Town Recreation Department Webpage - 2007

Town of Grand Island Website

Linda Tufillaro, director
 E-Mail
3278 Whitehaven Road
773-9680
Recreation Department News 2008
Recreation Department News 2006
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





All Recreation Dept. Activities Cancelled Thurs., December 13, 2007
   Town Recreation Dept. Director Linda Tufillaro has announced that the Thursday, December 13, 2007 activities are cancelled.




Santa Visits Town Hall - Dec. 2007

Left: Greg and Lynnda Colbert and daughter Bryahna Colbert with Santa.
Right: Historical Society members Jane Duffy and Curt Nestark with Santa and helpers Jane and Cap Cooke.

Left: Mom - Lynn & Kenny Carter
Right: Grand Island High School students & Recreation Dept. employees: Matt Klock, Tim Boorady and Aaron Wood.

The Snowboarders Quartet
   The holiday lights were lit at Grand Island Town Hall on Friday evening, December 7th, along with a visit from Santa. The Snowboarders Barbershop Quartet sang holiday songs while Santa listened to many requests from the little ones. Recreation Department employees manned the crafts and coloring stations, while the Historical Society helped with refreshments.




Everyone Invited To "Welcome Santa" at Town Hall - 2007
   "Welcome Santa" and lighting of the Town Hall Gazebo will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, December 7, 2007 at the town hall and gazebo. Activities are geared for children from toddlers to eight years old and include "Talk with Santa," games, crafts, seasonal videos, refreshments and musical selections from The Friends Of Harmony Quartet.




Fuccillo Team, Womens Monday Night Softball League Champs - 2007

(left) Laura Anderson, Darlynn Hoy, Karen Conboy, Coach Kester Bleich (front), Jennifer Pereise, and Fuccillo Chevrolet General Manager, Tom Kanaley
      Click photo for larger view
   The Grand Island Town Recreation Department's Women's Monday Night Softball League championship for 2007 was won by the Fuccillo Chevrolet team shown above with General Manager Tom Kanaley.




Grand Island Recreation Thursday Night Men’s Softball B League - 2007
VFW Post 9249 Team Defeats Town Cafe

(front left) Jeff Lorenz, Mike Botticello, Anthony Martello, Sean Govern, Patrick Govern; (back) Coach Bill Sargent, Joe DeLoreto, Kevin Govern, Mike Backlund, Jeff Sargent, Chis Capolupo, Mike Brand, Bill Taglis, and Alan Govern. Not pictured are Coach Vince Martello and Coach Jim Capolupo
      Joe Synakowski photo - click for larger view
   The Champs! The Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 Team defeated the Town Cafe Team to become the champions for 2007 Thursday Night B League Softball. The VFW team played a hard fought game that had many great plays by both teams. Anthony Martello led off with a home run in the first inning and ended the game with a spectacular diving catch of a long fly ball with two men in scoring position to secure the win. Kevin Govern robbed the hitter of a home run with a great catch which kept two runs from scoring. The final score was VFW 14, Town Cafe 11. The players of both teams did their sponsors proud.




Independence Day Smiles On Patriotic Grand Island - 2007
       
Photos and story by Christine Stange - Click for larger view
   My ride on a Fourth of July parade float down the boulevard that bears our community’s name proved to be a wonderful experience. I've been a spectator and a parade walker for various organizations in the past but have never been on a float. The perspective was eye opening even for a seasoned Grand Island veteran like myself. There is a lot of "not-so-good" in this world but one thing for sure, even in our relatively small town venue, the patriotism that I witnessed on the faces of parade goers, flags in hand, waving proudly was phenomenal and moving. Old faces, new faces, young and old turned out in the rain and drizzle to celebrate Americana in a big Island way! It was a great day to be an American and a Grand Islander!




Auction of Surplus Town Equipment - 2007
   An auction of surplus Town equipment and vehicles will be held on Saturday, July 21 starting at 10 a.m. Review of items will start at 9:30 a.m. Items will include vehicles, office equipment, and miscellaneous 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 - 2007
 
Independence Day Kids Race participants

 
Morgan and Erin Turner             Sara El Houssieny sang the National Anthem


Getting ready for the Dick Bessel Race               McCarthy School of Irish Dance

St. Stephen's Float                                              St. Martin-in-the-Fields Float
Mary Stewart Photos - Click for larger view


Submitted photo - click for larger view
(left) Kassandra Bennett and Jessica Bamberg walking in the July 4th parade for the Pride of Grand Island.
   Rain didn't dampen the crowd by much on the morning of the 37th annual Independence Day 2007 parade. Five bands, several baton twirling units, award winning floats and much more kept the crowd's attention until the last unit passed by. Preceding the parade were the annual races - one for the kids followed by the Dick Bessel run.
   First in the Dick Bessel Independence Day Run was Brian Lombardo of Tonawanda, in 11:02 minutes. Zack Allen was the first Grand Island finisher, 3rd in the race, in 11:48 min.
    For road race results, click http://www.score-this.com/results.html




Independence Day On Grand Island - 2007
   The The Dick Bessel Kids Race (9 a.m.) and Dick Bessell Road Race (9:15 a.m.) will precede the annual July 4th parade that begins 9:35 a.m. Wednesday, July 4th on Grand Island Blvd. Click for Independence Day Parade Lineup.
   The VFW Post #9249 will host its annual community picnic at the Post, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. directly after the parade.




