relaxing on Santa's lap as he tries to remember his favorite requests.
Santa Visits Town Hall
The Recreation Department has announced that Santa Claus will make a stop at the town hall to visit with the children on Friday evening, December 14 from 6-8 p.m. Children ages toddler to 5th grade are invited to Welcome Santa's arrival and visit with him. Through the courtesy of Fuccillo Chevrolet, students of Reality Cafe' and Santa, a "Welcome Santa" activities packet loaded with fun things to do will be given to each child.
Special Athletes

Head coach Vaughn Keller (third from left) is joined by other volunteer
coaches and assistants Lindsey Walsh, Dennis Walsh, and Carl Lombardo. The
very talented athletes pictured are (not in order) Holly Bertola (front right) along with Bill Keller, James Walsh, Diana Farr, Terry
Diaz, Barb Walker and Lewis Malkiewicz.
Fred Claus photo
The Grand Island Special Athletes program, sponsored by the Town Recreation Department and under the direction of Head Coach Vaughn Keller, is in session every Sunday morning. Grand Island's Special
Athletes will begin working out in the pool at 11 a.m. and then on to the gym at noon.
Other activities the Athletes take part in are track and cross country skiing. Some of the will use this time to prepare themselves to qualify for the Special Olympics
athletes and all are involved for a fun activity.
The only cycling and cross country ski teams for
Erie county are located right here on Grand Island, according to Coach Keller, and that is something we should be very proud of.
Open Gym Program For Kids

Fred Claus photo
The Recreation Department is sponsoring an open gym program on Friday nights in the Kaegebein School gym. Children 6-12 years are allowed to use the gym from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in a
supervised manor with freestyle activities as well as organized games. The gym will be available to those 13-16 years old from 7:30-9 p.m. The program will be cancelled if the gym is needed for another activity. Shown are brothers Cody and Chaz Fahrer use their time at the open gym to
practice their racing.
Sunday Family Swim

The Grand Island High School pool is open to the community every Sunday from noon to 2:45 p.m. for recreational swimming. Lifeguards will be on duty and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. One section of
the pool will be sectioned off for lap swimming. The Family Swim is sponsored by the Recreation Department. Shown are Dave Wunsch and his children Tyler and Arlene, and family friend Brianna
Fetzer. As usual, Dave and his family were the
first to take advantage of the recreation department's weekly event.
Photography Contest Winners

Joanne Wnuk's "Fantasy Fireworks."
Click photo for a larger view.

Cynthia Lin's "Can Spring Be Far Away?"
Click photo for a larger view.

Chris Wozniak's "Strike the Towers."
Click photo for a larger view
The Grand Island Recreation Department has announced the winners of its 3rd annual photography contest. First honors goes to Joanne Wnuk ("Fantasy Fireworks"), 2nd honors, Cynthia Lin ("Can Spring Be Far Away?") and 3rd honors, Chris Wozniak ("Strike the Towers").
The following received honorable mentions: Diane Hassan ("Fantastic Fishing"), Becky Gushue ("Sunset Glow"), Bob Marcel ("Dear Delight"), Lisa Crawford ("Canoeing at Buckhorn"), Brenda Fike ("Summer at Beaver"), Natalie Gallagher ("New Neighbors") and Donna McGilvery ("Good Old Days"). Winning photos are on display in the town hall.
Children's Summer Artwork


Children's summer artwork, accomplished at the Town Recreation Department's summer playground programs throughout the town is on display in the town hall.
Can You Beat This?

The Grand Island Recreation Department is conducting a Pumpkin Growing Contest. See article below for details and enter to win a prize!
Recreation Department
To Hold Pumpkin Growing Contest

How does your garden grow? The Grand Island Recreation Department is conducting a Pumpkin Growing Contest open to any resident who has a pumpkin growing which is distinctive for its size, shape, color etc. Call the Rec. Dept, 773-9680, after Labor Day with the location of your entry so that a representative of the Rec. Dept. may take a photo. Featured this week is the garden of four-year-olds Alexis and Grace Fredericks of Creekside Drive.
Adult Volleyball and Basketball Leagues
Players and teams interested in entering adult volleyball and basketball leagues are advised to call the recreation office, 773-9680 to enter a team in the men's basketball, men's volleyball, mixed volleyball and women's volleyball leagues. Entries close September 21. Fees will be due October 17, 2001 with leagues starting the first week of November. All players must live on Grand Island and be 18 years of age or older.
Third Annual Photography
Contest Sponsored by Recreation Department
The third annual Recreation Department Photography Contest has been announced and is themed "The Jewel of the Niagara." Open to all non-professional individuals who reside on Grand Island, the contest will be judged in both youth and adult age groups and should focus on subjects that portray an overall view of life on Grand Island. Each contestant may submit up to three (3) color or black and white photos of any standard size, up to and including 5" X 7" with a one-line caption. All photos will remain the property of the town of Grand Island. Entry deadline is Wednesday, October 24, 2001 at town hall or the Recreation Department.
Field Day Winners

