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2001 - A year to remember
By Mary Pankow
Few, if any, would argue that the event that turned the nation topsy turvy in 2001 occurred on Sept. 11, when terrorism hit home.
A renewed sense of patriotism swept the country after hijacked airliners rammed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and another crashed in Pennsylvania. As hundreds and thousands are honored as heroes, one man, Osama bin Laden, is prime suspect in the attacks an becomes the enemy not only of America, but of anti-terrorists throughout the world.
Although terrorism tops the list of memorable events from 2001, other history-making moments come to mind.
At the beginning of the year, the United States witnesses the swearing-in of its 43rd president. George W. Bush takes the oath of office and expresses, in his inaugural address, his plans to unite the nation. AOL and Time Warner merge and My Favorite Martian, Ray Walston, hangs up his worldly antennae, passing away in January.
Locally, in the first month of 2001, Emile Luce of Cattaraugus, wins the giant stocking from McCormack's Hardware. The Gowanda Middle School addition project gets under way. Lew and Doris Gabel and Randy Rosen are named Spirit of Gowanda Award winners. Trisha and Andy Husul are the new owners of LaVia Pizzeria. New officers of Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce are: James Musacchio, president; Barry Hager, vice president; John Davis, treasurer; and Diane Gebauer, secretary.
In February, former president Ronald Reagan, suffering from Alzheimer's turns 90, and NASCAR loses race car icon Dale Earnhardt when his car swerves into the wall at the Daytona 500. Another Dale, Dale Evans, passes away leaving behind the popular Roy Rogers Show theme song, "Happy Trails To You."
Locally, Tim Twichell is a featured speaker on The Learning Channel's series "Monster Machines. Hager's Flowers & Gifts expands, adding The Candy Shoppe, featuring Asher chocolates. All-Sports Awards go to: Jeff Hatfield, Shelly Allen, Bob Robe, Bob Lennertz, Luann Heckman, Lon Wallschlaeger, Tim Ognen, Chris Gerling, Nick Crassi Jr., Frank Rice and Mike Bergmann. Also, Gary "Pizza" Peters is the recipient of the Henry Huff Jr. Memorial Award, Michael Blasdell receives the George Dispenza Memorial Award, and Tina Homan is the Chuck Korbar Memorial Award winner.
Bob & Kim's Variety Store opens at 7 Water St. Elementary school student Ben Swanson appears with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Perrysburg's "PanMan" David Smith co-authors "The Book of Wagner & Griswold." Marty's Kountry Kitchen opens on Route 62 in Collins. And, Donna Tharnish and Tim Bobseine acquire "N.O Smokey" the moose to keep "Phil Better" the buffalo company, and to make "guest" appearances around the area.
Speaking of "animals," in March, the United States bans the import of meat from Europe after foot-and-mouth disease is found in Britain and France. And, California is experiencing rolling blackouts, the result of an energy production crisis. The man whose animation imagination - with partner Joseph Barbera - brought us Yogi Bear, Scooby-Doo, Fred Flintstone, among others, William Hanna, dies at age 90.
Meanwhile, retired school teacher Alida Sherman is presented with a shovel signed by Erie County Executive Joel Giambra and used in the new Collins Public Library groundbreaking. Library Board of Trustees President Salvatore Dicembre and Library Manager Karen Koch have the honor of making the presentation. The Busing Everyone Safely Together supporters demonstrate the need for busing students to Aldrich Street School. The Rehabilitation Center opens at 15 Water St. Persia Town Clerk Joyce Taft announces her retirement. A stop sign is installed on Panther Drive at Prospect Street and the WNYDDSO day rehab at the former AVM building closes.
April's biggest news item, nationally, involves the Navy court of inquiry's recommendation that Commander Scott Waddle not be court-martialed for the February collision between the U.S. submarine and Japanese fishing vessel. Waddle is reprimanded and resigns from the Navy.
In this area, 6-year-old Jimmy Lindquist of Cherry Creek leaves for Disney World, thanks to the "Pennies Per Pound" campaign at the Steve Baldo GM dealerships and Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western New York. Gowanda gets a new mayor when Richard Kiancer is elected. (John Pierce is elected trustee and Barb Nephew is re-elected trustee.) Community members gather to discuss the reuse of the Center Street School. South Dayton Volunteer Fire Company breaks ground for a new apparatus hall. St. Joseph School celebrates its 75th anniversary. Irene Bonk Koch authors "Divine Compass." Trees are planted throughout the business district under the Re-Leaf Gowanda initiative.
Nationally in May, Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh's executionion is postponed until June after it is discovered the FBI withheld some files. The XFL is history after only one season. Crooner Perry Como passes away.
Locally, the new wing of the North Collins High School opens. Gowanda students chosen for Boy's State are: Timothy Denea, Tony Eddy, Daniel Leising, Keegan Novack, Daniel Wagner, Andrew Burr, Ryan Miller and Mark DeBruyne. Abigail Wesley, Bethany Botticello and Anne Regan are chosen for Girls' State. The L.K Painter Community Center celebrates its 25th anniversary. Dan Gernatt Sr. is preseated with the DeWitt Clinton Community Service Award. John West is presented with a plaque from the Gowanda Volunteer Fire Department for his heroics during a Buffalo Street house fire. The 19th annual plowing festival is held in Collins. Pioneer Days is held in Gowanda and Carrie Busekist is crowned new Cattaraugus County Dairy Princess.
In June, Vice President Cheney gets a pacemaker. McVeigh is executed. Actor Jack Lemmon dies at age 76.
