Town Recreation Department Webpage - 2006

Town of Grand Island Website

Linda Tufillaro, director
E-Mail
3278 Whitehaven Road
773-9680

Recreation Department News 2007
Recreation Department News 2005

Previous Recreation Department News 2000-2004



Bessel Road Race July 4, 2002 Results
Bessel Road Race July 4, 2003 Results

Bessel Road Race July 3, 2004 Results






Recreation Dept. Natural Ice Rink

   November 30, 2006 . . .Town Recreation Dept. Director Linda Tufillaro announced this week that the Natural Ice Rink at Veterans Park on Bedell will be maintained as soon as weather conditions allow.






Recreational Events Announced For Winter 2006-07

   Town Recreation Dept. Director Linda Tufillaro has announced winter recreational activities, including a a Winter Celebration and Welcome Santa, and a Snow Sculpture contest. Click for
Winter Recreation Schedule.





Winter Celebration And "Welcome Santa" At Town Hall - December 2006

   Town Recreation Department Director Linda Tufillaro announces that the annual "Welcome Santa" and Winter Celebration program will begin at 4:30 p.m. and continue through 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2006 at the town hall and town gazebo. Children will be given the opportunity to "Visit" Santa Claus, play games, and enjoy entertainment, crafts and refreshments.
   Activities follow:
• Lighting of Town Christmas Tree at Gazebo
• Caroling
• Holiday Performance by the Grand Island Community Chorus (town hall, upstairs)
• Visit with Santa Claus (lower level, town hall)
• Holiday activities for children
• Refreshments through courtesy of Grand Island Historical Society
   All activities are open and free to all. Youth activities are geared for children from toddler to 7 years old.





Adult Winter Recreation Leagues - 2006

   Click For
Adult Winter Recreation Leagues





League Champions Fuccillo Chevrolet Women's Softball Team Receive Trophies - November 2006


Click photo for larger view

Some of the Fuccillo Chevrolet Women's Softball Team members are pictured receiving the league trophies in October 2006. From left are Jessica Kuehne, Jude Kuehne, Jennifer Peresie, Karen Conboy, Billy Fucillo, Fucillo Representative Mary Dunbar, Kester Bleich, Karen Mazurkiewicz and Lynn Kelly.
Click Fuccillo Champs for the team picture and members' names.








Parks & Recreation Activities - Winter 2006

   The Parks & Recreation Department announces the following activities:
Youth Activities Night - Thursday evenings at Kaegebein School gym, 6:30-8:30 p.m. - open to boys and girls 6-10 years old; supervised activities, registration and $20 fee required; Registration date is Saturday, December 9, 2006 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Town Hall lobby. Program starts January 4, 2007.
Youth Basketball - Open to youths 8-11 years, Friday nights at Kaegebein gym. Registration and $20 fee required. Registration date is Saturday, December 9, 2006 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Town Hall Lobby. Program starts January 5, 2007.
Sunday Family Swim - Sundays 12 noon to 3 p.m.; Starts December 3, 2006. Life guards on duty. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. No fee.
"Welcome Santa" - Begins 4 p.m. Saturday, December 9, 2006 at the town hall and town gazebo. "Visit" Santa Claus, games, entertainment, crafts and refreshments
Upcoming Activities - Adult Basketball & Volleyball Leagues - "Special Athletes" Program
   Click for
"Rec. Dept. Information Flyer."
   For more information, contact the Recreation Office at 773-9680, email to recreation@grand-island.ny.us or watch for more information at Isledegrande.com.





Parks & Recreation Activities Continue - September 2006

   The Parks & Recreation Department announces the following activities will continue starting the second week of November:
• Adult leagues for Volleyball and Basketball
• Open Family Swim and Youth activities
   For more information, contact the Recreation Office at 773-9680 or watch for more information at Isledegrande.com.





Fuccillo Chevrolet Women's Softball Team Is League Champion - August 2006


Click photo for larger view
Pictured here following their victory are Fuccillo team members: (kneeling L to R) Karen Conboy, Jen Peresi, Mandy Dragoo, Melanie Anderson, Laura Anderson, Jude Kuehne, Jessie Kuehne; (standing) Amy Davis, Darlyn Hoy, Jessie Moran, Jackie Moran, Lynn Kelly, Sue Weiberg, Amanda (Buck) Lake, Karen Mazurkiewicz and lying leisurely across the middle is long-time team manager/coach and all around good guy, Kester Bleich.

