Island Dispatch, 2007-12-28

              Island Dispatch S Niagara Frontier Publications proud publishers of Island Dispatch Lewiston-Porter Sentinel Grand Island Penny Saver Niagara-Wheatfield Tribune www.wnypapers.com For Home Delivery of the Island Dispatch Call 773-7676 -TwW , __V *-•' _. •* '" *^*; V01.63 No. 41 December 28, 2007 20 Pages 773-7676 $1.00 First Tuesday Book Club Celebrates I page 6 Weaver Fever page 7 Peace Poster Winner page 9. Christmas in the military home and abroad by Michael J. Owen U.S. Navy Journalist (Ret.) In the early months of World War I, on Christmas Eve 1914, German soldiers were locked in fierce fighting against British and French forces near the ancient town of Ypres in western Belgium. Jn man-made trenches about eight feet deep that stretched along the western front, the opposing armies were dug in and separated by a "no man's land" of barbwire, rotting corpses and the destruction of war. As the artillery fell silent that night along the battlefields of Flanders, German troops began decorating around their trenches by placing candles on Christmas trees and singing carols, most notably "Stille Nacht" or "Silent Night." They also held up signs saying "Merry Christmas" and "You no shoot, we no shoot" as British troops responded in kind with English carols and return shouts of Christmas greetings. Cries of "Hello Tommy, Hello Fritz," also helped to break the ice. Disobeying their superiors on both sides, a spontaneous truce resulted, as thousands of soldiers climbed from their muddy trenches,trenches, laid down their weapons and met in the middle to shake hands and retrieve their dead for proper -burial. Many soldiers embraced when, just hours before, they were trying Veterans reflect on Christmas past to kill each other. They also shared gifts such as chocolate cake, cognac, tobacco and photographs from home, while some even played soccer. Due to the Christmas spirit and possibly the mutual feeling that "The Great/War" would be decided at another place and time, and mostly likely by others, the battle weary soldiers were able to enjoy a few precious moments of "Peace on Earth, good will toward men." As the "War to End All Wars" battled on until 1918, the events of that •winter became increasingly surreal to those who had not been there. Last week, just a few days before Christmas, the oldest known surviving veteran of World War I, J. Russell Coffey, died at age 109 in Ohio. Enlisting in 1918, he was one of only three known U.S. veterans left from that era. • Army veteran Bob Eldredge, 81, recalled being attacked three decades later, during World War 11, by a German aircraft while serving in the European Theater with Gen. George Patton's 3rd Army, 20th Corps (Ghost Corps) as a forward observer. "I remember Christmas 1944 when a German plane strafed our position just to mess with us," said the Grand Island resident. "However, in the woods some soldiers would pass within sight of each Just leaving for Iraq, Sgf. Joseph Woodell gets a big goodbye hug from his wife, Kirn, on Grand Island as the holiday season approaches. Clark releases highly anticipated 'Apples and Oranges' The follow-up to 'Unusual' features 11 tracks written by Clark Grand Island's Stacy Clark headlined a show last night at Staples on Allen Street in Buffalo. The singer, who currently resides in California, performed songs from her recent release "Apples and Oranges." The album, prominently featured of late in local and national media outlets, is available for purchase online at www.StacyClark.net, and digitally through major download companies. Talks of a major tour are now circling for early 2008. Building from 2005's critically acclaimed, 4-song EP "Unusual," Clark has turned out a new album that aptly blends ail that's good about emo with her trademark, folk vibe. Layered with a unique electronic sound and backed by her powerful, melodic vocals, "Apples and Oranges," produced by Loren Israel and lan Eirkpatrick, is Clark's long awaited full length. Clark joins "the music industry's growing trend of artists independently releasing albums. "Apples and Oranges" was recorded and produced without major label backing. With the success of "Unusual," also produced by Israel (Rock Kills Kid, Run Doris Run) and Kirkpatrick (Zen Seven Studios), the wave of expectation was set in motion. As each of the EP's tracks began to register spins on both coasts, professional artists became intrigued by Clark's new and refreshing sound. Subsequently, three of the 11 songs on "Apples and Oranges" feature guest vocalists. Plain White Ts singer Tom Higgenson joins Clark on "Recluse," while Tim Pagnotta of Sugarcult lends his voice to "Closer" and Aaron Marsh of Copeland contributes the bridge to "Empty Bottles." In 2007, Clark's songs "You Make It Worse" and "Unusual" were featured on MTV's hit show "Engaged and Underage" and the CW series "Girlfriends." During the summer, she served as a cohost on"The Big Ten," a popular MTV video progam. A "Featured Artist" on "MTV- Hits," Clark's songs have been included on.the Music Saves lives 2006-07 Vans Warped Tour CD and on Jack's Mannequin frontman Andrew McMahon's Airport Records compilation. Clark, a graduate of Grand Island High School, moved to Orange County, Calif., in 2004. After fighting a blood disorder in her teens, she has become the official spokesperson of the Music Saves Lives program. Today, Clark speaks to students about the importance of donating blood. On Thursday, Clark and Aaron Masters - an Islander who performs as Standing Audition - performed at Staples, a popular venue in the Art District. Also on the bill was famed Buffalo musician Michael DeSanto. For more information on Clark and "Apples and Oranges," visit www.StaeyClark.net To listen to her music, go to www.myspace. com/ilovestacyclark. p. ..■■.-- Stacy Clark headlined a show at Staples on Thursday. Aaron Masters opened. Both are from Grand Island. Pictured above, the pair performed a few songs on Wednesday at Stillwater in Buffalo. SEE SOLDIERS, continued on page 2 Madness LARGE CHEESE PIZZA $ Q25 2131 Grand Island Blvd. I Undopppjpj j Kutzbach pBPJI j Associate Broker ■BL^^'Slß ! 628-1719 gwl-i.l / iCSr**! other Q / I >3'Bg*4liK" EacnoirieeloaspenOLiit,- ! I North owned & operate:! i \ ■' ; ' j i ~—,—, ,i I