Thirty years ago — 1991

During the annual Summer Music Conference in Rochester, Karl E. Hawes, music coordinator at Silver Creek Central School, was presented the first annual “Outstanding Choral Director” award. The award, presented to a professional, university or public school choral director, was based upon the quality of performing organizations and their overall contributions to choral music.

Forty years ago — 1981

Ms. Mary Jane Covley, named to succeed Brian Stoutenberg as director of the Dunkirk Free Library, will assume her duties Sept. 8. An Olean native, she has a B.S. degree in elementary education from St. Bonaventure University and a master’s in library science from Geneseo State University College. Ms. Covley has previous experience as a teacher and school librarian.

Fifty years ago — 1971

Joseph Kinn has retired as head bartender at Rusch’s Restaurant, where he has worked for 24 years. He will assume full-time duties as county assessor.