Island Dispatch, 2005-07-15

              Island Dispatch  Niagara f Hi pl Frontier \L Publications proud publishers of Island Dispatch lew'tston-Porter Sentinel Grand Island Penny Saver Niagara-Wheatfield Tribune www.wnypapers.com For Home Delivery of the Island Dispatch Cail773-7676 Vol.61 No. 17 July 15, 2005 24 Pages sl.OO Good summer eats page 13 Vikings go 11-3 page 14 First Niagara helps neighbors page 24 A fresh Island tradition by Karen Keefe The Eicheldinger family is into fresh, local produce - big-time - and that is a very good thing for Grand Island. The family's produce stand always opens on the Saturday after July 4. Look for the big blue and white awning at the WW Post, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. Under their new tent, you'll find the most popular summer fare, corn and tomatoes, as well as a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables - all locally grown. The stand is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. On Tuesday, the stand was staffed by Pat Eicheldinger of Lancaster and Sue Eicheldinger Glogowski of Darien Center. Pat's husband, Rick, is the other member of the trio that owns and operates the stand. Island Customers 'Great' "Everybody on Grand Island is real nice - great people," Eicheldinger said. She points out that they have never had anything stolen from their stand. ""It's a very honest, good community here. There's a lot of support from all the customers. " The Eicheldinger family has opened its local produce stand once again at the VFW Post on Grand Island Boulevard. From left, Pat Eicheldinger sells a watermelon to Anthony Rossi of Grand Island. At right is Sue Eicheldinger Glogowski. Rick Eicheldinger also is co-owner of the produce stand, which has been serving the brand for nearly a quarter century, (photo by Brent Minet) Dallessandro to head school board by Karen Keefe Michael Dallessandro was elected president of the School Board Monday night by a unanimous vote. The only vote he didn't get was his own - because he was out of town attending a conference. "I hope he wants it," quipped Superintendent Dr. Thomas Ramming. Dallessandro, on the board since 2004, told the Dispatch on Thursday that he was "pleasantly surprised" to be elected president. He said there was nothing predetermined in the election, but that he was one of those who made their interest in the office known beforehand. Dallessandro replaces David Goris at the helm. 'New Perspective' "He knows the Town of Grand Island as well as anyone," said board member Geri Schopp, in nominating Dallessandro. "He brings a whole new perspective to the school board." Schopp called the new president "school savvy." He is director of transportation and grounds for the Lake View School District. Dallessandro grew up on Grand Island and went to local schools. He is upbeat about what the board can accomplish. "I am going to try to enhance communication among board members and the community," he said. He's a fan of thinking outside the box. "I hope to facilitate dialogue that can lead to Artistic faces Two young girls show off their new look after having their faces painted at the St. Martin-in-the-Fields annual chicken barbecue this past weekend. More than 1,100 dinners were served, and people enjoyed a variety of entertainment and fun activities. For more on the event, see page 24. (photo by Barbi Lore) GI man rescues friend in boating accident by Karen Keefe A Grand Island man is hospitalized with multiple injuries after a boat accident in the East Niagara River. And his friend, Thomas McDonald, is credited with rescuing him from further danger. Joseph P. Mash, 54, was alone in his 15-foot motorboat when an inner tube that was attached to a towrope flew out of the rear of the boat, according to the Erie County Sheriff's Department. Mash's arm became entangled in the rope and he was dragged overboard. The unmanned boat then began circling in the water and struck Mash several times. McDonald, also of Grand Island, rescued Mash. He said they had taken their boats to Grass Island off Buckhorn State Park, where they had a picnic, and were returning when the accident occurred. "Joe Mash was in front of me," McDonald said. "The wind caught hold of the inner tube and it blew off the boat. Joe was pulled off the boat." "He was somehow able to break firee from the rope and avoid the boat," McDonald said. But then, when Hie boat started circling out of control, it clipped Mash twice. Thomas McDonald continued on page 7 continued on page 2 comlinued on page 17 Undo fiS] Kutzbachm''^ Associate Broker |||r _#Jf #1 island Agent  in the #1 Company^™*"*^ 743-73*1 ©r 6XB-1759 Q® Do you need to bay or ©sella home? . ik®Call Linda Kutzbach, "••she knows how and would love to help you. See page 5 for Linda's Shopping List I Monday I- Madness LARGE CHEESE PIZZA $*T95 _p -plus tax <_|JKM§ (PJzZ^SUBS) 2131 Grand Island Blvd.