Island Dispatch, 1997-07-03

              Island DISPATCH  _____—„__J__| lk_7 _ ___~ JPM-" ' —-_-—_  2352 Grand Island Blvd. | Fric^-Hladdock Fish Fry $5.99 Take-Out Available I 775-5211 Official Newspaper for the Town of Grand Island & the Grand Island School District (716) 773-7676 July 3,1997 28 Pages Including Lewiston 175th section I 650 Vol. 54 •No. 11 Paratroopers help lift Leukemia patients' spirits by Bert Brochey From out of the sky over Martin's Fantasy Island last weekend two elite military parachute teams glided effortlessly onto the grass infield of Fantasy Island's recreation area to hand deliver teddy bears to 17 young patients of the Leukemia Society. The paratroopers were in the area to perform at the "Thunder Over Niagara" Airshow. For the second year in a row the military's best paratroopers showcased their exceptional skills in wowing the crowd assembled last Friday afternoon for the "Second Annual Fantasy Island Parachute Jump." Andrew Brocato, spokesman for Martin's Fantasy Island said that this is the second year the paratroopers have performed at Fantasy Island to help lift the spirits of the young Leukemia patients who are either under treatment or are in remission. He added that Fantasy Island has held events like this in the past to help non-profit groups. "The Parachute Jump was made possible by the 'Thunder Over Niagara' Airshow staff, along with the Executive Staff of the Leukemia Society who coordinated the children's, visit...The, t-n teamc t\f Paratroopers coTts\s\ea ot \r»c "V3 .S. Navy's Leap Frogs' and The Sky Hawks' who are a Canadian Military Team. They are always welcome at Fantasy Island and they put on a wonderful show for the kids," Brocato said. With canisters of red smoke trailing the paratroopers, Friday evening's dark blue sky turned into a dazzling display of color. The Paratroopers made it look easy as they formed many different formations during their skilled descent. Some came plummeting to the ground locked together, a mass of parachute and speed. They would then break safely away from each other, only to land dead center on the landing target. With hands raised to block the sun, those watching the jump seemed amazed as each of the 30 jumpers effortlessly circled and landed one by one. After the Military's Goodwill Ambassadors pulled in their chutes, they were instantly greeted by those who would receive the bears. EZED - Luann Burgio, (left) who is on the staff of the Leukemia Society es the 2nd Annual Fantasy Island Parachute Jump with Missy Cook 10 -chary Boss, 2. (by Bert Brochey) CHECK PRESENTATION—MichaeI Samland, manager of the Grand Island Marine Midland Bank, recently presented committee members from the Chamber of Commerce's Youth Ambassador Program, a check to help support the program. Pictured from left is committee member Betty Harris, Linda Sobieski and Mike Sendlbeck receiving a check from Michael Samland of Marine Midland. Also pictured is committee member Andy Brocato. Missing from the picture is committee members Jack Hugill, Fran Jansen and Skip Mazenauer. (by Bert Brochey) THE CANADIAN MILITARY TEAM - "The Sky Hawks" were part of the Fantasy Island Paratrooper show that turned Friday evenings dark blue sky into a colorful display. The Sky Hawks and the U.S. Navy's Leap Frogs delivered teddy bears to Leukemia patients after their stunning aerial acts, (by Bert Brochey) WHAT A PRIZE - Casey Dahlstrom, 8, of Grand Island, shows off the teddy bear that Lt. Rick Grave DePeralta gave to him after the U.S. Navy Parachute Team, "The Leap Frogs" landed at Martin's Fantasy Island, (by Bert Brochey) Youth Ambassador to be chosen by Joelle Gresock Six area youths are finalist hoping to capture the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Youth Ambassador title. The position would allow the candidate to act as liaison between the Chamber of Commerce and the school district Candidates were asked to submit an essay on "How you would describe Grand Island in the year 2000." Finalist Vi Xie, a junior at Grand Island High School envisions Grand Island as a continued on page 6 Complete Fourth of July Parade schedule on page 12 & 13