Twenty years ago — 1998

Today the newly-formed organization, North Lake Family Recreation Center, announced its acquisition of a 16-acre parcel of land in the village of Westfield on Nichols Avenue. The non-profit corporation plans to construct a multi-purpose, family-oriented recreation center on the property. There will be outdoor fields for soccer, baseball and volleyball as well as a 40,000 square foot indoor facility for basketball, soccer, skating, racquetball, general fitness and a walking track. Major funding for this acquisition was provided by the family of board member Albert Sam for whom the grounds will be named.

Thirty years ago — 1988

Chautauqua County Executive John A. Glenzer recently honored a long-time Social Services Department employee who has helped make that department’s approach to cost control pay off in substantial recovery of local Medicaid dollars and better outcomes for affected clients. Darcy Goodrich of Fredonia was presented with the county’s first-ever “Outstanding County Employee” award. The ceremonies took place in the Hall Clothier Building Auditorium.

Forty years ago — 1978

Frank Yankovic, who is hailed as “America’s Polka King,” will perform at the third annual Polish Night at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds in Dunkirk. Joining Yankovic and his band onstage will be the “Cavaliers” of Dunkirk. Polish Night has developed into one of the most popular summertime events in the Dunkirk-Fredonia area. More than 2,000 persons attended each of the first two Polish Nights to hear the music, dance the polka, watch the dancers, eat sandwiches, drink beer and mingle with their friends and neighbors.

Fifty years ago — 1968

Several local residents will appear on WGR-TV Channel 2 during the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon. Appearing on the telecast will be John Gullo, 130 West Fifth St., Dunkirk who is the Chautauqua County MD Chapter poster boy for 1968; Conrad Pawlak, 411 East Main St., village of Fredonia trustee; and the Professors — Steve Wieloszynski, Roy Hough and John Phillips, a musical combo appearing locally in Fredonia.