Island Dispatch, 1997-04-04

              Island DISPATCH  C 282-2381 ) FREE Pick-up & Delivery $20 OFF CLEANING With Customer Sign-Up WEEKLY OR BIWEEKLY ROUTESEWICE Official Newspaper for the Town of Grand Island & the Grand Island School District (716) 773-7676 Vol. 53 • No. 52 650 20 Pages April 4,1997 w«% years J "As the voice of Grand Island" "~^ Egg hunters multiply for annual event by Bert Brochey Less than ideal weather conditions didn't dampen the spirit of the 100 or so Grand Island children that took part in this year's 5 th Annual Tops Easter Egg Hunt The eager egg hunters were able to stay nice and dry during Saturday morning's drizzle thanks to a thick layer of straw spread out under the grocery store's front overhang. Tops employee Sherry Schalk, along with volunteers Paul Boudreau, Roseanne Russo, Loro DeCanio and Joe Becher (AKA Easter Bunny), displayed their talents in keeping the egg hunt running smoothly. They hid eggs in the straw for the different age groups and handed out prizes to the winners. They also helped the younger children by lending a helping hand to locate some of the better hidden eggs. They removed a little straw from the hair of a few unlucky children who unfortunately were standing behind other energetic egg hunters who had straw flying in every direction in search of the "Prize Egg." Tops Egg Hunt winners were Jeffrey Schalk in the three and under age group. Shelby Beltz was the four to five year old winner and Sergio Marrale placed first in the six to seven year group. Once the straw dust settled from the enthusiastic hunters the winners received their first place chocolate bunnies and the rest of the participants received prizes donated by Tops, assuring nobody went away empty handed. EINGRATULATIONS - Sergio Marrale shows off an Easter Egg the Bunny congratulates him for winning the three and under egory in the Fifth Annual Easter Egg Hunt, (by Bert Brochey) After stall, Casino rebuilding initiatives begin by Christopher Caile Since the Beaver Island Casino burned down in Oct. 1992 prospects for rebuilding have seemed to dwindle. But now two separate initiatives have been launched that might lead to rebuilding the structure. Edward Rutkowski, District Director of New York State Office of State Parks. Recreation and Historic Preservation, said that a proposal for rebuilding and operating the facility has been received and has been sent on to Albany. « normally proposals arc not forwarded unless they have substantial merit. But Brian Vatimo, Director of Communication in the Park's office in Albany, would not comment further on the matter. Last year the State Parks had invited proposals for rebuilding and operating the Casino. First the State had proposed operating the Casino for 20 years, but no bids were received. The operating period was then extended to 40 years and the "possibility" of using the Park's administrative office building as a bed-and-breakfast, use of the park's 10 pavilions and management of the marina was added to a second request for bids. But still no bids were forthcoming. Before the Casino fire the Town was told by the State that the structure was "self-insured" by the State. This meant the State assumed financial responsibility for rebuilding if the necessity arose. Immediately after the fire the WHAT WAS, IS NOW AND FUTURE THAT COULD BE - Here a picture of the old Beaver Island Casino is shown over the present foundation structure that still stands after the fire in 1992. Presently two different initiatives have begun to rebuild the Casino after a frustrating period when promised State rebuilding funds never materialized and no one responded to State Park requests to submit proposals for reconstruction in return for rights to operate the facility, (by Christopher Caile) Youth Ambassador sought by Deanne Bartha Students are being sought for the third "Grand Island Youth Ambassador" program proudly sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and Martin's Fantasy Island. The program is presented to students who will be in grade 9-12 for the 1997-98 school year. It was designed to recognize Grand Island youth and to select an ambassador to represent the Town at local area functions. Mike Sendlbeck of WNY Auctions is chairman of the event with Andrew Brocato representing Martin's Fantasy Island. "We look for six finalists to come up with number one winner and number two alternative," Sendlbeck said. "We're also pushing to make July 4 Youth Ambassador Day an all day event." The first year's winner was Kristina Goodwin, with Jennifer Kaspizak winning the second year. Winners and alternates receive a scholarship from the program. Finalists receive goods and services from area businesses. The first part of the competition requests students to write a one page essay on "How would you describe Grand Island in the year 2000?" After reviewing the essays, judges will narrow it down to six people to participate in the July 4th parade where they will be judged on their personality and presence. The final segment will be a question and answer session at Martin's. Winners will be announced after the scores are tabulated. Some of the functions to be represented by the Ambassador include the Charity Golf Tournament, the Community Business Expo and the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Entry forms must be returned by Friday, May 30 to the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, 1763 Baseline Rd., Suite 102 or at Martin's Fantasy Island, 2400 Grand Island Blvd. Finalists will be alerted prior to the event so they can plan on participating in the parade. For more information call Cheryl at the Chamber office, 773-3651 or Andrew Brocato at 773-7591. continued on page 3 Dayiight Savings Time Returns Sunday, April 6th. Island