Buffalo Launch Club

Buffalo Launch Club News Page -
2006 - 2010
Page 3

Previous Buffalo Launch Club News 2005
Previous Buffalo Launch Club News 2000-2004

Official Buffalo Launch Club Website
503 East River Road
Grand Island, NY 14072
773-7629

OFFICERS - 2010:
Commodore: Capt. Rick Beck
Vice Commodore: Capt. Tom Grady
Rear Commodore: Capt. Ken Bambach
Fleet Captain: Capt. Andy Barbasch

Interesting Sites
BLC Lighthouse
1906 Regatta Link       1907 Regatta Link
1908 Regatta Link      1950 Regatta Link
1957 Regatta Link             Wildroot Charlie
The Vintage Hydroplanes
"Official web site of the APBA Vintage & Historic Division"

Buffalo Launch Club History

Buffalo Launch Club

1907 Feature

Buffalo Launch Club:
Boater Safety Course At BLC - April 2009
   Buffalo Launch Club members will host a Boater Safety Course to be presented by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 25. This class meets the 8-hour New York State Requirement for the Safe Boater Operating Certificate for personal watercraft operation for all ages, and boat operation for those under age 18.
   The course is open to the general public:
• $40 for first person in household, $20 for each additional
• Fee payable to the Coast Guard Auxiliary
• Food and beverages will be available for purchase from the Club
• Call Helen, 773-7629, to reserve a spot
• Course being held at Buffalo Launch Club, 503 East River Road, Grand Island. NY

Doug Scheid Elected BLC 2009 Commodore - 2008

Commodore Doug Scheid
   The Board of Directors of the Buffalo Launch Club has elected Grand Island resident Douglas M. Scheid to serve as their Commodore for 2009. Mr. Scheid follows another Island resident, John Bruno, who has served as Commodore for 2008. Mr. Scheid, who owns and operates a Buffalo area architectural firm, will preside over the club's social and business affairs with his first mate Patty and the club's board starting immediately following the installation of officers planned for December 28th at the East River Road clubhouse. Also serving with Mr. Scheid in 2009 will be Vice Commodore Rick Beck, Rear Commodore Thomas Grady, Fleet Captain Kenneth Bambach, Secretary Michael P. Dallessandro and Treasurer David Grady. Also serving the club as members of the Board of Directors for 2009 are Thomas Stewart, Frank DeGeorge, Anthony Parlato, Norbert Zintek, Andrew J. "AJ" Beyer IV and Andy Barbasch.
   For information about club membership or to schedule an informal tour of BLC facilities, call the club office at 773-7629 or visit the club's website at www.Buffalolaunchclub.com

Buffalo Launch Club:
YWCA To Uncork Beaujolais Nouveau Wine - November 2008
   The YWCA Tonawandas will celebrate a dozen years of Beaujolais Nouveau with its wine tasting, dinner and auction Friday, November 21 at the Buffalo Launch Club on Grand Island. This year’s theme for the major fund raiser is Cabaret with all proceeds benefiting the YW’s domestic violence program. A well-established tradition for the YWCA, the festive event includes a menu of fine French cuisine, entertainment and a silent and live auction to kick off the holiday shopping season.
   Theme baskets and live auction items include Southwest Airline tickets for two to anywhere in the continental United States, a Joe Mesi autographed boxing glove, an acoustic guitar, a two-day, one-night pass to Chautauqua Institution, season passes to the Niagara Parks system, a $200 gas card, Shaw Festival Theatre tickets, plus many more irresistible prize packages.
   Gold sponsors of the event are Fortistar, the law firm of Joseph W. Carosella and Dr. and Mrs. Gerald Logue. Silver sponsors are FCS Adminisrators, Inc., Attorney Francis Letro, Lawley Service Insurance, and Morgan & Armenia CPAs. Bronze sponsors are Buffalo Pumps, Don Davis Pontiac-Honda, Impressive Imprints, LaPenna Agency, Mad Data Products, Mr. and Mrs. David Burgio, Attorney Shawn Nickerson, Twin City Ambulance, Erie County Legislator Michele Iannello, Mr and Mrs. Ronald Strzyz, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Zbieszkowski, and the law firm of Walsh, Roberts & Grace.
   Enjoy the magic of the French savoir faire that will make this Beaujolais Nouveau event the best ever. For reservations and tickets ($50 per person, $350 for table of 8) call the YWCA at 692-5580.

