Grand Island Neighbors Foundation: need to assist Islanders down on their luck this holiday greater than last year; donations have risen even faster.

Congratulations to all of this year's winners in the annual Niagara Frontier Publications Christmas Coloring Contest.

After several years of feeling that Grand Island was being spared the tough times that have dragged down Western New York and the country, the Neighbors Foundation now sees a much increased need for its help to Grand Islanders in temporary need. Whether local families have now exhausted their resources, or whether it is the shrinkage of government help services, our food and financial reserves are being depleted by recent increased calls for help.

The foundation is determined to continue the tradition of helping families in need at this 2011 holiday season with food and gift baskets, but earnestly asks the Grand Island community for extra support in our holiday "Share Your Happiness" fund drive through donations to P.O. Box 155, Grand Island, NY 14072.

The Holiday Inn Grand Island invited Islanders to a coming out party Tuesday to show off the hotel's new look.

Members of the Second Tuesday of the Month Book Club presented the Grand Island Memorial Library with a check on Thursday, Dec. 8.

Kevin Koch returns for a second term as chief of the Grand Island Fire Co. after running unopposed in 2012 elections, which were held at fire headquarters on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

Koch will be joined by Deputy Chief Matt Osinski, First Assistant Chief Chris Soluri, Second Assistant Chief Mark Sadkowski, fire captains Ed Krecisz, Shawn Kephart, Omar Sortino, Day Capt. Pete McMahon, Fire Police Capt. Don Portik, EMS Capt. Jon Cinelli, and a second appointed EMS captain, Jeremy Pullano.

Tammy Gorman was successful in attaining her third term as president and will be assisted by Vice President Don Turner, Line Secretary Nicole Gerber and Recording Secretary Laurie Berry. Reed Wright was returned to the Board of Review and Robert "Butch" Meyer will continue to serve as a Benevolent Association trustee. Dave Khreis was also returned to the position of the sergeant at arms.

The first-ever Share the Holiday Magic event at Grand Island High School packed the Viking Mall in the spirit of Christmas and collaboration.

The New York Power Authority announced Dec. 1 the completion of a $2.1 million wetland restoration project for Little Beaver Island.

Audience participation has added an extra twist to the typical murder mystery with this week's Niagara Regional Theatre Guild production of "Murder By Chance."

An information campaign regarding the Grand Island Central School District capital project vote ramps up into high gear Monday.

The Spotlighters drama club of Grand Island High School finished a three-day, four-performance run of Woody Allen's "Don't Drink the Water" on Saturday night.

The town's updated signage at a main gateway to the Island.

Children at Kaegebein Elementary School hunted over tables covered with paperbacks last Friday in search of that perfect book.

The Grand Island Recreation Department, the Grand Island Lions Club, the Grand Island Central School District, and Kelly's Country Store have combined for a series of fundraising events.

Recognizing a Grand Island Eagle Scout on the occasion of his Court of Honor.

The Grand Island Town Board approved a 2012 budget last Thursday with roughly 2 percent increases in tax rates across budget lines.

The general fund appropriations total $6,764,540, with the amount raised by taxation at $2,162,590.The estimated tax rate, $3.12 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, is an increase of 2.2 percent from the 2011 rate of $3.053.

On the cusp of breaking the $1 million mark in funds raised for the American Cancer Society, supporters of the Grand Island Relay For Life held a "reunion."

School Bus Safety Poster Contest winners from Sidway, St. Stephen, Kaegebein and Huth Road schools were treated to breakfast at Tops on Thursday morning.