Island Dispatch, 1994-05-27

              ISLAND DISPATCH X-PRESS 1 Hour Dry Cleaners "Trust the X-Perts" Drop off your clothes with confidence 2275 Grand Island Blvd Town Hall Squp-» Ca11... 77KLEAN Mon-Fri-6:30-7 PM; Sal 8 AM-6 PM Purniture Inc. I.MIkIOK DiskinSikvki ll«m Mini. Wed..,* I hum. 9-9 In A S»i ') 1.1 •. • I ucv 'I Hi Nmm (Jill I'.-nri R,l I'.iln HkM I'lum • M . NY I4VM 297-6666 f f f f East Park Gardeners Give Meaning To Decoration Day GRAND ISLAND'S observance of Memorial Day will begin 10 A.M. Monday, May 30, with a processional from the Town Hall to DeGlopper Park, featuring the VFW Color Guard, the Grand Island High School Band and the Grand Island Fire Company. Town Supervisor James H. Pax will lead the assembly in the pledge to the flag. The high school band will follow with the anthem America. Robert Tranter, chaplain of VFW Post 9249, will give the invocation and Supervisor Pax will issue the welcome. Reading off the names of Grand Island's war dead will be Ken Maurer of the American Legion. So honored will be Charles N. DeGlopper, William D. Gillen, Howard W. Salton, George E. Smith, Eugene F. Dinsmore, Francis King Goodchild, Charles A. Smith and William L. Rhode, all of whom served in World War 11. Vietnam veterans memorialized will be Joseph L. Huillier, Joseph Muench, Richard B. Trotter, Robert B. Luther and Philip C. Taylor. Guest speaker will be Joseph Synakowski of the 508 Parachute Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division Association USAF from Fort Bragg. The VFW Color Guard and American Legion will lead the traditional flag raising ceremony featuring a flag that was flown over the nation's Capitol donated by Mrs. William L. Burch, Chapter Chaplain of the Niagara Falls DAR. Ceremonies will conclude with the commander chaplain of the American Legion presenting the wreath and Taps. The East Park Garden Clubs DeGlopper Park project began in 1962 to honor those who gave their lives in World War 11. Each year club members take special care in preparing the park for Memorial Day. A revitalization of the park is being planned according to garden co-chairs Denise Prast and Miriam McGuire. Photo by Mary Stewart School Budget Vote Wednesday VOTING on the Grand Island School budget, a bus proposition and the election of three trustess to the board will be Wednesday, June 1, from 10 A.M. to 9 P.M. in the All Islanders are invited to attend the annual Grand Island School budget meeting Tuesday, May 31, at 7 P.M. in the Middle School Little Theatre. Adelphia Cable, channel 10, will air the PTA-sponsored School Candidates' Night tonight, tomorrow and Sunday at 7 P.M. WEATHER: The Old Farmer's Almanac says - May 28-30: Clearing, warm. May 31: Rain, heavy east; mild. June 1- 3: Rain.  Indian Lawsuit Meeting Draws Record Crowd THE SENECA Indian lawsuit aimed at taking over Grand Island as tribe territory apparently is the number one concern of many town property owners, judging from the more than 500 who turned out at the meeting arranged by Assemblyman Sam Hoyt Wednesday in the high school auditorium. The issue was also the top news story at 11 P.M. on TV channels 2, 4 and 7. Attorney General G. Oliver Koppell, who chaired the discussion, distributed a list of questions and answers that aided in informing the audience about the current status of the claim. Edited by Koppell, it noted: The plaintiffs are the Seneca Nation of Indians and the Tonawanda Band of Seneca Indians. They claim that all of the islands in the Niagara River (including Grand Island) on the United Slates side of the border are owned by them and that the state and private owners have no legal right to this land. The Senecas' claim is predicated largely upon the failure of the state to obtain congressional consent to the purchase of the islands by the state in 1815. About the state's position, Koppell said, "I believe that there are several valid defenses to this claim. These include our arguments that the Senecas did not own the islands at the time they supposedly 'sold' them; that prior decisions of a federal agency created to rule on claims of this sort have extinguished any claims, and the Senecas can no longer assert this claim." Referring to the term 'class action,' Koppell said, "The Senecas are asking the Federal Court to rule that the named defendants represent a 'class' of defendants which would consist of all property owners on the affected islands. This would mean that all members of the class will be bound by the outcome of the case, whatever that outcome is." Stressed by the Attorney General were the merits of so-called title insurance which, he said, was available to property owners "without exception." Contending "there is no reason to be worried about it (the Indian lawsuit)," Koppell explained title insurance would cover compensation for property here if the Senecas are successful in their action. He and his representatives were then plied with questions from Islanders concerning all phases of the dilemma confronting them. For about an hour, two lines of citizens kept the state attorneys busy as they attempted to assure the audience that, to quote Assistant Attorney General Peter Sullivan, "There is nothing for people to be afraid of." At one time the matter was even referred to as a "complicated political issue." To a question about when the case would be determined, Koppell said it could be soon or it could take years. "This case has priority," Assemblyman Hoyl said. "We believe we have strong arguments to counter-claim the Indians' claim. We have terrific legal talent available to us." Elected officials were much in evidence at the meeting, including Supervisor James H. Pax, Councilmen Gail Lazenby, Mary S. Cooke and Marion P. Fabiano, Senator Anthony Nanula, County Legislator Charles M. Swanick and a representative of Congressman John LaFalce. MEK Weekend At A Glance FRIDAY BLC MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CELEBRATION MOBILE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, Golden Age Center SUNDAY NIAGARA SAILING CLUB presentation of officers, 5 P.M.