Twenty years ago — 1999

Conductor Grant Cooper will lead his final concert as music director of the Fredonia Chamber Players on May 14 at Fredonia State University College. Having become a fixture of the local music scene during his 16 years with the orchestra, Mr. Cooper is stepping down to be able to devote more time to his other musical pursuits, including an increasing number of invitations to serve as guest conductor for orchestras around the country. His final commencement eve pops concert is entitled, “Puttin’ On The Ritz.”

Thirty years ago — 1989

Five Japanese executives from Tokyo were in Fredonia recently for their third visit to the area to meet with local business leaders and investigate new areas of business interests. The executives toured the Red Wing Co. in Fredonia and Woodbury Vineyards Winery and Alumax Extrusions Inc., both in Dunkirk. The Japanese executives reportedly have a very close relationship with Chautauqua County and currently export Woodbury wines.

Forty years ago — 1979

Major Samuel J. Fricano will return to Silver Creek to conduct his last U.S. Army Field Band concert before his retirement in June 1979. On May 19, the band will present a field concert designed to appeal to all audiences. Major Fricano, a Silver Creek native, is the commander and conductor of the internationally famous band. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Marion Fricano of Oak Street, Silver Creek, he assumed this position in June 1974. He is the fifth director in the band’s history and the first man in Army band history to have risen through the ranks to become the band’s commander.

Fifty years ago — 1969

Miss Sandra Lynn Warren, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank N. Warren, 745 Deer St., Dunkirk has been awarded the silver wings of an American Airlines stewardess and has now been assigned to flight duty in New York City. She is a graduate of Dunkirk High School, Class of 1966. Prior to joining American Airlines, she was employed by Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corp.