Antique & Classic Boat Show - September 2008
   The 31st annual Antique Boat Show, hosted by the members of the Buffalo Launch Club, takes place on Saturday, September 6, 2008 at the Buffalo Launch Club, 503 East River Road, Grand Island, NY. See links below for complete information.
"Niagara Frontier Antique & Classic Boats"
"Shuffle Off To Buffalo"
"The Vintage Hydroplanes"
"Boat Race Reunion - Speedboats"

Buffalo Launch Club 105th Flag Raising - 2008

BLC Director Michael Dallessandro with Past Commodore James Baker at podium
Click photos for larger view
   Under clouds and rain Commodore John Bruno and Fleet Captain Thomas Grady declared the 105th boating season open at the Buffalo Launch Club on Sunday May 18, 2008. A large crowd of BLC officers, directors, members, spouses, families and guests braved the cold temperatures and weather that didn't feel like spring at all, to participate in this year's ceremony which was followed by a champagne brunch.
   Along with the traditional cannon blasts and and the raising of various flags, a wreath was launched while bagpipers played Amazing Grace in honor of BLC members Don Murphy, James Coad and Larry Harpster who passed away this year. BLC Board member Michael Dallessandro had the honor of presenting Past Commodores James Baker and David Wright with their life membership which commemorates their meritorious service to the club. Mr. Dallessandro also presented the Harry Simpson Memorial Scholarship to BLC employee Kellie Shanahan, who is pursuing a degree in education at Buffalo State, and to Alysson McMahon who will attend Buffalo State where she will earn a degree in Business.

BLC Honors Commodore John Bruno - 2008

BLC Commodore John Bruno and his wife, Carol

Commodore Bruno receives his Commodore's plaque from Immediate Past Commodore William Reitebach
Click photos for larger view
    Nearly 250 members and guests filled the Buffalo Launch Club to capacity on Saturday, May 10, 2008 to honor their 2008 Commodore, John Bruno and his wife Carol. The Brunos have given a tremendous amount of time to the success of the BLC and it was evident by the turnout for this black tie gala that the members truly value their contribution. Commodore Bruno has served the BLC as a board member or officer for 11 years. During that time he served as Treasurer and is credited with developing the sound financial plans that have the BLC on sound footing today. He also served as Fleet Captain for 2005, Rear Commodore for 2006, Vice Commodore for 2007 and Commodore for 2008. His first mate, Carol, has served as president of the BLC Mates organization and is credited with chairing a number of successful events for the spouses of members.
   During the evening guests enjoyed delicious hot appetizers and a dinner of surf and turf followed by the "perfect peach" dessert. Members and family paid tribute to the Commodore with both serious and humorous stories of his boating years and the evening was capped off with dancing to the music of the Live Wire Band.

Island Resident John A. Bruno Is Buffalo Launch Club Commodore - 2008

Commodore John A. Bruno

BLC officers seated are Douglas Scheid, Commodore John Bruno and Richard Beck; (standing) Kenneth Bambach, Andy Barbasch, Frank DeGeorge, Thomas Stewart, James Burke, David Grady, Norbert Zinteck, Michael Dallessandro and Thomas Grady.

   Island resident John A. Bruno was installed as the new commodore of the Buffalo Launch Club for 2008 at ceremonies held in the Clubhouse on East River Road, Grand Island on December 30, 2007. Also serving the Club in 2008 are Vice Commodore Douglas M. Scheid, Rear Commodore Richard T. Beck, Fleet Captain Thomas W. Grady, Secretary Kenneth D. Bambach, Treasurer James P. Burke, Directors Andy Barbasch, Frank P. DeGeorge, Thomas W. Stewart, David A. Grady, Norbert A. Zinteck and Michael P. Dallessandro.