Grand Island's Independence Day Parade - 2007
   The Grand Island Recreation Department would like to remind Islanders that the 2007 Dick Bessel Road Race and Independence Day Parade will take place on Wednesday, July 4th, along Grand Island Boulevard. Roads will be closed at 8:45 a.m., so get there early!
   The “Kids Race”, ages 5-9, will be followed by the ever-growing Dick Bessel race, a 2.3-mile road race, open to race walkers and runners of all skill levels and all ages. $15.00 entry fee, $25.00 entry fee for day of. No entry taken after 8:30 a.m.
   The Independence Day parade 2007, themed Patriotism, will immediately follow the races. It’s not too late to get in on the fun! ANY interested individual or organization is welcome to join the The Islettes’ Elite, Grand Island Gallopers, Tonawanda Clown Band, Caledonian Pipes and Drums, and many other groups on the parade line-up. Parade applications are available by calling the Recreation Department at 773-9680. The Dick Bessel Road Race and Kids Race applications are on line at WWW.Score-This.com. Down load the application and mail it and your entry fee to the Orchard Park address. Applications must be received by July 2nd. Day of race entry fee is $25.00, no entry taken after 8:30 a.m.




Dick Bessel Independence Day Run - 2007
   The 32nd Annual Dick Bessel Independence Day Run takes place Wednesday, July 4, 2007 on Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island, NY. The race and results are being conducted by the Grand Island Recreation Department and Score This!! See Dick Bessel Road Race Application for race application, map and all details.




Memorial Day 2007
           
Unidentified family - GIHS Brass Ensemble - VFW Chaplain Michael Rogan, Col. Conboy and Supervisor McMahon - Col. Conboy - VFW #9249 Honor Guard
Christine Stange Photos
   Memorial Day 2007 ceremonies under sunny skies at DeGlopper Park Monday morning, May 28, 2007 were very well attended. Guest speaker was Island resident Col. David J. Conboy. See "Memorial Day Speeches"
   Scroll down for full Memorial Day Program.




Memorial Day Program - 2007
   Memorial Day ceremonies will take place at DeGlopper Park, Baseline and Grand Island Blvd. at 10 a.m. Monday, May 28, 2007. The program follows:
The Pledge to the flag…………...……Peter A. McMahon
Musical Selection………………GIHS Wind Ensemble - Director: Marty Allen
Invocation………………..………………VFW Post 9249 - Mike Rogan, Chaplain
Introduction of Guests………………. Peter A. McMahon
Ø Gold Star Mothers
Ø Dignitaries
Welcome………………...……...…… Peter A. McMahon
Roll Call… …………………American Legion Post 1346
   In memory of those men and women who gave their lives in defense of their country
Silent prayer ………………...….…..... Peter A. McMahon
Musical Selection ……………… GIHS Wind Ensemble
Introduction of Guest
Speaker …………………………Colonel David Conboy - US Army Reserve
Speaker Gift
Presentation of Wreath………..……….VFW, American Legion Post and DAV
South Park Jr. ROTC
Rifle Salute & Taps……………………VFW Color Guard, Am. Legion, & DAV - High School Players
Raising of the Flag……...….....American Legion Post 1346
Presentation of Colors - VFW and DAV
Closing Remarks……………………....Peter A. McMahon
Musical Selection………………….GIHS Wind Ensemble
Benediction………………...…..Chaplain, VFW Post 9249 - Mike Rogan
Open House - VFW Post




Recreation Dept. Announces Softball Schedule - 2007
   The Grand Island Parks and Recreation announces the Softball Schedule. See for "Summer Softball 2007."




Recreation Dept. Announces Summer Programs - 2007
   The Grand Island Parks and Recreation announces summer programs. See for "Summer Programs 2007."




Easter Bunny Makes Stop At Tops Before Easter - 2007

Jeff Stange Photo - Click photo for larger view
The Easter Bunny visited with children on Friday afternoon, April 6 when sisters Sarah (left) and Meghan McMurray took time out to sit on his lap and have their picture taken. Joseph Frailey and Rachael Regnet both guested the right number, 77, in the candy egg count contest.




Recreation Dept. Volleyball Championship Teams - March 2007

TC's Originals - Regular season volleyball champs, (front) Dave Wunsch and Russ Boyce; (top) Keith Held, Jim Zoldowski and John Moore. Missing from photo is Wes Jurkowski.


TC's Originals Playoff champions - (front) Jim Zoldowski, Keith Held; (top) John Moore, Dave Wunsch, Russ Boyce. Missing from photo is Wes Jurkowski.


