Island Dispatch, 2005-10-21

              Island Dispatch October 21,2005 For Home Delivery of the island Dispatch Call 773-7676 $1.00 V01.61  No. 31 24 Pages Niagara Frontier Publications proud publishers of Niagara-Wheatfield Tribune Island Dispatch Lewiston-Porter Sentinel Grand Island Penny Saver www.wnypapers.com Littlefield receives award page 10 Vikings hit Big Apple page 14 Kids visit pumpkin farm page 24 Fire Co. Open House has record turnout Lifesaving heroes honored by Ray Pauley Public Information Officer Grand Island Fire Co. The Grand Island Fire, Company's Open House last week had the biggest turnout ever. Fire officials estimated the crowd at more than 1,800 people. A highlight of the day was the presentation of lifesaving awards to three people for their courage in a near-drowning incident Demonstrations of firefighting techniques provided excitement and valuable lessons in fire safety. The fire company also presented many fun activities for families. Students from the Sidway Elementary School began to arrive at Grand Island Fire Headquarters at 9 a.m. last Friday, where they participated in several lire prevention-learning experiences, according to Assistant Fire Chief Chris Soluri. Some of the major highlights included: learning more about heavy rescue equipment; BLS and ALS lifesaving; emergency 911 dispatching; firefighters' personal protective gear, and "stop, drop and roll" fire suppression. After the students finished an exchange of questions and answers, and bid farewell to their new firefighter friends, it was time to get ready for more than 1,800 Open House visitors. Program participants included the Town of Tonawanda, Wendleville and Ellicott Creek volunteer fire departments, the Erie County Sheriffs Department, the New York State Police, the U.S. Border Patrol and the Erie County Department of Senior Services. Activities included demonstrations of the Jaws of Life, a motor vehicle extrication, a live fire demonstration, smoke house exercise, fire hose practice for kids, EMS demonstrations, equipment displays, emergency 911 dispatching and more. Handouts also were available for those who wanted their own fire hat or badge. . The most popular activity by far was the "Ride to School in a Fire Truck" raffle and drawing, which resulted in 24 lucky winners. In addition, four other youngsters were winners in a fire truck model drawing. A schedule of school rides is being set up, according to Soluri. Meanwhile, Fire Chief Greg Butcher presented 2005 Fire Prevention and Safety awards to Sierra Brooks, Kerry Brooks and Melissa Morrow for their courageous teamwork with Grand Island Fire Company paramedics in saving the life of 6-year-old Erica Seal, who nearly drowned on Aug. 29. Butcher noted that the award-winners' actions exemplified volunteerism at its very best and represented an outstanding achievement within the community. Many of those who worked up an appetite during program activities found the fire company's Ladies Auxiliary cookout really hit the spot on a very busy evening. .•.-■•■• The Grand Island Fire Company thanks all those who supported this event by spending a special day with their local volunteer firefighters. Erica Seal, 6, looks on as Grand Island Fire Company Chief Greg Butcher presents special bravery citations to Sierra Brooks, Kerry Brooks, top right and Melissa Morrow, top left, for their lifesaving teamwork in saving Erica from drowning. A Grand Island youngster gets to sit in the driver's¥f~? \A/„iu„„ o ZT"".,^ ri . <■. ' i53,,! /-> jH jt- /- _ Nathan Wallens, /., enoys an up seat of a b,g fire truck at the.Grand Island Fire Com- Qnd q|„ yencom£ pany s open house last week, (photo by Barbi Lore) wjfh SpQrky |c fire dog Bracing for Delphi's ripple effects Area leaders gauge the impact from company's bankruptcy filing by Staff Reports I Area political leaders throughout Western New York are fearing ; 1 the ripple effect of Delphi's bankruptcy filing but hoping for the best, \ | as Niagara County's largest employer undergoes financial restruc- \ j taring that puts thousands of jobs in jeopardy. | i The auto parts maker in Lockport employs about 4,000 people, I | roughly 3,100 of whom are production workers, according to Frank i ) Andrews, head of United Auto Workers Amalgamated Local 686. | j All those paychecks contribute to the entire area economy, asj i workers buy goods and services and pay taxes. I Wine distributor to open business on Stony Point by Karen Keefe At the close of Monday's Town Board meeting, Hennepin Road resident Doug Smith pleaded for answers on exactly who is occupying 1282 Stony Point Road and whether or not the use oMhe property complies with town zoning laws.. At least one of his questions appears to be answered. Sante Wines, a wine distributor and wholesaler, is opening offices at the site, starting with an open house for Grand Island Chamber of Commerce directors today from 5 to 7 p.m., according to Chamber Office Manager Laura Anderson. The business is operated by Peter Pitts and Ken Pelletier, she said. Expressing fears Smith and several residents who live near the site had expressed fears that the former professional offices at 1282 Stony Point could be turned into an apartment complex. They said having many apartments would not be in continued on page 18 »-*»«l»w I Monday Madness LARGE CHEESE HZZA $*T95 j m plus tax | <gsfkm | 2131 Grand Island Blvd. ! KutzbochlglH Associate Broker fflF~''jKM #1 Island Agent JmJJ^M I #1 Company in WNY '743-71*1 *r 628-1719 Q« Do you need to buy or * sell a home? A* Call Linda Kntznach, •she knows how and would love to help yon. I fi§2H£Sß»s|