Thrity years ago — 1994

Forestville Central School was recently announced as a first place local winner of the third annual “Make a Difference Day” sponsored by USA WEEKEND. The school is one of 15 others in the state and the only one in Chautauqua County to receive this honor and will be included in a special feature of USA WEEKEND in the Saturday OBSERVER. “Make a Difference Day” was observed on Oct. 23, 1993 when Forestville students raked and bagged leaves for senior citizens and also brought them gift baskets of homemade muffins, jellies, teas and mints.

Forty years ago — 1984

When 12-year-old Raul Figueroa arrived in Dunkirk from Puerto Rico in the spring of 1958, he spoke no English and his main goal was to work hard learning to adjust to a strange neighborhood in an unfamiliar country. He quickly achieved that goal and for the past 26 years has continued to practice his solid belief in hard work and giving everything your best effort. And it has paid off handsomely with his appointment last week as the city of Buffalo’s first Hispanic City Court Judge. The judge’s mother, Maria Rosario, resides at 410 Columbus St., Dunkirk.