Town Recreation Department Webpage - 2008

Town of Grand Island Website

Linda Tufillaro, director
 E-Mail
3278 Whitehaven Road
773-9680
Recreation Department News 2009
Recreation Department News 2007
Recreation Department News 2006
Recreation Department News 2005
Previous Recreation Department News 2000-2004





"Welcome Santa" at Town Hall - 2008
   The Town Recreation Department announces "Welcome Santa" & Lighting of the town hall gazebo & tree events being held in the Town Hall Lobby and Gazebo from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 2008. See "Welcome Santa/Holiday Lighting" for complete information.




Roller Hockey Winners - 2008
Mary Stewart Photo - Click for larger view
   Grand Island Parks & Recreation Dept. Youth Roller Hockey League: Havenwood Courts
   Members pictured: Team #2 won both the Division (7-1) and the playoffs (9-8).
Instructors: Ben Kozar, Casey Dahlstrom & Rich Karpie
Team #2	Team Name:
		PLAYER NAME
1.	Nick Szabo
2.	Timothy Winder
3.	Ryan McDonald
4.	Jacob Gleave
5.	Shawn Fermoile
6.	Mark McKenna
7.	Jordan Piershalski
8.	Robert Augugliaro
9.	Derek Callen
10.	Drew Callen

Team #5	Team Name:
PLAYER NAME 
1.    Matt Osinski
2.    Jack Gorman
3    Jamison Phillips
4    Evan Leffler
5   Griffin Atkinson
6   Tanner Atkinson
7   Tommy Corrao
8   Michael Paternostro
9   Eric O’Brien
10. Joe Beauchamp





APP Volunteers at Golden Age Center - 2008
   
(Left photo -back from left) Molly Hyland (Town Rec. Dept.), Brian Gerard, (APP)
(front from left) APP employees Dennis Warzel, Balbir Bajwa, Marie Epstein and David Mulhern.
(right photo) Senior citizens playing Bingo
   Jodi Robinson Photos - Click for larger view
   In conjunction with the United Way Day of Caring, APP Pharmaceuticals employees spent Wednesday morning, August 20th at the Golden Age Center. The APP volunteers played Bingo and trivia games with the members and also served lunch.




Auction of Surplus Town Equipment - 2008
   An auction of surplus Town equipment and vehicles will be held on Saturday, September 13 starting at 10 a.m. Review of items will start at 9:30 a.m. Items may include vehicles, office equipment and miscellaneous equipment. All items are used.
• ITEMS ARE SOLD “AS-IS”
• NO PERSONAL CHECKS: CASH OR MONEY ORDERS ONLY
• On vehicles purchased, a copy of your drivers license will be required
• ITEMS TO BE TAKEN NO LATER THAN 12 NOON THAT SAME DAY
• Items will be located at the Nike Base facility, 3278 Whitehaven Road.




Sr. Citizen Improves Nike Base Golf Course - 2008
Click photo for larger view
   Pictured with Parks & Recreation Director Linda Tufillaro are John Roberts, Evan Shaw and Don Link on the 9 hole, par 3 golf course at the Nike Base. Evan, as a community service project, offered to make the markers that designate the hole number and distance to that hole. He used his talents in their construction from pressure treated wood and a hand router to in-bed the numbers and yards. John Roberts, a member of the Grand Island Senior Citizen Center is one of the original members to help lay out the par 3 course many years ago. The course is open daily, dawn to dusk. Great for beginners learning to drive and putt.




Ramblin' Lou Is Highlight Of Summer Concerts, National Night Out - August 2008
(left) Ramblin' Lou Family Band - Miranda and Noah DeCourty met NYS Police Officer Chris Pyc who gave out pens and balls - Breana Gauthier (right) was one of many children having their fingerprints taken, part of the children's identity program
Mary Stewart photos - Click for larger view
   The “Ramblin’ Lou Family Band” was very well received as the nationally known musicians played during National Night Out at Klingel Town Commons Tuesday evening, August 5, 2008. The event drew a crowd of about 75-80 people and began at 6:30 p.m. "and about 7:30 p.m. we were getting concern about the lightening," Recreation Director Linda Tufillaro said. "Ten minutes later the rain came down good for about 10 minutes. The spectators cleared out quickly! Some really wanted to hang around for more. We had a good crowd and a growing crowd prior to shutting down," she said.