Pictured from left are Lauren Kucharski, Marvin Pawlowski and Alicia Fisher, the overall champions of the field day.
The Recreation Department's summer field day, on a very hot, record-breaking day at the end of a record-breaking week, drew 80 youngsters. Rec. Dept. personnel were on hand in Beaver Island State Park Thursday, August 9, 2001 to oversee games and beach activities.
Recreation Department
To Hold Children's Field Day
The Town Recreation Department's summer playground program will feature a field day at Beaver Island State Park 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, August 9, 2001. Details will be made available to the children who are participating at the various playgrounds around the Island.
Attention Amateur Photographers
The Grand Island Recreation Department is sponsoring its Third Annual Photography Contest - “The Jewel on the Niagara.” The contest is open to all non-professional individuals who reside on Grand Island. Subjects such as sports, family activities, nature, etc., that portray an overall view of life on Grand Island will be accepted. Judging will be in both youth and adult age groups. Each contestant may submit up to three (3) color or black and white photos of any standard size, up to and including 5”x 7”, with a one-line caption. All photos will remain the property of the Town of Grand Island. Entry deadline is Wednesday, October 24, 2001, at the Town Hall or Recreation Department on Whitehaven Road. Eddie’s Art Shoppe has offered to help with matting before final submission. "So - start clicking that camera today and enter
the “The Jewel on the Niagara” Photo Contest!"
Town Recreation Opens Playground Programs
The town's Recreation Department will open playground programs on June 27. The supervised playgrounds include Kaegebein (Love & Parkway), Ed Ball Park (Love & Stony Pt.), Tower Park (Love Rd. duplex area), Colonial/Driftwood, Havenwood, Huth Road (Elementary School), Ransom Village (Ransom Rd.) and Veterans Park (Bedell Rd.). They will be open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. and are open to children 6 to 12 years old. Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult. The programs will not take place on July 3 or July 4.
Adult Tennis Lessons
The Recreation Department has announced that its Adult Tennis Lessons will begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 2001, at the Nike Base Tennis Courts, 3278 Whitehaven Road. A certified USPTR instructor will teach at the beginner and intermediate levels. A fee will cover cost of lessons and a new tennis racquet. Registration forms and fee information are available at the Recreation Office at the Nike Base. Pre-registration is required.
Summer Outdoor Band Concerts
The Recreation Department has announced dates for the Tuesday evening band concerts to be staged under the gazebo at the Town Hall. Concerts, at no charge to the public, are scheduled for July 10, 17, and 24 and August 7, 14 and 21. Music will range from that of the 'Big Band Era' to country, jazz and more.
Summer Youth Recreation Programs Offered
Registration for the Town Recreation Department's Summer Youth Programs will be held 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, June 19, at the Nike Base, 3278 Whitehaven Road. Registration fees are required for youth activities, which include sports clinics, swimming and tennis instruction, as well as bowling. New this year are recreation sports T-shirts for youth at $5 each.
Independence Day Race and Parade
Plans for Grand Island's July 4 activities are well underway with entries for the Dick Bessel Independence Day Run available at Tops Market, Town Hall, the Library and the Recreation Office.
Entries for the July 4 parade are available for all who wish to enter a car, marching unit or float. This year's parade will be held on Wednesday, July 4, starting at 9:30 a.m. Call the Recreation Department, 773-9680, for entry or other information.
Easter Egg Hunt Is Combined Effort