   The Grand Island Recreation Women's softball finals were played on Monday, August 21 2006 at Veteran's Park. Fuccillo Chevrolet, the league champs with a season record of 9 wins and one loss, squared off against Brick Oven and were victorious with a 4-3 win. The game was a defensive battle, highlighted by a bottom of the sixth inning double that drove in two runs for Fuccillos to win the game. The team thanks Fuccillo Chevrolet for their sponsorship.





Town Tennis Tournament Winners - August 2006


Mary Stewart photo - Click for larger view
(front) Jacob Sweeney, Stephen Sweeney, Arexa Graff, Rachel Bailey, Lyndsey Sarratory, Sierra D'Ettorre, McLain Erhard, Joey Santa Lucia, Jospeh Sarratory, Tyler Mondoux; (back) Staff Members Casey Dahlstrom, Laura Bradfuchrar, Cortney Bota, Amy Stewart and Sheri Ackendorf; players Jordan Davis, Danyerre Redmond and Miranda Santa Lucia, Staff Members Amanda Kaiser and Colleen George, player Seth Kline, Staff members Britt Stallard, player Kearney Erhard and Staff Member Katie Remmes

   The Recreation Department's "Youth Tennis Challenge" took place on Friday, August 11, 2006 at the Nike Base Tennis Courts. Shown are the first and second place winners.





Youth Tennis Challenge Goes On As Planned - 2006

   The Recreation Department's "Youth Tennis Challenge" is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, August 11, 2006 at the Nike Base Tennis Courts. Players 7-16 years are invited to attend the tennis skills challenge competition regardless if lessons were taken. Call the Recreation office at 773-9680 for further information.





Ramblin Lou Is Highlight Of Summer Concerts - August 2006


(left) Ramblin' Lou Family Band - a few of the hundreds of concert goers - Zonta member Andrea Moreau selling dinner tickets - CERT Team Chairman Frank Brusino, Chief Craig Coburn of USCG Station Buffalo, Senior Patrol Agent Randy C. James, US Border Patrol, Niagara Falls Station and CERT member Steve Stouter
Dan McMahon photos - Click for larger view

   The “Ramblin’ Lou Family Band” drew a huge crowd to the Town Commons Tuesday evening, August 1, 2006 despite the fact that it was about the hottest night of the summer. The audience was estimated at 300 to 400 people. The evening was also dedicated to "National Night Out." Among those taking part were representatives of the Island's CERT Team (Community Emergency Response Team), the US Border Patrol, USCG Station Buffalo and the Grand Island Fire Company's display of its newly purchased all-terrain vehicle and transport trailer along with fire and EMS equipment.
   Members of the Zonta Club of Grand Island offered a delicious "Beef N Weck Dinner" and sold 50/50 split tickets with Supervisor Peter McMahon the winner.





"Summer Fun With Nature" - July 2006


(left) April Edwards, Zachery Penrose and Ben Cliss
Mary Stewart photo - Click for larger view

   "Summer Fun With Nature," sponsored by the Town Recreation Department, was held in July for three separate weeks of nature study for students ages 8-13 years. The classes ran from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and were instructed by Connor Middle School science teachers.





Open Family Swim - 2006

   Town sponsored Open Family Swims are scheduled at the high school pool, 1100 Ransom Road on the following Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.:
• July 28
• August 4
• August 11
   Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Life Guards will be on duty. There is no registration and no fees.





Town Sponsored Concerts Continue - July 2006


(left) Historical Society members shown are Carolyn Doebert, Sharon Nichols and Barbara Zafuto; Children are David, Brian and Emily Wynn with Paul Wynne in front.
Mary Stewart photos - Click for larger view

   The town sponsored concerts at the Town Commons Gazebo continue every Tuesday with rain dates scheduled for the following Thursday. The photos were taken at the Tuesday, July 18, 2006 Dixieland concert by the Bison City Stompers. Grand Island Historical Society members treated the crowd to root beer floats at a nominal fee and a good time was had by all. Click for "Concert Schedule."





Youth Tennis Challenge - 2006

   The Grand Island Parks and Recreation Department will hold a "Youth Tennis Challenge" at the Nike Base Tennis Courts from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, August 11, 2006. Players 7-16 years from all tennis sessions are invited to attend the tennis skills challenge competition. Call the Recreation office at 773-9680 for further information.




Rec. Dept. Offers Sports Clinics - 2006


Recreation leaders in the back are Laura Brodfuehrer, Dana Szczepaniak, Morgan MacGuire and Justin Dowd.
Children from left are obstacle course winner Zachary Penrose, Jacob McMahon, Nelson Ramos, and Jacob Ramos.
Mary Stewart Photo - Click for larger view.