"National Night Out" Activities - 2008
   "National Night Out" activities will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 5, 2008 in the Klingel Town Common & Gazebo area. The event, sponsored by the Town of Grand Island and open to the public, free of charge, will feature a Ramblin' Lou Family Band Concert from 7-8:30 p.m.
   Numerous displays and activities will take place including a hot dog sale, basket raffle and childrens activities.
   National Night Out is designed to: heighten crime & drug prevention; generate support & participation in local anticrime programs; strengthen spirit and police-community partnerships and let criminals know that our neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
   See "National Night Out" for complete details.


Grand Island Independence Day Parade 2008

Boy Scout Troop 630 float - See slide show below for more photos
Mary Stewart photos - click for larger view.
   For the fortieth year, Grand Island, New York produced a parade down Grand Island Blvd. on July 4th starting just after the Bessel Race and the children's Race around 9:30 a.m. A cool temperature of 52 degrees greeted the marchers who lined up anywhere from 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. when the road was closed. However, the sun shone and the temperature rose to make it a perfect day for a parade.
   See Jodi Robinson/Mary Stewart Slide Show





Dick Bessel Road Race - 2008 RESULTS
   Dick Bessel Road Race - July 4, 2008, Grand Island Blvd. See WWW.Score-This.com.




Independence Day On Grand Island - 2008
   The The Dick Bessel Kids Race (9 a.m.) and Dick Bessel Road Race (9:15 a.m.) will precede the annual July 4th parade on Friday, July 4th on Grand Island Blvd. Click for Independence Day Parade Lineup. This list will be updated throughout the week.
   The VFW Post #9249 will host its annual community picnic at the Post, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. directly after the parade.




Parks & Recreation Department Prepares For Busy Summer - 2008
    Activities conducted by the Parks & Recreation will start June 26 for their youth programs of tennis instruction and sports clinics. Swimming, playground, Roller hockey, Nature study, and instructional softball programs will start July 7. Limited openings are still available if you are interested in signing up your children. Registrations must be completed at the Recreation Office on Whitehaven Road, Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 3 PM.
   July 4th activities include the Dick Bessel 2.3 mile Road race, “Kids Run” and the Independence Day Parade. All will take place on Friday July 4th starting at 9:00 AM. Race entries can be picked up at Tops GI, Town Hall, Library and Recreation Office. You may go on line to www.score-this.com to download an application. Applications, once completed, are to be mailed back to the address on the form. NO entries are taken at the Recreation office. Entry fee is $15.00 for pre registration, $25.00 the morning of the race. No entry taken after 8:15 AM the day of the race.
   On Thursday, July 3rd, the Outdoor Band Concert series will start in Marion Klingel Town Center at the Gazebo. Performing on Thursday will be Grand Island’s BluesRoot, specializing in Blues and Rock & Roll. Concerts are free and open to the public. Performances starts at 7:00 PM., the Concert series will resume on Tuesday evenings starting July 8, including Dixieland Jazz, Oldies, Big Band, Jazz, Country Western and Folk. Watch future notices for additional band concert activities, The Grand Island Historical Society will be doing a Root beer Float special and the Grand Island Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary will be selling Hot Dogs. Keep August 5 open for a wide range of activities for family participation activities as Grand Island celebrates “ National Night Out”. Ramblin’ Lou will be our feature music group that night. Various activities includes the GI Fire Co., Local Law Enforcement vehicles and equipment, crafts, food and FUN! More information to follow on activities as the August 5th date approaches.
   Any group or organization wishing to participate in the July 4th Parade or “National Night Out” are asked to call the Recreation office at 773-9680.
   Coming events that The Recreation Department participates in will be “Paddles Up Niagara” a canoe and kayak event that takes place in Beaver Island on July 26. A Niagara River Greenways Commission event that features a non-competitive paddle from Little Beaver Island site around East River Marsh site returning back to Little Beaver Island, a 4.8 mile journey.
   On Saturday, October 4th, Veteran Park will be the starting point of a 5K running race and Fun Walk event sponsored by Dollars for Scholars. The race will start in Veterans Park, travel along the Linear Bike path and return to finish in Veterans Park. Watch for more details and entry information. More information on all activities of the above is available by contacting the Parks & Recreation office at 773-9680 or email to recreation@grand-island,ny.us.




