Island Dispatch, 2007-06-29

              Island Dispatch Vol. 63 No. 15 $1.00 For Nome Delivery of the Island Dispatch Call 773-7676 Niagara |f| p| Frontier \__ __y Pul*l'cc,^ons proud publishers of Island Dispatch Lewiston-Porter Sentinel Grand Island Penny Saver Niagara-Whealfield Tribune www.wnypapers.com 773-7676 June 29, 2007 24 Pages 9,000 at Artpark n 'I page 9 Paddle's Up Part II page 18 Hot Dog Stand page 24 Independence Day: A time to celebrate and reflect by Michael J. Owen U.S. Navy Journalist (Ret} "It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows and games, sports, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other," said fohn Adams, America's second president. Since 1776, "The Fourth of July" events have centered on the traditions and freedoms we have fought for and enjoy today. And like most of our nation on Wednesday, Grand Island will celebrate America's 231st birthday, starting with the Kids Race at 9 a.m. and the Dick Bessel Road Race at 9:15, along Grand Island Boulevard. Then it's the parade at 10 a.m., followed by a "huge party in the back" at the Pfc. Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial WW Post 9249. Finally, at nightfall, Independence Day 2007 will climax with a spectacular fireworks display launched from Martin's Fantasy Island. Admission is free for everyone, and Grand Island residents may enjoy the park earlier, starting after 5 p.m., with proof of residency. Parade Shows Civic Pride From floats and marching units to civic pride from clubs, schools, Scouts and veterans' groups, the parade will begin at the southern end of Grand Island Boulevard. The Island's bravest - the Grand Brum & Bugle Corps in action Amid soaring temperatures, the 135-member Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps, one of the nation's best, practiced on Grand Island High School's athletic fields on Wednesday in preparation for their performance at the eighth annual Rhythm at the Rapids concert that night at Terrapin Point on Goat Island. The group also is scheduled to be in the 11th annual Drums Along the Waterfront on Friday, July 6, at the University at Buffalo stadium in Amherst, (photo by jpe Eberle) Fire officials concerned over upsurge in car, cycle accidents by Ray Pauley Public Information Officer Grand Island Fire Company Grand Island Fire Chief Greg Butcher has voiced his concern over increasing motor vehicle-related incidents that have led to the hospitalization of nine people over a three-day period this week. If this trend continues, it will be a rough summer for firefighter-medics and residents, alike, Butcher said. The initial motor vehicle accident occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on Sunday, June 24. Michael Judson, 24, of Grand Island, reportedly lost control of his vehicle, which left the roadway and struck a tree at Beaver Island Parkway and Broadway. Judson and his 23-year-old passenger, Chad Cowell of the City of Tonawanda, were extricated from the wreckage and treated by Grand Island Fire Company paramedics for upper body trauma. Judson was transported to Erie County Medical Center by ambulance, and Island Happenings, KidBiz to fill Town Commons by Karen Keefs The Grand Island business community's premier event of the summer is this Saturday, June 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Town Commons along Whitehaven Road, near Town HaE. Entrepreneurs of all ages will showcase their goods and services at Island Happenings and its junior counterpart, Kidßiz, which is open until 2 p.m. Booths featuring a wide variety of businesses will set up tents, hopefully under sunny skies, dotting the town center green space and lining the sidewalks with the sights and sounds of a busy summer marketplace. If s a chance to mingle, see friends and neighbors, and get to know retailers Jane Cooke prepares items to sell at her Kidßiz booth, Jane's Jewelry and Stuff, (photo by Jeff Cooke) Sue Zinter adjusts the massage chair she'll feature in her booth, Soma Cura Body Care, (photo by A. Grande) SEE UNITED, continued on page 2 SEE CHAMBER, continued on page 18 SEE DRIVERS, continued on page 2 11 Monday I | Madness ! ! J LARGE CHEESE PIZZA I! 50 I. i (rez^sUBS) | ; 2131 Grand Island Blvd. I i Kutzbach iP^H I | 628-1719 B.-JJ : J 773-2573 M : ; !Q* ®° y°u need t° buy J or sell a home? • Call Linda Kutzbach, she knows how and , ' would love to help you! ; Each office independently V/  owned & operated §, North ' «