White Oak Farms - Playoff Champion Runners Up - (left) Vernon Martell, Paul Schultz, C.D. Hunt, Harrison Rogers, Terry Swain, Bill Derwin.


Jeff Stange photos - Click for larger view

   The Grand Island Parks & Recreation volleyball league ended the season this month. The championship teams posed for these photos on Thursday March 22, 2007. T.C.'s Originals with Dave Wunsch as manager were the league winners and playoff champs. Runners-up were Costello & Frentzel. The games were played at the Connor Middle School.
   The Relics were division and playoff champs with the DEMCO team, the runners-up. This league played at Sidway School. (See "Final Winter Standings")




Recreation Department News
Easter Bunny Visits - 2007
   A visit with the Easter Bunny, sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Department, is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, April 6, 2007 at the Grand Island Tops Market. Geared for youths 6 mos. to 12 years old, children will be able to visit with the Easter Bunny, color plastic eggs, make a card, enter a coloring contest, guess how many candies in a jar, face paint and try for the grand prize of a stuffed Easter rabbit. Each child will be able to pick three eggs from the Bunny’s special Easter basket for a prize. Parents are welcome to take photos.




Town Sponsored Summer Outdoor Band Concerts - 2007
   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 News
PT Summer Jobs - Easter Bunny Visits - 2007
   Applications for part time summer jobs working in the Parks & Recreation Dept. are being accepted. Forms are available at the Town Hall or Recreation Office on Whitehaven Road. Applicants must be 18 years of age and out of high school to work for maintenance and 16 years old to work programs. Photo ID is required, and deadline date for applications is April 13, 2007.
   The Parks & Recreation Summer Activities booklet will be out the week of April 23. Booklets will be distributed to the Grand Island schools for students to take home. Information will also be available on line at www.gigov.com, www.isledegrande.com, the Grand Island Memorial Library, Town Hall and Recreation Office and in the Island Dispatch. Activities are geared for youths 6 yrs. – 16 yrs. old and include tennis and swimming lessons, ponytail softball, sports camp, roller hockey, nature study and playgrounds. Additional activities for youths and adults are special events such as a walking program, “Stride Challenge,” outdoor band concerts, softball and soccer leagues, a mini Olympics, tennis challenge and more to be offered.
   A visit with the Easter Bunny is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, April 6, 2007 at the Grand Island Tops Market. Geared for youths 6 mos. to 12 years old, children will be able to visit with the Easter Bunny, color plastic eggs, make a card, enter a coloring contest, guess how many candies in a jar, face paint and try for the grand prize of a stuffed Easter rabbit. Each child will be able to pick three eggs from the Bunny’s special Easter basket for a prize. Parents are welcome to take photos.




Recreation Activities - Think Spring! - 2007
   The Grand Island Parks and Recreation "wants you to be active! Click for "Spring Programs being offered."




Great Day For Snow Sculpture Contest - February 2007
Shown are a frog sculture (left) by the Freedman family, and a crocodile sculture created by (left) Jane Cooke, Mandy Liesenfeld and James "Cap" Cooke


These painted snow designs of the Sabres logo and an American Flag were entered in the contest along with the snow sculptures.
Jodi Robinson photos - Click for larger view
   A "Winter Break: Snow Sculpture Contest," a first for the Grand Island Parks & Recreation, drew nine participants to the Town Common on Tuesday, February 20, 2007. Weather was mild, providing perfect snow for the making of various sculptures.
   Those taking part were:
• James and Jane Cooke with Mandy Liesenfeld and their life size alligator and tortoise
• The Freedman family - Kevin, Marissa, Ben and Denise carved out a frog, a fort, recliner chair, the Buffalo Sabres logo and the American Flag
• Max and Ray Tafelski provided a second fort with enough snowballs to defend their creative construction.
   All were served hot chocolate and cookies afterwards. Sculptures are at the Town Common grounds at Town Hall, however with the temperature rising, they may not be there very long.




Recreation Activities Cancelled - 2007
   Town Recreation activities for Wednesday, February 14, 2007 are cancelled. This includes Mens Basketball at Kaegebein and Sidway and Ladies Volleyball at Connor Middle School. Games will be moved to the end of regular season play.




Recreation Dept. Offers Family Swim & Snow Sculpture Contest - 2007
   The Grand Island Parks & Recreation Department will hold a family swim on Wednesday, February 21 and Thursday, February 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Grand Island High School pool. Lifeguards will be on duty. Scroll down for information on the Tuesday, February 20th Snow Sculpture Contest taking place at the Town Common.




Recreation Dept. Offers Snow Sculpture Contest - 2007

   The Grand Island Parks & Recreation Department will conduct a Snow Sculpture Contest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2007. Sculpture area will be Town Common Gazebo and materials for decorating will be provided. Registration will be held that day at the Gazebo, and there will be prizes and refreshments for contestants. The contest is open to all ages. Dress for the weather and ground conditions. The event is dependent on snow. Call the Recreation Department, 773-9680, for more information.







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