Island Dispatch, 1998-12-11

              Island DISPATCH over J "As tKc voice of Grand Island" Jc^^R ImnE ■ ~ — FW H Monday Nite Madness LARGE CHEESE PIZZA 4-95 (frizzy sites) In This Issue: GIFT GUIDE Special tab section ■ Complete community coverage Vol. 54 No. 35 (716) 773-7676 December 11, 1998 20 Pages 650 Cusack intends to educate, calm landowners' fears by Deanne Bartha Lawmakers who represent Grand Island constituents took a major step forward last week regarding the Seneca Nation Indian land dispute and, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, hired the Cusack Center for Professional Development to launch a yearlong effort to educate the public and business community about the ongoing issue. The decision precludes the anticipated appeal by Grand Island and New York State against the federal government, which sided with the Senecas in August, scheduled for December 1, 1999. At a press conference held at the Erie County Legislature last Friday, Erie County Legislator Chuck Swanick, along with State Senator Anthony Nanula and Chamber of Commerce President Christine Learman, officially announced that Thomas F. Cusack, president of the development center, would enter the educational realm to the public in a campaign geared toward dispelling untruths generated by misleading information and subsequent misunderstandings. An overwhelming amount of sound bytes has occurred, Swanick indicated, that, "There has to be so much misinformation exchanged among residents, the real estate and legal community and others, that it has become imperative that we set the record straight." As a neutral party selected for his impartiality, objectivity, and fairness, Cusack agrees that "the subject is so complicated that little bits and pieces can do us in." "It's the Quantum Leap we make when we don't have enough Thomas F. Cusack Marine Reserves are looking for a few new toys by Cynthia A. Till The Western New York 'war room' of the Toys for Tots Program is located in the Marine Reserve Center on Porter Rd. in Buffalo. It is from here that mighty ideas for fund raising and toy collection are born. Under the direction of Major Noel Sandlin, the Marines of 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines generally work non-stop from Oct. 15 to Dec. 15, coordinating fund raising efforts, collecting toys from individuals and various groups, and steering clients in the right direction to receive help. This year's program was delayed due to the unit's Mobilization Operation Readiness Deployment Test in September. Because the barrels didn't go out until mid November, toy collection will continue to Dec. 19. "I really leave this whole thing up to First Sergeant Brothers," said Mayor Sandlin, who recently transferred in from Hawaii. "I provide a second set of eyes when it comes to counting donations and ensuring we dot every T and cross every TV I can send up a silver bullet if need be, yet essentially the Ist Sergeant is 'the man' when it comes to Toys for Tots." Ist. Sgt. Ernest Brothers has been stationed in Buffalo serving as Veterans remembered for their sacrifice at Pearl Harbor The mood was somber on Monday as Grand Island officials, veterans, and residents gathered at the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post No. 9249 to commemorate those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor 57 years ago. Opening with prayer was Walter Cowan, followed by remarks from Supervisor Peter McMahon. Post Commander Gary Howard gave a moving speech just before a tribute with Taps, a 21 gun rifle salute, and the lowering of the flag. Veterans placed a memorial wreath near the flag seen by many traveling Grand Island Boulevard during the week. "We've seen, first hand, the tremendous cost of freedom," Howard began. "For that reason, we have invited you here today, to pay tribute to those who have paid so dearly for our freedom." "Fifty-seven years ago this morning, the sky over Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was filled with Japanese planes. When the last wave of attacking aircraft rejoined the Japanese fleet, 1,178 lay wounded and 2,403 lay dead or dying. A great portion of the US Pacific Fleet was in shambles." "Thus began America's entry into World War II - five years that changed the world. The United States returned from WWII as the greatest military and economic power. America was the world's peace keeper and a symbol of freedom and liberty for all. But, today we are here to pay homage to those who paid the price for America's greatness." The audience of almost 30 people stood listening to Howard, a brisk, cool breeze sweeping the VFW parking lot. "That first morning at Pearl Harbor, men were killed as they ran to man their battle stations. Families across our nation listened in horror as the radio announced the destruction and death. For those men and women and their families, we are gathered today. For the next 44 months, spouses and children watched their fathers and mothers answer the call to arms — 292,131 of those men and women never saw their families again. For those and their families, we are gathered today." "Beginning at Pearl Harbor and throughout WWII American soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen suffered injuries, many which they carry today. It is for those we are gathered today." "For those who escaped death and physical injury, WWII has also changed their lives forever. It is for those we are gathered today." "... It is time to say thank you. WITH DIGNITY - Veterans stand at attention on Monday as residents, town officials and other veterans pay tribute, (by Deanne Bartha) continued on page 14 continued on page 3 continued on page 3