Bessel Road Race and Independence Day Parade Information - 2008
    The Grand Island Recreation Department Director Linda Tufillaro would like to remind Islanders that the 2008 Dick Bessel Road Race and Independence Day Parade will take place on Friday, July 4th, along Grand Island Boulevard. Roads will be closed at 8:45 a.m., so get there early!
   The “Kids Race,” for 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 race. No entry taken after 8:30 a.m.
   The Independence Day Parade 2008, 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. To get a parade application, call 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 with your entry fee to the Orchard Park address. Applications must be received by July 3rd. Day of race entry fee is $25.00, no entry taken after 8:30 a.m.




Memorial Day 2008
Mary Stewart photos - click for larger view.
   Town of Grand Island Memorial Day services took place at Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Park at 10 a.m. May 26, 2008. Supervisor Peter A. McMahon and members of the VFW, DAV and American Legion took part along with the Grand Island High School Wind Ensemble that provided the music. Gold Star Mothers in attendance and recognized were Shirley Luther, mother of Cpl. Robert B Luther and Mary Ann Crowe, mother of Lt. Col. Terry Crowe. Guest speaker was Lt. Colonel Patrick A. Soos, US Army. The perfect day was warm and sunny and approximately 200-300 residents came out to remember those who have died in our nation's service.




Memorial Day Services - 2008

   Grand Island's Memorial Day services will be held 10 a.m. Monday, May 26, 2008 in Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Park, Grand Island Blvd. and Baseline Road. Guest speaker will be Lt. Colonel Patrick A. Soos, US Army. The Grand Island High School wind ensemble will play. An open house at the VFW will follow.




Kite Flying Contest Results - 2008
Dan McMahon photos - click for larger view.
   The Town Recreation Department's kite flying contest was held Wednesday, April 16 with an 11 a.m. start at Veterans Park on Bedell Road. Weather was sunny and nearly 60 degrees with a good stiff wind to help the kite flyers.
Results are:
First Kite up and most unique – US Navy Jet, Joseph Fraily
Most colorful – Butterfly, Shannon Driess
Highest Flying – American Flag, Sebrina Lemme
Most stubborn to get in flight – two wing triangle, Jenna & Libby Koyn




Town Recreation Announces Kite Flying Contest - April 2008

   The Town of Grand Island Parks & Recreation Department announces a Kite Flying Contest open to everyone and taking place at Veterans Park on Bedell Road starting at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 16 during spring break. Participants must bring their own kite and prizes will be awarded in various categories.




Town Recreation Announces Snow Sculpture Winners - 2008
    The Grand Island Parks & Recreation Department has announced the winners of the Snow Sculpture Contest. See Snow Sculpture Winners 2008


Easter Bunny Visits Town Hall - 2008
(left) Decorating plastic eggs;                        (right) Destiny, Laura and Allen Benjamin with Easter Bunny.
Jodi Robinson photos - click for larger view.
   The Easter Bunny made a visit to Grand Island Town Hall on Friday, March 21st where he posed for pictures and visited with the children. Town Recreation Department employees helped man the different stations where the kids could decorate plastic eggs and play games.