Barbi Lare photos
Three groups combined their efforts to stage one huge
Easter Egg Hunt. The Town Recreation Department moved their hunt from
Veterans Park to Tops Parking Lot. The Chamber of Commerce, who provides top
prizes for that hunt, and Tops, with their facility, resources and prizes for
all, combined efforts to present a top hunt. Rain did not spoil the fun!
Hay piles were substituted for mud and wet grounds;
youngsters and, especially, their parents were faced with much less mess and
little or no cleanup. The youngsters were well rewarded for their efforts in locating the hidden eggs, which were stuffed with candy as well as
the winning numbers. The plastic bags given to each hunter also contained candy. There were five age groups for the event: 3 and under, 4-5,
6-7, 8-9, and 10-11. A few Tops customers were inconvenienced briefly
while the winners had their pictures taken, but most everyone went home happy.
Beacher Kids Win Rec. Dept.'s Snow Sculpture 2001 contest

The Town Recration Department's Snow Sculpture 2001 contest winners are Jeff, Greg and Eric Beacher who created their winning entry, "WWII Bomber" from plenty of Grand Island snow.
Adult Leagues - Final Results
Women's Volleyball
"A" Division Champs - Island Physical Therapy
"A" Division Playoff Champs - Island Physical Therapy
"B" Division Champs - John's Pizza & Subs
"B" Division Champs - John's Pizza & Subs
Men's Basketball
"A" Division Champs - T.C.'s I
"A" Division Playoff Champs - T.C.'s III
"B" Division Champs -
Tie MJM Electric - BA's Champs
Men's Volleyball
White Div. - Champs - Village Inn
White Div. - Playoff Champs - Hennigars
Blue Div. - Champs - Cyber
Blue Div. - Playoff Champs - T.C.'s
Gold Div. - Champs - Grand Island Optical
Gold Div. - Playoff Champs - Grand Island Optical
Green Div. - Champs - "94's"
Green Div. - Playoff Champs - Moore Research
Kids Holiday Action Days
Holiday Action Days 2001, sponsored by the Town Recreation Department, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 11 and Wednesday, April 18 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1841 Whitehaven Rd. Supervised activities, games, and crafts for children 8-14 years. No registration - No fee.
Grand Island Youth Basketball Club

Pictured are youths in game play during the Grand Island Youth Basketball Club held Saturdays at Sidway School. Co-sponsored by Community Education and the Grand Island Recreation Department, 162 youths ages 5-10 participated. Special thanks to directors Jenepher Banker and Sue McGuire and the many high school girls, parents and youth who helped coach and officiate. A "Hot Shot" Basketball Contest was held Saturday, March 10 and sponsored by Island True Value. Top five winners were Michael Montaldi, Caroline Boron, Andrea Monaco, Allison Boron and Tim Lang.
Open Gym At Kaegebein
 The Town Recreation Department sponsors an open gym at Kaegebein School on Friday nights, March 16, March 23 and March 30 from 6-7:30 p.m. for ages 8-13 and from 7:30-9 p.m. for ages 14-16.
Kids Holiday Action Days
Holiday Action Days, sponsored by the Town Recreation Department, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, March 16 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1841 Whitehaven Rd. Supervised activities, games, and crafts for children 8-14 years. No registration - No fee.
Hotshot Basketball Challenge - And More
A Hot Shot Basketball Challenge will be held in the Sidway School gym Saturday, March 17 and is open to boys and girls 7-12 years of age.
Sponsored by the Town Recreation Department, on-site registration begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by the challenge.
An open gym program at Kaegebein School is being offered by the recreation department on the following Friday evenings: March 9, March 16, March 23, March 30. Times are from 6-7:30 p.m. for ages eight to 13 and 7:30-9 p.m. for 14-16-year-olds.
Town Play Day At K of C Hall

Justine Vanthoff, Jessie Pearson, Monica Delfonso and
Tiffani Dickinson enjoy crafts during Presidents Day, a
school holiday as Justin Bridenbaker of the Recreation
Dept. looks on.
Barbi Lare photo
Grand Island Recreation Department personel kept youngsters occupied on Presidents Day 2001 with crafts and games at the Knights of
Columbus Hall on Whitehaven Road. Crafts showing considerable creativity were turned out in number and ball games were conducted under the direction of Recreation Attendant, Justin Bridenbaker.
Additional Recreation Department sponsored play days for children ages 8 to 14 have been scheduled on school holidays in March and April and are listed in our "Island Calendar". There is no registration and there is no charge!
Winterfest In Spite of Lack of Snow