Here, Joan Schuster is presented with an award from the Muscular Dystrophy Association. A wedding is one of the highlights of this year's Harley Happening at the Hollywood. A black bear raids bird feeders on Fairview Drive. Persia Town Hall receives historical designation. Ron Duliba of Forestville is awarded the Gowanda Shrine Club #1 scholarship. The valedictorians and salutatorians, respectively, of area schools are: Cattaraugus-LittleValley - Elizabeth Lees, Cathlene Schreiner; Pine Valley - Stacy Hooker, Timothy Latshaw; Gowanda - Sandy Allen, Sarah Schultz; North Collins - Suzanne Schmitz, Allan Rinard.
The International Olympic Committee announces, in July, that Beijing, China will host the 2008 Summer Games. Paul McCarthy and former model Heather Mills announce their engagement.
In this area, July 28 is designated Collins Community Day. The Gowanda Volunteer Fire Department hosts the Cattaraugus County Volunteer Firemen's Association convention. The Aldrich Street bridge is closed for replacement. Krissy DeHos is an AFS summer student traveling to Australia. Jami Sorrento is named Gowanda BPW president, and winning BPW scholarships are: Prudence Derby and Sherry Olmstead (continued education), and Meghan Hinkley (graduating high school senior woman).
With the country in an obvious recession, and despite ongoing cuts in interest rates by the Federal Reserve, Ford Motor Company cuts 5,000 salaried jobs in August. A plane crash claims the life of rhythm-and-blues singer Aaliyah.
Locally, an Art and Jazz Festival at the Hollywood is held. Ducky Derby winners include: Sherwin Allen, Bryon Alsousky, Jim Fort, Baby Perchy, Rosie Menshel, Jacob Kohler, Hayley Broyles, Frank Peglowski, Fred Jamieson, Bill Peglowski, Ron Schindler, Don Davis, Mary Lou Tessmer, Bob Field, Paige Walgus, Carrier Coach, Sheldon Lay and Shelly Figel. Robert Pine, of Dayton, receives the Southwestern Association of Volunteer Firemen Outstanding Service Award for his 49 years of service. David Williams is named Gowanda Lions Club Man of the Year. Meghan Himelein is invited to participate in the USA Junior National Championship Sports Festival, in Atlanta, GA, for basketball.
September changed everyone's life. Terrorists attacks claim thousands of lives and the skyline of New York City no longer includes the twin towers of the World Trade Center. Focus of the investigation of the attacks centers on the Taliban and Islamic militant Osama bin Laden. The jobless rate rises dramatically as airline travel plummets. One of the greatest instrumentalists, violinist Isaac Stern dies at age 81.
On the local front, everything's coming up roses as Good Neighber Day takes place in Gowanda. The ribbon is cut at the new Gowanda Electronics facility. It's all in the numbers for another Moonlight Madness and the Seneca Indian Fall Festival is held. Patriotic displays are everywhere following that fateful September day. Gary Denea is honored for coaching 100 games of the Gowanda Packer Midget League Football team. Stefanena Kysor is named Gowanda BPW Woman of the Year. A ribbon cutting is held for the Saylor Community Building playground. The Tour of Homes and Gardens takes place.
In October, the Supreme Court disbars former president Clinton. Anthrax, bioterrorism attack, scares the nation and its leaders. Polaroid files for bankruptcy. Retail sales drop sharply.
In this area, Tri-County Memorial Hospital opens its new Drug-Free Residential Unit. Kenneth Bennett, under Operation Recognition, is awarded his high school diploma. Rob George, of Perrysburg, wins the Versailles Volunteer Fire Company ATV raffle. Erica Strickfaden is grand champion at the New York State Morgan Horse Show in Syracuse. A meeting is held to discuss reuse of the Peter Cooper Corporation Superfund site. The new Collins Public Library opens. 4-H'ers Lindsey Hager, Audrey Hager, Jena Waterman, Rachael Territo and Bonnie Bergan take first place at the Inter-County Team Competition in Elmira. The cornerstone is laid for the new Langford-New Oregon Volunteer Fire Company hall. The Hollywood Theater is haunted again this year.
Unemployment is at a five-year high, the labor department reports in November. The Federal Reserve continues to cut interest rates, hoping to stimulate the economy. Beatles' lead guitarist George Harrison dies at age 58. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman agree on a divorce settlement. After two postponements, the Emmy Awards are finally presented.
Locally, town elections find some returning, some new supervisors. They are: Collins - Don Tew, Dayton - Tom Chupa, Otto - Ronald Wasmund, Perrysburg - Myrton Sprague, and Persia - Melvin LeBar. Gowanda is designated a Project Impact community. The first annual tree-lighting ceremony is held in Perrysburg. BPW opens on Palmer Street.
As we close in on the end of 2001, we find holiday sales across the country far from overwhelming.
In the area, the annual tree-lighting takes place in Chang-Ho Park. Coloring contest winners are announced: Dylan McIntire, Hayley Broyles and Michael Reding. An open house is held at the Aldrich Street School for the new addition. The Gowanda Panthers team takes first place at the High School Holiday Invitational Tournament at K&L Lanes. Top keglers are: Nate Abraszek, Chris Rohrich, Derrek Sutherland, Jeff Suraf, Brian Suraf, Dan Moyer and Krista Timmel. Juliana Luine Cocca authors "The Pink Parasol." Santa's secret elf makes the rounds and Phoenix Lodge #262 honors Joan Dean, Florence Bradney, Elizabeth Shaffer, Jennie Anderson, Shirley Fluker and Marie Forster.
Many events have taken place over the past 12 months, more than can be mentioned here in this brief recap. Efforts continue to counteract terrorism and boost the economy. A renewed sense of family, and patriotism dictate daily actions and decisions. Helping hands seem close as the Buffalo area digs out from under seven feet of snow. And, with anticipation, we wait to see what 2002 brings. For many, who were directly affected by 9-11, hope is on the horizon.
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