Twenty years ago — 1999

Chautauqua County Clerk Sandra K. Sopak and the Chautauqua County Genealogical Society were presented with Awards of Merit at the annual meeting of the National Genealogical Society held recently in Richmond, Va. Mrs. Sopak is the first county clerk in the country to receive such an award. The NGS reported that the response to the award was so positive that the organization will annually recognize other county clerks for similar outstanding accomplishments. The Chautauqua County Genealogical Society was also honored as the only genealogical society in the country to receive an Award of Merit.

Thirty years ago — 1989

Former Chautauqua County Legislator John C. Dillenberg, a Forestville Democrat, has announced that he will seek election to the District 5 Legislative seat in November. Mr. Dillenberg began his political career as a trustee in Forestville in 1973. He was elected mayor in 1977 and served in that position until he moved to Arkwright. In 1979, he was elected to the Chautauqua County Legislature where he served two four-year terms. Mr. Dillenberg has been a resident of Forestville for 35 years and is a 1957 graduate of Forestville Central School.

Forty years ago — 1979

Valedictorian at Fredonia High School is Linda Haitani, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Kanji Haitani of 42 Carol Ave. She achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA and will attend Princeton University in the fall. Salutatorian Gregory Podniesinski is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Podniesinski of 26 Woodward Dr., Fredonia. Gregory will enter Notre Dame University where he will study physics.

Fifty years ago — 1969

Fredonia High School’s top scholar-athlete, Cal Astry, received the No. 1 award at the seventh annual FHS athletic banquet. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Astry, 62 Cottage St., Fredonia, Cal also received a plaque for being the most valuable player in football and was given a standing ovation from the crowd of more than 350 persons who made the dinner a complete sellout.