Island Dispatch, 2002-05-10

              Island Dispatch I'lionc: (716) 773-7676 • Iu\: (716) 773-7190 • 1,-Mail: M I'NcmsO' y ImaiU-om 85c Shooting ■j To The Top Page 16 t Islander u Provides Insight I Page 19 'The Farmer's \iinaniu . prctluts; ; cloudy i | L'hAt 1,1 ■ '■.' lv' | »»?«.: r i  Founded 1944 • Complete Community Coverage 57 Years As the Voice of Grand Island Award Winning Newspapers The Official Newspaper of the Town of Grand Island and the Grand Island School District Vol. 58 No. 11 Max 10,2002 28 I'ajjes Plus 4 l\ij»c Bridge Section Sesquicentennial committee striving to make 2002 an unforgettable year by Jon Sandino There is an old saying that goes, "never judge a book by its cover." When thinking of Grand Island, that saying should be kept in mind. At a glance, one might look at Grand Island - a smaller sized community, and underestimate all the town has accomplished during its 150 years of existence. Though small in size and population, Grand Island is large in heart and rich in tradition. That is why the Sesquicentennial Committee, headed by Chairman Mike Schneider, is determined to make the town's sesquicentennial bash a happening that people will be talking about for years to come. "We want it to be a year to remember," Schneider said. The next couple of months, particulary June and July boast the majority of the sesquicentennial events. It affords Grand Island the opportunity to make a name for itself, not just with local residents, but individuals from far and wide. "We have people coming from as far away as California, Oklahoma and Flordia... we want outsiders to come in" Schneider said. "We have the chance to show them the rich tradition of Grand Island." Schneider feels confident past tradition can be carried on through the events of the upcoming months. When asked what one event people might recall 30 to 40 years from now, Schneider pointed out the Memorial Tree Planting, which will take place Saturday, May 18, at Veterans Park. "I think the tree planting will be nice to recall," Schneider said. "It will make people remember our sesquicentennial year." In addtion to the tree planting, Schneider continued to list numerous events that might make a huge impact, including the re-enactment of the 1952 Grand Prix; the annual July 4 Parade, which according to Schneider will be the biggest one yet; and the antique boat show, which will take place at the Buffalo Launch Club. Meanwhile, with the bulk of the events right around the corner, Schneider feels all the pieces of the puzzle are starting to fall into place. "At this point, everything is coming together," Schneider said. "All of the committees and the people behind the scenes are hard at work." Learning About The Past In The Present With all of the present hype, it can be easy to forget how the Island became the way it is today. This year's bash will not come and go without paying tribute to past. A historic pageant, which is part of the town's sesquicentennial celbration, will be held under the direction of Elizabeth Beach on Saturday and Sunday, July 6 and 7 in the Grand Island High School auditorium. Attendees will be able to relive and learn about the past during this must-see event. 'The pagaent is not only going to include the first 100 years of Grand Island, but right up to 2002," Schneider said. Audtions for the pagaent will be held in the Huth Road School auditorium on May 15 and 17 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Men, women and a few children age 10 and up will be needed to take various parts in the historic scenes that will depict the story of Grand Island from the time it became a township in 1852 to the present. For more information, call Beach at 773-4960. One Busy Summer As mentioned earlier, the summer months will be packed with sesquicentennial related events. The town of Grand Island has had a storied past. Many events have occurred during the town's 150 years that have helped Grand Island make a name for itself. A perfect example is the Edgewater Hotel (above). Despite being torn down in 1978, the hotel and the area surrounding it provided many memories. One such event was in 1923, when a large male social club came by ferry boat, and took a group photo in front of the hotel. As the town prepares to celebrate its sesquicentennial celebration, events such as the historic pageant are scheduled to help Islanders relive the past, (photo courtesy of Bob Beach) (photo scanned, enhanced and printed by Delaware Camera) continued on page 13  MARTY'S TOWING, INC TI.FfcEESS NYS INSPECTION • AUTO REPAIRS • BRAND NAM! TIRIS • BATTERIES * , \ 24 hr. Emergency ' TW~« |E3&> «_3f',ss£\ Road Service & Recovery ' %-><«*. ..-■_■ ~_ ~l~~**'.,T*S^^ - DQS>6illl@ nU« ISHHRBIttttMBB' <■! MMWHMMi. ttHMWttKNMJV jdsflttMßMfa. _~_~3-3S 1 3 fTFII b»  <J$  Always Something Happening, Always Something Hew May 1 -lOth Mother's Day Basket Drawing - With receipts totaling *10 or more receive an entry to win one off the many beautiful baskets - Compliments off Summit Park Mall