Installation of elected officials on Grand Island

In a well-attended ceremony on New Year’s Day at the Buffalo Launch Club, four town officials took the oath of office while family, friends and political colleagues cheered them on.

Rhonda Diehl was sworn in as the newest member of the Grand Island Town Board. She previously served for six years as assistant to the town supervisor. Jose Garcia was installed for a four-year term as council member. Garcia was elected Nov. 5, 2024, in a special election to fill the board seat vacated when Peter Marston was elected as supervisor. James Sedita was installed as the town’s new highway superintendent. He takes over from Dick Crawford, who retired after eight years in that job. Sedita previously was the supervising mechanic for the Town of Tonawanda Highway Department. Longtime Town Justice Mark Frentzel took the oath of office for another four-year term from his wife, Town Clerk Pattie Frentzel. He has served as town justice for 20 years. (Photos by Karen Carr Keefe)

James Sedita is sworn in as Grand Island highway superintendent in a ceremony at the Buffalo Launch Club on East River Road. With him, from left, are Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Eric Fiebelkorn; Sedita’s wife, Kimberly; and Erie County Sheriff John Garcia.

Mark Frentzel is sworn in as town justice by his wife, Town Clerk Pattie Frentzel, while their two grandchildren, Danica and Declan Richard, watch the proceedings. Mark Frentzel is starting his 40th year as an attorney.

Rhonda Diehl, former assistant to the town supervisor, takes the oath of office as a newly elected council member. With her are, left, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Eric Fiebelkorn and the Rev. Calvin VanderMey, pastor of Bible Fellowship Center of Grand Island.

Jose Garcia raises his right hand to take the oath of office as council member on Jan. 1 at the Buffalo Launch Club, 503 E. River Road. With him are his wife, Dorothy, holding the Bible; his daughters, Samantha and Isabella; and his uncle, Erie County Sheriff John Garcia.