Island Dispatch, 2003-02-21

              Island DISPATCH the Official Newspaper of the Town of Grand Island and the Grand Island School District 'il 57 Years As the Voice of Grand Island v Award Winning Newspapers Founded 1944 • Complete Community Coverage The Farmer's Almanac pn_.ii.ts: ; Sunny i Mild i (a.".a ' Li.i iii 11.' i■ ! 'The Jungle 800k5 Has Arrived Page 13 A Splendid Spaghetti Dinner Page 3 IMioik: (7U» 773-767.> • \\\\: (7_(>. 773-71% » K-Mnil: MTNc\\s('cl i__ail.com 85c 20 Pages lehruan 21.2003 No. 52 \ol. 58 Weekends not all R&R for firefighters by Information Officer Ray Pauley Grand Island Fire Company Emergency Medical Services Captain Bob Cleveland knows better than most that firefighters duties do not end at 5 p.m. every Friday. Sandwiched in between sudden EMS and fire emergencies, weekends provide "a great opportunity to upgrade, Jifesaving skills," he noted. On Saturday, Feb. 15, an eighthour Basic Trauma Life Support Course was conducted for the advanced recertification of 22 paramedics and intermediate EMTs. Seven instructors conducted 'hands on' treatment exercises, involving Shown in photo are instructors Dave Tolejko (left) and Lance Kohn as they organize lesson plans for a Certified First Responder classroom presentation. intravenous procedures, rapid extrication, patient assessment, and patient airway management. The very next day, some of these same instructors spent an additional six hours teaching Automatic External Defibrillator procedures to a certified first responder class of 21 students. When one of these 'volunteers' was asked whether such a personal commitment was singularly worthwhile, his answer was a resounding "you bet your life," according to Cleveland. What more can be said about those individuals who place such a high priority upon their community protection responsibilities?VFW members/ladies auxiliary raise $2,000 for worthy cause Members ol the Grand Island VFW Post 9249 and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary members presented a 32,000 check to Baby Joe Mesi for the Baby Joe Fight for Organ Donation last Friday. The money was raised during the January chili cook-off, which was hosted by the VFW The cook-off has become an annual event, and each year the VFW donates the proceeds to a worthy cause. Pictured in front from left are Betty Hollinger, Dianna OaMarcio, Barb Coady, and Jennifer Leßlanc. Back row from left include: Terry Majewicz, Ralph Lommer, Melissa Shanley, Dennis Griddle, Kathy Lommer. Mesi, Lorraine Criddle, Carol Faulkner, and Kathy Ricci. {photo by Bnan Garman) American Cancer Society reaches out to Grand Island by Jon Sandino It started with one individual, Dr. Gordy Klatt, setting out on a 24--hour walk/jog/ran mission in May of 1985 to support the American Cancer Society. What began 18 years ago as one man's statement in the fight against cancer has led to the American Cancer Society developing a .worldwide movement, Relay For Life - to help conquor this disease. After spreading their mission to many communities (approximately 3,300 at latest count) spanning nine countries, the American Cancer Society is now targeting Grand Island, hoping the generous residents of this town will join in the fight and help put an end to this disease.Carl J. Filbert, an American Cancer Society community executive, hosted an one-hour orientation last Wednesday evening at the Grand Island Memorial Library in hopes of kick-starting a Relay For Life mission on Grand Island. Roughly 15 people, many considered "community leaders" or "persons of influence" were on-hand as Filbert walked the attendees through the session. The evening started out with an introduction as Filbert explained what Relay For Life is and the goals of the American Cancer Society. From there, a Power Point •presentation followed, a 10-minute video was shown and a question/answer session closed the meeting out. What Is Relay For Life? Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature activity. v It offers everyone in a community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of people typically camp out at a local high school, park or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Relays are an overnight event up to 24 hours in length. According to Don McClure, chief executive officer of the Ohio division, Relay For Life provides a way for people to satisfy fundamental needs of belonging, association, fellowship, and identify. McClure continues, "Perhaps even more important, it offers us and opportunity to serve others, to celebrate and to express emotions of happiness, despair and victory. For participants, it is a fulfilling experience. For the American CanCer Society it is the embodiment of our spirit and a portal through which current volunteers pass for renewal and new volunteers approach as a philanthropic right of initiation." Where Does The Money Go? Cancer touches more than just the person diagnosed. It impacts continued on page 15 i_r Week at a Glance Friday Sing-a-long Kaegebein Elementary School, 1690 Love Rd., 2 p.m. For more information call 773-8840 Grand Island JV Football Meeting Nike Base, 3278 Whitehaven Rd. Parents and coaches welcome to attend - 7 p.m. Tuesday Home Bureau II Meeting Island Presbyterian Church, 1822 Huth Rd., -10 a.m. Wednesday American Legion Meeting Loyal Order of the Moose #180, 2524 Grand Island Blvd., 7 p.m. l<i._l_Wll__|l_l I |l||ll||!|l| 1.1 |.||l|l| |||l!l||[MMMMj JM ARTY'S TOWING, INC. "f" IRS_ IE 5E5 NTS INSPECTION • AUTO REPAIRS • BRAND NAM£ TIRES • BATTERIES ADDITIONS •REMODELING 24 hr. Emergency ;?T~i __tt ____=__.£____■ A - ■ m_fm_ff__\ M"_\ CH -.Road Service & Recovery '' "*-,lmT mmmm^S*^T § m J"""j 1%9 I ' ' ._ 1741 Baseline Rd. iSmm m U"ui>l*__- (£___-_''*•<€____■ Setving Grand Island's Building Needs Since 1976 I . 773-35 If> v *-~•! ■--# l 1"' __L___L-'^M-_^