Last Chance For Town Sponsored Snow Sculpture Contest - 2008
   The Town Recreation Department's snow sculpture contest deadline is Friday, April 4th. If the Island gets another blast of winter, make a snow sculpture and call the Recreation Office, 773-9680 leaving your name, address and general location of your sculpture. The Rec. Dept. will come out and take a photo. Winners will be announced April 11.




Visit With The "Easter Bunny" At Town Hall - 2008

   The Town Recreation Department will sponsor A Visit With The "Easter Bunny" from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m Friday, March 21st at the town hall for toddlers to 8-year-olds. Children are invited to visit with the Easter Bunny, enjoy youth games, crafts and a coloring contest.




Parks & Recreation Department Announces Summer Activities - 2008
   Thursday, February 28, 2008 . . .The Town of Grand Island Parks & Recreation Department announces the following activities for Spring and Summer 2008:

   A “Visit with the Easter Bunny” will take place on Friday, March 21 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Town Hall. Children may sit and visit with the Easter Bunny and make crafts, decorate plastic eggs or participate in fun games. Parents are welcome to take pictures at the event, and there is no charge for activities.
   During the Spring recess on Wednesday, April 16 all are invited to enter A Kite Flying Contest that will take place at Veterans Park starting at 11 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for various categories. You must bring your own kite.
   Adult softball leagues are now forming for men and women’s leagues. NEW this year is the “Neighborhood Challenge.” Enter a team comprised of players from your immediate neighborhood. The league will play “neighborhood vs. neighborhood” in a ONE PITCH game of softball. The season will consist of two rounds of round-robin play. Games will be scheduled for Friday evenings starting after Memorial Day. Teams may consist of both male and female players. Individual trophies to the winning team members and a league trophy to display the winning team from year to year. Enter a team today by calling the Recreation office at 773-9680.
   Watch for the Recreation Summer Youth Activities Booklet that will be distributed to all Grand Island Schools starting the week of April 22. Registration date for all youth summer activities will be Saturday, June 14. Activities to include sports clinics, tennis instruction, roller hockey intramurals and a roller hockey league, instructional softball for girls, nature program, walking program and more!
   We are looking for more Women’s slow-pitch softball teams. Games are played on Monday evenings starting the second week of May through August. A one time fee per team required, call the Recreation office to enter a team.
   Entry forms for the Dick Bessel Independence Day Road Race and Kids Race may be down loaded from the web site www.score-this.com starting the second week in March. Hard copies will be available the 3rd week of March at Town Hall, Library, Recreation office and Tops Market, Grand Island. Entry forms must be mailed back to Score-This for official entry.
   Entry forms are being accepted for the July 4th Independence Day Parade. Contact the Recreation office or pick up an entry form/packet at the Town Hall. Entry forms are posted on the bulletin board in the entryway of Town Hall. This year’s parade will be held on Friday, July 4.
   Outdoor Band Concerts will start Thursday, July 3rd with Grand Island’s own BluesRoot, a variety of 50’s, Blues and Country favorites. All concerts are free and will be conducted on Tuesday evenings through August. Come out and start off the 4th of July weekend with a good family orientated program.




Town Sponsored Snow Sculpture Contest - 2008
   The Town Recreation Department is promoting a snow sculpture contest taking place all winter. Do a snow sculpture and call the Recreation Office, 773-9680 leaving your name, address and general location of your sculpture. The Rec. Dept. will come out and take a photo. Deadline is April 4, 2008 and winners will be announced April 11.


Town Sponsored Youth Activities Begin Saturday - 2008
    Saturday Youth Activities sponsored by the Grand Island Parks & Recreation Department begin on Saturday, February 2 at the Nike Base Community Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road. Activities geared for ages 8-12 years old are supervised by Parks & Recreation staff. Activities include indoor and outdoor games, contests, crafts and table games and are held on the following Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.:
Saturday, February 2
Saturday, February 9
Saturday, February 16
Saturday, February 23
   See also Town of Grand Island Recreation Activities










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