About a dozen volunteers began work Saturday on what is being called the Grand Island Mural Project.

Bodybuilder, actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger once said, "Bodybuilding is much like any other sport. To be successful, you must dedicate yourself 100 percent to your training, diet and mental approach." Grand Island native fitness expert, Blast Fitness personal trainer and construction inspector Michael Del Zoppo, could not agree with this statement more.

Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports a Niagara Falls man was seriously injured in a boating accident in the Niagara River Monday.

The September issue of WWE Magazine is scheduled to include a photo of Chuck Grunzweig of Grand Island.

Over the first seven months as county executive, I have talked with residents from every corner of Erie County and the topic I am most frequently asked about is the ongoing lease negotiations with the Buffalo Bills.

The calendar of events for the Grand Island Memorial Library; the Omnipresent Puppet Theater and Niagara University Repertory Theatre paid visits to the Library this past week.

"Can You Help?" is a free service provided by Niagara Frontier Publications in an effort to help community neighbors reach out for your support.

Assemblyman John D. Ceretto was joined by Niagara Falls City councilmen Sam Fruscione and Glenn Choolokian Thursday night on LCTV's "Access to Government" show and spoke about their joint efforts to improve the local economy.

Grand Island Central School District Board of Education meeting agenda for Monday, Aug. 13.

The Grand Island Plaza holds many prominent local businesses. However, many residents overlook the plaza because of the appearance of its back wall. Grand Island resident Corey McGowan, with the help of his mother, conceived a mural project for the wall.

"I often thought that the true colors of Grand Island (are) not depicted by what could be seen from the passing eye," explains McGowan, "and three weeks ago ... (my mother said) that ... an artwork of a mural would suit the plaza well." Inspired by her suggestion, McGowan spoke with Don Singh, the owner of the Grand Island Plaza, who was enthusiastic about the idea.

Niagara Hospice Director of Volunteer Services Alice Beck recently announced several new volunteer opportunities with Niagara Hospice and the Niagara Hospice Alliance.

State Sen. Mark Grisanti, R-60, announced Thursday that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed the "Sewage Pollution Right To Know Act," which passed the Senate in June.

Just under 200 boats hit the water off the shore of Grand Island for the seventh annual Paddles Up Niagara.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following businesses and individuals who purchased tee signs for the recent Austin Against Autism Golf Tournament fundraiser, held at River Oaks on June 29.

Wednesday morning at the Holiday Inn Grand Island, 25 Island Rotarians listened to guest speaker and president of Angry Patriots and Pinheads video game application David P. Lipinoga.

Some of the paddlers at Saturday's seventh annual Paddles Up Niagara were novices making their first effort on the water at the signature event of the Niagara River Greenway Commission. Others, like the seven-man contingent from the Scajaquada Canoe Club that powered through the course in a long canoe, had vast experience.

Events at the Grand Island Memorial Library from Friday, August 10, 2012 until Friday, August 17, 2012.

Both the Grand Island Board of Education and Grand Island Town Board want some more information about the prospect of allowing the Niagara Sunday Fliers to use school property on Staley Road.

The Erie County Sheriff's Office is reminding Island residents to take precautions in the wake of summer car larcenies.

Students as young as 4 years old happily showed off their hard work at the year's end piano recital of teacher Debbie Bastian.

Upcoming Grand Island events for August 2012 as of Friday, August 3.

Big Six Mile Marina is cutting the price of soaking up the last of summer by offering 50 percent off seasonal boat slips until Oct. 14 when the marina closes. Big Six Mile Creek Marina located at 3219 Whitehaven Road on Grand Island.

Beaver Island State Park will sponsor a waterfowl ID course presented by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation from 6 until 10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 9, in the Beaver Island Club House on Grand Island.

The Grand Lady, a passenger vessel that offers public cruises and exclusive charters for private events like weddings, corporate events and parties, has called Grand Island home for about 15 years since its founding in 1991.

Last week, when it was so hot the trees were whistling for the dogs, my wife and I took a little car ride.

The Town of Grand Island Department of Parks and Recreation reports that Ed Ball Park playground at the corner of Love and Stony Point Roads is now up and ready for use.

Law enforcement came out in numbers Sunday to go to bat for children with special needs.

Islander Mike Madigan's campaign to represent the newly formed 26th Congressional District received a boost at a July 23 fundraiser hosted by Carl Paladino, New York's conservative Republican gubernatorial candidate in 2010.

The Grand Island High School technology wing and the proposed transportation center were discussed by administrators and trustees at the Monday evening meeting of the Grand Island Board of Education.

Paddles Up Niagara, the signature event of the Niagara River Greenway Commission, will take place Saturday, July 28, at Beaver Island State Park.

Assemblyman John D. Ceretto, R-I-Lewiston, announced Thursday his candidacy for re-election in the newly drawn 145th District. Ceretto, who took office 18 months ago, pledged to continue his efforts to transform state government, help rebuild Western New York's economy and create jobs.

This Wednesday, 740 kids from Niagara and Erie counties came out to enjoy a spectacular picnic filled with food, fun, and games. The Grand Island Lions Club Special Kids Picnic, an annual event dedicated to offering safe, supervised activities to developmentally disabled and physically handicapped children, has become a Grand Island tradition.

At the Final Historic Trinity Garden Tour, the organizing committee went above and beyond to offer an exhibition of seven diverse local gardens and one business.

I am pleased to announce that I will be on the Democratic ballot on Sept. 13 for the State Senate to represent the 60th District. The district includes Grand Island, Tonawanda, parts of the City of Buffalo, Hamburg, Orchard Park, Evans, Brant, and the Erie County portion of Cattaraugus.

The Grand Island Democratic Committee has endorsed Chris Aronica as its candidate for town councilman.

The Grand Island Relay For Life is on its way toward the $2 million mark following its 10th successful Relay.

The Aquarium of Niagara is the beneficiary of $1,000 thanks to a trio of business leaders. Marketing directors presented Gay B. Molnar, director of development at the Aquarium, with a check recently.

The Town of Grand Island's three-pronged approach to addressing a water shortage during the current dry spell is paying off, and residents are advised to keep up the good work.

Explore the wildlife at Grand Island's Buckhorn Island State Park this Saturday, July 21, as local naturalist Tom Kerr will lead a birding tour through the Island on Saturday from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

At 3:38 p.m. on Wednesday, July 18, Grand Island Fire Co. rescue personnel responded to a two-car motor vehicle accident on Baseline Road near the intersection of Bedell Road.

Fire Chief Kevin Koch states that although this head-on collision caused considerable front end damage to a pickup truck and passenger van, the occupants claimed no injuries, during evaluation by GIFC medics. Islander Mary Westlake-Douds, age 36, and her 1-year-old son, who was safely secured in a child car seat, both escaped injury. The other driver, 34-year-old Jacob Kolb of Buffalo, also claimed no injuries.