Island Dispatch, 1992-11-20

              ISLAND DISPATCH Thanksgiving Changes Dispatch Deadline Due to the Thanksgiving holiday next week, the Dispatch deadline for j) the Nov. 27th issue is Monday, Nov., 23 at 5 P.M. 20 PAGES VOL. 49 • NO. 34 NOV. 20, 1992 With The GRAND ISLAND NEWS GRAND ISLAND, NY (716) 773-7676 SERVING THE GRAND ISLAND COMMUNITY SINCE 1944 500 Area Towns Asked To Appeal For Casino Aid SUPERVISOR James 11. Pax Wednesday appealed to other supervisors in Niagara and Erie counties to join the Grand Island Town Board in adopting resolutions urging the slate to immediately provide funding to restore fire damaged Beaver Island Casino. Contacted by Pax were 26 town boards in Erie County and 12 in Niagara County. "We have formed a committee to restore the Casino to its original splendor and need your help in urging the governor and stale legislators to provide funding for the work." Pax stated in his communication which also contained a copy of the November 2 resolution approved by the local lawmakers. "Upon adoption, please return lo my office for all the resolutions of towns in Niagara and Erie counties will be presented to the governor early in '93," Pax informed the heads of 38 towns. MEK First Snowfall '92, photographed by Mary Slewart at Baseline & llulli roads Empire & Lawmakers Divided On Pipeline Stand LETTERS received by Supervisor James 11. fa and Legislator Charles M. Swanick from Empire Pipeline Company have raised the ire of the two lawmakers. The correspondence suites Empire is disappointed with the local offices' lack of returning phone calls and difficulty in communicating with them. Islanders residing along the proposed pipeline have also been contacted by die company and National Fuel Gas indicating their land can be acquired through eminent domain procedures. In letters sent Wednesday lo the pipeline route landowners, Pax and Swanick stated, in part, "We have arranged through the citizens group that opposes the project representation for any legal costs lhal may be involved in fighting this project." "In the last five years we have seen the route changed, die increase of the pressure of the proposed pipeline, attempts to compromise the quality of life on Grand Island and we want to make il clear to you that this fight is going to die bitter end." To the Empire Pipeline Company, Pax and Swanick have said they felt it unnecessary and a waste of lime to meet with Empire or National Fuel Gas "because of our 101-1 opposition to diis project." "We arc not interested in working out an arrangement, a deal, or anything that could compromise our position on this project. We are committed to working with the Army Corps of Engineers in explaining to them the real issues as to why this Island has joined together in its entirely to oppose your project." Commenting on die questionable trustworthiness of the two companies. Pax and Swanick further stated: "If we can't trust you now, why would we ever diink we could trust you during the construction of the proposed pipeline on our treasured Island.'" Weekend At A Glance FRIDAY DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, GUIS Spotlightcrs, 8 P.M., lIS Auditorium THEME BASKET RAFFLE, Huth Road Community Playground Committee, 10 A.M. to 8 P.M. OLD FASHIONED RAFFLE & DANCE, GI Lions Club, 7 P.M. to midnight, Knights of Columbus UNICEF HOLIDAY CARDS & Gift Items sale, M&T Bank, 10:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. USED BOOK SALE, Friends ol Library, 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. SATURDAY CHILDREN'S MOVIE PR(XJRAM, GI Library, 2 P.M. DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, GUIS Spotlighters, 8 P.M., lIS Auditorium CRAFT SHOW, St. Stephen School, 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. 11SI-D BOOK SALE, Friends of Library, 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. SUNDAY ECUMENICAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE, 7 P.M., St. Timothy's Church