A Look Back, Oct. 18

50 Years Ago

■Members of the Recreation Commission were briefed last night on developments in the search for sites for a state skating facility in Northampton. The two “primary” sites that DNR representatives would be asked to review are a site behind the administration building at the Northampton State Hospital and another located in the urban renewal area between Conz and Pleasant streets.

■The Clarke School for the deaf yesterday opened a new community service aimed at helping people with hearing problems. The Center for Audiological Services was dedicated in afternoon ceremonies here on the campus of the private school for deaf children.

25 Years Ago

■The City Council last week confirmed the promotion of firefighter Stephen Vanasse, 30, to Northampton Fire Department captain. The promotion of Vanasse, who has been with the department since 1991, was recommended by Fire Chief Brian P. Duggan.

■In a new mailing, Mayoral candidate Tony Long is targeting residents who signed a 1995 petition calling for a referendum on a controversial domestic partnership Ordinance. Long apparently hopes to capitalize on sentiments that galvanized voters who turned back the ordinance in 1995 because they believed it undermined marriage.

10 Years Ago

■Daniel Yacuzzo, 66, a prominent figure in shaping Northampton’s dining scene and who later helped found the Northampton Business Improvement District, died Friday. Yacuzzo opened the Eastside Grill in 1985 and ran it for 23 years before selling the restaurant in 2008.

■Student cooks at the Oliver Smith Restaurant at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School served up breakfast Friday morning to nine legislators while officials discussed possible changes in the way the school operates. Superintendent Jeffrey Peterson led a presentation to politicians, in which he explained the school’s role in the community as one that provides opportunities to students who might not thrive at conventional high schools.