Island Dispatch, 1998-09-25

              Island Dispatch m„ Monday Nile Madness LARGE CHEESE PIZZA 4.95 ♦TVX (£JzS?siss) In This Issue: sth Annual Festival of Homes Final weekend, see pages 7,8 &9 Complete community coverage VoL 54 No. 24 (716) 773-7676 24 Pages 650 JHHf over § m ■^VS,tKe7°ice °f Gra"*d Island" V Jamumi£m~ ' ~ mm September 25, 1998 A GRAND HAPPENING - The 2nd Annual Grand Island Community Happening, which was held August 8 at the Grand Island Plaza, was a resounding success. The event featured Kidßiz, a entrepreneur experience for the Island's business leaders of the future, fire engines, clowns, pony rides provided by Sparks Trading Post, a wine tasting, a classic cars display and plenty more All of the event's proceeds went to the Neighbor's Foundation, Reality Cafe and Veterans Park. Chairman Ted Bates said "I want to acknowledge the tremendous support of the Holiday Showcase Restaurant's catering division and all of the local political figures who worked in the Charity Car Wash. Despite the fact the event fell on one of the hottest days of the summer, attendance was terrific. Next year's event is already being planned. The event will take place in the middle of September, once again, to avoid any scheduling conflicts. Pictured from left: Richard Piechowiak, manager of Lockport Savings Bank, presents a check to .Hank Kammerer of the Neighbor's Foundation, Ted Bates presents a check to Kirn Jansen of Reality Cafe, Christine Learman presents a check to Russ Certo, (with his daughter Emily) who represented the Veterans Park Recreation and Cultural Center. The checks were $500 each. Limit damages, McMahon says During the Town Board meeting on Monday, Supervisor Peter McMahon announced that he has sent a letter to Senator Daniel P. Moynihan, Senator Alfonse M. D'Amato and Congressman John J. LaFalce asking them for any assistance that they can provide in resolving the Seneca Nation of Indians claim of ownership of Grand Island. The Seneca Nation of Indians have commenced an action in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York claiming ownership of all the islands in the Niagara River between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario and within the jurisdiction of the United States comprising of approximately 18,660 acres, including Grand Island which represents approximately 17,925 acres. In the letter McMahon asks for assistance in "arranging a meeting between the appropriate officials and the United States Justice Department, the attorneys for the State of New York, the attorneys for the Indian Nations and any and all other interested parties." The purpose of the meeting would be to explore the possibility of limiting the damages available in the case to an award for monetary damages. "Such a limitation of damages would eliminate the fear of property owners losing their homes and businesses. The arrangement, however, would still allow the Seneca Nation of Indians to be compensated by a monetary award for any claim of ownership which can be proven in the Courts," the letter states. On Aug. 12 United States Magistrate Judge, Hon. Carol E. Heckman issued a report and recommendation denying a motion to dismiss the case due to the intervention of the Federal Government on behalf of the Senecas. "Had the United States Department of Justice chosen not to Residents speak out on proposed Recreation Center by Rick Forgione "This facility is not just an investment for our youth, but an investment for all of us on Grand Island" and "In this world you can't always have what you want, you have to pay for it." These words spoken by Edward Bush and Stanford Harrington respectively were the main arguments for those for and against the Town of Grand Island bonding $4 million for the proposed Veterans Park Recreation and Cultural Center during a public hearing Monday night. After almost two hours and over 30 residents had their say, only one conclusion could be made: some were for it, some were against it and some still had many questions that had to be answered before they were ready to take sides. Chuck Rader, a member of the Ad-Hoc Committee, kicked off the hearing by stating that he stood before the board representing thousands of Grand Island residents to deliver a message. "That message is that there is strong support for a recreational center on Grand Island," Rader said. Rader said the proposed facility would include a walking and running track, an ice rink, leisure pool, aerobics and fitness center, a field and a Community Theater that could be used to hold award ceremonies and orchestra concerts. He also said that soccer fields will be a major part of the facility to accommodate the 1,200 plus kids in the Grand Island Soccer Program. Before ending nis staiemems, Rader presented the board with a petition consisting of 2,000 voting age residents of Grand Island that are in favor of the proposed facility. "The Veterans Park Committee has worked diligently in the last two years," Rader said. "We now look for your leadership." After Rader had his say, a line of advocates for the proposal quickly formed in the standing (and some sitting) room only Town Hall court room. Several residents spoke for the need of a center for the kids who have to spread out all over Western New York just to participate in youth leagues such as hockey. Perhaps the most hard-hitting comment on this problem was made by resident John Black who after talking about all the kids participating in sports programs U\aX a*e spvcad cmcM. tt*\o <mtet«ni communities each fall, he told the board that he had to leave the meeting early because he had to drive twenty minutes to take his No right on red law approved On Monday, the Grand Island Town Board unanimously agreed to take the necessary steps to restrict right turns on red for motorists traveling east on Whitehaven Road and turning south onto Grand Island Boulevard. The next step in this matter is to send a petition to the State Department of Transportation to have them evaluate the request. If the DOT approves the request, the proper sign will be installed and the law will become effective. In a written statement to the Town Board in which the "no right on red" is recommended, the Traffic Safety Advisory Board concurred that the action will: •Provide for a traffic break allowing for easier egress from commercial parking lots on Grand Island Boulevard. •Reduce risk factors that might lead to automobile accidents. •Create a safer environment for persons traveling on Grand Island Boulevard. The restriction of right hand turns will hopefully open a longer window of time for motorists waiting to exit the Tops parking lot and pull safely into the busy traffic "DEGRAFT DAY" - Pictured during "DeGraff Day"on Grand Island, which was held Sept. 19 at Adrian's Custard and Beef, is Peter Figliotti, former owner of Adrian's and a graduate of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit at DeGraff Hospital, Roxane Albond, Director of Philanthropy at DeGraff, May Miller of Adrian's, Dick Krawczyk, new owner and manager of Adrian's, and Beverly Rasch, Member DeGraff Healthcare Foundation and "DeGraff Day" Event Chair. A percentage of all sales during the day were used to help the DeGraff Healthcare Foundation support CGF Health System's DeGraff Memorial Hospital. CHECK UP - Supervisor Peter McMahon gets his blood pressure checked by Crystal Breier, RN at DeGraff and a Grand Island resident during "DeGraff Day." Members of DeGraff s staff were on hand to answer questions about DeGraff s role in healthcare for Grand Island residents. "DeGraff Day" was sponsored by Niagara Frontier Publications. The importance of blood pressure checks was explained and free checks were administered. continued on page 3 continued on page 5 continued on page 5