   The Grand Island Recreation Department is conducting Youth Sports Clinics at Vets Park on Bedell Road and at the Kaegebein School play area. The clinics for boys and girls, ages 6 – 13 years, include discussion of rules and strategies, basic beginning drills and skills and game play. Clinics offering the different sports will run Monday through Thursday. Friday will be half-day sessions for rain day make-up or group games play. Clinic size limited to 30 youths.
   Session #2 for ages 10-13 Years begins July 20 and runs to August 10 at Kaegebein or Veterans Park. Prior registration is required. Call the Recreation Office, 773-9680 for further information.



St. Stephen School Float Is Independence Day Parade Winner - 2006


Click photo for larger view.

   Heading up the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce list of Independence Day Parade winners is the St. Stephen School float, taking first place. Adult organizers were Doug Saltzman and Karen Conboy. For complete list of winners, click Independence
Day Parade
and scroll down.





"Invitrogen Day Mini-Olympics Day" - 2006

   All Youths are invited to participate in the Recreation Department's Invitrogen Day Mini-Olympics Day on Thursday, July 13th starting at 9 a.m. at Veterans Park, Bedell Road. The event ends at noon. All are invited to participate. Lunch and awards to follow at no cost to participants. Click for
Mini Olympics Schedule.





"Summer Fun With Nature" - 2006

   "Summer Fun With Nature" is being offered during three individual weeks by the Grand Island Parks and Recreation Department:
Monday through Friday - July 10-14
Monday through Friday - July 17-21
Monday through Friday - July 24-28
   The classes that run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. are instructed by Veronica Connor Middle School science teachers and cover plants, animals and ecosystems. Youths ages 8-13 are eligible. To register, call 773-9680.





Auction of Surplus Town Equipment - 2006

   An auction of surplus Town equipment and vehicles will be held on Saturday, July 15 starting at 10 a.m. Review of items will start at 9:30 a.m. Items will include vehicles, office equipment, computer components and sports equipment. All items are used.
• ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD “AS-IS”
• NO PERSONAL CHECKS. CASH OR MONEY ORDERS ONLY.
• For purchase of vehicles; a copy of your drivers license will be required.
• ITEMS TO BE TAKEN NO LATER THAN 12 NOON THAT SAME DAY.
    All items will be located at the Nike Base, 3278 Whitehaven Road.





Grand Island Independence Day Parade & Road Races - 2006
Scroll Down For Parade Winners
 
Islettes Elite                                                     Fire Company "Rookies"
 
McCarthy School of Irish Dance             Fire Company's 1938 Chevy fire truck

Dick Bessel Race begins
Mary Stewart Photo - Click for larger view


   Clouds and temperatures in the low 70s greeted thousands of true blue Islanders who came out to watch the 36th annual Independence Day Parade down Grand Island Blvd. Tuesday morning, July 4, 2006. Fabulous bands, snappy baton twirlers, and floats to brag about looked even better when the sun eventually shinned. The Grand Island Teachers' Association made its first appearance in the parade along with many of "Pride Of the Island" recipients. The Niagara Frontier Concert Band was also a new addition.
Chamber Of Commerce July 4th Parade Winners - 2006
1st Place    -   St. Stephen School    -   Float
2nd Place    -   Jr. Purple Eagles   -   Unique Unit
3rd Place    -   VFW Post # 9249   -   Community Service Group
4th Place    -   Elderwood Health Care   -   Large Business
5th Place    -   Boy Scout Troop # 630   -   Youth Group
6th Place    -   Grand Island Lions Club   -   Antique Vehicles
7th Place    -   St. Martin-in-the-Fields   -   Marching Unit
8th Place    -   Dr. Huggs Car Wash   -   Small Business
9th Place    -   Grand Island Fire Company   -   New & Classic Vehicles
10th Place    -   Grinders Skatepark   -   Commercial Business
11th Place    -   Civil Air Patrol - Niagara Falls Squadron   -   Non-commercial Business
12th Place    -   Grand Island Teachers’ Association   -   School Unit
13th Place    -   Disabled American Veterans
14th Place    -   C.E.R.T. (Citizen Corp Council)
15th Place    -   Marston Equipment
16th Place    -   Siberian Husky
17th Place    -   Martin’s Fantasy Island
18th Place    -   Niagara Frontier Boat Racing Association
Tied for 20th    -   Democratic & Republican Parties

   First in the Dick Bessel Independence Day Run was Paul Spangler of Lexington, VA.
    For road race results, click http://www.score-this.com/results.html





Independence Day Parade Lineup - July 4, 2006

   The Grand Island, NY Independence Day Parade line-up has been announced by Town Recreation Director Linda Tufillaro. Click
July 4th Parade Lineup for parade units appearing on Grand Island Blvd. July 4, 2006.





