Ironwood - August 6th 1983
Did you know? that Lawrence "Bud" Kapugia, current
Superintendent of the Wakefield-Marenisco School District
was the first manager of the Pat O'Donnell Civic Center.
At the time of his hiring, in 1983 , the Ironwood native
was just 34 wars old.
Kapugia is a graduate of Ironwood Catholic High School,
and has an associate arts degree from Gogebic Community
College. He has a masters degree in guidance and
counseling and a bachelor of science degree in history and
science from Northern Michigan University, Marquette. He
did post graduate work in education and administration at
NMU.
At the time of his hiring Kapugia's employment history
included three years as hockey coach and social studies
instructor at Tomahawk High School; guidance counselor,
Rib Lake High School, Rib Lake, Wis.,. He had also been
employed by Division, Owens-Illinois I Company, Tomahawk.
As the then new manager of the Civic Center Mr. Kapugia
said that" he viewed his new position with excitement and
anticipation." He also stated " I am happy to have an
opportunity to be a part of the growth of the Civic
Center. " He went on to say "I am happy to have the
opportunity to be part of the growth of the community in
which I was born and raised," He stated that he "expects
the first few years to be demanding and challenging in
developing a smooth running and efficient operating
program at the new civic center. " "With the ice arena as
the main function of the multi-purpose civic center, we
will try to schedule many other activities around it,
including conventions, trade shows, banquets, weddings
and arts and crafts shows," Kapugia stated. "We will
welcome all activities that can utilize our facilities,"
he declared.
Today Jim Sain is the current manager of the Civic Center.
He is also the head cook and bottle washer. Jim takes on a
great many tasks at "The Pat"
In order to maximize revenues, the civic center currently
has but one full time employee, Jim Sain. During the
busiest part of the year, Jim is aided by 2 temporary
part-time employees.
Jim has the same motivation and enthusiasm today that
Larry Kapugia had for the center back in 1983.
The task of making the civic center a success in today's
economy is challenging to say the least. But, the center
is not only a place for kids to go and have a trouble free
good time, it serves as a host to many other activities as
well. Jim and the board are heading in the right direction
to put the center on a sound financial footing. Most of
all, they are also keeping the center a cornerstone of
both Ironwood and Gogebic County.
The Patrick O'Donnell Civic center will be twenty-five
years old in less than a week. One day prior to that
milestone, the current tax millage for the center comes up
for renewal. Residents and taxpayers recognize the vast
importance of the center and hope to see the millage
renewed.
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