Island Dispatch, 1997-11-14

              Island DISPATCH  November 14,1997 Monday Nile Madness LARGE CHEESE PIZZA M.9S Official Newspaper for the Town of Grand Island & the Grand Island School District w^vears "As the voice of Grand Island* 20 Pages 650 Vol. 54 No. 30 (716) 773-7676 Two injured in MVA involving school bus by Ray Pauley Public Info Officer Grand Island Fire Company rescue personnel were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident involving a school bus and three cars which occurred at 2024 Grand Island Blvd. during early morning rush hour traffic at 6:56 a.m. on Nov. 12. Eighteen firefighters and paramedics, under the direction of Assistant Chief Dave Tolejko, treated several vehicle occupants for various non-critical injuries. A convertible top was removed from one vehicle by an extrication crew so that 19 year old Allan Pomaranski of Buffalo could be treated for shoulder and head injuries. He was then transported by ambulance to Kenmore Mercy Hospital for medical follow-up. Another driver, 33 year old Linwood Hoffman, also of Buffalo, was treated for upper body and head injuries and transported to Kenmore Mercy Hospital. Fifty-nine year old Joseph Maiorano of Amherst denied injuries. Bus driver Janel Slotiuk of Grand Island also declined treatment at the scene and was advised to consult her family physician if necessary. Grand Island Fire Company officers noted that the fact that the school bus was empty was "extremely fortunate." All Grand Island Fire Company units were returned to service at 8 a.m. after fire police completed traffic control duties. CRASH VEHICLE - Early morning snow contributed to this vehicle being involved in a crash involving a school bus Wednesday. Snow blankets Island by Christopher Caile Early Wednesday morning thick, wet snow began to blanket Grand Island. Ray Dlugokinski, Deputy Highway Superintendent, had heard the forecasts. He was up at 1:30 a.m. It was still clear. "But by 2:45 when I left home you could hardly see because of the falling snow," said Dlugokinski. Grand Island snow plows and trucks were out by 3:30 a.m. and continued to plow, lay down sand and salt until 8:30 or 9 a.m. when the snow finished. But slick, icy areas remained. As with every first snow fall the Island also saw its share of early morning accidents. There were numerous fender benders on the bridges. A school bus was involved in an accident on Grand Island Boulevard where another vehicle in a separate accident had also overturned. Also out early was an army of private and other snow plows clearing the parking lots at Tops Market, the Grand Island Plaza, and at schools and businesses. Most residents just brushed off their windshields. The main roads were pretty much clear before they set off to work. Dlugokinski estimates the snow fall at three to five inches. SNOW SURPRISE ON TUESDAY MORNING - Well, it really wasn't a complete surprise because snow had been forecast. But somehow people are never really prepared. Grand Island roads were cleared by daybreak. Snow-filled trees lined East River Road. Bible Presbyterian Dedicates Life Center by Carta Dueck This past weekend was one of celebration for the congregation at Bible Presbyterian Church on Love Road. The Church conducted a series of Dedication events and services for their new Family Life Center, a $1.4 million project which has been completely paid for. The weekend of festivities began Friday evening with a dinner banquet featuring the Renaissance Brass Quintet. Out of town visitors for the occasion were recognized along with several Town and County officials. The evening also provided an opportunity to honor individuals who played a significant role in building the new Center. Honorees included Hugh Pickard, Chairman of the Building Committee, Bill Wilson, Clerk of the Works, Kent Randolph, Job Supervisor and Frank Williams, Director of Food Services. Dr. Kevin Backus, Associate Pastor, was also recognized for his 15 years of service at the church. In attendance was Pastor Bob Vandermey* s 87-year-old father from Los Angeles, Dr. Robert B. Vandermey. While a pastor in the Buffalo area in 1957, he looked for a good location to start a new church and selected Grand Island. He made hundreds of calls and started a small group meeting at a hall on Ferry Road. It was to this group that Dr. Robert W. Vandermey and his wife came in 1958 where they have served ever since. The evening also included a presentation made by Terry Kelly Myers, President of LBM Construction. Myers turned over the key to the building to Howard Herdle, President of the Trustees. Tours of the facility were open tc the public on Saturday from one to four p.m. Sunday services of Dedication were held at the main church, which is located at 1650 Love Road. The formal Dedication took place at three p.m. in the new 18,300 square foot Family Life Center. Elements of the service included music by soloists, instrumentalists, the Rejoice Singers and the Senior Choir. Vandermey gave the message ana the attendees joined in the "Words of Dedication." A fellowship time followed and many toured the building. Though a formal dedication of the new Family Life Center just took place this past weekend, the facility has already been put to plenty of use. Tuesday and Thursday nights are used by the senior and junior high youth groups, respectively. Nathan Currey, who has attended the church since childhood, has been brought on staff to give full attention to the youth of the church. Curry attended Moody Bible Institute and is a recent graduate of Covenant Seminary. The AW ANA club, a program for younger children which focuses on Scripture memory, crafts and games, uses the building on Wednesday evenings. Adult groups and Bible studies will meet in "the Fireside Room," a smaller meeting room which seats about 100 and includes a gas fireplace. The new building contains a gymnasium which is used for tennis, basketball and volleyball. With a stage on one end and a spacious kitchen adjacent to the gym, the new building is perfect for special events. According to Vandermey, Bible Presbyterian Church seeks to use every resource they have in reaching out to the community. The new Family Life Center is found at 1780 Love Road. Eventually, the congregation hopes to build a new sanctuary on the seven-acre property where the Center is. located. HANDING OVER THE KEYS- Terry Kelly Myers, President of LBM Construction presents keys of the Family Life Center of Bible Presbyterian Church to Howard Herdle, President of the Trustees of the Church. Looking on is (from left) Dr. Robert W. Vandermey, Senior Pastor and John Myers, Vice President of LBM Const, and Kent Randolf, Supervisor of the Job. (Submitted by Rev. vandermey)