Registration Saturday For Summer Youth Activities - June 17, 2006

   Registration for various Town sponsored youth activities will be held at the Nike Base, 3278 Whitehaven Road, from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 17, 2006 on a first come-first serve basis. Roller Hockey time has been changed to 12 noon on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "A friend or relative may register for you," Town Recreation Director Linda Tufillaro said this week.





Memorial Day - 2006

 

(left) American Legion Color Guard - Speaker Stephen M. Jones - High School Wind Ensemble member Joe Orsolits - Gold Star Mothers Shirley Luther and Mary Ann Crowe.
Mary Stewart Photos - Click for larger view

   Patriotism in abundance was evident on the over 300 Island residents who turned out on a warm Memorial Day 2006. Ceremonies began at 10 a.m. at DeGlopper Park and were led by Supervisor Peter A. McMahon.
   The Roll Call in memory of those men and women who gave their lives in defense of their country was read. This year's guest speaker was Stephen M. Jones, NY Air National Guard. The Grand Island High School Wind Ensemble led by Marty Allen played musical selections and Ensemble member Joseph Orsolits later played Taps.
   Gold Star Mothers Shirley Luther, whose son, Robert lost his life in Viet Nam in 1970, and Mary Ann Crowe, whose son Terry, lost his life in Iraq last year, were recognized. Terry's father, George was also in attendance.





Town Sponsored Summer Outdoor Band Concerts - 2006

   For the complete list of Town sponsored, free, Tuesday evening band concerts being held at the gazebo on the grounds of Town Hall, click
"Concerts."





Recreation Department Summer Activities - 2006

   The Grand Island Recreation announces summer activities. Click
Summer Activities for information. Click for Individual Activities.





Grand Island Recreation White Division Volleyball Championship - March 2006
“Island Healthcare Devices” Wins Championship


(Left front) John Dickinson, Ross Kaiser, Dick Crawford, Paul Holler; (back) Wayne Siverson, Crean DeGuehery, Steve Dickinson, Kevin Siverson

   The regular season of the Grand Island Recreation Volleyball White Division concluded with seven of the eight teams making the playoffs, with the “Island Healthcare Devices” team winning the championship. The games were played on March 23, 2006 at the Sidway School.
   Tying for sixth playoff spot were Mike Murray’s “Kill Zone” and John Mezhir “Sound Choice Audio.” Splitting the first two games the “Kill Zone” team won a close third game to advance to the next round and face Dick Crawford’s “Island Healthcare Devices” team. This was also a very close match with the first two games split. Both teams battled back and forth with “Island Healthcare” prevailing and going on to the semi-finals.
   Squaring off in the next round were Ray Billica’s “The Relics” against Dan Bierbrauer’s “Brick Oven” team. This was also a hotly fought contest with the “Brick Oven” team advancing to the semi-finals.
   The first game of the semi-finals pitted the first place “Doorway Rug Service” team coached by Jeff Vesper against fourth place “Island Healthcare Devices.” This match went back and forth throughout with “Island Healthcare Devices” advancing with the win and a place in the finals.
   In the other semi-final, the second place team sponsored by Grant Hennigar and appropriately named “Hennigars,” faced the quick hitting, third place Brick Oven Team. Both teams battled fiercely with “Hennigars” advancing to the finals against “Island Healthcare Devices.”
   The finals saw both teams win one of the first two games setting up a must win for the championship. Due to time constraints, the third match was the first to reach 15 points. Staying on top with a 15–13 point final game, the playoff champions were the “Island Healthcare Devices” team.





"Visit With The Easter Bunny" - 2006
Summer Youth Activities Booklet Announced

   The Parks & Recreation Department will sponsor a "Visit with the Easter Bunny" at Tops Market, Grand Island, from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 8, 2006. The event is for toddlers through children 10 years of age. PRIZES, FUN & GAMES - Hunt for your “SPECIAL EGG” - after you visit with the Easter Bunny
   The Parks & Recreation Summer Youth Activities Booklet will be out the week of April 24th. Registration for youth activities will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 17 at the Nike Base, 3278 Whitehaven Road.
   Memorial Day Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, May 29, at DeGlopper Memorial Park.
   Summer Outdoor Band Concerts start on Tuesday evenings, June 27.
   The Independence Day Parade and races will be held on Tuesday, July 4th.





