Let's Go Back for June 7, 2013

40 Years Ago, May 30, 1973

Local teacher among 100 American craftsmen

William C. Maggio, art teacher at Grand Island High School, will be among "100 American Craftsmen" participating in the Kenan Center's craft festival in Lockport, June 1, 2 and 3. Maggio will be exhibiting ceramic sculpture at the invitational show.

His work has been exhibited in numerous group and one-man shows, including the Western New York shows at Albright-Knox, and Buffalo Craftsmen exhibits in the Wilcox Mansion and Gallery West. He has received several awards for his drawing and sculptures and an award in mixed media at the Allentown Art Festival in 1970. Last year he was named Young Educator of the Year by the Grand Island Jaycees.

30 Years Ago, May 27, 1983

New fire headquarters to open tomorrow

Tomorrow will be a banner day for members of the Grand Island Fire Company as well as the entire Grand Island community, as the town's volunteer firemen open the doors of their newly renovated fire headquarters at 2275 Baseline Road.

The open house, which will begin promptly at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony, will give Islanders an opportunity to see the new facility which they, through their donations, helped to build.

Present for the dedication will be Board Chairman Norman K. Mrkall, President William E. Weis, Past Chief William P. Wood, Chief Peter A. McMahon and the board of directors.

All were actively involved in the planning and construction of the new facility.

The rededication comes 30 years after the construction of the original building, which, built with volunteer help, was once considered an outstanding addition to the Island. But over the years the quarters seemed to grow smaller and smaller, until renovation became a must. ...

The new building in the center of town is a welcome addition to the community and should serve the town's needs for many years.

20 Years Ago, June 4, 1993

Voters approve school budget, propositions

A turnout of 1,478 voters Wednesday approved the 1993-93 school budget, a $2.2 million bond issue and the purchase of six new school buses. The $25,448,348 budget was passed overwhelmingly by a 965-493 vote.

The $2.2 million bond issue, passing by a margin of 866-589, ensures the reopening of Sidway School and renovations to be made in the Middle and Kaegebein schools.

School Board Trustee Susan Gill was the highest voter garnering a substantial 897. She will serve another three-year term. Michael Dlugosz, who polled 748 votes, will join the school board July 1 as a newcomer.

10 Years Ago, May 30, 2003

Hardwick to challenge Swanick

"Chuck Swanick has already had 24 years to bring about the types of changes he has sought," declared Republican Kevin Hardwick. "Does anyone really believe another two years will be anything but more of the same?"

 In declaring his candidacy for 10th District Erie County Legislature, Hardwick vowed to run the aggressive sort of campaign that garnered him 43 percent of the general election vote against Swanick two years ago. This year the two will face off in a Republican primary election on Sept. 9.