Island Dispatch, 1997-07-11

              Island DISPATCH July 11,1997 20 Pages ___T "As the voice of Grand Island" 1— (716) 773-7676 .  2352 Grand Island Blvd. Friday - Haddock Fish Fry $ 5.99 Take-Out Available j 775-5211 1 Official Newspaper for the Town of Grand Island & the Grand Island School District 650 Vol. 54 •No. 12 Swanick advises town to move forward by Christopher Caile Thursday night the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce met with the Town Board at the Buffalo Launch Club to get input and guidance on their new cooperative economic development initiative for the Island. The initiative began with an offer on December 3 of last year from Chuck Swanick, Chairman of the Erie County Legislature. He offered up to $8,000 of County money to promote economic development on the Island. This offer has now been matched by a $3,000 commitment from the town and $10,000 from the Chamber for a total of $21,000. Christine Learman, Chairman of the Committee, said that the group's mission was to improve the business climate on the Island by attracting new business as well as expanding and retaining existing businesses. Swanick said if the Island was able to put together a strong economic program, it should sell itself and open up financial resources for the future. Success could build on itself and a continuing effort would evolve. He suggested a direct linkage and working relationship with the Erie County Industrial Development Agency and their promotional efforts County wide. Also a possible tic in with the Buffalo Convention Center. As important he felt was a close working relationship with the town on projects, one of which was beginning to work with the existing plaza on the Island. Finally he suggested hiring a part time employee to promote the Island and re-establish business relationships. He also stressed the importantance of selling the people of Grand Island on benefits of their efforts. Discussion then centered on specific projects. Included was Bible Presbyterian lays new cornerstone On Sunday, June 29th, Bible Presbyterian church laid the Cornerstone to its new Family Life Center at 1780 Love Road. Pastor Vandermey reminded the people that Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone of the church and should be of our lives. Each of us who believes in Jesus, are the living stones that form the spiritual building of God. The new facility contains a 124' x 70' activity center and fellowship hall, seven meeting rooms including a fireside room, office, kitchen, lavatories, lobby and other facilities. Completion of this building phase is to be mid to late August. PROUD DISPLAY - Laying the cornerstone are (from left) Nathan Curry, Assistant Pastor; Dr. Kevin Backus, Associate Pastor; Hugh Pickard, Chairman of Building Committee; Kent Randolph, General Superintendent; Dr. Robert Vandermey, Senior Pastor; John Meyers, Vice President of LBM Construction, and Howard Herdle, President of Trustees. Youth Ambassador selected by Kelly Gast On July 4th, the contestants for the Grand Island Youth Ambassador paraded down Grand Island Boulevard in anticipation for the acknowledgment of the new winner. There were six qualified finalists, but only one could seize the position. After carefully reviewing all candidates, the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce selected Vi Xie as the 1997-98 Youth Ambassador. Vi will be acting as a liaison between the Chamber of Commerce and the school district. Some of her duties will include acting as a liaison between the business community through GISBA, the Grand Island School and Business Alliance. She will participate in upcoming events including the Charity Golf Classic and the annual tree lighting. Vi believes Grand Island is a "melting pot." She also believes that the youth of our community are the ones who will decide what will happen in the next century. She therefore stresses the importance that the youth of our community have good, positive role models. Vi recognizes that the American dream is attainable here on Grand Island due to the growing opportunity of the business environment. Vi will be a senior at Grand Island High School in the fall. She is very involved in both school and community programs including sports, music and student leadership activities. Judging the Youth Ambassador Contest were Andy Brocato, Betty Harris, Jack Hugill, Fran Jensen, Skip Mazenauer, Mike Sendlbeck and Linda Sobieski. YOUTH AMBASSADORS - Pictured from left are: Jennifer Kasprzak, former Youth Ambassador; Vi Xie, Youth Ambassador and Brian Goss, alternate. Thousands turn out for parade by Kelly Gast As the floats drifted by on Grand Island Blvd. during the Independence Day Parade, the children's faces were lit with delight. Approximately 4,000 - 6,000 people were in attendance for the event, a better turn out than in recent years despite the high winds and chilly breezes. The crowd stood and gazed as baton twirlers, politicians, and the western cowboys marched by. The antique and sports cars, as well as the sleek Sheriffs helicopter, ignited satisfaction on many parade attendees faces. Before the parade, runners in the Dick Bessel Run fought the winds as they trotted to the finish line. During the parade, the results of the Pie and the Youth Ambassador continued on page 9 continued on page 10