Recreation Department Offers Youth and Adult Programs- 2006

   The Grand Island Recreation and Parks Department offers the following programs for youth and adults:
   Adult Slow-Pitch Softball Leagues - start the end of May for Monday night women, Tuesday and Thursday night men and Friday night mixed league. To enter a team and for more entry information, call the Recreation Department at 773-9680. Teams that have played in the past must submit their letter of intent by February 20 to enter. Fees to be determined by the number of teams entered per league. Players must be 16 years old to participate. All games are played on Grand Island.
    Applications - for part time positions are being accepted for the following youth programs; tennis instructors/aids, archery instructor and lifeguards. Pay scale starts at $6.75 depending on the activity and level of position. Programs start the end of June and are conducted for six weeks. Applicants are asked to apply in person at the Nike Base, 3278 Whitehaven Road, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
   Parks & Recreation Summer activities booklet - to be distributed to the elementary, St. Stephen and Connor Middle School students after the second Spring break. Activities to include a Youth Nature Study program, all day sports camp, tennis instruction for both adults and youth, swimming instruction, roller hockey, and a new “mobile” playground program. Registration date for activities will be Saturday, June 17 at Nike Base Park, 3278 Whitehaven Road from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon. Activities are open to youth 6 years of age and up. Each activity will have age and skill level requirements, limited enrollment and a one-time registration fee.
   Outdoor Summer Band Concerts - start June 27 at the Gazebo in Town Common. Music features Dixieland Jazz to Country Western. All concerts are free and all are invited. Schedule of concerts and dates to be announced in March.
   Independence Day, July 4th - activities will be conducted on Tuesday, July 4th and include: the Dick Bessel Road Race, “Kids Race” and the July 4th parade. Groups wishing to enter the parade are asked to call the Recreation Office, 773-9680, for details and entry form. Entry forms for the Kids and Dick Bessel Road Races will be available the end of March.
   Sunday Family swim program - at the High School pool - Sundays, 12 Noon – 3 p.m. Children under 16 years are to be accompanied by an adult. No fees, life guards on duty. Dates remaining: March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2 and





Recreation Department Special Athletes' Activities - 2006

   The Grand Island Recreation and Parks Department offers Special Athletes' Activities in the Grand Island High School gym and pool on Sunday afternoons. Instructors Vaughn Keller and Denis Walsh will direct swimming and gym activities. Click
Special Athletes Activities for list of dates and complete information. (773-5803 or 773-9549)





Recreation Department Youth Activity Night - 2006

   The Grand Island Recreation and Parks Department offers Youth Activity Night in the Kaegebein Elementary School gym on Thursday evenings. Cortney Bota and Amy Stewart will lead the children's activity for ages 6 through 10-year-olds from 6-8 p.m. Registration is required and may be made at the Recreation office, 3278 Whitehaven Road from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is a $20 fee.
   Activity Dates:
January 5, 12, 19, 26
February 2, 9, 16
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
   This activity will be cancelled whenever Grand Island School District schools are closed due to weather or emergency conditions. For further information, call the Recreation Department at 773-9680 (nights: 465-8370).





Recreation Department Youth Basketball Program - 2006

   The Grand Island Recreation and Parks Department offers a Youth Basketball Program in the Kaegebein Elementary School gym on Friday evenings. Ages 8- and 9-year-olds play from 6-7 p.m. Ages 10-year-olds play from 7-8 p.m. Registration is required and may be made at the Recreation office, 3278 Whitehaven Road from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is a $20 fee.
   Activity Dates:
January 6, 13, 20, 27
February 3, 10, 17
   This activity will be cancelled whenever Grand Island School District schools are closed due to weather or emergency conditions. Youths are required to wear proper clothing and footwear. Food and water bottles are not allowed. For further information, call the Recreation Department at 773-9680 (nights: 465-8370).





Recreation Department Family Swim - 2006

   Grand Island Recreation and Parks Department's Family Swim is held from noon to 2:45 p.m. on Sundays in the Grand Island High School pool, 1100 Ransom Road. Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Lifeguards will be on duty.
The following are Sunday Swim dates:
January 22 - January 29
February 5 - February 12
March 5 - March 12 - March 19 - March 26
April 2 - April 9
   This activity will be cancelled whenever Grand Island School District schools are closed due to weather or emergency conditions. Dates skipped are scheduled school holidays.
   For further information, call the recreation office: 773-9680, weekends 465-8370





Recreation Department Snow Sculpture Contest - 2006

   Grand Island Recreation and Parks Department's Snow Sculpture Contest is an ongoing contest being held all winter, for all ages. Subject matter is up to you. When you complete your snow sculpture entry, call the Recreation Office at 773-9680 and a Recreation Department representative will come out and take a photo of it. Entries will be accepted through March 31, 2006. Sculpture winners will be announced April 7, 2006.


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