Barbi Lare photos
Winterfest 2001 activities went on without snow this past weekend. Cross country skiing, snowmobile rides and snow sculpture were obviously scratched. Softball games were cancelled as well but due to the lack of entries. Younger members of Grand Island's population found a lot of activity to occupy they Saturday including coloring, a basketball throw, golf putting and a bean bag toss. Two lucky winners of the candy guess game went home with an arm full of goodies. Pony and horse rides were offered by Sparks Trading Post for those willing to go out in the windy cold weather.
Winter Fest 2001 Set for February 10
The Town Recreation Department's Winter Fest 2001 will take place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, February 10 at the Nike Base facility on Whitehaven Road near West River. Adult and youth activities, indoor and out are planned and the Rec. Dept. is accepting entries for the adult mixed softball and volleyball teams. Indoor events will include coloring, a basketball shoot and arts and crafts. Outdoor activities will include a snow sculpture contest, pony and snowmobile rides, cross country skiing, an obstacle course and a treasure hunt. Call the Recreation Department, 773-9680 for further information.
Santa's Arrival at Town Hall

Barbi Lare photos
Saturday was the big day for Santa Claus and over 200 kids on Grand Island. Santa's arrival, direct from the North Pole to the Town Hall, was accomplished by Fuccillo Chevrolet on Whitehaven Road who also provided holiday music by the Dixieland jazz group, 23 Ski Doo. The full day of fun from 1-4 p.m. was sponsored by the Town Recreation Department and Recreation Director Linda Tufillaro and her helpers scheduled many activities including a coloring contest, pony rides provided by Sparks Trading Post, live fuzzy animals and, of course, Santa Claus who spoke with each child. Reality Cafe provided snacks for the visitors. Lexi Miller of Creekside Dr. was the candy count winner, guessing the closest, 327, to the true amount of 332. Alyssa Pelosi, 3 1/2, is shown getting some help onto the pony. (Please E-Mail us if you know who the little blonde girl is pictured with Santa) The Recreation Department wishes to thank all who assisted in "welcoming Santa" and a special thank you to "our Old St. Nick."
Santa at Town Hall
Santa Claus will be at the town hall from 1-4 p.m. Saturday,December 9 through the courtesy of the Grand Island Parks & Recreation Department. Toddlers through children 12-years-old are welcome to come and visit with him.
Basketball Club
Basketball Club for boys and girls, age 5-10 years began last Saturday in the Sidway School gym. The ten-week clinic of instructional and competitive fun is being offered by the Town Recreation Department and Community Education. Head coaches are Jenepher Banker, Sue McGuire and Marie Ross.
Holiday Action Days
The Grand Island Parks & Recreation Dept. has scheduled Holiday Actions Days kids 8-14 years from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 27 and Wednesday, December 28 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1841 Whitehaven Road. Supervised activities, games and crafts are offered. Children should bring a snack. Beverage will be provided.

Photo Contest Winners
"Celebrating the Millennium" was this year's theme for the Grand Island
Recreation Department Photo Contest which ended October 25. Dan Mancuso of East River Road took top honors with his "Millennium Dawn" shown here. A select group of winning photos in each category may be enjoyed by visiting Grand Island Town Hall or by viewing them using Grand Island E-news (where the images may be seen in full color). Some of the winning images will be featured for the next several weeks on the "front page" of this internet newspaper.
Photos are property of the Town of Grand Island and all rights are reserved.

Mary Morrisey won in the "Subject Set" with three photos including "Leaving Home Is Hard to Do."

Cynthia Lin won the "Grand Island Series" section of the contest with her photos titled, "Color Reflections," "Fall Morning Around the Creek," and "Peaceful Morning Around the Creek."

Bonnie Mioducki's photo "The Dog Daze of Summer," was given honorable mention recognition in the "Celebrating the Millennium" contest.

D. Karb's photo "Niagara's Twins" was also given honorable mention recognition in the contest.

Robert Vincent took 6th place for a Water Series of three photos including this "Reflections Under Ice."

Honorable mention in the "Sport Representation" category went to Jim Tomkins for his photograph, "A Skier's Dream." Click for larger view.
More Photos Coming Soon Please Check Back
Snow Sculpture Contest
The Grand Island Recreation Department will hold a snow sculpture contest between December 16, 2000 and April 1, 2001. The contest is open to all individuals who live, work or play on Grand Island. Groups and organizations are also welcome to compete. Just construct your snow sculpture, call the Rec. Dept. 773-9680, and give the name and location of your entry and the names of those responsible for your creation. Recreation Department personnel will take a photo of your masterpiece and winners will be determined after April 1.