Island Dispatch, 1998-10-23

              Island DISPATCH the voice of Grand Islaindr^^^L Complete community coverage October 23, 1998 36 Pages Vo/. 54 iVo. 28 (716) 773-7676 _~ Monday Nlte Maditeee LAHGE CHEESE PIZZA 4-95 (EJz2>tsoos3 L^^^*i_---—-_J_^_l I ,nTlrlfcfl!s your guide to what's happening in Grand Island schools A PAPAL BLESSING - Pope John Paul II lays His hands on a photograph of Kenmore Mercy Hospital in blessing as Buffalo area Doctors Jacek T. Sosnowski and Krystof Markel reverently look on. This week marks the 20th Anniversary His Holiness has served the Catholic Church, (photo courtesy of J. Sosnowski, reprinted with permission of the Vatican.) MOTHER NATURE'S MAJESTIC BEAUTY - There's nothing so fine as a bright autumn sky for the backdrop against shimmering and colorful fall foliage. At Buckhorn Park this week, photographer Bert Brochey discovered that by just looking up he'd get the perfect shot he wanted. Buckhorn Park nature trails are accessible for all to enjoy. This month the Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Parks & Recreation Historic Preservation Department showed town officials and nature lovers how far the restoration project has come. Papal blessing pleases physician by Cynthia A. Till It is a rare occasion indeed that a person be invited to speak with His Holiness, Pope John Paul 11, yet Grand Island resident, Dr. Jacek T. Sosnowski was granted just such a privilege. The doctor, who practices with North town Urology on River Rd. in N. Tonawanda, and Sheridan Dr., Amherst, was invited, along with other Buffalo-area doctors sponsored by the American-Polish Congress in Buffalo, to participate in a series of lectures at the Department of Urology at the Jagielonski University in Krakow, Poland. Dr. Sosnowski gave a presentation on prostate cancer, and made a generous donation of books to the University's Library. Born and raised in Poland, Dr. Sosnowski was trained as a Urologist at the University of Medical School in Lodz. He came to the U.S. in Feb., 1983. The Dispatch spoke to him recently about his once-in-a-lifetime experience. "In order to fully understand and appreciate why I have such strong personal feelings about this, we have to go back a few years," he begins, settling back in his chair. A distant look in his eyes reflects painful past experiences as he explains his allegiance to the Solidarity Party. "When I finally escaped from Poland, one of the places I stayed was in Rome. The school I attended was close to the Vatican, and for about six months I crossed St. Peter's Square everyday. The window of the library is on at night if His Holiness is in residence, and each evening on my way home, I would look up and see if He was there." The doctor's voice reflects a tone as though speaking of a favorite relative or close friend. "I felt connected to the Pope somehow, beyond a religious feeling. His Holiness is from Krakow. He was educated and entered the priesthood there." With an ever widening grin he adds, "His roots are in Poland, just as mine are." Recalling his early struggles in the U.S., the doctor leans forward, hands clasped on the desk in front of him. His face reflects this frustrating time in bis life as he overcame one obstacle after another. "Further training took me to New Jersey, Florida, Maryland, West Virginia and Ohio. I worked very hard in my profession but it seemed nobody would give me a chance. Along the way, I met many influential people of great faith who helped me in my struggle to NEW CHURCH PROGRESSING NICELY - Ground broke for St. Stephen Parish's new church last month and the 29,700 square foot building promises to be another component in serving the expanding Grand Island religious community. continued on page 15