Buffalo Launch Club Kids' Fishing Derby - May 2007

Click photo for larger view
   The Buffalo Launch Club was the site of the 2nd annual Fishing Derby for Kids. Professional fishermen representing the Niagara River Anglers Association were on hand from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 27, 2007 to record results and offer assistance to the youthful fishermen. Teresa Hooper chaired the event held in the Launch Club basin. Fifty-nine youngsters had a great time catching and releasing some of Niagara's finest Rock Bass, Large Mouth Bass, Perch, Bluegills, Sunfish and one big carp. Following the derby, an awards ceremony saw a slew of prizes donated by area merchants, randomly distributed to all the entrants. The five trophy winners were:
Most Fish caught - Dylan DeGlopper, 14 fish
Smallest fish, Bridgett Sander, a 4" Rock bass
Largest Fish: Helena Cassata, a 14" Carp
Largest Fish: 2nd Place: Michael Boyd, a 12" Large Mouth Bass
Largest Fish: 3rd Place, Morgan Wdowka, an 11" Large Mouth Bass

Buffalo Launch Club Scholarships Presented To Donald Turner, Gabrielle Montemage - 2007

Harry Simpson Scholarship winner, Donald Turner.
   (left) BLC Past Commodore Robert Black present scholarship award to Donald Turner; (right) Donald is shown with his parents, Karen and Michael Dallessandro.
Click photos for larger view
   It was an overcast day for the Buffalo Launch Club's annual flag raising on Sunday, May 20, 2007 when the Harry Simpson Scholarship awards were presented to Donald Turner III and Gabrielle Montemage. The presentation was made by Past Commodore Robert S. Black.
   Donald, who will graduate in June with the Grand Island High School Class of 2007, will be attending Buffalo State College in the Fall of 2007. He is the son of Island residents Karen and Michael Dallessandro.
   Gabrielle, a server at the BLC and a member of the Grand Island High School Class of 2003, recently graduated from Niagara University with a communications degree.
    The scholarships, established in 1990, are given in memory of Harry Simpson, who served as the Buffalo Launch Club's manager for 42 years.

BLC Announces Annual Boater's Seminar/Luncheon - 2007

    The 17th annual Boater's Seminar and Luncheon sponsored by the Buffalo Launch Club, will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2007 in the clubhouse, 503 East River Road, Grand Island, NY. Registration for the morning of boating education, maritime history, and adventure begins at 9:30 a.m. with a program from 10 a.m. to noon and lunch from noon to 1 p.m. For reservations ($18 includes lunch, tax & gratuity) call 716-773-7629. The seminar is open to all boating friends. See "BLC Boater's Seminar/Luncheon for further information.

Spring Boat Show Event At BLC - 2007

   A Boating Event sponsored by the Niagara Frontier Antique & Classic Boats will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2007 at the Buffalo Launch Club, 503 East River Road, Grand Island, New York. The public is invited.
   The George Reis Story
George Reis (1917-1962) was the owner/driver of "El Lagarto" Gold Cup champion 1933, 1934 and 1935. Not for 30 years would another craft (Miss Bardahl) match El Lagarto's record of winning 3 Gold Cups in a row. The fastest boat in the world at that time, achieving a record speed of 72 mph. Pictured in the following link is the El Lagarto driven by Buffalo Launch Club member Ed Grimm.
   Guest Speaker: Bill Morgan
Just a boy when El Lagarto was being campaigned, often seeing her on Lake George, Bill will talk on the accomplishments of George Reis. Bill created a full-size replica of the El Lagarto that he calls "Happy Times."
   Cost for the evening: $20 per person
This will include hors d'oeuvres, beef and turkey carving stations, as well as a chocolate fountain dessert selection. Food will be served informally at stations to give the opportunity to view Bill's photo collection.
6 p.m. - Food and drinks served, cash bar available
7:30 p.m. - The George Reis Story - presentation by Bill Morgan
   Reservations (check payable to NFC/ACBS) and more info:
Mail to: Jennifer Frederick-Kelly, 109 June Dr., Elma, NY 14059
E-mail: fredmach@choiceonemail.com
More info: Rich DeGlopper, 716-876-7390

Gliding Stars Presents Diva by Diva At The BLC - 2007
    Gliding Stars Presents Diva by Diva on Thursday, February 15, 2007 at the Buffalo Launch Club, 503 East River Road. Diva by Diva is a cabaret style production filled with songs, readings, poetry, and quotes by, for and about women. This show is “gender specific” but not “gender exclusive”…men enjoy it too! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Click "Diva by Diva" for complete event and ticket information.

