"Council is very close to engineering a swap with local developer Michael Orsi which could save the town almost $20,000, The Witness learned this week. Mayor Joe Magani presented council with a draft agreement prepared by the developer and submitted for council's consideration. The proposed agreement calls for the town to trade three-quarters of an acre of land at the north end of Dissette Street, and to cancel a $7,500 debt in the developer's name. Mr. Orsi will, in return, undertake to pace an additional 2,000 feet of Dissette Street from Dominion Farms north."
"Newly elected Lions Club executive are left to right [front row]: Secretary Eric Hall; Second Vice President John Rutherford; First Vice President Bernie Horne; President Mac Lewis; Immediate Past President Jim Dodds; Third Vice President Gerry Van Alebeek; Treasurer George Robertson. Back row [left to right]: Director Gerry Barker; Tail Twister Joe Alebeek; Director Bill Melbourne; Lion Tamer Bill Lotto; Directors Joe Magani, Merle Woodcock and Jack Armstrong."
The one-storey house once located on the west side at 44 Drury St. had stucco cladding originally. Many years ago it was the home of Fred McKay, his wife, and son (Bruce). Fred was a retired farmer. He had noted gardens (asparagus, strawberries, raspberries) on a number of lots around town. Fred worked for Thompson Fisher in the old skating rink. He also ran the pool room and sold gramophones over the Campbell’s drugstore on Holland Street. Chris Wren and his family lived here years later. Chris was a store merchant (from Mabel) and a painter and paper hanger. The house was demolished (in the 1990’s?) to make an exit and sewer connection from Joe Magani’s grocery store to Drury Street. (1, 2)
"Bradford's 1977-78 council was sworn in at a ceremony at the community centre Monday evening. At left, new Mayor Roy Gordon accepts the gavel from retiring mayor Joe Magani. Mr. Magani said he thought the gavel was given to him personally, but found out by reading the inscription that it was donated to the town. At right, Bradford lawyer Charles Evans conducts Mayor Gordon through the oath of office. In the centre photo is the council which will serve with Mayor Gordon. Members are (from left) Councillors Rick Wright, John Zima, Zyg Fenik, and Sandy Hudson; Deputy-reeve Milt Hambly; and Reeve Ken Wood."
"The Red and White team won the Bradford and District Ladies' House League championship on Monday night, beating McKinzie Hardware 16-6 in the final game. Front: Darren MacPherson, Marlene MacPherson, Michelle Woodcock, Margaret Anne Lotto, Debbie Vink. Rear: Todd Vestby, Lina Villella, Joe Magani (sponsor), Grant Vestby, Donna Worthington, Lynn Worthington, Lois MacPherson, Marg Vink, Bill Skwarchuk, Karen McEvoy Kell, Joe Skwarchuk."
"More than 180 persons were on hand at the Bradford Community Centre Friday night to honor 'Uncle Joe' Magani on his retirement from 20 years in Bradford politics, the last 16 of those as mayor. Reeve Ken Wood was chairman for the evening, and he opened the meeting by introducing head table guests, and then handed the microphone over to Charlie Evans, former reeve, county warden, and town solicitor for Bradford. Chairman Ken Wood then called on Bradford Fire Chief Harold "Butch" Boyd to make another presentation. The gift from the firefighters was a gold-plated fire helmet naming Mr. Magani as honorary chief of the Bradford Fire Department."
"More than 250 well-wishers and dignitaries filled the auditorium of the Bradford and District Community Centre Sunday to honor Tom Gardner, Bradford's Citizen of the Year for 1976. Mr. Gardner, who operated a hardware store in Bradford for 56 years and represented residents on the local school board for 28 years, received gifts from the Chamber of Commerce, Mac Lewis on behalf of the Bradford Lions Club, the province of Ontario, and the congratulations of his friends and neighbors. Mayor Joe Magani paid tribute to Mr. Gardner and his wife Rita for their contribution and presented Mrs. Gardner with a bouquet of flowers in recognition of her patience and support. Councillor Bob Sturgeon congratulated Gardner on behalf of West Gwillimbury Township Council, and MPP Art Evans presented the guest of honor with a plaque from the province. On accepting a silver tray engraved with his name and honor from Gerry Barker, representing the Chamber of Commerce, Gardner acknowledged that his wife deserved the honor as much as him. The citizen of the year also appealed to those present to support the Newmarket and District Association for the Mentally Retarded which he has worked for devotedly. This year, he said, the association finds itself in need of funds. Brock Evans and Rev. Bob Chapman both reminisced about their acquaintances with Gardner."
"Bradford Mayor Joe Magani makes a valiant effort to mount his donkey during one of the most hilarious events staged during the five-day Salad Festival. The donkey baseball game drew large crowds as the Lions battled the Bradford Rotary. The event was so successful, next year is bound to hold a return match."
"Bradford Mayor Joe Magani, left, and Reeve Art Turner, right, honor the three men who recently retired. From left to right are: Ted Devlin, Ted Gapp and John Dudgeon. The men were given mementos of appreciation by the town."
