Island Dispatch, 2007-02-23

              Island Dispatch ifnlnV Nta9?ra HI I UjJ Frontier Publications proud publishers of Niagara-WheaHteldTribune Island Dispatch Lewiston-Porter Sentinel Grand Island Penny Saver wwirV.irvnypapers.com $1.00 For Home Delivery of the Island Dispatch Call 773-7676 773-7676 Vol. 62 No. 49 February 23, 2007 20 Pages Variety Kids Telethon page 3 Daffodil Days page 5 Silver Stick Champs page 12 Border Patrol has new G.I. presence by Karen Keefe Grand Island has a new business resident that is bringing prestige and praise to the town. As of last fall, the U.S. Border Patrol's Buffalo Sector is headquartered at 201 Lang Blvd., in a 35,000-square-foot, state-of-theart building. , The sleek new headquarters replaces what had become a cramped and run-down facility in Tonawanda. "We feel like The Beverly Hillbillies/ " quipped Chief Patrol Agency Peter Moran, in discussing the upgrade to more modern facilities. Grand Island was chosen as the site, not for tactical reasons so much as because of its easy access within the sector - the Michael E. Przybyl, assistant chief patrol agent, at Buffalo Sector Headquarters (photo by Fred Claus) Sunshine, snow & sculpture by Laura Curcio Children hard at work - or should we say, hard at play - on a sunshiny day made up the setting for some winter fun. On Tuesday, the Grand Island Recreation Department sponsored a snow sculpture contest near the Grand Island Town Commons Rotary Gazebo. All ages were eligible to participate, and supplies were provided for them - everything from spray paint to Popsicle sticks. With smiles on their faces and hands busy at work, every contestant appeared eager to be there and to build the most creative sculpture. The children preferred to work in groups, and there were three outstanding teams. One group was comprised of James "Capp/* Cooke, 14; Jane Cooke, 11; and Mandy liesenfeld, 11, who were working Intently on their creation of a crocodile, complete with green spray paint and Popsicle sticks on its back. Twins Max and Ray Tafelski, 11, decided they would make the classic fort. Last, but not least, a family affair consisting of Ben Freedman, 8; Marissa Freedman, 8; Kevin Freedman, 10; and their mother, Denise Freedman, worked together to make a frog. Each sculpture was very beautifully made, with that sort of perfection only children have. Many of the participants soon got distracted, though, as they began a snowball war with each other, wrestling and playing around in the snow. In fact, Director of Reality Cafe Dolly D'Orazio laughed saying, They're more interested in throwing snowballs. Maybe next year, we should have a snowball throwing contest instead." Everyone was having a good time, complete with refreshments. "Ifs going to break up the day real nice. Ifs perfect packing snow," Denise Freedman, commented on the success of the event "Plus, I get to soak up some sunshine." When everyone was finished with their sculptures, prizes were awarded, and everyone's hard work paid off. They all received ribbons for their efforts and Mardi Gras beads, which were very appropriate for that day. Each contestant beamed with pride and showed off their ribbons. It was just a very fun atmosphere for all who participated and watched. Not bad for their first time holding this type of event. James Cooke, Mandy Liesenfeld and Jane Cooke gather around their creatively made crocodile, (photo by Laura Curcio) Marissa Freedman stands behind her family's snow creation, a Kermit-like frog, (photo by Karen Keefe) SEE 2 Madness IMGECIEESEPIZZA $795 _r plus tax . -grants @__flll__ll> 2131 Grand Island Blvd. Kutzbachffw Associate Broker mF~jgM ' #1 Island Agent Wj&HI #1 Company in WNY 745-7521 or 628-1719 Q« Do you need to tray or •sell a home? A* Can iinda Kutzbach, •she knows how and would love to help yon.