Grand Island's Easter egg hunt attracts a crowd

Story and photos by Alice Gerard

Senior Contributing Writer

The wind was no deterrent for Island families wishing to participate in the Town of Grand Island’s annual Easter egg hunt, held April 3.

Despite the brisk wind, the sun shone and the temperatures were mild at Veterans Park. Inside the library, there was a basket raffle in the meeting room, a bake sale and a coffee sale.

Grand Island Parks Department employees Maya Rizzo, a senior at Grand Island High School, and Jillian Manns, a sophomore at Niagara University, were taking guesses on how many jellybeans were in a jar.

Maya said, “I think it’s great. All the kids can come out and have fun for Easter, find eggs and win prizes.” She said she likes “seeing people from the community get together and have fun.”

Jillian, a nursing student, said, “I like seeing how many people are coming here. It’s over 1,000, which is insane. We’re getting together and enjoying everyone’s company. Everyone gets prizes so everyone loves it.”

Mother-daughter team Jamie and Helen Dinero were selling coffee in the meeting room.

Jamie Dinero, owner of Kornerstone Coffee, said this is the fourth year of coffee sales at the Island’s Easter egg hunt.

“We really enjoy seeing all the kids and getting to know people from Grand Island,” Jamie said. “We’re just across the bridge.”

Jamie added she especially likes seeing “the joy from the kids. It’s a lot of fun to see them hopping around with their Easter baskets and finding eggs and getting candy and seeing everybody around and about. Even in bad weather, these kids will come out and do their Easter egg hunts.”

Helen added, “I just love being around people and, especially, the kids. I have a big family, and I love seeing the kids. Mine are all grown, and I have six children and 12 grandchildren. Jamie is my youngest.”

Kornerstone Coffee, Jamie said, has been in business in business since 2010. She currently owns a roastery in Kenmore and a café in Buffalo and is planning to open a café at the Kenmore site, probably in June.

“It’s going to be called the Fickle Finch. It’s just south of Sheridan Drive on Military Road: 1530 Military,” said Jamie, adding her mother and a few other family members are part of the business.

Maya Rizzo and Jillian Manns show off some of their favorite prizes.

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In the main library, a variety of activities were set up.

“We have the craft stations set up, and the kids can work on crafts. They can take them home if they want to work on them at home. We have the Easter bunny, of course,” said Stefanie Anawald, who has been youth services librarian at Grand Island Memorial Library since January. “This is my first Easter here, and it’s kind of great. I love it, and I love the excitement.”

Volunteer Ted Smeltz stood at the entrance of the library, holding a basket full of small bags.

“These are our take-home crafts for the kids,” he said. “They are little stained-glass window Easter eggs. There’s the frame and they all have some tissue paper. The kids can cut that up and put it into the frame and make little stained glass Easter eggs.”

Smeltz added, “The kids are all having a wonderful time. Spring is here, and everyone is out and having a great time today.”

At the outside activities, Kelly Coram was handing out Easter eggs from a large container.

A junior and an athlete whose sports are softball, volleyball and bowling, Kelly said this was her first time working at a town event.

“The kids get so excited, and they have such good manners,” she said.

Grand Island Town Police officer Pat Dworak said he enjoyed the event.

“It’s a great time,” he said. “Officer Christopher Pyc and I are just here to help make sure things go smoothly and that, hopefully, no one runs out in front of a car. He’s down at the other end. We’re just here to be part of the community. This event’s gotten larger every year. It’s a lot of fun. Joe Menter sets it up for the community.

“I just like all the kids outside. I love it.”