Buffalo Launch Club Officers 2007

Buffalo Launch Club officers for 2007 were installed at the Clubhouse on East River Road, Grand Island on December 27, 2006. Shown front left are Vice Commodore John A. Bruno, Commodore William A. Reitebach, Rear Commodore Douglas M. Scheid; (back) Fleet Captain Richard T. Beck, Directors Frank P. DeGeorge, Robert W. DeGlopper, Thomas W. Stewart, David A. Grady, Kenneth Bambach, and Secretary Thomas E. Grady. Missing from the photo are Treasurer James P. Burke, Director and Michael E. Ziegler.
Click photo for larger view.

Boater's Seminar & Luncheon - 2006
   Members of the Buffalo Launch Club will hold their 16th annual Boater's Seminar & Luncheon on Saturday, April 8, 2006 in the Clubhouse at 503 East River Road, Grand Island, N.Y.
Schedule:
• Registration - 9:30 a.m.
• Program - 10 a.m. to noon
• Lunch - noon - 1 p.m.
   Reservations are necessary by calling 773-7629. Cost is $12 which includes tax and gratuity.

Buffalo Launch Club Commodore's Ball - 2006
   Members of the Buffalo Launch Club will hold their annual Commodore's Ball on Saturday, April 1, 2006 when Commodore Dennis Daniels will be honored. The traditional surf and turf dinner, by invitation only, including wine service, will be a black tie event featuring the music of "Live Wire."

BLC Officers 2006

Buffalo Launch Club officers for 2006 were installed at the Clubhouse on East River Road, Grand Island on December 29, 2005. Shown front left are Vice Commodore Bill Reitebach, Commodore Dennis Daniels, Rear Commodore John Bruno; (back) Fleet Captain Doug Scheid, Director Robert DeGlopper, Secretary Richard Beck, Director Michael Ziegler, Director George Schlemmer, Treasurer James Burke, Director Frank DeGeorge, and Director Thomas Grady. Missing from the photo is Director Thomas Stewart.
Click photo for larger view.

New Year's Eve 2005 At BLC

Bob Gates photos - (left) Mike and Karen Dallassandro; Rick and Sue Henderson; Karen and Bob DeGlopper; Chie and Floyd Doring; Tom Giambra, Jean Roth and Penny Giambra; Rick and Sue Henderson and Trish and Larry Harpster; - BLC Lighthouse Ice sculpture - Free Fall Band
Pictured are just a few of those attending the Buffalo Launch Club's well attended New Year's Eve party. The band, Free Fall, provided the music. The New Year's Eve committee included Bill and Ann Curry, Bob and Donna Gates, West and Port Hoddick, Ron and Joanne Hortman, Ray and Judy Dintino, Frank and Joyce Ann DeGeorge, Carl and Pam Detig, Mike and Karen Dallessandro, George and Molly Peters, Dave and Carol Pontrello and Sue Berger. Click last two photos for larger view.

If you are a member of this organization, we need your help. GIECOM.Net has partnered with the Connections program to help Grand Island as a community "Get it Together." Please visit our website G-I-Together.ORG and fill out our SURVEY. Every group on Grand Island will have its own FREE web page showing: meeting times and location, contact persons, your Mission Statement and a listing of events. We will also be linking your news events that appear in the local media and on IsledeGrande.Com, Grand Island's E-News Source, to your page, maintaining an archived journal of pictures and news. This is the perfect opportunity for your group to connect with potential new members and the community.