Island Dispatch, 1996-07-26

              Island DISPATCH years MBj "As the voice of (.rand Island"  aaaaaaW ____■ July 26, 1996 16 Pages 650 Vol. 53 • No. 16 (716) 773-7676 X-PRBS^a^^ & Shirt Laundry ! $1.20/ Shirt | I mm st o.m worm or J |i___ aarcigAMimo 227S Grind laland Orvd TOWN MAU. SQUARe twiAna Owrwd 4 OpmrmtmtT CALL 77KLEAN Or 773-4114 /fl rotfcry 's Issue: ■ Bridal Special Section ■ Undercurrents Lions hold largest Handicap Picnic ever by Barbi Lare The morning of July 17, was gray and cloudy, but it cleared for the annual Handicap Picnic, the 36th held by the Grand Island Lions Club. Sunny skies and high temperatures greeted John Casey, Chairman this year whom managed to attract the most guests to date. His committee staged the most successful event so far. Everything worked like clockwork, there was enough to eat throughout the entire scheduled event. Pony rides, from Sparks Trading Post, were popular as were the golf cart rides, thanks to River Oaks. Ismailia Temple Mini Kar Corp. brought in their mini 'kars' for rides in the parking lot of Ihe Buffalo Launch Club where all the festivities were held. Boat rides were a must for all guests. Between 1,200 and 1,500 people were in attendance. The boat rides were donated by ten generous boat owners, (including three house boats) and the boat, ExCalibre, and it's complete volunteer group , was there to handle the wheel chairs. The Sheriff's Dept., Marine Division, was there to direct traffic in the river. The Grand Island Fire Company was there with a fire truck, for kids to climb on. On hand were the first aid vehicle and paramedics, just in case... a bee sting seemed the worst of it. Buster Bison and Scoop (Buffalo News) and Santa Claus were on hand. And Grand Island's own Tookie the Clown was making balloons for all. Another clown 'Dee Dee' was painting faces. Grand Island Lion's were there in force with some of their brothers from West Seneca, and Mcriton in Canada, who brought along a Lion guest from Australia. Church groups helped out as did scouts of all ages. Many individuals also always show up to help the Lady Lion's in food preparation. Tops Market helps with the supplies. Lion President, Jim Milne, told us that every year they try to add a feature or two. This year was the first time for the Niagara Frontier Fiddler's Club. They were well received at the boating end of the grounds with Dennis McGinn and his discs at the other end. The guests love to dance to music. AU in all, the day was full of activities for the handicapped young people, and more than full for the sponsors and volunteers. GOOD COOKlN'—Members of the Grand Island Lions Club and volunteers grill up the grub at the 36th annual Lions Club Handicap Picnic held on July 17 at Buffalo Launch Club. State aide to County cut by $20 million in new state budget Blasting New York State for "Continuing to dump its costs on to local property taxpayers," County Executive Gorski announced Friday, July 19 that the recently passed state budget cuts aid to the County by close lo $20 million ($19.7) during this year and next. The cuts total $5.2 million for the rest of this year and $14.5 million for 1997. Some 80% of the cuts— $15.8 million, hit the Erie County Medical Center. In announcing the impact of the state budget Gorski said, "Although it's not quite as bad as we thought it was going to be, this is still very, very bad news being delivered by Albany. Once again, in its zeal to make itself look good, the state is simply shifting its costs to local government and taxpayers. "I have pledged that we will not pass these costs onto our taxpayers. The Budget Department and I will be working over the coming weeks to look at all of our options, and we may be forced lo submit a mid-year cut package to the legislator later this summer. These cuts in state aid will not be borne by our taxpayers." Speaking about the severe cuts to ECMC Gorski said, "Paul Candino and his staff have done a great job over the past two years to put ECMC on firm financial fooling. These severe cuts by the stale really put the hospital back behind the eight ball." Other cuts affect home care (1.3 million), the County Home (720,000), public health ($690,000), and Law Enforcement ($240,000) About the only good news coming from the stale budget is that overall road funding for the County increases by $490,000. COLORING YOUR WAY INTO THE PAPER—Andrea Deßose, winner of the Niagara Frontier Publication's "Everything's Coming Up Roses" Mothers Day coloring contest is pictured with her Mom, Lome; Dad, Lou; and two year old brother, Alex. Andrea received family passes to Martin's Fantasy Island, and lunch with Mom at Georgian House Restaurant. Public hearings set The Grand Island Town Board will hold five public hearings at 8 p.m., Monday, Aug. 5. See page 3 for details. WEATHER: The Old Farmer's Almanac says • Friday, July 26: Partly sunny, low near 60. High in the mid to upper 70s. Saturday, July 28: Mostly sunny. Low 55 to 60. High near 75. Sunday, July 28, Mostly sunny. Low about 55. High about 70.